Chapter 518

518.

“Are you prepared to d*e?”

Eliza narrowed her eyes as she stared at Leo.

“I’m well aware that you subjected Celia Zerdinger and Chelsea LeWalyn to harsh training.”

Eliza smirked after saying this.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t have gone through that level of training myself?”

Even now, Celia and Chelsea continue their training.

But they no longer train together with Leo like they used to.

This was because they had learned to train on their own without Leo’s constant supervision.

Seeing the intensity of Celia’s and Chelsea’s training, other students also increased the intensity of their own personal training.

As a result, Eliza also underwent harsh training that was no less grueling than Celia’s and Chelsea’s.

Leo crossed his arms as he looked at Eliza who was smirking.

“I don’t recall ever giving those two particularly harsh training, though.”

“What did you say?”

“I gave them some tough training, but I never drove them to the point that they would describe it as cruel.”

At this statement, Eliza’s eyes slightly trembled.

‘This man…’

Eliza has always pushed herself to the limit, though she pretended not to be affected by it.

Seeing Leo describe her relentless training as merely ‘a bit tough’ made her grit her teeth.

“Hmm, while I agree physical training is necessary, the training you’ll be putting your life on the line for isn’t this kind of training.”

“What do you intend to have me do, then?”

In response to Eliza’s question, Leo opened his palm.

Zzzziiip!

Eliza’s eyes widened greatly as she saw the pure white lightning that manifested from Leo’s hand.

“The strength of Pegasus? But such an unparalleled level of purity…?”

The Hergin family, for generations, has entered contracts with powerful familiars.

Accordingly, children born with the ability to contract with the three great familiars were designated as Vow Keepers.

Eliza was one of them.

Her spiritual energy was compatible with Pegasus, thus it was determined that she would be the future Vow Keeper for one.

Even as a child, she had met the familiar she was going to contract with many times.

Of course, she had never conversed with it.

The three great familiars are proud beings. Even the future contractor wouldn’t be worthy of conversation until the time came.

However, despite this, Eliza could recognize that the lightning in Leo’s hand was no ordinary Pegasus power.

Swallowing hard, Eliza looked at Leo.

“This is… the essence of lightning.”

“Essence of lightning? Wait, that’s…!”

Eliza’s eyes were filled with shock.

“That’s correct.”

Leo retracted the essence of lightning.

“This is the pure essence of the lost power of the Pegasus Kings from 5000 years ago.”

“How do you possess something like that?”

“It was a reward from conquering the Hero Record.”

“Exactly when did you acquire this?”

When Eliza asked seriously, Leo casually replied.

“That’s privileged information.”

Hearing this, Eliza narrowed her eyes and glanced at Kal.

Kal shrugged and shook his head.

‘So Kal Thomas didn’t know about this either. Even so, essence of lightning…’

It was hard for Eliza to believe.

However, Eliza knew at least that Leo wasn’t the type to lie about such matters.

Besides, there had been a precedent where Lady Luna of Seirun revived the power of the Phoenix King after 5000 years as a reward from completing the Hero Record.

‘Why would Leo Flove be any different?’

“You truly know no limits, don’t you?”

As Eliza let out a small laugh, Leo spoke.

“Not exactly. That’s why I need strong allies.”

Looking down at his own hands, Leo calmly continued.

“In the case of Lunia El Rundah, why is she hiding that fact?”

“It’s not exactly the same as Lunia.”

“How is it different?”

“In Lunia’s case, she overcame the trial given by the Phoenix King and obtained its flames. In a sense, she is a successor to the Phoenix King, though not a Phoenix itself.”

Thus, Lunia’s flames represent the Emperor of Flames.

She could harness this purifying flame that eradicates impurities because she comes from a lineage of successors who inherited and wield this power.

“On the contrary, mine is simply a reward from the game.”

At first glance, there may not seem to be much difference, but in practice, it’s quite different.

In Lunia’s case, it’s the raw Phoenix King’s flame itself. With her pure spiritual energy alone, she can emit the Phoenix King’s flames.

Moreover, she can strengthen the contract with her Phoenix and further channel that power through magic to maximize it.

In contrast, Leo needs a Pegasus to properly harness the power of the essence of lightning.

‘Besides, this power causes significant suffering to the Pegasus that has made a vow with me.’

This is the limitation of someone who gained the power not through legitimate means but via a loophole called the Hero Record.

“Decisively, while Lunia can transfer this power to others at her will, I cannot.”

“Hmm, so? It seems like helping me is somehow related to this essence of lightning.”

“You’re right. Even if I can’t completely control it, I can certainly expedite your growth.”

“In other words, you can forcibly awaken my potential?”

“That’s correct.”

“Hmph. Asking me if I’m prepared to d*e is because of this reason, isn’t it?”

Eliza smirked, understanding Leo’s intention.

‘A shortcut.’

But shortcuts aren’t always good.

‘After all, there’s no such thing as a safe shortcut.’

Eliza is a summoner.

Unlike aura or magic, the essence of a summoner is ‘contract.’

She knew very well about it.

This world operates on a principle of balance.

If you advance faster, there’s always a cost.

In the case of forcibly awakening talent, the price of failure can be devastating.

