Chapter 698

The main pavilion of the Lumern Clock Tower Dormitory.

It had turned into a central hub where the student body now assembled.

Pupils who had grown used to living in the Clock Tower Dormitory would share rumors or trade goods in this area.

Such was the way the scholars of Lumern began their energetic mornings.

Juen and Betty, clutching their study materials close to their sides, strolled toward the dining hall while conversing.

“I hope I never have to set foot in a dark mine again.”

“Agreed. That dedicated blacksmith agreement was absolutely miserable.”

Kal slipped into the conversation between the two girls.

“Was the experience really that awful?”

“Without a doubt! Being trapped underground, swinging a heavy pick and shoveling dirt! Good grief! Spellcasters are meant to utilize their intellect, so why must we endure such grueling labor?!”

“I see. So? Were you able to secure a competent craftsman?”

“We certainly did! Thanks to one of the peers that Kal senior suggested…”

Juen abruptly halted her stride, her eyes widening in surprise.

Betty mirrored her startled expression, and both young women whipped their heads around at the exact same moment.

“Kal senior! Just when did you return?”

“Earlier this morning.”

Kal brushed his fingers against his shoulder, letting out a heavy breath.

Kal had initially traveled to Demian to guide the second-year pupils for their dedicated blacksmith agreements, but he had been redirected to clear a hero dungeon, ultimately merging with Leo’s squad.

Because of this redirection, his arrival back at Lumern lagged a few days behind the rest of the second-year pupils.

“Were you able to successfully clear the hero dungeon?”

“We were. I’ve been completely swamped with drafting accounts back in Demian.”

Kal rolled his neck from side to side in exhaustion.

Conquering hero dungeons frequently demands a massive amount of administrative work even after the actual combat concludes.

This is due to the extensive documentation and various official forms that must be finalized.

Particularly during this excursion, it was Dwenno’s realm that Leo’s squad had managed to overcome.

To be precise, the realm belonging to the Legion, an entity whose reality had only recently been verified.

‘Furthermore, there was the defeat of the Giant King Gias.’

Given that it was such a monumental occurrence, drafting the official document proved far more challenging than standard assignments.

The details had not yet been formally revealed to the public.

The scholars at Lumern were only aware that Leo’s squad had been formally sent out for an investigation at the behest of Demian, and that their objective had subsequently shifted to clearing a hero dungeon.

“Which historical figure did the hero dungeon belong to?”

Juen inquired with sparkling curiosity, causing Kal to simply shrug.

“That information is restricted. Isn’t that right, Leo?”

“Ah! Leo senior.”

“Greetings.”

Juen and Betty quickly bowed their heads to him.

“Look! It’s the head of the student council!”

“The temporary student council leader is right alongside him.”

The surrounding scholars also took notice of Leo and Kal, their eyes growing wide with interest.

Once they spotted the remaining members of the squad, second-year pupils from every academic track came rushing over.

“Duran senior! You put in incredible effort!”

“Thank you for your hard work!”

The second-year scholars from the Knight Department offered respectful salutations to Duran.

“Goodness, it resembles a military gathering. Are you trying to draft your underclassmen?”

As Chelsea cast a sharp look their way, Iliana shook her head in dismissal.

“Not at all. The younger ones simply hold us in high regard naturally. Watch this.”

Iliana, crossing her arms with a self-satisfied grin, gestured toward the second-year scholars of the Knight Department.

“Hey there, everyone. Hello.”

“Oh. Greetings, Iliana senior.”

“Did you have a safe journey home?”

The second-year Knight Department scholars regarded Iliana with amicable expressions.

They were warm and approachable, but it lacked a certain quality—

it wasn’t an attitude of profound reverence.

“There’s quite a contrast in how they treat you compared to Duran, isn’t there?”

“Hmph! That is solely because Duran always puts on a needlessly solemn front! I, Iliana, prefer to be an accessible senior! And I am not alone! Sia and Celia do not get treated like unapproachable statues either!”

