Chapter 275

275

From the topmost floor of Central Castle, one can see a panoramic view of Demian Academy and the vast landscape of the Drakin Mountains beyond.

“This view is breathtaking every time I see it, isn’t it?”

Principal Zephia of Azonia stood with her arms crossed, gazing at the expansive scene that seemed to stretch infinitely.

Watching her, Gerwin, principal of Demian Academy, grinned.

“To dwarves, the Drakin Mountains are a matter of pride. It’s the land where Lord Dwenno was born and raised. No matter what others say.”

The Drakin Mountains had been a sacred ground for dwarves since ancient times due to the numerous mineral deposits embedded within.

Lord Dwenno also hailed from these mountains.

At Gerwin’s words, Zephia wore an expression of regret.

“It’s unfortunate. There’s no clear record of where Lady Aron was born.”

“Only two Great Heroes have a well-documented birthplace — the King of Wisdom and God’s Blacksmith.”

Rina, principal of Lumeran Academy, calmly added.

As she said, Lisinas originated from Dragonia.

In the era before the Era of Catastrophe — the Age of the Gods — Dragonia was known by a different name, but it had long been revered as sacred ground for dragons. All dragons, including Lisinas, were born there.

As for the progenitor of the constellation, Luna, opinions varied widely. There were several potential birthplaces, but none were definitively known.

“Surely you didn’t gather us here just to talk about these stories?”

From a corner came the sound of scoffing laughter.

Seirun Academy’s acting principal, LeHagen, was seated with his arms crossed.

“Gerwin, please explain the reason for calling this meeting.”

“Ho, your quick temper hasn’t changed, has it? Not like the good old days.”

Gerwin stroked his beard and clicked his tongue, amusement evident in his tone.

Though LeHagen was both obstinate and arrogant, even he had to give Gerwin his respect.

Zephia of Azonia, Rina of Lumeran, and LeHagen of Seirun were all active figures of their generation.

But Gerwin was different.

He was a hero from the preceding generation, a dwarf hero who fought alongside the great swordsmen of old.

On top of that, his achievements as a hero and his blacksmithing skills were legendary. Many of the weapons he crafted have become part of countless legends in the hands of heroes.

Gerwin remains the greatest blacksmith of their era.

Even among the weapons LeHagen wielded, there were pieces crafted by Gerwin, placing him in a position that no one, not even LeHagen, could lightly oppose.

LeHagen isn’t the only one. Zephia, and even the Shadow Rina, both wield weapons born from Gerwin’s craftsmanship.

‘Although, it’s not solely for that reason.’

With a slight nod, Rina took the offered seat from Gerwin.

‘Now he may seem gentle, but wasn’t he the one who used to go around testing his weapons on students of other Hero Academies?’

He accumulated numerous stories about these tests.

To the current students, Gerwin is merely a kind legend, but to Rina’s generation, he was infamous as a stubborn, grumpy dwarf.

In fact, there were several heroes who had gone to ask for weapons but ultimately left with bruises from Gerwin’s fists.

‘Maybe even with her elf nature, Rina has been beaten by Gerwin at some point.’

Rina shook her head as this thought crossed her mind and took her seat.

“I’ve gathered you all here because Dragonia sent a letter.”

Gerwin’s words left the principals astonished.

A letter from Dragonia.

It implied only one thing.

“Surely… The Silent Dragon has moved?”

The Silent Dragon, Dragon Lord Melina.

In the past.

Attempting to conquer the world of rebirth was one of humanity’s grandest endeavors. Melina, one of Taraturos’ three great Legion Commanders, was regarded on par with Demon King, Giant King, and Demon Queen for her immense power.

However, after the conquest attempt failed, she never once reemerged into the world.

Even when Sword Saint exterminated the Cursed King, she remained silent.

Thus, the world called her the Silent Dragon.

At LeHagen’s words, Gerwin nodded.

“That’s right.”

Upon hearing that response, the expressions of the Hero Academy principals tightened significantly.

