Book 1 Chapter 460

460.

Emperor of Rodren.

Charles Dio Rodren, seated on his throne, looked down at his subjects with a bored expression.

Those kneeling and bowing before Emperor Charles opened their mouths.

"Your Majesty. While Leo Flov's reputation is high, it is against tradition for a hero candidate, who has not yet reached the status of a hero, to join the Imperium. Please reconsider!"

"Please reconsider!"

The invitation for Leo to join the Imperium was, in essence, made solely by Emperor Charles's will.

Of course, he had consulted with the heads of the Jerdinger and Lewalin families, who had been the Emperor's closest confidants for generations.

For Seld, the head of the Jerdinger family, Leo's special admission held no disadvantages.

In fact, from the perspective of the head of the family, Seld, it was most welcome.

Regardless of what anyone said, Leo was Seld's nephew and a direct descendant of Jerdinger.

"Moreover, Leo's skill is comparable to that of the heroes."

He had not yet reached the status of a hero, but in terms of actual power, he was equivalent to one.

If such a nephew were to be admitted to the Imperium with special consideration, Jerdinger's prestige would further increase.

Cheide Lewalin also had no reason to object.

"If Leo Flov were just a regular Jerdinger, it would be one thing, but he is a mage."

Not just any ordinary mage, but a mage recognized as the successor to Seirun, the Comet Mage.

Leo's fame as a mage was already very high in the world of magic.

"Leo Flov's entry into the Imperium would not necessarily strengthen Jerdinger's influence."

Rather, as an All-Class, he would likely have a strong neutral inclination.

"And he's close friends with Chelsea too."

It was a well-known fact that Leo, Chelsea, and Carl had been inseparable friends since their first year.

Therefore, Cheide had no reason to oppose Leo's admission.

After Leo's special admission was announced.

Many nobles requested an audience with Emperor Charles.

The reason was to revoke Leo's special admission.

It was true that the imperial family of Rodren and the founding noble families of Jerdinger and Lewalin were the powers leading the empire's hegemony.

However, no matter how immense their power, the Rodren Empire was too vast to be controlled by the combined strength of just these three families.

To govern such a vast power, politics were inevitable, and naturally, interests became intertwined.

Therefore, there were undoubtedly those who were dissatisfied with the special treatment granted to Leo.

Gathering such forces, they stood before the Emperor, led by Etherka Deckni, the Knight of the Swift Wind.

Having attained the title of Hero, he was the commander of the Rodren Empire's Royal Knights.

Rising to the rank of Hero from a low-ranking knight family, he was a man with immense pride in himself.

His goal was to claim the title of the strongest knight in the Rodren Empire.

However, he was consistently overshadowed by Seld Jerdinger, remaining in the position of second-in-command.

As a result, within the empire, there was a faction strongly opposed to Jerdinger, almost as much as to Lewalin.

"Sir Etherka. Are you saying that Leo Flov is not qualified?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. He has done nothing to prove that he is suitable for the Imperium yet."

"Leo Flov became the student council president of Rumern at a young age, and he ventured into the world of the Great Heroes. Furthermore, he made significant contributions to the subjugation of Erebus with the Hero this time. Although he did not make it onto the Hero Record, I believe he is sufficiently qualified, don't you think?"

In response to Seld's words, Etherka spoke with a blank expression.

"Sir Seld. Isn't that just you defending your nephew? Not all former student council presidents of Rumern become heroes. The world of the Great Heroes was not conquered by Leo Flov's sole strength. The feat of subjugating the fragments of Erebus was similar. Ultimately, it was because Lord Arion was present that the fragments of Erebus could be subjugated, wasn't it?"

Etherka scoffed.

"Nothing has been proven. Granting special treatment in such a situation could tarnish the name of the Imperium and, furthermore, could cast a shadow on Your Majesty's reputation. I am concerned."

Having said that much, Etherka's eyes narrowed.

"I thought the head of the Lewalin family would dissuade Sir Seld Jerdinger."

"I also believe Leo Flov is a talent worthy of the Imperium."

Cheide replied leisurely.

As the three heroes faced each other, Emperor Charles spoke.

"One of the reasons for wanting Leo Flov to join the Imperium is that other hero guilds have also shown interest in him. As Emperor, I have a duty to prevent the empire's talent from being siphoned off externally."

"I am deeply moved by Your Majesty's benevolence in considering the future of the empire. However, Your Majesty."

Etherka spoke sternly.

"If he is willing to turn his back on the empire for such reasons, I believe he is not a necessary talent for the empire. Granting special privileges to such a person would truly make the loyal subjects who sincerely follow Your Majesty feel uneasy. Therefore, please reconsider."

At Etherka's words, his followers bowed deeply once more.

Watching them, Emperor Charles narrowed his eyes.

'It is an undeniable fact that Leo Flov is a talent the empire needs. No matter how powerful the empire is, it lacks talent like him.'

An All-Class, like Kyle, the Hero of the Beginning.

Furthermore, his achievements in each class were not ordinary.

Emperor Charles had not yet reached the rank of Hero, nor had he contracted with Pegasus Arti, a sworn ally passed down through generations of his family.

However, he was not just that.

He was a powerful summoner.

Therefore, he knew how extraordinary Leo's achievements were as a summoner.

He was a talent that must be acquired by any means necessary, if it was truly for the good of the empire.

But politics were not solely about such things.

