The Last Place Hero’s Return - Chapter 245

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 245. Interlude – Winter Break
Several days had passed since I discovered that the Tree of Creation was taking root within me.
With the grade adjustment period concluded, the Hero Academy now stood on the threshold of a major event: winter break.
‘Not that it matters much to me.’
Unlike other candidates in the Candidate Program, I had no ancestral home to return to, nor was I in a position to leisurely take a vacation.
‘I need to dedicate this break entirely to training.’
Until recently, my cultivation had reached such heights that ordinary training alone could no longer elevate my strength.
But everything changed after absorbing another Primordial Spark in the Empire and learning the true nature of the Tree of Creation rooted within my soul.
‘I never imagined such a difference could arise from merely becoming aware of it.’
In my previous life, I’d heard Sophia mention that there existed powers in this world whose very existence could be altered through observation—though I’ll admit I still don’t fully comprehend it.
Yet since becoming aware of the Tree of Creation, something had fundamentally shifted.
Whoooosh.
A deep emerald aura rippled across my palm.
Neither the Primordial Spark nor the ash-flame.
It was an aura infused with the pure power of the Tree of Creation itself.
‘The power itself likely existed long before.’
Having been resurrected countless thousands of times by the blessing of resurrection, the Tree of Creation’s power must have dwelled within me far longer than the Primordial Spark.
I simply hadn’t consciously wielded it until now.
‘Though I still don’t fully understand how to utilize it.’
That was something I’d discover in time.
The crucial achievement was that I could now consciously control the Tree of Creation’s power just as I did the Primordial Spark—an unexpected breakthrough.
“Sigh.”
But honestly, achievements aside.
The real problem was having two forces clashing within this body of mine.
‘This isn’t just a shrimp’s back breaking in a whale’s fight.’
Contemplating the Creator and the flame that once incinerated that very Creator now entangled in combat within my body made my head spin.
As I sat lost in such thoughts.
“D-Dale… is there a-anything uncomfortable?”
Lanez, dressed in a maid’s uniform, came scurrying from the kitchen direction, apparently having heard my sigh.
Since graduating and becoming my exclusive employee, she’d taken to visiting my room each morning to prepare meals.
“No, I’m fine.”
“R-really? Hehe, that’s a relief. Um… breakfast is ready. Would you like to eat right away? Or would you prefer to wash up first?”
“I’ll eat now.”
“Okay!”
Lanez nodded with a bright smile.
“But…”
“Yes? What is it?”
“Do you really need to wear that maid outfit every time?”
“Oh, doesn’t it suit me…?”
“No, it does suit you.”
Lanez was already adorable, and the maid outfit amplified that charm to an almost dangerous degree.
‘Which is precisely why it’s become such a problem.’
Every morning, the first thing I saw upon opening my eyes was Lanez in her maid uniform—and sometimes she’d be perched right on top of me—which made for quite the predicament.
“Hehe. Then I’ll keep wearing it! I’m Dale’s exclusive maid!”
“Ah… yeah. Sure.”
I couldn’t bring myself to explain the real reason to Lanez, who beamed at me with such innocent joy.
* * *
After a light breakfast with Lanez.
We headed to the Party House as usual.
“Oh, Dale’s here?”
Yurina had arrived first, her skin glistening faintly with perspiration from her morning training session.
“You’re earlier than usual today?”
“Yeah. I just couldn’t sleep for some reason.”
“If you’re up for it, Yurina, want to do some light sparring?”
“Huh? Really?! I’m in!”
True to her reputation as a training fanatic, Yurina’s eyes gleamed the moment sparring was mentioned.
As I sparred with Yurina, the other party members gradually gathered at the Party House.
“Come to think of it, winter break starts tomorrow. Does everyone have plans already?”
I looked around at the party members assembled in the Rest Room and spoke up.
I hadn’t made any concrete winter break plans yet.
If everyone was free, I’d been thinking of organizing a Ruins expedition with the party members, much like we’d done last summer break, to gain practical experience.
‘But even if we go, the party’s grown so much stronger compared to back then that I’m not sure where we should even explore.’
Beyond the party’s growth, there was another issue: I’d become disproportionately stronger than the other members.
‘Honestly, at my current level, individual training would be far more beneficial than party-based Ruins expeditions.’
There was no longer any need for practical experience, nor were there meaningful treasures to be gained from Ruins exploration.
Even items like the ‘Demon Armor’ or ‘Forbidden Tomes’ that I’d relied on in my past life were unnecessary at my current level.
“Actually, I had something I wanted to tell you about winter break plans, Dale.”
“Yeah?”
“This time, I’m planning to return to the Holy Kingdom with Camilla to conduct personal training.”
“To the Holy Kingdom…?”
“Yes. The Holy Kingdom is the best place to train the Seven Eyes.”
That made sense.
The Holy Kingdom would have countless sacred artifacts and places blessed by divine grace, making it far easier to commune with the Seven Gods.
“And…”
Iris smiled faintly as she touched the sacred relic of Grace hanging from her necklace.
“I’d also like to spend some time alone with Mother.”
