Legend 6

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“Ugh!”

On one side of the training ground, Selia was audibly expressing her discomfort.

Leo, seemingly unperturbed by her condition, stood in the shade, wiping away his sweat and rehydrating.

‘What kind of person is he?’

Selia’s expression conveyed a sense of disgust as she observed him.

Despite the fact that he had exerted himself much more than she had, he appeared perfectly fine.

With trembling arms and legs, she eventually settled down beside Leo.

She could no longer afford to put on airs; her focus shifted towards regaining her energy during the break.

‘If not, I won’t be able to keep up.’

It would be a blow to her pride if she couldn’t even match his pace despite her efforts.

‘He does possess remarkable perseverance.’

Extraordinary talent.

And an unwavering determination.

She eagerly anticipated the type of hero he would grow into in the future.

While the two of them took a break, Zis entered the training area.

He stroked his chin as he observed Selia’s trembling form.

‘This will be a valuable experience for Selia.’

Throughout her life, she had never been outperformed by her peers.

Zis, who had watched Selia train from a young age, had concerns about this.

She wasn’t arrogant, but there was no denying that she was excessively proud.

Self-esteem and arrogance.

Selia walked a fine line between the two.

‘Experiencing this before entering Lumeren might be beneficial.’

Being the best in Zerdingher didn’t necessarily equate to being the best in Lumeren.

There were many other noble families of heroes, even within the Rodren Empire, such as the magical hero family, Lewalin.

‘You can’t always be the best.’

Before her confidence turned into arrogance,

Encountering a challenge at least once wouldn’t hurt.

Leo and Selia.

When assessed objectively, they excelled in different areas.

‘Leo hasn’t mastered Aura techniques, so he can’t match Selia in that regard. However, he is significantly more physically advanced.’

Zis believed that Selia’s weakness lay in her physical abilities as well.

Of course, that’s not to say she was physically weak.

Physical training was a prerequisite for a swordsman.

By normal standards, Selia possessed tremendous strength and stamina.

‘But she hasn’t pushed beyond her limits. Then there’s the matter of swordsmanship.’

Swordsmanship was also the reason Selia felt competitive with Leo.

She had never encountered someone her age with swordsmanship skills comparable to hers.

‘But according to my sister, even in swordsmanship, Leo surpasses her.’

From Zis’ perspective, Leo was the first ‘obstacle’ Selia had ever encountered.

“Uncle, what brings you here?” Selia managed to ask, lifting herself up.

“Sit down and rest. You look exhausted.”

Having said that, Zis turned to Leo.

“Leo.”

“Yes, Uncle.”

“I’m contemplating recommending you to inherit the ‘Phoenix Breath’ technique as the family’s successor.”

Selia was taken aback by his sudden announcement.

“The Phoenix Breath?”

An Aura technique exclusively passed down to recognized family members.

‘Does this mean he officially becomes my cousin?’

Selia regarded Leo with a perplexed expression.

“It seems unlikely the family head would readily agree.”

“That’s why there’s a condition.”

“What is it?”

“Pass the Lumeren entrance exam.”

“Uncle. The Lumeren entrance exam involves practical combat. It’s too risky for this guy, I mean, Master Leo, who hasn’t even mastered Aura techniques.”

“Are you concerned about me?”

Leo grinned and inquired, causing Selia to respond curtly.

“Hmph. I was simply stating the facts.”

Sparring and actual combat are distinct.

“Moreover, Master Leo lacks any real combat experience, correct?”

Most Lumeren aspirants have hands-on combat experience.

Selia had even participated in monster subjugations and taken down monsters.

The absence of genuine combat experience makes a substantial difference.

In response to Selia’s words, Leo smirked.

He was more acquainted with life-and-death battlegrounds than peaceful everyday life.

“Leo, what’s your take on this?”

“Have you discussed it with my parents?”

“They said they would go along with your decision.”

“Then I’ll take the exam.”

