Chapter 500

“Berchia?”

Following Leo’s inquiry, Luna gave a small nod.

“Indeed. It turns out my lingering attachment is tied to Berchia, after all.”

Luna cast her eyes down toward her open hand.

“I found myself filled with deep concern.”

Anxiety clouded her features.

“Did you worry that he would shoulder too many burdens all by himself?”

Responding to Leo’s question, Luna shook her head.

“It wasn’t merely a fear that Berchia would take on too much responsibility, or that he would break under the weight of it.”

A gentle smile touched Luna’s lips.

“The truth is, I trusted in Berchia’s latent power more than anyone else could.”

Though Berchia was incapable of commanding star magic, Luna had long foreseen that her pupil would never master that specific art.

The specific potential she recognized within Berchia was his true destiny as a savior.

“Berchia was bound to reach even greater heights. Facing down brutal challenges… he possessed the strength to rise above in a ruined world. I harbored no doubts whatsoever that he would guard the domain we fought to preserve.”

And that was exactly how things unfolded.

In the wake of Erebus being imprisoned.

Tartarus attempted to lay waste to existence in order to realize his master’s ultimate ambition.

It was Berchia who stood at the absolute vanguard, repelling that massive assault.

He proved to be an extraordinary champion, fully capable of carrying the weight of a generation by walking the path carved by the legendary protectors.

“What truly caused me anxiety was Berchia’s inherent nature.”

“His disposition?”

“Yes.”

Luna let out a wry, quiet laugh.

Berchia drew his first breaths during the absolute bleakest era.

Brought into a world where the radiant sun had utterly vanished, he had no concept of what light truly looked like.

“Yet, the moment my eyes first fell upon Berchia, it felt as though I were gazing directly at the sun.”

He was a youngster capable of shedding a luminous glow even in a time of complete desolation.

That quality didn’t stem solely from the immense gift he was born with.

“That youth is someone who can offer a genuine, beaming grin even when surrounded by total grimness, isn’t he?”

“That is true.”

He had always been full of pride, blunt in speech, and fiercely obstinate, yet he remained the solitary soul among those raised in the shadow of disaster who could display a true smile.

“When his entire environment was pitch black, there was no cause for alarm. But when light begins to flood the surroundings, shadows are bound to be cast.”

Having whispered those words softly, Luna broke into a light chuckle.

“Even so, my concern isn’t overwhelming.”

“If your worry isn’t that severe, can it truly be labeled a lingering regret?”

Observing Leo’s bewildered expression as he questioned her, Luna offered a soft scoff.

“The sorrow of missing out on the kind of path Berchia walked through life is absolutely a genuine regret, you know?”

There was no denying the truth in that.

“In any case, Berchia is certain to have prevailed.”

Luna displayed an unshakable conviction.

“Regardless of what anyone else might claim, he is my student.”

Grinning broadly, Luna began to softly whistle a melody as she strolled ahead.

“With that in mind, perhaps I ought to concentrate on what lies before me right now?”

Leo lingered for a beat, watching Luna’s departing form, before pulling a blade from his garment.

Vihar’s Dagger.

Leo, quietly inspecting the weapon, picked up his pace to follow after Luna.

Luna’s exploration of the academy pressed onward.

During the course of this walk, what arrested Luna’s attention was a combined rehearsal being held by the musicians and the theater performers.

“A theatrical piece with music? Or a standard production?”

“Yes. The primary distinction is that they deliver their performances through song.”

Airan offered a warm clarification while standing by her side.

“Incredible!”

Luna’s gaze gleamed with wonder at an artistic medium that simply did not exist five millennia in the past.

“Let us observe. What sort of narrative are they staging?”

She stepped across the threshold of the rehearsal space, her countenance alight with anticipation.

And then…

“Ah?! Big sister Airan!”

A cheerful exclamation rang out.

Chelsea bounded across the room and threw her arms around Airan’s back.

“Word reached me that you arrived as part of the student exchange, but I never expected to cross paths with you here!”

“Chelsea, it is wonderful to see you!”

Airan beamed, gently patting Chelsea on the head.

“Big brother Leo and Sia are present as well?”

“Reflecting on it now, Chelsea, you are a member of the musical society, correct?”

Chen Sia gave a nod of agreement.

“Yes, I am the premier talent of the musical society.”

Speaking with immense self-assurance, Chelsea crossed her arms and smirked in playful triumph.

“I managed to secure the principal character in the production this season.”

“The main role?”

“Yes.”

Nodding quickly, Chelsea gestured toward her ears.

Differing from her normal appearance, Chelsea’s ears had been elongated into sharp points.

It appeared she had been outfitted to resemble an elf.

“Because of this commitment, I rushed directly to this rehearsal space the moment I made it back from my assigned errand.”

“The attire suits you flawlessly!”

It was right as Airan offered her warm praise.

To be fair, the garments truly mirrored the classic robes of an elven sorcerer.

