Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate! - Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Welcome to Braveheart Knight Academy Chapter 34: Welcome to Braveheart Knight Academy One month has passed since my appointment as the Blackmore Family’s Hero Candidate.

I was getting ready to leave for Braveheart Knight Academy, with plans to start next month, at the beginning of the academic year.

“Ugh, isn’t this way too fast, Envi?

I’ll officially be an academy student next month.

Honestly, it’s hilarious.

Naoki is way too old for this.

I mean, look at me-I’m already 25 and still stuck in my third year without graduating.” I complained to Envi while stretching.

“HAHAHA, you’re not wrong!

But hey, cheer up, Nao!

It’s the academy, you know?

We’re bound to see tons of cute girls there.” Envi’s face lit up with excitement, practically radiating an emote of pure glee.

“Seriously, you’re such a perv, Envi.

Always going on about girls.

But then, the moment you’re in front of Amelia, you freeze up.

Hahaha!

What, are you scared of the princess?” I teased, a wide grin plastered on my face.

“…That’s none of your business.

I was just tired, okay?” Envi replied nonchalantly, brushing me off.

I decided to let him have the last word, though I was chuckling internally.

As I prepared to leave the Blackmore mansion for over a year, my mind was focused on the task ahead: graduating from the academy and passing the Hero Exam.

There was much to do.

Over the past month, I had dedicated myself to training.

My swordsmanship had improved, and with the acquisition of Dark Magic, I had also been working on my mana control.

I couldn’t help but marvel at Naoki’s body.

At first, it had been weak and unremarkable, excelling only in mana capacity.

But after rigorous training, it had grown significantly stronger.

His latent potential as a Magic Knight was astounding.

His massive mana reserves and precise mana control made even advanced techniques in Dark Magic-which were notoriously difficult-even for senior knights, seem natural to me.

It made me wonder: could Naoki have known from the beginning that his true talent lay in magic rather than the sword?

Perhaps that was why he had focused so heavily on building his mana.

Unfortunately, Envi didn’t have any insights when I asked him, leaving me to puzzle over it alone.

With my departure imminent, I decided to allocate my unused status points wisely, focusing on INT.

The decision was strategic-I’d need intelligence and mana to succeed at the academy and further refine my Dark Magic.

My plan was to save the remaining points until a critical moment.

Relying too heavily on level-ups felt like a crutch; I preferred to grow naturally whenever possible.

During the past month, I spent most of my time training and hunting monsters in nearby forests.

The effort paid off-I gained three levels, reaching Level 45.

I opened my status window.

—– Name: Naoki von Blackmore Level: 45 Title: Hero Candidate of the Blackmore Family Trait: Shadow Conquers  Condition: Normal HP (Hit Points): 4,000 MP (Mana Points): 5,500 Strength (STR): 60 Vitality (VIT): 40 Agility (AGL): 70 Intelligence (INT): 55 Status Points that can be used: 0 Skills: 1.

Swordsmanship Lvl 4: Blackmore Katana Style: -Kazekiri -Inazuma -Yanagi Uke -Nisshou Giri -Kasoseki -Tsurugi no Mai 2.

Resonance Lvl 1: -Karyuu no Issen  3.

Power of Incarnation Lvl 2 -Yami Kiri no Seikatsu -Yami Gui no Giri Magic: Dark Magic Lvl 1 Abyssal Wrath Mode Lvl 1 Goddess Points: 65 —— I distributed the points evenly but prioritized INT.

The academy would demand both mana and intellect, especially if I wanted to master Dark Magic quickly.

I’d also tried activating Abyssal Wrath Mode, but it remained dormant.

Apparently, it only worked under extreme negative emotions like rage or despair-neither of which I intended to experience anytime soon.

Finally, after a month of preparation, the day of my departure arrived.

I said my goodbyes to the Blackmore family and the mansion staff.

Their expressions had changed since I first arrived-what were once cold stares were now warm smiles.

My efforts to prove myself as more than a “Failed Hero” had paid off.

But perhaps, more importantly, I’d treated them kindly and earned their trust.

Approaching Vivin and Elan, who were still busy with their tasks, I greeted them warmly.

“Elan, Vivin, I’ll be counting on you two to look after the Blackmore Family while I’m gone.” “Yes, Master Naoki.

I’ll miss you-I mean, I’ll worry about you!

