Chapter 521

“Are you Leo Flovro?”

Kaodin observed Leo with a mocking grin stretching across his lips.

“Are you even aware that your mother and I were classmates before you run your mouth with such garbage?”

“And what if you went to school with my mother? Does that make behaving like an absolute degenerate acceptable?”

“Reina truly did a miserable job raising her child. If she stepped down without achieving anything of worth, she should have at least taught her child some manners. It appears you require some discipline, don’t you?”

“Indeed. I would love to discipline you, but your standard is far too pathetic for me to bother teaching.”

Leo shot back against Kaodin’s goading with a harsh sneer.

Upon hearing Leo, Kaodin’s countenance shifted entirely.

His expression twisted into a look that suggested he might lung at Leo at any second.

Right at that moment.

“Whoa.”

Chen Xia, who had taken the brunt of Kaodin’s assault and been sent tumbling backwards, rose to her feet with ease.

“My brand-new tailored uniform is completely ruined.”

Observing her unbothered attitude, Kaodin’s eyes twitched with irritation.

‘She barely took any damage?’

While Kaodin had completed his studies in the Knight Department, his specialty lay in the archer class.

When measured against other knight classes who excelled in close-quarters combat, the strike of his physical blows was considerably weaker.

However, that comparison was only valid by the metrics of a hero.

The force behind his strike was still immense enough that an ordinary student would find it nearly impossible to withstand.

Even so, Chen Xia stepped forward completely unfazed.

“I’ll handle this opponent. This shouldn’t concern either of you, right?”

“Why wouldn’t it involve me? This piece of trash dared to disrespect my cousin and aunt. There is no way I can let this slide. Duran. You have no stakes in this matter, so back away.”

“Stop dictating what I should do.”

“These miserable brats completely forget their place. Simply because society labels you the Golden Generation, you have completely lost your sense of reality!”

Crack-!

Vibrant crimson lightning exploded outward from Kaodin’s frame.

An manifestation of aura emission.

Boom, crash!

Chen Xia and Celia retreated with immense speed, slipping outside the trajectory of Kaodin’s strike.

“One of them failed to retreat in time. This is precisely why you ought to choose your adversaries with more caution…”

Sizzle-!

“Is this truly the extent of the aura that a self-proclaimed hero can muster?”

A longsword enveloped in brilliant golden lightning flashed through the air.

Roar-!

Weaving a tapestry of golden radiance, Duran’s blade tore straight toward Kaodin’s throat.

Catching sight of the incoming strike, Kaodin panicked and instantly executed Aura Step to evade Duran’s blade.

Precisely then.

“Consider this retribution.”

Boom-!

“Gah!”

Chen Xia, who had closed the distance in a mere blink, offered a smirk as she buried her boot directly into Kaodin’s midsection.

In stark contrast to her polite choice of words, the sheer force of the impact was devastating.

As Kaodin’s torso bent violently at a sharp angle and his face plummeted toward the stone floor.

A rapier, remaining firmly within its scabbard, lunged directly into Kaodin’s visage as he hurtled toward the ground.

Crack-!

“Argh?!”

He exerted every ounce of his strength to shield his form with Aura Armor.

Even so, Celia’s piercing strike shredded right through the Aura Armor.

The impact was lessened enough to avert a lethal wound, but the bridge of his nose shattered completely, and he was sent flying backwards.

“You miserable scum!”

Crash, bang!

Kaodin, his eyes bulging with rage, unleashed his aura once more.

A tempest of aura erupted, far more intense than his previous display.

Yet, prior to the tempest reaching them, the trio had already widened the gap between them.

“You absolute bastards!”

Cradling his shattered, bloody nose, Kaodin radiated a terrifying wave of murderous intent.

Iliana witnessed the display and drew in a sharp breath.

“Even with the three of them combined, is it truly feasible to overwhelm a Knight-class hero so thoroughly?”

“It is entirely feasible.”

Claria offered a composed response.

“Those three possess capabilities that even individuals who have entered the threshold of heroes cannot afford to treat lightly. Facing opponents of that caliber, that degenerate… rather, Sir Kaodin acted with extreme arrogance. It is hardly surprising that he was cornered into such a defensive predicament.”

The trio executed their movements with flawless precision, relentlessly crowding Kaodin.

