Chapter 549

549.

“Does the Hero of Beginning have any plans after saving the Fairy Knight?”

“Plans? I need to defeat that Demon King who turned Berkiya into this, and ultimately destroy all the Pieces of Erebus.”

Inside the Akasha Record Library.

After reviewing all of Berkiya’s records, Rian asked, and Leo casually replied.

“By the way, when I met the god Pibua in Luna’s world, he seemed extremely shocked upon hearing that I would fight Erebus.”

“He had no choice but to be shocked.”

Rian poured tea into Leo’s teacup as he responded.

“The gods know better than anyone what it means to fight against the primal evil.”

Leo sipped the tea calmly.

Rian then asked Leo,

“Were you in great pain?”

There was pity in Rian’s eyes.

The sorrow of losing companions who were close like family, and the fear of having to face Erebus alone—these things must have delivered boundless despair.

However, what must have caused Leo the most pain was the Black Flame burning within his body, the Catastrophe Flame that had ignited since the moment this world came into existence. The flame, the embodiment of evil like Erebus himself, delivered a pain severe enough to shatter one’s soul.

If a god were to witness a mere human standing up again to face such a flame that even they fear, any god would be moved, regardless of whether the person possessed the power of Erebus’s nemesis or not.

Leo sipped his tea without answering.

It wasn’t just Leo who had endured such terrible pain.

‘Arin, Dwenno, Luna, and Lissinas—all of them passed away like that.’

Remembering the deaths of his friends, Leo smiled.

Seeing this, Rian expressed his puzzlement.

“Why are you smiling?”

“They were all fools and found reasons to smile, even amidst undeniable pain.”

“Do you not know the meaning of that smile?”

“I know it now.”

An unwavering trust in those who remain.

A resolute belief that Kyle would undoubtedly succeed in their mission, even if they themselves could not.

It was this belief that allowed them to smile amidst the pain that threatened to shatter their souls.

“Well, eventually, I’m the one left here alone.”

Leo rested his chin on his hand, gently swirling the teacup.

“It would’ve been nice if those guys could’ve experienced this peace.”

Luna’s memories surfaced.

Her happiness and smiles brought a bitter taste to his mouth.

Rian silently observed Leo, who looked somewhat lonely, and then formed two mirrors with his hands.

“Hero of Beginning, have you heard of the multiverse interpretation?”

“Multiverse interpretation?”

“Imagine these mirrors placed side by side.”

Rian aligned the mirrors facing one another and continued.

“Inside, there stretches an infinite space.”

“You’re talking about alternate worlds?”

“Yes, it is a concept similar to the theories used in magic, though slightly more advanced.”

Rian then brought the mirrors together, and a small tree grew in his hands.

“In the multiverse interpretation, the world branches out infinitely. If we liken it to a tree, these branches are akin to the different possibilities.”

As Rian pointed to the many branches growing, he explained further.

“When an event occurs, it results in the creation of a world where the event happened and one where it did not. That is the multiverse interpretation.”

“So, if parallel worlds exist, doesn’t that mean there’s also a world where they are still alive?”

“Yes.”

Rian smiled faintly and shook his hand, making the tree vanish.

“Therefore, you don’t need to reproach yourself too much. In some unreachable alternate world, other Great Heroes might have been revived and are living their lives.”

“Does the concept of a parallel world truly exist?”

“Even I, in my divine form, cannot tell. It simply exists as a possibility.”

“It would be nice if it did.”

“Ah, indeed, the Hero of Beginning is truly kind. Can this unworthy servant also receive your warm grace?”

“Disgusting.”

At this, Rian slumped his shoulders.

“Nevertheless, due to the Hero of Beginning, this world has now become a place where the gods’ protection is no longer needed.”

Rian stood up with a smile.

“The gods titled you ‘Beginning’ for reasons beyond just the start of a new era. The fate of the world has shifted from the hands of the gods, its overseers, into the hands of the mortal inhabitants of the lower realms. In some ways, it’s truly a new beginning.”

The reason Pibua was shocked must have been due to this as well.

‘To the eyes of the gods, it must have been clear. The purity and belief within his soul.’

How could the Great Hero, who was willing to endure the world’s most horrific pain for the sake of his friends, not elicit shock?

“Before fully eradicating Erebus, there must be certain things to do, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Then, may this lowly servant be permitted to humbly offer some words?”

“I would prefer you not to use such formal titles.”

“Then, my young lamb.”

Realizing he couldn’t maintain a proper dialogue with the god in front of him, Leo gave up.

“Do as you wish. What advice do you have in mind?”

“How dare someone like me offer advice to you!”

“Stop the nonsense and get to the point.”

As Leo growled softly, Rian began to speak.

“First, we must make the world aware of the truth about the Hero of Cataclysm. Until now, the Dragon Lord has kept the truth a secret to avoid widespread chaos, but…”

“Is the era of the Hero of Cataclysm coming to an end?”

Rian nodded.

If an unpredictable bomb is involved, its existence should be announced to prepare in advance, especially during times like now, when the world is in conflict with itself.

“The next step would be to make your existence known to the world.”

“Aren’t I already quite famous?”

“That isn’t enough.”

Rian spoke seriously.

“5000 years ago, the world fell into ruin due to the lack of a central focus. Then, the King of Wisdom united the world into a single cause. You know, the King of Wisdom did more than just lead heroes.”

Lissinas united the entire world.

