497.
It had been two days since the completion of the commissioned mission.
Students who had returned gathered in groups within the lounge, exchanging stories.
“Are you guys planning on booking accommodations for this year’s Festival of Twilight?”
“Of course! I’ve already made a reservation!”
“How did you manage that? The competition for slots was brutal!”
The students’ main topic of conversation revolved around this year’s Festival of Twilight.
Held once every five years, it was a grand festival. Celebrating Lumeran, the Knight of Twilight, one of the Heroes of the Cataclysm and founder of Lumeran Academy, this festival was world-renowned.
During this period, not only outsiders but also many races visited for this grand celebration.
“Festival of Twilight!”
At that moment, one of the doors to the lounge swung open.
It was the door connecting to the study room.
And the student coming out wasn’t the type you’d associate with the study room—none other than Iliana.
“Me too! Me too! Can I join the schedule too?”
Iliana eagerly tried to join the students’ group.
But before she could, someone else moved faster—Chen Sia, who grabbed Iliana by the back of her collar.
“It’s not possible.”
“What? But I—”
“Not while Lord Leo’s special tutoring is still ongoing. Where do you think you’re going?”
“But—!”
“How could you intend to disrespect the effort Lord Leo has gone through for you, Iliana?”
“Gyek?!”
At Chen Sia’s chilly words, Iliana was startled.
While she’s usually gentle, Chen Sia, the eldest sister of the second-year group, was known to be the scariest when angry.
“Reaping what you sow for being lazy all the time.”
“Do more studying.”
Jeers were heard from the lounge.
“Hey! You guys will pay for this later!”
Iliana glared and swung her fists in defiance.
Chen Sia, however, dragged her back inside the study room.
Inside the study room, six students, including Iliana, were present.
Leo stood at the front, with Chloe, Eiran, and Iliana seated in front of him.
Chen Sia stood near the door, while Luna sat nearby, arms crossed and legs crossed.
Leo spoke.
“Shall we continue then?”
He pointed at the makeshift whiteboard.
“As you can see, Iliana, your magic is focused primarily on destructive power.”
“But I’ve mentioned this before—it’s about smashing everything with overwhelming power! That’s the Laden family’s motto!”
“Wow, that’s so cool!”
“Heh!”
Eiran applauded in amazement, while Chloe shot a cold glance.
“Don’t be impressed. That’s just a headlong rush.”
“Class leader! Chloe called me a ‘blind charge’!”
Iliana complained with a pout.
“Well, I agree with Chloe.”
With Leo’s words, Iliana deflated.
Iliana was one of the top students among the second-year students.
An absolute force of nature, she was considered the strongest among them aside from Leo.
Among the eight students talked about as the strongest in the second year—Celia, Chen Sia, Duran from the Department of Knights; Chloe, Abad, and Chelsea from the Department of Magic; Eliza and Warden from the Department of Summoning—it was hard to rank them in terms of superiority. However, taking their respective specialties and growth potential into account, they were generally seen as equals.
Excluding the unique case of Leo, this generation was unprecedented in the history of Lumeran for its potential to grow. Their future was limitless.
And just behind this group of strongest individuals was Iliana, one of those who closely followed.
But compared to her abilities, she was often underestimated.
That was largely due to her personality.
“You’re too impulsive.”
“Huhk?!”
“And simple-minded.”
“Huh?!”
“So you just dive in headfirst without assessing your opponent. Doesn’t matter who it is.”
“Ugh!”
With Leo’s words, Iliana fell off her chair.
Eiran, startled by Iliana’s reaction, quickly came to her aid.
But Chloe sighed deeply.
Indeed, if Iliana could fix these points, there was no doubt that she could advance much further.
“Both the professors and I have tried very hard to correct these things. You can definitely become even greater.”
“Class leader!”
Touched, Iliana’s eyes glistened with tears.
“But someone said…people can’t be salvaged, right?”
“Pfft!”
With Leo’s words, Iliana was utterly defeated.
“Wah…The class leader has given up on me.”
“Stop saying nonsense and listen.”
“Huh?”
“I’ve changed my mind.”
“What?”
“It occurred to me that instead of trying to correct your tendencies, we could enhance the benefits you already gain from your headlong rush.”
At this, Leo glanced at Luna.
Luna, meeting Leo’s gaze, smiled faintly.
“Did either of you train under Aron?”
After returning to Fairy Land,
Luna asked while watching Eiran and Chen Sia sparring at the training grounds.
