Chapter 562

“Honestly, it’s just breathtaking.”

Driana spoke up with genuine praise, capturing the grand vista of Dragonia’s heartland rolling out before her eyes.

At that moment, the delegation from the Hero Academy had congregated upon a soaring tower situated at the absolute center of Dragonia’s primary domain.

This structure, called the Tower of Wisdom, offered an unobstructed view across the entirety of Dragonia.

Observing Driana thoroughly absorbed in her illustrations, completely enchanted by the magnificent view, Lunia muttered,

“Is there really any point to that?”

“What do you mean by that?”

When Leo questioned her with a look of confusion, Lunia clarified,

“I recognize that Driana possesses incredible talent as a blacksmith. Every piece of gear I obtained from her after signing our exclusive crafting agreement has been exceptional.”

Armaments, by their very nature, are bound to degrade.

It does not matter how masterful a blacksmith’s creations are.

Even the fabled relics wielded by legendary champions rapidly deteriorate if they are denied proper upkeep.

Furthermore, regardless of how painstakingly they are maintained, they will eventually succumb to wear and tear over time.

This is precisely why the ancient heirlooms of distinguished heroic lineages are frequently kept in storage rather than brought into battle.

Though they are potent treasures brimming with vast energy, reckless utilization would ensure those ancestral items would not endure.

Dwenno, celebrated as the Blacksmith of the Gods and the artisan behind the divine weapons in existence today, was remarkable because he defied that conventional reality.

Dwenno’s creations, provided they received basic care, would rapidly revert to pristine condition.

Short of being shattered entirely, even if they suffered chips and severe damage, they would quickly recover their pristine state.

Naturally, this did not render them completely indestructible.

Artisans capable of repairing divine weapons were exceptionally scarce, and the imitations acquired as triumph accolades within Hero’s Record lacked that inherent self-healing property found in the authentic versions.

For this reason, Lunia, Eiran, and Arr, despite securing Dwenno’s divine weapons as triumph accolades within Dwenno’s realm, refrained from deploying them casually.

They were, in the most literal sense, ultimate trump cards reserved exclusively for critical conflicts.

The situation was identical for everyone else.

‘If the Resolute Damian hadn’t existed, the surviving creations of Dwenno would be far scarcer than they are today.’

Damian reconditioned numerous relics of Dwenno back to pristine status, passing them down through the generations.

Because of his efforts, a great number of divine weapons endured into the present day.

Even those who wielded divine weapons operated under these constraints.

Consequently, the pupils of the Hero Academy formed alliances with Damian’s craftsmen and nurtured those bonds.

The survival of prospective heroes frequently hinged on whether they could align themselves with an exceptional artisan here.

In that regard, Driana was an invaluable ally.

She consistently provided vital gear boasting magnificent capabilities.

If nothing else, as a forge-master, Driana was an absolute prodigy.

On the other hand.

“Her artistic capabilities are an absolute disaster.”

“I never anticipated uttering these words, but it must be said. Do not refer to that person as an artist. It insults the very concept of creativity.”

Dwenno likely would have flown into a rage had he witnessed this.

‘Creativity? Did you truly label that abomination as art? Step forward. Step right up here and place your head on this anvil. I shall personally shatter it with my mallet until it cracks. And then I will realign the thoughts inside.’

The vision of him, eyes wide with fury, wildly brandishing a forging mallet, remained vivid in their recollections.

The vanguard’s dependable protector and senior figure.

And as a counselor, Dwenno maintained his composure normally, but regarding creative pursuits, he was utterly hopeless.

He openly declared himself the ultimate creator and a devotee of aesthetic perfection.

‘To be fair, he genuinely excelled as a creator.’

Leo possessed little understanding of creative arts.

In his previous incarnation, his existence was entirely detached from such endeavors, and following his rebirth, though he entered a noble lineage, he paid it little mind.

Even so, he could recognize that Dwenno was truly exceptional in his craft.

Though they mocked him as an eccentric, whenever Leo and Arion viewed Dwenno’s creations, they were undeniably magnificent.

The same held true according to Lishinas and Luna.

Even within this current age of advanced and flourishing civilization, they had never encountered anything as exquisite as the masterpieces Dwenno forged in days gone by.

