Chapter 582

“Have you completely lost your senses?”

Eiran, who had taken on the appearance of Azonia, and Ar, currently appearing as Seira, were both on their knees in front of Seirun, the renowned wizard of the comet.

Lunia, who was acting as the vessel for Seirun, kept voicing her disbelief with an exasperated look on her face.

“You are supposed to be second-year students, yet you behave like this? You two, who rank as the absolute best and second-best scholars under Seirun and Azonia, completely lost sight of our circumstances and started bickering like you always do?”

Both Ar and Eiran lowered their heads, thoroughly dispirited by the severe reprimand.

“Come now, let’s all take a breath. Look on the bright side—because of their little display, we managed to identify one another without any delay, didn’t we?”

Chen Xia, inhabiting the guise of a freshman from Seirun Academy, offered a gentle smile to soothe Lunia’s irritation.

Inside one of the classrooms at Rumerin, a total of thirty-two individuals had assembled. Each person present was someone who had successfully triumphed over the Hero’s World.

Lunia massaged her temples to ward off an impending headache.

Observing her distress, Kal spoke up.

“So Lunia and Eiran took over the roles of Seirun-nim and Azonia-nim, correct? If that is the case, who ended up occupying Damian-nim?”

“Driana did,” Lunia replied. “Right now, she is accompanying Rodia-nim inside the Tower of Heroes.”

“Was there no one to assume the role of Rodia-nim?” Kal inquired.

Hearing that name, Lunia could not help but remember the intense blow Rodia had delivered straight to her midsection earlier. The grand, majestic impression she once held of the Dragon of Genesis instantly crumbled away. Naturally, Lunia was well-acquainted with legendary figures. She had already braced herself for the reality that the Heroes of Genesis might contrast sharply with historical accounts, so she did not suffer any profound disillusionment.

“It appears that way,” she muttered.

“That complicates things,” Kal remarked.

During this specific historical period, the decrees of the Heroes of Genesis held absolute authority. The sole reason their initial outburst had not escalated into a massive crisis was due to Lunia and Eiran using the influential identities of Seirun and Azonia to calm the waters.

“If our entire group had been assigned to the roles of the Heroes of Genesis, managing this whole scenario would have been a breeze,” Kal observed, clicking his tongue in disappointment.

Overcoming a Hero’s World fundamentally required a person to surpass the specific tribulations the original figure endured. When it came down to the execution, the exact path taken did not truly matter, provided the challenges were thoroughly met. If a challenger managed to uncover a novel strategy that the original hero had never even conceived, thereby securing an even greater outcome, they could earn an over-accomplishment.

However, attaining such an outstanding feat was incredibly rare. The environment simulated within the Hero’s World, constructed from the Hero Records, represented the absolute peak resolution achieved through the intense struggles of that era’s main figure. Consequently, even for those who understood the mechanics of the trial, meeting the steep requirements for an over-accomplishment remained a monumental task. Furthermore, if a challenger deviated too far in pursuit of a grander victory and caused the timeline to unravel, the entire trial would end in failure.

For this very reason, the safest and most reliable strategy for clears was to adhere to historical events as strictly as possible. This was precisely why mimicking the personality and actions of the possessed individual was mandatory in an immersion-based simulation. Even so, if a challenger managed to secure a dominant social rank that allowed them to dictate events directly, the overall challenge would become significantly easier.

“To begin with, we should pool our current knowledge,” Kal suggested.

Lunia gestured in agreement.

“To start off, the physical boundaries of this realm seem entirely restricted to the grounds of Rumerin Academy. It is impossible to cross past Rumeria Lake,” Eiran explained. Having been the first to inhabit Azonia’s form, he recounted the details he had picked up while exploring the perimeter of this simulated world during the previous night.

Following his lead, the remaining students began exchanging the various details they had managed to uncover.

“So there is absolutely no historical record of this event,” Ar murmured, folding his arms as he pondered the situation. “As things stand, we are entirely in the dark regarding our ultimate goal.”

When Ar looked upward, a floating notification materialized in front of his vision.

[Conquest Objective: -]

The designated area meant to display their core objective—the foundational guide for navigating any Hero’s World—was completely empty. While such an omission was not entirely unheard of within specialized hero dungeons, facing a blank slate without any historical context to fall back on made their future look incredibly bleak.

At that moment, a student affiliated with Azonia raised a hand to speak.

“The inherent danger of a Hero’s World isn’t directly tied to the hero’s personal tier, is it? I highly doubt a realm centered around Lord Rumerin would present any insurmountable difficulty, wouldn’t you agree?”

The rest of the group turned their attention toward him as he spoke.

“The time period we find ourselves in is several years following the conclusion of the Calamity’s Reappearance, after all. There shouldn’t be any challenges here that we cannot realistically manage.”

Just as the surrounding students began nodding along with this seemingly logical deduction, a voice cut through.

“You’re mistaken.”

Kal let out a heavy sigh.

“This particular trial is bound to be exceptionally perilous.”

Irritated by Kal’s blunt disagreement, the student from Azonia cast a disdainful look in his direction, sneering openly as he spoke down to him.

