Chapter 201

201

[Leo Flove! First place pass!]

As the commentator Cheira excitedly announced, everyone witnessed Leo crossing the finish line in first place.

Following Leo, Duran and Eliza also crossed the line, securing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes for Lumeran Academy.

Even in terms of disqualification points, Lumeran Academy comprehensively dominated, resulting in an overwhelming victory in the 1st year team competition.

This was the first victory for the 1st year team since the 5th year.

As a result, the Lumeran spectators erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

“Leo! Duran! Eliza!”

The freshmen trio were being celebrated.

Just as Lumeran Academy was basking in the festival atmosphere of their victory…

“Wow, it’s Lunia El Rundah!”

“Get out of the way!”

The freshmen of Lumeran Academy panicked and scattered as Lunia approached.

This was due to the fierce demeanor she had displayed during the obstacle race when she had attacked Leo.

As everyone watched in tense silence, Lunia suddenly smiled gently at the freshmen of Lumeran.

Seeing this unexpected reaction, those who had feared her were taken aback.

Lunia, playing her role as the perfect top student, had left the freshmen murmuring amongst themselves.

“Is she really not scary?”

“She’s actually quite beautiful.”

“She’s like the perfect top student.”

The freshmen of Lumeran, unaware of the full story, were completely fooled.

In truth, aside from those in the same class at Seirun and a few seniors, not many students were familiar with Lunia’s true nature.

Approaching Leo, Lunia spoke.

“Leo, can we talk?”

“Alright.”

Leo, who had been resting, stood up and moved to a quiet spot with her.

“What’s up?”

“Eiran is pretty upset because of you, can you try cheering her up?”

Lunia sighed, pointing towards Eiran seated at the Seirun side, looking disheartened after coming up against Leo.

With this message, Leo scratched his cheek and walked towards Eiran.

Eiran was being consoled by other students but looked thoroughly dejected.

Eiran, who until the first semester had struggled to adjust to school life, had changed after meeting Leo.

Firming her resolve, she had thrown herself into her academic work.

The top class’s student atmosphere had also evolved significantly, allowing her to adjust well to the new environment.

Thus, she had come to be acknowledged as the second-ranking student of the first-year class at Seirun Academy.

As Leo approached, some students from Seirun glared at him.

“What? Why is this guy here?”

Particularly, some of the male students’ gazes were far from friendly.

With a gentle and caring nature, Eiran had become quite popular within Seirun.

“Eiran.”

“Leo-sama?”

At Leo’s call, Eiran snapped her head up from her deflated position.

Seeing Eiran looking even more defeated than before, the protective instincts of the Seirun students intensified.

“You’ve grown significantly, haven’t you?”

“Huh?”

“Avoiding Duran and Eliza’s attacks? That was really impressive.”

Leo smiled and praised Eiran.

Her ears perked up at his words.

Her eyes wide and looking up at Leo, Eiran’s cheeks flushed slightly.

“Is… is that really true?”

“That’s right.”

Eiran’s face lit up at Leo’s broad smile.

“Leo-sama was also amazing!”

Regaining her energy, Eiran jumped up and began chattering enthusiastically.

Watching this interaction, the Seirun students exchanged complicated expressions.

Particularly, the male students’ expressions were visibly distorted.

Lunia observed all this and sighed inwardly.

‘Eiran is too weak against Leo.’

The upcoming Ruse Tournament worried Lunia even more.

*

With the conclusion of the 1st-year team obstacle race, often considered the opening event of the Ruse Tournament, various other competitions followed.

While students from both Lumeran and Seirun showcased their specialties in these events, it was also a platform for hero candidates to demonstrate their excellence to the public.

These candidates symbolize the hope for future peace.

With the closing of the first day’s schedule,

and on the evening of the third schedule after its conclusion, most students were asleep from the fatigue of the Ruse Tournament.

Leo was just about to lie down and rest when-

Knock, knock.

A tapping sound came from the window outside.

Leo got up and approached.

There outside the window was a bird, which made Leo raise an eyebrow.

‘A Snow Bird?’

These were low-ranking familiars found in cold regions.

When Leo opened the window, the Snow Bird flew in, dropping a tightly rolled letter before flapping off.

Despite the strong wind, the Snow Bird showed no signs of being affected, clearly displaying its nature as a familiar.

