As I stepped onto the school route, the familiar status window began to appear before my eyes. What’s next? A quest, maybe?
[Calculating Grand Route Ending Achievement Rate..]
So it’s not in real time, huh?
[Kainel♡Ariel 12%]
[Congratulations! Starting the First Step!]
[I’ll give you some advice as a reward!]
[- Joining a club might bring you some good fortune!]
“..I still can’t adjust to the pink color.”
So do I just need to fill their affection to 100%? The heart icon increased again. Yuck.
“At least they’re not making me fight the Demon King…”
That’s too much for my body right now. Unless I do something crazy, I guess. With a scowl, I moved forward.
Along the way, familiar faces came into view.
“Oh, it’s the Helm Guy!”
“Licht, you wore your helmet to the entrance ceremony too?”
It was Kainel with his blonde hair, and Ariel with her red hair. Now, they’re pretty close to each other. Shall I test their affection for me?
“Wait a minute, Ariel. Do you know what the favorite mineral of the horned duck is?”
“What is it?”
“Oreichalcon.”
“Are you crazy..?”
“…? What does that mean?”
Good. No affection there.
Kainel’s expression was full of disdain and disgust. Looking at Ariel’s confused reaction, I could see that.
At least I could probably get closer to the Saintess route. A worry at the back of my mind settled down.
The cat-like face of a guy who looked like he bit into a stone while eating can be easily ignored. If he laughed, it would mean he liked me.
“..You better not crack jokes again from now on.”
“Understood.”
“Wait, what does that even mean!”
As I was walking side by side with the two of them, we soon arrived at the academy.
*
‘It’s really big. Is this the Empire’s Academy?’
It was just mentioned in the previous works; I didn’t expect much.
Ten heroes were sculpted in statues occupying the center of the school, behind which stood two steel wolves guarding the school gate.
A place showcasing the history of the Grancia Empire.
A crossroads for characters from the original story and the sequels, the starting point for heroes.
The entrance ceremony at Grand Hertz Academy was being held.
‘So that’s the Ten Heroes. My master really looks young.’
In the rough stone statue stood a young man wielding a western sword as tall as himself.
Dragon Slayer Drake.
He looks cool like this, doesn’t he?
‘Except during physical training…’
“Wow, is the person at the top the Emperor?”
“I see the first Saintess here too.”
Countless people filled the square. I was trying to see if there were any white-haired ones. Why not? The Wolf Eared Saintess could be here as well. There must be a reason for attending the academy.
“Ah, Licht. Doesn’t seem like there’s any white-haired ones?”
“..Please keep that a secret.”
“What are you suddenly saying? Kain?”
As I turned my head suddenly, Kainel was grinning as if it was revenge from a few days ago. I won’t crack another lame joke again. Help!
“It’s a secret between men.”
“Is it about another girl?”
“…”
You just broke it. Thinking that I got hit back by Kainel, someone walked out before the podium.
“I am Laplace, the president of Grand Hertz Academy.”
This guy finally shows up.
One of the Ten Heroes who stopped the continent’s wars. A hero shining with the seventh rank of battle power.
‘Librarian Laplace.’
Seeing a long-time acquaintance, I felt strangely pleased.
“My abilities are quite modest.”
“Indeed, I have the power to turn on and off a fire without touching it.”
It may seem trivial, but…
“However, thanks to someone very special to me─”
Snap.
The sound of fingers snapping.
“I have reached this level.”
Suddenly, the entire area turned dark.
A total solar eclipse.
“What the… it suddenly got dark!”
“The president’s ability is real!”
“This is getting scary..”
“Indeed, he is one of the Ten Heroes!”
“Look! The sun is black!”
‘What a crazy ability.’
The area erupted in chaos due to this phenomenon.
As he snapped his fingers again, the light returned.
“Therefore, our academy’s motto is as follows.”
“Find what’s precious, what must be protected, and what must be done.”
He really is a pure-hearted guy. Those three words all point to one woman. I guess I don’t need to help.
“May the blessing of the deity Akasa be with the new students!”
“Whoa!!”
“Yayyyyy!!!”
Thus, the brief entrance ceremony ended. Among the cheering audience, we briefly conversed.
“..The entrance ceremony is quite splendid.”
“Can I really become a magician like that?”
“You certainly can.”
Thinking of the feats from [Black Heart], I nodded. You two are also overpowered characters, so it’s probably possible. I know because I’ve been without you.
“What are you going to take, Licht?”
“Magic.”
“I’m also taking combat magic! How great! Helm Guy! Kain!”
I should take the chance to learn some magic this time.
We three were in the same class. Luckily, it seems I won’t have to sit in a toilet during lunch like in reality. What luck.
‘Huh?’
As I looked at the names of the professors posted on the notice board, I was astonished. They’re not revealing their surnames. They must be hiding their backgrounds for the sake of equality.
That’s certainly innovative.
Leaving that thought behind, I headed to the classroom with the Hero couple.
*
A tall man with blue hair and impressive white aura entered the classroom, walking unsteadily as if drunk.
“Nice to meet you, everyone. I’m the one in charge of [The Basics of Combat Magic].”