“When confronting multiple adversaries simultaneously, the moment you lose your footing, it becomes nearly impossible to reclaim the upper hand. Furthermore…”

“Not every member of the Knight class possesses identical capabilities.”

Leo remarked, keeping a close eye on the movements of the three.

“One can easily deduce how that man conducts himself on a battlefield simply by observing the women he commands.”

Leo shifted his gaze toward Kaodin’s knights, who currently appeared utterly bewildered.

“They constitute his personal order, do they not?”

“Precisely, Student Leo. They are recognized as the Valkyries. A military unit dedicated entirely to defensive maneuvers and stalling adversaries. You identified them instantly.”

“It is painfully obvious just from a glance.”

“Wait, what? What do you mean, Class Rep?”

As Iliana questioned him with a perplexed expression, Leo let out a soft sigh.

“Iliana. You would achieve strength at a much faster rate if you dedicated yourself to scrutinizing your adversaries and devising tactical responses.”

“Ugh.”

“What do you imagine occurs when a hero specializing in high-output offensive magic, accustomed to being shielded by a vanguard, is ambushed at close quarters by high-tier knights?”

“Well, they would obviously be crushed.”

“The exact same logic applies here. That individual belongs to the Knight class, yet his combat history mimics that of a pure spellcaster. Consequently, his capacity to manage chaotic melee engagements is utterly dreadful.”

“Ah!”

Iliana gave a firm nod, finally grasping the concept.

“How did an individual like that manage to attain the status of a Hero anyway?”

‘The cosmos is filled with higher powers possessing atrocious tastes, it seems.’

Leo scowled slightly.

“Valkyries! For what reason are you standing idly by instead of shielding me!”

Right at that moment, Kaodin’s frantic command echoed out.

Prompted by his voice, the Valkyries moved with desperate haste to form a protective barrier around Kaodin.

“You wretched worms…! I will ensure you pay dearly for this!”

Thud-!

Kaodin manifested a tear in sub-space and withdrew a bow pulsing with immense magical energy.

Watching Kaodin’s actions, Duran focused his gaze and narrowed his eyes.

“Observing specimens of this caliber ascending to the status of heroes… it truly makes me question if the divine authorities possess any judgment at all.”

“For once, our sentiments align. I am beginning to experience a profound sense of disillusionment regarding heroes.”

Celia let out a quiet sigh.

“You insolent pests! Do you possess any inkling of my identity? How dare you level insults at me! Your lineages will suffer the consequences as well…”

“I generally prefer not to flaunt family status, but is the house of Jerdinger not a bit too massive for someone of your pathetic stature to threaten? And what about your prospects?”

Celia countered with an expression of pure apathy, then shifted her gaze toward Duran, who let out a mocking chuckle of his own.

“An intriguing proposition. Are you planning to initiate a conflict against the Moira Kingdom?”

“I have no desire to create a massive scene on academy grounds, but should you wish for it, I can gladly demonstrate the overwhelming might of the Shan Empire.”

Faced with the immense political power backing the three, Kaodin was instantly rendered speechless.

“Your coordination was rather impressive, wasn’t it? Despite the constant bickering every single day, comrades are still comrades.”

Right then, Leo stepped out from behind the group of three.

“Who are you calling comrades? Leo Flovro.”

“I have never aligned myself with anyone possessing such a volatile temperament, Leo.”

“Come now, companions ought to maintain a harmonious relationship.”

While Duran and Celia reacted with sharp irritation, Chen Xia offered a gentle smile and stepped in to defuse the tension.

“They naturally would.”

Leo offered a quiet laugh, while Duran gave a dismissive snort, sliding his blade back into its scabbard and folding his arms tightly.

Celia and Chen Xia similarly dissolved their combat auras.

Step-

“You certainly cut quite a magnificent figure getting thoroughly thrashed by your own subordinates, didn’t you?”

“You insolent piece of trash!”

Kaodin, his fury reignited by Leo’s mocking words, drew back his bowstring with immense force.

Sizzle-!

“Die!”

With a frantic bellow, he loosed the string, sending a bolt of crimson lightning hurtling directly at Leo.

Smack-!

Leo reached out and caught the approaching projectile in his bare palm.

Sizzle-!

“…!”

Kaodin, witnessing his strike neutralized with such effortless ease, stared with wide, shocked eyes.

