Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate! - Chapter 144

Chapter 144: Graduated from the Braveheart Knight Academy Chapter 144: Graduated from the Braveheart Knight Academy The Braveheart Knight Academy’s third-year graduation ceremony was about to begin.

I could see that only about half of the third-year students had passed the final exam.

That meant the other half had failed and would have to retake the exam next year.

I was grateful that my friends and I had made it through.

I sat among my friends, all of us side by side.

Marius looked nervous, while Lyra, Freya, and Amelia seemed happy-though I had a feeling they were still thinking about what had happened yesterday.

Julius and Termina sat together, while Luna sat with Erin and her team, including Hendrik.

I could see traces of nervousness on their faces.

Finally, the ceremony began, and the headmistress, Arsene, stepped forward to give her opening speech.

“Greetings to the future knights of the Braveheart Kingdom.

All of you here today have successfully completed your final exams.

You have endured grueling trials, from conquering dungeons to facing the unexpected-battling not just one but two Demon Warlords… and emerging victorious.

Be proud, for this is an outstanding achievement.

This also signifies that the future of Braveheart’s knights shines brighter than ever.” Arsene’s voice carried passion and energy, her enthusiasm overflowing as she addressed us.

“For this year’s final exam, I will now reveal the contribution rankings based on dungeon conquests and the battle against the Demon Warlords.” With a wave of her hand, Arsene cast a spell that projected a floating list of names alongside their respective contribution points.

Out of the 80 third-year students, only 40 had passed the exam, having met the minimum requirement of 200,000 contribution points.

Most of the successful students came from Class 3-A and 3-B, while my class, 3-C, barely had a quarter of its students passing.

Compared to previous years, this was the largest number of graduates in the academy’s history.

A testament to the ever-rising standards required to pass.

Slowly, the rankings appeared, from 40th place upward.

The lower ranks were filled with students from Class 3-C, but my name-and the names of my close friends-were nowhere in sight.

That was to be expected.

Our contribution points were far higher.

As the list climbed toward the mid-ranks, it included students who had made it to Floor 40 of the dungeon.

I recognized several faces-people we had fought alongside against the dungeon bosses.

Seeing their relieved and joyful expressions, I couldn’t help but smile.

Then, Arsene spoke again.

“The following students have achieved 600,000 contribution points or higher.

Please step forward to the stage.

His Majesty, King Aslan von Braveheart, will personally present you with honors and rewards-not just for passing the exam, but for your contributions in protecting this kingdom.” One by one, my comrades-those who had fought beside me against the dungeon bosses and the Demon Warlords-were called.

Julius von Starlight.

Amelia von Braveheart.

Termina von Stormheim.

Lyra von Waterfall.

Freya von Flamemore.

Leopold von Flamemore.

Marius Stone.

Luna von Solarblade.

Erin.

Hendrik, Falken, Linda.

“These students played a crucial role in both conquering the dungeon and defeating the Demon Warlords,” Arsene announced.

“Originally, Hero Cain von Flamemore, who vanquished Zorx the Demon Warlord, Rank 2, would have stood among them.

However, he has already returned to the battlefield.

Still, he left a message, stating that these individuals were instrumental in aiding his victory.

Therefore, stand tall, for you have earned this honor.

Step forward and receive your due recognition.” Following Arsene’s words, Lyra and my other friends ascended the stage and knelt before the King.

Then, Arsene prepared to make another announcement.

“Ahem…

Perhaps many of you already know, but there is one person who played a crucial role in defeating the boss of The Cursed Tower dungeon, as well as Vorx, the Rank 3 Demon Warlord.

This individual single-handedly conquered the dungeon boss, earning 1,000,000 points.

On top of that, he received an additional 1,000,000 points for vanquishing an unexpected enemy-a Demon Warlord.

That means his total contribution points have reached 2,000,000 in this year’s graduation exam!

With this, he has officially become the highest-scoring student in the history of Braveheart Knight Academy!

