Chapter 148

148.

Chi iiiiiik-

Leo’s body, which had strained its firepower to the limit, quickly began to cool.

“Leo! When did you learn our family’s magic?”

“I learned it from watching you.”

“What? You only used it once!”

As she exclaimed in astonishment, Leo smiled at Lunia.

“I tried to devise a magic incantation based on it. Of course, compared to the real thing, it’s somewhat crude.”

It was true, as Leo had said.

Though Leo had managed to create magic by referring to Lunia’s flames, it was crude compared to the original.

“This, how is this crude? It’s clearly powerful.”

“There’s a cost.”

“What? What cost?”

Leo slightly lowered his shirt collar, grabbing the fabric.

Upon seeing the burns on Leo’s chest, Lunia flinched.

She knew that Leo had pushed himself beyond the limits, wearing down his own body, to bring out flames far stronger than usual.

‘Still, shouldn’t this be somewhat excessive?’

With a flustered expression, Lunia attempted to cast a healing spell.

“It’s fine. I’ll do it myself.”

While casting the healing magic, Leo glanced towards Erebus.

His eyes were captivated by the black flames.

Those hateful flames that once drove the world into catastrophe.

The Great Catastrophe itself, which had delivered fear and despair to the world, was right before his eyes.

Gripping the sword tightly, a fierce glare flickered in Leo’s eyes.

As Lunia followed Leo into the throne room, she nervously swallowed.

It was overwhelming, even upon re-witnessing it.

‘Does Leo feel nothing at all?’

While contemplating this, Lunia cautiously approached him and glanced at his side profile.

“Le…o?”

Already, all traces of expression had vanished from Leo’s face.

The Leo Flove that Lunia knew was a boy who acted too confidently for his age, even though he seemed more mature than her.

Not out of teenage pride or arrogance or recklessness but rather with a genuinely mature atmosphere.

He always seemed composed, never forgetting his calmness in any situation.

Even a little annoying with his sly demeanor, yet despite that, he was the most trustworthy.

That was the boy Lunia knew as Leo.

But there was none of that in Leo right now.

His emotionless face was terrifying.

Along with it, his crimson eyes emitted an intimidating aura that chilled to the bone.

The boy she knew wasn’t here.

The realization made Lunia feel inexplicably both foreign and afraid, causing her hand to reach out without her realizing it.

Gook-

Leo saw Lunia gripping his shirt as if to hold on.

Seeing her somewhat worried expression, Leo smiled faintly.

Relieved to see Leo back to his usual self, Lunia let go of his shirt and felt a sense of relief.

With his emotions under control, Leo coldly analyzed the situation.

‘This is a fragment of Erebus.’

As Leo expected, the Erebus currently in this world was merely a fragment.

A powerless mass of pure strength, devoid of any will whatsoever.

Even that strength was embarrassingly weak, unworthy of the name Erebus.

‘Of course, even this fragment alone has catastrophic power.’

This fragment was already distorting the Hero’s World on its own.

Even though it was just a fragment of power, it was undoubtedly a monstrous force that was nearly impossible to handle in the current state.

‘Though that’s assuming it had any will.’

Leo fumbled with his sword.

‘So, how do we deal with this d*mn thing?’

Even if it was just a mass of power, dealing with an unrelenting Catastrophe Flame would be tricky.

Just as Leo narrowed his eyes, a voice of bewilderment echoed.

“What on earth is this?”

Lunia turned toward Lu, who sounded perplexed.

Leo and Lunia looked at Lu, who was glaring at Erebus with an intense gaze, filled with caution.

“Why is something like this in the throne room?”

“Lady Luna, can you see it?”

Lunia asked somewhat flustered.

As far as she knew, the residents of the Hero’s World couldn’t see Erebus.

No matter how great Lu was as an ancient Hero, she was still a figure from the past, long dead.

Even if she appeared realistic, she was still an illusion, not actually present.

She, like all others from the Hero’s World, shouldn’t normally be able to perceive Erebus.

“So what? Why wouldn’t I see something so massive?”

Lu turned to Lunia as if questioning what she was saying.

“Lunia, has Erebus changed in any way since the last time you saw it?”

At Leo’s question, Lunia anxiously stared at Erebus.

“No, it’s the same.”

With that response, Leo narrowed his eyes.

‘What’s the difference?’

“This is the monster you were talking about? Then it’s simple! We’ll destroy it before it awakens!”

“Wait just a moment! Lady Lu! We shouldn’t act rashly!”

Lunia tried to stop Lu, shocked.

But Lu was a hot-headed individual whose actions often preceded words.

As Lu brandished her Polyium, waves of magic began to pulse around her.

Flash!

Numerous magic arrays adorned the air.

The overwhelming might of Lu’s magic swirled around.

Before Lunia could intervene, Lu’s magic unleashed.

Kwaga ga ga ga goong!

The splendid magic adorned the sky.

Struck by its overwhelming presence, Lunia’s mouth dropped open.