“Ah! Celia senior! Sia senior!”

“A very good morning to you!”

“Good morning!”

The second-year pupils caught sight of Celia and Sia, delivering crisp and polite salutations.

“…”

Iliana fell completely silent.

“Eliza senior. Allow me to carry your baggage for you.”

“Hmph. There is no need for that.”

“Would you like me to soothe your shoulders?”

“I already told you it isn’t necessary!”

Eliza knitted her brows, clearly annoyed by the overabundant enthusiasm of the underclassmen.

“Chelsea senior!”

“A fresh batch of pastries just arrived, so I secured some for you, please have a taste!”

“Oh my, senior. Look at how exhausted your skin appears.”

The second-year scholars from the Magic Department gathered around Chelsea as well, offering a flurry of attention.

“…”

Chelsea fixed a steady gaze upon Iliana, who then put on a miserable expression and began making grievances to Leo.

“Leader! I wish to be treated with absolute reverence by my underclassmen too!”

“Your demeanor is constantly frivolous, which makes you the furthest thing from an object of reverence. Just like Kal.”

“Do not insult me by grouping me with Kal!”

Iliana snapped back at Leo’s observation, causing Kal to break into quiet laughter.

Iliana, who had been glaring at Kal with a pout, remarked:

“Hmph! Yet even our leader doesn’t have any underclassmen approaching him casually! So aren’t we essentially in the same boat?”

“No. That situation is entirely different.”

Kal shook his head to correct her.

The third-year track leaders command immense respect from their juniors because of their incomparable talent and commanding presence.

Consequently, the second-year pupils always behave with the utmost decorum around the third-year track leaders, but Leo was an exception.

The explanation was straightforward.

‘They find him absolutely terrifying.’

Leo’s aura was far too imposing for anyone to approach him without caution.

As a consequence, they froze up whenever they were in Leo’s presence.

Thus, there were virtually no underclassmen who would willingly initiate a conversation with Leo.

Even Iliana was well aware of this reality.

“I don’t care, I don’t care. I’m tuning you out. The leader is on my side of the argument.”

She simply desired someone to validate her.

Kal shook his head as he observed Iliana’s childish behavior.

Noticing the exchange, Leo spoke up.

“In any case, everyone did an excellent job. Even if you skip your lectures for the rest of the day, your attendance records will remain unaffected, so do not push yourselves and take some time to recover.”

“There is nothing quite as satisfying as getting an official holiday while everyone else is stuck in a classroom.”

Kal smirked.

Leo, returning the smirk to Kal, gave the word.

“Very well. You are dismissed.”

Following Leo’s instruction, the companions parted ways.

Celia and Chen Sia stepped toward Leo, who was now standing by himself.

“Leo. How did the assignment go?”

“It proved to be quite demanding.”

Leo let out a weary breath as he responded to Celia’s inquiry.

“Goodness, if Master Leo admits it was demanding, it must have been an incredible ordeal. Ah. Please hand me your luggage.”

“It is quite alright.”

“Oh, please don’t decline.”

Chen Sia, flashing a radiant smile, took possession of Leo’s bag.

“Miss Celia, please go ahead and have your morning meal. I will assist Master Leo with his belongings and return shortly.”

“Very well. I understand.”

Celia, who was entirely accustomed to Chen Sia looking after Leo’s needs in various manners, gave a nod and walked toward the dining hall ahead of them.

Strolling along the corridor of the Clock Tower Dormitory, Leo made sure the hallway was completely deserted before pushing open an ordinary door.

The threshold seamlessly guided them to the highest chamber of the Clock Tower.

“The head of the council’s special access is undeniably practical.”

Chen Sia smiled softly as she followed Leo across the threshold.

“I appreciate you carrying that. I feel somewhat guilty.”

“It brings me joy to do so.”

Chen Sia shook her head to dismiss Leo’s concern, setting his travel bag down in a corner of the space.