“…I see. Oh, and how is your mother doing these days?”
“At first, she told me to break up with you immediately, but after I did some thorough ‘persuading,’ she came to understand.”
Iris smiled reassuringly, as if to say there was nothing to worry about.
“You persuaded her, you say?”
It didn’t seem like communication would be possible.
“Ah, yes. When she kept insisting we break up, I told her I’d sever all ties with her and everyone else if she didn’t stop. She cried and finally agreed.”
“….”
That wasn’t persuasion—that was blackmail.
‘Well… whatever. At least it’s resolved.’
I wondered if there would come a day when Grace called me “our son-in-law” again.
I sighed and shook my head slowly.
“So Camilla is going to assist Iris?”
“That’s part of it, but… this time Johan Basillio has agreed to personally instruct me in swordsmanship.”
“The Sword of Holy Nation?”
“…Yes.”
Perhaps the nervousness came from the thought of learning directly from someone she’d long admired.
Camilla fidgeted with the hilt of her sword at her waist, her expression a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.
“Well, if it’s you, there’s no problem. Don’t be so nervous.”
“Hmph. What do you think you know about me?”
“At least I know you’re a hero with an upright blade worthy of becoming the next Sword of Holy Nation.”
“…Ugh.”
She flinched.
Camilla’s shoulders trembled slightly, and she glared at me with fierce eyes.
“I, I see. I’ve figured out your method.”
“…What have you figured out?”
“You wagged your tail like this to the Saint and other women too! Ugh! I won’t be fooled!”
“….”
What is she talking about now?
“Gah, just kill me!”
“Why would I kill you?”
“I’d rather die than be defiled by a greedy beast!”
“I really want to kill you.”
What does she think I am anyway?
“Well… anyway. So Iris and Camilla are going to the Holy Kingdom during winter break?”
“Yes. It pains me to be apart from Dale, but when I return, I’ll have grown so much that Dale will be amazed!”
Iris clenched her fist and declared enthusiastically.
I chuckled and nodded.
“What about the others?”
“I’m thinking of visiting my family home.”
Berald raised his hand as he spoke.
“Because of your father?”
“Hehe. I need to check if the old man’s dementia has returned, don’t I?”
“Well, it’s good to see your father’s face during this time.”
No matter how important training was, family came first.
“I’m going too.”
“Huh? Senior Sophia as well?”
“Yeah. I’ve never even met Father Berald once.”
“Mm.”
I smirked at Senior Sophia, the corners of my mouth curling upward.
“Is that truly your purpose?”
“…What are you trying to say?”
“Oh, nothing~ I was just curious… Cough!”
Thwack!
Senior Sophia brought the end of her staff down on my instep.
“Are you really curious?”
“…No, I’m not curious at all.”
If I kept teasing her, the Party House I’d gone through all the trouble to prepare might end up obliterated entirely.
In terms of raw destructive power alone, Senior Sophia’s magic at this moment surpassed even Professor Elisha’s.
“I also don’t think I’ll be able to make time during this winter break.”
“Huh? Did the Headmaster assign you a separate mission?”
“No.”
Professor Elisha shook her head slightly and continued.
“Remember that elixir I received from Camelia before?”
“Ah, yes.”
The Blessing of the Sovereign, if I recall correctly.
“I intend to devote myself to personal training until I’ve fully absorbed that elixir and made its power entirely my own.”
A form of isolated cultivation, essentially.
“Once I’ve absorbed all the elixir’s power, I should be able to reach the rank of ‘Master.'”
Given that Professor Elisha already possessed strength nearly equal to a Master, it was entirely feasible.
“Hehe. Once I reach the rank of Master, I’d like to receive a reward from Dale again. Or should I call it a ‘punishment’ in this case?”
“…”
Professor Elisha smiled meaningfully, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
I coughed awkwardly and hastily changed the subject.
“So that means only me, Lanez, and Yurina are staying at the Academy?”
“Mm… I’m planning to return to my family home this time too.”
“Eh? You’re going back to your family home?”
Weren’t you essentially estranged from the Helios Family?
“Ah, it’s not because of Mother. Our family has a sword that’s been passed down through generations. I’m planning to go retrieve it.”
“I see.”
She must be talking about ‘Daybreak.’
Now that I thought about it,
Yurina had long since surpassed the point where she’d be swayed by a sword’s power, so there was no reason for her to keep using a cheap blade like she was now.
“But will that woman actually hand it over so easily?”
“If she won’t, I’ll just take it by force. I’ll beat it out of Mother if I have to.”
Yurina flashed a bright smile as she uttered something deeply unfilial(?)
The Yurina who once clung to her mother’s every word as though her life depended on it was gone.
“Wait, hold on.”
If Iris, Camilla, Berald, Sophia, Elisha, and Yurina all left the room…
“Ehehehe… D-Dale and I alone for winter break… hehehehe… I sh-should ask Professor Jade to m-make me a good… vitality tonic…”
Lanez’s eyes were bloodshot as she wore a sinister smile.
“…”
Why was it?
An ominous premonition flickered through my mind that this winter break would not go smoothly.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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