471.
KABOOM-! CRUNCH-!
Lil’s battle hammer shattered Joren’s battle axe into pieces.
“Wh-?!”
Joren’s face was one of sheer shock.
BAM-! CRACK-!
“Kehk!”
Joren, struck squarely by the hammer, collapsed onto the ground.
Lil, diving over him, raised her hammer high.
“Hold it! You, who aims to be a hero, are mercilessly attacking an unarmed opponent…!”
He pleaded desperately for his life.
“Shut up!”
CRUNCH-!
Lil mercilessly crushed Joren’s skull with her hammer.
“Huhk… Huhk…”
Lil, breathing heavily, retracted her battle hammer.
Thud—
Sitting down on the spot and panting, Lil was approached by Leo, who extended a hand.
“As always, Senior Lil is truly formidable.”
“Ah… Ah… But didn’t Leo manage to take down four opponents all by himself in an instant?”
With trembling hands, Lil grabbed Leo’s hand and stood up.
“Phew… Phew…”
After taking deep breaths to steady her ragged breathing, Lil said:
“And I also received a lot of help from Leo. I still have a long way to go.”
During the fight between Lil and Joren, Leo merely stood by and watched.
But Joren had witnessed the shocking scene where Leo effortlessly eliminated four members of the Justice Guild like they were mere insects.
The moment Leo stepped into a fight, everything ended.
That pressure shattered Joren’s focus.
“What the outcome may be, the fact remains that Senior Lil has undeniably defeated someone clearly stronger than herself.”
No matter how remarkable Lil was, she was now only in her third year at Lumeran.
On the other hand, her opponent had attended Lumeran for five years.
Additionally, he was someone who had clearly pursued the seat of a hero without neglecting his training.
Lil’s ability to achieve an upset was a testament to her tenacity.
‘Honestly, even without me, Lil would’ve won this fight anyway.’
Though Leo’s presence had pressured Joren, there was no denying Lil’s combat abilities were beyond imagination.
She had surpassed her own limits.
‘The makings of a true hero, without doubt.’
While Leo silently evaluated Lil in his mind, Lil looked with a troubled expression at the aftermath of the battle.
“To think there were people within the Justice Guild with such vile intentions.”
The mindset that others could be treated as mere sacrifices in the pursuit of becoming a hero was something Lil could never accept.
“These individuals’ personal beliefs likely don’t align with such thinking.”
“You’re right. There’s no doubt that such warped thinking stems from the top echelons of the guild. I’d like nothing more than to rip open their skulls and examine their brains.”
“…”
Leo gave Lil an intense stare.
Lil, covering her mouth, cleared her throat.
“I lost my cool there for a moment. My tongue tends to get a little rough when I’ve had a drink.”
“A little?”
“Consider it a drunken rant.”
As Lil casually shrugged it off, Leo nodded his head.
At that moment, Viscount Eshimon, who had retreated with the troops, arrived.
“Lord Leo, Lady Lil.”
“Lord Eshimon. Are the soldiers safe?”
“Yes, thanks to both of you, the soldiers are fine. Honestly, I don’t know how we’ll ever repay this debt…”
“It was just part of our duty as students of Lumeran. Don’t give it a second thought!”
Lil waved him off.
“I’m truly grateful. Nevertheless, there’s someone who’s eager to meet both of you.”
As Viscount Eshimon hinted, Lil wore a puzzled expression.
‘Seems like someone from the upper levels has arrived.’
Leo quickly understood the situation.
Viscount Eshimon had mentioned being the commander of this front line.
He wasn’t a low-ranking official.
Yet he was acting so cautiously, which implied…
‘Has King Karnel sent a messenger to us?’
As it turned out, Leo guessed right.
In the middle of this battlefield, a dignitary stroked his goatee as he walked towards them.
Adorned in armor that was far too extravagant for the battlefield, it was clear that it was worn solely for show, with no practical use in combat.
‘Given the grim state of the war, if someone from the capital has come here like this… it doesn’t take much to understand the state of this nation.’
Leo let out a sarcastic chuckle.
Lil also seemed to share similar thoughts as she faintly furrowed her brow.
Whether the dignitary sensed their thoughts or not, he proceeded to proclaim dramatically:
“My name is Duke Kernville Dotoran. Upon hearing that Leo Flove and Lil Luche from Lumeran came to assist our beloved Kanel Kingdom, I hurried here as fast as I could!”
Lil interrupted, correcting him:
“No, we came here to investigate the group desecrating the tombs of heroes…”
“Tsk! That’s but a minor issue, is it not?”
“Minor issue?”
Lil’s expression darkened.
The tombs of heroes buried here referred to the spirits of those who once fought to protect this land long ago.
Though they were characters from the distant past, even before the founding of this nation, they were figures that could never be taken lightly by the people of this land.
Desecrating their graves amounted to a gross insult to their legacy.