The principals of the Hero Academies held power that could sway the various races.

If even they were tense, then the implications of Dragon Lord Melina’s movement were far from ordinary.

‘Since the Demon Queen has been exterminated, it seems even the Dragon Lord can no longer remain silent.’

‘Although she has remained silent until now, as a Dragon Lord, her influence is absolute.’

‘To summon the principals instead of the headmasters. What could she be intending to do?’

Melina’s silence may have been real, but among dragons, she’s celebrated as a great sage.

Her word alone could alter the course of the Hero Academies.

“Shan Empire has discovered a new Hero Record. Through Dragania, they’ve discreetly asked for the cooperation of each Hero Academy.”

At Gerwin’s statement, LeHagen’s expression was one of obvious disbelief.

“Is that all?”

“Is that little? If it’s something that the Dragon Lord herself finds notable, it’s likely not ordinary.”

Rina shot LeHagen a piercing, cold gaze.

Facing her, LeHagen simply smirked.

“Discovery of the Hero Record happens all the time. Nothing special about it. Furthermore, if Shan Empire is requesting aid clandestinely through Dragonia rather than formal channels, it’s quite obvious, isn’t it? They must have discovered a Hero Dungeon and can’t clear it.”

LeHagen narrowed his eyes.

“Shadows, who only deal with the aftermath of heroes, certainly wouldn’t be able to handle such a place properly.”

“Yet, if not for the Shadows who deal with those aftermaths, the elves would have lost their lives countless times.”

“Isn’t it natural for Shadows to serve as the protectors of heroes?”

Observing his blatant disrespect for the Shadows, Rina muttered inwardly.

“I understand why the elf Shadows are complaining. The hero they saved is the most regrettable one of all.”

She wanted to punch him right then and there.

However, this was an official setting.

Besides, Rina had foreseen that someone like LeHagen would openly disrespect a Shadow principal like herself.

And it wasn’t just elves; various races tended to treat Shadows this way.

“If only my temperament allowed, I’d probably show him something right now!”

As a subtle grinding noise came from Rina’s teeth, Gerwin abruptly interjected.

“LeHagen, you should avoid belittling the Shadows. They are those who sacrifice themselves for the world’s salvation by working in the darkness. Shadows are as equal to the Heroes.”

“But they haven’t received recognition from the gods. The notion that Shadows are equal to Heroes is difficult to accept.”

Gerwin smiled faintly.

“Perhaps that was the case in the past.”

“A completely new Hero Record was discovered in Shan Empire. It’s called ‘The Book of Shadows,’ where the names of Shadows are fully recorded.”

“Unbelievable! The Hero Record has existed for 5000 years! Over this period, there has not been a single instance of a Shadow’s name being recorded!”

LeHagen abruptly leaped out of his seat in a state of exasperation.

Gerwin smiled wryly at him.

“Still, it’s the truth. There exists a Hero Record recorded purely for Shadows, and it has been confirmed that the Hero’s World is also open. This is certainly a momentous occasion.”

Despite Gerwin’s words, the other three principals still couldn’t believe it.

Even Rina, being a Shadow herself, found it hard to accept the situation.

It was just too incredible.

“So, what exactly has Shan Empire requested?”

“They’ve asked for the records of Shadows historically recorded in the shadows. They reportedly aim to document their names in this new Hero Record.”

“If they haven’t received recognition from the gods, it’s impossible to record names in the Hero Record.”

“That’s the point I find suspicious as well.”

Gerwin narrowed his eyes.

“Perhaps they’ve found a way to gain the gods’ approval.”

“The gods vanished completely from the earth after the Era of Catastrophe. It’s impossible.”

Zephia shook her head.

“You’re right. But since Shan is making this request without an explanation, we have no way of knowing. They must have their own method. Additionally, there’s another request.”

Gerwin paused, resting his chin.

“Shan has requested that Heroes and Shadow students study together in the Hero Academies.”