With a curious look, Leo opened the letter.

“An invitation?”

The sender was none other than the vice-principal of Seirun Academy.

‘Seirun Main School, The Storeroom of the Stars?’

During the Ruse Tournament, Seirun opens its facilities to students from Lumeran.

The Storeroom of the Stars, which holds the same rules, stores all the knowledge of star magic compiled over 5000 years by Elves. It was akin to the heart of Seirun.

Being invited at a time outside the regular usage hours was puzzling to Leo.

‘Ignoring it is probably not an option though.’

Leo scratched his head, quickly changed, and headed towards the Storeroom of the Stars.

Although he would typically be stopped by the manager, perhaps due to prior arrangements, Leo reached the Storeroom without any hindrance.

Creak.

Pushing open the massive doors of the Storeroom of the Stars illuminated faintly by magical lights, the interior appeared dimly lit.

Despite the dimness, Leo was unfazed as he navigated inside smoothly.

“Welcome, Leo Flove.”

Following a brief pause, a loud voice echoed.

Whoosh!

The interior of the Storeroom lit up brilliantly.

In the center of the Storeroom sat an elf with silver hair and golden eyes.

By her stood a tall male elf who looked down at Leo.

Leo understood without difficulty that the person addressing him was, indeed, a dragon.

“Hello.”

As Leo bowed slightly in greeting, the male elf’s eyes flickered in response.

“Show more respect, Leo Flove. Do you know who this is?”

“Isn’t it Lady Nerzhia, the vice-principal of Seirun?”

“Knowing this fact, how can you address her with such disrespect?”

“Viris. I feel it’s unnecessary to be overly strict, don’t you agree?”

Lady Nerzhia’s narrowing eyes caused the man called Viris to mutter discontentedly.

” Lady Nerzhia. I still don’t understand why a human should be accepted into Seirun.”

Viris fixed his gaze on Leo.

“Being merely lucky enough to interpret the magic of the progenitor does not qualify him to be accepted into Seirun. He is, after all, just a human.”

Viris Zerkin, an elf exploring the Hero Dungeons, had graduated from Seirun five years ago.

Leo looked directly into the eyes of Viris, who stared at him.

‘These eyes, I’ve seen them before.’

He had noticed similar looks in a few students at Seirun during the first semester—students who believed they were superior to Lumeran Academy students.

‘Well, they’re slightly different from them.’

Viris’s gaze was even more overt.

Leo recognized this very same look, the arrogance of racial superiority.

‘Just like the High Elves.’

“Viris, wasn’t the condition of allowing your service that you would not bring up such discussions?”

Lady Nerzhia rubbed her temples, showing signs of a headache.

“Forgive me, Lady Nerzhia.”

“Your excuses are unnecessary. Retreat!”

Unhappy, Viris bowed his head, leaving the Storeroom of the Stars but never stopping his glare at Leo.

‘I didn’t expect to encounter such elves in this life.’

The overly proud students of Seirun now seemed almost endearing by comparison.

“Ugh—His mind is too rigid on that issue.”

Clutching her head and giving a sigh, Lady Nerzhia relaxed with a deep breath and smiled.

“Anyway, welcome, Leo Flove.”

“Why did you summon me?”

“Are you upset?”

“Because I’m used to this kind of thing, I just think ‘a dog is barking.'”

Chuckling softly, Leo was admired by Lady Nerzhia.

“Hmm, you really are extraordinary?”

Chin in hand, Lady Nerzhia spoke.

“The reason I summoned you is simple. The Longsword made from the Dragon core you obtained—I sent it.”

“I’m using it well.”

“Good. Now, why would I send such a present?”

Nerzhia crossed her arms with a meaningful look.

“Because I want you to come to Seirun!”

“Are you asking me to transfer?”

“That’s correct.”

Lady Nerzhia chuckled.

“To be honest, I covet your talent. You are bound to become a prominent figure among the heroes who will lead the future.”

Lady Nerzhia stood and approached Leo.

“I revere the great King of Wisdom, Lissinas. I wish to create a great hero, like him, who can combat the Catastrophe Flame and Tartarus.”

Lady Nerzhia’s golden eyes shone.

“Have you thought about the reasons why Lumeran has recently been falling behind Seirun?”