Lil had taken on this mission not just out of personal interest, but also to punish such disgraceful behavior.
As Lil’s face turned expressionless, Duke Dotoran, oblivious to her mood, continued enthusiastically.
“Our Kanel Kingdom is in desperate need of great heroes’ salvation. Those nefarious Petimon Kingdom fiends, supported by the Justice Guild, continue to oppress us. Isn’t it Lumeran’s duty to help us?”
The Duke stroked his beard as he spoke.
“This is not the place for such messy discussions. His Majesty wished to meet both of you to explain the kingdom’s situation.”
Upon hearing this, Leo glanced at Lil.
In any case, it was necessary to hear the full story to understand the situation.
Lil nodded, and Leo replied:
“Alright.”
“Haha! This marks the end of the Petimon Kingdom for sure!”
Duke Dotoran laughed heartily, as if he had successfully secured Lumeran’s support.
Using the temporary warp gate, they reached the palace shortly after.
Upon arrival, an overwhelming number of servants and maids were waiting for them.
The palace staff immediately seized Leo and Lil and shoved them into the changing room.
“What in the world…? Why are you handling our clothes like this? Wait, Leo is right—!”
As Lil’s voice of confusion echoed, the curtain was swiftly drawn.
Subsequently, the sounds of a heated argument emerged from within.
“I’ll handle undressing myself…”
“You’ll be delayed!”
“So, please explain the situation at least!”
SWISH-SWISH—
The maids were forcibly changing their outfits.
Leo caught Lil’s school uniform top that had inadvertently been tossed over.
‘What on earth is going on here?’
Surprised by the sudden turn of events, Leo furrowed his brows.
Meanwhile, the servants had measured Leo’s size in an instant and dressed him in an elaborate tuxedo.
“The King has arranged a welcome banquet in your honor.”
A butler approached Leo, whispering the news.
CLANG-!
A short while later.
The curtain was pulled back, and Lil elegantly walked out in a dazzling gown.
Stumbling a few times due to unfamiliarity with the crystal shoes, Lil frowned.
“These are uncomfortable. Give me back my own shoes.”
“Absolutely not! You look so stunning right now. To wear shoes fit for mere soldiers would be a travesty!”
The maids firmly hid Lil’s shoes behind them.
Sighing deeply at the scene, Lil crossed her arms beside Leo.
“You look amazing, Leo.”
“Senior Lil looks beautiful too.”
“Probably just being polite, but I appreciate the compliment.”
Smiling slightly, Lil responded.
Of course, Leo was being sincere.
Lil, impeccably groomed, looked magnificently beautiful.
“Nevertheless, what exactly is the purpose of all of this? From what Viscount Eshimon said earlier, it sounded like this entire country was in peril. With such gravity, there should be serious discussions about the state of affairs, not a mere welcoming party. Moreover, this costly gown or jewelry could better fund the supplies for soldiers…”
“Officially seeking help calls for formalities. People of high stature tend to prefer etiquette over substance.”
Leo calmed Lil, who was visibly riled up.
Her response came after a deep breath.
“That does make sense. Regardless, given the gravity of the situation, we need to have a serious discussion and report back to the school.”
With a straightened back and a composed demeanor, Lil regained her confidence as the representative of Lumeran’s year.
Tidying his tie, Leo stood beside her.
The two were then guided to the banquet hall.
A while later.
The grand doors of the banquet hall swung open.
What lay before them was pure opulence.
The first thing that caught their eyes was the fountain in the middle of the banquet hall which, instead of water, flowed with wine.
The food was an extravagant spread of every high-quality dish regardless of the season.
The entire hall was adorned with lavish flowers, gems, and gold decorations.
Nobles attending the party were also dressed in extravagant clothing, making Leo and Lil’s attire appear modest in comparison.
An orchestra was performing music grandly.
It wasn’t just a simple welcome party—it seemed like an occasion for social mingling because at one corner, some nobles were even gambling.
It was a full-blown festivity.
It looked like the majority of the nation’s nobility was gathered here.
At this sight, Lil’s expression vanished completely.
At that moment, the king, seated on the highest throne, pointed at Leo and Lil.
“Behold! O faithful subjects of mine! The heroes who will save this country have arrived! Come, offer them your sincerest welcome!”
A roaring cheer erupted among the nobles.
By the sight alone, one might mistakenly believe that the country was in an era of peace.
Leo let out a deep sigh.
“Leo.”
“Yes.”
“This nation’s King… No. This nation’s nobles must surely be mad.”
“I agree.”
In short, neither Leo nor Lil managed to exchange a single word with the King of Kanel regarding the current situation.
The king was too preoccupied enjoying the party and paid no attention to them.
Every time Leo and Lil tried to approach, nobles blocked their way and tried to strike up conversations.
Eventually, Lil judged that discussing serious matters was impossible and merely simmered in frustration.