‘It really is a tragedy.’

The legacy Dwenno truly desired to grant future generations consisted of gorgeous masterworks, not instruments designed to claim lives.

‘In this current age, armaments take precedence over all else. We are forced to contend with adversaries. It is equally true that powerful armaments are required for our preservation.’

The memory of Dwenno shaping blocks of stone, striking them with mallet and chisel, surfaced in his thoughts.

‘Yet if we reclaim this realm, the weapons I leave behind will inevitably turn into perilous implements that bring us harm. I do not mean to grieve over that. Such is the destiny of armaments. Therefore, even throughout this bleak epoch, I wish to convey to posterity that elegance existed. Is it not far too grim to pass down nothing but weaponry, fighting to endure within a dark age? It holds far greater worth to signal to those who follow that splendor was real.’

Among the illustrious champions, Dwenno was undoubtedly the individual who harbored the deepest sorrow regarding the current era.

Lishinas, who directed the realm toward deliverance.

Luna, who altered countless hopeless plights into optimism through sorcery.

Arion, who brought forth innumerable wonders through sheer bravery.

Kyle, who currently, as the final surviving figure, heralded the dawn of a fresh epoch.

And finally.

Dwenno was merely recalled as the artisan of the divine weapons that permitted those feats to occur.

The modern world possessed ample beauty.

Yet there was not a single soul who remembered Dwenno as the creator who surrendered his life to that aesthetic perfection…

It was right as Leo offered a slightly sorrowful smirk.

Arr, who had been observing their exchange, abruptly rose from his place.

“Where are you heading?”

“I want to see for myself just how awful this piece she’s working on really is.”

Arr offered a mischievous grin and stole over to Driana as silently as a feline.

“Driana, would you mind if I took a peek at your illustration?”

“Ah, Arr. Do you find yourself drawn to creative endeavors?”

Driana beamed with a bright expression.

“Well, it’s merely a preliminary illustration, so there’s nothing grand about it. Still, it is wonderful to appreciate beautiful sights.”

Mhm!

Giving a nod, Driana presented her sketchbook.

Beholding the page, Arr’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

“What on earth is this!”

Hearing his exclamation, Lunia and Chelsea moved toward Arr with intrigued looks.

Just how dreadful could it possibly be to provoke such a startled reaction?

“Let me see, where is it? Wait, what?”

“What? How did you manage to draw this so perfectly?”

Lunia and Chelsea were equally astonished.

Driana’s preliminary drawing flawlessly mirrored Dragonia’s majestic landscape.

Driana clicked her tongue, observing the trio gasping in sheer shock.

“It is a basic representation completely devoid of any unique vision. Were I to reinvent it utilizing this framework, infusing my personal aesthetic principles… Hehehe. A spectacular masterpiece would be realized!”

The three young women pondered the matter with gravity.

‘Should this person seriously just abandon creative arts entirely?’

It was precisely while the trio remained stunned by Driana’s illustrative talents.

“I believe it is time we address the purpose of our presence here.”

Hadin shifted his eyewear.

Hadin, the second-in-command of Seirun’s student government, cast a glance at Leo, then directed his gaze toward Dorbeman and Marigold.

“Though the precise motive behind our abrupt summons to Dragonia remains ambiguous. Everyone here must be anticipating the reason, correct?”

Had it been Leo, the dynamics would differ.

Dorbeman and Marigold were definitively a year ahead of Hadin, even if they represented alternative institutions.

Furthermore, they held positions as student government heads.

Because of this, his manner of speaking remained highly respectful.

In response to Hadin’s comment, Dorbeman let out a sharp chuckle.

“It can only concern the cross-academy tournament.”

This was a gathering of unparalleled magnitude within the history of the Hero Academy.

Even the Luse Tournament by itself constituted an affair observed by the entire world.

Yet four distinct Hero Academies clashing directly?

It was quite literally a struggle to determine which institution reigned supreme.

A matter of supreme honor among the four distinct civilizations.

Naturally, across all Hero Academies, the one recognized as the undisputed finest was Leo.

He secured the student government presidency during his introductory year and achieved the status of a hero by his second.

He represented a powerful force that completely eclipsed the expectations of a mere student.

