Chapter 542

542.

Lunia took a deep breath and stepped forward.

The gaze of the Templars descending from the sky reached her.

A beautiful girl with hair and eyes as red as if they were about to ignite, stood confidently despite the countless Templars before her.

Instead of showing any sign of fear, she radiates an overwhelming presence.

The woman leading the group, Rye Rin Conea, narrowed her eyes as she observed this.

‘So, this girl is Lunia El Rundah, is she?’

Five thousand years have passed since the end of the Era of Catastrophe.

Luna Lunibenns, the founder of the Star Cloud.

She isn’t just some elf hero who saved the world; she’s much more.

‘Innumerable elves followed the founder’s will and had their names inscribed on the Hero Record.’

Throughout five thousand years of history, countless wise and noble heroes have followed in her footsteps.

However, very few have been associated with titles related to stars during all this time.

‘Yet…’

This girl before her received the glorious title of ‘The One Who Chases the Star Cloud.’

It’s not just any title.

Anyone who isn’t completely obtuse knows who the word ‘Star Cloud’ in Lunia’s hero title refers to.

It literally means she is officially recognized as Luna’s successor.

Is there a greater honor for elves than this?

“Lunia El Rundah, is it?”

“What about it?”

Lunia shot back, her expression slightly annoyed.

Rye Rin’s gaze flickered upon noticing the clear hostility emanating from Lunia.

“You are Lunia El Rundah, correct?”

“Indeed.”

I am Rye Rin Conea, the captain of the Templars of Eldon.”

“Ah, I see.”

The somewhat unfriendly tone in Lunia’s voice caused Rye Rin to speak again.

“Lunia El Rundah, I can sense your animosity towards me… no, towards our Eldon.”

Rye Rin spoke with authoritative tone.

“I’m aware of your status as a hero and the grand title you have received.”

At this statement, Lunia let out a small laugh.

Rye Rin’s expression twisted slightly at Lunia’s manner.

“You must set an example, Lunia El Rundah.”

Templar.

A title given to the knights of the Elf Council. Being an elite group chosen from the best of each elf nation, the power and status of a Templar Captain is considerable.

‘It might have mattered to me before.’

But the present Lunia didn’t care about such things anymore.

“I’ve seen what’s happening beneath Eldon.”

Lunia glared disdainfully at Rye Rin, her voice icy.

This wasn’t mere hostility—it was pure contempt.

The previous Lunia might not have revealed her true feelings, but now she shows her enmity without hesitation.

It’s not because she’s the Student Council President of Seirun or a recognized successor of Luna.

It’s because she has seen something.

The image appeared in her mind of someone who refused to compromise with injustice.

The sight of someone who never turned a blind eye to the world’s unfairness and instead sacrificed everything for their beliefs.

And someone who didn’t consider such sacrifice as such.

This was the world Luna had bequeathed to future generations.

But it wasn’t just Luna.

There was also Berkiya, who upheld this will and staked their life for the world.

And then there was Seirun, who endured the Rebirth of Catastrophe after thousands of years and rebuilt the world.

Such was the lineage that has reached her.

“The world remains unjust.”

And some are swallowed by this injustice.

It’s possible that even great heroes, if they saw such a scene, would regret saving the world with everything they had.

Thus, a compromise cannot be made.

If there’s someone who tramples over what past heroes fought to protect, mustn’t there be someone who punishes them?

An obligation that arises from living in the world bequeathed to us by those great forebears.

‘We must prove it.’

That this world was worth saving.

That their sacrifices were not in vain.

‘Isn’t it, Leo?’

Lunia’s gaze shifted to Leo, who stood in a standoff with Berkia.

When she parted ways with Luna, she swore numerous times to herself that she would never disgrace the back she saw then.

Looking at Rye Rin, Lunia spoke.

“Examples are only set for those who merit them.”

Lunia smiled faintly.

“Do you honestly think you deserve one?”

“…”

Rye Rin’s mouth curled at Luna’s words.

“Isn’t the world unjust? How could someone like you, mingling with hybrids and other inferior races, ever deserve such an honorable title?”

