Chapter 542

Book 1 Chapter 542

542.

Lunia stepped forward after drawing a deep breath.

The attention of the Templars, as they descended from above to the solid earth, converged entirely on Lunia.

She was a stunning young woman whose scarlet hair and intense eyes looked as though they might burst into flames at any second.

Even when confronted by an immense gathering of Templars, she did not display a shred of trepidation.

Rather, she projected a genuinely dominant aura.

Staring at her, the leading woman, Layrin Conea, focused her gaze intently.

‘Is it possible that this young lady is truly Lunia El Lundoa?’

Five thousand years had slipped away since the conclusion of the Age of Calamity.

Luna Rubinance stood as the prime ancestor of the Nebula.

She was far more than just a legendary elven savior who rescued existence.

‘A multitude of elves carved their identities into the Hero Record following the premier ancestor’s decree.’

Throughout five millennia of history, a vast number of brilliant and virtuous champions trod the path she forged.

Yet across that expansive chronology, individuals who earned epithets tied to the stars were exceedingly rare.

‘However…’

The young woman standing ahead had been granted the magnificent moniker of ‘One Who Chases the Nebula’.

This was hardly a casual designation.

Any person with a shred of intellect could easily grasp what the term ‘Nebula’ signified within Lunia’s heroic title.

It served as an explicit declaration that she was formally acknowledged as Luna’s heir.

For the elven race, what could possibly be a more magnificent designation than that?

“Am I correct in assuming you are Lunia El Lundoa?”

“And what if I am?”

Lunia smirked with a touch of mockery.

Layrin’s features twitched slightly as she observed this.

She could clearly sense an overt antagonism radiating from Lunia.

“I am called Layrin Conea. I serve as the commander of the Eldun Templars.”

“Right, of course.”

Layrin continued to speak, watching Lunia give a rather discourteous reply.

“Lunia El Lundoa, I seem to detect a distinct malice directed toward me… or rather, toward our Eldun, in your expression.”

Layrin articulated this with an air of authority.

“I am fully aware that you have attained the rank of a hero. Furthermore, I know you possess a renowned title.”

Hearing those remarks, Lunia let out a soft, mocking chuckle.

Layrin’s expression soured a bit at such disrespect.

“Which means you have an even greater obligation to act as a model for others, Lunia El Lundoa.”

Templar.

This was the designation given to the elite knights serving the various elven councils.

Because these divisions were comprised solely of the absolute finest warriors from every elven territory, the authority and rank of a Templar leader were considerably grand.

‘Had this occurred a short while ago, it might have given me pause.’

But currently, Lunia remained entirely untroubled by such status.

“I witnessed the events unfolding underneath Eldun.”

Lunia sneered with icy contempt and fixed an intense stare on Layrin.

It transcended basic animosity.

She looked upon the woman standing before her with pure loathing.

The Lunia of the past would never have dared to display her inner thoughts so openly.

Yet at this moment, she laid bare her deep-seated grudge without a single reservation.

It was not merely because she held the position of student council president at Seyrun, a role equal in prestige to the heads of the elven councils.

Nor was it simply due to her status as a successor directly endorsed by Luna.

‘It is because I witnessed that perspective.’

The memory of a figure refusing to bow to wickedness flashed through her mind.

The vision of someone refusing to ignore the injustices of the world, risking absolutely everything to defend her principles.

And Luna, who never viewed such devotion as a loss.

This was the legacy Luna had passed down to succeeding generations.

And it was not unique to Luna.

There was also Belkia, who took up that very mission and sacrificed her existence for the sake of the world.

Thousands of years later, there was Seyrun, who conquered the resurgence of disaster and firmly anchored the realm.

That lineage of willpower persisted continuously until it reached her own era.

‘The world remains full of injustice.’

There are individuals who get consumed by those absurdities.

It is entirely possible that even those legendary figures, should they witness such horrors, might feel remorse for surrendering everything to preserve creation.