Startled, both Eiran and Chen Sia stopped their practice and widened their eyes.
“Lord Leo mentioned it.”
“I only heard that Aron had come to the world and helped destroy a Piece of Erebus with Kyle.”
Luna crossed her arms and closed her eyes.
She recalled the stories Leo had told her about Aron. About why Aron sacrificed himself—it had left a painful impression on her. But she felt proud hearing about how Aron eventually overcame everything and grew.
‘That’s the Aron I know.’
Thinking of the figure that always inspired courage, Luna smiled softly.
Eiran and Chen Sia thought her smile resembled Leo in some way.
“Anyway…”
Luna opened her eyes and spoke.
“I knew you had trained under Aron from your movements. I could sense his style in both of you.”
“Wow, you could tell?”
“Huh. What do you think I am? I’m Lady Luna, the founder of Star Cloud.”
Smirking, Luna brushed her hair aside.
It was true—Luna’s specialty was undoubtedly magic.
She was also a prodigious summoner, having made a pact with Silrod, the heir to the Fairy King.
Even ignoring her magic, her prowess in close combat was top-tier. Though she couldn’t manipulate aura, her combat ability was excellent.
That’s why she could detect traces of Aron’s style in the movements of the two students.
“By the way, Aron is a unique genius type of idiot.”
“Genius idiot?”
Perplexed, Eiran stared at Luna.
“He’s awful at teaching others. Since everything seems obvious to him, he fails to explain things properly.”
“Oh…”
“Yes, I see what you mean now.”
Eiran and Chen Sia remembered the times when Aron had asked them, “Do you get it? It’s pretty simple, right?”
“So he teaches through actual practice. Through this, students naturally learn his movements.”
“Exactly.”
“It’s really tough, but we could tell he was adapting to our level.”
Nodding in agreement, Chen Sia and Eiran expressed their thoughts.
Luna laughed wistfully at their response.
“It’s all thanks to this older sister’s sacrifice.”
“What?”
“What do you mean?”
Caught off-guard by Luna’s strange comment, Eiran and Chen Sia exchanged confused looks. But Luna stared distantly.
She recalled the time when Aron had suggested they conduct close combat practice as if it were real. Their 1:1 sparring resulted in her getting thoroughly beaten by an unaware and uncontrolled Aron.
“Attack with full force, no holding back!”
Even though Luna had boldly challenged him, Aron hesitated initially but eventually obliterated her.
“Had it not been for Lissinas arriving just in time, I might’ve developed a traumatic experience.”
She remembered two figures, a human and a dwarf, grabbing their stomachs and laughing uncontrollably at the sight.
“Yeah, I’ll need to thank them by beating them up one of these days.”
“Is Aron helping the children who use aura in their growth?”
“Yes.”
“That makes sense.”
Luna smiled mischievously.
“Therefore! This Lady Luna shall teach you magic!”
“What an honor!”
Eiran responded joyfully.
“But, Lady Luna, I’m a knight.”
“Mm. But don’t you also practice summoning?”
Luna grinned.
“I am quite accomplished in summoning spells. Unlike that idiot, I can provide clear and systematic guidance. Now, what kind of familiars do you handle?”
“Oh, I specialize in water spirits.”
Chen Sia replied with a bright smile.
Being taught by a Great Hero like Luna was an honor, no matter what the subject was.
Moreover, as an elf and an expert in spirit magic, being guided by Luna was a rare opportunity.
Even though Luna was renowned for her magic, her skill as a summoner was also legendary.
Upon listening to Chen Sia, Luna stared intently and nodded.
“Yes. Starting today, you’ll transition from a spirit mage to a summoner.”
“Huh?”
Startled, Chen Sia frowned.
Although Chen Sia had a contract with a lower familiar, she had always believed she had a greater talent for spirit magic. The sudden suggestion to change her specialization was surprising.
“You have greater talent as a summoner than a spirit mage.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, it seems you were unaware. Don’t worry. I—”
“Why are you scamming here?”
Leo appeared with a frowning expression.
“Because she can’t teach spirit magic, she’s just trying to convert a spirit mage into a summoner?”
“Pfft!”
Offended, Luna stuck out her tongue at Leo.
Confused, Chen Sia asked,
“Lady Luna, can you not use spirit magic?”
“It’s impossible for me. I lack affinity with spirits.”
“It’s surprising. Most elves who use summoning also handle spirit magic well…”
While baffled Chen Sia watched, Leo smirked.