Eyeing Lunia’s unshaken red eyes, Rye Rin’s face distorted.

“Why do you have such an undeserved honor?”

“Your ridiculous reasoning is getting old. Now throw in some bizarre jealousy?”

Lunia, arms crossed, scoffed as she watched Rye Rin’s rage manifest.

“Is that decoration on your head just for show?”

“What?”

“Try thinking.”

Lunia tapped her temple and wrinkled her face.

“Why would I be called ‘The One Who Chases the Star Cloud,’ and be favored by Lady Luna? You’re really dumb, aren’t you? And how did you even become a Templar Captain? Is there something wrong with Eldon’s Council’s heads? Ah, looking at you now, it’s obvious you lost it.”

“Dare you speak such nonsense!”

Rye Rin’s face turned red with fury.

Watching from the sidelines, Eiran stood there, mouth agape.

‘Lunia seems to be exposing her true self more and more.’

Lunia has always been uninhibited in expressing herself within Seirun, but she usually restrains herself in public.

Not this time; there’s no restraint.

This is the unabashed Lunia.

‘Is this really okay?’

As Eiran worried about the future, Lunia shouted.

“It’s because I’m superior!”

Lunia pointed at herself, glaring.

“I’ve earned the title of ‘The One Who Chases the Star Cloud’! I’m favored by Lady Luna! And I’ve become Lady Luna’s successor! It’s because I’m just better than all of you!”

“Have no shame! Claiming to be Lady Luna’s successor? Know your place!”

Rye Rin screamed, unable to tolerate this.

In response, Lunia openly mocked her.

“Have you ever met Lady Luna?”

“…”

“Have you ever fought with her? Or learned magic from her directly?”

Seeing Rye Rin unable to answer, Lunia openly scoffed.

“I assure you, Lady Luna would detest someone like you and your Pureblood Society the most.”

“Unacceptable! I won’t listen to this insolence! You will pay for your defiance!”

“That’s perfect.”

Lunia extended her right hand.

Flash!

A staff appeared in Lunia’s hand, accompanied by a bright light.

Upon seeing it, Rye Rin’s face hardened.

“Cometes.”

Bang!

Lunia slammed the staff into the ground.

Whoosh!

A red flame soared from Lunia’s body.

Gooouuuu!

The crimson flames soon transformed into white flames.

“I intend to make you and your companions pay for your sins.”

“Hoping to stop Eldon’s Templars alone? How arrogant.”

“Will it be only us?”

“Lunia-san, it’s not just you.”

Sreech!

Eiran stepped in front of Lunia, wielding her sword and shield.

“I’m here too. As long as I live, not a single hair on Lunia-san’s head will be touched.”

“You impudent brats.”

Rye Rin’s face twisted with disdain.

“Lunia-san, Eiran-san.”

Chen Xia called out to the two with a steadfast tone.

“Sorry, but can I leave this situation to you?”

“What’s going on?”

Eiran looked perplexed.

“I need to leave now.”

Chen Xia, gripping her dagger tightly, eyed Leo.

“Lord Leo and… Lady Berkiya.”

*

Leo extended his hand.

The sword embedded in Urein’s barrier came loose and returned to Leo’s hand.

Urein smiled upon witnessing this.

“I don’t understand. Wasn’t what I said something to be angry about?”

Urein turned his gaze to Berkiya.

“Clearly, that individual is a great hero. A disciple of the founder, who rebuilt the world and passed it on to future generations… One worthy of our utmost respect, wouldn’t you say?”

Urein shifted his gaze away from Berkiya.

“But that’s all there is to it.”

Urein smiled faintly.

“Even though she is the founder’s disciple, she didn’t learn the Magic of the Stars. Undoubtedly she dedicated herself for the world, yet now she’s nothing more than a pitiful soul manipulated by the Demon King.”

Leo silently stared at Urein.

“To elves, she is a hero to revere, but questionable if worthy of respect.”

To that, Leo closed his eyes.

“Instead, shouldn’t we be grateful for this meeting?”