Taking a seat on the couch situated in the middle of the room, Leo gave his uniform tie a slight pull to give himself some breathing room.

He then rested his head against the cushion, sinking deep into the couch to unwind.

Observing Leo’s exhaustion, Chen Sia walked over to a cupboard positioned in the corner of the room.

Before long, the rich fragrance of brewing tea drifted through the air.

Clink— Pour—

Chen Sia set a steaming teacup down before Leo and inquired softly.

“Did you happen to encounter one of the Great Heroes?”

“You possess sharp instincts.”

As Leo chuckled quietly, Chen Sia remarked:

“Your presence feels distinct from its usual state. You appear incredibly drained.”

She had witnessed Leo carrying this specific type of energy on prior occasions.

It occurred when he crossed paths with Arion and Luna, as well as Leo’s own pupils, Berkia and Vihar.

To anyone else, such an encounter would be considered an immense privilege, but it was a different matter for Leo.

“I crossed paths with Dwenno.”

Chen Sia, who was privy to Leo’s true background, displayed a faint look of apprehension.

Noticing this, Leo raised his teacup and murmured:

“It is hardly something that a young girl like yourself needs to fret over.”

“I am no longer a young girl, I am a proper woman.”

“Uttering such phrases is the ultimate confirmation that you are still a child. The fragrance is lovely. I appreciate it.”

“Why don’t you focus entirely on recuperating for the rest of the day?”

“That is precisely what I intend to do.”

“Would you prefer to bathe first? Or perhaps dine? Or maybe…?”

Leo set his teacup back on the table and lightly tapped the cushion beside him with his hand.

Chen Sia moved over and took a seat right next to Leo.

Leo extended his arm toward Chen Sia’s face.

“Master Leo, that causes discomfort.”

“It is supposed to be uncomfortable.”

Leo gave Chen Sia’s cheek a firm pinch and twist, after which he clicked his tongue in amusement.

Massaging her slightly flushed cheek, Chen Sia whispered under her breath:

“An obstinate old soul.”

Squeeze—

“My apologies.”

This time, Chen Sia, whose face was completely held by his hands, spoke with a completely blank expression.

Releasing his grip on Chen Sia, Leo inquired:

“So? Did any noteworthy events transpire among the student body during my absence?”

“Given that it was an orientation and adjustment phase, no significant disruptions occurred.”

“How are the first-year scholars progressing?”

“They are doing splendidly. They are integrating into the system smoothly without facing any major hurdles.”

“What is the general sentiment between the different residences?”

In response to Leo’s question, Chen Sia let out a subtle smirk.

“It is highly competitive.”

“Competitive?”

“Indeed.”

Chen Sia gave an affirmative nod.

“I thought you just stated that nothing noteworthy was occurring among the students?”

“That is correct. Nothing of note was happening among the students themselves.”

“The faculty, then.”

“Precisely. Their sense of rivalry has intensified dramatically.”

“Understandable, considering the institution has been aggressively pushing for rivalry between the various tracks.”

From the viewpoint of educators who possess immense pride in their respective departments, it was essentially a matter of personal honor.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the faculty members were themselves graduates of Lumern.

Because of this, it was entirely natural that many of them remained fiercely dedicated to the honor of their department even long after completing their studies.

It appeared that the intense rivalry of the professors was beginning to influence the student population as well.

Taking in Chen Sia’s explanation, Leo allowed the corners of his mouth to twist upward.

Observing Leo’s reaction, Chen Sia narrowed her gaze slightly.

“What sort of thoughts are running through your head?”

“Something quite entertaining.”

Hearing those ominous words, Chen Sia let out a quiet sigh.

A short while after Chen Sia departed to attend her scheduled lecture.

Melina made her way into Leo’s private quarters.

“Lord Leo. I offer my congratulations on successfully overcoming the World of the Legion.”

“What are you holding there?”

“Oh, this item?”

Melina raised the small container she carried, offering a gentle smile as she set it down in front of Leo and lifted the cover.