Give it up for-Naoki von Blackmore!” Arsene’s voice rang out with enthusiasm, igniting an explosion of cheers.

The entire hall erupted into thunderous applause.

I froze.

I wasn’t expecting a standing ovation.

I looked around and saw students clapping, their faces beaming with admiration.

In my mind, a flood of emotions surged forward.

This…

I can’t believe this…

Do I really deserve this?

I’ve never been recognized like this before…

Not even once in my past life on Earth.

This…

this is too much for me…

Then, Envi’s voice echoed in my head.

“What are you even thinking, you idiot?

You fought hard and earned this.

Yeah, sure, some of the girls are still wary of you-the infamous ‘Pervert Hero’-but at the very least, they respect your achievements.” “Hahaha…

I guess you’re right…

Ugh, though I really hate that pervy title…” I sighed before chuckling.

“Still…

I’m grateful.” “Then hold your head high, Nao!

Get up there and own it!” Envi cheered inside my mind.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded and stepped toward the stage.

As I walked, I could hear voices from the crowd.

“You’re amazing, Pervert He- I mean, Naoki!” “Thank you for saving us in the dungeon, Naoki!” “You totally deserve this!” “Pervert Hero-No, Future Great Hero!!” I forced a stiff smile.

Their cheers were a mix of genuine praise and that ridiculous nickname.

I could only laugh awkwardly as I made my way up.

Upon reaching the stage, I stood in the center of my fellow top-ranked classmates and knelt before King Aslan.

At that moment, the King himself slowly rose from his throne.

Silence immediately fell upon the entire hall.

Every student held their breath, awaiting his words.

“I, Aslan von Braveheart, King of the Braveheart Kingdom, hereby proclaim you all as the top graduates of this year.

Through your bravery and determination, you have conquered the dungeon and fought against the Demon Warlords, ensuring the safety of our kingdom.

Because of your efforts, the damage to our lands has been minimized.

As a token of our gratitude, I shall grant you all a reward.” The King’s regal voice echoed through the hall, filling us with an overwhelming sense of honor and pride.

Then, as promised, King Aslan bestowed upon us the rank of Knight and Magic Knight €“ Rank A.

But that wasn’t all.

He also granted us the opportunity to join one of the eight main divisions of the Braveheart Kingdom’s knight forces.

These elite divisions served as the kingdom’s first line of defense against threats.

Unlike the standard army, they were composed of only the most powerful and skilled warriors, second only to the Heroes themselves.

Each division was led by a Commander, and the first five divisions were personally commanded by the kingdom’s Hero Families: Division 1: Command by the Starlight Hero (???) Division 2: Command by the Flamemore Hero (Cain von Flamemore) Division 3: Command by the Winterfell Hero (Serena von Winterfell) Division 4:Command by the Stormheim Hero (Theresia von Stormheim) Division 5: Command by the Blackmore Hero or its current patriarch (Tetsu von Blackmore) The remaining three divisions were led by exceptionally talented individuals, regardless of their noble or commoner status.

King Aslan then offered each of us the opportunity to choose a division that best suited our strengths and aspirations.

….

Leopold and Freya were offered the position of Lieutenants in Division 2 €“ Flamemore’s forces.

Freya turned to me with determined eyes.

Seeing that, I simply smiled.

She and Leopold deserved that position.

Without hesitation, they accepted.

Lyra was offered the position of Lieutenant in Division 3 €“ Winterfell’s forces.

She hesitated for a moment.

I knew why.

She had originally decided to follow me into my family’s division, yet now she was being offered a position where she truly belonged-with her extended family, the Winterfells.

I gave her a reassuring smile and nodded.

“That division suits you,” I said softly.

The commander, Serena von Winterfell, would undoubtedly take care of her.

Moreover, the division’s Vice-Commander, the Saintes, was one of the most skilled support and divine magic users in the kingdom.

Lyra could learn much from her.

Slowly, Lyra’s hesitation faded.

She gave me one last look, then turned toward the King and accepted the offer.

I was relieved.

Lyra would thrive there.

