Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate! - Chapter 185

Chapter 185: Freya: Into Battlefield Chaos
Freya’s POV:

I, Freya von Flamemore, have been undergoing intensive training in preparation for deployment to Division Two, led by none other than Cain von Flamemore. I’m not going alone—Leopold will be joining me as well. Both of us have been selected as lieutenants, and soon, we’ll be heading to the front lines to fight against the invading forces of the Doomspire Demons.

I’ve been pushing myself to the limit, determined to control the Phoenix’s Fire, the incredible power that now resides within me. Despite having trained relentlessly for over a month, I still haven’t fully mastered it. The truth is, to truly awaken my full potential, I’ll need real combat experience—on the battlefield, not just within training grounds.

Morning, noon, and night, I’ve poured everything I have into my training. I’m driven by a deep desire to become strong—strong enough to stand beside Naoki-dono, to fight with him as his equal.

Sometimes, during a break in my training, I find myself daydreaming about him—Naoki-dono. He’s so handsome, cool, courageous… and incredibly kind. Sure, he flirts a little too much and likes to tease, but I’ve grown fond of that side of him. It always makes me laugh, even when I’m exhausted from training.

And then, there’s that moment I’ll never forget…The last time we trained together…I kissed him.

Even now, I still get embarrassed thinking about it. Why did I do something so bold?!But at that time, I was overwhelmed by my feelings—I couldn’t hold them back any longer.Thankfully, Naoki-dono didn’t take it badly. He didn’t push me away.

He may still be unsure about how he truly feels, but… I’m happy just being close to him.Next time we meet, I’ll show him just how much I’ve grown.

After more than a month of intense training, Leopold and I were finally assigned to Division Two. Without delay, we were dispatched to the battlefield to join Cain-sama’s unit.

Normally, fresh graduates from the Braveheart Knight Academy would need several more months of training before they could join Division Two, let alone participate in real combat. But the situation on the battlefield has deteriorated rapidly. The kingdom is desperate for reinforcements—we are needed now.

I can’t help but worry about the rest of our classmates. I hope they’re safe wherever they are.

When Leopold and I arrived at the forward command post of the Braveheart forces stationed at the northern border—where the battle against the demons was most intense—we were met with a devastating sight.

Wounded knights lay scattered, burned trees surrounded the area, and the ground was soaked with blood—both human and demon. Corpses of monstrous demons littered the fields, and the air reeked of ash and iron. The horror of war was no longer something I read in books. I was now living in it.

We entered the command tent, where the high-ranking officers of the Braveheart Kingdom, and two Magi from the Solara kingdom were gathered. Cain-sama welcomed us and immediately ordered us to join the upcoming war council. Leopold and I obeyed, standing respectfully by his side.

Just before the meeting began, I scanned the room—and my heart leapt with surprise. I saw familiar faces—Marius, Julius, and Luna. I waved at them with a smile, and they returned it warmly. Though it had only been two months since we last saw each other, it felt like years.

Seated around the war table were the greatest champions of the Braveheart Kingdom:

Cain von Flamemore, the commander of Division Two.

Tetsu von Blackmore, patriarch of the Blackmore family and father of Naoki-dono.

Lucius von Starlight, hero of the Starlight family and elder brother of Julius.

Diamantus The Magi of Diamond, and Silvenya the Magi of Silver from Magic Kingdom of Solara.

And finally, Aria von Braveheart, the first princess of King Aslan.

Aria-sama is known across the continent as the Divine Valkyrie, a title well-earned for her unmatched combat skills and leadership in battle. She stood tall and regal, her long orange hair cascading like flames. Her face resembled Amelia and Headmistress Arsene—elegant and composed—but Aria-sama had a commanding presence that radiated wisdom and strength.

She presided over the war council and began by discussing the growing anomalies among the demon forces. For nearly a year, they had been relentlessly invading human lands without pause. The seal on Mount Archanis—the ancient barrier separating the human and demon continents—had weakened. Cracks had begun to form, and the demons were exploiting those rifts to flood into our world.

This explains why the invasions have only worsened over time.

Furthermore, intelligence reports warned of something even more terrifying—the impending arrival of the Overlords. With most of the Demon Warlords defeated, only the Rank 1 Warlord remains unaccounted for. The emergence of Overlords would mark a terrifying new chapter in this war.

None of us know just how powerful the Overlords truly are. But we all understood one thing clearly: we are not ready.

The council resolved to strengthen defenses and tighten surveillance across the kingdom’s borders, especially in vulnerable regions. The heroes of the Braveheart kingdom and the two magi of the Solara kingdom agreed on that.

That night’s meeting was heavy and sobering. It continued well into the midnight hours.

…

After the war council concluded, I and Leopold reunited with Julius, Marius, and Luna. It had been a while since we were all together like this—just friends, not soldiers. Knowing that tomorrow we’d march into battle made these few moments feel even more precious.

We sat around a crackling campfire, the same fire used by the cooks to prepare the evening meals. The warmth was comforting in the cold night, but more than that, it reminded me of the warmth we once shared at the academy. We began exchanging stories and asking about each other’s lives since we parted ways.

