Chapter 591

Book 1 Chapter 591

The aspiring hero candidates, who had been shouting in victory just moments prior, collapsed into their chairs one after another.

The heavy dread that had weighed them down dissolved, replaced by a profound wave of relief confirming that the ordeal had truly concluded.

“God, I honestly believed I was a goner this time around.”

“We couldn’t make a single error… Do all individuals who walk the path of a hero endure such terrifying conflicts?”

“Look at this, my fingers won’t stop shaking.”

The entire room filled with the clamor of voices recounting the engagement they had just survived.

They had endured numerous challenges during their education at the Hero Academy.

Yet, when measured against the events of today, those past tribulations seemed entirely insignificant.

They had previously watched the clash between Erebus and the Grand Hero from a distance, but they never anticipated facing Erebus directly like this.

“It really brings home just how incredible the Grand Heroes and the Heroes of Genesis truly are.”

Even Celia, who routinely maintained an unshakeable composure, could only shake her head while resting on the ground.

“Ugh! That was to~tally! Exhausting!”

Ar remained stretched out flat on the floor.

The sheer fatigue left him unable to comprehend the magnitude of the victory they had achieved.

The sole desire shared by everyone was a chance to rest.

Ar squinted up toward the heavens, his eyebrows knitting together slightly.

The brilliant glare of the sun proved painful to his vision.

Just as Ar, blinking against the intense light, prepared to shut his eyes entirely.

Step- Step-

The sound of approaching footsteps signaled someone coming near, casting a shadow that shielded Ar’s face from the glare.

“Huh? Who’s that?”

His eyes were still adapting to the bright sunlight, obscuring the features of the person above him.

However, as Ar’s deep blue eyes adjusted to focus on the individual’s face, they suddenly stretched wide with shock.

“You pushed through splendidly. That was quite an impressive performance, wasn’t it?”

Ar, who could only stare open-mouthed at Kael’s warm expression, bolted upright in an instant.

“Waaaaahhh?!”

The bizarre yell immediately drew the focus of every single person present toward Ar.

And upon recognizing the figure standing directly before the young man, the entire gathering froze in utter astonishment.

“Wa-wait! Can that really be him?!”

“How can he possibly be standing here?! This domain belongs to Lumerne!”

“Could it be an illusion?”

Voices of complete disbelief echoed across the space.

‘Leo oppa?’

Chelsea’s eyes dilated as she stared at the legendary Hero of Genesis.

Kael’s gaze briefly connected with Chelsea’s, and a subtle smile played on his lips.

‘It really is Leo oppa.’

Even when inhabiting the identity of Leo, he possessed a commanding presence that naturally dominated his environment.

Yet the aura he exuded now was of an entirely different magnitude, far eclipsing the presence he maintained in his younger form.

‘Of course, this is what he truly looks like.’

It wasn’t a matter of Leo pretending to be a youth his own age.

He had always possessed an innate maturity.

He had simply concealed his true identity to seamlessly exist alongside them.

Alternating between offering quiet support from the rear.

And stepping into the vanguard to forge a path for them to follow.

Chelsea gave a slow nod, realizing how Leo had consistently guided their development without ever unmasking himself.

‘He is a genuine mentor.’

The weight of that realization hit her with renewed clarity.

“So… incredibly attractive…”

Eiran murmured in a daze, pressing her hands together in admiration.

“Eiran, wipe your chin, you’re salivating.”

“Huh?! Gulp.”

Startled by Chen Xia’s remark, Eiran quickly checked her face.

“Though I must admit, his looks are undeniable.”

Chen Xia likewise breathed out an appreciative sigh.

The individuals who were privy to Leo’s actual background found themselves captivated by this striking manifestation of his true self.

Lunia maintained a quiet gaze fixed upon Kael.

‘A pinnacle to attain one day.’

With that internal vow, Lunia tightened her fingers into a resolute fist.

“Um… are you truly Sir Kael, the renowned Hero of Genesis?”

Ar inquired with great reverence.

