Chapter 378
Chapter Title: The Shadow Lord's Test
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"Hoo—"
Exhaling a puff of smoke, Kirin, the Master of Shadow, watched the battle unfolding on the magic screen and murmured.
"Interesting."
*Did Reina Flix train him separately?*
Reina Flix.
A figure from the shadows who had risen to the position of Headmaster of Lumerne, she had become an issue of worldwide discussion.
And the controversy surrounding her was still ongoing.
The shadows did not have a positive public image.
Their mission was to protect the world from the darkness.
Among them were those who guarded the heroes destined to lead the world, and those who hunted down and eliminated traitors.
Most of the shadows' work took place in darkness, but some of them revealed their deeds.
Shadows who, as a warning to others, pursued and brutally exterminated traitors.
The public image of the shadows was shaped by such figures.
That was why so many people held deep misunderstandings and fears about them.
For such a person to become the headmaster of Lumerne, there were constant calls from the outside to have her replaced.
Of course, Altech Jer-on, the chairman of Lumerne's board who had personally appointed Reina, was ignoring those opinions.
The reason Reina became Lumerne’s headmaster was remarkably simple.
Because she was strong.
The headmaster of Lumerne had to lead the students and be a role model.
But a far more important duty was to possess the martial power of a guardian who could protect the school.
Altech Jer-on, along with Halind and Sedjen, who had the longest tenures at Lumerne, judged that although she was from the shadows, no one was more perfect as a guardian than Reina, and so they offered her the position.
And the legendary tales of Reina were even better known among her fellow shadows.
Among them, she was a legend.
Kirin, the Shadow Lord of the South, had also heard her stories.
*Considering Reina Flix's personality, I don't think she would have trained him separately.*
Kirin’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Leo.
*That aura isn't something you can build in a day or two.*
As a fellow shadow, Kirin could tell.
Leo was a born judge.
*Is this why the princess is so smitten?*
Chuckling, Kirin rose from his seat.
*It would be rude to keep Shan's master waiting any longer.*
Kirin vanished into the darkness.
***
"Hahp!"
With a mighty roar, Borman's massive fist flew toward Leo's face.
A ferocious attack, as if intending to crush Leo's face.
In response, Leo clenched his fist.
*CRUNCH—!*
A heavy sound echoed as Leo's fist met Borman's.
A pure contest of strength, without the use of Aura.
To any observer, the smaller Leo seemed to be at a disadvantage.
But Leo didn't move an inch from his punching stance.
Seeing this, Borman snorted.
"My blood boils! The spirit to stand firm and face me head-on! Truly befitting the man called Lumerne's strongest!"
Excited, Borman began to unleash a flurry of punches at Leo.
*Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud—!*
Leo blocked all of Borman's attacks and closed the distance, slipping into his guard.
*Thump—!*
"Huk?!"
The impact was greater than he had imagined, and Borman's body staggered.
*Whoosh—!*
Leo spun and struck Borman's temple with his heel.
*Crack—! Thud—!*
Struck by Leo's kick, Borman's body slammed into the floor.
As Borman's massive frame collapsed, everyone's eyes widened.
*Tap—!*
"Hahaha."
Borman pushed himself up from the floor.
"Incredible...! Incredible!"
*I thought he was knocked out. What an incredible tolerance for pain.*
"Shouldn't you take it easy? Any more of this and there will be blood."
"Take it easy?"
Borman's lips curled into a smirk.
"I am a great Brave Hero! A great warrior like Ar-on! One who walks the path of valor, like Azonia!"
*Thump-thump—!*
Beating his chest, Borman shouted.
"Lord Ar-on said! Wounds will only make me stronger!"
*I'm the one who said that.*
Leo wore a wry expression.
Those were words Kyle had spoken to warriors who were dejected after suffering injuries in a great battle.
It seemed that in later generations, it had been misattributed to Ar-on.
"This fight with you will surely make me stronger! Hahp!"
Borman charged at Leo.
Leo bent his knees.
*Fwoosh—!*
In an instant, Leo's body vanished.
At the same time, the charging Borman came to a dead stop.
*Tap—!*
Having already landed behind Borman, Leo pushed his motionless back.
*Thud—!*
With a heavy sound, the unconscious Borman collapsed.
"Excellent."
Leo said calmly.
Despite being a second-year, Borman was an incredibly skilled fighter.
It was just that his opponent was far too much for him.
Leo looked down at Borman being carried away on a stretcher and flexed his fingers.
Then he turned his gaze to Ar, who was walking out from the entrance with her arms crossed.
"Hmph, get ready, Black Rabbit. From now on, I, the champion of this arena, will be your opponent."
Ar smirked and snorted.
*Come to think of it, I've never had a proper hand-to-hand fight with the Black Rabbit, have I? This should be fun.*
As a student of Azonia, Ar also enjoyed fighting the strong.
[Yes! The most beautiful champion in the history of the Shadow Arena has appeared!]
The excited commentator shouted at Ar's entrance.
The crowd, which had been overwhelmed by Leo, began to cheer.
"Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!"
The male customers were particularly enthusiastic.
"What kind of rabbit is that? She's a cat."
Iliana said with a look of disbelief.
"Why is the representative of Azonia wearing clothes like that and acting as an arena champion here?"
