Chapter 489

Book 1 Chapter 489

489.

‘This has to be nothing more than a fluke.’

Over the vast chronicles of existence, bizarre anomalies frequently transpire that defy the natural order of the seasons.

To give an example, downpours regularly manifest in the vicinity of an individual possessing a potent water aura.

Similarly, should a person holding a commanding aura of fire step into a region blanketed by severe blizzards, the descending flakes will cease.

While these instances are rare, historical records do note their sporadic occurrences.

The current situation mirrors those phenomena.

This is particularly true given that the Necrolord holds the power to resurrect ancient champions.

‘It is possible that formidable entities were brought back to life by his hand, or perhaps the local elemental spirits migrated collectively. The chances of this being tied to Luna are incredibly slim.’

Nonetheless.

‘I still need to investigate.’

No lectures were scheduled at the moment.

Granted, the academy restricted pupils from wandering out at will, but inventing a plausible pretext to depart was a simple task for Leo.

“What was the nature of your conversation with Teacher Mel?”

Chen Xia inquired as Leo reclaimed his place, a look of confusion clouding her features.

Nearby, Eiran listened intently, her curiosity clearly piqued.

Gazing at his two companions, Leo spoke.

“Would the two of you be interested in taking a trip to see the blossoms?”

Taken aback by the unexpected proposal, both Chen Xia and Eiran stared in surprise.

Sizzling and popping, the logs consumed themselves in the hearth.

“Dwenno! Toss one back!”

“Appreciate it,” he grunted.

“Arion, grab a cup as well!”

“Oh, right!”

Gadthron was renowned as a settlement of endless celebrations.

During an age when civilization seemed to slide closer to total ruin with every passing morning, reports of the champions’ triumphs over Erebus and Tartarus provided a vital spark of hope to the populace.

For a brief window, they could cast aside the suffocating dread of their impending doom.

Yet, the current gathering was not meant to commemorate a battle won.

“Listen up, everyone!”

Stepping up onto the elevated platform, Luna hoisted her cup high into the air.

“When morning comes, we set out on our ultimate campaign to bring down Erebus!”

Overthrowing Erebus.

It represented the deepest longing of every living soul, a monumental task that most people were terrified to even speak aloud.

Addressing that profound objective with a breezy demeanor, Luna carried on.

“Naturally, I know a lot of you are filled with apprehension.”

As the crowd observed Luna adopting a solemn expression, the merry ambiance began to chill.

Sensing the shift, Luna broke into a grin.

“Have faith in our strength! This world will be salvaged! We shall wrest the clear heavens back from that wretched orb of flame, and restore the glowing night sky to us all!”

“Yeahhhh!”

“And my name will go down as the foremost spellcaster of all time! Let us raise a glass to Lady Luna, the future ultimate sorceress of history!”

“To victory!”

Luna’s boisterous declaration instantly shattered the somber mood.

Watching the patrons hoist their beverages, Kyle remarked dryly,

“What possessed you to hand over such a critical address to someone like her?”

“Because Luna possesses an unmatched talent for raising everyone’s spirits.”

Seated beside Kyle with a beverage in hand, Lisinas offered a soft smile as he replied,

“Had we left it to Dwenno, he would have uttered something bizarre and inappropriate, while Arion would be too paralyzed by stage fright to speak. You would inevitably cast a dark shadow over the revelry. And if the task fell to me, it would lack any excitement.”

“Considering this might very well be our final celebration, shouldn’t we make the most of it?”

“You always find a way to voice your grim predictions.”

“K-Kyle! Do you truly believe our campaign is doomed to fail?”

Having drifted over unnoticed, Dwenno scoffed, while Arion’s countenance filled with worry.

“What is going on over here?”

Stepping down after concluding her performance, Luna inquired with a bewildered gaze.

“We are discussing the idea that this gathering might be our farewell event.”

“Why would it be the end? We can simply obliterate Erebus, can’t we?”

“Exactly, salvation is coming for this world, Kyle.”

Luna stared at Kyle as though he had lost his mind, and Lisinas reinforced her sentiment as if it were an undeniable truth.

Confronted by their unshakeable certainty, Kyle shifted his eyes away slightly and murmured,

“I genuinely desire that outcome.”

“Must he always put a damper on things? This insufferable mortal.”

“Would it kill him to just agree with us for a change?”

Luna seized Kyle by his shirt front, giving him a firm shake, while Lisinas directed a cold, piercing glare his way.

“Come now, settle down and let’s get back to the party. It isn’t as if our companion here has ever acted any differently.”

SMACK!

Dwenno brought his heavy palm down against the back of Kyle’s skull.

“You miserable dwarf. You might think you’re holding back, but that packs quite a punch.”

“Pain was exactly what I intended.”

“Is that so? Then perhaps I should test my strength against your gut?”

Kyle snarled in response, though Dwenno remained completely unbothered.

