Chapter 376

376.

Leo gazed at Delian sitting right before him.

Delian, looking at Leo like that, spoke.

“Let me get straight to the point. In this place, beneath Shadow, there’s a high probability that the heritage left behind by Lord Rodia, the Dragon of the Cataclysm, might be slumbering.”

Sitting beside Leo, Arga’s eyes widened in surprise at Delian’s words.

“How can you be certain? Did you see it?”

“I have spent a lot of time investigating here as a hero scholar.”

Hero scholar.

It refers to those who specialize in studying Heroic Studies and excavate traces of heroes.

They operate in various fields—such as tracking and finding relics of heroes recorded in the Hero Records but whose artifacts have not been discovered, making it impossible to open the World of Heroes; or finding traces of heroes within the ruins of ancient nations from the distant past; or even uncovering lost Hero Records.

During this process, they may also undertake the challenge of Hero Dungeons.

Mostly, they are graduates from Hero Academy who have specialized in the study of Heroic Studies.

“Many hero scholars are ignoring Elehem. Despite being a country with a long history and where many heroes have been born.”

“Every record and relic related to Elehem’s heroes was discovered outside Elehem’s present territory.”

Arga answered Delian’s words succinctly.

That was true; all records about Elehem’s heroes have originated from the territories that were once part of Elehem but are now independent, belonging to other countries.

“That’s correct. Moreover, there hasn’t been a single hero born in Elehem for hundreds of years.”

In the past, the connection between Elehem and its heroes faded entirely. And for the past several hundred years, no heroes have emerged.

It was a nation where hero scholars could find no interest.

“But, this country is where Lord Rodia, the Dragon of the Cataclysm, was born. That alone gives it infinite research value.”

“Isn’t research on the heroes of the cataclysm already complete?”

Leo asked.

“Thanks to three thousand years of research, most of the legacy of the Cataclysm heroes has been uncovered.”

“That’s correct. From Lord Lumeran, the Knight of Twilight, to Lord Seirun, the Comet Wizard, to Great Warrior Azonia, and even Unyielding Demian — their legacies are being passed down by students at Hero Academy. Even I inherit and carry forth a small part of Lord Lumeran’s legacy.”

The legacy of the Cataclysm heroes refers to the spirit and the Hero Records they left behind for future generations, along with the “armaments” they wielded.

Since the world of Cataclysm itself doesn’t exist anymore, practical inheritance is impossible.

“But, you must also know. Among all the Cataclysm heroes, those associated with the Great Hero left behind legacies, except Lord Rodia, who left nothing connected to Lord Rissinas.”

Delian grinned profoundly.

“Isn’t it strange? Lord Rodia was a symbol of the cataclysm itself. It was through His will that Hero Academy was founded.”

The founders of Hero Academy were the Knight of Twilight, the Comet Wizard, the Great Warrior, and the Unyielding. These four, but it was Rodia who first proposed creating an institute for cultivating heroes.

The four founding heroes left their own legacy for future generations.

However, Rodia did not.

He left behind something for the dragons, but compared to his comrades, it was significantly insufficient.

Delian grinned profoundly again.

“Isn’t it highly probable that he arranged something for someone worthy to inherit his legacy? I have been considering that possibility for years, studying all things related to the Cataclysm heroes. And it led me to believe that what Lord Rodia left behind must be here, in his homeland.”

“The labyrinth beneath Shadow is the only unexplored area in this country that I haven’t yet investigated.”

His reasoning turned out to be correct.

In truth, Lord Rodia had left behind a treasure trove for someone destined to become the Vow Keeper of Rael.

There was even a legend suggesting that Rael’s library might be here.

“Why are you telling us this story?”

If Delian believed there was a legacy of Rodia beneath the underground labyrinth, it would make sense for him to attempt it alone, for only then could he claim the legacy entirely.

Yet Delian was proposing collaboration.

Of course, Leo was aware of the real nature of the treasure trove, but he only knew this because of his pact with Rael.

“I’m sorry, but I’ll have to decline your offer.”

“Why is that?”

“I simply don’t prefer excessive generosity.”

Delian narrowed his eyes.

“Hmm. You refuse excessive generosity but find it foolish to disclose it to the one who extended it. Perhaps you are still inexperienced?”

“Didn’t you say you’ve conducted extensive research in this country?”

“That’s right.”

“In other words, you are affiliated with the Elehem royal household.”

That statement caused Delian to hesitate slightly.

“Surely you know why students from Lumeran Academy have come to Elehem? Anyway, we are not the kind of people who can cooperate, whether you recognize it or not.”

With an unconcerned shrug, Leo rose from his seat, prompting Delian to smile kindly.

“As a senior, let me give you some advice. In this country, there’s nothing like what you imagine in Lumeran. Don’t waste your time unnecessarily and accept my offer. It’s the last courtesy I offer as your senior. And it would also be advantageous for you to make achievements as the Student Council President.”

“It will be known eventually if it’s a waste of time or not. Also, we can explore the maze without your help.”

“Hmm, is it because you’re the youngest Student Council President? Your confidence is bordering on arrogance. Understand your place. You’re just a second-year. To someone who has graduated, you’re nothing more than a naive kid. Someone like Harc Ligard or Elena Zeruon would have accepted my offer.”

‘Had accepted, Elena would have attacked immediately and Harc would have dismissed it as a hassle.’

That’s how Leo thought of his senior schoolmates.

For whatever reason, the two were from Lumeran’s three great houses and would never compromise with someone who went against Lumeran’s principles.

Seemingly having targeted the wrong person, Delian watched as Leo, shaking his head, walked away with Ar.

