Chapter 82

82. 81.

“I don’t understand. It’s an unprecedented category.”

The professors opposed at the mention of a Battle Royale.

After all, the Interdepartmental Competition which literally merges departments could, if things went awry, potentially turn into individual matches.

As the three professors protested, Kalyan leaned back against his chair.

“I’m not saying I don’t understand your concerns. This year’s first years are exceptionally talented.”

The odds of victory were extremely high, regardless of which department they were in.

Which is precisely why all three professors opposed the highly variable Battle Royale.

“But you must admit that this year we have a rather special student, don’t we?”

“Leo Flove, is it?”

“That’s right. At first, everyone was surprised that he was an all-class prodigy. Most people thought he’d hit his limits soon enough, didn’t they?”

The three professors agreed.

They had been confident that he would eventually fall under their own department.

“But Leo continues to maintain near-top scores in all fields.”

Kalyan leaned his chin against his hand.

“Because of this, the council has grown more interested in Leo.”

The Council.

The actual rulers of Lumeran, known as the Three Great Families: Zeruon, Riguard, and Turcia.

“You mean the Council wishes for Leo to be listed in the Hero Record as an all-class hero?”

“That’s right.”

If this were to happen, having another all-class hero emerge in the future to inherit Leo’s abilities wouldn’t be impossible.

Leo alone has had an immense impact.

“Of course, Leo will eventually have to choose a specialized class, but according to the Council’s wishes, now is not the time. Despite your hard work preparing for the Interdepartmental Competition… I ask for your understanding in this.”

Upon hearing Kalyan’s words, the three professors sighed deeply.

Given the high regard in which they held the principal, it was impossible to continue opposition.

‘From here on out, individual strength will matter more than collaboration.’

The professors were deeply pondering.

‘Given this situation, there’s no way out but to prepare for the competition by focusing on improving the student’s individual abilities.’

*

The next day.

In the Knight Major class, all the students were feeling an excited anticipation.

It was because the official classes preparing them for the Interdepartmental Competition would begin today.

Moreover, Ain had announced that this session’s content would greatly assist in conquering the Hero’s World, stirring even more excitement among the first-year students.

“Hey, which hero will you choose?”

“Knight of the Moonlight. How about you?”

“I’ll choose the Spear Knight of Hermilan.”

Although actually entering the Hero’s World seemed distant, even preparing for it was enough to make them exhilarated.

Looking at the enthusiastic classmates, Leo muttered under his breath.

“Everyone’s going crazy.”

“There’s no other option given how important this is.”

“You don’t seem very excited.”

“To someone of the Zerdinger family, the Hero’s World isn’t particularly special. But why don’t you seem too excited?”

“I’m incredibly excited.”

And that was true. He was about to uncover the true nature of the Hero Record, something he had long been curious about.

Of course, he had already received rewards for conquering the Hero’s World twice, but those weren’t regular rewards.

‘I wonder what kind of rewards the official route will offer?’

The Great Hero Kyle could be said to be a mentor to all contemporary heroes.

The great heroes, who are listed on the first page of the Hero Record, achieved the most remarkable feats.

Even Leo could not help but feel a thrill at inheriting the power of another hero.

‘Perhaps it could complement the abilities that I lack.’

In history, Great Heroes were painted as perfect heroes.

But Leo knew they weren’t perfect.

‘If they were, no one would’ve lost anyone in the fight against Erebus.’

Leo clenched his fist tightly.

‘Plus, I’ve grown weaker in this life compared to my past one.’

It wasn’t merely because he hadn’t yet regained all his former strength. Kyle was strongest just before facing Erebus.

Even if Leo were to recover all his previous powers, he wouldn’t reach that level again.

‘At the time, I didn’t merely rely on my own strength.’

Before the extermination of Erebus.

The grand vow to save the world.

The foolish dream to cover the world in flowers.

The absurd goal to reclaim the lost beauty of the world.

The humble hope that the world’s people could smile again.

Because of the strength of his comrades who entrusted their ideals with Kyle, they were able to succeed in exterminating the foe.

As Leo recalled old memories, he realized something.

“Thinking about it, the form of power inheritance within the Hero Record resembles my past life.”

As Leo pondered, Ain appeared in the training grounds.

The students who had been happily chatting together fell silent, standing straight at ease as they awaited instruction.

“As I announced previously, from today onward, I will teach you Auras Skills to prepare for the Interdepartmental Competition and conquering the Hero’s World.”

The moment those words were spoken, the grounds erupted into cheers.

As the excited murmurs continued, Ain added a chilling caveat.

“And the students who are unable to conquer the Hero’s World in the second semester will be expelled, regardless of their grades.”

