Chapter 671

Chapter 671

“I want to return to the academy. Actually, I just want to go back home.”

“Blazes! I absolutely despise them!”

Illiana mumbled mindlessly while pulling her knees to her chest in a corner of the pavilion, whereas Dryana recoiled, staring at the open pit fire blazing right outside the tent entrance.

Observing the pair, Chelsea crossed her arms, wearing a look of sheer disbelief.

“What in the world occurred?”

“Word is that Leo Flov dragged both of them out for the dawn training session.”

“Senior Brother Leo?”

Hearing Eliza’s remark, Chelsea clicked her tongue in understanding.

“No wonder they look completely shattered. Senior Brother Leo’s training methods are truly merciless.”

The moment Chelsea nudged Illiana with the tip of her boot, Illiana lunged forward, grabbing the fabric of Chelsea’s academy uniform skirt and clinging for dear life.

“Chelsea! The class leader is out there! The class leader is out there!”

“Let go of me! You’re pulling my clothes down!”

Chelsea shuddered and vigorously shook the girl off.

“The class leader tried to murder meeee!”

“A little exercise won’t kill you.”

“You monster!”

Illiana screamed at the figure emerging through the tent flap.

“Since you still have the energy to shout, perhaps we ought to increase the workload for this afternoon’s drills?”

“You’re a demon! The class leader is an absolute demon!”

“Didn’t you once claim that Brother Leo was akin to a celestial messenger?”

“When did she say that?”

As Leo inquired with a baffled expression, Chelsea shrugged nonchalantly.

“The Lord Kyle research association she established is named ‘Kyleism’. This idiot is practically behaving like a cult founder now. She won’t snap out of it until she’s dragged away in iron cuffs.”

“A cult, how dare you! Lord Kyle was a genuine historical figure! And it isn’t a church to begin with?! It’s simply a devotion club!”

Naturally, Leo was well aware of an individual who had actually mistaken his fan association for a holy order and attempted to enlist.

Furthermore, that entity, albeit in the past, happened to be an actual deity.

Illiana, who had been granted assistance by Kyle during the previous year’s Festival of Heroes, had become utterly infatuated with the Hero of Beginnings from that moment onward.

She dug through historical documents regarding Kyle and amassed a collection of Kyle-themed memorabilia.

Diligently studying everything about Kyle, she eventually reached a point where she half-seriously venerated Kyle as a celestial being.

In the midst of that obsession, she had apparently referred to Leo, who shared the same All-Class designation as Kyle, as a celestial messenger.

“In any case, Lord Kyle and the class leader are poles apart! Lord Kyle was incredibly gentle and compassionate! Nothing like this wicked class leader!”

‘I am Kyle, and I was the one who rescued you back then.’

Hearing Illiana’s outburst, Leo let out a soft sigh.

Then, noticing Chelsea hiding her smile behind her palm, he asked.

“Do you find this amusing?”

“Ahem-hem! Cough!”

Chelsea cleared her throat loudly and averted her gaze.

“Come outside and get some food.”

Following his prompt, the female academy students stepped out of the tent.

In a secluded section of the open ground where the encampment stood, Duran was engaged in a fierce combat drill against the three second-year students representing the Knight Department.

Flash—

Aina’s brilliant golden aura converged upon Duran from every angle.

“Swift.”

Duran adjusted his grip on his heavy blade.

“But speed alone isn’t enough!”

Kaga-ga-ga-gak—!

“……!”

Duran, having parried every single one of Aina’s blade strikes, instantaneously thrust his weapon toward her throat.

Hwak—! Chae-eng!

Habiden, descending rapidly alongside a gale of wind, attempted to deflect Duran’s blade.

‘It didn’t even budge?’

Habiden’s pupils dilated in shock.

He had attempted to knock Duran’s sword aside utilizing a strike packed with pure velocity.

Yet Duran’s heavy blade remained unyielding.

It only managed to alter the path of the weapon, which was targeting Aina’s neck, by a mere fraction of an inch.

Hwaak—!