Even so, within an all-academy tournament involving the comprehensive authority of the Hero Academies, a solitary figure’s reach had its boundaries.

Possessing the premier student and operating as the premier academy were entirely distinct concepts.

As a result, the cross-academy tournament put forward by Lumerne generated an unprecedented level of fascination.

“Azonia will take part. There is absolutely no justification for our academy, where combat is revered as a virtue, to pass this up.”

Dorbeman folded his arms.

From the moment the talks commenced, a massive uproar had developed inside Azonia, demanding absolute participation.

“I anticipated Azonia would adopt that stance.”

“Seirun will naturally take part as well, I assume?”

Following Dorbeman’s query, Hadin readjusted his eyewear.

“Regrettably, were this the Luse Tournament, the circumstances would differ, but as it stands for a tournament involving four distinct academies, Seirun intends to decline.”

“What did you say?”

Dorbeman displayed a startled look at the unexpected declaration.

“To speak candidly, Seirun currently lacks the internal stability to manage extensive external functions.”

Among the four Hero Academies, Seirun had undeniably endured the greatest upheaval of late.

This past winter season.

A catastrophic onslaught orchestrated by the Monster Queen.

In addition to that, the Pureblood Council’s seizure of Seirun early during the current year.

Though monumental milestones like the return of the Ancestor of the Nebula and the Comet Mage took place, the catalysts that prompted their arrival were significant catastrophes that induced disorder within Seirun.

Moreover, because of Seirun’s firm resolve to reject students who had strictly pursued star sorcery, they were enduring a sweeping transformation, restructuring the fundamental core of the academy’s operational directives.

On the home front, the environment remained highly unstable.

The Luse Tournament was a yearly occurrence, and because Lumerne hosted it this year, they managed to participate through sheer effort.

Yet an expansive affair surpassing the Luse Tournament, such as a cross-Hero Academy tournament, was a completely different matter.

“Seirun is far from prime condition, making our involvement highly impractical.”

“Tsk, meaning you refuse to enter a fight where the odds are against you?”

“Kindly view it as a logical assessment.”

Hadin replied with composure, watching Dorbeman click his tongue with an irritated expression.

Nevertheless, Dorbeman chose not to press the matter further.

As a student government head, had Azonia encountered the identical predicament as Seirun, he would have adopted the same path.

‘It remains a bitter disappointment that an opportunity of this scale presented itself only as I reached my final year.’

“Our Damian shall also bow out. We possess our own academic schedules to maintain. I recognize it represents an exciting and advantageous gathering, but the notice is far too sudden.”

Marigold offered a sympathetic smile.

Chelsea let out a quiet breath in response to that.

‘This outcome was foreseeable, yet still.’

Hero Academies serve as entities symbolizing their respective civilizations.

No matter how much they function as centers of learning, they exist as organizations demanding governance on a national scale, meaning abrupt involvement in vast gatherings presented major obstacles.

Even if it failed to match the level of Lumerne, who abruptly organized the tournament, substantial disorder would bound to emerge.

For that reason, numerous doubtful perspectives persisted even inside Lumerne.

Should they be compelled to execute it, they could manage.

The core issue lay in the reality that the execution was incredibly demanding.

‘In truth, if this fails to materialize, it serves as a welcome relief for us as well.’

Chelsea exhaled a profound breath.

‘Yet the individual who put forward this tournament was Leo oppa.’

Chelsea was well aware.

That Leo was precisely the type of individual who engineered results even when situations appeared entirely unfeasible.

Slightly—Chelsea directed her gaze toward Leo and discovered him wearing a smirk, before shifting his eyes toward the roof.

Lunia similarly monitored Leo’s expression and gave a shake of her head.

‘He will force this through regardless of the obstacles.’

Swoosh—

The entryway slid open quietly, and a figure emerged.

The individual entering the chamber was a petite young girl.

Exquisite silver locks, interspersed with dark strands, cascaded low enough to sweep across the floor tiles like a mantle.

Despite trailing along the ground, the young girl’s tresses remained as immaculate as a flawless mineral.

A countenance as striking as a masterfully carved statue.

Furthermore, her eyes remained shut.

Positioned behind her stood draconic entities on both flanks.