There would be those who disliked Leo's existence and would try to deny and obstruct him by any means.

Even if it meant denying the truth.

'This is what politics is like.'

However, Emperor Charles was also determined to see his will carried out by any means necessary.

'Leo Flov will grow into a hero surpassing the Sword Saint. Considering the era, he is absolutely necessary for the empire.'

Just as Emperor Charles was about to speak.

Knock-knock-!

A knock sounded from beyond the conference room door.

Along with it, a messenger entered the conference room.

"Urgent report."

"What is it?"

"News that Leo Flov has been registered on the Hero Record!"

At those words, the conference room began to buzz.

Etherka's face contorted.

"Then special treatment won't even be necessary."

It was when the opposing faction fell silent at Emperor Charles's words.

Another messenger hurriedly appeared.

"A report has come from Delan, who was sent with Your Majesty's letter!"

"Indeed, did Leo Flov say he would join the Imperium?"

Emperor Charles asked with a leisurely smile, and the hesitant messenger cautiously opened his mouth.

"The report states that Leo Flov refused to join the Imperium."

"What?"

The entirely unexpected answer caused Emperor Charles's face to stiffen.

The conference room began to buzz.

"What is the reason? Did he join another guild? Or did he refuse because he is still a student and cannot join?"

"According to Lord Jis Jerdinger and Lady Roses Lewalin, he intends to establish his own guild."

At those words, everyone wore expressions of disbelief.

"Establishing a new guild?"

"Arrogant."

Amidst the murmuring, Shasha, who was attending the meeting, muttered.

"It's truly like Senior Leo."

"You seem rather pleased?"

Liss, who was next to Shasha, asked with a smile, and Shasha covered her mouth with her fan and said,

"Did I seem so?"

Shasha narrowed her eyes and glanced at Liss.

"You, Senior Liss, seem to be enjoying yourself as well."

"It's quite enjoyable to see my unpredictable cousin."

***

News of Leo's registration on the Hero Record spread throughout the world.

People cheered at the birth of a new hero.

Thousands of years had passed since the existence of the Hero Record was revealed.

There had been heroes who reached the Hero Record at Leo's age.

However, no hero possessed such a brilliant and overwhelming career and power as Leo.

Numerous media outlets swarmed to interview Leo.

Although the attention on him grew, Leo himself was remarkably indifferent.

His name appeared in newspapers daily, but for Leo, it was just a nuisance.

Time flowed on, and summer vacation eventually came to an end.

"You're really amazing. I would have truly enjoyed this situation in front of people."

At the pier in Lumeria City, Kal shook his head in disbelief.

In response to Kal's words, Leo curled his lips.

"Even so, you've been brusquely refusing offers from the Dwarf Hero Guilds, haven't you?"

Leo wasn't the only one who received offers to join hero guilds.

Many promising students, not just Leo, were approached.

Kal was a prime example.

"You obtained the Dwenon's Alchemy Book as a reward for conquering it. You're a talent that the dwarves covet more than anyone else, aren't you?"

"Hey, that's not talent! You just haven't seen the dwarves' eyes!"

Kal trembled, holding his own arms.

"Their eyes looked like they were about to dissect me on the spot!"

Seeing Kal's revulsion, Leo burst into laughter.

"By the way, are they going to change the school rules?"

"They absolutely won't."

Leo narrowed his eyes.

The principals of each academy were not people who would change school rules.

'Even if they did, I would stop them.'

He could not allow the unprepared to be sent to the battlefield.

Leo, who had lived through the age of calamity, knew.

No matter how outstanding their talent and skill, how powerless those who were not properly prepared were when they stood on the battlefield.

How heavy the deaths of boys and girls who never bloomed made one's heart.

'Back in the age of calamity, we had no choice due to a lack of hands.'

During the age of calamity, when the world was on the brink of destruction, anyone who could fight had to stand on the battlefield.

'But now it's different.'

Now there is enough time for preparation.

As Leo let out a small sigh.

"Gasp! It's Leo."

"He's famous now, should we get an autograph?"

Fellow students exclaimed in surprise upon spotting Leo.

"Wow~ The Hero is truly admired by many friends."

Kal said slyly.

As Leo chuckled at his words, a female student from the Summoning Department approached, her face blushing.

"Um, excuse me. President. Can you give me an autograph?"

"Me too! Me too!"

"We want to hear about the battle with Erebus too!"

Starting with that, students swarmed around Leo.

"Gasp?!"

Pushed by the wave of the crowd, Kal was swept away from Leo.

"Wow~ I really feel like I've become a person from a completely different world now."

Kal scratched his cheek.

Heroes were originally objects of admiration.

It was clear when considering the flood of merchandise related to them.

'Maybe I should create Leo-related merchandise and make a killing?'

Kal seriously pondered.

The current pier was for second-year students only.

'Once we get to school, students of all grades will gather.'

As Kal backed away, looking at Leo.

Thump-!

"Oh, sorry. I didn't see you…"

"Found you. Kal Thomas."

Kal, who was apologizing, flinched and turned around at a sinister voice from behind.

And seeing the person standing there with a murderous look, he wore a flustered expression.

"Emio? How did you get here?"

At those words, Emio's face contorted.

"You insolent brat. Are you saying I shouldn't be here?!"

"No, it's not that you can't be here, but…"

Kal hesitated with a troubled expression and said,

"You were expelled last semester, weren't you?"