“Your attitude suddenly became overbearing, and your eyes seem a bit off.”

Arga muttered suspiciously.

‘Yeah, I recognize that kind of gaze.’

The kind of stare from someone who does not discriminate between means and ends to achieve their objectives. Leo also knew well where those methods could lead.

Clasping his temples, Leo touched his fingers.

Hummm—

A faint ripple of mana vibrated through the air.

—You haven’t called me like this before.

A slightly surprised voice whispered in Leo’s ear.

It was none other than Chen Sia.

Chen Sia was using an artifact given to Leo for communication.

While Chen Sia aspired to be a hero, she did not renounce her role as a Shadow. An unknown fact to the students, but since being saved by Leo, Chen Sia had been following him as a shadow.

And the reason for using this artifact was just one.

—Await your command, Master.

“Get rid of that title. It makes me feel weird.”

—But I like it just fine?

Leo shook his head at the playful, amused tone in her voice.

—What orders should I follow, Lord Leo?

“Can you come to Shadow, the underground casino in Uargela?”

—Right away.

The communication ended, and Leo turned his gaze to Ar.

“Besides you, how many other Azonia students at this casino are in debt?”

“Seventeen including me.”

The relatively large number made Leo click his tongue.

“Can you pay the debts?”

“Quit worrying! We’ll all pay off next week and escape this place we’re sick of!”

With her hands on her hips and chest puffed out, Ar confidently declared.

‘Our schoolmates should not be as absurd as Azonia’s.’

“How will you pay?”

At Leo’s inquiry, Ar smirked.

“The arena.”

*

“So,”

Chelsea was pressing her temples.

“You lost all your points?”

“If I had known the measurements of the class president, I could’ve gathered 10 million points.”

Iliana responded seriously to which Chelsea remarked.

“Foolish.”

“Uh.”

Iliana shuddered, seemingly unable to counter Chelsea’s words.

“But at least we’re not in debt!”

“Having skimmed off not only our own but also the freshmen’s points, if we were in debt, it wouldn’t be mere foolishness but stupidity.”

Chelsea’s icy words made Iliana start to drift off topic.

“It’s not just Ilaina’s fault, most of us lost money.”

Sighing, Chloe added as Carl tossed a chip into the air.

Ding!

The chip spun as Carl caught it with a proud declaration.

“I won though.”

“How much?”

“1000 points.”

“Even though you won, it’s not enough.”

Just as Chelsea heaved a quiet sigh,

“Looks like the only reliable way to make money here is through events.”

Juen sighed. And then,

“Anyway, when is Leo coming?”

As everyone wondered, since their agreed time had long passed,

[Welcome once again, gentlemen and ladies, to Shadow!]

Suddenly, an amplifying magic spell resonated throughout the entire casino.

Every single person’s gaze was drawn to the center.

The floor split open and steel cages descended from the ceiling.

[Welcome to the stage of honorable bloodshed!]

The male commentator’s words were met with cheers from everywhere.

At the sight, everyone in the group was dumbfounded.

The steel cage descended from the ceiling, forming a grand arena from which no one could escape.

Pfft!

The casino’s lights went out, and a spotlight shone on the arena.

And when people saw the boy standing there, they murmured.

“Ah, is this young boy really the first challenger?”

“Unfortunately, it seems so. I wonder what brought him to this.”

The noblewomen who spoke sounded sorrowful, but their eyes sparkled with a strange excitement.

Clearly, they believed the boy would soon cry out in anguished screams.

[Today’s challenger ambitiously aims to defeat the champion! Ladies and gentlemen, it’s now or never to see if the challenger can reach the level of the champion!]

As the announcement came, beautiful women in revealing outfits appeared on stage.

[The challenger’s first opponent is Jaidon, the Trash of the Slums, infamous for brutally murdering seven boys and girls!]

“RRRAAAAHHHhhh!”

A giant man with a mask on his face charged forward with a massive sword, roaring ferociously.

“Disgusting. A murderer? Trash.”

“Do they even give such people the chance to live?”

People frowned with apparent disdain.

But even as they expressed their disgust, they continued placing bets without hesitation, clearly intrigued.

After the betting ended with the sound of the bell, the blaring trumpet announced the start of the match.

All eyes were glued to the arena.

“Let me slice you nicely, kid.”

Jaidon, grinning menacingly, said.

“Would you like a painless d*ath? Or a painful one?”

Leo asked.

“You insolent brat!”

Jaidon wielded his massive sword high and charged at Leo.

DING!

Just as Jaidon’s huge sword was about to cut Leo’s neck.

KAAKKK- CRACK!

“AHHHHHHhhhhh!”

The giant arm wielding the sword twisted unnaturally.

Leo grabbed Jaidon’s arm, now bent at an odd angle, forced him to his knees as Jaidon screamed in agony.

Then Leo kicked Jaidon’s kneecaps.

As Jaidon’s knee broke,

Leo, looking at the agonized cries of Jaidon, said.

Leo grabbed Jaidon by the collar and hurled him aside like a piece of trash.

THUD!

With a fleshy sound, Jaidon’s body rolled on the ground and died slowly.

Everyone, including Leo’s friends, stared at the scene with wide-open mouths.

‘Maybe revealing the sword would be quite a shock.’

Leo, not looking at his friends, flexed his fingers.

To those friends who had only seen his good side, his current appearance was surely a great shock.

‘But it’s impossible to always show only a good side.’

Leo gave a bitter smile.

‘My way isn’t the answer, but knowing the method to deal with filth isn’t necessarily bad.’