“There’s no way that’s possible! Heroes and Shadow students studying in the same space?!”

LeHagen jumped out of his seat as if seized by a seizure, his face contorted.

Discrimination against the Shadows exists in every race, but the Elves’ sentiments ran the deepest.

There was no other way.

The admission criteria for Seirun — the ability to wield star magic — meant only those skilled in it could enter.

Still, even among the celebrated “magic race,” there were individuals who couldn’t inherently wield magic.

These non-magic users traditionally took on the role of Shadows in the Elf society, becoming their warriors and summoners.

Elves had discriminated against these people for a long time.

The situation only allowed magic-wielding heroes to be recorded on the Hero Record.

Now, they suddenly discovered a Hero Record for Shadows.

And further, Shan Empire requested that Shadows be allowed to study alongside heroes.

For the racially biased LeHagen, it was unacceptable.

As LeHagen fumed, Zephia responded.

“I don’t agree with the headmaster of Seirun, but immediately accepting the request for such a radical change would be difficult for Azonia, too. Heroes and Shadows have always operated in vastly different domains. Attempting this suddenly might cause significant confusion.”

With this remark, Zephia glanced over at Rina.

“That’s why Lumeran tried this year to enroll Shadow candidates as Hero candidates, didn’t they?”

This year, Lumeran admitted a few Shadow candidates, but they were instructed as Hero candidates, not as Shadows.

“That’s right. I merely provided the Shadow candidates with a choice. I didn’t anticipate them studying together.”

Rina’s enrollment of Shadow candidates was intended to give them the choice of living in light or darkness.

“I believe that changing perceptions gradually over time is crucial. This request by Shan wasn’t from Dragonia.”

Hearing this, LeHagen, who had been reacting almost violently, calmed down and took his seat.

Since it was Dragonia’s words, even Seirun wouldn’t dare to disregard them lightly.

But if it was merely a request by Shan Empire…

‘Well, if they ignore it, that’s that.’

LeHagen adopted a cold expression.

“The reason for calling a gathering of the Principals: is it to share information about the newly discovered Hero Record and discuss future plans?”

“That’s right. But before that, there’s one more thing.”

Gerwin pulled out a wooden box from his coat.

“Early this morning, another letter arrived from Dragonia.”

“Again?”

Zephia widened her eyes, startled.

“Yes. Moreover… This time, it appears to be a personal letter from the Dragon Lord herself.”

Recalling the morning letter delivered by the superintendent, Gerwin maintained a serious expression.

The Principals tensed once more upon hearing it was a personal letter from the Dragon Lord.

If such a letter was sent, what grave matter could it possibly contain?

“I’ll open it.”

Click.

When Gerwin opened the wooden box, inside lay an envelope carefully nestled within. Its elegant handwriting was clearly visible.

[To Lord Gerwin, from Dragon Lord, Melina.]

Even the battle-hardened Principals tensed as they gazed upon the personal handwriting of the strongest dragon in the world.

After taking a deep breath, Gerwin opened the envelope and retrieved the contents.

As Gerwin read the contents, his face turned strangely pale.

Observing Gerwin’s change in expression, the others assumed the letter contained something extraordinary.

Gerwin rubbed his eyes several times, confirming the content, before pulling out a pair of magnifying glasses from his coat and re-read the letter.

After a moment, Gerwin handed the letter over to the other Principals.

As they read it in turn, their expressions shifted — growing increasingly tense.

When Zephia received the letter first, her face mirrored Gerwin’s.

LeHagen, who read next, adopted an incomprehensible expression.

Finally, when Rina received the letter, she was left speechless.

[Dear esteemed Gerwin, henceforth, the legacy of Lord Dwenno currently stored in Demian will be managed by Dragonia. Dragon Lord, Melina.]

‘Wait, what is this cute little bear at the end? What in the world is this?’

Seeing the adorable bear doodle at the bottom of the envelope, Rina’s expression turned baffled.