“Perhaps due to Seirun students studying harder?”

“It’s because of me.”

Lady Nerzhia shrugged.

“As the vice-principal of Seirun, I’ve actively supported its students. Seirun isn’t just doing better than Lumeran academically; it surpasses Azonia and Demian as well. Seirun is the best of the best!”

Lady Nerzhia extended a hand with a meaningful smile.

“You can reach greater heights by studying here, Leo Flove. To become the greatest, one must train in the greatest place. I will make you a hero whose name will be remembered in history.”

Watching Lady Nerzhia’s confidence, Leo responded.

“Our school is good enough.”

“Hmph, I knew you’d say that. Therefore, I have a special fact to disclose to you.”

Lady Nerzhia smirked.

“I am a dragon.”

“…”

“Not only me, but the heads of all hero academies are dragons. And currently, the principal at Lumeran, the venerable Riven, is not overly concerned about student support. He’s an old dragon nearing retirement age. Though experienced, he lacks the youthful vigor I possess. You have been chosen by the dragons. How about it? Isn’t coming to Seirun more appealing now?”

“Didn’t Miss Melina say that the fact that the school heads are dragons must remain a top secret? Won’t exposing this information cause massive trouble?”

“Ah, you’re right. If Lord—wait, how did you know about him?”

Lady Nerzhia widened her eyes.

“Have you met Lord before?”

“Yes, a few times.”

Seeing the startled Lady Nerzhia, Leo added.

“Can I head back to sleep now since you’ve said all you wanted to?”

Since Leo had no intention of transferring, the conversation had no point in continuing.

“Just a moment! Let me finish!”

Lady Nerzhia called out urgently.

“Would I directly and bluntly tell you to transfer to Seirun?”

Lady Nerzhia proudly took out a small case from her sleeve and handed it over to Leo.

Leo raised an eyebrow upon receiving it.

“Open it.”

When Leo opened the case, there inside was a small, worn-out paper fragment.

“This is a fragment of the Hero Record passed down from the Progenitor of the Star Cloud. It allows the user to materialize the Hero’s World.”

This revelation startled Leo.

“Is there an artifact of Lady Luna left?”

“Yes. Well, to be precise, it doesn’t physically remain.”

Lady Nerzhia smirked.

“This is a fact that was only recently revealed. Anyone who masters a ‘specific’ form of star magic can activate the Hero’s World with this Hero Record fragment.”

Lady Nerzhia leaned towards Leo and placed a friendly hand on his shoulder.

“If you join Seirun, I’ll give you the opportunity to explore and conquer the Hero’s World, one that could create a Great Hero.”

Taking the Hero Record fragment out of the case, Lady Nerzhia handed it over to Leo.

Startled by the sudden movement, Leo immediately stepped back.

Based on previous incidents, the Hero’s World might activate suddenly.

“What’s wrong? Why so startled?”

Lady Nerzhia looked puzzled at Leo’s reaction.

“No, it’s nothing.”

Leo collected himself and asked.

“What is the specific star magic that activates this fragment?”

“That’s a secret.”

Lady Nerzhia grinned triumphantly.

“What do you think? Does it interest you?”

Shaking his head, Leo replied.

“No.”

“Wha—why not?”

“Because I anticipate life at your school would be tough. Look at that elf from before.”

Lady Nerzhia appeared flustered at Leo’s reasoning.

Indeed, Seirun has many students who hold racial supremacist views.

“I’ve said all I needed to. I’ll take my leave now.”

Leo bowed politely and exited the Storeroom of the Stars.

‘Even though I touched it, why didn’t Lady Luna’s world activate? It’s fortunate but was it not her Hero’s World? She did say it was definitely Lady Luna’s Hero Record though…’

As he stepped out of the Storeroom, Leo was deep in thought.

Observing this, Lady Nerzhia placed the Hero Record back in the deepest section of the Storeroom, clearly disappointed.

‘That short one is quite obstinate. Maybe that’s why he’s so attached to his school. Hmph, well, that level of dedication is what makes convincing him worthwhile.’

With renewed vigor, Lady Nerzhia secured the door at the core of the Storeroof Stars.

Creak!

Darkness enveloped the core of the Storeroom where the Hero Record was stored.

Fizz!

A gray spark suddenly flashed from the Hero Record of Lady Luna.