Chapter 601
Chapter Title: Ability Plunder
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“Ability Plunder?”
“Yes. It is the Hero Slayer's innate power, the very reason he was able to murder countless heroes.”
The power to steal the abilities of others.
It was certainly a remarkable ability.
‘A mana trait like this didn't even exist during the Age of Calamity.’
“He can steal abilities regardless of class?”
“That is correct.”
“Does that mean he's an All-Class like me?”
“Not exactly.”
Anyas shook her head.
“According to the records, he has never used the stolen abilities simultaneously.”
“So he switches abilities to fit the situation? Well, there had to be some kind of penalty.”
Leo rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought.
In that case, the ability definitely had its limits.
‘Though that doesn't change the fact that it's still a powerful ability.’
There are fundamental matchups between classes.
Just being able to ignore those matchups was incredible in itself.
Besides, it was an ability with countless unconventional applications.
“Why didn't such an amazing ability leave its name in history?”
“The Hero Slayer was originally a man who had attained the status of a hero. But after he vanished from the continent, the Shan Empire and the Shadow Lords burned his Hero Record.”
“And in the process, all related records were wiped out?”
“Yes.”
“The Shan Emperor from 500 years ago certainly knew how to handle business.”
“The Hero Slayer's ability is certainly dangerous, but if used by the right person for a good cause, it could become a great asset. Are you saying that preventing the succession of that power was the right choice?”
“It could be, if it found the right master. But.”
Leo's eyes narrowed.
“At a glance, it seems like an ability that allows one to become endlessly stronger, but its limits are clear. Besides, the reason this power is so strong is that it steals the power of others.”
Ultimately, the wielder is bound to covet the abilities of others to become even stronger.
“I can't say whether he was corrupted or was just that kind of person from the start. But if he rose to the rank of a hero, it means the Hero Slayer must have acted like a plausible hero at first.”
No matter how messed up the gods' tastes were, they didn't elevate fundamentally evil people to the status of hero.
That's why there were heroes who became villains through corruption, but no heroes who were evil from their very core.
“He must have been quite famous as a powerful hero. Am I wrong?”
“Yes. Even the Shadows' records state that the reason for the renowned hero's sudden change is unknown.”
“That's just the nature of craving power.”
Leo lifted his teacup.
“That ability certainly allows one to grow stronger easily and quickly. How many people in this world would choose the difficult path when an easy one is available?”
“...”
“At first, it was probably the power of a dying comrade on the battlefield. Next, it would have been the power of those who grew old and retired from active duty. And then, at some point, he would have started to think.”
‘If only I could have that person's power.’
Leo's red eyes glinted coldly.
“Don't you think it went something like that?”
*Clink—*
After taking a sip of tea, Leo set his cup down.
“You can't sacrifice others for the sake of one person with this ability. There's no one in this world who can achieve great feats alone. Not even a Great Hero or the Hero of the Beginning could do that.”
An ability that required the sacrifice of others to grow stronger quickly was one that would inevitably cause its user to become intoxicated with power.
“A power that easily leads to corruption through temptation. And it's not like it's strong enough to turn the tide of battle against Tartaros. In the end, passing it down would only create a second Hero Slayer. In that case, getting rid of it is the right call.”
Anyas's body trembled.
Clasping her hands together, Anyas wore an ecstatic expression.
“Ah, as expected of Lord Leo. To reach such a conclusion with so few clues. You are correct. The previous Shadows erased this power from the pages of history because they believed the losses would outweigh the gains! Ah, how wonderful.”
‘Well, that's a very Shadow-like—no, a very me-like way of thinking.’
None of the other Great Heroes would have thought the same way as Leo.
‘They would have seen potential in this ability.’
“So? Have you found out anything about the Hero Slayer's whereabouts?”
“We've determined that he is somewhere here in the Rodren Empire.”
“The Rodren Empire?”
Leo furrowed his brow.
“Should I help, then?”
“No! I cannot let you waste your precious vacation on something like this! Please leave this to me!”
“You seem more motivated than before.”
“Thanks to you, Lord Leo, not just I but all the Shadows are changing.”
“Because of me? Why?”
“Until now, I... no. Most Shadows did not take pride in their work.”
If heroes were those who protected the world from external enemies,
then the Shadows were those who hunted internal enemies.
Sometimes, an internal enemy is more frightening than an external one.
If you don't cut out the rotten flesh, the rot will inevitably spread.
To do so, the Shadows had to move in secret.
Because traitors would do anything to hide their actions.
Uncovering those secrets and pursuing them was the job of a Shadow.
But, naturally, their work was not viewed favorably in the eyes of others.
It was a job someone had to do.
Yet, they were the ones no one acknowledged, only feared or despised.
Even Bihar hid his activities as Kyle's Shadow, worried about his master's opinion.
“Whether by someone's necessity, or for revenge, or unless it was a duty shouldered from birth, no one desires to become a Shadow. What sustained us was a single conviction.”
