Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate! - Chapter 77

Chapter 77: Back to Braveheart Kingdom Chapter 77: Back to Braveheart Kingdom I returned to my room after my date with Lyra.

My heart was still pounding.

I couldn’t shake off the lingering sensation of that kiss-an accident, but a kiss nonetheless.

Damn, this is what happens when you’ve been single for too long!

As I stepped inside, I saw Marius and Kael waiting for me.

Neither of them had gone to bed yet.

“Oh, I thought you guys were asleep.” “Not yet, HAHAHA!

I’m too excited to hear about your date before I sleep!” Marius said, his enthusiasm almost contagious.

“Yeah, I just want to know if the plan we came up with worked,” Kael added, his tone as deadpan as ever.

“Well… you could say it was a success.

Your plan was amazing.

Thanks a lot!” I said with a bow, genuinely grateful.

Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to come up with such a solid plan.

If I’d followed Envi’s advice, it would’ve been an unmitigated disaster.

I could hear Envi grumbling in my head.

“So, here’s how it went…” I started recounting everything about the date with Lyra-well, almost everything.

There was no way I was telling them about the accidental kiss at the lake.

NO WAY ANYONE ELSE WAS FINDING OUT!

Marius was over the moon, bouncing around like someone who’d just read their first shojo manga.

Kael, on the other hand, feigned disinterest, though he clearly listened to every detail.

What a bald liar.

“Did you two start dating?

Are you officially a couple now?!” Marius asked, his curiosity practically bursting.

“N-no, we’re not dating…

I still don’t know how I feel about her, so I asked her to wait,” I admitted, my voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

“Ugh, what a waste of time!” Kael grumbled, visibly annoyed.

“I thought it would have a happy ending.

Wasn’t Lyra upset?” Marius asked.

“She wasn’t… She said it was fine and accepted my answer.

She didn’t cry when I walked her home.” I paused, knowing full well she was probably thrilled-especially after the kiss.

That night, we stayed up late, chatting until midnight.

…

The next day was a free day since classes at Solara Magic Academy were still on hold for repairs.

I spent the day exploring the city with Marius.

We were supposed to train later, but before that, we ran into Sander and Arden.

Sander was with Arden, who had been recovering after having his mana completely drained by Norx.

Arden looked much better now, though Sander still seemed to be keeping a close eye on him.

Sander is too kind for his own good, even to someone like Arden, who hadn’t exactly been his friend before.

“Naoki.

I want to thank you for saving me and the other students who were kidnapped by Nyssa.

I also regret how I treated you before, especially when I challenged you to a duel,” Arden said, bowing deeply.

“It’s fine.

I’m just glad you and the others are okay now.

You’re a talented mage, but you should try trusting nobles a little more-especially those who fight alongside you.” My words were meant to nudge him away from his habit of indiscriminately hating nobles.

“I-I’ll keep that in mind…” he replied, a bit awkwardly.

Sander seemed pleased with our exchange.

After saying goodbye to them, Marius and I continued toward the training ground.

But before we could get there, I heard an all-too-familiar laugh coming from a nearby bar.

Peeking inside, I saw Julius-drunk and miserable.

He had hired some bar girls to keep him company, probably trying to drown his frustration over being powerless against Nyssa.

I braced myself and walked in.

“I never thought a member of the Starlight hero family would stoop this low,” I said.

“What’s it to you?!

Get lost!” Julius snapped, clearly intoxicated.

Ignoring him, I grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the bar.

I hauled him all the way to the training ground and threw him down.

“Ugh!

What the hell?

How dare you doing this to me, Julius von Starlight!

Let’s fight!

I’ll show you my power!” he roared, ready to brawl despite his drunken state.

“You won’t beat me like this,” I said flatly.

Still, he lunged at me, and I countered with a clean uppercut that sent him sprawling.

“If you want to be as strong as your brother-the hero-then stop acting like this, Julius!” I shouted, my voice rising.

“What do you know about me?!” “I know enough.

You’re a weak, spoiled noble chasing power, crushed under the shadow of your brother.

You want recognition, don’t you?” “SHUT UP!

I never wanted to be like this… I… I want to be strong enough to stand beside him!” His voice cracked, and I saw tears well up as he swung at me again.

I dodged effortlessly.

“Marius, your turn,” I said, stepping aside.

Marius hesitated but stepped up.

Julius attacked him, but every blow bounced off.

Marius was like an unshakable fortress.

“Damn it!!” WHAM!

Marius struck back, sending Julius to his knees.

Julius seemed utterly defeated.

I walked over and held out my hand.

“See for yourself.

Even a commoner can become strong.

Marius here will be the best Tanker in the Braveheart Kingdom someday.

So don’t you dare underestimate commoners again!” Julius was silent, his pride visibly crumbling.

“You can be strong too, Julius.

Honestly, you already are.

You just need one thing: resolve.” “Resolve…?” He looked up at me.

“Yes.

The resolve to protect everyone-not just nobles, but commoners too.

That will give you real strength.

Now, get up!

Let’s train together when we’re back at Braveheart Knight Academy.” “Why… why are you doing this?

I’ve treated you so poorly…” I grabbed his hand and pulled him up.