That was precisely why she refused to yield.

If there were monsters who trampled upon the peace the great champions fought to protect, shouldn’t there also be champions to bring retribution upon them?

It was an obligation that had to be met by anyone existing in the world saved and left behind by their magnificent forebears.

‘We are required to demonstrate it.’

That this world was genuinely worth preserving.

That their ultimate sacrifices were never meaningless.

‘Isn’t that true, Leo?’

Lunia turned her eyes toward Leo, who was currently facing Belkia.

When she had parted paths with Luna, she had promised herself a thousand times over that she would never act in a way that would bring shame to that legacy.

Glaring directly at Layrin, Lunia remarked,

“A proper model is only displayed to individuals who actually deserve to witness it.”

Lunia offered a faint, chilling smirk.

“And I am quite certain you lack that worth.”

“…”

Layrin’s lips contorted sharply upon hearing Lunia’s declaration.

“Truly, the universe is broken. How could a person who associates with crossbreeds and other lesser species manage to secure such an unmerited epithet?”

Layrin’s countenance twisted in anger as she locked eyes with Lunia’s unyielding, crimson gaze.

“Why should you be permitted to bask in such unearned prestige!”

“I am thoroughly exhausted by your baseless arguments. And now you’re showing pathetic envy on top of it?”

Lunia folded her arms and let out a scoff of pure disbelief, observing Layrin let her fury boil over.

“Is that object resting on your neck merely a piece of scenery?”

“Pardon me?”

“Use your brain for once.”

Lunia tapped her own temple, her features wrinkling in annoyance.

“You genuinely cannot comprehend why the title ‘One Who Chases the Nebula’ was bestowed upon me, or why Lady Luna favors me so? Are you truly that brainless? How did someone like you even rise to the rank of a Templar leader? Do the leaders of the Eldun Council suffer from some sort of intellectual deficiency? Ah! Seeing how you behave, your minds must be completely non-functional.”

“How dare you spout such insolent blasphemy!”

Layrin’s expression shifted drastically from flushed red to a pale, furious blue.

Eiran, who was observing the exchange from a short distance behind, stood with her jaw dropped in shock.

‘Miss Lunia is revealing her raw personality more and more.’

Back within the walls of Seyrun, Lunia would regularly let her genuine character show.

However, in formal settings, she always exerted great effort to keep herself under control.

But right now, any semblance of restraint had utterly vanished.

Lunia was no longer putting on an act.

‘Is this truly going to be alright?’

Just as Eiran was feeling a ripple of anxiety regarding the impending consequences,

“It is because I am simply better than you!”

Lunia gestured toward herself, her eyes wide with absolute conviction.

“The justification for my title as ‘One Who Chases the Nebula’! The reason Lady Luna treasures me! The underlying truth of why I was chosen as Lady Luna’s heir! Does it not all come down to the simple fact that I am superior to every single one of you?”

“You possess absolutely no modesty! To boldly proclaim yourself as Lady Luna’s chosen successor with your own mouth! Learn your proper place!”

Lunia openly mocked Layrin, who was screaming as though she were about to burst from indignation.

“Have you ever once stood in the presence of Lady Luna?”

“…”

“Have you stood shoulder-to-shoulder in combat with Lady Luna? Have you received direct instruction in the mystic arts from Lady Luna herself?”

Lunia laughed mockingly at Layrin, who remained entirely speechless.

“I can promise you this. The exact type of individuals Lady Luna would loathe above all else in this world are members of the Pureblood Society—people exactly like you.”

“Gah! I refuse to endure another word of this nonsense! I will ensure you suffer the consequences for your reckless tongue!”

“That suits me perfectly.”

Lunia held out her right hand.

Flash—!

Accompanied by a brilliant radiance, a staff materialized directly within Lunia’s grasp.

Layrin’s features turned rigid upon witnessing the weapon.