Once again, she marveled at Lu’s boundless strength and paid her respects.

Thick smoke filled the hall as the aftermath of the explosion spread.

As the smoke cleared, Lu’s face twisted in frustration upon seeing Erebus still intact.

Despite taking a direct hit from Lu’s powerful magic, Erebus remained unharmed.

Seeing this, Lu was infuriated, her competitive spirit flaring.

“How dare you?”

“Lu, Lady Lu! Calm down…!”

In fairy tales and written records, the founder of the Star Cloud was portrayed as kind and serene.

A grandmage who maintained composure even in tough situations and provided support to the Great Heroes.

That was the common perception of Lu.

‘Which is why those fairy tales are all lies.’

The real Lu was fiery-tempered and stubborn when her head got clouded.

In the extermination team, she was the one with the most destructive tendencies.

The unparalleled firepower of the spells she created was enough to reveal her temperament.

Lu was fired up.

Once she got to this point, there was no stopping her easily.

‘Easily.’

Leo approached Lu.

And with a loud “PWAAAHK!” he slammed her head with his fist.

“Owaaaaaaa!”

Lu fell to her knees, clutching her head and glaring tearfully at Leo.

Seeing that, Lunia rushed to tend to Lu’s care.

“Lady Lu. Are you alright? Leo! How dare you hit Lady Lu!”

“You’re being an idiot!”

“Who’s the idiot here?!”

As Lu grabbed Leo by the collar, growling, Leo pushed her away and spoke.

“Calm down. That monster can’t be defeated just by recklessly charging in.”

At this, Lu hesitated for a moment.

Then she glared at Erebus, grunting.

Seeing how Leo had swiftly calmed Lu, Lunia looked at him with bewilderment.

In her previous life as well, calming the rampaging Lu had always been Leo’s task.

‘Why didn’t Lu’s magic work?’

Although Lu’s star magic wasn’t fully complete, it was still overwhelming.

Even for Erebus, it was strange that the fragment didn’t even flinch.

As Leo stood with a serious expression, a voice filled with hostility sounded.

“Arrogant…!”

Turning his head, Leo looked at Seed, whose body had recovered and wore an irritated expression.

“Still alive? Persistent.”

“I will not forgive the likes of you who have desecrated this place with such filthy hands…”

“Hmm, looks like there’s another bug over here?”

PWAAAHK!

With a cheerful voice, a pretty leather shoe descended on Seed’s head.

It was quite a rough and cruel act for such a charming girl.

“Uwaa…”

Elena, looking slightly disgusted, wiped the remnants of Seed’s flesh and bl**d from her foot.

Though shielded by magic, preventing it from staining her shoes, the physiological repulsion was unavoidable.

“Was worried, so I came by…but both of you seem to be fine?”

Grinning, Elena entered the throne room, noticing Lu. She widened her eyes in surprise.

“Founder of the Star Cloud?”

“The Founder of the Star Cloud? I don’t know who you are, but your grand title is quite impressive!”

Lu’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

“Um, Miss Elena. This…”

“Yes, understood.”

With extensive experience dealing with the Hero’s World, Elena quickly grasped the situation.

She politely bowed to Lu.

“My name is Elena Zeruon. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Huh? Likewise. I’m Lu Lunarian.”

Elena smiled wryly.

Moving closer to Leo, she exclaimed in panic.

“Oh my! Leo-kun, you’re injured!”

Seeing Elena fussing over Leo, Lunia was slightly taken aback.

‘She met a Great Hero, yet her reaction ends there?’

As Elena was bustling over to Leo, her movements halted.

“What is that?”

Elena’s usually composed face stiffened slightly.

Her eyes were set firmly on the dormant Erebus.

“That’s Erebus.”

“Erebus?”

Recalling Viner’s words before coming here, “a god has awakened,” Elena connected the dots.

The realization made her tense.

Even someone like her, who was usually at ease, couldn’t help but feel nervous in front of the legendary catastrophe.

However, seeing that Erebus showed no reaction at all, her expression turned slightly puzzled.

“Is it asleep?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm. Then it’s simple.”

Elena grinned and poked Leo’s cheek.

“If the monster can’t move, there’s no reason to be afraid, right? Let’s get rid of it right away.”

Leo brushed away Elena’s hand and stepped forward.

Gooouuuuu！

His body was enveloped in a surge of aura and magic.

“Hoh?”

Elena gasped in admiration.

‘Impressive?’

The power emanating from Leo was far beyond that of a first-year student.

‘Certainly, this guy is much more significant than I imagined.’

Elena’s eyes sparkled.

Meeting an ancient Great Hero was a surprise.

But unlike others, she didn’t assign any additional meaning to it.

It wasn’t that she didn’t respect Great Heroes—it was simply that she didn’t linger on the past.

‘The present is what matters.’

Elena, naturally, had a stronger interest in new potential Great Heroes than long-departed ones.

Just as Leo was about to use magic, a voice interrupted.

“Arrogant!”

