Chapter 460

460.

The Emperor of Rodren.

Char Dio Rodren sat on his throne with a bored expression, looking down at his subjects.

Then the people kneeling before Emperor Char spoke up.

“Your Majesty, even though Leo Flove’s reputation is high, he is still a Hero Candidate who has yet to rise to the rank of Hero. Allowing him to join Imperium goes against tradition. Please reconsider!”

“Please reconsider!”

Leo’s invitation to join Imperium was essentially a unilateral decision by Emperor Char.

Of course, he did consult with the heads of the longstanding noble families Zerdinger and LeWalyn.

In the case of Selde Zerdinger, he saw absolutely no downside to Leo’s special admission.

In fact, it was something Selde wholeheartedly welcomed.

No matter what anyone said, Leo was Selde’s nephew and a direct descendant of the Zerdinger bloodline.

‘Besides, Leo’s abilities are on par with any of the current heroes.’

While he hasn’t officially attained the rank of Hero yet,

Leo possesses power equal to that of actual Heroes.

For the Zerdinger family to have such a nephew join Imperium through special admission would only further enhance their prestige.

Chade LeWalyn similarly had no reason to object.

‘If Leo Flove were just another Zerdinger, perhaps, but he’s also a Wizard.’

And not just any Wizard – Leo was officially recognized as the successor to the renowned Comet Wizard, Seirun.

In the worldwide magical community, Leo’s reputation as a Wizard was already quite illustrious.

‘Even if Leo Flove joining Imperium increases the Zerdinger family’s influence, it wouldn’t make them dominate.’

Considering Leo’s neutral tendencies across all classes,

‘And he’s already close friends with Chelsea.’

It was a well-known fact that since their first year, Leo, Chelsea, and Kal had been inseparable friends.

Therefore, Chade too had no reason to oppose Leo’s admission.

After the announcement of Leo’s special admission was made,

many nobles requested an audience with Emperor Char.

The reason was to have Leo’s special admission revoked.

It’s true that the royal family Rodren, along with the founding families Zerdinger and LeWalyn, are the dominant forces in the empire.

However, even with their immense power, the Rodren empire is too vast to be controlled by just three families.

To govern such an enormous entity, politics inevitably come into play, and naturally, conflicts of interest arise.

Unquestionably, some factions found Leo’s special privilege unpleasant.

Representing these factions before the emperor was none other than Sir Etherika Dekni, the Knight of the Winds.

Having attained the title of Hero, he serves as the captain of the royal knights of Rodren Empire.

Born into a lower-ranking knight family, Etherika’s pride in himself was quite strong, aiming to earn the title of strongest knight in the Rodren Empire.

However, he remained in second place, consistently overshadowed by Selde Zerdinger.

As a result, Etherika was one of the strongest anti-Zerdinger factions within the empire.

“Sir Etherika, do you mean to say Leo Flove lacks the necessary qualifications?”

“That’s correct, Your Majesty. He has proven nothing to show he is worthy of Imperium.”

“Leo Flove has already achieved the position of Student Council President at a young age, ventured into the Great Hero’s World, and most recently earned significant contributions in the eradication of Erebus alongside the Valiant. Though he hasn’t made it onto the Hero Record yet, I believe it’s sufficient?”

“The defense of Selde Zerdinger is only natural since Leo is his nephew. Being a Student Council President doesn’t automatically qualify one as a Hero. The Great Hero’s World was not conquered solely by Leo Flove’s power alone. As for the successful eradication of Erebus’ fragment, wasn’t it possible only because Lady Aron was there?”

Etherika smirked scornfully.

“Nothing has been proven. Granting him special admission could tarnish Imperium’s reputation and even mar your Majesty’s own prestige.”

Having said that, Etherika’s eyes narrowed.

“I expected the head of the LeWalyn family to reason with Sir Selde Zerdinger.”

“I too believe Leo Flove is the right person for Imperium.”

Chade responded calmly.

As the three heroes stood in standoff, Emperor Char finally spoke.

“One of the reasons for admitting Leo Flove into Imperium is because other Hero Guilds have shown interest in him. As Emperor, I have a duty to prevent talent from leaving the empire.”

“Your Majesty’s care for the future of the empire is admirable, but…”

Etherika spoke firmly.

“If his dedication to the empire is that uncertain, I believe he’s unnecessary to the empire. Granting him special privileges undermines the loyalty of your true followers. Please reconsider.”

At Etherika’s words, his followers bowed deeply once again.

As Emperor Char watched this, his eyes narrowed.

‘Clearly, Leo Flove is a necessary talent for the empire. Despite its strength, no empire would let someone with such talent go.’

An all-class hero like Kyle of the Hero of Beginning.

His achievements in each class were nothing to scoff at.

While Emperor Char hadn’t reached the rank of Hero and failed to make a contract with the ancestral Pegasus Arti,

He was nonetheless a powerful Summoner.

Because of this, he fully understood how extraordinary Leo’s achievements as a Summoner were.

A man whose talent was essential.

However, politics were not this simple.

There would always be those who disliked Leo’s presence and would try to oppose or block him by any means necessary.

Even if it meant denying the truth.