‘The worst scenario is becoming a complete failure or, in the worst case, dying.’

Forcibly awakening power comes with inherent risks.

After all, forcibly awakening one’s power is an act that deviates from the natural path, so it would be impossible for it to be safe.

‘If that weren’t true, it would be nothing short of a real scam.’

Eliza looked down at her hands.

‘Is it right to accept help from Leo Flove?’

It was a matter of pride for Eliza.

It made deep fissures in her self-respect.

But…

‘I don’t want to fall behind while being alone.’

Like Leo said, time may resolve all, but what about when she finally overcomes her own limitations?

What if others do the same?

Perhaps they could overcome her or break through the barrier ahead of her.

‘I hate that more than dying.’

Eliza’s eyes gleamed.

‘I am the heir of the Hergin family.’

Celia, Duran, Chen Sia, Chloe, Abad, Chelsea, Warden passed through her mind.

Ultimately, her eyes met Leo’s face in front of her.

‘Being anything but the best is meaningless.’

This wasn’t the arrogance of a teenage girl.

‘It’s my goal to stand on the highest stage both as a summoner and a hero.’

It was the purpose of Eliza Hergin as a Hero Candidate.

There’s a figure in front of her that she might never catch up to even if she spends her entire life chasing.

It’s a vast wall of despair.

But in another sense, it’s also a goal that she can continue chasing for her entire life.

‘No time for hesitation. This person is moving further away even as I stand still.’

The fact that she hesitates while there is a way forward would be a greater shame than accepting help.

“What must I do?”

In response to her words, Leo extended his hand.

Zzzziiip!

The essence of lightning manifested.

“Take my hand.”

At his words, Eliza took a deep breath and grabbed Leo’s hand.

“Ugh?!”

And at that moment, Eliza’s body froze as if electrocuted. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.

As her consciousness faded, she heard Kal’s anxious voice.

Losing consciousness, Eliza muttered to herself.

‘This… won’t be easy.’

*

“Isn’t this too dangerous?”

As Kal carried the unconscious Eliza back to the dormitory,

Leo sat alone on a bench when Chen Sia appeared behind him, her face showing slight concern.

“It’s dangerous.”

Leo casually confirmed her worries.

“Are you not thinking of moderating the training intensity?”

“No. If I did, Eliza would perceive it as a greater humiliation.”

Leo asked Chen Sia who had taken a seat beside him,

“Imagine if you were in Eliza’s situation. Would you feel good if I went easy on you during training?”

“No… I’d probably get angry.”

“Exactly. You guys are just kids trying to play adults and can’t stand for it.”

“Are you starting to act like an uncle now? And this is not playing but being mature. Stop treating me like a child.”

Chen Sia, who walked over with sleepy eyes, shot a slightly reproachful look at Leo, to which he bluntly replied.

“Adults don’t get hurt feelings or get upset. They manage their emotions better. Just a child you are.”

Leo then pinched Chen Sia’s nose.

With her nose pinched, Chen Sia pouted and asked,

“Shouldn’t you be heading in soon? It’s getting late.”

“Not in the mood. I want to enjoy the night breeze a little longer.”

Chen Sia flashed a bitter smile.

‘Lord Leo must feel lonely and sad now that Lady Luna has departed.’

She could understand why.

After meeting a friend who risked their life to save the world, sharing 5000 years of time, their parting must have been hard.

Moreover, Luna had special feelings for Leo.

‘While it’s unclear what exactly Lord Leo feels…’

Leo undoubtedly had complex emotions towards Luna.

‘Lord Leo too must be having a tough time. Should I offer some words of comfort?’

Even though he’s called the Great Hero, Leo is still human.

When his heart is heavy, he must reveal his vulnerable side.

‘How should I console him?’

“Because of Luna, I might have to ask you for a rather awkward favor.”

‘Lady Luna and an awkward favor?’

Chen Sia’s eyes flickered.

‘That book, Eiran-san’s “When the Heart Feels Lonely, the Body Does Too”… how did it end up as a banned book in the Lumern Academy?’

‘Oh, oh, oh! How on earth did you find that!’

‘And this book, “History is Made at Night”, it’s also banned!’

‘Kyaaah!’

Remembering the books she found in Eiran’s dorm room during a visit, Chen Sia edged closer to Leo, sat down, and said flirtatiously,

“Lord Leo, I’m an adult. Even if you make an awkward request, I’ll be fine. In fact, anything for Lord Leo’s command.”

“Hmm? I require some assistance, borrowing the strength of the Shan Empire.”

Her large eyes blinked a few times, then Chen Sia smiled slightly.

“…Sounds like business related to the shadows.”

“That’s correct.”

‘Darn, have I been influenced too much by Eiran? I think my mind’s been a bit corrupted.’

Chen Sia sighed and licked her lips.

“Beerkia seems to have resurrected as an undead.”

At Leo’s subsequent words, her expression stiffened.

“Beerkia-sama?”

“Yes.”

Leo continued gravely.

“It appears she’s still active from the shadows. If she’s risen as an undead, she’s likely not doing anything good. Could you help find her traces?”

“Yes. I understand.”

After replying, Chen Sia immediately vanished into the darkness.

Seated on the bench, Leo inhaled deeply as he gazed at the full moon.