378.
“Hmph-”
Kirin, the master of Shadows, exhaled cigarette smoke and muttered while watching the exchange unfold through a magical image.
“Fascinating.”
‘Did Rina Flixx give special training?’
Rina Flixx.
A figure from the Shadows who rose to become the principal of Lumeran Academy, an internationally renowned individual. And currently, controversies surrounding her still continue.
Shadows are not perceived positively by people.
The duty of the Shadows is to guard the world from within the darkness. Some guard the world’s heroes, while others track down and eliminate traitors.
The actions of the Shadows mostly take place in the shadows, though there are some who reveal themselves.
To set an example, Shadows who pursue and brutally eliminate traitors are ones that have shaped the public’s perception.
Many people’s deep misunderstandings and fears of Shadows stem from such reasons.
With a Shadow as the principal of Lumeran, there have been constant discussions about replacing her from external parties.
Of course, Altech Zeruon, the chairman of Lumeran who directly appointed Rina as the principal, has been suppressing those opinions.
The reason Rina became the principal of Lumeran is extremely simple.
Because she is strong.
The principal of Lumeran must lead the students as their role model.
But more importantly, the principal must serve as the protector of the school, wielding the power to defend it.
Altech Zeruon, along with Halind and Sedgen who have served the longest in teaching at Lumeran, believed that there was no one more perfect than Rina as a guardian and offered her the principal’s position.
Among the Shadows themselves, Rina’s legendary anecdotes are well known.
She is a legend among the Shadows.
Even Kirin, the Lord of Shadows in the South, had heard of her tale.
‘It doesn’t seem like she’d give someone separate training given Rina Flixx’s character.’
As Kirin observed Leo, his eyes narrowed.
‘This aura wasn’t built in a day or two.’
Being a fellow Shadow, Kirin could discern.
That Leo was naturally a born judge.
‘Certainly, it’s understandable why the princess would fall for him.’
Kirin chuckled and rose from his seat.
‘It would be rude to keep our Lord of Shan waiting any longer.’
Kirin disappeared into the darkness.
“Haaak!”
A loud yell of exertion followed as Borman’s massive fist lunged towards Leo’s face.
An aggressive strike that seemed ready to crush Leo’s visage.
In return, Leo clenched his fists.
BOOM!
The collision of Leo’s fist against Borman’s reverberated with a heavy sound.
A pure contest of strength without any aura enhancement.
To anyone watching, it seemed obvious that Leo, who was much smaller in build, was at a disadvantage.
However, Leo didn’t budge one bit from his stance.
Impressed by this, Borman exhaled through his nose.
“My bl**d boils! Your audacity to face me without backing down truly befits the title of ‘The Strongest of Lumeran’!”
The excited Borman began throwing a barrage of punches at Leo.
POWPOWPOWPOWPOW!
Despite the onslaught, Leo managed to block all of Borman’s strikes and moved into close range.
THUD!
“Huh?!”
Stunned by the unexpected force, Borman staggered.
WHOOSH!
Leo spun around, delivering a heel to the temple that sent Borman smashing to the ground.
THUD! CRACK!
At the sound of Borman’s massive body hitting the floor, everyone opened their eyes wide in shock.
THUMP!
“Hmph hmph.”
Borman pushed himself up from the ground.
“Truly remarkable…! Incredible!”
‘I thought he’d be knocked out. What incredible endurance.’
“Let’s end it now. We might see some bl**d if we continue.”
“End it?”
Borman curled his lip into a grin.
“I am a great hero! A Great Warrior like Aron! A warrior of valor like Azonia!”
THUMP THUMP!
Borman beat his chest as he roared.
“Aron-sama once said! Wounds will only make me stronger!”
‘That was something I said, wasn’t it?’
Leo gave an awkward smile. It was originally the words of Kyle, spoken to warriors after they suffered injuries in great battles.
Over time, they had been misattributed to Aron.
“Your fight against me will surely make me stronger! Haaak!”
Borman charged at Leo with a war cry.
Leo bent his knees.
WHOOSH!
In an instant, Leo disappeared.
Simultaneously, Borman stopped his charge.
CLAP!
Leo reappeared behind Borman, pushing his back slightly.
THUD!
With a heavy sound, Borman collapsed unconscious.
“Splendid.”
Leo calmly remarked.
Borman, despite being a second-year, was an incredibly skilled fighter.
Unfortunately, his opponent was far too strong this time.
Leo observed Borman being carried away on a stretcher and cracked his fingers.
He looked towards the entrance where Ar was walking out, arms crossed.
“Hmm, be prepared. Black Rabbit, from now on, I’ll be challenging you—I, the champion of this arena.”
Ar grinned, exhaling sharply through his nose.
‘Thinking about it, haven’t we ever gone toe-to-toe properly, Black Rabbit? This could be interesting.’
Ar, as a student of Azonia, enjoys battles with the strong.
“The arena has seen its most beautiful champion in history! A true gem of Shadow’s Tournament!”
The commentator, excited by Ar’s entrance, shouted, inciting roars of approval from spectators who initially cheered for Leo.
“Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!”
Especially male guests were reacting enthusiastically.
“What kind of rabbit is that? That’s a cat.”
Iliana sighed, looking exasperated.
“Why is the representative of Azonia dressed as a champion in this arena?”
“Maybe there’s a story behind it, like a deal with this casino.”
“The story? No, I bet it’s definitely because of gambling debts.”
