Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate!
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—my body now. When I first awakened in this world, it had been frail, unimpressive, and wholly unfit for the battles that lay ahead. The only redeeming quality had been its exceptional mana capacity. That, at least, had given me a thread to pull on. But after months of relentless training, discipline, and countless failures, the transformation was undeniable. The muscles I’d built weren’t just for show—they responded with precision and strength. My reflexes were sharper, my posture tighter, my aura more commanding. What once felt like an unworthy vessel was now the foundation of a Magic Knight.

I couldn’t help but wonder if Naoki—the original soul—had some inkling of this potential. Was that why this body had such monstrous mana reserves? Why it had remained undeveloped physically, as if waiting for someone to unlock its true form? I had asked Envi, my contracted spirit, but he had no answers. Whatever the truth, it was my responsibility now.

With my departure for the Academy imminent, I knew it was time to allocate my unused status points. I poured the majority into INT—intelligence was key, not just for complex Dark Magic incantations, but for understanding mana theory, enchantments, and the metaphysical structure of spells. The more I learned, the clearer it became that raw power meant little without refined control.

I left a few points unspent, a reserve for emergencies. There was danger in becoming too reliant on system-assisted growth. Natural growth, hard-earned and hard-learned, built a foundation no level-up could replicate. I wanted to shape my strength with intent, not let the system dictate who I became.

Even so, sometimes... I felt something stir within me. A sensation deep in the mana core, not just power, but memory—residue of Naoki’s forgotten self, perhaps? Or something older still, something awakened by my presence. I didn’t fear it, but I remained cautious.

...

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!

...

...

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