Book 1 Chapter 378
378.
“Huh-”
Shadow Master Kirin, who exhaled cigarette smoke, muttered while watching the battle unfold through the magic video.
“It’s interesting.”
‘Did Riina Flix give him special training?’
Riina Flix.
A figure who rose from being a Shadow to the position of headmaster of Lumerne, becoming a worldwide issue.
And the controversy surrounding her was currently ongoing.
Shadows do not have a positive image among people.
The Shadows' mission is to protect the world in darkness.
Among them are those who escort heroes who will lead the world, and those who track down and eliminate traitors.
Most of the Shadows' work happens in the dark, but some reveal their actions.
Shadows who pursue traitors and cruelly exterminate them as a warning.
The public image people have of Shadows was created by such Shadows.
Many people harbor deep misunderstandings and fears about Shadows for that very reason.
Since such a Shadow took on the role of Lumerne's headmaster, there were constant discussions externally about the need to change the headmaster.
Of course, Altech Zereon, the chairman of Lumerne who personally appointed Riina as headmaster, dismissed those opinions.
The reason Riina became Lumerne's headmaster is extremely simple.
It's because she is strong.
The Lumerne headmaster must lead students and set an example.
However, an even more important duty is the military power as a guardian capable of protecting the school.
Altech Zereon, and Halind and Sedgen, who have taught at Lumerne for the longest time, judged that even though she was a Shadow, there was no one more perfect than Riina as a guardian, and thus offered her the headmaster position.
And Riina's legendary anecdotes are even better known among other Shadows.
She is a legend among Shadows.
Kirin, the Shadow Lord of the South, had also heard her stories.
‘Considering Riina Flix's personality, I don't think she would have given him special training.’
Kirin narrowed his eyes, looking at Leo.
‘That atmosphere isn't created in a day or two.’
Kirin, being a fellow Shadow, could tell.
That Leo was a born arbiter.
‘So, is he truly someone the princess could fall deeply for?’
Hmph- Kirin, who had burst into laughter, stood up from his seat.
‘It would be rude to make the master of Shan wait any longer.’
Kirin vanished into the darkness.
***
“Haap!”
Along with a powerful shout, Borman's large fist flew towards Leo's face.
A fierce attack that seemed as if it would crush Leo's face.
In response, Leo clenched his fist.
Ku-woong-!
Leo's fist and Borman's fist met, and a heavy sound echoed.
A pure strength battle without using aura.
Anyone could see that the smaller Leo seemed to be at a disadvantage.
But Leo didn't budge an inch from his punching stance.
Seeing this, Borman snorted.
“My blood is boiling! What spirit, to stand firm and face me without backing down! Truly befitting the man called Lumerne's strongest!”
An excited Borman began to unleash a flurry of punches on Leo.
Pububububububuk-!
Leo blocked all of Borman's attacks and closed in.
Kung-!
“Hup?!”
Borman's body staggered from a shock greater than he imagined.
Hwaak-!
Leo spun and struck Borman's temple with his heel.
Puk-! Kwang-!
Borman's body, struck by Leo's kick, slammed into the floor.
As Borman's massive body fell, everyone's eyes widened.
Teop-!
“Hehehe.”
Borman propped himself up and stood.
“Amazing…! Amazing!”
‘I thought he was knocked out? He's incredibly resilient.’
“Why not stop? If you keep going, you'll bleed.”
“Stop?”
Borman curled up the corners of his mouth.
“I am a great warrior! A great warrior like Arion! One who walks the path of valor like Azonia!”
Kwang-kwang-!
Borman pounded his chest and shouted.
“Lord Arion said! Wounds will soon make me stronger!”
‘But I said that.’
Leo made a wry expression.
It was something Kyle had told warriors who were injured and frustrated after a major battle.
It seemed that in later generations, it had been distorted and attributed to Arion.
“This fight with you will surely make me stronger! Haap!”
Borman charged at Leo.
Leo bent his knees.
Hwaak-!
In an instant, Leo's body vanished.
At the same time, Borman, who was charging, stopped dead.
Tak-!
Leo, who had landed behind Borman at some point, pushed the back of the standing Borman.
Kung-!
With a heavy sound, the unconscious Borman collapsed.
“Excellent.”
Leo said indifferently.
Borman was a highly skilled individual despite being a second-year student.
It's just that his opponent was too bad, utterly terrible.
Leo looked down at Borman being carried away on a stretcher and stretched his fingers.
Then he looked at Ar, who walked out from the entrance with his arms crossed.
“Heh, prepare yourself. Black Rabbit. From now on, I, the champion of this arena, will be your opponent.”
Ar, who had curled up the corners of his mouth, snorted "Hmph-!"
‘Come to think of it, I've never properly fought the Black Rabbit in hand-to-hand combat, have I? This could be interesting?’
Ar also enjoys fighting strong opponents, as he is an Azoia student.
[Yes! The most beautiful champion in Shadow Arena history has appeared!]
The excited commentator shouted at Ar's appearance.
The spectators, who had been overwhelmed by Leo, also began to cheer loudly.
“Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!”
It was especially when the male customers showed enthusiastic reactions.
“What kind of rabbit is that? It’s a cat.”
Iliana made a bewildered expression.
“Why is the Azonia representative wearing clothes like that and acting as the arena champion here?”
“Couldn't there be some story behind it? Like he made a deal with this casino.”
“What story! That guy's definitely doing it because of gambling debts!”
As Chelsea and Chloe made bewildered expressions, Kal chuckled and said.
Kal, who had previously conquered Dweynor's world with them, could easily deduce why Ar was in that state here.
