Editor : Amethyst00



Freyna opened her eyes.

"Where is this…?"

As she raised her body with a puzzled expression, Freyna clutched her head.

"Ugh…"

A faint headache made her mind foggy.

'I definitely lost consciousness in the desert… and was helped by student Damien, wasn't I?'

Recalling the moments before she fainted, Freyna wore a serious expression.

'After that, Leo-sunbae and Xia-sunbae arrived… and then…'

She tilted her head, unable to recall anything further.

Bang—

While Freyna was lost in thought, the door opened.

"You're awake, Adventurer."

"Celia-sunbae?"

"You were found collapsed at the city entrance. I was worried."

Celia smiled gently, dressed in a nurse's uniform.

Seeing her like that, Freyna grimaced.

"Why are you speaking so formally… No, wait, why are you even dressed like that?"

Celia handed Freyna a booklet in response to her confused look.

"A Rule Book?"

Freyna opened the booklet and read the contents.

[Welcome to the virtual space of Raysar. You have arrived here as an adventurer. Conquer the shadow worlds hidden throughout Raysar. You will be awarded points for each successful conquest, and the adventurer with the highest score wins. Listen to the townsfolk. They will offer many hints.]

Freyna's face was filled with disbelief.

"This… is like some kind of game?"

"I don't quite understand what you mean, Adventurer. I'm just a resident of Raysar."

"Ah…"

Hearing Celia's response, Freyna nodded.

'I see. So this is kind of like the Hero's World?'

Though game-like in format, she assumed it was another part of the overarching trial.

Just then, Bang!—the door opened again and someone walked in.

Wearing a shabby top, shorts, and dragging slippers, the man had a doctor's coat draped over his shoulders.

"You're on duty now, Dr. Abad."

"Yes, has the patient woken up, Celia?"

"She has."

"Oh-ho?"

With lazy steps, Abad walked toward Freyna's bed.

"A cute young lady. Miss, do you have a girlfriend?"

Abad stroked his chin, asking with a sly smile.

Though it could be seen as creepy, his undeniably handsome face made even that grin oddly charming.

"No."

"Then would you like to go out with me?"

He reached out, lightly touching Freyna's chin to tilt her head toward him.

"Doctor, please refrain from inappropriate behavior with the patient."

"Oh-ho, are you jealous, Celia?"

"Of course not."

"Why not be honest?"

Removing his hand from Freyna, Abad wrapped an arm around Celia's waist and pulled her close.

Crack—!

Fwoooooosh—

Just then, an ominous sound came from Celia's lips as flames of aura flickered around her clenched fist.

"Celia, we're just following the script. I'm supposed to be the sleazy doctor hitting on every woman."

"Still, try not to overdo it. And we're not even in a relationship. Don't touch me so casually."

At her words, Abad withdrew his arm.

Then he turned back to Freyna.

"Well then, young lady. How about leaving this ill-tempered nurse and playing a little doctor-patient roleplay with me?"

"Dr. Abad… or should I say, Abad-sunbae."

"Hm?"

"Behind you."

"Eh?"

Abad turned around.

There stood Celia, holding a chair next to the bed with one hand.

"I was just sticking to the script…"

"Part of the nurse's job is also to punish lecherous doctors who hit on patients."

Celia smiled sweetly, and Abad opened the window and jumped out in a hurry.

Setting the chair down, Celia smiled at Freyna.

"Adventurer, how about heading to the Adventurer's Guild at the city center? I'm sure it will help you."

"Ah, yes. But what about the hospital bill…?"

"The person who brought you already paid for it."

Freyna nodded at the response.

As she began preparing to leave, she added:

"By the way."

"Yes?"

"You two really seemed like a married couple."

At that, Celia replied expressionlessly.

"Let me be clear. While there may be some mutual feelings between me and that buttery flirt, we're not in a relationship."

Freyna nodded at her words.

"Anyway, you'd better get started conquering the Shadow Worlds. You're already quite behind."

bl

A week had passed since the first years arrived in Raysar.

Kirin, the beastkin Shadow Lord who ran the gambling den in Raysar, puffed deeply on a pipe.

Huff—

The smoke cleared Kirin's mind.

"Phew. So? Are the first years progressing well in their Shadow World conquests?"

"It's going smoothly."

Anya, successor to the Northern Shadow Lord, answered while reviewing documents.

"Several outstanding candidates we trained as Shadow prospects enrolled this year. That's helped a lot."

Kirin nodded at her words.

Then she suddenly burst into laughter.

"Amazing."

"What is?"

"I never imagined the day would come when Shadow candidates would become Hero candidates."

"The King of Beginnings doesn't distinguish between heroes and shadows."

"Indeed. I've been feeling His grace more clearly lately."

Kirin nodded again.

"Right, Pursen?"

In response, a dwarf sitting silently in the corner of the room gave Kirin a sidelong glance.

With a bushy beard and fierce eyes, and thick arms full of muscle despite his small frame, he was a classic dwarf.

Clicking his tongue softly, Kirin frowned.

"What now? You always have something to complain about."

"I too feel the immense grace the King of Beginnings has bestowed upon us. I am moved by His blessings."

"And?"

"But I question whether it is right to equate heroes and shadows."

At Pursen's words, Anya's eyes widened while Kirin scratched her head, clearly thinking, "This guy again…"

"Pursen, do you believe heroes and shadows should be treated separately?"

Anya asked cautiously. Pursen nodded.

"I do."

"But Lord Leo said heroes and shadows are the same."

"That's the one thing I think the God of Shadows is wrong about."

"How dare you."

A chilling bloodlust flashed in Anya's eyes.

