Book 1 Chapter 150
Luna's eyes widened as she saw Leo's magic.
"It's beautiful."
The pure white magic was so beautiful it evoked an involuntary gasp of admiration.
Erebos, who had been spewing black flames, unleashed a fierce killing intent the moment he saw Leo's magic.
Clear hostility could be felt.
'As expected, this guy is aiming for me.'
Leo, with a chilling expression, sent Innocent towards Erebos.
Fwoosh-!
A projectile of pure white magic flew.
Fwoosh-!
Black flames that burned everything raged fiercely.
The flames, which opened their mouths like savage beasts, swallowed Innocent.
Goooooo-!
The black flames rampaged like mad.
At that moment.
Fwoosh-!
Erebos's flames, which had inflated like a balloon, exploded.
Poong-!
Flames scattered in all directions.
However, the black flames scattered in the air could no longer burn and faded away.
Not only that.
Erebos's main body, affected by the explosion, staggered.
Kugung-!
Gwaaaah!
Erebos let out a roar filled with rage.
"Attack!"
Leo shouted.
Along with him, Luna deployed her magic.
Flash-!
Numerous magic circles adorned the air.
The girl, who was even a grand mage, swung her staff.
Flash! Kwagagagagang-!
An immense storm of magic, incomparable to moments before, raged.
However, Erebos remained unharmed despite being hit by numerous spells.
"This doesn't work either?"
Luna wore a shocked expression.
Seeing her, Leo frowned.
'Why isn't Luna's attack working?'
Leo swung his grey aura.
Kwak-!
Wooooooor!
Erebos's roar filled with rage could be heard.
It worked.
Leo's attack, which was incomparable to Luna's, worked.
'Could it be that Luna's attack doesn't work because Luna is a being from the hero's world?'
There was a high possibility of that.
Leo wore an anxious expression.
In this party, Luna was both the frontline defender and the mage with the strongest attack power.
'If Luna's attacks don't work, it will be a significant blow.'
While Leo felt anxious.
Flames ignited from Lunia's body in the rear.
Fwoosh-!
Lunia clenched a small flame burning in her hand.
Fwaah-!
In an instant, wings of flame spread.
The symbol of the Rundoa family.
Flames passed down through generations as the covenant of the Phoenix.
"Consecration."
The forbidden flame that burns even oneself raged fiercely.
The one maintaining the flame was none other than Lunia.
As long as her will did not extinguish, Lunia's body would burn like firewood.
Elena laughed upon seeing that.
"So this is the flame of the Rundoa family."
Elena approached Lunia, who was making a pained expression.
"Wait! Dangerous…"
Lunia tried to back away with a flustered face.
But Elena embraced Lunia before she could.
The wildly rampaging flames threatened Elena.
However, Elena ignored them, tightened her grip on Lunia, and rested her chin on Lunia's shoulder.
"The scent of wild flames. That's right. You're a bit of a dangerous child too, aren't you?"
She rushes towards her target without hesitation.
Even if she burns herself to ashes, this elf girl would not falter.
Elena, who slightly let go of Lunia, smiled faintly.
Pink magic flowed from Elena's body.
Fwoosh-!
Elena's body caught fire.
Lunia's eyes widened upon seeing that.
"This magic is…"
"Sacrifice. It's a hero's magic left by Menamel, the Elf Saint."
"Just a moment! Sacrifice is definitely…!"
"Yes. It's the strongest healing magic. Menamel even brought the dead back to life with this, right?"
"Yes! But this magic…!"
The wounds of the caster are taken on by the performer.
It is literally a magic of equivalent exchange.
"The one with the strongest attack power among us right now is you."
Elena smiled faintly.
The Phoenix's flames grow endlessly as long as they burn.
The Rundoa's flames also grow stronger the more they burn.
But unlike the Phoenix, there was a limit.
It was immense power for a creature with infinite life force like the Phoenix, but it was a double-edged sword for an elf who did not have such a thing.
In other words, the limit of the Rundoa flames could be said to be the moment the body could no longer withstand it.
