Chapter 520

Book 1 Chapter 520

520.

Following the conclusion of Hallinde’s specialized lecture regarding Heroology, the second-year pupils found themselves utterly astounded.

‘Attending this session would undoubtedly strike anyone dreaming of heroism, not just those in their second year, as a profoundly jarring revelation.’

Such were the silent reflections of Leo as he surveyed his peers, noting their somber countenances.

“It is hard to credit,”

Chelsea murmured, her gaze vacant with bewilderment.

“The notion that the historical accounts within the Hero Record could simply vanish.”

“This strikes me as no minor occurrence,”

Eiran remarked in turn, an expression of gravity settling upon her features.

“Particularly since Sir Tiaar, the Iron-Blooded Mage, retained his documentation despite the verification of his reanimation as an undead entity.”

“Conversely, though the Knight of the Underworld, Sir Tamus, was never definitively proven to have returned as an undead, his chronicle was thoroughly wiped, correct?”

Chen Xia joined the discourse, her features clouded by uncertainty.

‘Even though I was the one who put Tiaar to rest and expunged the documentation of Tamus.’

Mel was actively suppressing information concerning Leo’s conduct during his previous mission.

‘My current renown suffices. Accumulating further public attention right now might prove disadvantageous.’

An unprecedented master of all archetypes, the youngest ever to preside over the student council, and the most youthful inductee into the Hero Record.

Leo stood as a champion whom the entire globe watched intently.

He possessed the capability to instantly upend the established order and reconfigure the global landscape.

Should an individual of that caliber step forward completely, the ruling factions of the world would react in one of two manners.

They would either yield to his authority or actively oppose him.

Furthermore, despite his status as an unparalleled All-Class paragon enshrined in the Hero Record, the established figures of renown still viewed Leo as a mere beginner.

‘Much like the situation with the Justice Guild, should diplomacy fail, there is no assurance that certain elements would refrain from attempting to eliminate him.’

Leo let out a quiet breath at the thought.

“Tell me, Leo. Could there be a bond connecting you to both the Iron-Blooded Mage and the Knight of the Underworld? Was the erasure of those entries in the Hero Record… perhaps your handiwork?”

Hearing Kal’s inquiry, the three chatting young women turned their collective gaze toward Leo.

“Indeed, it was.”

Leo’s admission left his companions visibly stunned.

“You consistently defy all standard expectations, don’t you? Then again, perhaps standard expectations ceased to apply the moment you achieved the status of a Great Hero.”

Kal gave a slow shake of his head, deeply impressed.

“Does this mean you deleted the chronicles of every other figure as well, Leo oppa? Is that what happened? Truly?!”

“Incredible, Young Master Leo!”

“Come to think of it… the restoration of the Book of Shadows was likewise achieved through Young Master Leo’s intervention, was it not?”

“Hold on. Does that imply you possess the capability to input new data into the Hero Record as well?”

“That is correct.”

“By what method?”

An animated Chelsea bounced excitedly in front of Leo, demanding an explanation.

Placing a comforting hand on Chelsea’s head, Leo answered calmly.

“The Hero Record belonged to me originally.”

“Pardon?”

“It was your personal property?!”

Astoundment washed over the group.

“Yes. Consequentially, the power to register and strike names rests with me. Furthermore, I am entitled to claim additional benefits from it.”

“So the capacity to summon other Great Heroes from the confines of the Hero Record stems from Leo-nim being its true master!”

“Exactly.”

The group murmured in collective awe.

“The disparate elements are finally aligning,”

Chen Xia remarked with a nod.

Observing this, Kal offered a thoughtful hum and stroked his chin.

“What bizarre notion is passing through your mind now?”

Chelsea asked sharply, her eyes narrowing as she monitored him, to which Kal responded.

“I have been contemplating quite seriously of late whether we ought to establish a formal faith centered on Leo.”

“A religious order dedicated to serving Leo-nim?”

Eiran’s interest was piqued, her attention fully captured.

“Precisely. We could call it Leosim.”

“That sounds dreadful.”

Without a moment’s pause, Chelsea grimaced in distaste.

“Must you disparage the title so bluntly while standing right before Leo?”

“My objection is not to Leo oppa’s name, but rather to the absurdity of your proposition.”

“What makes it absurd? It represents a golden path to immense wealth!”

“Utilizing a Great Hero as a mere instrument for financial gain would surely invite retribution from the heavens, would it not?”

Chelsea dismissed him with a scoff.

Amused by the exchange, Chen Xia laughed softly before inquiring further.

“In that case, was the recent addition of Lunia Yang’s name to the Hero Record also your doing, Young Master Leo?”

At present, Lunia was generating substantial global waves due to her acquisition of the moniker ‘Chaser of the Nebula’.

“No. That particular entry was made by Luna.”

“Lady Luna did it?”

“Yes. It appears that the authority to modify and delete records is shared by a few others besides myself.”

“How can such a thing be possible?”

