Grand Return System-Chapter 50: A Crimson Vow Beneath Amethyst Eyes

A Crimson Vow Beneath Amethyst Eyes

Rias gasped in surprise.

"It seems like we don’t have to die anymore..." she said softly, the corners of her lips lifting in relief.

From the edges of the plain, she could already sense faint ripples of Mana. Other immortal disciples had likely detected the aura of the beast and rushed over.

Ahead of them, the Bloodspine Night Lynx—wounded but not yet dead—let out a sharp, furious hiss. Its muscles tightened and, in a desperate retaliation, it snapped its jaws open. A scorching burst of flame shot toward Selena.

Selena did not even blink.

The Amethyst Mist Sword in her hand spun gracefully. A faint lotus mark blossomed in front of her, petals forming from condensed Mana. The flames crashed against the lotus and scattered like sparks against snow.

The beast faltered.

It realized at once that it had chosen the wrong opponent.

With a low growl, it twisted and dove back into the tall grass, trying to flee.

Selena’s eyes grew colder.

My first battle.

Her Teacher had not said it outright—but she knew.

This was her test.

"Where are you going?" she called out sharply.

Her figure flashed forward. Sword energy surged as blade met claw, white light and crimson blood clashing amid the grass.

—

At the same time, another figure stepped lightly beside the carriage.

Leon.

His midnight robe with thin amethyst embroidery shifted gently in the wind. The jade pendant at his waist caught the sunlight, reflecting a faint glow. His shoulder-length black hair framed a calm face, and those purple eyes—steady and unfathomable—observed the battle without haste.

He stood with his hands behind his back.

Watching.

Evaluating.

Rias turned—and froze.

Black robe.

Peerless beauty fighting ahead.

Jade pendant at his waist.

Calm bearing like an immortal descending from the clouds.

Her heartbeat quickened.

It can’t be...

They had just spoken of him.

Was fate truly this coincidental?

"This young master," Rias said gracefully, lifting her veil and revealing her face, "could you be Celestis Academy’s Amethyst Summit Division leader... Leon?"

Her voice was smooth, respectful—yet filled with unmistakable curiosity.

Leon turned his head slightly.

Those purple eyes met her crimson ones.

"Oh?" he replied evenly. "You’ve heard of me?"

So it really was him.

Rias felt a spark of excitement bloom in her chest.

Up close, he was even more striking than the rumors described.

His aura was composed.

Unshaken.

Like a mountain beneath storm clouds.

Handsome—yes.

But more than that—stable.

Unmoved by praise or panic.

She had seen countless "experts" in the Drake Empire palace. Many boasted. Many flaunted power.

This man... did not.

Rias brushed a strand of red hair from her cheek and smiled faintly.

"Rumor has it that the master of Celestis Academy’s Amethyst Summit Division is an exceptionally young figure. Handsome. Extraordinary temperament."

"He injured two King Realm experts with a single strike, then slew a powerful beast and took its precious bone."

"His name now echoes across the Forsaken Domain."

She looked at him steadily.

"I have long admired such brilliance. I often wondered when I would see him with my own eyes."

Leon blinked once.

The news spread that far already?

Only days had passed.

"Hmm," he said calmly. "And now that you’ve seen me—how do you feel?"

No arrogance.

No delight.

Just quiet curiosity.

Rias felt a deeper tremor in her heart.

Most men would swell with pride hearing such praise.

He did not.

Steady heart. Clear mind.

Wasn’t this exactly what she had been searching for?

She had visited sect after sect. Many valued lineage. Others valued raw talent alone.

But she valued character.

The kind of person who would not treat her as a bargaining chip.

A thought rose boldly within her.

If I must choose a Teacher... why not this one?

Her crimson eyes softened.

"It truly is as the legends say," she replied. "Breathtaking."

Then, after a breath—

"Senior... do you intend to accept students?"

Leon’s brows lifted slightly.

He turned fully toward her now, examining her face more carefully.

"You wish to acknowledge me as your Teacher?"

"Yeah." Rias nodded gently.

She had traveled nearly every great sect.

None satisfied her.

If she missed this chance, she might never find someone she respected this much again.

Leon observed her in silence.

She was indeed naturally beautiful. Her figure was elegant, posture dignified yet not stiff. Her red robe, cinched with gold at the waist, emphasized her slender silhouette before flowing over long, graceful legs. There was confidence in her bearing—but also sincerity in her eyes.

Her aptitude... average.

But aptitude could be shaped.

More importantly—

Her temperament was not bad.

And yes—

Leon was a man.

He would be lying if he said he did not notice beauty when it stood before him.

Rias’s presence was radiant—like flame contained within silk.

Behind her, Akeno stood protectively, purple hair drifting lightly, her black robes hugging her figure before falling in soft lines over her long legs. Her gaze was wary, but there was admiration there too—undeniable.

Leon exhaled slowly.

He had already planned to accept another student eventually.

Relying solely on Selena would limit the Grand Return System’s potential.

And perhaps...

Fate had delivered this one.

"Very well," Leon said lightly. "Though your aptitude is ordinary, it is not impossible to teach."

Rias’s eyes brightened.

She hesitated only a second before asking, "You won’t ask about my background?"

She was royalty.

A princess of the Drake Empire.

Most Teachers would leap at such backing.

Leon’s gaze remained calm.

"When I accept students, I do not look at background. I look at fate."

"Even one from humble origins—if the heart is right—I will teach."

Rias felt something tighten in her chest.

All along her journey, people weighed her by status.

This man did not even ask.

She knew then.

This is the one.

Without further hesitation, she stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Student Rias greets Teacher."

Her voice carried both relief and determination.

Akeno stared in surprise.

She had never seen Rias make such a swift decision.

But when she looked at Leon—

Even she felt it.

That calm strength.

That quiet confidence.

Leon nodded.

"Rise."

Outwardly, his expression remained composed.

Inwardly—

Another student acquired. Not bad.

Luck was truly smiling upon him.

As Rias straightened, she dared one more glance at him.

Teacher today...

Her thoughts drifted boldly for a fleeting second—

And perhaps... something more in the distant future?

She immediately suppressed the thought, cheeks faintly warm beneath the open sky.

Leon, meanwhile, turned his gaze back toward Selena’s ongoing duel.

The wind moved softly across the plain.

A new bond had just been formed.

And none of them yet understood—

How far it would change their destinies.