“This one here has a nature that’s destructive to nature, so spirits refuse to approach her.”
“Who’s destructive? Who’s destructive?”
With eyes wide open, Luna grabbed Leo’s collar and shook him violently.
Ignoring her rage, Leo continued,
“So? You want to teach magic to the kids?”
In response, Luna nodded.
“Aron also left his mark while remaining in this world.”
Luna crossed her arms.
“I want to make a difference, even in my own small way.”
Luna spoke earnestly.
“Already have someone in mind?”
“The most noticeable one so far is a girl named Chloe.”
Thinking of Chloe, Luna recalled how impressive she was from the perspective of a senior mage.
Besides…
“There seems to be untapped talent in that child.”
“Untapped talent?”
“Yes. Seeing her inspired me.”
As for teaching magic, Leo and Luna had different perspectives.
In Chloe’s case, there was undoubtedly hidden potential that not only Leo but even Chloe herself might not be fully aware of yet.
“Then there’s Iliana—a mage-swordsman. She hasn’t fully grasped her own mana properties.”
“Iliana’s already doing well with her natural talent.”
“True, light-based magic can be flashy and powerful. However, I believe she needs to explore her magic in a different direction.”
“What direction?”
Leo’s question prompted Luna to smile faintly.
“Speed.”
“But I’m already fast enough, right?”
At the suggestion to enhance her speed, Iliana looked puzzled.
“Your light mana is better suited for speed rather than destructive power.”
“Hmm?”
“If used properly, you might even surpass Duran in quickness.”
“Wha?!”
Surprised, Iliana widened her eyes.
From what she knew, Leo never spoke without meaning.
“Illustrious Miss Iliana of Swift Sword!”
Excitedly exhaling air, Iliana’s enthusiasm amused Chen Sia.
“Miss Iliana is so straightforward.”
“Huh? I see it as cute and age-appropriate though.”
Luna chuckled.
Leo taught Iliana some magical patterns made by Luna.
“Luna’s not like that idiot Aron.”
Magic was a discipline of research and exploration. To use it effectively, one needed to fully understand everything.
In this aspect, Luna’s genius not only shone personally but also in teaching others.
Her ability to perceive others’ magical talents and create corresponding spells was exceptional.
“How did you come up with this?”
As Chloe marveled, Luna spoke.
“Chloe.”
“Yes?”
“Lu wants to have a conversation with you.”
Upon hearing this, Chloe turned her wide eyes toward Luna.
Luna waved at her.
‘I wanted to discuss magic with her, and this is perfect timing.’
Eyes shining, Chloe approached Luna.
Leo watched them closely.
“Lady Luna looks happy.”
“Of course. For Luna, engaging in enthusiastic magical discussions is one of the most joyful things.”
Leo observed Luna intently.
“Hey, Lord Leo?”
‘What lingers in Luna’s heart?’
Watching Luna happily conversing with Chloe, Leo glanced at his hand.
Luna wasn’t dwelling in the world due to divine power but instead through her remaining mana stored in Cometes.
The amount of mana stored in Cometes wasn’t small, and the amount used to manifest Luna’s form was minimal.
‘Existing continuously as a spiritual entity while maintaining a physical form is an extraordinary occurrence.’
Just Luna’s existence alone might advance magic in this era.
But…
‘Is it right to keep Luna bound to this world?’
Leo’s eyes dimmed.
A spirit. A manifestation of lingering mana caused by unfulfilled attachments from powerful souls, bound through the powers of a spiritualist.
However, it isn’t a natural state.
Five thousand years ago, the reason Lissinas allowed spirits to achieve nirvana instead of binding them was rooted in this principle.
‘As time passes, the remnants of a spirit’s attachment gradually fade away. And since they remain due to attachment, the longer they stay, the stronger their obsession becomes—and they gradually lose themselves.’
Lissinas’ grim smile came to mind.
‘A spirit’s strong self is what causes them to remain with attachments in the world. Consequently, spirits are also highly egocentric. Losing oneself is the most tragic thing for them. Thus, a spiritualist’s role is to honor the spirit and soothe their soul. A spirit can never achieve true happiness.’
Recalling Lissinas’ words, Leo opened his eyes.
At that moment, he met Luna’s gaze.
Smiling broadly, her eyes full of joy, she turned to him.
Seeing that smile, Leo reciprocated with a smile of his own.
‘For now, staying together brings Luna happiness.’
![[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")