“Cometes.”

Thud—!

Lunia slammed the base of her staff firmly into the earth.

Swoosh—!

Scarlet flames erupted violently from around Lunia’s form.

Rumble—!

The deep red fire rapidly shifted into a blazing white flame.

“Because I fully intend to force you to answer for the atrocities you have carried out.”

“You honestly expect to halt the march of Eldun’s Templars entirely on your own? Such overconfidence is laughable.”

“Are you implying you stand any better chance?”

“Miss Lunia is hardly by herself.”

Clang—!

Eiran unsheathed her blade and raised her shield, moving swiftly to stand ahead of Lunia.

“Because I am right here beside her. For as long as I draw breath, not a single strand of hair on Miss Lunia’s head will be harmed.”

“You insolent children.”

Layrin’s face contorted with rage.

“Miss Lunia, Miss Eiran.”

Chen Xia addressed the two companions with a resolute tone.

“Forgive me… but would it be alright if I leave this battlefield to you?”

“What is the matter?”

Eiran appeared slightly bewildered by the request.

“I must depart immediately.”

Chen Xia squeezed the handle of her dagger tightly, casting her eyes toward Leo.

“To assist Young Master Leo and… Lady Belkia.”

Leo extended his arm.

Instantly, the blade wedged inside Ulayne’s defensive barrier tore itself free and flew back into Leo’s grip.

Ulayne smirked as he witnessed this.

“I cannot comprehend it. Is what I uttered truly worthy of such immense fury?”

Ulayne directed his attention toward Belkia.

“To be sure, that individual is a magnificent champion. A direct student of our prime ancestor, someone who mended the fractured world and delivered it to later generations… a figure well-deserving of honor.”

Ulayne shifted his eyes away from Belkia.

“However, that is the extent of it.”

Ulayne offered a slight smile.

“Despite being a pupil of the progenitor, she never mastered star magic. She undoubtedly sacrificed herself for the sake of existence, yet currently, she is nothing more than a wretched spirit controlled by the Necromancer King.”

Leo gazed at Ulayne in complete silence.

“She remains a hero that any elf ought to respect. However, whether she warrants true devotion is highly debatable.”

Upon hearing those remarks, Leo closed his eyes.

“Should you not instead feel grateful for this unexpected reunion?”

Ulayne smirked, entirely indifferent to the emotions brewing inside Leo.

“Leo Flobe, a traveler along the grand path of the Nebula. I genuinely wished to absorb knowledge from you.”

At that statement, Leo reopened his eyes.

Ulayne’s gaze was filled with apparent benevolence.

“I am fully aware that the Pureblood Society held a distaste for me.”

Ulayne chuckled at the thought.

“While I am associated with the Pureblood Society and hold pureblood supremacist beliefs… I do not mirror the typical members of that organization. Their specific doctrines do not harmonize with my own views.”

He gestured widely with both arms.

“Every individual who travels the path of the Nebula stands on equal ground. Unfortunately, the Pureblood Society clings to the flawed notion that only elves possess inherent worth. That completely contradicts Lady Luna’s true intent. Because of that, I resolved to alter my approach. I concluded that the Conea family required a transformation as well.”

His eyes glinted with the brilliance of stars.

“Every person capable of wielding star magic is an anointed individual. To consolidate their mystical arts into a single entity, hand it down to future lineages, and expand the horizons of star magic—is that not the true perspective of someone who inherits the legacy of the Nebula? For that reason, I seek to collect star sorcerers who possess varied beliefs and capabilities.”

“Cut the babble and state your actual objective. What do you intend to gain from me?”

Ulayne smiled softly, observing Leo’s profound irritation.

“I ask that you allow your divine bloodline to take root within the Conea family.”

“What did you say?”

“I am blessed with numerous daughters. I ask that you grant your favor upon them.”

“…”

Leo stared blankly at Ulayne, completely dumbfounded by the proposition.