“It’s been so long since we last saw each other! How have you all been?!” I asked with a bright smile, trying to lift the mood.

“Doing great!” Marius replied with a grin. “I’ve been training every single day with Naoki’s battle maids. They beat me black and blue, but look at me now! Tough as steel! HAHAHA!” he boasted proudly, flexing his arms.

“I’m doing well,” Julius answered in his usual calm tone. “My training with Luna in Division One has gone smoothly.”

“That’s true,” Luna added with her usual flat expression. “The swordsmanship of the Starlight family, especially the Solarblade techniques infused with light magic, is exhausting… but I enjoy learning it.”

Julius chuckled softly. “She almost gave up at first, but I didn’t let her. Now look at her—still tired, but more skilled.”

We laughed, enjoying this rare moment of peace. Then, curiosity got the better of me.

“Oh right—Julius,” Leopold said with a teasing smirk, “I couldn’t help but notice during the meeting… your brother Lucius seemed awfully close to Princess Aria. They exchanged some very interesting looks, didn’t they? Is there something going on between them?”

That immediately caught Marius’s and Luna’s attention.

“Ah, you noticed that too, huh?” Julius said, chuckling. “Well… They were engaged three years ago. I guess I never mentioned it to you guys?”

“WHAT?!” Marius and Leopold exclaimed at the same time. “Does that mean your brother might become the next King of Braveheart?!”

Luna tilted her head and added thoughtfully, “That’s a real possibility. If they marry, and the king passes the crown, Lucius could become the next monarch.”

Julius nodded. “Exactly. Besides, marriages between the Braveheart and Starlight families are common. Light and divine magic complement each other—it’s a union of power as much as blood.”

“JULIUS!!” Marius shouted, throwing his hand in the air. “If you become the prince’s brother, don’t forget about me, alright?! Make me the Captain of the Royal Guard or something, HAHAHA!”

Julius smirked. “Nepotism, huh? Fine—I’ll recommend you… as Captain of the Kitchen Guard.”

“Deal! That sounds awesome!” Marius laughed, clearly not caring what position he got.

We all burst into laughter. It felt like we were back in the academy again—no war, no blood, no demons. Just us.

In that peaceful moment, my thoughts drifted far away. I wondered what it would be like… to marry someone. And the only person I could imagine standing at the altar with me was…

“Naoki-dono…” I whispered, covering my flushed face.

Unfortunately, they heard me.

“Hehe! So Freya does miss Naoki!” Marius teased loudly. “HA! I miss him too!”

“Freya… acting all cute like this,” Luna said, still expressionless. “How unexpected.”

“I get it, Freya,” Julius added with a sigh. “I miss Termina too. We only just started dating, and now this damn war separates us.”

I tried to comfort him. “Don’t worry, Julius. Termina is with Lyra, and they’re both under Serena-sama and Saintes-sama. They’re some of the strongest women in the kingdom.”

He gave me a grateful smile.

Then I shared my own worries. “I’m just… so anxious about Naoki-dono. He’s undergoing the Hero’s Trial… and it’s already been two months. Something feels off.”

The others nodded in agreement. We all silently prayed that Naoki would overcome whatever challenges he faced. We hoped we’d all be reunited soon—alive, safe, and laughing like this again.

…

The Next Day

War erupted once again between the Braveheart Kingdom and the demonic forces. And this time… the battlefield was unlike anything we had ever seen.

Chaos ruled.

Thousands of demons stormed the borders, their numbers overwhelming. The very earth trembled as Mount Archanis—the ancient seal between our world and theirs—shook violently. Cracks widened. The seal was breaking.

And then they came. Not just any demons… High-ranking ones. Hundreds of them. Their presence alone darkened the skies.

And then… something worse appeared.

A mysterious female demon emerged from the shadows. Her aura was suffocating. Without saying a word, she opened a dark portal, and from it stepped another figure cloaked in pure, menacing power.

The moment they arrived, we all felt it—a magic so vast, so crushing, it made the air itself heavy with dread.

“This magical pressure… it can’t be… an Overlord-level demon?!” Cain’s voice wavered. He, the seasoned commander, stood shaken.

Our ranks faltered. Even the bravest among us froze.How could we not? Overlords were said to be dozens of times stronger than Demon Warlords.They hadn’t been seen for centuries.And now… they were here.

Just when despair began to swallow our hearts—she stood tall.

Princess Aria von Braveheart, our Divine Valkyrie, raised her shimmering spear and unleashed a surge of holy light. Her magic pierced the darkness and steadied our souls.

“Steady your hearts!” Aria’s voice rang like a bell of salvation. “I, Aria von Braveheart, the Divine Valkyrie, stand with you! Grip your blades! Do not fear—fight!”

Her words reignited the fire in our veins.

Beside her stood Lucius, sword alight with brilliant magic. He raised it high, and the battlefield glowed with renewed hope.

We are not alone.Even in

the face of darkness this deep…

We would not back down.

We would not surrender.

…

..