He had already intended to persuade his parents to let him attempt this year’s entrance exam.

Without hesitation, he agreed, eliciting a satisfied smile from Zis.

“So you had already planned to attempt this year’s exam?”

With a contented expression, he remarked as he departed.

“Then, I’ll be eagerly awaiting it.”

***

Before the exam, Delan Royal Academy was temporarily closed.

So Leo dedicated that time to training.

Selia made a desperate effort to keep pace with his regimen.

“Haha! Look, I did it, you stubborn white-haired brat! How do… ugh?!”

On the final day,

Selia, using her wooden sword as a support, dragged her trembling arms and legs back to the mansion.

She felt queasy on her way back.

The exhausted girl was utterly spent.

Upon arriving at Leo’s room, Selia knocked.

“Come in.”

Upon entering, she observed Leo pouring a substance into a container.

“What’s that?”

“Potion.”

“Wait, you’re not secretly using potions after telling me you wouldn’t, are you?”

If he had only employed healing potions, training wouldn’t have been this grueling.

But Leo had refrained from using potions, asserting that it would defeat the purpose of training.

Observing this, Selia, driven by her own determination, had also avoided using potions.

“Isn’t it fundamental to regulate your condition the day before the test?”

Selia’s body had already reached its limits.

She had managed to avoid complete exhaustion for a week by pacing herself and pushing her body to its boundaries.

Even with pacing, if her resolve had wavered, she would have collapsed much earlier.

“That’s true.”

“Lie down with your arms and legs outstretched. I’ll apply the potion.”

“I have plenty of potions at my disposal.”

Selia utilized potions crafted by the finest alchemists.

“This one may prove more effective than what your family uses.”

“Perhaps not, but as a gesture of kindness, I’ll accept it.”

Selia rolled up the sleeves of her training attire and reclined.

Her slender, pale arms and legs were exposed.

Leo soaked a cloth in a bowl of potion and placed it on Selia’s arm.

The immediate cool sensation alleviated the discomfort.

Taken aback by the delicate fragrance, Selia widened her eyes.

“Wait! Is this an Elf-made potion?”

“Most likely.”

“How did you acquire this?”

Elf Potion! A high-quality product considered the best among all potions.

Only the Elves possess the recipe, and other races can’t even replicate it.

She never imagined that a young noble from such a rural kingdom would have it.

“I purchased it all from a small, out-of-the-way shop.”

“A small shop? Where is it?”

“It’s gone now. I bought everything.”

“Ah. Anyway, using this precious potion just for muscle pain recovery?”

“That’s my decision.”

In reality, Leo had crafted the potion himself.

The one who had taught him how was [Celestial Ancestor] Luna.

“You’re surprisingly generous.”

Although she appeared reluctant, Selia allowed Leo to assist in her recovery.

He applied the potion-soaked cloth to her arms and legs, one after the other.

The excruciating muscle pain seemed to vanish as if it had been a mere illusion.

“Master Leo.”

“What is it?”

“I won’t lose tomorrow.”

Selia displayed her fighting spirit.

After a week of training together, she had come to understand that Leo wasn’t to be underestimated.

‘He might even pass the test.’

“There won’t be any carelessness like last time.”

Selia chuckled.

“So, don’t blame me if you lose.”

“You’re getting confident.”

As Leo applied the cloth to Selia’s thigh, he tightened his grip.

Crack!

“Ouch! Hey! That hurts!”

“What? Hey? You’re still a servant? Then act like one.”

“You must be joking! Watch, I’ll pay you back tomorrow! I’ll defeat you completely…!”

Squeeze!

“Ow! Stop! I won’t act up! I promise! Ow! Masteeerr!”

Selia’s cries echoed throughout the mansion.

***

The next morning.

A large crowd had gathered at the central arena of Delan Royal Academy.

They had come to witness the entrance exam.

Among them was the king of Delrod.

Selia, having changed out of her servant’s attire after a week, brushed back her hair.