The conviction that our work was necessary for the world.
“But that conviction was merely a small lantern in the dark. For us.”
Anyas opened her eyes.
“You proved that we are equals to heroes.”
The discovery of the Book of Shadows.
To the Shadows, it was a light.
Not a small lantern like conviction, but a great light, like a beacon.
One that brilliantly illuminated the dark world of the Shadows.
“It was salvation. And that's not all.”
A Shadow's duty is not just to eliminate traitors.
They are beings who protect the backs of heroes from the darkness.
That is why the Shadows possessed the eye to discern heroes.
In Anyas's eyes.
No, not just Anyas's.
The Leo reflected in the eyes of the Shadows was the very picture of an ideal hero.
“You possess a brilliant light.”
Any Shadow would want to follow Leo.
Because a Shadow is only complete when there is a hero whose back they can protect.
The more brilliant the light, the deeper the shadow it casts.
“But at the same time, you also harbor a deep darkness that even a Shadow cannot fathom.”
A hero nobler than any other, and at the same time, a Shadow purer than any other.
“And you told us you wanted to create a world where we could be called heroes.”
That went beyond salvation and became a goal for the Shadows to strive for.
“I didn't mean it in such a grandiose way.”
“Yes. But I have come to dearly wish to see such a world.”
Anyas smiled faintly.
“That is why I vowed to dedicate my life to you. It may be an insignificant life, but if I live it for you, it will have value.”
At those words, Leo stood up from his seat.
“Don't go dedicating your life or anything like that to me.”
Leo said nonchalantly.
“Live your life doing what you want.”
“Ah. As expected, the God of Shadows is so benevolent.”
Anyas clasped her hands and squirmed.
“If you find the Hero Slayer, let me know. I'm interested in his ability too.”
“Understood.”
In any case, it was the first time Leo had seen someone other than himself who could use the abilities of multiple classes.
Even if it was imperfect, unlike his own, his interest was piqued.
‘It might be related to the power of Purity.’
***
*CRASH—!*
“The Lessentung region! How could Regas have hidden that fact from me! The betrayal makes my blood boil!”
Eggerson wore a furious expression.
Eggerson Jerdinger.
Within the council of elders, the one with the highest status was the Chief Elder, Regas.
However, the one who held the real power in the council was Eggerson.
A cousin to Regas, he was also from the collateral branch of the Jerdinger bloodline closest to the direct line.
“If we had absorbed the Lessentung region into Jerdinger territory, we could have long since proven the superiority of the Jerdingers over those detestable mages!”
Sparks flew from Eggerson's eyes.
“How can the former family head! The Chief Elder! Not act for the good of the Jerdingers! Does this make any sense! Reed!”
At Eggerson's cry, his son, Reed, shook his head.
“It makes no sense. A family head should dedicate their life to the further prosperity of the family, but the Chief Elder seems to have no interest in such things. The current head, Seld, is the same.”
At Reed's words, Eggerson snorted.
“Indeed. We Jerdingers can become even stronger. To do that, the current system won't do.”
Eggerson said in a low voice.
“Long ago, the choice made by my grandfather, Arts Jerdinger, was wrong. My father, Exian Jerdinger, should have become the family head!”
It was then.
*Woooong—!*
The crystal sphere on Eggerson's table vibrated.
Seeing this, Eggerson manifested his aura.
Staring at the reddish-glowing crystal sphere, Eggerson spoke.
“What has become of Lis Jerdinger?”
—He's still alive.
At those words, Eggerson's eye twitched.
“Did you not say you would eliminate Lis if I created an opportunity?”
—I did. I certainly said that. But I saw a rather interesting mage. I coveted his magical power.
Eggerson ground his teeth.
“Then you exposed your presence? Did I not warn you countless times not to ruin things!”
—Of course not. I pulled out before I was exposed, so don't worry. That mage won't wake from his coma for a while. Well, not that I gained anything from it.
Eggerson felt a murderous intent radiate from the grumbling voice, “To think it was a magical ability achieved through effort. What a waste of time.”
‘This bastard!’
“Lis will have a hard time for a while, then.”
At Reed's murmur, Eggerson took a deep breath.
“Leo Flove and Celia Jerdinger will soon be heading to the Lessentung region.”
—Leo Flove?
In an instant, the atmosphere on the other end changed completely.
Feeling the opponent's chilling presence even through the crystal sphere, Eggerson and Reed flinched.
With the sound of lips being licked, the Hero Slayer spoke.
—So, I get to taste the main course first. Yes.
“Do not fail this time.”
—Who do you think I am?
The connection cut off with a chilling laugh.
***
Beneath the night sky, a man clenched and unclenched his fist.
“Leo Flove.”
A look of ecstasy spread across his face.
“It's been a while since my hunter's blood has boiled.”
*Ssk—*
Rising to his feet, the Hero Slayer curled his lips into a smile.
“Shall we begin the hunt?”