“Because we’re both part of hero families.

We need to stick together, especially now, when the demons could attack at any time.

We have to grow stronger-together.” “You’re right… I’m sorry for everything, Naoki.

Please guide me from now on!” Julius said, his eyes regaining their spark.

He shook my hand firmly, and for the first time, our relationship felt like that of comrades.

…

After that, Marius and I headed to the inn.

I wanted to see Milly off as she prepared to return to Braveheart Kingdom.

The first- and second-year students of Braveheart Knight Academy were set to depart tonight, leaving for Braveheart Kingdom ahead of us.

When I arrived, I saw Milly and Aisha waiting.

Milly immediately scolded me for being late, while Aisha tried to calm her down.

“Hahaha, I’m sorry, Milly.

Your big brother was delayed because I stopped to get you this.” I handed her a pendant.

“Huh?

What is this, big brother?

The design is weird-a stone carved with magical circles?” Milly tilted her head in confusion.

“It’s a tracking pendant.

This way, I’ll always know where you are.

I don’t want you getting kidnapped again.

If anything happens, your big brother will be there to save you right away.” I gently patted her head as I explained.

“Hmph…

The design might be weird, but it’s useful.

So… thanks, big brother Naoki.” Milly’s tsundere side peeked out as she accepted the gift.

I entrusted her to Aisha, knowing she would protect Milly.

They were inseparable best friends, and I felt reassured Milly had someone like Aisha by her side.

As the caravan departed from the Grand Kingdom of Solara, carrying the first- and second-year students, I waved goodbye.

Milly responded with a teasing gesture but looked genuinely happy.

Typical tsundere little sister.

…

The next morning, it was time for the third-year students to leave for Braveheart Kingdom.

We were all set to depart, accompanied by Professor Aldin.

Just as we were about to board, Xerion von Solara, the headmaster of Solara Magic Academy, arrived to see us off.

“I hope you’ll visit Solara Magic Academy again, Naoki,” he said warmly.

“I’d be honored, Headmaster Xerion,” I replied with a bow.

As I turned, I noticed Sander and Windy approaching our caravan.

They’d come to say goodbye with my team.

Over the past few weeks, Sander and Windy had become great friends and had helped me immensely in the battle against Norx.

“Hey, Sander… I hope things go well between you and Windy,” I whispered with a sly grin.

“Oh, I’ve already confessed my feelings.

We’re dating now, hehe,” he replied nonchalantly.

Apparently, right after we defeated Norx, Sander had declared his love for Windy, and she’d accepted.

“HUHH?!

Damn, you’re lucky!” I said, feeling a twinge of envy.

How could he do something so difficult so easily?

“What’s that supposed to mean?

You’re surrounded by beautiful girls-you should hurry up and date all of them!

Stop wasting their feelings!” Sander teased, smirking.

“W-what are you saying?!

I’m not some shameless guy like that!” His comment reminded me of Envi’s absurd suggestion that I should become a harem king.

As if on cue, Envi burst out laughing in my mind, wholeheartedly agreeing with Sander.

Hearing Sander’s words, Windy tugged on his ear and scolded him.

“If that’s what you think, does that mean you’ll date other girls besides me?!!” she huffed.

“No!

I’m sorry Windy..I only love one person and that’s you!” Sander begs for forgiveness while crying.

Their banter made me feel like a playboy with a dozen girlfriends, but I brushed it off.

Before we left, Windy smiled and said to me, “Don’t waste the feelings of the girls who like you, okay?” Her words left me flustered, and I didn’t know how to respond.

Finally, we boarded the caravan and set off for Braveheart Kingdom.

…

The journey took an entire day.

By nightfall, we arrived at Braveheart Knight Academy.

While the other third-years went straight to their dorms to rest, I hurried to the Arsene Estate to report the success of my mission.

I knocked on the door, and Arsene answered.

To my shock, his body was wrapped in bandages, and he looked badly injured.

Despite his condition, he greeted me with a smile.

“A-Arsene!

What happened to you?

Why are you hurt?

And where’s Amelia?!” I blurted out, panicked.

“Ara-ara..calm down Naoki.

I was already injured before Amelia arrived here.

And if you’re looking for her, she just left for the Grand Kingdom of Solara with the royal envoy to discuss alliance terms,” he said casually.

“I see… but then why are you in this state?!” “Haven’t you noticed?

Look toward the staff and faculty buildings,” Arsene said, pointing in that direction.

I turned to look but froze in disbelief.

“W-where are they?

I can’t see the buildings…” “…!!!” It finally dawned on me.

The staff buildings were gone-reduced to rubble.

In their place was a massive crater, as if a fierce battle had taken place.

Even parts of the main academy building were damaged.

“What happened?!

Why does it look like a war zone?!” I asked, still reeling.

Suddenly, Envi appeared in my mind and said, “Nao… this looks just like what happened at Solara!” “Don’t tell me…” My thoughts raced.

“Yes, it’s exactly that,” Arsene said grimly.

“Braveheart Knight Academy faced the same ordeal as Solara Magic Academy… We fought the Demon Warlords.” I was speechless.

All I could do was listen as Arsene began to recount the battle.

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