Urein smiled, unaffected by Leo’s emotions.

“Leo Flove, you who tread the path of the Great Star Cloud. I wish to learn from you.”

Leo’s eyes opened upon those words.

Urein’s eyes radiated friendliness.

“I know the Pureblood Society dislikes me, but that’s irrelevant.”

Upon hearing this, Urein smiled.

“I am indeed part of the Pureblood Society and a racial purist, yet I’m not the ordinary kind. Their ideology doesn’t align with mine.”

He spread his arms wide.

“All who follow the path of the star are equal. Unfortunately, the Pureblood Society erroneously believes only elves have value, which is against Lady Luna’s intentions. That’s why I decided to change. The Conea family must also evolve.”

His eyes sparkled like stars.

“All who wield the Magic of the Stars are chosen ones. Collecting and preserving their magic for the future, advancing the Magic of the Stars—this is the true path of one who follows the Star Cloud, isn’t it? That’s why I seek various magical practitioners and ideological inheritors.”

“What nonsense. Quit your rambling and get to the point. What do you want from me?”

Leo asked impatiently, and Urein chuckled.

“Let your holy bl**d dwell within the Conea family.”

“What?”

“I have many daughters. Please grant your favor to one of them.”

“…”

A somewhat dumbfounded Leo looked at Urein.

“If a new life were to be born through such grace, there is no obligation to stay.”

Urein said this with an almost pure expression.

“If you have any preference, don’t hesitate to let me know. Thankfully, my daughters have various bloodlines and are all visually appealing.”

As if it were the most righteous act, Urein continued.

“If you wish, I could offer you all my daughters. Isn’t a hero known for their hedonism? Personally, I do not resent this. Rather, it is a natural law. Those with special abilities leave behind many descendants. That too is a path for the betterment of the world. It will surely be a great blessing for our family.”

Leo laughed hollowly.

Through this, Leo realized Urein was a new breed of purist he hadn’t encountered before.

He also understood what kind of human Urein was.

It was truthful. Offering all his daughters born from various races, without any twisted desires lurking deep within, but singularly focused on creating superior magical bloodlines.

A wizard who treated everything, solely for magic, as tools.

“Insane.”

Even after that remark, Urein smiled faintly.

“That is a possibility. Those who haven’t experienced the greatness of such potential might indeed see me as a madman.”

Saying that, Urein extended his hand.

Hummm-

A magical circle appeared above Urein’s palm.

Hummm!

Urein’s magical power heightened.

Leo’s eyes flickered as he observed this.

An immense power radiated from Urein.

This wasn’t merely an enormous amount of magical power.

‘This guy has clearly surpassed his limits. It’s as if he’s borrowing the magic of another…’

Just as that thought occurred, Leo’s eyes dropped to the ground.

“d*mn.”

A sound escaped Leo’s mouth.

Gooouuuuu!

An ominous magical circle had completed.

Urein’s gaze turned to Berkiya.

“I’ll first free the pitiful spirit who dares to rebel.”

Flash!

A massive light engulfed Berkiya.

At that moment.

Kagakagakagak!

Leo’s sword energy shot toward Urein.

Urein, caught off guard, quickly employed a teleportation spell to evade Leo’s attack.

And lacking a target, the ominous magical circle exploded into nothing more than a powerful blast.

Berkiya was launched a considerable distance by the explosion.

Even if she had been swept up by the ominous magic, Berkiya wouldn’t have been harmed.

However, given the power of such a magic, being affected was inevitable.

Leo could not tolerate it.

The sight of this person harming Berkiya.

Confused, Urein questioned.

“I understand that you respect Lady Berkiya. But she’s merely an undead. A target we should defeat together. Could you perhaps explain why you’re doing this?”

“Didn’t you say you had many daughters?”

“Yes.”

“What would you do if I were to k*ll one of them?”

“I would inquire about the reason.”

Urein said this, wearing a compassionate smile.

“and if the justification were substantial, I would indeed understand.”

“You won’t.”

Leo spoke coldly.

“You’ll never understand the reason why I want to k*ll you.”