Right at that instant.

“What’s this? What do we have here? Who is this little one?”

Luna’s gaze sparkled with intense curiosity as she leaned in close to Chelsea.

Confronted by Luna’s sudden proximity, Chelsea’s features locked up in shock.

“Huh?”

A stunned gasp escaped her lips.

“Leo! What is this adorable little being?”

Leo, noting the sheer excitement radiating from Luna as she looked at him, responded calmly:

“Her name is Chelsea Rwalin.”

“She is incredibly precious! I want to take her home with me!”

As Luna spoke with the voice of a young youth who had just stumbled upon a coveted plaything, Chelsea’s expression contorted into utter bewilderment.

“L-Lady Luna?!”

“My goodness?”

Luna blinked in astonishment as she realized her perception-veiling sorcery had utterly failed to work.

Perception-veiling sorcery operates fundamentally as a form of psychological manipulation.

Luna had established a straightforward mental trigger to ensure common onlookers would fail to pierce her anonymity.

Individuals who were already aware of Leo’s hidden background were capable of seeing through it.

The more uncomplicated the mental trigger, the more potent the cloaking sorcery’s hold became.

And Leo’s hidden background served as an incredibly uncomplicated yet profoundly forceful psychic anchor.

“Which implies… you are aware of Leo’s true background?”

“Gasp!”

With her internal suspicions suddenly verified as absolute fact, Chelsea’s mouth fell wide open.

“Good heavens! Luna-sama! Did you cross over from the age of champions just like Arion-sama did?”

“My situation differs slightly from Arion’s, but regardless, I am indeed Luna-sama, the founder of the Nebula.”

“Oh my goodness, oh my goodness. How could this, how could this be…”

Chelsea shifted her weight from foot to foot, completely overwhelmed by the situation.

Chelsea harbored a deep passion for the lore of legendary protectors.

On top of that, standing face-to-face with Luna, a figure she held in the highest esteem as a master sorcerer!

What greater privilege could a person possibly hope to experience?

“Ah, would it be permissible for me to request a handshake?”

“Of course. I see no reason to deny you that.”

Luna offered a warm smile, taking Chelsea’s hand before pulling her into a fierce embrace.

“Ah.”

“You are just too darling! Why don’t you try calling me big sister Luna?”

“Lu-Luna big sister?”

“I truly wish I possessed a younger sibling just like you!”

As Luna affectionately nuzzled her face against Chelsea’s hair, Chelsea’s initial shock melted away into a radiant grin.

“Chelsea, we need to begin the rehearsal!”

“Oh? That’s the head of the student organization.”

The upperclassmen representing the musical and theatrical societies called out to Chelsea.

Luna reluctantly released her hold on the girl.

Chelsea, looking thoroughly disappointed to leave, turned her steps toward the performance area.

She possessed a vast multitude of inquiries she was desperate to voice.

Yet, she could not simply abandon her rehearsal obligations.

At that moment, several individuals from the theater and music groups walked over toward Leo.

“Director. Are you here to monitor our progress?”

“Merely casting an eye over things.”

“Understood. This is the informational leaflet detailing the piece we are staging for this event.”

“What is the premise?”

“It chronicles the tragic, unfulfilled romance between the Founder of the Nebula and the Champion.”

“Pfft?!”

Upon hearing the theater member’s explanation, Luna, who had been sipping a drink provided by one of the backstage crew, instantly sprayed it across the floor.

“Cough! Cough!”

In a flash, numerous bewildered eyes turned to fixate on Luna.

Luna forced her coughing fit to subside and made a dismissive gesture with her hand.

In stark contrast, Leo was doing everything in his power to swallow his amusement, burying his chuckles deep down.

“It strikes me as quite fascinating.”

“Does it not? Consequently, regarding the allocation of resources…”

“My presence here is not for the purpose of adjusting the financial funding.”

It seemed as though every organization representative he encountered found a way to bring up their financial allocation.

Following Leo’s declaration, the members of the music and theater groups departed with relieved countenances.

“Young master Leo has truly transformed into a deeply intimidating figure.”

It was in that moment that Chen Sia let out a soft giggle.

“A tragic romance between myself and that fellow Arion! From what ridiculous source did such an absurd fable originate, and for what purpose are they putting it on stage?!”

Luna, her complexion burning bright red, snapped heatedly at Leo.

“Directing your grievances at me will accomplish absolutely nothing.”

Leo offered a loose shrug.

Airan chimed in to speak on Leo’s behalf.

“The histories regarding the legendary champions are so widely celebrated that countless generations that followed have hypothesized they shared romantic feelings for one another.”

Hearing this, Luna’s eyes narrowed into sharp slits.

“Is that so? Do rumors genuinely circulate that Arion and I shared ‘that type of bond’?”

“Indeed. It is an incredibly widespread tale, frequently discussed alongside the romantic folklore surrounding Lysinus-sama and Arion-sama.”