“A headpiece?”

“Your investment ceremony is currently in development, is it not? A headpiece worthy of your rise as the sovereign of a realm is absolutely vital. Naturally, no standard headpiece could ever truly complement your stature, but we exerted our greatest efforts to—”

“Could you not simply construct something basic? Or better yet, I could forego wearing one entirely.”

“No, that is completely out of the question. Regardless of what anyone else claims, you are rising to become the Sovereign of the World, mirroring Lord Risinas, the King of Wisdom. This stands as a monumental milestone in the annals of history.”

“Who was the one to assert that?”

“Lord Rian.”

Leo clicked his tongue in mild annoyance, recalling a particular deity who behaved more like a devoted zealot despite holding divine status.

Following that brief exchange.

Leo recounted to Melina the events that had unfolded within Dwenno’s realm.

“Every single companion within Arhi’s squad managed to acquire sacred relics during this excursion.”

“Indeed. Though Ar and Duran were granted mended sacred relics directly from Dwenno as tokens.”

The specialized armaments that Arion had once wielded.

The massive blade infused with the essence of Brave and tempestuous lightning was an existing relic, but it had completely reassumed its pristine, original state.

“Furthermore, Miss Driana succeeded to Lord Dwenno’s primordial blaze as a reward for the conquest… this carries immense weight.”

“It certainly does.”

On top of that, they had absorbed intricate smithing methods and mastered the manipulation of the blaze from Dwenno in a remarkably brief window of time.

“Provided there is a proper catalyst, we possess the ability to bring the manifested sacred relics back to full functionality.”

Leo shifted his gaze backward, looking toward the pitch-black cloak draped in a far corner of the chamber.

Duran’s massive blade, as an example, had originated from that very pitch-black cloak.

While it would be an impossible feat for Driana to fashion an item of sacred relic caliber from absolute nothingness at her current level, it was entirely possible to mend an item that had been pulled from the pitch-black cloak.

‘Then again, it is not as though I can simply retrieve items from it at my own whim.’

The precise mechanism remained a mystery, but the pitch-black cloak appeared to generate armaments that were perfectly tailored for recognized heroes or those showing potential to become heroes.

Melina, who had been listening intently to the details regarding the conquest spoils, found herself taken aback by the subsequent revelation.

“The consciousness of Lord Risinas?”

“Indeed. It was entirely present.”

Leo narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

According to the account provided by Kal, Dwenno had made a brief manifestation by utilizing Artian’s physical form as a vessel when the latter lost control.

“Ah. Lord Risinas.”

Melina appeared utterly perplexed by the news, prompting Leo to break into a wide grin.

“That insufferable serpent. He actually attempted to manipulate me into a matrimonial alliance? I will certainly give him a piece of my mind if our paths cross while he is in that spiritual state.”

“It sounds as though Lord Leo might have actually been the one in the wrong—”

“What was that?”

“It is nothing.”

Melina, who had been on the verge of taking Risinas’ side in the matter, quickly shook her head to drop the subject.

“The ultimate defeat of the Giant King Gias. This is a truly monumental achievement.”

“It is.”

“The entire realm will undoubtedly experience a massive shockwave from this news.”

“Ensure all arrangements are thoroughly organized before making the public disclosure.”

Leo, having concluded the general overview of the assignment, shifted his weight back onto the couch and spoke.

“Oh, and regarding the upcoming mid-term evaluations for our academy.”

“Yes?”

“It is permissible for me to personally design the track-specific evaluations for each residence, correct?”

“That is correct.”

Despite holding the status of a scholar, Leo’s level of administrative power for the current academic term was fully on par with that of a faculty member.

In particular, the jurisdiction to oversee and manage the operations of the residences had been entirely designated to the student council leader.

“Do you already have a specific concept in mind?”

“I do.”

“What exactly might that be?”

Faced with Melina’s curious inquiry, Leo flashed a knowing grin.

“The Departmental War.”