In the meantime, she exuded an aura telling others to stay away and incessantly drank wine from the fountain.
After the banquet ended, they were led to a guest room.
“Really! Is this even reasonable? Soldiers risk their lives for the sake of the nation, and yet their superiors indulge in luxury and hedonism!”
Enraged, Lil erupted as soon as she entered the room with Leo.
“You’re mad! Their heads must be filled with money! Isn’t it, Leo!? Right!?”
Lil, already tipsy, turned to Leo and yelled.
‘She’s drunk.’
Typically respectful to her juniors, Lil had now drastically let down her guard in her drunken state.
“Isn’t it how it always is?”
“All the time! I get that the world is dirty, but even madness has its limits, doesn’t it!”
Having let her emotions run wild, Lil angrily removed her hair accessories.
“I barely held back from blowing everyone’s heads off!”
“Tomorrow, we will surely have a proper conversation.”
“Will they still be in the same state by tomorrow morning?”
“If that’s the case, we will have to act on our own. The Justice Guild cannot be left unchecked.”
Regardless, Leo had no intention of allowing the Justice Guild to continue to exist.
“I agree.”
Lil nodded.
Leo then said to her,
“In that case, return to your room and rest for the night. It’s been a tiring day, after all.”
“Before that.”
Lil approached Leo.
Drawing close enough that she was just inches from his face, she held his cheeks in her hands and pulled him toward her.
At a distance so close they could almost feel each other’s breaths, Leo spoke.
“Senior, you’re drunk right now.”
“True, but I’ll say this while I’m drunk.”
Lil, her speech tainted with the smell of alcohol and slightly slurred, said:
“Leo Flove.”
“Yes.”
“Take me on as your disciple.”
The unexpected request made Leo chuckle.
“I’m junior to you, Senior Lil. How can I possibly take you as my disciple?”
“What does that matter?”
Switching back to her usual tone, Lil approached the bed and sat down casually, shaking her feet.
“Traditionally, one should learn from someone superior to oneself.”
“Were you originally planning to become my disciple? That’s what you’ve been thinking?”
“No. If I had been a spirit summoner, I might’ve felt that way, but as an elemental magician, I was inclined elsewhere.”
“However, after seeing your elemental magic just now, my thoughts have changed.”
During the fight, Lil had witnessed Leo’s elemental magic.
“Your elemental magic was too perfect.”
‘Fair enough, since I was mimicking Lissinas.’
Wiggling her now-relaxed feet a few times, Lil rose with a “whoosh” and approached Leo once more.
Looking up at him, she said:
“I know that simply asking to learn elemental magic isn’t the only thing. That’s why I’m making this request. To become your disciple. Disciples do whatever their master tells them to do. Be it homework or a request to buy bread, I’ll do it all.”
“That makes you sound more like an errand boy than a disciple.”
“Regardless.”
Lil grinned.
“I want to become your disciple. I’ll respect you as my master.”
“I don’t wish to be a shameless junior exploiting my senior.”
“Take me on as a disciple.”
Lil grabbed Leo by the collar.
“Please.”
As Leo looked at her persistent yet tipsy face, he sighed, looking up at the ceiling.
‘Next time, we should avoid drinking together.’
Soldiers of the Petimon Kingdom, armed with shovels and pickaxes, were excavating the ground.
Monuments erected in honor of the heroes had already been destroyed and now lay scattered on the ground.
The faces of the soldiers were filled with a heavy sense of guilt.
“Hurry up and dig without dawdling!”
The knight supervising them yelled.
“Ah, how can we desecrate the grave of this person?”
“3000 years ago, this person sacrificed themselves for this land and shed bl**d.”
The soldiers sighed.
The hero, whose stories they had grown up hearing, was well-known in the northeastern region.
The thought of desecrating the tomb of such a person weighed heavily on their conscience.
“You there! Stop chattering or else you’ll d*e!”
A senior soldier nearby whispered sternly.
A short while later.
The dug-up grave revealed a single coffin.
The supervisor knight pried open the lid of the coffin.
CRUNCH-!
“This one’s empty too.”
Finding only dust inside, the knight scoffed and yelled at the soldiers trying to restore the grave even slightly.
“What are you doing?”
“Uh, sir, we should at least try to restore the original state of the grave…”
“There’s no time for that! Move on to the next grave!”
With those words, the soldiers silently prayed deeply and apologizing to the 3000-year-old hero as they moved on.
THUNDERCLAP-!
Soon after, a bolt of lightning struck the sky.
PATTER-PATTER—SOAK!
Rain began to fall, and the desecrated grave turned into a mud pool.
A while later…
SPLUCK-!
A hand broke through the mud.
SPLASH-SPLASH-
A man emerged from the mud pool.
[To dare…]
The man, covered in mud, had eyes glowing with an ominous crimson hue.
[I will not forgive you!]
A voice filled with hatred and rage poured forth from his lips.
![[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")