That tiny shift in trajectory granted Aina just enough room to evade the lethal blow.

‘Just how immense is his strength!’

The exact instant Habiden, gritting his teeth, sought to leap backward and gain distance from Duran.

Flash—!

Accompanied by a blinding light, Duran’s sword whipped toward Habiden like a bolt of lightning.

Ka-ang—! Pa-ji-ji-ji-ji-jik—!

“Kuek?!”

“If you hesitate while retreating, you simply turn into easy prey.”

Right as Duran spoke, Aina closed the gap between them to provide support for Habiden.

Pa-ji-ji-ji-ji-jik—!

“Aura discharge……!”

The moment Aina witnessed the crackling lightning aura enveloping Duran’s form, she clenched her jaw.

“Haaap!”

Pa-ba-ba-ba-bat!

“Luke!”

Luke hurled himself directly into the electrical tempest radiated by Duran.

“Eugeugeugeuk?!”

An agonized cry tore from Luke’s lips as the current coursed through him.

Yet Luke refused to halt his advance.

He pushed forward even faster.

Hoowang—!

A gleaming silver arc menaced Duran.

Duran leaned back, dodging Luke’s blade.

“Hooo? Quite the resilient lad, aren’t you?”

“Much appreciated, Luke.”

“Keep the gratitude for after the fight!”

Duran’s energy, alongside Celia’s, was widely renowned for possessing colossal destructive force, nearly matching high-tier sorcery.

“I’ve observed this previously, Luke Elda. Your method of engagement lacks refinement.”

“Haha, well… compared to Aina and Habiden, my approach is admittedly a bit reckless. I ought to modify it to fight with greater efficiency.”

As Luke offered an embarrassed chuckle, the corners of Duran’s lips curled upward.

“Is there truly a requirement to alter it?”

“Pardon?”

“A battlefield never offers a secure zone, but it is factual that our role demands fighting in the most perilous positions.”

The vocation that confronts foes directly on the frontline, buying vital moments for sorcerers and binders, belongs to the knight.

On occasion, there are individuals blessed with auras capable of delivering staggering destruction.

Duran served as a prime illustration of this reality.

Nonetheless, that did not imply Duran could fulfill the duties of a sorcerer.

“A knight is someone who clashes with opponents at point-blank range, trading breaths. There is no wisdom in seeking injuries, yet at times it cannot be avoided. There are endless scenarios where one must jeopardize their own safety.”

Pa-ji-ji-jik—

Duran suppressed his aura.

It indicated the conclusion of the sparring session.

Recognizing the sign, the second-year pupils returned their blades to their sheaths.

“We discussed efficiency, but what qualifies as efficient varies by circumstances. On occasion, you must possess the resolve to deal a mortal blow to the enemy, even if it demands sacrificing your own flesh.”

Duran shifted his attention toward Aina and Habiden.

“You are undeniably more unpolished and unrefined relative to Aina and Habiden. A high probability of taking damage is certainly a dangerous flaw. However, you also wield distinct merits compared to the pair of them.”

“Merits?”

“Indeed. The core truth is that you strike directly at the foe’s blind spot.”

Both Aina and Habiden had been meticulously trained in the martial traditions of knighthood since their youth.

As combatants, they were bound to display greater sophistication than Luke.

Yet because they were so thoroughly polished, their patterns were also simpler to anticipate.

In stark contrast, Luke had only truly taken up the blade upon arriving at Lumern.

During his inaugural year, Leo had pointed him in a direction, but it was merely a foundation.

He synthesized what he observed and gathered at the academy in his own unique manner.

“It signifies that you possess a wild streak.”

Duran let out a low chuckle.

“Aina, Habiden. The two of you ought to study Luke’s patterns as well.”

“Understood.”

“Got it.”

Duran, nodding in approval as he observed Aina and Habiden snap to attention, sheathed his longsword.

Witnessing the exchange, Karl spoke up while chewing on a piece of barbecued meat.

“The kids from the knight department certainly possess incredible vitality. Engaging in drills since dawn on an empty stomach.”

