Part 2
The grand auditorium of Virtus Academy was packed with first-year students. Before they could officially register, everyone was required to hear a few words from the headmaster.
Kaito hadn't met him yet, but deep down, he already knew it would be someone destined to make his life miserable. After all, he was a hero who was never supposed to exist. A forgotten mistake.
As he entered, his eyes caught how the highest-ranking nobles claimed the front rows, gathering in tight little social circles. Between forced laughter and lofty stares, they were no doubt flaunting their fortunes or boasting of powers inherited from ancient bloodlines.
Kaito didn't need to hear them to know. He had seen enough anime and manga to recognize the cliché.
"Where should we sit?" Seri asked, scanning the hall with curious eyes.
"Probably in the commoner section," Kaito replied without hesitation.
But Ayame had already slipped ahead. From the back of the hall, she waved discreetly to get their attention.
"There's Ayame. Looks like a good spot," said Kaito. Together with Seri, he started making his way toward the very last seats.
"Hurry, Kaito! It's about to start…" Seri whispered, plopping down next to Ayame.
Strangely, no one else seemed willing to take those seats. As if some invisible barrier kept the rest of the crowd away.
At that moment, a man of imposing presence stepped onto the stage with unhurried steps. His robes swayed softly as the glow of magic seals etched into his staff alone was enough to command silence. He tapped a few sheets on the lectern and adjusted his glasses with deliberate calm.
"Good morning, young prospects of Estelaris… and of the neighboring kingdoms," he declared, his voice steady, grave, and absolute.
The murmurs ceased at once.
"My name is Magnus Fitzroy. Regent of Aldoria, headmaster of Virtus Academy, and commander of the kingdom's strategic magic legions."
The weight of his titles pressed heavily on the students.
"My family descends from the legendary heroes," he continued, a note of pride coloring his tone. "And my mastery of magic is without equal."
A ripple of awe swept through the hall. It wasn't every day one stood before a man bearing such a lineage.
Fitzroy raised a hand, instantly cutting off the whispers.
"But you are not here to hear about my achievements. This year will be different… Allow me to introduce the kingdom's heroes."
With a gesture, he pointed to a massive curtain at the side of the stage. As it drew open, three figures appeared beneath the magical spotlights: Miharu, her presence fierce; Hayato, calmly adjusting his glasses; and Kouya, silent, like a shadow. Each wore the same expression that defined them.
"These youths are heroes from another world, blessed by the goddess Mizuki herself to stop Netheria's advance.
"Though they must still learn to master their powers, that is why they will study at this academy—alongside you."
Thunderous applause erupted, though it carried a current of envy.
"And for those unaware," Fitzroy added, a dangerous gleam in his eye, "heroes stand above any title of nobility you may cling to."
Several nobles scowled at the proclamation.
"Furthermore… from this academy shall emerge the local heroes who will stand at their side in battle. That is the greatest honor Virtus and Estelaris can bestow."
He gestured toward a group of instructors: a dwarf clad in imposing armor, a fierce fire elf, and several veteran magicians who personally trained the heroes.
"Lastly…" His gaze swept the hall before landing—not by accident—on the very last rows. Kaito felt a chill. There was no doubt: he was looking directly at them.
"If you lack the makings of a hero, I strongly suggest you withdraw now. Your scholarships could be put to better use… in more promising hands."
The silence weighed like iron.
"With that, I yield the stage," Fitzroy resumed formally. "To Mirai von Aelwyn, an incoming student this year. She will share a message from her mother, the Margrave who leads Estelaris's shock forces."
The students applauded once more as Mirai strode confidently to the lectern, her steps energetic, her smile dazzling, as though the entire auditorium was her stage.
"New students of Virtus!" she declared in a voice as charming as it was melodic.
The whispers came quickly. Anyone who knew her mother compared them right away, and to most, Mirai was… lacking. No courage. Unable to protect a kingdom.
But she didn't falter. She smiled and kept speaking.
"The heart of a warrior is what matters most. A warrior doesn't hesitate—they act for the sake of their friends. That is the true meaning of a hero…"
Her gaze traveled across the hall and, for a moment, stopped on Kaito.
"A hero is someone who can sacrifice for others, someone who reaches out to help when no one else dares. Being a hero comes from the heart."
"You can train everything else, but a pure heart… only true heroes have that."
The crowd stirred. Nobles sitting in the back clapped loudly, while those in the front row shifted in discomfort. Sacrifice wasn't exactly their thing.
"What a foolish girl… her only good point is her face," Kouya scoffed from the stage.
"Shut it, idiot," Miharu muttered, elbowing him before he could say more.
Mirai gave a light bow to the cheering students. Then, as she turned to leave, she stopped in front of the three official heroes.
"You should learn manners… but more than that, learn to work with others. Thinking you're above everyone else will only destroy you. Just like that front row."
The air grew heavy. Her words might have sounded light, but they struck like lead against both the heroes and the nobles up front.
At that moment, a woman with chestnut hair and glasses stepped onto the stage, trembling with shyness.
"S-students… i-if I could… h-have your attention for a moment…"
The chatter broke off, though some nobles laughed at her nervous voice.
"T-the… the ceremony is now over… The registration desk is in the main courtyard… P-please exit in order… th-thank you."
The students began to leave—first the nobles of highest rank, then the rest. They walked proudly, as if already chosen by the gods to be heroes.
Seri clicked her tongue.
"Hmph. This place will be a nightmare… Kaito, are you really sure you want to study here?"
"For now, we don't have another choice," he answered calmly. "I don't care about fighting Netheria… but right now, we wouldn't survive on our own."
"We've been far too lucky until now."
"If that's what you want… fine," Seri said with her arms crossed. "But you still haven't told me how you plan to pay my school fees."
Kaito smiled. Not his usual awkward grin, but one full of determination. The smile of someone who already had a plan.
"Don't worry… I've got a trick up my sleeve."
Seri and Ayame exchanged confused looks. They had no idea what kind of crazy idea Kaito was hiding, but that smile alone was enough to make them believe that somehow, everything would be all right.
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To make up for the long wait, I've decided to turn this weekend into a special release event:
Friday: Chapter 10-2
Saturday: Chapter 10-3
(Maybe) Sunday: Epilogue + the beginning of Volume 2
It's my way of thanking you for your patience and support. I hope you enjoy this little marathon of Kaito's story, and that the transition from Volume 1 to Volume 2 will be as exciting for you as it has been for me while writing it.
Thank you for being here!