“Hmph! Those inferior Lewalin folks haven’t arrived yet.”

“That’s quite harsh for heroes from the same country, isn’t it?”

“You’ll understand when you meet them. That’s why I speak this way, Master.”

“Really? But you should adjust your tone.”

“Oops!”

Selia quickly covered her mouth.

It had become a habit over the past week.

Elsewhere, other candidates cast furtive glances at Selia.

“Is that Selia Zerdingher?”

“They say she’s one of the top candidates in the western region. She looks incredibly confident.”

“Want to place a bet? Who will be the top student? Someone from Lewalin or Zerdingher?”

As the other candidates whispered, Leo wore a smirk.

“You’re quite famous.”

“Of course, Master.”

“About your tone.”

“Uh?”

‘I’ve completely gotten used to it!’

Blushing and covering her mouth, Selia was caught off guard when someone called her name.

“Selia!”

“Hm? Leo Plov. Why are you here?” The approaching Gulliver frowned.

“I’m here for the Lumeren entrance exam.”

“What? You’re taking the entrance exam? Hahaha!”

Gulliver burst into laughter.

“You must be desperate for death. You, who can’t even handle Aura, are taking the Lumeren entrance exam? I just hope you don’t disgrace our country.”

Ignoring Leo, Gulliver positioned himself in front of Selia.

“Selia, let’s both give it our best shot this time.”

In response, Selia narrowed her eyes.

“I’m sorry, who are you again?”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m not good at remembering faces.”

“We met a week ago at the Delan Royal Academy. I’m Gulliver Traden, the school representative.”

“Ah, right. That happened. Alright, let’s both do our best.”

“Yes? Ah… yes.”

Selia managed to force a polite, diplomatic smile.

Gulliver made another foolish expression in response to that smile.

Just then, one side of the training field became noisy.

Selia sneakily glanced in that direction.

“Master… uh, no, Leo. Follow me.”

“Why should I?”

“Ugh, just follow me if I tell you to follow!”

Selia grabbed Leo’s wrist and headed toward the commotion.

‘Darn it! Pretending to be close with Selia!’

Sparks flew from Gulliver’s eyes.

The fact that the Zerdinghers had stayed with the Plov family was already a well-known story.

That Leo was Selia’s cousin remained a secret.

Therefore, Gulliver couldn’t comprehend the reason.

‘Just you wait; I’ll showcase my skills during the exam!’

Meanwhile, following Selia, Leo encountered a boy and a girl with light sky-blue hair and eyes.

“It’s been a while, Selia.”

“Hello, Abad Lewalin.”

Abad Lewalin gave a gentle smile.

Seeing that, Leo muttered to himself.

‘He smiles a bit too smugly.’

“Selia, are you well-prepared for the exam?”

“Of course! Being the top student won’t be an issue.”

“Heh heh, is that so? But what if I told you I’m going to be the top student?”

“Oh? Delusions come for free, I suppose. Ho ho ho!”

As expected from families that had been competing for the title of the empire’s top house for hundreds of years, their verbal sparring was sharp.

“Let’s go, Chelsea.”

“Yes, big brother.”

After their verbal standoff, Abad departed with Chelsea.

Selia narrowed her eyes.

“Isn’t he unpleasant?”

“I find him a bit pretentious, but whether he’s unpleasant, I don’t know.”

“No, just watch. He’s an utterly rude guy.”

Selia clenched her fist.

“Hee hee hee—let’s make him melt like butter on a hot frying pan, that pretentious butter boy.”

Selia, with a fierce smile, was burning with fighting spirit. She shot Leo a determined look.

“Don’t ever lose to those guys! It’s unacceptable for a Zerdinghers to lose to a Lewalin!”

“I’m not a Zerdingher yet, you know?”

“Get ready, Lewalin! Leo and I will give you a run for your money!”

Although Leo responded gruffly, Selia wasn’t paying much attention.

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