“You’ve probably heard, but my name is Dennis.”
The protagonist from part one of [Night Heart].
He’s here as a professor. He must already be of a graduated age.
‘Drunken Dennis.’
..I can’t touch this guy yet.
A slight unease crept in.
He was the first character I encountered when playing the game, but he can’t help me if I don’t catch the Demon King. Is there truly no way?
“I believe a person only changes once they reach their limits.”
I wracked my brain for possible solutions, but it was still impossible.
“So today, we will lightly explore what your specialties are…”
At that moment,
Suddenly, clunk. The back door swung open with a thud. A strong presence was felt.
A giant, crystal-like figure walked into the classroom.
Wearing polished armor and a helmet, with a thin sword on his back. From head to toe, he sparkled like a character out of a fairy tale.
Dressed in a white ensemble, it had a shiny sheen.
What the heck is that…?
I had never seen a character like this before. If the game introduced a character like that with a sudden appearance…
‘Is he the protagonist of the third installment?’
That’s how it always was in the first and second parts. It implies he’s someone significant. As a gamer, I sensed it clearly. This is why I was told to come to the academy.
“…I apologize for being late.”
The enormous figure stooped halfway. Don’t bow. It’s scary.
“..Your name?”
“I’m Mardol.”
“Ha.. right, just sit for now.”
Rubbing his temples as if his head was throbbing, Dennis said.
The mysterious knight took the empty seat next to me with a thud.
‘I must definitely lead him toward a love story.’
I confirmed it with his desperate naming sense. I have to take that path.
The main story of [Night Heart Trilogy] revolves around love.
The status window I saw today was pointing that way too. The name ‘Mardol’ had never appeared in any of the games I played.
Two helm-wearing individuals in one classroom. What a bizarre coincidence.
“What? Are they a set?”
“Quiet, it’s class time.”
“One’s a Black Knight, the other… a White Knight? It seems more like glass though.”
“Well, let’s just call him Glass Knight.”
“Don’t they know each other? How could there be two of them in one class?”
I can hear everything. I don’t know him either.
Do you know how awkward it feels to greet someone while thinking they’re a friend, only to find out they’re someone else? That’s how I felt now.
Unbothered by the whispers and glances, the person sitting next to me spoke up.
“Hey, are you Licht?”
He spoke with the tone of someone conversing in a cave.
Maybe that’s why his voice felt closer to a man’s.
“Yes. What’s up?”
‘You mistook me. Agh.’
As I caught a glimpse of the golden eyes shining faintly from within his helmet, I barely managed to hide my inner thoughts and replied.
A giant knight was talking to me. This is terrifyingly dangerous. I started to sweat.
“Got it.”
As soon as he heard my reply, Mardol focused on the class. After that, he didn’t engage me again.
What’s up with that? Don’t talk about something only you know.
How did he know my name?
“Huh, you look kind of like Helm Guy?”
“Is that a trend in the empire? Should I try it too, Ariel?”
“Stop it, Kain. You’ll end up ugly.”
Finding it funny that someone resembling me appeared, the heroic couple behind me laughed. I made a mental note. You little mutt.
*
“So today, we need to find out what your special talent is.”
Dennis drew a small circle on the blackboard, a protective spell he frequently used in the game. Then he pointed at a student.
The magician who had striking red hair. It was Ariel.
“Ariel, what’s your specialty?”
“Fire Magic!”
She exclaimed with her eyes shut tightly. She certainly seemed confident.
“So what do you think that is?”
“I think it’s a magic that controls flames!”
Dennis placed his chin on his hand. It seemed like an unsatisfactory answer.
“Is there anything apart from controlling fire?”
“..Uh, well.”
The white aura started to gleam.
“Uh, so…”
“Time’s up. Fire magic is a type of magic that thoroughly disregards ‘law’.”
He shook his head.
He always liked practical theories; that’s typical of him.
“You don’t need a physical object, and you can create flames even over ice at low temperatures. Moreover,”
As he created a small flame and ice ball in the air, he continued.
“..a skilled fire magician can freely use their magic even underwater.”
Magic is indeed overrated.
Seeing an ember burning inside ice was impressive.
“So then, what exactly ignites the fire for this to be possible? Ariel?”
“Mana… ignites it?”
She cowered like a startled cat.
“Correct. You have some common sense.”
“Thus, mana fundamentally grants properties that ignore reality concerning magic, swordsmanship, spirit magic, and divine power.”
Hearing Dennis’s explanation, I felt gloomy. Guess what? I don’t have mana.
“[Water Ball].”
A water orb formed in the palm of his hand.
“In my case, I twist water magic a little, like this. I can use it as alcohol. You students have likely undergone your coming-of-age ceremony, so you should be able to drink.”
The transparent water changed to a blood-red hue.
The scent of wine spread. The red water orb spun in the air. A slight whiff of alcohol started wafting.
“One component of the basic ‘concept’ of water is that it vaporizes at room temperature. This applies to wine too, but…”
The amount is on another level.
As Dennis clenched his fist, the orb popped like a balloon, and the classroom filled with the rich aroma of grapes.