“I am. Is something the matter?”

“Huh? How… how are you able to manifest within Lumerne’s domain?”

“When consciousness returned to me, I found myself in an era five millennia in the future. Erebus was present, so I engaged him. Pursuing him ultimately brought me to this location.”

Kael explained in an even tone.

“What sort of realm is this exactly?”

“This domain is recognized as the World of Heroes.”

Chloe stepped in to build upon Ar’s question, providing an explanation regarding the Hero Record.

“It seems the future holds quite a few unusual phenomena as well.”

Kael observed serenely.

‘Leo oppa is exceptionally skilled at playing this part.’

Observing the exchange, Chelsea couldn’t suppress a silent giggle.

The students, who had initially been frozen in place by Kael’s formidable aura, finally broke out of their daze.

In an instant, they surged forward to encircle Kael, unleashing a torrent of inquiries.

“Sir Kael! What thoughts crossed your mind when you stood alone against Erebus?”

“What enables Grand Heroes to project themselves into the contemporary era?”

“Is the rumor true that you shared a romantic bond with Lady Luna?!”

Driven by overwhelming inquisitiveness, the youngsters threw out questions without restraint.

While Grand Heroes were viewed with immense reverence, they remained shrouded in mystery.

The academy members, realizing they had been granted a rare audience with a legendary figure, were determined to seize the moment.

Pushing aside their physical exhaustion, the flock from the Hero Academy crowded tightly around Kael.

“What is the meaning of this gathering… gasp?”

“The legendary Hero of Genesis?”

Kal, who had just returned while lending his shoulder to Lumerne, froze upon spotting Kael, while Eliza stood entirely dumbfounded.

In that moment, Lumerne took steps toward Kael.

The surrounding students immediately parted, creating a path through the center.

A heavy silence descended upon the crowd as they bore witness to the incredible meeting between the Grand Hero and the Hero of Genesis.

“I… forged my entire path by looking up to your legend. I was even boldly designated as the one to inherit your legacy. Might I ask…”

Lumerne clenched his fingers tightly.

“Do I possess the worth required to walk the path you cleared?”

Just as the youngsters present held Lumerne in high regard and sought to emulate him.

Lumerne had dedicated his existence to emulating Kael.

Yet he had just displayed a moment of vulnerability before the very figure he revered above all else.

Kael, keeping his quiet gaze fixed on Lumerne, reached beneath his outer garment.

He withdrew a weapon.

It was an ancient blade.

The very sword that had served him faithfully before he took up Posteritas from Dwenno.

“This is the weapon that accompanied me through my longest journeys.”

Kael extended the handle, presenting the blade to Lumerne.

“It belongs to you now. That ought to serve as your clarification, shouldn’t it?”

“…”

Lumerne extended his hands, taking hold of the weapon with a noticeable tremor.

“No special credentials are required to follow my path. I am hardly an individual of such grandeur to demand them.”

“My deepest gratitude…”

“On the contrary, the gratitude belongs to me.”

Kael offered a warm expression.

“Thank you for refusing to yield.”

Lumerne’s grip on the weapon tightened firmly.

To receive validation from Kael was a monumental honor for Lumerne, an acknowledgement far more valuable than any treasure.

It brought a profound sense of validation to thousands of years of relentless striving.

Shifting his focus away from Lumerne, Kael addressed the gathered candidates.

“I observed your combat.”

Hearing those words, the prospective heroes caught their breath.

“I considered stepping in… but it became evident that my intervention wasn’t required.”

A knowing smile touched Kael’s features.

“Therefore, take immense pride in the monumental victory you secured today. Stand tall. Without a doubt, every one of you,”

Kael’s eyes traveled over the face of each candidate in turn, eventually coming to rest upon Kal.

“will rise as heroes.”

[Lumerne’s World: Final Chapter – Sacrifice has been cleared.]

Following that declaration, a notification marking their success manifested before the eyes of the students.

Flash-!

Accpanied by a blinding radiance, the World of Heroes initiated the transportation of the youths back to their native realm.