Elena removed the limitations of that limit for Lunia.
"But Elena-ssi…!"
"Oh my. Is a first-year student worried about a third-year? I'm not that weak."
Elena shrugged, as if unconcerned.
"So burn even brighter."
Elena said with the expression of a noble queen.
"Show your worth, Lunia El Rundoa."
"…I won't be responsible if you regret it."
Fwooooorrr!
The wings of flame grew larger.
Correspondingly, Elena's pain grew even greater.
But Elena smiled nobly.
'Truly… I can't let my guard down with Seirun either.'
Thump- Kugugung-!
Erebos, who had fallen, got up.
And he roared upon seeing Lunia's fiercely burning flames.
Uooooooo!
A spear of flame was created at Erebos's fingertips.
He accurately hurled the spear towards Lunia and Elena.
To block that attack, Hardin flew towards Erebos's spear.
Woong-!
The surrounding atmosphere responded to Hardin's call.
Hardin, who had gained control over the wind, concentrated his aura on the tip of his sword.
Along with that, he thrust his sword with both hands.
Fwaak! Kwagagagagang-!
The soaring blade of wind struck Erebos's flame spear.
Hardin, with a stiff expression, put all his strength into his body upon feeling the chilling heat transmitted for a moment.
Kwang-!
The flame spear scattered.
'This is the legendary great disaster…!'
It felt as if all his energy had drained from his body just by blocking a single blow.
Hardin's eyes caught the back of Leo, who was blocking Erebos in conjunction with Luna at the front.
'…Leo Flov.'
The first-year representative of Rumern.
He might have been superior in strength at the moment.
'But where he stands is different.'
He felt that the boy was already in a place he couldn't reach.
First year and third year… He was certain that the gap in grades would be surpassed in an instant.
He felt no inferiority complex or jealousy.
He was simply amazed.
It was different from Elena, whom he aimed for.
'Right.'
Hardin, realizing the nature of his feelings, burst into laughter.
'It's awe.'
He felt awe towards the human boy younger than himself.
Towards Leo, who stood in a place he couldn't reach, a place like a great hero.
At that moment.
Kugwagagagagang-!
A pillar of red flames erupted from behind.
Hardin turned his head.
There stood Lunia, who had created flames emitting astonishing firepower.
"I'm going!"
Lunia sent the giant flame she held up with both hands towards Erebos.
Upon seeing that, Leo recalled something.
"Luna."
"Why?"
"Can you strengthen that magic even further?"
Leo gestured with his chin towards Lunia's 'Consecration'.
Luna wore an incredulous expression upon seeing that.
"To control such a high-level magic and make it stronger? Dispelling would be much easier!"
"You can't?"
"Talk about what's possible! You're a mage too, right? Speak sensibly!"
To seize control of magic used by another, an overwhelming gap in skill is required.
Even if there is a skill gap, if the opponent's magic is a high-level magic composed of complex magical formulas, it is impossible to gain control.
Even if somehow taken, the power would be reduced to a pathetic level.
And then to ask to strengthen it further.
It was an absurd story.
Leo spoke while looking at Luna, who wore an expression of disbelief.
"You can do it."
"What?"
"You're a genius."
Luna's ears perked up at those words.
Luna, who easily became arrogant, became arrogant again at Leo's words.
"Well, this body is indeed a genius."
Luna coughed loudly.
"Come to think of it, it's not impossible theoretically."
Smiling slyly, Luna grasped her Polyum.
"Alright! What the heck! I'll give it a try."
"How simple."
"What did you say?"
"I'm counting on you."
At Leo's mumbled words, Luna, who turned around sharply, saw Leo giving a thumbs-up and smirked.
Then, she closed her eyes and stirred her magic.
Woong-!
Luna's magic enveloped Lunia's Consecration.
At that moment, Luna's consciousness fell into a trance.
'Huh? This magic formula… It's familiar.'
Luna felt a sense of wonder.
Leo's magic from earlier.
And this magic too.
It was similar to the magic she was researching.
Luna, who grasped and understood the structure of the formula, was amazed.