Every person within the chamber recognized precisely who the dragon manifesting as a petite young girl truly was.

‘Dragon Lord, Melina.’

A silhouette they had previously witnessed during the high-level council.

Yet encountering her directly inside the identical chamber like this, the aura of authority she projected was immense.

Lunia, Arr, and Driana, who had been explicitly heralded by her as the champions destined to guide this era, were unable to conceal their apprehensive expressions.

“I offer my gratitude to everyone for honoring this gathering despite your demanding obligations.”

Melina brought her palms together and offered a radiant grin.

Thereupon, she advanced and took her place at the head of the long table.

“You are dismissed to resume your respective responsibilities.”

“Understood, Milord.”

The draconic guardians accompanying Melina lowered their heads and exited the chamber.

With their withdrawal, the assembly of students grew increasingly tense.

“Now then, let us commence our true business.”

Melina stated with gravity, her eyelids still firmly shut.

It was precisely as the students held their breath, observing Melina’s every move.

“Shall we indulge in a spot of tea?”

“Pardon?”

For a brief instant, Hadin uncharacteristically questioned the remark in a utterly bewildered tone.

Melina directed her inquiry toward him, witnessing his inability to even consider repositioning his slipping eyewear.

“Hadin, do you favor dark tea? Or perhaps coffee? Or a blend of herbs? Would you care to share your preferred selection?”

“This is delightful. Sharing a tea gathering in this manner.”

Melina grinned softly, enjoying a taste of her dark tea.

“I extended this invitation to everyone because I desired to arrange an assembly to align the scheduling for the Hero Academy Cross-School Tournament. Well then? Has the alignment been finalized?”

Marigold provided the response to Melina’s inquiry.

“I possess a matter to communicate regarding that subject.”

“What might it be?”

“It represents an undeniably profound and impactful gathering. Nonetheless, it remains a highly abrupt proposition, meaning Seirun and Damian will find participation exceedingly difficult.”

“Is that the case?”

“Indeed. Having solely Lumerne and Azonia present would strip the event of its purpose. Consequently, we mean to deliberate on aligning the timeline for a subsequent year, rather than the current one.”

“I comprehend.”

Melina gave a nod of agreement, then offered a gentle smile.

“Let us execute it during the current year.”

“Pardon me?”

Marigold’s countenance transformed into one of utter confusion at Melina’s decree.

“Our world currently resides in a state of deep unrest. The resurgence of the Erebus remnants and the irregular activities surrounding Tartaros persist. Furthermore, a divine entity has even materialized to illuminate the path we are meant to pursue.”

Melina placed her teacup back upon its saucer.

“The reality surrounding the World of Genesis has existed as a truth withheld by the Dragon Lords for a span of millennia.”

Melina’s eyelids slowly—parted.

“Over a vast period, the Dragon Lords surreptitiously assembled champions to confront the World of Genesis in order to avert universal devastation. And they met with failure.”

The assembly of students dedicated their full attention to Melina’s declaration.

“They established the Hero Academy because they harbored the hope that we, their successors, would advance their purpose. The cross-school tournament put forward by Lumerne does not exist merely to settle which academy is superior. It functions as a platform to evaluate one another’s capabilities and participate in honorable rivalry. I trust it will serve as a foundation for solidarity that will establish the groundwork for subduing the World of Genesis by honoring the heritage of each academy’s founders. I desire for this to transform into a catalyst for heightened cooperation among the four academies and a grand global celebration.”

Without their conscious awareness, the world had erected barriers separating the distinct civilizations.

Not a single soul present was oblivious to that reality.

“Even so, I recognize the obstacles presented by various circumstances. Therefore, permit me to state this clearly.”

Melina beamed with a radiant smile.

“Should any academy fail to take part, I shall personally deliver their correction.”

The delivery mirrored that of an instructor correcting a disobedient child.

Yet originating from the absolute zenith of global authority and undeniably the most formidable entity in existence, it could only inspire absolute dread.

Following Melina’s declaration, Leo took a sip from his coffee cup and remarked,

“It appears our deliberation has concluded, so let us commence aligning the dates immediately.”

Leo offered a bold grin.

“Well then? What day shall we designate?”