A cold silence filled the air.

“Now, let’s begin the class. Who can tell me about the power given as rewards for conquering the Hero’s World?”

Normally eager, the students hesitated to raise their hands due to Ain’s stern demeanor.

Among them, one student raised a hand firmly.

“Duran Moira.”

“Hero Weapon, Hero Ability, and finally Hero Skill.”

“Correct.”

Ain nodded.

“Hero Weapon simply allows one to summon the relics wielded by the respective hero. It is a powerful ability to summon legendary or historic weapons that have long disappeared into the modern world.”

At this, Leo folded his arms, thinking.

‘Could we summon the weapons that my friends and I used?’

Images of weapons destroyed during the Era of Catastrophe flashed through his mind.

“Hero Ability refers to the unique capabilities possessed by the hero in question. Lastly, Hero Skill pertains to techniques used by the hero.”

Ain folded his arms.

“The first power you’ll inherit is the Hero Skill. Is there anyone who can explain the unique characteristic of these Hero Skills?”

This time, it was Chen Sia who raised her hand.

“Chen Sia.”

“The power varies depending on the user’s capabilities. It may be an inferior version compared to the original or even surpass it.”

“Correct.”

Ain stepped forward onto the grounds.

“Before inheriting the power of heroes, I shall teach you a technique. Celia Zerdinger, step forward.”

At Ain’s call, Celia stepped up front.

“Draw your sword.”

Celia drew her sword.

“Do you remember what I said at the start of the semester? I mentioned that I would teach you the Auras techniques that Beastman hero academies like Azonia teach.”

“Yes.”

“Throughout the past lessons, I intertwined these Aura techniques with the Auras studies while teaching you.”

Celia nodded.

Ain’s techniques indeed matched the Zerdinger family’s teachings, except the content was entirely different.

‘They refined the techniques, allowing for much more delicate use of Auras.’

For instance, while creating an Aura armor, the way to maximize defense capabilities was distinct.

All Celia had learned previously was how to simply make her Aura Armor stronger.

“But making it stronger isn’t everything.”

‘Aside from merely deflecting attacks, the armor could absorb or redirect attacks. Defense comes in many forms.’

Based on the Aura techniques Ain taught, Celia could adjust her defensive attributes according to the nature of her opponent’s attack.

While not immediately apparent, with enough practice, it would become a highly advantageous skill.

“Until now, I’ve only taught you practical applications taken from what we currently use in Auras studies. But from now on, you will learn what Azonia scholars teach.”

The students focused intensely on Ain’s every word.

“Mastering these techniques will greatly aid the use of Hero Skills. Moreover, it will enhance your general Auras skill capabilities.”

Celia’s eyes sparkled.

“What technique is it?”

“Showing you directly would be faster, Celia. Use your Aura.”

Celia summoned her Auras.

“Strike the ground there with your full force.”

With all her might, Celia swung her sword, channeling maximum energy.

Whoosh! KABOOM!

A towering wall of flames erupted from her sword cut.

The students watched, impressed and slightly envious.

“Of course, one of the representatives of the Knight Department!”

“Fire Monster!”

“Hey! Who just called me a monster?!”

Celia glared angrily.

“Excellent. You truly are a Zerdinger.”

Ain smiled slightly.

“Well then.”

WHOOSH!

A wall of flames erupted from Ain’s sword.

The students’ eyes widened as they realized Ain, known as the Ice Sword Knight, wielded freezing Auras.

While the students were astonished, Duran chuckled.

“Professor Ain was once a dungeon raider. If he achieves enough accomplishments, it wouldn’t be surprising for him to become a hero. Perhaps among the heroes he inherited powers from was one who controlled flames.”

“Duran is correct. This fiery Aura is from the Ability of an ancient hero I once conquered.”

Ain channeled an Aura intensity comparable to what Celia had unleashed moments ago.

He lifted his sword and took a breath.

A different, alien breathing sound resonated.

In sync with it, faint Auras rippled from Ain’s body.

Leo’s eyes widened significantly as he observed this.

‘That’s…!’

WHOOSH! KABOOM!

A surge of flames shot up even more fiercely than Celia’s earlier strike.

“…”

Celia’s eyes widened in shock.

Even with the same intensity of Aura, Ain’s flames were far stronger.

Moreover, given that Ain himself is a user of cold Auras, it was naturally harder for his flame to reach such intensity. Yet, it still achieved this level of power.

Leo couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

“How… How did you do that?”

As Celia asked in amazement, Professor Ain sheathed his sword and replied.

“This is the skill known as [The Valiant’s Breath].”

“…”

“This is the skill you will all begin to learn from today.”

‘That’s Aron’s skill, isn’t it?’

—