“Even if fresh lineages are brought into existence through your favor, you will be under no pressure to fulfill any parental duties.”

Ulayne explained this with an expression that seemed entirely earnest.

“Should you have any specific inclinations, please feel perfectly free to share them. Fortunately, I possess many daughters born of diverse heritages. Every single one of them boasts exceptional beauty.”

Ulayne carried on explaining his view as though it were the most natural concept in the world.

“If it pleases you, I can present every last one of my daughters to you. Do people not often say that great champions possess a lustful nature? I do not find that phrase offensive. In fact, it is simply the natural course of things. An extraordinary specimen ought to leave behind a vast array of offspring. Is that not also a method of serving the world? It would undeniably bring a profound benefit to our household.”

Leo let out a breathy, cynical laugh.

Leo came to understand that the elf standing before him represented an entirely unique breed of pureblood supremacist, unlike any he had ever crossed paths with.

He also discerned the fundamental nature of this man.

There was no falsehood in his claim that he had sired children with various species and was prepared to offer up all the daughters resulting from those unions.

Furthermore, there were no perverted or malicious motivations buried in his chest.

He possessed only that singular, obsessive drive to forge flawless lineages of sorcerers.

He was a mage who viewed absolutely everything as a mere instrument to further the development of magic.

“You are completely insane.”

Despite the insult, Ulayne merely kept up his gentle smile.

“That may very well be true. Those who have yet to grasp the grand scope of what is possible might easily misinterpret me as a lunatic.”

With those words, Ulayne reached out his hand.

“On that note, allow me to demonstrate boundless potential to you.”

Hummmm—

A glowing mystic circle manifested directly upon Ulayne’s open palm.

Hummmm—!

Ulayne’s reservoir of magical energy swelled significantly.

Leo’s gaze narrowed sharply as he tracked the phenomenon.

An incredibly massive pressure of magical force was radiating from Ulayne.

It was not merely an immense volume of power.

‘He has undeniably broken past his natural constraints. It is almost as if he is drawing magical energy from an external source…’

Realizing this, Leo concentrated his vision downward toward the floor.

“You absolute wretch.”

A fierce grinding of teeth sounded from Leo’s mouth.

Rumble—!

The intricate magic arrays of Terminus reached completion.

Ulayne shifted his focus over to Belkia.

“To begin, I shall liberate this sorrowful spirit who continues to fight back.”

Flash—!

A torrential beam of light plunged directly toward Belkia.

In that exact instant.

Boom-boom-boom-boom-boom-crash—!

Leo’s concentrated blade energy sliced violently through the air toward Ulayne.

Catching sight of the sudden, lethal strike, Ulayne rapidly invoked a blink spell to teleport out of the path of Leo’s counterattack.

Consequently, the Terminus, stripped of its intended path, detonated violently without ever reaching Belkia.

Belkia, swept up by the shockwave of the detonation, was sent crashing a great distance away.

Even if she had taken the full brunt of Terminus, Belkia would not have been obliterated or completely neutralized.

Nevertheless, with a spell as devastating as Terminus, a significant physical impact was completely unavoidable.

Leo found the entire scenario completely intolerable.

The idea of the creature before him inflicting harm upon Belkia.

Ulayne questioned him, seemingly entirely baffled by his actions.

“I am fully aware of the reverence you hold for Lady Belkia. However, she is nothing more than an undead entity. She is an adversary that ought to be vanquished alongside me. Pray tell, why exactly are you interfering like this?”

“You mentioned earlier that you have many daughters, correct?”

“Indeed, I do.”

“How would you react if I informed you that I am going to slaughter your daughters?”

“I would simply inquire as to your reasoning.”

Ulayne replied, maintaining an air of gentle patience.

“And if your motivation proves logical, I will accept it completely.”

“In that case, you will never comprehend it,”

Leo stated with freezing detachment.

“The exact reason I am going to end your life.”