Chapter 561

“Incredible…”

“Simply stunning!”

Chelsea and Ar wandered down the avenue, their gazes filled with wonder.

Leaving the gates of Dragonia behind them, they advanced down the central highway that ran forward in a straight line.

Standing alongside this pathway were numerous temples.

These structures had been erected to revere primordial deities five millennia past; they currently stood vacant, devoid of any draconic inhabitants.

The actual dwellings of the dragons were located within their primary sector, which could be spotted far off on the horizon.

This central heart of Dragonia, the grand dragon metropolis, exuded an aura far more enigmatic than the buildings crafted by any other species.

Over the course of five thousand years, the world had experienced innumerable shifts.

Throughout those eras, distinct societies flourished and evolved into what existed now.

Every race possessed its own inherent nature.

Humanity strove for constant innovation.

The Elves cherished unity and balance.

The Beast-folk held steadfastly to ancient customs.

The Dwarves prioritized practicality and productivity.

Consequently, the civilizations of these four distinct lineages had branched out down completely unique paths.

Nevertheless, numerous parallels could still be observed across their varying societies.

The underlying cause for these shared elements, despite the contrasting temperaments and traits of the four peoples, was quite straightforward.

‘Gadstron.’

Every single one of the four cultures traced its origins back to Gadstron.

The modern era was constructed upon the remnants of a world obliterated by fire during the Age of Calamity.

As a result, the vast majority of historical traditions belonging to each individual group had been wiped out.

Ultimately, the surviving populations converged within the final remaining sanctuary, causing their heritages to intertwine.

Once the Age of Calamity drew to a close, the pure, unblemished traits of each lineage blurred, giving rise to hybridized traditions that each group shaped over time.

Yet, a single race remained entirely separate from this cultural synthesis: the dragons.

“I’ve been told that dragons still preserve the way of life from the Age of Gods, and witnessing this firsthand makes it perfectly clear,” Chelsea remarked, letting out gasps of pure awe.

Because the literal bedrock of their society was so unique, their building styles were entirely unparalleled.

Just at that moment, a sudden sound echoed.

Whoosh!

A trio of dragons soared right over the path.

A powerful gust swept through, whipping their hair around.

“Leo oppa! Look up there! Actual dragons!”

“Wow! Black Rabbit! Check that out! That is so awesome!”

Both Chelsea and Ar grabbed Leo from either side, shaking him with boundless energy.

The pair of young girls were completely captivated by the synchronized flight of the massive beasts.

“Oh?”

Even Dorbeman, a senior in his fifth year at Azonia, looked quite fascinated by the spectacle, a spark igniting in his gaze.

“They appear formidable.”

Driven by an innate urge to test his might, he directed a question toward Leo.

“Leo, you’ve supposedly been through quite a lot. Have you ever engaged a dragon in combat?”

Engaged them? I have clashed with them on numerous occasions. And against the most powerful dragon to ever live, no less.

Some battles were merely for practice, while others occurred because his foe had completely lost their temper.

Naturally, he could not share that truth out loud.

Clashing with a dragon was an exceptionally rare occurrence in the present day.

“No, I never have,” Leo replied.

“I see,” Dorbeman noted.

Dorbeman squeezed his hands into tight fists before releasing them, tilting his head toward the heavens as he muttered to himself.

“They have to be incredibly powerful, don’t they? They would undoubtedly make phenomenal opponents.”

Upon hearing his quiet words, Chelsea and Ar instantly froze, cutting short their enthusiastic cheers.

“Dorbeman sunbae, I’m merely checking to be absolutely certain… You aren’t seriously contemplating challenging a dragon just because we stepped foot inside Dragonia, right? Tell me that isn’t crossing your mind.”

“But it completely is.”

“Get that thought out of your head! You absolute battle maniac whose entire brain is occupied by fighting, argh!”

Ar lunged forward, clutching Dorbeman’s collar and violently rattling him back and forth.

Such actions were hardly respectful coming from an underclassman to an upperclassman, yet Dorbeman remained entirely unfazed.

“Hmm. Your forearms always seem so incredibly thin and fragile.”

On the contrary, he scrutinized Ar’s limb with a deeply critical expression.

“Ar, you are destined to take my place as the esteemed student council president of Azonia. I have reminded you countless times that with such a slight build, you will never be able to command the unruly beast-folk of Azonia.”

“I am pretty sure those mindless brutes who believe raw strength solves everything have already learned their lesson the hard way.”

Catching the exchange, Chelsea tilted her head in curiosity.

“Ar, are you really the upcoming student council president for Azonia?”

“Hmph, you better believe it, little one,” Ar boasted.

Ar’s dismissive response immediately irked Chelsea.