“With just water magic, I can possess capabilities no less than another magician.”
He unfurled his palm, recapturing the magic, and drops of water swirling in the air returned to his hand and vanished.
“Ariel?”
“Yes, four!”
“Now, would you like to try using fire magic?”
Once he confirmed there were no problems, he opened his mouth.
“[Fire Ball].”
As she completed the incantation, a huge fireball the size of a human head emerged from her hand. It was a bit hard to control the power.
Watching that, Dennis maintained a calm demeanor.
“Quite a large amount of mana.”
‘As expected, she’s really overpowered.’
Ariel truly had talent rivaling that of wizards from the mage tower. Thinking back to how strong she was as a magician in the hero party made me reminisce.
To be honest, one area of effect spell was incredibly impressive.
“What do you think the basic concept of fire is? Ariel?”
“Light?”
Her eyes sparked with life.
“Correct. So what are some representatives of that?”
She pondered for a moment.
“The sun, fireworks, candles..?”
“Then, thinking of fireworks, focus on the fact that it shines; don’t think about the heat.”
“I’ll give it a try.”
As she closed her eyes and focused, multicolored sparks began to emerge from her hand.
It was magic in three colors: red, gold, and blue.
Oh, so this is what we learn here. Watching her demonstrate her ultimate skill for the first time, I felt a swell of admiration.
I recalled when the Hero’s Holy Sword made its appearance as we defeated the Demon King’s minions.
‘But wait, those sparks look a lot like Kainel’s hair and eye colors.’
As Ariel looked at the flames, her face flushed a bit. Is it true that magic reflects the state of one’s mind? It was oddly fascinating.
In the game, I never paid attention because it was too flashy.
‘Huh?’
Something strange caught my eye.
A tiny boy’s face was trying to surface above the various colored flames. Hold up, isn’t that the mutt?!
“Stop. You’re doing well. Next week, we’ll do mock battles using our specialties.”
Thankfully, a calamity was averted. If Dennis hadn’t stopped the magic, it could’ve been a disaster.
Ariel also let out a breath of relief. She was close to publicly confessing in class. What a moment!
“Today’s lesson ends here since it’s the first day. Enjoy your lunch.”
Watching Dennis seem intrigued, he soon wrapped up the class.
I guess it’s common sense to end the first class early.
Thank you. Indeed, [Night Heart] is the best.
‘But I can’t use magic? I’m doomed. I can’t even emit an aura, and the master scolded me for that.’
Suddenly reminded of my position, I felt despair.
At that moment, I heard voices from behind me.
“Your fire colors were really pretty, Ariel. That was impressive!”
“Uh, uh, yeah. It became pretty easy. Kain, you’ll probably do it quickly too, right?”
Two boys and girls were chatting while sitting on their seats—the Light Hero and the Flame Magician.
I was in disbelief. After witnessing that magic, Kainel was still hesitating.
Feeling that my future looked bleak, I almost slipped out something harsh.
‘Do you really have no awareness? Kainel?’
I correct myself. Our mutt here doesn’t have awareness; he’s completely unaware.
Sighing, I approached them to engage in conversation.
“Um, Ariel. Do you know that magic represents the mind?”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“It’s just that a little earlier, Kainel’s face…”
At that moment, I stopped my conversation.
“HYAAAAAAAK!! Helm Guy, are you insane? That’s impossible!”
Two hands clamped down on my mouth above the helmet.
She screamed, her face as red as a strawberry.
“Did you just call for me? Licht?”
“Yes.”
“No! No way!”
Kainel, oblivious, just stared at me blankly.
‘Right.. what should I expect from 12% affection.’
I groaned inwardly. It wasn’t like we were just childhood friends who held hands. What were we, elementary kids?
This is pushing it, you know.
I have to link these two up, but my future going home looks grim. It’s not high school; it’s an academy.
They should manage their own romantic affairs! I kept cracking jokes on the side.
“I can speak! My mouth isn’t closed! Just now, Kainel….”
“..Helm Guy, you’re bringing this on yourself.”
“Ariel. Wait, what are you trying to do?”
“..? Why are you suddenly casting a spell?”
“[Fire Ball]!”
The surroundings began to heat up. My spine tingled. I forgot that a tsundere could be violent.
“AAHHH!! NO FIRE MAGIC ON THE HELM!”
“Shut up! I’m just saying it’s your turn to feel this!”
“Ariel, I’m curious about your spell. Let’s get back at you for that wagon incident.”
Finally, I managed to stop Ariel, who was trying to attack me with fire magic. I never knew it felt so miserable to be unable to use magic. I desperately apologized.
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Ariel! Just not fire magic!”
“It’s seriously sticking. What is this made of?”
“..Kainel, Licht, you two better meet me for lunch today.”
How upset can she be? She dropped our names from her address. I’m so doomed. What’s going to happen to my pure, black knight life at the academy?
Realizing my mistake, I bowed my head in regret.
*
Unbeknownst to me, someone beside me was watching this commotion closely.
“A unique person.”
She grew interested in the man wearing the Black Knight’s helm.
The wolf ears slightly drooped back.