Chelsea and Chloe exchanged glances of disbelief when Kal grinned and remarked.
Having once ventured through Dwenno’s world with Kal, he easily inferred why Ar was dressed this way.
Just as Ar was getting into a fighting stance,
“We have an urgent announcement.”
The commentator’s voice suddenly interrupted.
“Upon the Master’s directive, the tournament events will be terminated immediately! We appreciate your understanding, guests.”
The abrupt suspension of the tournament drew jeers of irritation from the crowd.
“What?”
“How suddenly?”
The group also looked perplexed.
“Students of Lumeran.”
A beastman male appeared.
His silent arrival made the group shiver.
This humanoid man politely addressed the group.
“The Master’s order is to escort you.”
Inside the room, Ar sat with a slightly sullen expression.
Now in the Azonia school uniform, Ar glanced at Leo with her tail swishing softly.
“Black Rabbit.”
“What is it?”
“Fight me when we get out.”
“Why would we waste time on a predictable fight?”
Ar clenched his fists tightly.
“I can’t let you have all the fun!”
“If you’re upset, I can play with you.”
“How?”
Leo reached for the tissue on the table, rolling it into a fluffy feather-like shape.
Ar’s ears perked up instantly as he noticed it.
POOF!
Unconsciously, Ar’s hand shot out to catch the tissue.
But Leo playfully evaded, holding it up before Ar grabbed it with both hands, mimicking the motion of clapping.
Ar’s eyes sparkled brightly, but then her face dropped with a pout.
Caught engaging in instinctual hunting play without realizing it, Ar blushed furiously and shouted.
“Don’t treat me like a cat!”
“If you’re not a cat, then what are you?”
“I’m a beastman! A cat beastman! Not your pet cat!”
“In that case, just don’t fall for traps like this.”
“It’s instinct! If you keep teasing me, I’ll bite!”
Ar bristled and snapped at Leo, who smirked in response.
“It seems you two are getting along well.”
Someone else entered the room.
Recognizing the person, Ar’s eyes widened.
“Shen Xia, a knight from Lumeran’s knighthood department?”
“Nice to meet you again, Ar Tune.”
Shen Xia smiled warmly, performing the Eastern bow with her right hand flat against her left fist.
“Nice to meet you.”
Ar smiled as well.
Then, noticing Kirin standing behind Shen Xia, she bristled her fur instinctively.
It wasn’t that Ar feared or distrusted Kirin—her beastman instincts were reacting to the heavy bl**d scent from Kirin’s body.
“Ar Tune, your debts to the Azonia students are void as of today.”
“Why?”
“A kind young lady here kindly covered them all.”
Kirin placed her hands gently on Shen Xia’s shoulders with a smile.
“Oh! Thank you!”
Ar grinned happily, shaking Shen Xia’s hand.
“I’ll definitely return these favors someday.”
“There’s no need to trouble yourself.”
Shen Xia replied with her trademark gentle voice.
“Let the other students know about the cancellation of debts.”
“What about the Black Rabbit?”
“I have separate matters to discuss with Lumeran’s student council president.”
Ar nodded after the words and left the room.
As only the three remained, Shen Xia spoke.
“You seem unusually close to Azonia’s representative.”
“Because we are.”
“Hmm.”
Shen Xia’s face adopted a mildly sardonic expression.
“You seem to find her quite adorable.”
“Isn’t she? Just like you.”
“Me?”
Taken aback by the unexpected comment, Shen Xia’s face flushed slightly in confusion before she snapped in response.
“Lord Leo. As I have repeatedly mentioned, I’m older than you.”
“Sure, sure.”
Leo shrugged carelessly, prompting Shen Xia to pout slightly by curling her lips but sighed lightly thereafter.
Instead, she stood behind Leo and stated.
“Kirin Naila.”
“At your command, Princess.”
Shen Xia’s expression had completely turned neutral and blank.
The Shadow that now revealed itself was emotionless.
The Shadow Lords, who lead the Shadows of the elves, beastmen, dwarves are, despite their independence from Shan, still closely intertwined.
Shan began as the descendants of Bihara, who inherited the legacy of the original Shadow, Kyle.
Thus, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say that all Shadows stemmed from Shan.
The title of Shadow Lord is conferred by the Emperor of Shan, making it impossible to view them as completely independent entities.
Upon arrival at Shadow’s territory, Shen Xia would have met Kirin immediately.
Being the next in line for the throne of Shan, Shen Xia could command such respect.
But Leo lacked that privilege.
Kirin had judged Leo, and Shen Xia was irritated by this.
The Shadows were saved by Leo. The Book of Shadows came into existence due to Leo, and it was proven that they were not abandoned by the gods.
It was unforgivable for Shen Xia that someone dared to test Leo.
As Shen Xia’s anger grew, Kirin responded.
“Please forgive me and grant your understanding, Princess—I am the Shadow Lord.”
Kirin’s gaze turned to Leo.
“The lives of thousands of Shadows rest on my decisions. Thus, it was necessary to evaluate if Lord Leo was the proper vessel to hold us Shadows.”
“So?”
Leo rested his chin in his hand.
“Are you satisfied?”
“Yes, I cannot deny it.”
Kirin smiled.
“And because the demeanor you’ve exhibited as a judge truly suits the Shadow God more than anyone else.”
![[TS] The Protagonist is Conquered](https://i3.wp.com/novelhitam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1743806812-5548-TS-The-Protagonist-is-Conquered.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The Protagonist is Conquered")
