Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate! - Chapter 69

Chapter 69: A Promise to Protect Chapter 69: A Promise to Protect I heard a voice-an old man’s voice-urging me to stay strong, promising to help me control this overwhelming power.

A black grimoire descended from the shelves above the arena, its pages fluttering open as it hovered mid-air.

At first, the pages were blank, but soon they began glowing with Dark Magic, filling with intricate symbols and writing.

A magic circle appeared beneath me, drawing in my Dark Magic.

I screamed.

The pain was sharp, as though my very blood was being drained.

“NAO!

What’s happening?

That grimoire…

it’s doing something!” Envi’s voice was laced with confusion, but just as he seemed about to say more, he fell silent.

I glanced toward Lyra, Amelia, and Freya.

Their expressions were frozen in shock, their eyes wide as they watched.

Suddenly, a notification appeared before me: [The Unknown Grimoire resonates with you!] [Establishing a connection…] …

Before I could react, my surroundings shifted.

I found myself in an unfamiliar dimension, utterly devoid of anything except myself and the grimoire.

Slowly, the grimoire began to transform, taking the shape of an old man clad in a black robe.

“You bring back memories,” he said with a warm, nostalgic tone.

“You resemble my former pupil.” He explained that he was the manifestation of the grimoire, a creation of the God of Darkness himself.

Unlike other grimoires crafted by ancient sorcerers, this was the only one of its kind, imbued with the essence of divine darkness.

The God of Darkness, however, had betrayed the other deities, granting Dark Magic to demons and aligning himself with their cause.

His reasons remained a mystery.

Before his departure, he entrusted this grimoire to the mortal realm, leaving it to choose its own master-a wielder of Dark Magic with an extraordinary destiny.

One day, Hiro von Blackmore, founder of the Blackmore family, discovered the grimoire and formed a contract with it.

This occurred before the war of the Three Continents, when humans, special races, and demons clashed.

Hiro became humanity’s lone hero capable of wielding Dark Magic.

I listened intently as the grimoire recounted its memories.

Hiro von Blackmore had drawn immense power from it, using that strength to fight and seal the Demon King.

After the war, Hiro entrusted the grimoire to the Grand Kingdom of Solara, the home of all grimoires.

Through the grimoire’s memories, I caught a glimpse of Hiro.

Though his face remained obscured, I heard his final words: “This isn’t over…

I may soon perish, but hope will rise again to confront the darkness.

When that time comes, lend your strength once more.” He smiled faintly, his silhouette fading.

[The Unknown Grimoire wishes to form a contract with you!] [Accept the contract?

Yes / No] I selected “Yes.” A blinding light engulfed me as the overwhelming power inside me began to subside.

My hair returned to its natural black, my eyes lost their unnatural glow, and my teeth reverted to normal.

—- [Abyssal Wrath Mode stabilized.

Berserk status removed.] The grimoire’s pages stilled and closed.

With a soft glow, it entered my body, along with my katana, Kurogiri.

[Congratulations!

You have obtained the Grimoire of Darkness!] The Grimoire of Darkness allows you to control Dark Magic with precision.

Abyssal Wrath Mode can now be used without losing consciousness or entering berserk status.

Unlock greater potential for Dark Magic in the future.

+25 INT and give me 30% mana bonus.

—- My strength was depleted.

My HP and mana had been drained to dangerous levels.

I barely had time to process what had happened before collapsing.

As I fell, I glimpsed Lyra, Amelia, and Freya running toward me, followed closely by Milly and Aisha.

My consciousness faded, but I heard Envi’s voice one last time: “Good work, you idiot.

Now, let’s take a break.” In my dreams, I revisited the memories of the Grimoire of Darkness.

I wanted to see Hiro von Blackmore, to understand his journey and learn how he sealed the Demon King.

But I wouldn’t stop at sealing.

I had to destroy the Demon King and bring lasting peace to this world.

That was the mission the Goddess of Benevolence had given me.

I clenched my fists in determination.

Suddenly, a startled voice broke through the haze of my thoughts.

“Kyaah!” My head throbbed as I woke up, slowly regaining awareness.

The first thing I noticed was the ceiling of the infirmary at Solara Academy of Magic.

The second…

was the strange sensation in my hands.

Huh?

What is this soft feeling in both my fists?

I instinctively moved my right hand, only to hear a muffled voice.

“Ugh…

do that again…” What…?

It felt like I was gripping something soft-like a fluffy pillow-and for some reason, it was oddly satisfying.

I moved my left hand instinctively, feeling for something to grasp.

“Kyaa!

Umm…

If it’s for your recovery, I’ll endure it…” a soft, familiar voice whispered.

What I felt was small, cushion-like, and strangely comfortable to hold.