A whole year without seeing you is just…!” Vivin’s voice cracked as she tried to hold back tears.

“That’s right.

Without us, Master Naoki can’t even handle basic chores,” Elan quipped with a soft smile, though the sadness in her eyes was unmistakable.

I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

“Don’t worry about me!

I’m already 25, you know?

I can handle myself-and yes, I can even do chores now.

I’ll be fine in the academy dorms!” Their expressions softened at my reassurance, though I could still see their concern.

Suddenly, someone approached me.  “Umm, excuse me, Master Naoki.

It’s me…

Mia,” a timid voice called out from behind me.

Turning around, I saw the young maid I had accidentally knocked into the other day, causing my clothes to be soaked with mop water.

Her cheeks were flushed, and she was clutching the hem of her uniform nervously.

“Oh, Mia.

What is it?” I asked, tilting my head curiously.

Before Mia could respond, Elan stepped forward.

“Master Naoki, Mia and I have a request.

We’d like to appoint her as a new Battle Maid.” “Battle Maid?

Mia?” I repeated, blinking in surprise.

“Can she even fight?” “I can, Master Naoki,” Mia replied, her voice firm and filled with determination.

“I was born with a natural talent for magic, especially offensive and defensive spells.” Her eyes shone with an intense resolve, one that made me pause.

“Well…

Alright.

If you’re confident, I’ll allow it.

I’m happy to have you on board, but don’t push yourself too hard, Mia.

I’ll look forward to seeing how much you’ve grown when I return.” I reached out and gently patted her head, which made her cheeks turn a deep shade of red.

“Y-yes, Master Naoki!

I’ll work hard!” she stammered, her voice trembling with excitement.

After saying my goodbyes to them, I made my way to the barracks to meet the soldiers, including William and Alan.

I entrusted the defense of the Blackmore territory to them, emphasizing the importance of their vigilance.

…

From there, I searched for Milly.

However, instead of her, I stumbled upon Mark and Lilia enjoying tea in the third-floor garden.

“Hey, have you guys seen Milly?” I asked, interrupting their peaceful moment.

“I haven’t,” Mark replied, scratching his head.

“But maybe she-” Before he could finish, Lilia interjected, her gaze fixed on me.

“Naoki, you’re leaving soon, aren’t you?

I hope you’ll bring honor to this family at the academy.” “Hah, like I needed you to remind me,” I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

“Good.

We’re counting on you,” Lilia replied, taking a sip of her tea, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.

Mark, on the other hand, leaned forward, his eyes burning with energy.

“Big Bro Naoki, I’ve got to admit, I wasn’t your biggest fan at first.

I was jealous you were chosen as the Hero Candidate.

But now… now I see it.

You’re way stronger than me.

I’ll train harder and challenge you to a duel again one day!” “Haha, I’ll be waiting,” I said, smirking.

“But this time, I’m checking for any demon elixir crystals hidden in your clothes before the fight.” “THAT WAS A MISTAKE!” Mark yelled, his face turning beet red at the memory.

“I’ll never stoop that low again!

It was so embarrassing…” “Alright, alright, I get it.

Just stay strong and don’t get yourself killed.

I’m counting on you to watch over the family while I’m gone.” Mark’s face brightened at my words, and I left the garden feeling assured they’d be fine.

…

Before departing, I had one final meeting with the family patriarch.

“Take care of yourself, Naoki.

I’m placing my hopes on you,” he said, his eyes serious.

“I’ll do my best, so you don’t have to worry,” I replied.

“By the way, where’s Milly?

I’ve been trying to find her to say goodbye.” “She’s out attending an official event hosted by the Braveheart nobility.

She won’t be back until tonight,” he answered, his expression unreadable.

“That brat… Wait till I see her next time-I’m messing up her hair for skipping my send-off!

I can’t believe she chose someone else over her brother!” I grumbled, crossing my arms.

The patriarch’s lips twitched slightly, but he said nothing.

After exchanging our farewells, I left the Blackmore Mansion and stepped into the waiting carriage.

With my bags secured and the horses ready, I climbed aboard the coach.

As it rolled out of the estate, I looked back at the mansion one last time.

The towering spires, the sprawling gardens, and the warm faces I’d come to know faded into the distance.

And so, my journey to Braveheart Knight Academy began.