Disregarding whether her words were actively aggravating her companion, the self-satisfied Ar pressed on with her self-praise.

“True authority has absolutely nothing to do with physical stature! Observe this sleek, refined frame! It may appear slight at a casual glance, but a savage primal instinct rests deep inside! I am telling you, there is nothing weak about me!”

Restructuring her stance, Ar pressed her hands against her waist and confidently threw out her chest.

Chelsea narrowed her eyes, observing her closely.

“What? What are you staring at?” Ar questioned, narrowing her gaze in return.

Chelsea merely chuckled softly, “Heh.”

“You look completely helpless, just like a toddler.”

“You disrespectful brat!”

“Who are you calling a brat? You’re even smaller than one.”

Infuriated, Ar lunged forward to seize Chelsea, but the younger girl merely flashed her tongue and darted away in a flash.

Just as Ar’s eyes widened and she prepared to pursue her taunter—

Thud!

“Yeeek?!”

Leo firmly grabbed hold of Ar’s tail.

“I have warned you repeatedly! Do not! Ever! Tug! My tail, argh!”

Her face burning red, Ar yanked against the grip on her tail, desperately trying to tear herself away from Leo’s hand.

“If you are stepping up to lead the student council, shouldn’t you behave with a bit more decorum?”

“Ugh…”

Answering with a flinch from his reprimand, Ar nodded.

“Fine, Black Rabbit.”

“Fascinating. An incredibly commanding aura you have there, to make Ar fall in line so easily,” Dorbeman observed as he retrieved a small object from his coat and tossed it into his mouth.

Noticing this, Chelsea inquired, “What exactly is that?”

“A specialized meat designed to enhance muscle development. Care for a piece?”

Chelsea leaned closer to sniff the portion of meat Dorbeman held out, only to promptly shake her head in disgust.

“No thank you.”

“Hmph. Refusing proper sustenance will ensure you remain short forever.”

Is making casually blunt remarks without any real ill intent a unique trait of Azonia’s students?

Chelsea pondered this question with deep concentration.

“Setting that aside, exactly when did you secure the position of Azonia’s upcoming student council president?”

“I emerged victorious in the Festival of Strife not long ago!” Ar proudly declared with a sharp huff, “Hmph-!”

The Festival of Strife—an annual grand contest organized to identify the single most powerful warrior in Azonia.

It was a long-standing custom of their academy to crown the lone remaining fighter at the conclusion of a massive, chaotic battle royale.

The victor of this brutal trial automatically claimed the mantle of the next student council president for Azonia.

“Every single person is allowed to enter the Festival of Strife! The opportunity to prove oneself as the apex student is available to all! Naturally, it is incredibly unheard of for anyone below the fifth year to actually claim the title!”

“That is truly incredible!”

As Leo offered his praise, Ar’s ears instantly twitched upward and her tail began to swing happily.

However, she quickly caught herself and shook her head back and forth with great intensity.

“No! This is merely the beginning!” Ar stated, her expression hardening with resolve.

“I cannot afford to grow complacent over a minor achievement like this. My ultimate goal is to reach the exact same heights that Arion-nim once occupied! I must continue training relentlessly so that Arion-nim can look upon me with peace of mind.”

Hearing her speak, Leo cast his eyes down toward the weapon secured at Ar’s side.

It was the shattered remains of Braver, the blade Arion had entrusted to her during his descent into their current realm.

It was left behind as a prize of conquest.

Even though he hadn’t fully cleared Arion’s domain, the warrior had deeply wished to bequeath this specific weapon to Ar.

The sword that Dweno had gifted him, which always gave him courage.

Although it was practically reduced to a shattered fragment of metal at this point, its profound sentimental worth far surpassed any worldly fortune.

That blade embodies the true essence of Arion’s bravery.

Even though only a handful of months had slipped by since their previous encounter, Ar’s growth was undeniable.

“Arion would undoubtedly feel immense pride if he could witness your progress right now.”

“I still have a long way to go,” Ar muttered, turning her gaze away with a dismissive gesture, though she failed to completely suppress the grin tugging at her lips.

Given her love for validation, Leo’s words of encouragement had left her utterly overjoyed.

“But obviously! I secured the title of president entirely through my own capabilities! I’m nothing like that coddled delinquent from Seirun!”

Adopting a haughty posture, Ar crossed her arms over her chest and held her chin high.

“Black Rabbit, surely you agree with me…”

Whack!

“Who exactly are you referring to as a coddled delinquent, you dim-witted feline?”

A sudden kick arrived from the rear, unceremoniously striking Ar square in her spine.

Lunia stood there, her eyes narrowed in an annoyed scowl as she stared down Ar.