“Am I not paired up with Kyle instead?”

At that query, Airan cast a fleeting, careful look toward Leo.

“Because until quite recently, the Champion of Beginnings was generally dismissed as a mythical figure who never truly existed…”

“Hmm~”

Luna kept her gaze tight as she stared directly at Leo.

“Furthermore, the romantic fable concerning you and that fellow Dweno is also remarkably well-known, is it not?”

“Oh~ a narrative of that nature exists as well?”

“It appears based on the informational leaflet that a stage piece adapted from that lore was initially a prime contender. However, due to the lack of an appropriate performer capable of embodying Dweno, they ultimately selected your narrative involving Arion instead.”

While elves and beastmen could be simulated using cosmetics, it proved impossible to artificially diminish a performer’s physical height to match a dwarf.

Catching Leo’s explanation, Luna’s expression cleared instantly.

“It is an immense blessing that they opted against that production.”

“Huh? What makes that a blessing?”

“Because had they attempted to bring that specific tale to life, I would have utterly leveled this entire facility into dust.”

Every trace of warmth vanished from Luna’s features.

Witnessing Luna manifest genuine, unbridled fury, Airan showed a visibly startled and fearful look.

A short time later, the run-through commenced.

Chelsea, who had been identified as the primary performer, stepped into the role of Luna.

The character of Arion was portrayed by a fourth-year student from the theater society.

“My word, just look at how lovely Chelsea appears portraying that character.”

Luna remarked with utter self-assurance.

As the others offered no response to Luna’s comment, the musical numbers kicked off.

Watching the performance unfold, Luna went silent, her gaze locking intensely onto Chelsea.

“The melody is incredibly moving.”

Airan pressed her hands together in deep appreciation.

Her assessment was entirely accurate.

The vocal delivery offered by Chelsea stirred a remarkably profound emotional response in anyone listening.

Shortly thereafter.

The run-through wrapped up, and Luna turned to address Leo.

“Leo.”

“What is it?”

“How is it that this institution contains such an abundance of hidden gems?”

Luna spoke with eyes that danced with excitement.

“Fresh revelations for my spellcraft are continuously sparking within me.”

At her declaration, Leo let out a soft laugh.

Stepping out from the rehearsal space, Luna remarked with a highly animated expression.

“Chloe, Illiana, and now Chelsea! This current epoch truly boasts a marvelous concentration of youths blessed with spectacular gifts!”

“There is likewise the youth who managed to perfect the incantation of the Flame Emperor.”

“Yes! I am eager to cross paths with Lunia in the near future! The chosen inheritor you selected for me!”

Luna beamed radiantly.

“It is absolutely magnificent! This current era overflows with boundless raw capability!”

Luna looked down at the surfaces of her palms.

“I am capable of reaching even greater heights of power.”

The collective magical knowledge preserved and refined across five millennia acted as a powerful catalyst for Luna.

A myriad of exceptional young talents offered completely novel concepts and theoretical sparks that Luna herself had never previously contemplated.

Utilizing that foundation, an entirely untrodden path was revealing itself to her.

Prior to the coming of the Great Disaster.

Even accounting for the eras stretching both before and after the Great Disaster, Luna remained universally recognized as the most formidable sorcerer throughout the annals of arcane history.

Even so, Luna’s innate capabilities had never reached their absolute apex.

This contemporary age and its newly forged arcane principles offered vital sustenance to her unawakened capabilities.

Luna felt entirely certain that a magnificent new branch could be nurtured within the rich terrain of five thousand years of accumulated arcane history.

‘In this specific epoch… I might truly grasp the absolute pinnacle of magic.’

It was at that moment that Luna, assuming her true nature as a sorcerer and a seeker of ultimate truth, let her gaze flash with brilliance.

“Oh! Leo!”

A friendly shout drifted over to them.

It turned out to be none other than Karl standing nearby.

“Chloe made her appearance much earlier, but Karl, have you only just arrived?”

When Chen Sia posed the question with a look of mild confusion, Karl cracked a wide grin.

“Yeah. The Northern Magic Tower offered an immense amount of knowledge to absorb. Besides, it gave me a perfect excuse to bypass standard lectures, didn’t it?”

Chuckle-laughing, Karl offered a friendly wave in Airan’s direction as well.

Then, his gaze shifted toward Luna, and his face instantly froze in sheer panic.

“Huh?”

Karl’s eyes expanded to their absolute limit.

Faced with Karl’s reaction, which was completely colored by pure shock, Luna tilted her head with a look of mild confusion.

“Gasp?!”

Karl recoiled in stark astonishment.

Observing this sudden display, Leo narrowed his gaze suspiciously.

Chen Sia, clearly caught off guard by his behavior as well, stared at Karl with a thoroughly perplexed expression.

Karl managed to voice his question, his tone trembling with utter disbelief.

“L-ady Luna?”