It was then that Ar took a stance to charge.
[We have an urgent announcement.]
The commentator's urgent voice was heard.
[By the Master's command, the arena event has concluded! We ask for your understanding, esteemed guests.]
At the sudden announcement of the arena's suspension, irritated boos erupted from everywhere.
“What the?”
“Suddenly?”
The group also wore bewildered expressions.
“Students of Lumerne.”
A beast-man appeared.
Seeing him appear without any presence, the entire group flinched.
The beast-man politely said to the group.
“It is the Master's command to escort you.”
***
Inside the room, Ar sat with a slightly sulky expression.
Ar, who had changed into his Azoia uniform, swayed his tail gently, glanced at Leo, and then spoke.
“Black Rabbit.”
“Why.”
“When we go out, fight me.”
“Why fight a battle with an obvious outcome?”
Ar clenched his fist tightly.
“I can't tolerate him having all the fun!”
“If you're unhappy, I'll play with you.”
“Play? How?”
Leo reached for a tissue on the table, rolled it up, and made it look like a feather.
Ar's ears twitched instantly upon seeing it.
Pak-!
Ar unconsciously reached out his hand to grab the tissue.
As Leo lifted the tissue, which annoyingly evaded Ar's hand, Ar clapped both hands together to catch it.
Ar, whose eyes were sparkling, made a "Hot-!" expression.
Ar, who had instinctively played a hunting game without realizing it, blushed and shouted.
“Don't treat me like a cat!”
“If not a cat, then what are you?”
“I'm a beast-man! A cat beast-man! Not your pet cat!”
“Then just don't get caught by things like this.”
“It's instinct! If you keep teasing me, I'll bite you!”
It was then that Leo chuckled, watching Ar, whose fur was bristling and who was hissing like a cat.
“You two seem to get along well.”
Someone entered the room.
Ar, recognizing the person, widened his eyes.
“Chen Xia of Lumerne's Knight Department?”
“Nice to meet you, Ar Tune.”
Chen Xia smiled gently and gave an Eastern-style greeting, placing her left fist in her right palm.
“Nice to meet you.”
Ar also smiled brightly.
Then, upon seeing Kirin appear behind Chen Xia, he bristled his fur.
It wasn't particularly that Ar was wary of Kirin.
It was merely his beast-man instinct reacting to the strong scent of blood clinging to her body.
“Ar Tune. Your and the Azoia students' debts have been erased as of today.”
“Why?”
“Because this kind-hearted young lady here has forgiven them all.”
Kirin placed his hands on both of Chen Xia's shoulders and smiled gently.
“Ohh! Thank you!”
Ar smiled brightly, then approached Chen Xia, grasped her hand firmly, and shook it.
“I'll definitely repay this debt later.”
“You don't have to worry about it.”
Chen Xia replied in her uniquely gentle voice.
“Please inform the other students that their debts have been forgiven.”
“What about the Black Rabbit?”
“I have something to discuss separately with Lumerne's student council president.”
At those words, Ar nodded and left the room.
Once only the three of them remained, Chen Xia spoke.
“You're very close with Azonia's representative.”
“Because we are.”
“Hmph.”
Chen Xia wore a slightly prim expression.
“You seemed quite fond of him, didn't you?”
“He is cute, actually. Like you.”
“Huh?”
At the sudden remark, Chen Xia showed a bewildered reaction.
Chen Xia, who had been blushing, then retorted indignantly.
“Young Master Leo. You keep teasing me, but as I've repeatedly told you, I'm older.”
“Right, right.”
Seeing Leo's indifferent reaction, Chen Xia pouted slightly.
But then she sighed softly and stood behind Leo.
And said.
“Kirin Neila.”
“Yes, Princess.”
All expression had vanished from Chen Xia's face.
A dry, expressionless face.
Chen Xia, revealing her Shadow-like demeanor, spoke.
“What is your reason for being disrespectful to Young Master Leo?”
Kirin spoke politely to Chen Xia.
Shadow Lords.
They, who lead the Shadows of the elves, beast-men, and dwarves respectively, are clearly independent forces separated from Shan, the nation of Shadows.
However, that doesn't mean they are unrelated to each other.
Kyle, the first Shadow.
Shan has as its ancestor Vihar, who carried on Kyle's legacy.
It is no exaggeration to say that all Shadows originated from Shan.
Therefore, while the Shadow Lords are indeed separate from the Shan Empire, they cannot be considered entirely independent forces.
It is also the Emperor of Shan who bestows the title of Shadow Lord.
For that reason, the Shadow Lords respected the master of Shan.
If it had been Chen Xia, she would have been able to meet Kirin immediately upon arriving at Shadow.
Because Chen Xia is the next Emperor of Shan.
But Leo couldn't.
Kirin assessed Leo, and Chen Xia was angry about that fact.
The Shadows were saved by Leo.
Thanks to Leo, the Book of Shadows was born, and it was finally proven that they were not abandoned by God.
Chen Xia could not tolerate that Kirin had dared to test such a Leo.
Kirin spoke, looking at the furious Chen Xia.
“Please release your anger and understand leniently. Princess, I am a Shadow Lord.”
Kirin looked at Leo.
“Thousands of Shadow lives depend on my decisions. So, I needed to assess whether Lord Leo was a vessel capable of embracing the Shadows.”
“So.”
Leo rested his chin on his hand.
“Are you satisfied?”
“Yes, I couldn't deny it.”
Kirin smiled.
“That the image of an arbiter you displayed is more fitting for the God of Shadows than anyone else.”