Grand Return System

The Flame of Ambition [Part -2]

"Instead..."

"I’ll teach both of you alchemy."

The moment those words left his mouth...

Both girls’ eyes widened.

"Alchemy?"

Leon nodded.

"Before participating in the Eternal Principle Summit Principle Discussion..."

"I want both of you to become true alchemists."

"By then..."

"You’ll possess another means of protecting yourselves."

His voice remained calm.

Yet Selena and Rias immediately understood how much thought he had put into this decision.

He wasn’t canceling the journey because he no longer cared.

Quite the opposite.

He wanted them to become stronger.

Strong enough that no one could threaten them again.

Their hearts warmed simultaneously.

Selena lowered her head.

"...Thank you, Teacher."

Rias smiled brightly.

"We’ll definitely work hard."

Leon nodded with satisfaction.

Just then, Selena hesitated before asking,

"Teacher..."

"What exactly is the Eternal Principle Summit Principle Discussion?"

"It isn’t the first time I’ve heard people mention it..."

"But no one has ever explained what it truly is."

Leon looked toward the distant sky.

A trace of nostalgia appeared in his eyes.

"The Eternal Principle Summit Principle Discussion..."

"...is the greatest gathering in the entire Fallen Leaf Domain."

"It brings together experts and outstanding young geniuses from every Powerful Sect throughout the domain."

"It’s a grand martial gathering where the brightest talents compete, exchange knowledge, and prove themselves before the world."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"It’s similar to Celestis Academy’s Seven Division Martial Tournament..."

"But on a far greater scale."

"And like our tournament..."

"It is only held once every sixty years."

"In that grand gathering..."

"Every gifted cultivator has the opportunity to become famous..."

"...and earn the admiration of the entire Fallen Leaf Domain."

Leon finished speaking as a gentle breeze swept across the battlefield, carrying away the lingering scent of smoke and blood. The once chaotic landscape had gradually settled into an uneasy calm. Around them, surviving cultivators were already helping the wounded while elders directed the reconstruction efforts. Although the battle had ended, its scars remained carved into the shattered earth.

Selena and Rias listened quietly.

The more they heard, the brighter their eyes became.

A gathering that united every outstanding young genius across the Fallen Leaf Domain...

Just imagining such a scene caused their hearts to race.

Leon smiled faintly when he noticed the excitement in their expressions.

His gaze drifted toward the distance, where several renowned young cultivators—including Rex Vine and the other rising talents—were speaking with the elders before preparing to leave.

After a brief silence, Leon spoke again.

"If you wish to stand shoulder to shoulder with geniuses like them..."

He raised his hand and gestured toward the departing figures.

"...then everything will depend on your performance during the Eternal Principle Summit Principle Discussion."

Both girls instinctively followed his gaze.

Those young cultivators had already earned fame throughout the Fallen Leaf Domain.

Some came from ancient households.

Others belonged to powerful sects whose names alone inspired respect.

Every one of them possessed astonishing talent.

Leon folded his arms behind his back as memories quietly surfaced in his mind.

"In the past..."

"Your Grand Teacher once stood at the summit of the Fallen Leaf Domain."

"He defeated one outstanding genius after another and suppressed every challenger from the various Powerful Sects."

"For an entire generation..."

"No one could surpass him."

His calm voice echoed like a legend carried by time itself.

"I hope the two of you cultivate diligently..."

"...and never allow Amethyst Summit Division’s former glory to fade."

Silence.

Complete silence.

Selena and Rias froze where they stood.

Neither had expected the history of Amethyst Summit Division to be so glorious.

Their Grand Teacher...

The predecessor they had never met...

Had once stood above every genius in the Fallen Leaf Domain.

He had defeated the finest cultivators of an entire generation.

Simply imagining that scene sent a thrill through their hearts.

Their blood seemed to boil with excitement.

"So..."

"Our division was once that incredible..."

Rias whispered unconsciously.

Selena slowly clenched her fists.

Her blue eyes shone with determination.

No wonder Teacher always carried himself with such confidence.

He wasn’t merely protecting Amethyst Summit Division’s reputation.

He was carrying forward the legacy of those who came before him.

The weight of that realization settled heavily upon both girls’ hearts.

Almost simultaneously, they stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Teacher."

"We understand."

Selena raised her head first.

"Please rest assured."

"We will cultivate diligently."

"We’ll do everything we can to ensure Amethyst Summit Division shines once again during the Eternal Principle Summit Principle Discussion."

Rias nodded firmly.

"I promise the same, Teacher."

"We’ll never disgrace you."

The determination in their voices echoed through the quiet mountains.

Their fighting spirit surged visibly.

It was no longer simple excitement.

It had transformed into genuine ambition.

Leon watched them for a long moment before a satisfied smile slowly appeared.

"Very good..."

Exactly as expected.

Sometimes...

All a cultivator needed was a worthy goal.

Not empty praise.

Not impossible promises.

Just a flame powerful enough to awaken the determination already hidden inside their hearts.

Looking at the two girls now, Leon could almost see that invisible flame burning within them.

His lips curled upward.

"Looks like that worked."

He laughed inwardly.

"A few words were enough to ignite their competitive spirit."

"But..."

He quickly reminded himself.

"Too much pressure is no different from placing a mountain on someone’s shoulders."

"Resolve should inspire..."

"...not become chains."

His expression softened.

A Teacher’s duty wasn’t simply to push students forward.

It was also to remind them they never walked alone.

Leon stepped closer and gently placed a hand on Selena’s shoulder before looking toward both young women.

"Your determination makes me very happy."

"I’m proud of both of you."

Selena blinked.

Teacher...

...said he was very proud of us?

A warmth spread through her chest.

Beside her, Rias cutely smiled so brightly that her crimson eyes almost sparkled.

Leon continued,

"However..."

"Never mistake determination for recklessness."

"The Eternal Principle Summit Principle Discussion gathers the greatest talents of an entire generation."