Crackle-!

As Leo constricted his fingers, the lightning bolt shattered into fragments before evaporating entirely.

Every single observer in the vicinity watched the display, their eyes wide with astonishment.

Leo began to walk forward with measured steps toward Kaodin.

“Block him! Intercept that individual!”

Kaodin, panicked by the approach, screamed orders at the Valkyries.

Observing this reaction, Leo casually raised his hand.

Whoosh! Crash!

“Gasp?”

“Wh-what is the meaning of this…!”

The shadows cast by the Valkyries suddenly came alive, twisting upward to bind and immobilize the knights themselves.

It was the signature magic of Licinus.

“Underhanded sorcery…!”

“Such words carry very little weight coming from someone who skulks in safety to discharge projectiles from a distance.”

Leo advanced, a mocking sneer gracing his features.

Faced with Leo’s approach, Kaodin frantically strained to haul back his bowstring once more.

Rumble-!

An overwhelming wave of murderous intent erupted from Leo’s form.

Thud-!

Kaodin, absorbing the full brunt of the suffocating bloodlust, lost his grip and dropped his weapon.

Clatter-

Kaodin’s pale face began to twitch violently.

Witnessing this, Leo directed his gaze toward the heavens and slightly narrowed his eyes.

“Do you truly consider this creature to be a hero as well?”

“Do not insult me! I am a legitimate hero chosen through divine selection! You possess absolutely no authority to challenge my legitimacy as a hero…!”

“Drop to your knees.”

Crack-!

“Aaaagh!”

Leo delivered a swift kick directly to Kaodin’s lower leg.

Kaodin, his leg bone fracturing instantly, crashed heavily onto the ground.

“To be fair, I possess no inherent right to challenge anyone’s legitimacy as a hero.”

Leo remarked, placing his boot firmly onto Kaodin’s skull.

“But that exception certainly does not extend to someone like you.”

Press-!

“Aaaaaargh!”

Kaodin shrieked in agony under the immense force threatening to crush his skull.

Observing the scene, a handful of second-year students drew in sharp, frightened breaths.

“I preferred to remain a mere spectator if at all possible. It invariably creates an excess of complications whenever I choose to step in.”

He was fully aware of the influence his words carried, yet he harbored no desire to exploit it needlessly.

“However, when individuals of your despicable nature are granted the title of hero, then the figures who genuinely sacrificed everything for the sake of this world are reduced to a complete mockery.”

“Gah- Gah-”

As Leo’s suffocating bloodlust grew more intense, Kaodin found himself utterly incapable of drawing breath.

His frame convulsed as though undergoing a medical episode, his voice gasping out as he neared the point of asphyxiation.

‘I am going to perish! I am truly going to lose my life here!’

Kaodin was gripped by absolute terror.

“Have mercy, have mercy… grant me mercy…!”

“If you are seeking absolution, direct your pleas to Chen Xia. You lack the worth to even offer her an insult.”

“Mercy… Ghhh-!”

Kaodin’s eyes rolled back into his head as his body went completely limp.

Leo, his expression remaining entirely blank, directed his words toward the bound Valkyries.

“Remove him from my sight.”

Prompted by his command, the Valkyries frantically gathered Kaodin’s unconscious form and retreated in haste.

Leo then turned to address Chen Xia, who was making her way toward him.

“My intention was to force a proper apology out of him for your sake.”

“Do not trouble yourself. My mood would not experience the slightest improvement even if I were to obtain an apology from a creature of that nature.”

Chen Xia offered a gentle smile.

Right then, Duran, who had been silently monitoring the unfolding events, finally spoke up.

“Leo Flovro. There is a matter I wish to inquire about.”

“It is quite rare for you to express an interest in asking me anything, isn’t it?”

“What constitutes your version of an ideal hero?”

“…?”

Confronted by Duran’s inquiry, Leo wore a look of genuine confusion.

“What prompts such a question?”

“The motivations for pursuing the path of a hero vary wildly from person to person. Consequently, the specific archetype of a hero they aspire to embody differs as well.”

Duran pursued the path of a hero because he possessed an insatiable craving for raw power.

In Celia’s scenario, it was driven by a desire to elevate the prestige of her lineage.

As for Chen Xia, she harbored aspirations of becoming a hero to extend aid to countless individuals.