'The person who created this formula is definitely a genius. As much of a genius as me!'
It was too similar to the ideal she pursued.
Luna explored and explored the formulas her future self would create.
In a fleeting moment, Luna fell into a trance.
And she realized something.
Goooooo-!
At that moment, Erebos lunged towards Luna.
However, Luna, who had fallen into magic, could not react.
Kwagagagag-!
At that moment, grey sword energy severed Erebos's wrist.
"Not twice."
Leo said in a chilling voice.
"I won't let you take it twice."
At the voice filled with killing intent, the fragment of the great disaster flinched.
Leo, who overwhelmed Erebos's fragments with just a look, gripped his sword.
Gooooooo!
Erebos, enraged, swung his arm towards Leo, who blocked in front of Luna to protect her.
Leo did not dodge.
If he dodged, Luna would be exposed to danger.
Crunch-!
Erebos's giant hand gripped Leo.
Kwagagagag-
Black flames spewed from Erebos's hand.
Hardin, Lunia, and Elena's eyes widened upon seeing that.
At that moment.
[Objective: Assist the progenitor of constellations, Luna, in completing the magic of stars.]
[The progenitor of constellations, Luna, has completed the magic of stars.]
Messages appeared before the eyes of the conquerors.
While everyone was surprised.
"I'm not going to die from something like that, am I?"
Luna asked with a bright smile.
Flash! Kwagagagag-!
Leo, who had severed Erebos's hand that held him and escaped as grey aura flashed, grinned.
"Of course."
His body was burning everywhere.
The black flames had seeped into his skin.
His face contorted in pain, but his lips were smiling.
"Well then."
Luna smiled faintly, looking at the magic she had successfully controlled.
"It's over, you damn blackie."
Flash-!
A sphere of flame, shining brilliantly like a sun, flew towards Erebos.
Uooooooooo-!
Thump!
Erebos blocked the magic as if supporting it.
Kwahng-!
However, his knees soon bent.
Gweeeeee-!
Erebos, letting out a roar of pain, was then crushed by the magic due to lack of strength.
Thump! Kwagagagagagang-!
A giant pillar of flame soared into the sky.
Kaaaaaah!
Erebos's scream soared high into the sky.
However, he soon turned into ashes and disappeared, burned beyond recognition.
***
The ominous sky returned to its original state.
What remained was the half-ruined Castle Barharun.
Amidst it, Lunia muttered.
"It… it's over."
Her body trembled with joy.
"We defeated Erebos… Hiiiiik?"
"Hmm. I thought it would smell burnt, but it smells quite refreshing normally."
Lunia shook off Elena, who buried her face in her neck, in surprise.
"What are you doing!"
Elena giggled, looking at Lunia, whose ears had turned red.
"Your reaction is cute. I like it. Should I kidnap you and take you to Rumern?"
"I absolutely refuse! I am the proud grade representative of Seirun!"
Lunia, with a reddened face, shook her head, looking at Elena, who had found a toy she liked.
"Oh my, what a shame."
She was licking her lips when.
"We did it! We defeated that monster! And I completed the magic I've been researching for a long time!"
Hahaha! Luna burst into hearty laughter.
"You guys! You were quite good! I thought elves were all stiff people, but there are people like you too!"
"It's an honor to be evaluated like that… Hup?"
Hardin, who had been answering politely, was shocked by Luna's action of putting her arm around his shoulder as if to put him in a headlock.
Luna put her other arm around Lunia's neck and laughed cheerfully.
"Luna-nim and shoulder to shoulder…!"
"Th-this must be a dream! No! It can't be a dream!"
Elena giggled, looking at the two elves who were out of their minds.
"The foolish appearance of Seirun's grade representatives. It would be quite entertaining if I had a picture of it."
"Isn't it strange for a great hero to be like that?"
Leo approached Elena.
And he tried to support her.
Elena, with a faint smile, slapped away Leo's hand.
"You shouldn't touch a lady carelessly."
At those words, Leo wore a nonchalant expression.