“P-please, let’s not quarrel,” Arion pleaded frantically, trying to mediate between them.

Once the minor squabble subsided, Kyle found himself momentarily isolated, taking a quiet draft from his vessel.

‘The mood here is lively.’

Resting his face in his hand, he set his cup aside and observed his comrades immersed in the celebration, their genuine amusement ringing through the air.

‘Indeed, every one of you will undoubtedly forge a path into the days to come.’

Deep down, the entire group recognized that the upcoming conflict offered no assurances of survival or triumph.

Even with that knowledge, their perspectives remained distinctly optimistic compared to his.

Just as a soft expression crossed Kyle’s face, he detected a subtle movement drawing near from his blind spot.

It took no effort for Kyle to identify the approaching figure as Belkiah.

‘What sort of mischief is she planning this time?’

He observed her out of the corner of his eye, watching as Belkiah covertly slipped an unknown substance into his drink.

“Master Kyle, we ought to raise our glasses alongside Master Luna.”

Projecting complete innocence, she slid into the seat beside Kyle, keeping her tone light before shouting out to Luna.

“Master Luna!”

“Yes? What do you need?”

“Come join us for a drink!”

“Why not?”

Beaming, Luna gathered her chalice, approached their spot, and clinked her glass against theirs.

Emptying her cup in a single fluid motion, Luna let out an enthusiastic cry.

“Ah! That hits the spot!”

“Aren’t you going to partake?”

Kyle seized Belkiah, who was doing her best to look completely clueless, and forcefully poured the contents of his own glass down her throat.

“Ack!”

“What in the world are you two up to?!”

“This fool tampered with my beverage.”

“Belkiah, what exactly did you drop into his cup?”

Prompted by Luna’s interrogation, Belkiah squeezed her eyelids shut and confessed in a small voice.

“A-an affection draft created by Master Dwenno…”

Hearing this, Luna merely scoffed and rolled her eyes.

“That junk is completely ineffective.”

“What?” Belkiah’s eyes flew open in shock.

“It’s nothing but a worthless concoction brewed by a ridiculous degenerate.”

Luna delivered her blunt assessment and promptly spun around, walking away from them.

Left behind, Belkiah formed a dissatisfied pout.

“Must you torment me up until our very final moments?”

“That wasn’t my intention at all.”

While Belkiah continued to sulk, Vihar quietly drew near to Kyle, addressing him as “Master.”

Kyle glanced between Belkiah and Vihar briefly before offering an invitation.

“The two of you should take a seat right here before me.”

Complying with his instruction, Belkiah and Vihar took their places directly across from Kyle.

Filling their respective cups, Kyle spoke softly.

“You have both dedicated immense effort to your training under my guidance.”

“Why must you speak as though we are parting ways forever?” Belkiah questioned, her brows knitting together.

“Because this truly could be our final gathering.”

“Please refrain from making such grim remarks.”

While Belkiah continued to look displeased, Vihar inclined her head, her face settling into a solemn mask.

“I am deeply grateful for everything you have imparted to me.”

“Don’t you start talking like that either! Master is going to crush Erebus and make it back safely! Are you implying that Master is incapable of overcoming Erebus?”

Belkiah caught hold of Vihar, giving her a frantic shake.

“No, I have full confidence,” Vihar replied, a slight smile gracing her lips.

“That Master will definitively conquer Erebus.”

Mollified by the response, Belkiah let out a small huff and gave a firm nod of agreement.

Kyle kept his gaze fixed on his two pupils before posing a question.

“How do you intend to spend your days once tranquility is restored to the land?”

“We’ll assist the Masters in restoring society,” Belkiah declared with a radiant grin.

“My goal is to offer aid to the less fortunate and foster a society where joy is accessible to all.”

“I see. I wish you success in that endeavor.”

“Naturally.”

“Belkiah, come over here for a moment.”

“Right away, Master Luna!”

Recognizing Luna’s summons, Belkiah darted across the space to her side.

Luna presented a massive cluster of blossoms to her student.

“Accept this token. They happen to be my personal favorites.”

“Oh, they are absolutely stunning, Master Luna!”

Observing Belkiah’s unfeigned joy over the arrangement, Vihar smiled softly and noted,

“Belkiah is bound to bring light wherever she goes.”

Almost instantly, the warmth vanished from Vihar’s features, leaving her expression flat. “Master,” she uttered.

“What is on your mind?”

“Should individuals continue to corrupt society even after a peaceful era begins, how ought we to proceed?”

Every trace of warmth vanished from Vihar’s vocal tone.

“Am I to carry on with the tasks I currently perform?”

Kyle observed Vihar in absolute silence.

At her core, Vihar harbored a profound skepticism toward humanity.

Entering life as an orphan and enduring nothing but hardship since infancy was a tragic reality dictated by their harsh era.

Monstrous forces like Erebus and Tartarus had stripped humanity of its joy, casting the populace into deep suffering.

