Chapter 519

Thump- thump-

Dispassionate footsteps resonated through the massive auditorium assigned to the second-year pupils.

The one approaching was none other than Hallind, famously dubbed the ‘Wailing Wall of Lumen’.

With his arrival, a heavy tension settled over every second-year student present.

Today marked the scheduling of an extraordinary Heroics lecture.

And the instructor presiding over this session was Professor Hallind.

Since moving up to their second year, the interactions these pupils had with Hallind had undeniably grown less frequent.

Even so, Hallind remained a deeply intimidating presence to the sophomore class.

It was precisely at this moment, while the room was filled with anxious faces.

“Karl Thomas.”

“Yes, sir!”

Jumped up!

Hearing Hallind’s deep, low tones, Karl bolted upright from his seat.

“Rouse Eliza Hergin beside you.”

Hearing the command, Karl started and glanced toward his flank.

Beside him, Eliza was nodding off, looking precisely like a sickly young bird.

Under normal circumstances, Eliza would shamelessly sleep through other educators’ periods, or simply skip attendance entirely if exhaustion took over, yet within Hallind’s lecture hall, she always remained remarkably attentive.

This was because Eliza, too, held a deep dread of Hallind.

“Eliza. Wake up.”

Karl whispered to her with immense caution.

Yet Eliza gave no indication of returning to consciousness.

“You have three seconds.”

Panicked by Hallind’s countdown, Karl gripped Eliza’s shoulders and gave them a hard shake.

“Eliza! Wake up!”

Jolted by his frantic tone, Eliza snapped her eyes open.

The instant her gaze locked onto Hallind, all color drained from her features.

Hallind fixed his gaze on Eliza, a chilly smirk touching his lips.

“Just what tasks are occupying your nighttime hours that cause you to slumber during instruction?”

“Th-that is…”

“Do not let this happen again.”

“Yes, sir!”

As Eliza leaped to her feet to deliver her response, Hallind took his position directly in the center of the speaker’s platform.

Reseating herself, Eliza buried her face in her palms.

‘For the past several evenings, I haven’t managed a proper night’s rest, making it impossible to concentrate.’

A full five days had elapsed since the commencement of Leo’s rigorous regime.

From that moment onward, Eliza had been completely deprived of sleep.

Throughout the pre-dawn hours, she had to withstand the immense torrents of the Essence of Thunder.

Once that training concluded, she spent her time purifying her spiritual energy through deep meditation.

Directly afterward came her physical conditioning.

Furthermore, skipping her academic lectures was out of the question.

Napping out in the open was acceptable once or twice, but completely abandoning her classes indefinitely was impossible.

No matter how utterly drained her physical form became from the intense practice, permitting her academic standing to plummet as a consequence was something Eliza’s pride simply would not allow.

Had it merely been a matter of academic study and standard training devoid of sleep, Eliza wouldn’t have found herself pushed to such a degree of total prostration.

However, internalizing the power of the Essence of Thunder was a process that utterly depleted vast quantities of both spiritual stamina and raw bodily strength.

She was quite literally operating at the absolute boundary of her psychological and physical capacities.

Throughout this ordeal, Leo offered her zero guidance, yet Eliza harbored no resentment.

This path was her own choice, and she fully resolved to see it through on her own terms.

While Eliza rubbed at her temples in an attempt to drive away the overwhelming drowsiness, Karl pushed a specialized vitality-restoring draft toward her.

“Here, drink this. It’s a premier blend. It ought to clear the fog from your head a bit.”

“Thank you. I’ll reimburse you afterward.”

“Don’t worry about it, consider it a complimentary perk.”

Karl offered a gentle grin.

“After all, you’re a loyal client of mine. A companion, too. It’s only right to extend a hand when someone is pushing through a rough patch.”

“Companion?”

Eliza knit her brows slightly.

“Is that how you view our relationship?”

“We attend the same academy, belong to the same class year, and share the same dormitory block—what else could we be but companions? Not to mention a premier VIP client for the future!”

The moment Karl extended an encouraging thumb, Eliza let out a dry laugh.

“Karl Thomas, it appears you harbor a desire for an early grave, indulging in such pointless gossip.”

“Ah, absolutely not, sir!”

At Hallind’s sudden interjection, Karl’s complexion turned stark white.

Eliza cast a sidelong look at Karl, turned the draft container over in her fingers, and uttered a dismissive, “Hmph!”

Meanwhile, a profound stillness blanketed the expansive hall.

Every single pupil directed their undivided focus toward Hallind.

This particular extraordinary Heroics period had been scheduled without any prior warning.

All primary tracks, secondary concentrations, and optional seminars had been suspended, forcing the entire second-year body to assemble within this grand lecture hall.

Because of this entirely unpredicted turn of events, a massive wave of inquisitiveness rippled through the crowd.

Ensuring he held the gaze of everyone present, Hallind began to speak.

“Regarding the events unfolding across the realm as of late…”

CRASH!

“You all must be fully aware of the current state of affairs! Though a veil of silence is being maintained, an incredibly perilous event has unfolded!”