“According to the Creator’s explanation, it was intended as a benefit for me, rather than for this specific world. Judging by how things have played out, it functions more precisely as a benefit for the Great Heroes.”

“To think a literal deity is involved in this as well…”

Faced with concepts that far outstripped normal comprehension, Kal could only shake his head.

“Setting that aside, a gathering of champions is being summoned regarding the state of the Hero Record. If prominent figures begin arriving, the academy grounds are bound to become quite chaotic, aren’t they?”

“It cannot be avoided. A great many heroes must be feeling incredibly insecure at this moment,”

Chelsea observed with a derisive sniff.

During the specialized session, Hallinde had refrained from painting all legendary figures in a positive light.

Nor was Hallinde unique in harboring such reservations.

A significant portion of the populace viewed these legendary figures with distinct disapproval.

“Mainly because numerous individuals indulge in unwarranted privileges solely on account of their status as heroes.”

Chen Xia offered a subtle smile, though her gaze remained uncharacteristically frigid.

“Still, if Leo holds the power to strip them of their status, doesn’t that render their gatherings and anxieties entirely irrelevant?”

Kal remarked casually, locking his fingers behind his head as he leaned back.

“Perhaps. It might actually serve as an excellent opportunity to purge the ranks of any individuals I deem unworthy.”

At Leo’s declaration, the four companions froze instantly.

Kal, Chelsea, Chen Xia, and Eiran.

Every single one of them aspired to become a hero.

They required no imagination to understand the catastrophic upheaval that would follow if a multitude of established icons were suddenly stripped of their titles.

Even if such a cleansing were vital, it would spark immediate and immense turmoil.

Noticing the rigid expressions of the four tracking his every move, Leo let out a soft chuckle.

“I am merely teasing.”

“A jest? You truly gave me a fright!”

Eiran let out a bright, relieved smile.

‘That did not carry the tone of a jest whatsoever.’

‘If circumstances demanded it, Leo oppa would absolutely execute such a plan.’

‘Perhaps I should contact my father and the Shadow Lords to arrange for Shadow operatives to be deployed. A few disqualified heroes might well instigate violence.’

The remaining three companions understood Leo’s character well enough to know he was entirely capable of converting those words into reality.

As the five companions made their way toward the living quarters.

Zzzt-zzzt-!

A spatial tear abruptly manifested directly in Leo’s path.

Leo halted his advance instantly.

‘What could this be?’

He narrowed his eyes at the phenomenon.

In that very instant—!

Flash-!

A tremendous spatial distortion erupted right before his eyes.

Reacting instinctively, Chen Xia shifted her position to stand protectively in front of Leo.

“A spatial anomaly?! Surely this cannot be a Hero Dungeon?”

“Hold on! There are no remnants of the Hero Record located in this area!”

“Fall back immediately! Avoid being pulled into the vortex!”

Shouts of panic erupted from Chelsea, Kal, and Eiran.

Leo, maintaining a fixed gaze upon the phenomenon, spoke calmly.

“Be at ease for the moment. There appears to be no immediate danger.”

“Pardon?”

“While it resembles a Hero Dungeon… it has already achieved stability.”

Leo placed a reassuring hand on Chen Xia’s shoulder, gently easing her away from her defensive stance to comfort her.

The rigid tension leaving her frame, Chen Xia relaxed.

Standing directly before the threshold of the anomalous zone, Leo focused his gaze and commanded.

“For the time being, go summon the faculty.”

Word of the unexpected anomaly rapidly blanketed the entirety of Lumerne.

The five individuals who initially stumbled upon the phenomenon proceeded to the Tower of Heroes to provide an official account of the event.

Meanwhile, faculty members maintained a strict perimeter around the Hero Dungeon to counter any potential hazards.

Yet, even as a full day elapsed, the anomaly exhibited no further volatile behavior.

Though the student body’s inquisitiveness intensified, their academic obligations took precedence, forcing everyone to attend their scheduled sessions.

“Academic obligations are well and good, but this is absurd.”

Within the practice grounds of the second-year Knight Department, Illiana grumbled with a pout.

“Following such a monumental occurrence, we shouldn’t be left to independent study! The instructor isn’t even present!”

“This does not qualify as independent study, student Illiana. Today marks our return to combat drills after quite some time.”

Claria, serving as Ain’s associate professor, countered with a gentle smile.

“Furthermore, Miss Illiana, I received word that you have recently engaged in magical experimentation alongside Professor Len and various pupils from the Magic Department?”

“Th-that is…”

“After proclaiming your dedication to the Knight Department so fiercely, are you ultimately shifting your allegiances?”

“Awoooh!”

Illiana let out a pathetic whine, casting desperate looks around the room in search of an ally.

However, the vast majority of her peers purposefully averted their eyes.

‘Class representative! Deliver me from this!’

Illiana sought out Leo to extricate her from the predicament, but Leo was unfortunately delayed for the session.

Faced with Claria closing the distance between them, Illiana appeared on the verge of weeping.