‘That’s the nature of politics.’

But Emperor Char was determined to see his will come through regardless.

‘Leo Flove will grow to become a Hero surpassing the Sword Saint. Thinking of the times ahead, he is absolutely necessary to the empire.’

Just as Emperor Char was about to speak,

Knock knock!

A knocking sound came from beyond the meeting room door.

A messenger entered the meeting room.

“Special report.”

“What is it?”

“News that Leo Flove’s name has been added to the Hero Record!”

As this news spread, whispers began in the meeting room.

Etherika’s face contorted.

“Guess there’s no need for special admission then,” Emperor Char remarked, which silenced the opposition.

It was at that moment another messenger rushed in.

“There’s a report from Delan where Your Majesty’s letter was sent.”

“So, they received the news that Leo Flove will be admitted to Imperium?”

With a relaxed smile, Emperor Char asked. The hesitant messenger hesitated but eventually carefully spoke.

“The report says Leo Flove declined Imperium membership.”

“What?”

At this unexpected response, Emperor Char’s face stiffened.

Whispers began to spread in the meeting room.

“What’s the reason? Did he join another guild instead? Or did he decline because he’s still a student?”

“According to Jis Zerdinger and Rogez LeWalyn, he claims to be establishing his own guild.”

At this, everyone wore a look of bewilderment.

“Establishing a new guild?”

“How arrogant.”

Amidst the murmurs, Shasha who was present at the meeting muttered.

“So very like Senior Leo.”

“Rather, it seems like you’re pleased?”

As Ris, standing beside Shasha, asked with a smile, Shasha, covering her mouth with her sleeve, replied,

“Does it seem like it?”

With narrowed eyes, Shasha glanced at Ris.

“Perhaps you’re the one enjoying this, Senior Ris.”

“It’s quite enjoyable seeing my unpredictable younger cousin.”

*

The news that Leo’s name was added to the Hero Record spread throughout the world.

The birth of a new Hero was met with jubilation from the people.

For thousands of years since the Hero Record revealed its existence,

There were indeed Heroes who registered at the same age as Leo.

However, none possessed such a glorious and overwhelming career and power as Leo.

Numerous media outlets flocked to interview Leo.

Though the attention towards himself was growing, Leo was uninterested.

Despite his name appearing daily in the newspapers, it only annoyed Leo.

Time passed, and summer vacation was nearing its end.

“You’re something else. If I were you, I’d be enjoying this spotlight.”

At the Lumeran City pier, Kal rolled his tongue.

To which Leo slightly curled his lips upward.

“But you sure turned down the Dwarf Hero Guilds pretty coldly, didn’t you?”

Leo wasn’t the only one who received guild invitations.

Many promising students were approached.

The most representative of these was Kal.

“You must be a dream come true for Dwarves, having obtained Dwenno’s Alchemy Book as a conquest reward, right?”

“D-don’t talk nonsense! It’s because you keep avoiding their gaze!”

Kal trembled, holding his arms.

“Their eyes were as if they were about to dissect me!”

Seeing Kal’s reaction, Leo burst out laughing.

“Anyway, are they going to change the rules?”

“Not a chance.”

Leo narrowed his eyes.

The headmasters of the various academies were not the type to change rules easily.

‘Even if they do, I’ll stop them.’

It was unacceptable to send unprepared individuals to the battlefield.

Leo, who lived through the Era of Catastrophe, knew this.

Even with great talent and skill, how powerless were those sent off unprepared to the battlefield.

How heavy their untimely deaths weighed on the heart.

‘There weren’t enough hands back during the Era of Catastrophe.’

Back then, anyone who could fight had to stand on the battlefield.

‘But now it’s different.’

There’s enough time to prepare now.

As Leo let out a small sigh,

“Wow! It’s Leo.”

“Should we ask for an autograph now he’s a celebrity?”

His classmates noticed Leo, showing surprised reactions.

“Wow~ the Hero really is admired by many, huh.”

Kal said sarcastically.

As Leo smirked at this comment, a girl from the Department of Summoning approached, her face red.

“Um, President, could you sign something for me?”

“Me too! Me too!”

“I’d love to hear the story of battle against Erebus too!”

One by one, students started gathering around Leo.

“Wha?!”

The wave of people pushed Kal away from Leo.

“Man, feels like I’ve entered a whole different world.”

Kal scratched his cheek.

A hero is always an object of admiration.

And all related merchandise is inevitably in high demand.

‘Now’s the time to capitalize by making some merchandise off Leo.’

Kal seriously considered it.

Currently, this is the second-year exclusive pier.

‘Once we get into school, students from all grades will gather around.’

As Kal was retreating step by step while looking at Leo,

Thud!

“Oops, sorry, I didn’t see you…”

“Found you, Kal Thomas.”

Apologizing, Kal turned at the chilling voice from behind.

There, he found a figure standing with a fierce expression, which startled him.

“Emio? What are you doing here?”

At this, Emio’s face twisted.

“Are you saying I shouldn’t be here, arrogant brat?!”

“Not that, it’s just…”

Kal hesitated with a troubled look before saying,

“Didn’t you get expelled last semester?”