The massive double entryways of the auditorium slammed inward as Sedgen broke in, cutting off Hallind’s words.

Hallind turned his eyes toward Sedgen, his voice calm.

“This period belongs to me, does it not? Professor Sedgen.”

“The sophomore class falls under my direct supervision! It is only proper that I guide this session! Your place is instructing the first-year pupils!”

“My understanding remains that this specific lecture is mandated to my charge, irrespective of the student year.”

“I filed a formal objection against that arrangement!”

“Once the administrative board delivers its final verdict, you are welcome to assume control. Celia Zerdinger, Duran Moira.”

Behaving with the precision expected of an exemplary educator, Hallind summoned two pupils from the Knightry Department seated directly at the front.

“Evict him.”

“Professor Sedgen. You truly shouldn’t act in this manner.”

“We shall guide you to the exit.”

Celia and Duran offered a respectful nod to Sedgen before taking hold of his frame to guide him from the premises.

“What do you think you are doing?! Were you not my most cherished pupils?! Have you chosen to serve as mere lackeys for Hallind now?! Argh! Unhand me! Unhand me this instant! How can you betray me like this?!”

The second-year cohort remained entirely unfazed by a spectacle that had become quite ordinary to them.

With Sedgen successfully removed and stillness restored to the room, Hallind resumed his instruction.

“In the midst of the ongoing crisis, what stands out as the most perilous dilemma?”

Following Hallind’s inquiry, several individuals thrust their hands into the air.

“Karl Thomas.”

“The fact that Professor Sedgen keeps crashing our lectures.”

“Step forward, lower your gaze, and assume the prostrate position.”

“My apologies, sir.”

“Front and center.”

Karl assumed a miserable expression and took up his place of penalty right beside Hallind.

“Karl truly is a source of endless amusement, just as always.”

As Aileen whispered this to Chelsea with a soft chuckle, Chelsea simply stared back with wide, unblinking eyes.

“Karl? Who might that be? I have no acquaintance by that description.”

Chelsea completely disavowed any connection to Karl.

In the meantime, Hallind selected the student whose hand had shot up fastest immediately following Karl’s outburst.

“Nella Carven.”

“It centers on the reality that the champions of old are being reanimated into the world as undead thralls.”

“Precisely. And are you aware of the deeper reason this poses such a profound threat?”

“Because it threatens to tear down the very core foundations of the Age of Heroes, an era that has endured for five millennia.”

Hallind offered a slow nod as he listened to Nella deliver her solemn assessment.

“Correct.”

Hallind slightly narrowed his vision.

“Five thousand years in the past, when the legendary champions vanquished Erebus and brought a conclusion to the Age of Calamity, tranquility was finally restored to the realm. Throughout that era, the divinities who departed from this world bestowed the Hero Record upon humankind. From that day forward, those who achieved legendary feats recognized by the heavens ascended as heroes, preserving the tranquility and structural balance of our civilization.”

Hearing his explanation, the assembled pupils nodded in unison.

It was a fundamental piece of history familiar to everyone in the room.

“Heroes are exalted souls chosen directly by the divinities. Does anyone here contest that truth?”

At Hallind’s prompt, the second-year pupils shook their heads without exception.

It was considered an undeniable reality.

“If that holds true, then by what means are these ancient champions being resurrected as undead abominations through the dark arts of the Necromancer King, turning their weapons against the very world they once protected?”

“……”

At that profound inquiry, a heavy silence fell over the entire room.

An individual deemed holy and exalted by the heavens is reduced to a mere tool for the Necromancer King, an entity bent on total annihilation.

If such a fate is possible, was that individual ever truly holy to begin with?

The very architecture of the Age of Heroes rests upon the concept of ‘Heroes’.

These champions are viewed as the chosen instruments of the divinities, selected by their divine will.

Following the prevention of the return of the ancient disaster, this perspective had grown even more deeply entrenched.

They were seen as the rightful stewards of civilization.

Yet, what if those identical figures were fundamentally unworthy of acting as instruments of the heavens?

The contemporary world might appear radiant and glorious on the surface.

The emergence of the Brave Arion alongside Luna, the direct ancestor of the Nebula.

The absolute destruction of the fragmented pieces of Erebus and the triumphant campaign against the Necromancer King.

The collective gaze of the realm remains transfixed by the fresh marvels chronicled within the Hero Record.

Yet beneath that glittering facade, skepticism is undeniably taking root: ‘Are these champions truly the chosen instruments of the heavens?’

These tiny grains of skepticism begin to fracture the foundation of devotion.

And fractures inevitably precede a total downfall.

“The purpose behind convening this extraordinary Heroics period is tied directly to these unfolding developments.”

As Hallind spoke, the countenances of the pupils grew deeply serious.

Seeing this, Abad extended an arm upward.

“State your inquiry, Abad Lewellyn.”

“Professor Hallind, what is your personal assessment regarding the ongoing turn of events?”