“Perilous for someone of your caliber, perhaps. You’re just an underachiever who could be thrown out of Rumerin at any given moment, aren’t you? I have no idea what idiot decided to make you our leader, but it’s clear you’re going to be completely useless. Just make sure you don’t trip us up.”

As Kal casually rubbed his cheek in response to the aggressive insult, a sudden sound ripped through the air.

Swoosh—Crackle!

“If it’s an altercation you desire, I am more than willing to oblige,” Duran declared. Having assumed the form of an elf, he had already drawn his blade and held it directly against the arrogant student’s throat.

He was not alone. Chelsea, embodying a beastman, had positioned her staff right against the speaker’s spine, radiating a menacing pressure.

The antagonistic student completely froze in place, utterly stunned by how silently and swiftly the duo had closed the distance.

“Kal happens to be the chosen delegate of Rumerin, appointed directly by our student council. I suggest you refrain from speaking to him like he’s trash,” Celia stated, her arms crossed as she glared intensely at the boy.

Watching this unfold, a small smile crept onto Kal’s face.

‘Perhaps my time at the academy wasn’t completely wasted after all.’

“Keep in mind that looking down on Kal is a privilege reserved strictly for students from our own academy,” Chelsea added immediately after.

Hearing those words, Kal’s expression instantly deflated into one of pure dismay.

“What makes you believe this won’t be a straightforward task?” Abad questioned, looking thoroughly perplexed.

“The common historical belief is that the Heroes of Genesis brought an end to the Calamity’s Reappearance and ushered in an era of tranquility. But if you reflect on the actual reality, that isn’t the entire story, is it?” Kal countered.

“…You have a point,” Abad conceded, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

It was a hidden history that the public remained completely oblivious to: the Heroes of Genesis had failed to fully eradicate the remnants of Erebus. Instead, Erebus had been confined under a seal within the World of Genesis.

“Naturally, we won’t be forced to engage in combat with a version of Erebus that endlessly revives itself. However, the mere fact that every single one of the Heroes of Genesis has assembled here indicates that this scenario is tied directly to that entity,” Kal explained.

A dark, heavy atmosphere settled over the assembled students as they processed this information.

“And more importantly, successfully clearing the Hero’s World itself isn’t even our primary concern,” Kal added, his expression turning grim.

“What exactly are you implying?” Duran asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Do you all recall the manifestation of the Calamity’s Flames when Lord Seirun made his return?” Lunia chimed in, answering in Kal’s place. “That occurred because Erebus attempted to break out into our reality by utilizing the Hero’s World as a gateway.”

Hearing this, every single person in the room went pale.

“Our success or failure in clearing this specific realm dictates whether or not Erebus shatters its bindings and breaks free into the world.”

Just as the weight of Lunia’s revelation left everyone utterly stunned, a sharp sound echoed through the room.

Knock, knock.

The door swung open, and Driana, currently manifesting as Damian, stepped inside.

“Lunia, Eiran. Lord Rodia is requesting the presence of the Heroes of Genesis.”

Upon hearing the summons, both Lunia and Eiran stood up, looking visibly confused.

“Furthermore, I believe the student council president of Rumerin is requested to join as well,” Driana added.

“Me? For what reason?” Kal asked, genuinely bewildered.

Fixing a solemn gaze upon Kal, Driana delivered the news. “It appears that Lord Rumerin has mysteriously vanished. They wish to question you to see if you possess any relevant information regarding his whereabouts.”

Deep within the heart of Rumerin, at the highest point of the Tower of Heroes, Kal let his gaze wander across the headmaster’s quarters.

Given that Rumerin boasted a legacy spanning thousands of years, the surrounding scenery of the academy differed vastly from the layout Kal knew in his own timeline. Surprisingly, this specific room remained almost identical. The sole major distinction was that the wall space normally reserved for successive headmasters held only a solitary portrait of Rumerin himself.

‘But how could Lord Rumerin simply vanish?’ Kal pondered, his face turning solemn.

This entire reality was built upon Rumerin’s history, and the boundaries of this realm were confined strictly within the parameters of Rumerin Academy. Logically, that meant Rumerin had to be physically present somewhere on the campus grounds. Yet, he was considered missing. Kal rubbed the back of his neck in frustration.

‘This is turning into a massive problem.’

Crossing his arms, Kal began to piece together the details concerning the World of Genesis that Leo had shared with him previously.

‘He mentioned that the prominent figures within the World of Genesis aren’t mere artificial projections generated by the Hero Records; they are actual, living entities. If that holds true, then the Rumerin-nim here is almost certainly the authentic individual.’

If they could manage to locate Rumerin, fulfilling the trial’s requirements would likely be a straightforward task. In a standard Hero’s World, vocalizing the simulated nature of the environment would instantly trigger a reality distortion, but this particular space operated under completely unique rules.

The true concern lay in what would follow.

‘If a trial based on Lord Rumerin has manifested as a hero dungeon, it heavily implies that Erebus is acting up again, just as it did within Lord Seirun’s domain.’

During that prior incident, Seirun’s domain had reportedly been utterly devastated, reduced to cinders as it served as a potential breach point for Erebus to cross over.