Soon, only a pair of individuals remained within the boundaries of the World of Heroes.

Kael and Lumerne.

Flash-!

A vibrant glow emanated from Kael’s form as well.

As the light receded, he reverted once more to his appearance as Leo.

“Unleashing that much power for the first time in ages has left my frame feeling quite strained.”

Lumerne found himself letting out an involuntary chuckle as Kael, who had stood at an equal height just a moment before, was now considerably shorter than him.

“It is time to cease your aimless drifting.”

Leo offered a comforting pat to his shoulder, delivering words of counsel.

“I remain myself, and you remain yourself. Your sole obligation is to pursue your own trajectory.”

“…I comprehend now.”

“Then nothing more needs to be said.”

Leo placed his hands upon his waist and straightened his spine to loosen up.

“What is the status of the confined Erebus?”

“…Seirune brought word of Sir Kael’s continued presence, and since that moment, his strength has accelerated dramatically. It appears as though he had been masking his true capability until now.”

“Precisely as I suspected.”

The portion of Erebus that Leo and Seirune had previously bound together within Seirune’s domain.

That had represented a major shard separated from the primary entity.

Furthermore, the remnant residing within Lumerne’s domain was smaller by comparison.

Yet the magnitude of force they displayed was entirely matched.

Such a phenomenon pointed directly to a singular conclusion.

The shard of Erebus had grown significantly more potent than it had been during their prior encounter.

“No, it is highly likely he possessed that strength from the very beginning.”

Leo focused his gaze intently.

“He has undoubtedly been exploiting the World of Heroes as a source of energy to expand his capability.”

A blaze intensifies in proportion to the material it consumes.

Continuing until nothing remains to sustain the fire.

It continuously elevates its destructive output.

While the World of Heroes functioned as a confinement structure for Erebus, it simultaneously acted as a source of energy that amplified his tier of power.

In the same manner that Leo overthrew Erebus and transmuted that force into sacred energy.

Erebus was clearly absorbing sacred energy and refashioning it into personal might.

He had spent millennia stealthily nurturing his internal strength.

The sudden manifestation of this hidden strength by Erebus signaled a specific shift.

“He must have detected Sir Kael’s reemergence, prompting a sense of urgency.”

“What duration of time remains before he breaks through?”

“That remains uncertain. Even so…”

Lumerne cast his eyes down toward Kael’s blade.

“Seirune, Rodia, and myself—having encountered you—have clearly advanced over these past millennia. Consequently, we will endure to the absolute limit of our capacity. We refuse to falter easily. We shall obstruct his path until the very end.”

“I am relying on your vigilance.”

“Rest assured, the duty is secure.”

Lumerne displayed a confident expression.

With those parting words, the structural integrity of the realm began to unravel.

The completed domain was dissolving into nothingness.

A brilliant glow began to envelop Leo’s physical form as well.

“Ah. Now that I think about it, a particular message slipped my mind.”

Leo spoke up as though a sudden recollection had struck him.

“Regarding Seirune and Rodia.”

“Yes?”

“Deliver a message to that irritating elf and that wretched reptile.”

“Excuse me?”

Lumerne looked utterly perplexed by the sudden coarseness in Leo’s speech.

“Inform them that the next time our paths cross, I intend to strip every single strand of hair from their skulls.”

“…”

Observing the irritated demeanor of Leo, a realization dawned upon Lumerne.

‘He discovered that I referred to them as a pair of absolute fools.’

Lumerne could only shake his head as the memories of those two came to mind.

Flash-!

Amidst a sudden burst of illumination, Leo faded from view.

An immense, empty void where no matter existed.

Positioned dead center was a youth distinguished by ash-colored hair and eyes to match.

The youth, cradling a massive tome that rivaled the dimensions of his upper body, broke the silence.

“The Session for Chronicling Records shall now commence.”

Upon the utterance of those words, vibrant spheres of light materialized across the expanse of the void.

-This comes as a surprise.