“Huhu. They are remarkably dedicated.”

Artian offered a gentle smile.

“Student Dryana and Student Illiana likewise exerted themselves tremendously since the early hours, did they not?”

Hearing those words, Karl let out a dry laugh, glancing over at the pair currently paralyzed by dread.

“Why is Dryana incapable of even glancing at the hearth fire?”

“Lord Dweno tossed her directly into the forge.”

Upon receiving Ar’s response, Karl’s face twisted into an expression of sheer bewilderment.

“…What sort of training regimen is that?”

“He claimed that to command potent flames, one must construct a tolerance beforehand. He even attempted to subject the Black Rabbit to the same process.”

“Water torture, electrical shocks… and now fire immersion? I dread to think they might resort to live burial next.”

Karl muttered under his breath.

“But does such a method actually yield results?”

When Karl directed the question toward Leo, Leo, who was currently consuming his broth, gave a firm nod.

“It functions. I witnessed the outcome plainly with my own eyes.”

Leo wasn’t merely attempting to carelessly shove Dryana into a roasting furnace.

He had previously verified that this specific training method was exceptionally potent for developing immunity to heat.

The prior test subject had been none other than Arion.

‘I sought advice from Dweno, mentioning that I required heat tolerance since I would be anchoring the frontline alongside him.’

Back then, Luna, learning of the arrangement, had been furious, questioning why he would seek training advice from Dweno of all people.

However, because he had already endured Luna’s howling drills, Arion’s confidence in Luna regarding training practices had already hit rock bottom.

In truth, Dweno also stood as the preeminent authority on the element of ‘fire’ among their entire circle.

Consequently, at Arion’s own behest, Dweno had unceremoniously shoved Arion into the furnace depths to bolster his thermal resistance.

‘Ever since that day, he developed a deep distrust toward Dweno as well.’

Leo, tracing his thoughts to that point, shifted his gaze toward Ar.

Ar was currently snickering loudly, waving a smoldering brand right before Dryana’s face.

‘Come to think of it, Ar requires Dweno’s regimen as well, doesn’t he?’

The exact moment that thought crossed his mind.

Abruptly, Ar stiffened and shuddered, then snapped his head up to scan the surroundings with intense suspicion.

His rigid, upright tail and twitching ears caused him to resemble a feline detecting an immediate threat.

Leo smoothly averted his eyes away from Ar.

‘It appears his perceptions have grown excessively acute ever since he unlocked his supersenses.’

In his current state, he would undoubtedly mount a fierce resistance against entering the forge.

Nonetheless, Leo genuinely wished for Ar to undergo this specific trial as well.

‘Ultimately, Arion was unable to endure the inferno of Erebus.’

Granted, there remained a threshold to the heat immunity that could be cultivated via Dweno’s training blueprint.

Yet completing Dweno’s crucible stood as one of the fundamental prerequisites for Ar to eventually stand on equal footing with Arion.

‘What method can I utilize to persuade him to step into the forge of his own volition?’

It was precisely while Leo was weighing his options.

Ding-dong-ding-dong—

Out of nowhere, the alarm bell situated atop the lookout tower began to chime frantically.

Wooooooo—!

Concurrently, a deep, ominous war horn reverberated through the air.

“Aerial assault! Aerial assault!”

“The forces of Tartaros are launching an aerial raid!”

Massive panic began to manifest across the battlements.

Kyaaaak!

A multitude of Fafnirs materialized in the clouds, unleashing terrifying shrieks.

“It’s the Fafnir swarm! Deploy the defensive barrier over the citadel!”

Upon receiving intelligence regarding the assault, Dweno emerged immediately from his crafting chamber.

It had been mere moments since the Gigantes launched their offensive.

Yet now, another massive incursive force was descending upon them?

“What is the magnitude of the hostile force?”

Faced with Dweno’s inquiry, Enniha responded with palpable urgency.

“I cannot determine the precise count! However… the numbers are so immense that it appears as though the entire vanguard of the Giant King has mobilized!”