“I understand that the reborn Leo wishes to follow in Lissinas’s footsteps.”

To prepare for the battle with Erebus by training Hero Candidates, forming alliances, and making strategic responses.

“But it isn’t enough.”

Rian looked at Leo with conviction.

“Just like Lissinas, the Hero of Beginning must become the king of the world.”

The king of the world.

The ruler recognized by the gods to rule over the entire world.

And in the long history of the mortal realm, only one person has been recognized as king by the gods—Lissinas.

“One absolute leader is required to consolidate the world’s intention to its full strength.”

“It won’t be easy.”

At the time of the Rebirth of Catastrophe, the world could unite in purpose because they were faced with its imminent destruction. But things are different now, tangled by numerous interests that create an exceedingly complex situation.

“That’s why it’s necessary to emphasize the uniqueness of the one who stands alone—a presence unmatched in the world.”

Rian grinned faintly.

“A crisis, indicating that the Rebirth of Catastrophe hasn’t ended, is also necessary. So, I will help.”

Rian placed his hand on his chest.

“Though I’m no longer a god… I can mimic one.”

“What reason does one have to go this far?”

Leo narrowed his eyes.

Whatever it is, any favor from a godlike being is burdensome.

“Because I want to.”

Rian spread out his hands.

“With these hands… I want to see the new legend you will create.”

Wearing an enraptured expression, Rian continued.

“The current world needs a king. Thus, Hero of Beginning…”

Looking up at Leo, Rian gleamed brightly as he pleaded,

“Please become the king of the world.”

Recalling their previous conversation, Leo sighed quietly inside.

He did not reveal the fact that he was Kyle.

The reason was simple.

“Knowing I’m Kyle, they might lean too heavily on the past.”

The moment they know Leo is Kyle, the world would inevitably depend on Kyle.

In a straightforward sense, the story of the Hero of Beginning, Kyle, ended 5000 years ago.

If a past existence resurfaces to save the world once more, it sets a precedent that this is the work of an ancestral spirit, and that should not happen.

“Thus, people must understand that the ones who can resolve the problems of today’s age are the people living in today’s age.”

“Maybe the reason why only the name ‘Leo Flove’ is in the Hero Record might be because I’ve accomplished nothing noteworthy in this era.”

After a special lecture, students poured out of the lecture hall.

“Hey, isn’t that the Student Council President?”

“Oh.”

Upon hearing someone’s mutter, the crowd parted.

Chelsea, walking beside Leo, wore a slightly flustered expression.

Neither of them anticipated this kind of reaction.

After all, they knew the true identity of Leo, so Rian’s statement about Leo saving the world didn’t surprise them either.

But the others did not.

Rian may still be an enigma, but it was clear he wasn’t just any ordinary figure.

This mysterious figure declared Leo to be the sole savior capable of saving the world.

Until now, Leo’s track record was already impressive.

An unprecedented all-class talent.

Youngest Student Council President of the first year.

An unimaginable growth rate that surpassed countless people.

Up until they heard this story, they simply thought it was a case of extraordinary talent.

But the revelation that Leo was born with the ability to overcome Erebus brought his past achievements into even sharper focus.

“Could it be…”

“Perhaps we’re witnessing the hero destined to fulfill the world’s destiny.”

People venerate what they cannot fully comprehend as something magnificent.

But at the same time, they also reject it.

What they don’t understand is often the source of fear.

Most students had no idea how to handle Leo.

Everyone’s eyes locked on him, creating a palpable distance.

But Leo remained calm.

“I’m used to it.”

During Kyle’s era, he experienced such treatments all too frequently.

Though regarded as reliable by the Hero of Survival, he was also an unsettling presence that many preferred not to associate with.

As Leo was about to walk away nonchalantly—

“Well? You think you can stroll off without hassle?”

“Certainly! Thanks to my lord Leo, I can now walk in peace!”

Lunia and Eiran approached Leo.

“If we stick with you, can we cut the line every time we go to the cafeteria?”

“Yeah, absolutely.”

Chen Sia’s comment earned agreement from Celia.

Prompted by this, the second-year students swarmed around Leo.

The noise around them grew louder.

To them, it mattered little what Leo truly was.

The important thing was to continue chasing after the goal he symbolized.

“How does it feel to be the savior of the world?”

When Duran asked with his usual sarcastic tone, Leo smirked.

“It’ll be good if everyone keeps up.”

To which Duran scoffed.

‘The king of the world, huh?’

Leo looked up at the sky.

“You didn’t exactly want to become a king either, did you? Right?”

It all happened because he kept chasing after an obstinate ideal.

He thought of his late friend who had shouldered the world’s impending doom with such fragile shoulders.

Leo never once carried such a weight.

All he did was rescue him.

But he realized that wasn’t enough.

‘Once again, I realize this…’

As Leo rested his hand on his shoulder.

“It’s heavy.”

Just then, as Leo gave a slight smile,

“If it’s too heavy, would you like some help?”

Chelsea, standing beside him, smiled and asked,

After looking at Chelsea for a moment, Leo chuckled.

“Perhaps when you grow a bit more.”

“Okay!”

Chelsea nodded.

“We’ll help you for sure.”

After answering, Chelsea walked forward without hesitation, and Leo smiled.

‘Maybe you felt this way too…’

Understanding Lissinas, Leo walked ahead.

Towards an uncertain future, accompanied by his yet-to-be-named comrades who would eventually face the calamity alongside him.