A tone of astonishment drifted from the sphere that shimmered with a yellow-green radiance.

-We operated under the assumption that our authority to designate heroes had been permanently revoked.

“That is correct, Piva. This gathering is a product entirely of my own independent judgment.”

-Hmph~ You all carried yourselves as though you would obey any directive issued by the Hero of Genesis. Yet when the moment came, your desire was simply to act according to your own whims, wasn’t it?

-Regardless of any transformation you claim to have undergone, you fundamentally remain identical to the rest of our collective.

Scornful remarks from various deities reverberated from all corners of the space.

Rian merely offered a soft smile as he took in the surrounding commentary.

“My intention is to conclude the governance of the deities by naming a final count of four additional heroes.”

-What is the reasoning behind the number four?

When Piva demanded clarification with a solemn tone, Rian provided his rationale.

“Because I hold the conviction that our designated function is to identify the individuals who will carry forward the legacies of the King of Wisdom, the Brave, and the God’s Blacksmith.”

Rian stated deliberately.

“I view this as the fundamental obligation binding those of us who bestowed the Hero Record upon the lower realm.”

Following that statement, the deities who had been mocking Rian fell completely silent.

-Granting that we are identifying successors for the King of Wisdom, the Brave, and the God’s Blacksmith, that accounts for three individuals. Who fills the remaining slot?

In response to the inquiry raised by an alternate deity, Rian spoke.

“That topic shall be deferred for a later segment of our discussion. For the present moment, I call for a deliberation on whether we shall enter Ar Tune into the record.”

-Ar Tune… It is true she earned validation directly from the Brave.

-In all candor, has she not entered a domain of capability that even the Brave failed to master? Does such a development strike anyone as logical? I am referring specifically to her capacity to transmute others into spiritual entities.

-Yet she has not faced a defining trial that warrants the status of a hero, has she? Her situation stands in stark opposition to that of Lunia El Rundia. Mind you, she was chosen by the architect of the nebula itself.

-An absence of trials can no longer be used as an argument against her. Consider her recent contributions against that absolute terror. If an individual of her caliber is denied the title of hero, then who could possibly qualify?

The assembled deities entered into a detailed analysis concerning Ar.

The typical lighthearted behavior was nowhere to be found.

The proceeding was conducted with extreme gravity.

They found themselves aligned with the perspective Rian had presented.

Namely, that securing successors for the Grand Heroes constituted their core responsibility.

“Therefore… do we reach a consensus to recognize Ar Tune as a hero?”

As the debate drew to its conclusion, Rian sought a definitive verdict.

Not a single opposing stance was registered.

“By a unanimous declaration, Ar Tune shall be inscribed within the Hero Record. The title granted to her shall be…”

Rian turned the pages of the Hero Record.

“The bearer who inherits the path of the Brave.”

Ar’s identity along with her newly minted title were officially etched into the pages of the Hero Record.

With the formal business concluded, the deities engaged in general conversation.

The talk naturally centered on the occurrences that had unfolded of late.

Just as a more animated atmosphere began to reestablish itself, Piva spoke up.

-Rian. Regarding the quartet of heroes you specified we are obligated to name, could you potentially be referring to a successor for Kael?

“Have you lost your senses? How could individuals such as ourselves presume to debate a successor for the Hero of Genesis? What has corrupted your judgment? Depart this instance, present yourself before the likeness of Sir Kael, and beg for absolution!”

Rian vociferated, gesturing aggressively to emphasize his point.

Faced with the intensity of Rian’s outburst, Piva could only offer a profound sigh.

-In that case, who is the individual in question?

“Our ultimate obligation.”

Hearing Rian’s phrasing, the entirety of the divine gathering manifested expressions of confusion.

“To designate the champion who will define a completely new epoch, thereby bringing a definitive conclusion to the age governed by the gods. To that end, I introduce a motion regarding the inscription of one final individual.”

Rian paused momentarily, drawing a breath before finalizing his proposal.

“I formally request your authorization to enter Kal Thomas into the pages of the Hero Record.”