Each individual harbored unique motivations, meaning their targeted trajectories were entirely distinct.

“Yet, from the very beginning, you displayed zero fascination with the title of a hero itself.”

“Is that truly how it appeared to you?”

“Indeed, and yet your actions were more profoundly heroic than anyone else’s.”

Upon hearing Duran’s admission, everyone present, Leo included, felt a wave of astonishment.

It marked the very first occasion where the fiercely independent Duran had so transparently validated Leo’s character.

“You held the capability to transform impossible scenarios into reality. As a protector, you behaved with honor and never hesitated to extend a hand to those in distress. It is as though you were custom-built to be a hero.”

Duran fixed his gaze directly into Leo’s eyes.

“And on this day, bearing witness to a completely unheroic entity, you experienced a greater sense of indignation than anyone else. For that reason, I desired to ask. What is the supreme archetype of a hero that you keep in mind?”

“That is a complicated question, I have honestly never given it any formal thought.”

Leo, who had sunk into genuine reflection, finally initiated his response.

“An individual capable of summoning bravery on behalf of others. An individual who willingly volunteers to serve as a protective barrier for others. An individual capable of radiating brilliance regardless of the grimness of the circumstances.”

Evoking the memories of Arion, Dweno, and Luna, Leo articulated his thoughts with deliberate care.

“An individual who possesses the power to transmute absolute hopelessness into renewed optimism. That represents the supreme archetype of a hero in my mind.”

“My word, that description perfectly encapsulates Young Master Leo.”

“Not in the slightest.”

“For what reason? It matches Young Master Leo flawlessly.”

“I merely managed to avoid surrendering because I was surrounded by individuals of that exact caliber.”

“Even so, that remains incredibly remarkable.”

Chen Xia expressed a look of mild dissatisfaction.

“Regardless, for what reason are you pursuing this inquiry?”

“I merely asked because I intend to forge a path as a hero that stands entirely distinct from your own.”

Duran harbored no intention of abandoning his pursuit of overtaking Leo.

Perhaps, or rather, it was entirely possible he might never bridge the gap even if he dedicated his entire existence to the chase.

Even with that reality, he had absolutely no intention of conceding.

‘Even so, I find myself averse to embodying the specific heroic ideal that he strives toward.’

It was a peculiar spark of defiance that caused him to square his shoulders, refusing to completely replicate the footprints of another individual.

‘To my mind, a hero is fundamentally someone who refuses to yield.’

He recalled the initial dialogue he had shared with Leo.

‘Indeed, never surrender. Dedicating myself to that principle sounds like a worthy endeavor.’

Duran cast his gaze down toward his own palm, then shifted his eyes back to Leo to deliver his declaration.

“I will never abandon my quest to eclipse you. Leo Flovro.”

Hearing those specific words, Leo’s eyes widened to a small degree.

“Is something amiss?”

“No, it is just that your words strongly evoke the memory of a certain individual.”

“Who might that be?”

‘If I reveal that he shares traits with me, he will undoubtedly throw another massive tantrum.’

“Kiel, the Hero of Beginnings.”

At the mention of that name, Chen Xia’s eyes widened significantly, her gaze darting rapidly between Leo and Duran.

Whether he registered her sudden change in demeanor or not, Duran simply dismissed it with a snort.

“You speak with the confidence of someone who possessed personal acquaintance with Kiel, the Hero of Beginnings.”

“I received information regarding him from Lady Luna.”

Upon hearing that, Duran’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Very well, let us reconvene with our training session.”

Claria stepped forward to re-establish order.

In the meantime, Duran drifted over toward Chen Xia’s position.

“You didn’t suffer any actual harm from an assault that pathetic, did you?”

The phrasing carried an air of arrogance, yet it represented Duran’s personal method of communicating concern.

Chen Xia directed her gaze upward toward Duran, her expression carrying a hint of a pout.

“What is the reason behind that particular look?”

“Are you experiencing a sense of satisfaction? Hearing Young Master Leo claim that you bear a resemblance to the Hero of Beginnings.”

“Are you seriously displaying envy at this moment? I am highly doubtful this is a matter worth being envious over.”

“Hmph!”

Chen Xia offered a haughty response and swiftly turned her back to him.

Observing Chen Xia’s departure, Duran was left with nothing but a thoroughly bewildered expression.