"Didn't you lean on Lunia quite a bit earlier?"
Although she was brushing off the earlier casual teasing, Elena's current condition made it difficult to even lift her head.
"Hmm. You have good eyes."
Elena opened her eyes blearily.
Although she was pretending to be fine, Elena's current condition was dire.
The fact that Lunia was unharmed despite using such powerful magic was because Elena had taken on all the flames she had to bear.
"But you don't need to worry about me."
Elena smiled sweetly.
"A queen should be left as a noble flower, Leo-kun."
"She's still too young to be called a queen, isn't she? A princess, perhaps."
"Hmm. Indeed. When I was young, I preferred princesses who were rescued over heroes in fairy tales. I admired them more."
Elena giggled.
"Well, I'm the type to escape on my own before a prince or hero saves me."
Having said that, Elena narrowed her eyes.
"By the way, shouldn't you be concerned about yourself before worrying about me?"
The one who had suffered the most serious injuries among the current party members was none other than Leo.
"I'm used to it."
However, Leo smiled nonchalantly and shrugged.
Thus, the two approached Luna.
"With this, I've taken another step towards my ultimate magic!"
Luna shouted, clearly excited.
Elena's eyes lit up at her words, and she asked, "Luna-nim, what exactly is the ultimate magic you're aiming for?"
"Don't be surprised when you hear it! It's the magic of making flowers bloom!"
"…"
"…"
"…"
Lunia, Elena, and Hardin wore blank expressions.
It wasn't because Luna's goal was too absurd.
The gazes of the three naturally turned to Leo.
The magic of making flowers bloom that Luna spoke of.
It was the forgotten magic of the progenitor that Leo had succeeded in restoring during the grade's field trip.
"Anyway! I'll follow you guys!"
Luna grinned.
"You guys are leaving, right? To the outside world? Take me with you!"
"No."
Leo said resolutely.
Luna pouted at that.
"Aw, don't be so stingy and take me."
"No. I can't do that."
"Why?"
"We have our own paths, and you have yours."
Leo drew a line.
How wonderful it would be if they could go together.
'…There would be no greater joy.'
But it was impossible.
It was different from Elsi.
Elsi was merely a category of 'ability' that Leo had contracted with.
Unlike her, Luna was the ruler of this world.
No matter how great the hero's world was, it probably couldn't bring back a great hero.
Luna's face, which had been sulking, was suddenly filled with surprise.
"You…?"
Lunia, Elena, and Hardin could not see it, but Leo was biting his lips tightly.
Leo's hands tightened.
And at that moment.
As if saying goodbye to a sudden encounter.
[Luna's World: Prologue - Barharun has been conquered.]
The world announced its end.
Fwaak-!
And at the same time, the conquerors except Leo disappeared.
They had returned to their original world.
This was reality.
Luna, who had to live in the past, and Leo, who had to live in the future.
The gap was too vast.
Forcing his contorted face straight, Leo said,
"We will surely meet… great companions with whom you will do amazing things."
"…"
"Your adventure awaits you."
"…Are you leaving now too?"
"I think I have to."
Luna instinctively realized.
She could not stay with the boy in front of her.
Her shoulders slumped.
Luna's ears drooped, uncharacteristic of her.
At that moment, cracks began to form in the world.
The end was approaching.
At that moment, Leo reached out his hand.
"Luna Rubinence."
"Yeah?"
Fwaak-!
A flower bloomed from Leo's hand.
Luna's eyes widened in surprise upon seeing that.
"You will become a more magnificent mage than anyone else. You will save the world… and be revered by all elves, called the progenitor of constellations."
Leo squeezed out his remaining magic.
The desolate ruins were momentarily dyed with flowers.
"Your future… will be more brilliant than anyone's."
Luna's eyes, wide with surprise, became round.
"So don't be discouraged. You."
Leo reached out and ruffled Luna's hair.
"Confidence suits you."
"…Yeah!"
Luna beamed.
Seeing that bright smile, Leo took a step back.
Leo returned the smile with a smile at that smile.
His vision was engulfed in bright light.