“Ah, you’ve made it?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Lunia offered a quick nod in response to Leo’s greeting, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face.

“Lunia, we are currently surrounded by an immense population of dragons. In your capacity as the student council president of Seirun, you ought to conduct yourself with appropriate dignity.”

Hardin, serving as the vice student council president of Seirun, stood positioned directly behind her as he nudged his spectacles further up his nose to良admonish her.

“Right, right, whatever you say.”

Although her acknowledgment was entirely dismissive, Lunia immediately corrected her posture and adopted a serene, flawless grin.

Chelsea looked on in absolute astonishment at how rapidly Lunia managed to shift her demeanor into that of a model, exemplary elven student.

“It appears Seirun’s student council president is refining her theatrical skills by the day, isn’t she?”

“I appreciate the praise.”

Maintaining her pleasant smile, Lunia slightly tilted her head to the side.

“Is the representative from Damian the only member of our group who hasn’t shown up yet?”

Hearing this, Leo shifted his gaze toward the ground beneath them.

“Damian has actually already arrived.”

“What?”

In that exact instant, the earth began to tremor, and an unexpected figure breached the surface.

Without warning, a head popped straight out of the dirt, causing Lunia, Ar, and Chelsea to cry out in surprise as they jumped backward.

The intruder was a dwarf woman sporting a pair of protective goggles.

“Ah. Dorbeman, Hardin… and Leo, correct? Ah, and even Lunia, the president from Seirun. It is wonderful to reunite with everyone after such a long period apart.”

Thud, thud.

Clambering completely free from the subterranean opening, the dwarf hauled her mining tool up onto her shoulder.

“Wow.”

“President of Damian! What on earth were you trying to accomplish down there?!”

Once her racing heart settled, Ar demanded an explanation with a thoroughly bewildered look, prompting Marigold, the head of Damian’s student council, to answer with absolute earnestness.

“For any dedicated miner, analyzing the subterranean traits of an unfamiliar territory is simply standard procedure, wouldn’t you agree?”

“It appears you have completely failed to outgrow that peculiar tendency of yours, Marigold,” Dorbeman observed.

Brushing off his comment, Marigold reached into her clothing and pulled out an unrefined mineral the size of a fist, presenting it triumphantly.

“Be that as it may, feast your eyes on this. I managed to locate a highly uncommon gemstone, didn’t I?”

“I had heard rumors that Damian’s student council leader was somewhat unconventional, but I never imagined it would be to this extent,” Chelsea murmured under her breath.

Lunia let out a weary sigh at Chelsea’s commentary.

“Damian actually has an even more bizarre individual accompanying her. Has Dryana not shown up yet?”

“Dryana is right over there. I had her tag along given that she is currently a frontrunner to take over as the upcoming student council president.”

Marigold extended her arm, gesturing toward the opposite edge of the thoroughfare.

Quite some distance away, a young dwarf girl could be seen meticulously drawing the structural designs of the draconic buildings.

Leo made his way over to Dryana’s position.

“What exactly are you working on?”

“Oh! Leo! It has been ages!”

Dryana flashed a beaming smile as she scrambled to her feet.

“To be honest, I made it here around daybreak. But witnessing the majestic buildings of the dragons with my own eyes sparked an incredible wave of creativity within me! So, I started capturing it in my sketchbook!”

At present, they were standing on the avenue that linked the outer gates of Dragonia to its central settlement.

Although countless shrines littered the landscape, they had long been abandoned.

If one truly wished to interact with the draconic inhabitants, they needed to journey all the way to the central settlement, and this spot sat right along the route.

Yet these two youths, acting as delegates for Damian, had shown up at first light and completely ignored the central destination in favor of excavating underground shafts and drawing artwork.

“She is truly one of a kind, just as I thought.”

“You can say that again.”

Lunia and Ar sighed in unison, shaking their heads.

“I hardly think I should be lectured by a violent elven ruffian and a brainless feline,” Dryana remarked.

“Excuse me? Did you just refer to me as a ruffian?”

“Who are you calling brainless?! You twisted little dwarf!”

Both Lunia and Ar bared their teeth, growling menacingly.

Chelsea, who had been closely watching the trio immediately devolve into a petty argument the moment they crossed paths, turned to address the senior leaders from the opposing institutions.

“Don’t you feel even a little bit anxious about leaving the future of your student councils in the hands of those three?”

Confronted with her blunt inquiry, the trio of current student council presidents fell into a helpless, quiet stillness.

In truth, these three underclassmen were undeniably among the most gifted prodigies ever to walk the halls of the Hero Academy.

As such, they were individuals whom anyone could proudly showcase to the world without a single shred of embarrassment.