Even so, it was ordinary mortals who compounded her existing plight, inflicting deliberate cruelty upon her vulnerable existence.

Leo directed his gaze toward Belkiah.

In spite of her upbringing in a bleak reality, Belkiah maintained an exceptionally radiant spirit.

If her counterpart resembled the brilliant sun, Vihar embodied the solitary moon piercing the nocturnal heavens.

“I find the concept unacceptable. To think that in a reality redeemed by the ultimate sacrifices of so many champions… a society forged through the endeavors of Master and our legendary defenders… wretched parasites could still exist and fester… I can never extend forgiveness to such filth.”

Vihar spoke with visceral venom, radiating a distorted, deadly intent.

“Should I encounter those who have no right to partake in an age of tranquility… if their numbers prove vast, what path must I take?”

“You will undoubtedly encounter many,” Kyle replied dispassionately.

Individuals raised amidst absolute hopelessness clung to the belief that a reality devoid of Erebus would be entirely flawless.

Yet, having experienced life prior to the onset of this darkness, Kyle understood a deeper truth.

A world liberated from Erebus would still be far from perfect.

On occasion, it could prove even more repulsive than the current age of suffering.

“You are going to witness a great deal of depravity.”

Hearing Kyle’s assessment, Vihar clenched her jaw tightly.

“Even so, do not allow yourself to be consumed by it,” Kyle offered, a soft smile appearing on his face.

“For we threw ourselves into harm’s way to preserve this world fully aware of those flaws.”

“…”

“Once tranquility settles over the land, you will encounter diverse individuals. Even Lisinas will likely find himself filled with remorse, wondering if our struggles were truly meant to benefit such ungrateful souls.”

Kyle cast a distant glance toward Lisinas, a subtle grin gracing his lips.

“Regardless, righteous souls will outnumber the corrupt. The future awaiting you will feature a brilliance capable of outshining the most profound shadows. Therefore,”

Leo extended a hand, ruffling Vihar’s hair with a firm yet affectionate touch.

“When harmony is finally established, ensure you do not spend your entire existence cloaked in shadow.”

“…Understood, Master.”

Tucked away within the dense woodlands of the eastern continent lay a prominent settlement.

“Melanu Village. This locale is celebrated for its breathtaking wilderness, frequently drawing travelers seeking leisure or physical recovery. Its thermal springs are quite renowned.”

Chen Xia provided these details regarding the settlement.

“However… this is unexpected.”

Chen Xia surveyed the environment stretching out ahead of them, thoroughly bewildered by what she saw.

“Observe this sight! These blossoms are completely unfamiliar to me, yet their beauty is extraordinary!”

Eiran stared at the dense carpet of flora covering the earth, a massive grin illuminating her face.

“What species could these possibly belong to?”

Noticing Chen Xia’s equally baffled expression, Leo provided the answer.

“Statice.”

“Young Master Leo, are you familiar with this vegetation?”

“They represent a flora that has gone entirely extinct in our current age.”

To be exact, their entire population vanished completely throughout the catastrophic period.

‘The very blossoms Luna cherished most.’

In these times, recreating them is impossible without employing the specialized ‘Flower Blooming Magic.’

Right as Leo harvested a single stem,

Whirrrr! A sudden resonance shook Leo’s internal energy, and his consciousness plunged into obscurity.

The vision that manifested before him was clear.

Thud, thud. Vihar advanced with measured steps, clutching a massive, dried bunch of statice blossoms.

[Master?]

[…Right here.]

Addressing Vihar’s query, Belkiah, standing at her side, presented a modest funerary vessel.

[Is laying Master to rest beside Lady Luna truly the proper course of action?]

Answering Vihar’s inquiry, Belkiah tightened her grip around the vessel.

[…The resting places of our other comrades remain lost to us, don’t they? If nothing else, I wish to guarantee that the two of them have each other’s company so they won’t suffer from isolation.]

Vihar gave a slow nod, her eyes fixed on the lowered head of Belkiah.

[Let us proceed.]

While Vihar pressed onward, Belkiah found herself unable to take another step.

She remained rooted to the spot, gazing unseeingly at the earth beneath her feet.

Flash!

“Young Master Leo?”

“Mr. Leo!”

Stricken with panic, Chen Xia quickly stepped in to steady Leo.

Eiran rushed over immediately to assist him.

“I am perfectly alright. Do not worry.”

Leo gripped his temples, giving his head a firm shake.

‘That was transiently an imprint of spiritual sorcery. Yet, to whom did that recollection belong?’

Either Belkiah or Vihar.

It absolutely originated from one of those two individuals.

‘Could it be linked directly to these blossoms?’

Leo cast his gaze over the densely scattered flora.

Pinpointing the exact origin of the vision remained impossible for now.

He could only deduce its undeniable connection to this vegetation.

‘The one certainty I can glean is that the final resting place of Luna, along with my own, lies somewhere close by.’