“As each of you is well aware, merely holding the title of a hero does not render an individual flawlessly moral or upstanding.”

Hallind clicked his tongue softly.

“Yet the vast majority of the populace has maintained the belief that, regardless of flaws, these champions possess an exalted sense of ‘conviction’ that justifies their selection by the divinities.”

“Which is precisely the reason they were chosen by the heavens.”

“Indeed. However, through my extensive tenure instructing here at Lumen, I have come to harbor profound skepticism.”

Hallind cast his eyes over the rows of students before continuing.

“Specifically: ‘Is the selection made by the heavens truly flawless?'”

“What?”

“Individuals who appeared entirely unsuited for the mantle of a champion have ascended to that rank. Furthermore, pupils who by all rights should never have claimed such status have risen to become heroes.”

“……”

Within the walls of Lumen, coming from a professor, this was an extraordinarily perilous declaration to vocalize.

Though society often speaks of an era stripped of divine presence, the reality of the divinities remains undisputed.

Moreover, while it is commonly noted that active worshippers have dwindled, this remains an age defined by the presence of heroes who directly manifest the intent of the heavens.

It bordered on sacrilege.

It was a direct slight against ‘heroes’, the very individuals responsible for guiding civilization forward.

Even coming from an educator at a prestigious Hero Academy.

Even for someone of Hallind’s standing, who had guided an immense number of pupils, this assertion was so extreme that should it escape the walls of the academy, his very career could face immediate termination.

It was precisely as the pupils swallowed hard in nervous anticipation.

“There exist fools who utter the nonsense that if an individual is reduced to an undead thrall, even that must be interpreted as the grand design of the heavens,” Hallind remarked with an icy tone.

“However, a recent shift has manifested within the Hero Record.”

“What sort of shift, sir?”

“Information has lately come to light indicating that specific individuals have had their names entirely expunged from the Hero Record, thereby forfeiting their status as champions.”

“……!”

“……!”

A wave of profound astonishment swept through the assembly.

The total deletion of an individual from the Hero Record.

This was a completely unprecedented, monumental occurrence.

“Is there any pupil here capable of explaining the deeper implications of this development?”

Hearing his prompt, the students began nervously glancing at one another.

The revelation was simply too staggering to process.

Then, a lone hand was raised into the air.

“Leo Flobe.”

As Hallind called out the name, every eye in the lecture hall shifted toward Leo.

“The distinct privileges they commanded solely by virtue of being heroes. The transgressions that were overlooked because they held the status of heroes. The obligations they walked away from because they were heroes—all of these weights must now be answered for.”

Leo spoke with the absolute gravity of someone rendering a formal decree.

“With the choices of the divinities effectively overturned, the masses will increasingly lose their devotion to those selections. The established framework of our world could face a total breakdown, giving rise to a completely altered structure. And furthermore…”

“And furthermore?”

“Only the ‘genuine’ heroes will be left standing.”

Observing Leo’s definitive response, the corners of Hallind’s mouth turned upward into a sharp grin.

“You possess a remarkable amount of self-assurance, Leo Flobe.”

“I never held much stock in the choices of the heavens to begin with.”

Scratch- scratch-

A subterranean realm blanketed in shadow.

An exquisitely beautiful entity, whose features made it nearly impossible to determine if they were a young lad or a young maiden, clad in magnificent, spotless ivory attire, was intently scribbling text into the pages of an immense tome.

They systematically populated every vast, empty portion of the page.

Shortly thereafter, the youth concluded their writing and took a single pace backward.

Whoosh-!

In an instant, the phrases etched into the volume dissolved entirely, vanishing as though they had turned to vapor.

The youth ran a hand through their silver-gray locks.

“This makes absolutely no sense. For what reason do these accounts persist in vanishing?”

Their features were twisted into a mask of pure bafflement.

Suddenly, their expression warped with irritation.

“Cease your endless chattering, it is making my head throb! What was that? Why do I exclusively yield to the demands of Pibua? Did I consciously register someone as the true heir to the progenitor of the Nebula? Lunia El Rundia! That entry was not my doing! It was spontaneously generated within the Record System! Each of you is well aware of it! That absolute aberration is causing the entire Record System to malfunction!”

The youth screamed their frustrations directly into the empty air.

“What’s that? Leo Flobe? Who in the world is that? I possess absolutely no record of a hero by that designation!”

Exasperated, the youth slammed the massive tome shut and began to pace, thump- thump-.

The domain enclosing the youth was utterly bizarre.

It bore a striking resemblance to a monumental, endless repository of books.

“Honestly! If they find the situation so incredibly irritating, they are welcome to take up the mantle of Record System archivists themselves!”

Just as the youth made a move to depart from the repository, they froze in their tracks.

They found themselves standing before the absolute first alcove of the Record System.

Upon that specific structure, which had undeniably been reduced to ashes and utterly obliterated in the past, a collection of volumes had somehow materialized anew.

“Huh?”

The youth’s face contorted into an expression of absolute bewilderment.

“By what means is Kyle’s tale still unfolding?”