"Maybe there's a story behind it? Like she made a deal with this casino."
"A story? I bet it's because of gambling debts!"
As Chelsea and Chloe looked confused, Karl chuckled and said.
Having conquered Dweno's world with her, Karl could easily deduce why Ar was here in such an attire.
Just as Ar was getting into a fighting stance.
[We have an urgent announcement.]
The commentator's hurried voice was heard.
[By order of the Master, the arena event will conclude here! We ask for our guests' understanding.]
The sudden announcement of the arena's closure was met with annoyed jeers from all around.
"What?"
"Suddenly?"
The group also wore looks of bewilderment.
"Students of Lumerne."
A beastman male appeared.
He had appeared without a single sound, making the entire group flinch.
The beastman spoke politely to them.
"The Master has ordered me to escort you."
***
In the room, Ar sat with a slightly sullen face.
Changed into her Azonia uniform, Ar swished her tail, glanced at Leo, and spoke.
"Black Rabbit."
"What."
"Fight me when we get out."
"Why fight a battle with an obvious outcome?"
Ar clenched her fists.
"I can't let you have 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.
Seeing it, Ar's ears twitched.
*Swat—!*
Without thinking, Ar reached out to grab the tissue.
As Leo lifted the tissue, cleverly avoiding her hand, Ar caught it with both hands as if clapping.
Her eyes sparkling, Ar suddenly looked startled.
Having instinctively engaged in a hunting game, Ar's face turned red as she shouted.
"Don't treat me like a cat!"
"If you're not a cat, then what are you?"
"I'm a beastman! A cat beastman! Not your pet cat!"
"Then you shouldn't fall for things like this."
"It's instinct! If you keep teasing me, I'll bite you!"
As Ar raised her fur and hissed, Leo let out a chuckle.
"You two seem to be getting along well."
Someone entered the room.
Recognizing the person, Ar's eyes widened.
"Chen Xia from Lumerne's Knight Department?"
"A pleasure to meet you, Ar Tune."
Chen Xia smiled brightly and performed an Eastern-style greeting, placing her left fist into her right palm.
"Nice to meet you too."
Ar smiled back cheerfully.
But then, seeing Kirin appear behind Chen Xia, her fur stood on end.
It wasn't that Ar was wary of Kirin.
It was just her beastman instincts reacting to the thick scent of blood on him.
"Ar Tune. Your debt and that of the other Azonia students has been cleared as of today."
"Why?"
"This kind-hearted young lady here has paid it all off."
Kirin placed his hands on Chen Xia's shoulders and smiled brightly.
"Oh! Thank you!"
Ar beamed, walked over to Chen Xia, and shook her hands tightly.
"I'll definitely repay this debt later."
"You don't have to worry about it."
Chen Xia replied in her characteristically gentle voice.
"Let the other students know their debts have been cleared."
"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 seem quite close with the representative of Azonia."
"Because we are."
"Hmph."
Chen Xia pouted slightly.
"You seemed to be quite fond of her."
"She's actually cute. Just like you."
"Excuse me?"
The sudden comment left Chen Xia flustered.
Blushing, Chen Xia eventually retorted with a hint of indignation.
"Young Master Leo. You keep teasing me, but as I've said repeatedly, I'm older than you."
"Yeah, yeah."
Seeing Leo's indifferent reaction, Chen Xia pouted her lips slightly.
But soon, she let out a small sigh and stood behind Leo.
And then she spoke.
"Kirin Neila."
"Yes, Princess."
All expression had vanished from Chen Xia's face.
A dry, emotionless mask.
Revealing her identity as a shadow, Chen Xia spoke.
"What was your reason for being rude to Young Master Leo?"
Kirin spoke deferentially to Chen Xia.
The Shadow Lord.
The leaders of the elven, beastman, and dwarven shadows were certainly a separate, independent force from the shadow nation of Shan.
But that didn't mean they were unrelated.
Kyle, the first shadow.
Shan was founded by Vihar, who carried on Kyle's will.
It was no exaggeration to say that all shadows originated from Shan.
Therefore, while the Shadow Lords were separate from the Shan Empire, they couldn't be considered a completely independent force.
It was the Emperor of Shan who granted the title of Shadow Lord.
That was why the Shadow Lords respected the master of Shan.
If it had been Chen Xia, she would have been able to meet Kirin as soon as she arrived at Shadow.
Because Chen Xia was the next Emperor of Shan.
But Leo could not.
Kirin had tested Leo, and Chen Xia was furious about it.
The shadows had been saved by Leo.
Through Leo, the Book of Shadows was born, and it was finally proven that they were not forsaken by the gods.
Chen Xia could not tolerate the fact that Kirin had dared to test such a person.
Seeing Chen Xia's revealed anger, Kirin said.
"Please quell your anger and be understanding. Princess, I am a Shadow Lord."
Kirin looked at Leo.
"The lives of thousands of shadows depend on my decisions. That is why I needed to gauge him. To see whether or not Lord Leo was a vessel capable of embracing the shadows."
"So."
Leo rested his chin on his hand.
"Are you satisfied?"
"Yes, I could not help but admit it."
Kirin smiled.
"That the image of a judge you have shown is more fitting for the God of Shadows than anyone else."