Julius and Termina joined their respective family forces as Lieutenants.

That was expected.

Luna was requested to be placed in Division 1 by Julius himself.

Since the Solarblade Family was a branch family of the Starlights, it made sense for her to train there.

The King approved.

When Marius’s turn arrived, he was offered the position of Vice-Commander in Division 7-an incredibly prestigious rank.

The request had come from Garron the Ironwall, the current commander of Division 7.

Marius was visibly shocked.

He hadn’t expected someone as powerful as Garron to recognize his skills.

However, after a brief moment of thought, he did something no one expected.

He stepped forward and, with unwavering determination, declared: “Your Majesty, I am honored by this offer.

However… I have already made my decision.

I will follow Naoki von Blackmore.

I want to join Division 5-the division he will one day lead.

I have sworn to be his shield, and I will not break that oath.” The hall fell into silence.

The King’s sharp gaze fell upon Marius, making the air feel heavy.

Everyone watched anxiously.

Then… “Hahahaha!” The King suddenly burst into laughter.

“You are steadfast in your resolve.

Very well, Marius, I shall grant your request.

You will serve under Naoki von Blackmore in Division 5.” The tension in the room eased, and Marius beamed with pride.

The rest of the assignments were quickly made: Hendrik, Falken, and Linda joined Division 7.

Erin was placed in Division 8.

Finally, it was my turn.

King Aslan turned to me.

“Naoki von Blackmore.” “You are destined to lead Division 5, succeeding your father, Tetsu von Blackmore-but only after you complete the Hero’s Trial.” “I expect you to overcome that trial and prove yourself as a true Hero.

When you do, I will grant you the rank of Knight Rank S.” “For now… take this.” He handed me an item.

I looked down and saw a badge-the [Legend Graduate Badge].

I instinctively used status window to analyze it, but all it displayed was: [Legend Graduate Badge]Grants the bearer one request from the King.

A future favor from the King himself?

This… is incredible.

I carefully stored it, understanding its immense value.

However, the King wasn’t finished.

“And because you continue to surprise me… I shall grant you one more gift.” He gestured, and a knight presented a sheathed katana.

“This is[Divine Dawn]-a katana forged with the divine magic of the Braveheart family.

Its blade carries the light of the celestial dawn, a symbol of hope and victory.” I reached out and grasped it.

As soon as I touched the handle, I felt a warm, radiant energy coursing through me.

The silver blade shimmered like a rising sun.

The hilt was wrapped in white silk, and the divine inscriptions carved along the blade’s edge pulsed with a faint glow.

I checked its status: [Divine Dawn] Rank: LegendaryEffects: Divine Magic Damage +30% +30% Strength +30% Vitality.Skills: [Divine Aurora] €“ Unleashes a purifying light that dispels darkness.

[Dawn’s Blessing] €“ Heals minor wounds with divine magic.

I gulped.

This… is a Legendary weapon?!

Envi, inside my mind, was just as shocked.

“Nao… you just got a freakin’ Legendary-tier weapon.” “Y-Yeah… but there’s a problem…” I can’t use Divine Magic.

My primary element is Dark Magic-the complete opposite of Divine Magic.

King Aslan clearly misunderstood my abilities.

But there was no going back now.

“…I will treasure this blade and wield it well, Your Majesty.” The King nodded in satisfaction.

With that, the ceremony neared its conclusion.

“This is only the beginning.

Give your all for the Braveheart Kingdom.

Congratulations, my honorable Knights.

May you forge your own legends!” The graduates wept with joy.

Then, just when I thought it was over… Before the graduation ceremony closed, Arsene suddenly announced something.

I had a bad feeling about this.

Arsene announced that the closing would be done by all the best graduates this year.

“And now, our top graduate-Naoki von Blackmore-shall give the closing speech!” I immediately thought, aahh I forgot there must be this.

I also remembered the ridiculous quest that Envi gave me earlier.

This was the deciding moment, whether I could succeed or make the students laugh here again.

I had no other choice.

I would do it!

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