‘Leo mentioned that he used his own capabilities to seal that rift. We might find ourselves forced to replicate that exact feat here.’

The situation was distinctly messy, given Rumerin’s absence and their complete ignorance regarding when a crisis might strike.

‘Then again, the surrounding environment appears completely tranquil at the moment.’

Although their core mission remained unlisted, Rumerin Academy currently radiated a sense of absolute serenity.

‘I recall hearing that Lord Seirun’s world was engulfed in destructive dark fire from the start.’

If the current situation was different, they likely still had a window of opportunity before this realm transformed into a gateway for the enemy.

‘I must track down Lord Rumerin before that critical threshold is crossed.’

“Where could you possibly be hiding?” Kal murmured with a sigh, staring intently at the likeness of Rumerin hanging on the wall.

Examining the artwork closely for a moment, Kal noticed an inscription etched onto it.

‘So that creed was already established even during this time.’

Overcome your limits.

It was the foundational philosophy that Rumerin had passed down to future generations.

‘I may share absolutely no similarities with him in any other regard, but I can declare with complete certainty that we match perfectly on this single principle.’

A faint, melancholic smile crossed Kal’s lips. If he had not persistently pushed past his personal boundaries at every turn, he would never have survived to reach this point.

‘I fought a clumsy, pathetic battle—completely like an idiot.’

As that thought drifted through his mind, a specific remark someone had once made suddenly resurfaced in his memory.

‘Kal Thomas, you are the absolute first student to ever pass through Rumerin Academy who bears no resemblance to Rumerin whatsoever.’

“…”

It was an incredibly harsh judgment that had pierced right through his composure. He had put on a brave face back then, but the divine entity’s pronouncement had felt like a definitive condemnation to him. It felt like a declaration that someone like him, who failed to mirror the flawless ideal of Rumerin envisioned by the deities, was utterly incapable of ever rising to the rank of a hero.

Dwelling on that memory, a sense of inconsistency struck Kal.

‘The claim was that Lord Rumerin wasn’t the type of individual to fight a desperate, unseemly battle, correct?’

It felt entirely contradictory. The historical figure of Rumerin that Kal had always looked up to was a mortal who saved humanity by repeatedly breaking through his own thresholds. Yet, anyone who genuinely forces themselves beyond their innate restrictions is inherently someone who must wage a messy, desperate, and clumsy struggle. Exactly like himself.

But if the deity’s description of Rumerin was actually accurate…

‘Does that mean he ultimately stopped trying to push past his boundaries?’

The mere notion felt utterly absurd—an idea so disrespectful it bordered on blasphemy. Even so, Kal could make a solemn vow regarding his own path. No matter how bad things got, he had never surrendered, consistently crushing the limitations holding him back.

‘To assume he abandoned the struggle and failed to shatter his limits… that would completely invalidate everything I have done, having dedicated the last two years of my life entirely to emulating Rumerin.’

As his thoughts deepened, an old dialogue between himself and Leo flashed through his mind.

‘What are my thoughts on Rumerin-nim? Though I’ve never crossed paths with him, I view him as an admirable junior.’

‘I figured as much.’

‘To be frank, the main issue was that his admiration for me was far too deep.’

‘Given what you accomplished historically, it’s hard to imagine anyone not holding you in high esteem.’

‘True. But the issue stems from the fact that he tried to mold himself exactly in my image.’

“Lord Rumerin… desperately wished to match the legacy of the Hero of Beginnings. Yet, it was beyond his reach,” Kal whispered quietly to himself. “He abandoned the attempt to become another Leo. And by doing so, he abandoned the goal of personally destroying Erebus.”

He was simply incapable of replicating Leo’s achievements. That, in all likelihood, marked the ultimate boundary for Rumerin.

Kal tightened his fingers into a fist.

“Consequently, he sought out an alternative path.”

Because he recognized his own inability to finish the task, he chose to pass the responsibility down to the eras that would follow. He did so in the earnest hope that a successor would eventually emerge—someone who would refuse to yield, someone who would continuously shatter their own limits in a way he never could.

Kal squeezed his fist even tighter.

‘Lord Rumerin has set out to seek the deity at this very moment.’

Grooooooooan!

Kael stood fixed in place before a towering, roaring vortex of absolute incineration.

“…A mere concentration of residual energy is capable of manifesting this kind of raw destruction?”

The intense heat and blazing energy continued to swell exponentially. Kael repeatedly flexed his fingers, tightening them into a fist before releasing.

‘The scale of this threat exists on an entirely separate tier compared to the entity I encountered back in Seirun’s domain.’

Kael focused his vision directly into the swirling heart of the dark, corrupted conflagration.

[Lord Leo. Do you believe the youths trapped within the Hero’s World will manage to endure this?]

Given the overwhelming magnitude of the thermal energy radiating before them, the internal state of the simulated trial was undoubtedly descending into absolute chaos.

Responding to the anxious tone in Melina’s query, Kael spoke up.

“They will manage perfectly well.”

A confident smirk traced its way across Kael’s face.

“After all, there is a specific individual in there who absolutely refuses to throw in the towel, and he will fight tooth and nail until the very bitter end.”