Hearing those words, Dweno focused his vision and gazed beyond the fortress ramparts.

“…This is precisely identical to how it occurred back then.”

“Pardon?”

“What is the status of Giant King Gias? Concealing a colossus of that magnitude would be an impossible feat, would it not?”

“He has not revealed himself yet!”

“Hmm.”

“A deployment of this scale… I harbor doubts as to whether the fortress walls can endure the pressure.”

“Cease such disheartening talk.”

“B-but… Lord Dweno! If the garrison witnesses that terrifying armada, their fighting spirit will undoubtedly—”

“This stronghold will not fall. Correct?”

“Why are you directing that question to me?”

Leo, who had been analyzing the Giant King’s advancing legions with folded arms from the apex of the fortress wall, spoke with a light chuckle.

“No way…! When did he manage to scale the battlements!”

“Civilians are prohibited from arbitrarily ascending the ramparts!”

“Get down from there at once!”

The surrounding beastkin and dwarves glared at Leo with profound wariness.

Though he had been granted entry into the stronghold, this remained a chaotic era where turncoats emerged constantly.

They could not permit an unrecognized individual to occupy the fortress wall, a vital tactical vantage point for the citadel’s preservation.

Particularly given the present crisis, where the Giant King’s host might have initiated an all-out siege.

“Leave him be.”

“B-but, Lord Dweno.”

“He is not a traitor.”

“How can you possess such certainty?”

In response to the dwarf’s query, Dweno cast a brief look toward Leo.

“It is an intuition.”

Having articulated that much, Dweno directed his words toward the beastkin lieutenant.

“We shall require assistance from this young man’s comrades as well. They will undoubtedly prove to be a tremendous asset.”

“Understood! I shall fetch them without delay.”

The battlements transformed into a hive of activity.

Even amidst the brewing chaos, Leo remained stationary on the wall, refusing to budge a single inch.

Dweno took a spot adjacent to him and spoke up.

“What do you predict will unfold?”

“Why do you persist in asking me that?”

“I inquire because I suspect you already possess the conclusion.”

Observing Dweno’s hearty grin, Leo smiled softly.

“We shall emerge victorious.”

“Wow, this is absolute madness. The sheer quantity is staggering.”

Karl clicked his tongue, surveying the seemingly infinite army blanketing the horizon.

“The scale is virtually identical to the theater we faced in Lord Dweno’s world previously.”

Dryana likewise balled her hands into fists before releasing them.

“We were prohibited from engaging on the frontline during that encounter.”

On account of being deemed too green.

However, the situation was entirely different now.

Then Illiana chimed in, her tone laced with a subtle tremor.

“But according to recorded history, this stronghold was destroyed, wasn’t it? If this truly represents an all-out siege… can we actually hold the line?”

At those words, Karl let out a confident chuckle.

“I have no idea whether this constitutes an all-out assault or not. But I know this stronghold will not crumble.”

“How can you remain so certain?”

Confronted by Illiana’s lingering apprehension, Karl shifted his head to glance toward Leo and Dweno, then remarked.

“You regard Lord Kyle as a deity, do you not?”

“Eh? Well, that is…”

“We currently have a deity standing right alongside us as well, don’t we?”

“Are you referring to Lord Dweno?”

Hearing her guess, Karl smiled faintly and offered a brief shrug.

‘If Leo is a god, then Lord Dweno qualifies as one as well. Meaning we have two entities of divine caliber with us this very second! And.’

“We are present as well, are we not?”

Karl directed a sharp glare toward the advancing forces of the Giant King.

“I am oblivious to the exact details of what occurred in the past. We understand the ultimate conclusion of that timeline, but not the specific events that led to it. Therefore, let us not obsess over past outcomes.”

Following his statement, everyone’s attention locked onto Karl.

“A history we are unacquainted with? We can simply forge a new one. For now, let us focus entirely on what lies ahead. Because starting from this moment…”

Karl flashed a broad grin.

“…marks the dawn of a completely rewritten chronicle.”