Human Nature

After this brief conversation with Azakar, Leo gained a little understanding of the situation of their world and why the black continent exists.

If Mr. Greyfur was right about the dark continent, does that mean he was also right about Shengwu and its human martial art masters?

If such a society existed, why did it only step in when the humans lost?

According to Leo's memories, Averoth was only one of the many countries in the continent that fought that war. Every country found out about supernatural beings at the same time and war broke out across the continent.

Unlike Averoth, who lost and submitted to supernatural beings' demands, the other countries joined hands to form the Yano Confederation. This was a union of human-only states, united by a shared goal: to remain free from supernatural influence. 

After the alliance, Yano quickly advanced in science, technology, and politics, with a strong sense of identity and independence. They weren't held back by supernatural beings like the people of Azeroth.

Just in five years, the confederation had grown by leaps and bounds while Averoth held debates about multiculturalism and tolerance.

That was what disgusted Leo most about this country and everything in it. Leo would have left if he wasn't emotionally tied to Hollow Night because of the memories he made with his father. 

This was also his home, and he believed it was his duty as a citizen of Averoth to liberate it, just like his father fought to do. By the way, Averoth had openly declared the Confederation of Yano as its sworn enemy because of its strict laws against the supernatural population.

Visiting Yano was a treasonable offense for Averoth's human population.

If the confederation hadn't joined hands, all of humanity would have been enslaved and forced to live in fear, like the ones in Averoth did. Why would the warriors of Shengwu remain passive while humanity suffers?

What is the point of existing if they protect their own?

"Because they understand human nature more than anyone else." Azakar countered.

"You make it seem like humanity is this divine race, pure and holy. You talk as if most humans are not selfish and greedy animals who are only clear about themselves. Let's take the events of the black assembly that cost the life of your father and several humans fighting for the betterment of the human race. Who do you think leaked the address of that meeting?"

Buzz!

Leo frowned because he knew the obvious answer to the question—a human. 

"Humans will betray their race just to survive, as we have seen in your everyday life where humans suck up to the supposed enemy. Just so they can be safe, even though it means making the lives of other humans miserable."

"Humans kill what they don't understand, and they worship what they cannot kill… Again, proof of this is all around you. Humanity is not the saint you paint it out to be in your mind. It is safe to say it is the most flawed amongst all races in existence."

"And yet it is the race which the next demon lord was born into. I agree with you, it is flawed, yet divine." Leo cut him off.

"All you said about humans is true. And I see no problem with it. Every human is flawed, so my perfection may shine bright. Humanity is weak so that I may be strong. If humans were perfect, my existence would be of no use." Leo shrugged while flipping the page of 'The Dark Continent: Unraveling the Enigma.'

The book spoke about the appearance of beasts from the dark continent during the Civil War. The images in the textbook were blurred and colorless—he could barely make sense of the images.

Ding! Dong!

Ding! Dong!

Leo heard the bell, meaning lunchtime was over, and he needed to return to class. He let out a heavy sigh and rose to his feet. He reached for the books but froze—several figures were standing some distance away. 

There were those hooded figures, standing under the sunlight pouring in through the massive windows of the library. Only their lips were visible and they stood in eerie silence.

"Are they stupid or something?" Akazar tilted his head in confusion.

Leo had his ring on, which could protect him from all supernatural beings. They could not harm him directly, so this was obviously an attempt to mess with him psychologically. Even if they could, such a method was useless against the Sin of pride, especially under the scorching afternoon sun.

"They are vampires…" Leo said out loud even though he was talking to a being only he could see and hear. They are animals. You can't expect intelligent actions from animals." 

Buzz!

"Bastard!" 

One of the cloaked vampires growled and stepped forward, but the other held him back while shooting vicious glares at Leo.

"If you are going to do something, do it."

Leo shoved the books into his bag and walked towards the group. He stopped a few inches away, glaring at them directly into the eyes.

"But if you lack the balls to make a move, then get the fuck out of my way!" Leo said before walking between two vampires.

His shoulders clapped against theirs and shoved them back with surprising force. Their shocked gazes trailed his figure until he vanished from sight.

"Did he just?" One of them mumbled in disbelief, still trying to make sense of what happened.

A 15-year-old human shoved them aside like they weighed nothing, even before they could resist. In fact, he doubted that would have been able to resist if they wanted.

"No… it must be the ring… there is no damn way that kid can do that." The other was still in denial.

The explanation was convenient, so many went along with it and quickly voiced their agreement. Ego was one emotion all living things shared and something they protected by all means—even if it meant living in denial.

Meanwhile, in an inconspicuous location, blending in perfectly with the group, was a smaller framed figure amongst the hooded figures. She pulled the hood off her face, revealing her identity—Alicia Brenot.

Her gaze tightened—fixated on the direction Leo walked towards.