Elena had stomped on Seed, but he had apparently revived and now blocked Leo’s path.

“A persistent bug.”

Elena grimaced.

“What insolence do you spout?”

Seed’s eyes gleamed with killing intent.

Looking at Seed, Elena sneered.

“You’re the one who should know your place…”

Thump!

Suddenly, a thunderous heartbeat echoed.

Everyone’s expression turned surprised at the sound.

Thump… Thump…

The previously quiet black flames began to flare intensely.

Turning his head, Seed wore an expression of disbelief.

Flash!

Erebus’ crimson eyes opened.

“E, Lord Erebus!”

Seed’s face lit up with joy.

“Haha! The deity! The great deity has awakened! The deity’s will has awakened!”

As Seed trembled, roaring like a madman, Lu and Elena’s faces turned pale.

“Prostrate yourselves in reverence! Hateful remnants of the Great Heroes! Tremble in fear before the great Catastrophe Flame…”

KWAANG!

“Kekh!”

Erebus’ massive foot crushed Seed.

Fwoosh!

Seed was incinerated and disappeared.

Gooouuuuu!

As Seed was crushed, black flames began to sweep through various parts of the World Tree.

The deep roar echoed fiercely as black flames surged powerfully from Erebus’ body.

Seeing this, Lu and Elena acted on pure instinct.

‘We’re going to d*e.’

KWA- GAGAGAGA-!

A colossal wave of black flames spread out in all directions.

Lunia squeezed her eyes shut tightly.

Then, realizing she was still alive, she cautiously opened them.

Elena stood beside her, arms crossed nonchalantly.

‘I didn’t have the means to protect myself… but is this what it means to be the Founder?’

Looking at Lu’s back, which protected her, Elena’s gaze then moved forward.

‘Still, who exactly is this kid…’

“Are you alright? That monster is terrifying.”

At this point, Lu’s carefree expression turned slightly anxious.

“Did I wake it up?”

“Not necessarily, I think. But, um… where’s Leo? Is Leo alright? Could he have been caught in the flames?”

“Leo-kun is right up front.”

Elena pointed ahead.

There stood Leo, shielded by a gray aura.

Leo wiped the bl**d flowing from the corner of his mouth.

‘Is this my limit for now?’

He had taken quite a hit.

Yet, even if someone were very strong, they shouldn’t be taken down so easily by just a fragment of Erebus.

Having once defeated Erebus, Leo was equipped with countermeasures against the never-dying black flames.

The surroundings, including the World Tree, were gone.

The castle had collapsed, and the world was engulfed in black flames.

It was akin to the destruction of the world itself.

Gooouuuuuuu!

Amidst all this, Erebus’ fragment roared.

‘Why did this suddenly move?’

Leo frowned.

The Erebus that had merely been an empty shell, devoid of any will, had suddenly started moving.

‘Suddenly developed a will? No. I still don’t sense any will from it.’

All that existed in Erebus’ eyes was ferocious madness.

And yet, Erebus was rampaging.

‘Could it be because of me?’

Leo glared at Erebus with hatred.

Erebus also hated Kayll for breaking him into many fragments.

So if Erebus’s power awakened on instinct, it wouldn’t be a strange assumption.

Leo clenched and unclenched his fists.

“What do we do now?”

Elena’s anxious expression was evident as she bit her nails.

Lunia gritted her teeth.

The two who understood Erebus only felt one thing.

Overwhelming despair.

“Well, what do you mean, ‘what do we do?’ Isn’t it obvious?”

At that moment, Lu, who had just dismantled the protective barrier, spoke matter-of-factly.

Lunia and Elena exchanged looks with Lu, who stood firmly.

Lu grinned and turned back.

“We must defeat that monster.”

At that smile, Elena and Lunia’s eyes widened immensely.

For a moment, Lu’s self-assured figure overlapped with someone else’s in their minds.

“Isn’t it so, Leo?”

Lu spoke to Leo.

At this, Leo smirked faintly.

“Of course.”

Seeing Lu’s unwavering figure amidst the Great Catastrophe, Elena muttered.

“Amazing.”

“Huh?”

“About how Lady Lu just now gave us courage.”

Elena smiled.

“Isn’t it similar to Leo-kun?”

“…!”

Lunia’s eyes widened.

And she looked ahead.

Indeed, it was similar.

Recalling their field trip, Lunia was shocked.

With her hands folded behind her back, Elena stared thoughtfully at Leo.

“So this was how the first-years felt during the Gigantes incident.”

Her heart shuddered.

She had never felt this way in her entire life.

“A Hero….”

A word she had never admired.

Although she had respected some figures, she had never yearned to chase after their image.

She never thought she would.

Yet…

Leo’s back, now visible to her, captured her gaze.

She began to admire him.

Drawn to his dazzling figure.

As she realized this, Elena thought,

‘Maybe it’s not so bad.’

Even in this desperate situation, for the first time in her life, the girl found herself admiring a Hero and smiled brightly.