“Hmph-! This place remains utterly unchanged.”

At the sound of the arrogant voice echoing from the threshold, Claria’s expression hardened as she turned around.

“You…”

“It has been quite some time, Claria. Your beauty remains undiminished.”

“Lord Kaodin.”

Claria’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Kaodin? As in the Crimson Lightning, Kaodin Kurken?”

“That renowned figure has arrived?”

“But surely that individual…”

As the pupils of the second-year Knight Department began whispering among themselves, one student abruptly cut his own sentence short.

“Oh? Junior. What exactly were you planning to utter?”

Kaodin offered a cold smirk as he strode toward the speaking student, reaching out aggressively.

Thump-!

“Guh?!”

The young man found himself hoisted directly into the air.

“If you belong to the Knight Department, you ought to possess the courage to finish your statements properly.”

Observing Kaodin’s mocking demeanor, Claria demanded sharply.

“Release him at once, Lord Kaodin.”

“Claria, when you make a request of me, I can hardly refuse.”

With a superficial display of courtesy, Kaodin let the student drop.

“Cough! Gasp! Gasp!”

“Sven. Are you harmed?”

Chen Xia moved quickly to support her gasping peer.

Fixing his gaze upon Chen Xia, Kaodin let out a soft murmur of appreciation before uttering quietly.

“Competence is acceptable, lineage is acceptable, appearance is acceptable, though it remains a pity that she belongs to the Shadows.”

Chen Xia completely disregarded Kaodin as he clicked his tongue in disdain.

Claria shifted her position to stand squarely between Kaodin and Chen Xia.

“What purpose brings you to Lumerne?”

“This institution happens to be my alma mater; is my presence here forbidden? Furthermore, I intend to clear the tarnished reputation of my great-grandfather.”

Kaodin Kurken.

A distinguished figure of the Knight class whose exploits were immortalized in the Hero Record.

He was a master marksman who commanded the bow, recognized by the title ‘Crimson Lightning’.

He also happened to be a contemporary of Ain during their formative academy years.

‘And he is the direct descendant of Metellard Kurken, who returned as a corrupted undead entity during the recent incursion.’

“Claria, do you truly intend to waste away your potential acting as a mere subordinate to Ain? Why not abandon this post and take your rightful place among my Valkyrie?”

Kaodin motioned toward the entrance of the training arena.

A detachment of twenty martial practitioners stood assembled there.

They were comprised entirely of female warriors, each possessing exceptional comeliness and martial prowess.

“I find my current role as Associate Professor to Professor Ain entirely satisfactory.”

Claria replied with a frosty tone.

“It would be wiser to align yourself with me before your youthful appeal completely deteriorates, would it not? Or perhaps the rumors are true, and you and Ain share that sort of intimacy despite your denials?”

At Kaodin’s provocative insinuation, a palpable wave of lethal intent emanated from Claria.

“Mind your tongue regarding Associate Professor Claria.”

Chen Xia stepped past Claria, offering a serene yet dangerous smile.

“Did Ain fail to instruct you against interrupting when your superiors are conversing? Or does your status as a Shadow leave you ignorant of proper chivalric conduct? Such behavior makes you unfit for your station, does it not? A mere Shadow should know better than to interject when a hero speaks.”

“The Dragon Lord formally decreed that heroes and members of the Shadows possess equal standing, did he not?”

“Regardless of the Dragon Lord’s eminence, he cannot dismantle a societal structure that has endured for millennia with a single decree.”

Kaodin scoffed derisively.

“Or is this an attempt to draw my gaze? While I cannot permit someone of your background into the Valkyrie, you would serve adequately as a personal attendant. A Shadow would undoubtedly prove useful during the nocturnal hours, wouldn’t you say?”

Kaodin’s gaze traveled insultingly across Chen Xia’s form.

The blatant disrespect pushed Claria past her limit.

“You insolent degenerate! To dare speak to my student in such a manner…!”

“A pity, truly. I have already pledged my absolute loyalty and being to a master. Even if that were not the case, I would never lower myself to accept a parasite like you.”

Chen Xia countered, her smile remaining blindingly bright.

In that instant, Kaodin’s demeanor turned vicious.

Kwang-!

Without a shred of restraint, Kaodin unleashed a brutal kick aimed directly at Chen Xia’s midsection.

Fzzzzzt! Hwa-rururuk-!

Simultaneously, a pair of longswords crossed cleanly against his throat, halting his momentum.

“Ha, why are the youths of this generation so entirely devoid of respect? Were you never taught to honor your predecessors?”

Kaodin, his eyes gleaming with lethal malice, glared at Selia and Duran, who held their weapons pressed firmly against his neck.

It was in that tense moment that another voice cut through the arena.

“Then, did your own kin fail to raise you properly?”

Step- Step-

Thump-

Leo stood framed in the entranceway of the training grounds, fixing a piercing, icy glare upon Kaodin.

“If it is respect as a human being you desire, cease behaving like a rabid beast and act like a human first.”