[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-journey-to-become-the-zenith":3,"chapter-journey-to-become-the-zenith-journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-252":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Journey to Become the Zenith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1828436,2432,"Chapter 252: The Path of a True Hero","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-252",252,"\u003Cp>The Path of a True Hero\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze became firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I want it to be because of who I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natalia fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Max stopped trying to interrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments, the room remained quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sunlight entering through the academy window illuminated drifting particles of dust, while distant sounds of training students echoed from the courtyards outside. Yet inside the office, nobody spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max studied Videl carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blonde young woman stood straight with unwavering confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no hesitation in her sapphire eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No uncertainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only conviction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Max broke the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried genuine curiosity now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why choose such a difficult road?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl looked toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to be a hero, then why decline their offers?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured toward Ruby and Natalia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Becoming the chosen warrior of one of the holy temples would immediately grant you the title of hero.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two holy maidens nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To most people, this would be an opportunity beyond imagination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A path countless warriors dreamed of obtaining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Videl merely smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slowly shook her head once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gentle laugh escaped her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t want it that way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sunlight reflected off her golden-blonde hair as she continued speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t want such a title given to me like that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to earn the title of a true hero through my own merits.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She placed a hand against her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not because someone chose me like a fruit from a market stall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natalia blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max narrowed his eyes slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to become a hero who can save people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A hero who stands against evil.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A hero whom ordinary people can trust.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image of a certain black-haired man surfaced in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever she thought about him, her heart seemed to grow lighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had always walked forward regardless of obstacles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Always trusted his own path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Always challenged the impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without realizing it, her smile became warmer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I join one temple...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced toward Ruby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then naturally I’ll become associated with that temple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she looked toward Natalia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the others may hesitate to seek my help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two holy maidens exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither could deny that possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl folded her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t want that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t want people wondering whether I’m helping because of justice, because of war, because of politics, or because of temple interests.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice remained steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to help because it’s the right thing to do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time it lasted longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three finally understood what she meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was freedom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl wanted freedom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The freedom to choose her own battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The freedom to decide who deserved help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The freedom to become the kind of hero she envisioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet his expression became more serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Videl.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old knight’s eyes carried decades of experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You do realize that if you graduate from this academy and become a knight, then you’ll still belong to an organization.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ll serve the kingdom.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice became heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"More specifically, you’ll serve the crown.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room grew quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whoever wears that crown becomes your master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby and Natalia listened silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even they knew what Max was about to say wasn’t something a knight academy principal should openly admit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If your dream truly is to become a hero to everyone...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...then becoming a knight isn’t necessarily the best path.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words surprised even Ruby and Natalia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl listened attentively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max’s gaze drifted toward the academy window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, old memories seemed to surface in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I was young...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also dreamed of becoming the ideal knight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried nostalgia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believed knights existed to protect the weak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To defend the innocent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To uphold justice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smile faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But reality is often different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere became heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A knight may sound noble.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A knight may sound honorable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the truth is much simpler.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A knight is ultimately the king’s sword and shield.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nobody spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The duty of a knight isn’t always protecting the people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sometimes it means obeying orders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sometimes it means fighting wars you don’t agree with.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sometimes it means defending decisions you dislike.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression became complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wish every knight could think for themselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wish every knight could determine right from wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But that isn’t the world we live in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words carried bitterness earned through experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The current generation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The next generation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are weapons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Weapons belonging to royalty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could hear sincerity behind those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max wasn’t trying to discourage her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was simply showing her reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause, he looked directly into her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you truly wish to become a hero to all...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted toward the holy maidens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...then joining one of the temples would honestly give you a better chance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, smiles appeared on Ruby and Natalia’s faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The principal was supporting them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby looked proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natalia looked hopeful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both stared at Videl expectantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl suddenly laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bright laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A genuine laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reaction completely confused everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natalia tilted her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course I already know all that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Victor explained it to me before I even entered the academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warmth in her voice was impossible to miss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby immediately noticed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natalia noticed it too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way Videl said \"my Victor\" sounded incredibly natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost affectionate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared on Videl’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He told me exactly what becoming a knight means.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He told me what kind of chains come with that title.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three listened attentively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then her eyes shone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But he also told me there are ways to break free from those chains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max wasn’t surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course Victor would say something like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He promised me something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft laugh escaped her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He promised that one day he would make me the greatest hero the world has ever seen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby and Natalia exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of person made promises like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Videl clearly believed every word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If anyone else had told me that...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wouldn’t have believed them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smile deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But because it was Victor...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There wasn’t even the slightest hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe him completely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl’s expression became softer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Victor has never broken a promise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not once.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He always accomplishes what he sets out to do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The confidence in her voice wasn’t forced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was absolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max immediately understood who she was talking about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After meeting Victor himself, he knew that ridiculous promises somehow sounded believable when spoken by that young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby and Natalia, however, became increasingly curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who exactly was this Victor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of man could inspire such faith in someone as talented as Videl?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Questions filled their minds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were just about to ask—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BANG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The office door exploded open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone immediately turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere transformed in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The holy maidens frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max’s expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newcomer looked terrified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat covered his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His breathing was ragged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby was about to reprimand him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natalia was about to do the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max had already opened his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet before any of them could speak—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newcomer shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An undead army is approaching!\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1283,"2026-06-09T06:06:36.928Z",1,"novelbin.me","a9457db8b4711c999c7191f70f355ef87f1ff6d2efe0e3adcdabb1b8a132294d","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-253","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-251",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fjourney-to-become-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]