A freezing magical energy swirled around her.

Pursen responded with a fierce grin.

Fwooooosh—

Heat surged around him instantly.

"You may lead the elf shadows in practice, but you are still a fledgling."

Pursen warned Anya with a glare.

"Didn't you learn to distinguish who you can and cannot challenge? That's a basic rule for shadows. Or are you so taken with the God of Shadows declaring shadows and heroes the same that you think you're a hero now?"

As Pursen mocked her, Anya's energy flared even more dangerously.

To the world, Leo was the chosen hero of a new future, the successor of Kyle, the Hero of Beginnings.

His influence was enormous—undeniably so.

But not yet absolute.

There were many races in the world.

Within each race, there were various factions.

The world was a web of countless interests.

On the surface, Leo seemed to rule as the King of the World after succeeding the Wise Queen.

But internally, unity had not yet been achieved.

As a hero, Leo was still taking his first steps.

To the shadows, however, Leo was the one who found the Record of Shadow and saved them.

As Kyle's successor and the First Shadow, he was revered as a godlike figure.

His words held absolute weight to the shadows.

So when Pursen claimed Leo was wrong, it was a serious statement.

"Let me advise you. Blind obedience isn't true loyalty."

Of course, he wasn't rebelling.

Pursen had never met Leo.

But if Leo gave an order, Pursen might charge into Tartaros alone without hesitation.

Kirin knew that.

Which is why she didn't react sharply like Anya did.

'Anya is raring for a fight. What should I do about this?'

Kirin tapped her pipe with her lips just as—

Knock knock—Bang!

With a knock, the door opened and Chen Xia entered.

"Hello, Lords. Have you all been well?"

As she entered, Anya and Pursen immediately withdrew their auras.

Klak—

Kirin tapped his pipe's ashes into the ashtray and stood up.

"The princess is here. Or should I call you Your Majesty now?"

Succeeding the Emperor of Xian meant becoming the King of Shadows.

Unlike the politically entangled imperial title, the Shadow King's throne passed immediately.

With a soft smile, Kirin led Chen Xia to the head seat.

After she sat, Pursen approached with a gentle smile.

"Princess, seeing you all grown and ascending to the throne brings me such joy."

To the Shadow Lords, the Emperor of Xian wasn't just an emperor—they were the King of Shadows.

Though not bound by loyalty, the Shadow King had long supported all shadows.

The rise of Shadow Lords within their races was possible thanks to Xian's backing.

So the Lords treated the King with respect.

"Congratulations also on being recorded in the Hero Records."

"I'm worried I may have taken the throne too soon."

At her words, Pursen shook his head.

"Xia, you are more than qualified."

He, Kirin, and Anya had all watched her grow up.

They knew her capabilities better than anyone.

At his confident words, Xia smiled gently.

"Thank you, Pursen. So, what were you discussing?"

With a curious expression, she asked.

Kirin sighed and explained.

"Hm… That's a tough one."

Muttering to herself, Chen Xia clapped her hands.

"Ah, should we ask Lord Leo?"

She turned to Pursen.

"Pursen, I don't think your opinion that "shadows shouldn't be equated with heroes" is wrong. But I also agree with Anya. Leo said heroes and shadows are the same."

Pursen nodded.

"So let's ask Lord Leo what he thinks about your perspective. I'm sure he'll answer."

"Wouldn't it trouble him to ask over something so trivial?"

Xia smiled warmly.

"If it's Lord Leo, he'll explain kindly."

bl

"So, some Shadow Lords want shadows and heroes treated the same, others oppose it, and it caused tension?"

"Yes. It's not just the Lords. Even their followers are split over this issue."

"Same inside Xian?"

"Yes."

Thinking of Freyna, who once denied being a Hero candidate, Chen Xia added:

"Wouldn't it be best if Leo just made a decision?"

Leo replied flatly.

"Didn't you say you're an adult now?"

"Yes."

"Then figure it out yourself."

"Pardon?"

Chen Xia looked slightly flustered.

"You're not a kid anymore. You should decide on your own."

Leo waved his hand nonchalantly.

"You should go. A low-rank assassin guild member meeting the city mayor breaks character."

"What? But this could divide the shadows. If you, the First Shadow, say something clear…"

As Chen Xia protested, Leo rang the bell on his desk.

"Yes! The mayor's loyal secretary, Eliana, reporting in!"

The door burst open as Eliana appeared.

She had risen from a junior official to the mayor's secretary.

"She's leaving."

"Yes! Let's go."

"Wait, Miss Eliana."

"Hey now! The mayor is busy with official duties!"

Eliana dragged Xia out, clearly enjoying her new role.

Afterward, she cheerfully returned.

"Mayor, anything else you need?"

"…You look like you're having fun."

"Hehe. How could I not? I've got the class rep's backing! I'm practically second in command in this city."

Leo chuckled at her smug expression.

Then he quietly gazed out the window.

Eliana gave him a puzzled look.

"By the way, class rep. What are you thinking about? You keep staring out the window."

"Just… remembering the past."

"Must be something bad."

"Does it show?"

Leo touched his face with a hint of surprise.

He was used to hiding his emotions.

But Eliana had read his mood.

"Mm. Your face looked kind of scary."

Eliana shrank slightly.

"Sorry I worried you."

"It's okay. If you need anything, call me! I'll help!"

With that, she left the room.

Now alone, Leo leaned back in his chair.

Looking out at the familiar city, memories came flooding back—whether he wanted them or not.

'The fall of Raysar.'

A horrifying memory where countless lives were massacred.

And the death of Agon—Aaron's master and father figure.