…

…

I had finally arrived at my destination: Braveheart Knight Academy.

The grandeur of the academy immediately caught my eye.

Everywhere I looked, the lion crest of the Braveheart Kingdom adorned the buildings and banners.

The color scheme of red, white, and black was prominently displayed, even in the uniforms worn by the staff and students.

It truly felt like stepping into the kind of European-inspired school often described in isekai stories.

The academy’s vast grounds were almost overwhelming, with towering spires and sprawling courtyards.

Though I was tempted to explore, my priority was to report to the Headmistress and complete the administrative process for my third-year enrollment.

A security guard escorted me to the administration building, where the headmistress’s office occupied the top floor.

Upon entering her office, I was greeted by a stunning woman with fiery orange hair.

She exuded elegance, dressed in a noble’s gown and holding a folding fan.

Her refined aura and her teasing smile reminded me of someone familiar.

“Ara ara, so you’ve finally arrived, Naoki von Blackmore.

Welcome back to Braveheart Knight Academy!” she said with a voice that carried both grace and authority.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Wait… I knew that face!

The resemblance to Amelia was uncanny.

“Since you’ve lost your memory, let me reintroduce myself.

I am Arsene von Braveheart, the second princess of the Braveheart Kingdom and the headmistress of this academy,” she said, giving me a dazzling smile.

“Ah… It’s an honor to meet you, Headmistress Arsene.

I’m here to resume my studies and take the Hero Examination.

I look forward to your guidance,” I replied, bowing politely.

“Ara ara, you’ve grown so courteous!

The rumors about you becoming calm and composed seem to be true.

Well then, Naoki, welcome back.

You’ll be joining Class 3-C.” “Class 3-C?” I repeated, confused.

Wasn’t that the lowest-ranked class?

“That’s right.

You’ll have to accept it,” Arsene said, her tone turning serious.

“Many here still oppose your return to the academy.

You’ll need to prove yourself to them.” I clenched my fists.

“Fine!

I’ll show them what I’m capable of!” After finishing my meeting with the headmistress, I was escorted to the student dormitories.

For now, I was placed in an empty room until they assigned me a roommate.

Exhausted from the journey, I spent the rest of the day resting and mentally preparing for what lay ahead.

…

The next morning, I woke up early and prepared for my first day of class.

The academy’s uniform suited me surprisingly well, and I couldn’t help but admire how sharp I looked in the mirror.

“Envi, don’t you think I look pretty dashing?” I asked, grinning at my reflection.

“Hah, dashing?

More like desperate.

Stop flirting with the mirror, you narcissist,” Envi quipped.

We bickered for a bit before I checked the clock.

It was 7:50 AM-time to head to class.

I needed to be at Class 3-C by 8:00 sharp.

Arriving at the classroom door, the homeroom teacher called me in.

I said to Envi, “You know, Envi, I hate school, especially high school.

For me, this academy feels just like the high school levels back on Earth.” I made a face, clearly uninterested.

“Coincidentally, I hate it too, HAHAHA.

But this time, you have me, Nao.

We’ll get through this damn academy life together!” Envi tried to cheer me up.

“You’re right…” I smiled upon hearing that.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and walked in confidently.

“Hello, everyone.

My name is Naoki von Bla-UWOHHHH” My introduction was cut with my scream, short by a loud gasp as my eyes landed on two familiar faces.

Sitting in the middle of the classroom were none other than Lyra von Waterfall and Freya von Flamestone.

“Naoki-sama!” Lyra exclaimed, her eyes wide in surprise.

“Hehe, nice to see you again, Naoki-dono.” Freya added with a mischievous smile.

For a moment, I was stunned.

Of all the people, I never expected to be classmates with these two.

Envi’s voice rang in my head, practically squealing.

“YES!

This is perfect!

Two beauties in the same class!” As the shock wore off, I couldn’t help but smile.

Maybe returning here wouldn’t be so dull after all.

Being reunited with Lyra and Freya made me feel like the year ahead would be full of excitement.

And with renewed determination, I silently vowed: I’ll pass the Hero Examination and saved Nana, my precious sister in the Earth!

…

…

CREATORS’ THOUGHTS NAVIRUNAVIII Hello Readers!

This is the end of Volume 2.

I’ll start to write Volume 3.

Give me your comments about this volume!

Love you all!