Suddenly, Envi’s voice echoed in my mind.

“Hey, sleepy princess, you sure are bold.

Waking up from unconsciousness and grabbing both girls’ chests?

That’s next-level cheeky!

HAHAHAHAHA!” Chest?

Girls?

My thoughts raced.

“…!!!” I snapped my eyes wide open.

To my right was Amelia, her cheeks flushed red.

To my left was Lyra, her face equally crimson.

Both of them had their eyes tightly shut, and I realized I had somehow placed my hands on their…

“U-uh…

What…

What is this…?” I stammered, too stunned to comprehend the situation.

It was my first time feeling such softness-two completely different yet equally enchanting sensations.

Even though their uniforms were still on, the…

uh…

tactile reality was undeniable.

In my shock, my fingers reflexively squeezed again.

Both Amelia and Lyra yelped in unison.

At that exact moment, the door to my room burst open, revealing Milly, Aisha, and Freya.

They were carrying my equipment and some fruit, but all of it tumbled to the floor when they took in the scene.

“W-w-what is this, Naoki-senpai?!” Aisha stammered, her face pale.

“You’ve got guts, Naoki-dono…” Freya muttered, her face a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

“YOU IDIOT BIG BROTHER!” Milly’s shriek tore through the air as she launched herself at me with a perfectly executed dropkick.

“Ugh!” Her kick landed squarely on my stomach, and I collapsed.

Oddly enough, it wasn’t the pain from Milly’s attack that knocked me out again-it was the realization of what I’d just done.

My nose bled from sheer embarrassment, and the world went dark once more.

…

When I woke up, only Amelia, Lyra, and Freya remained in the room.

I immediately bowed my head in apology.

“I’m so sorry about earlier!

I didn’t mean to…

I wasn’t in control…

It must’ve been because of the dream I was having…” Their faces were still flushed, but after a moment, they began to laugh, forgiving me for the incident.

Amelia, however, seemed unusually cheerful.

“You know…

If it helps your recovery, I wouldn’t mind if you-” “Absolutely not!” Lyra and Freya interjected simultaneously, dragging her away before she could finish her sentence.

They then explained that Milly had stormed off with Aisha, both of them visibly upset, heading back to the Braveheart Knight Academy dorms.

Despite the awkwardness of the situation, I couldn’t help but laugh.

I’d need to clear up the misunderstanding with her later.

More than anything, I felt relieved.

Milly had escaped permanent damage from Norx’s attack.

I was grateful I had been able to protect my little sister.

I asked about Luna, Marius, Kael, Sander, and Windy.

They were all receiving the same treatment as I had and were recovering well.

The advanced healing magic at Solara Academy made recovery twice as fast as usual.

Hearing those words lifted a weight off my chest.

I turned back to Lyra, Freya, and Amelia, my gaze steady despite the emotions swirling inside me.

“Lyra, Freya, Amelia…

I’m sorry,” I said, my voice steady but tinged with regret.

They looked at me, startled but attentive.

“I’m sorry for losing control of my power and putting all of you in danger.

I promise it won’t happen again.

I’ll never let myself hurt any of you… because you’re all precious to me.” The sincerity in my words hung in the air as they exchanged glances.

Then, one by one, they smiled warmly, their expressions filled with understanding and kindness.

“It’s alright, Naoki-sama.

You saved all of us.

We’re grateful to you,” Lyra said gently, her voice like a soothing melody.

“Naoki-dono, you’ve fought so hard to protect us.

We’ll work just as hard to protect you, too,” Freya added, her usual optimism shining through her words.

“I’ll always be by your side, Naoki.

We’re partners, after all.

Even if our magic elements oppose each other, we complement one another perfectly,” Amelia said, her soft smile carrying a hint of warmth that sent a pang through my chest.

Their words resonated with me, making my heart pound.

They weren’t just allies or companions-they were special to me.

A feeling so familiar it reminded me of Serena.

In that moment, I made a silent vow.

I would protect them, no matter what it took.

Just as the atmosphere grew sentimental, a knock at the door shattered the quiet moment.

The door creaked open, and to my surprise, Xerion von Solara, the headmaster of Solara Magic Academy, stepped inside.

He was flanked by Professors Lowen and Aldin, their expressions as serious as his.

I had a feeling this was going to be a long conversation.

CREATORS’ THOUGHTS NAVIRUNAVIII Like it ?

Add to library！ I want to say thank you to my readers, fans, and friends: -Aurimas Pazikaz -Bruno_Andrade_9372 -Elijah Moreno -Aiden Sookraj -DaoistuzosNa -Muhammad Yafiq -Chona Diaz -Riddler 23 -TheKindSadist Without your support i think i’ll give up to continue this novel.

I appreciate your support for me.

Love you all!

I wish u all the best!