Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Darwitz, the long-awaited Hero Academy's final exams had finally come to an end. The last test was a dangerous and challenging one — students were sent into real dungeons filled with monsters to prove their strength.
As expected, Aoto came out on top once again. He defeated several S-rank monsters on his own, earning the highest score among all the students. Even though he had lost his new legendary weapon, the Sword of Lust, to Orihime, it didn't stop him. With his unique skill, Reality Warping. It was san flexible skill that could both used as offense and defense.
After Aoto, the second-highest rank belonged to Chiyoko Hiiro. His score was just a little below Aoto's. Normally, he might have been able to surpass him — especially since he had recently obtained the Legendary Sword of Athena — but Chiyoko had been pushing himself beyond his limits.
He had copied a terrifying move known as "Cosmic Punch", used by none other than the Third Demon King, Asmodeus. Using his own unique skill, Imitation, Chiyoko could copy what he saw. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't use Cosmic Punch at even 1% of its true power. Every time he attempted it, his bones cracked and his muscles tore apart, leaving him in unbearable pain. Still, he never stopped training. Every single day, he stood up again — bloodied, shaking, but determined.
Because of this harsh training, he hadn't been in his best condition during the final exam. Yet, he didn't regret it. For Chiyoko, becoming the top student wasn't as important as becoming someone strong enough for Scarlett to notice — and maybe even acknowledge him as a friend.
Today was the last lecture at the Hero Academy. After this, the students would be free — to explore the world, challenge dungeons, join the army, teach new students, or become adventurers. Their choices would shape their destinies.
At the front of the classroom stood Teacher Zenith, a middle-aged man with calm eyes and a faint smile. As he looked around at the familiar faces of his students, nostalgia filled his heart. Two years had gone by so quickly — filled with laughter, failures, victories, and growth.
"Dear students," Zenith began, his voice steady but emotional, "the time has come for us to part ways. I hope many of you have found inspiration in the heroic deeds of Aoto and Chiyoko — their courage in facing demon kings shows what humans are capable of."
He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in.
"Remember," he continued, "heroes are not just the ones who are summoned or blessed by goddess. Even an ordinary person can become a hero if they achieve something great for humanity. I believe this generation — your generation — will be the one to defeat all evils and make history."
A soft silence filled the classroom. Some students smiled proudly; others looked nervous, knowing the peaceful days of learning were now over.
Zenith's gaze slowly swept across the room — they landed on aoto and Chiyoko.
"Aoto, Chiyoko!" Zenith called out. Both of them stood up immediately.
"As summoned heroes, it is your destiny to lead your parties and defeat the demon kings, just like the heroes of the past," Zenith said slowly, his tone calm but filled with weight. "However, we can't just send you anywhere without careful planning."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "That's why I have two important missions prepared. Each of you will take one."
Everyone in the classroom leaned forward with interest.
Zenith raised his hand and explained the first mission. "In the eastern lands, the territory of demon realm that parallels the Kingdom of Armament, a new ruler has appeared — claiming herself to be the Seventh Demon King. You will lead a team there to defeat her. Of course, you'll need the consent of your party members. You cannot force anyone to follow you."
Before anyone could react, Zenith moved on. "The second mission is related to the First Demon King. Recently, some adventurers discovered a strange castle deep within his old territory. According to legends, that place is the true home of the First Demon King. But… no one who entered that castle has ever returned."
The classroom fell completely silent. The air turned heavy.
"The First Demon King is ancient demon — An old fox that's alive for more than ten thousand years. A true monster of wisdom and power. So this mission is extremely dangerous. We need one of you to go there, observe the castle, and, if possible, peek inside to find out what lies within, No need to go inside if you are not confident."
Zenith's tone softened slightly. "Now that Queen Scarlett rules that region and is known to be friendly with humans, you may request her assistance."
After finishing, he looked at both of them seriously. "So, which one of you will take which mission?"
From the outside, it was clear that the second mission sounded far more dangerous. Sneaking into the home of the First Demon King — when not a single soul had ever come back alive — sounded like certain death.
Compared to that, defeating a so-called "new demon king" seemed much easier.
Who's know she might just be a fraud.
But in truth, the second mission was actually the safer one — at least for Aoto.
After all, the "Queen Scarlett" that Zenith mentioned was his best friend. She would surely help and protect him. Not that he needed protection, because long ago, Scarlett had written a letter saying she was training under the First Demon King himself. That meant they knew each other personally. If Scarlett was there, sneaking into the castle wouldn't be dangerous at all.
However, Aoto had to hurry. If Chiyoko chose that mission first, his plan would be ruined.
And then, as if to seal his luck, Chiyoko raised his hand confidently. "I'll take the first mission! I'll lead a party to defeat that fake demon king!" he declared proudly.
He didn't pick the first mission because the second was too hard — no, he chose it because he wanted to prove himself. To defeat a demon king-level opponent with his own strength and his team's power.
In comparison, the second mission — sneaking around and spying on an old castle — didn't sound brave or heroic to him.
Aoto quietly let out a sigh of relief, though he kept his expression calm. Inside, he was happy.
Zenith turned to Aoto. "You don't have any problem with Chiyoko's choice, right?"
Aoto smiled faintly and shook his head. "No. I'll gladly take the hardest mission." said proudly.
"Good," Zenith nodded. "You can now choose your party members. Each team can have up to five people. Of course, you can finalize the members later if you wish."
Aoto nodded slowly, already thinking about whether he should go alone or bring a few of his girlfriends with him.
But before he could even decide, Chiyoko spoke up loudly, wasting no time at all.
"I want Princess Ingrassia in my team!" he declared confidently.
Aoto's lips twitched a little. "This little…" he muttered under his breath, but he stopped himself from saying more.
Princess Ingrassia turned her head slightly and looked at Aoto, as if silently asking for his permission. Seeing her unsure expression, Aoto used telepathy to speak directly into her mind.
"Do you want to go?" he asked calmly.
"I guess so," Ingrassia replied softly in his mind. "It feels like a good chance to grow stronger."
Her tone was honest and filled with determination. She wanted to improve herself—to reach the same level of strength as Irish someday. This mission sounded like a great opportunity for that.
Aoto let out a small sigh. "Okay then, go," he said finally, giving her his approval.
Ingrassia smiled faintly and nodded toward Chiyoko, giving her consent to join his team.
Chiyoko grinned with satisfaction and immediately turned toward Prince Richard—the second prince of Almeida, the same boy who once tried to bully Scarlett on the first day of the academy.
Richard, who had long since realized his mistake and even apologized to Scarlett many times, jumped up with a spark in his eyes. "Heck yeah!" he shouted without hesitation. His cheerful and energetic nature hadn't changed, even if he was no longer the spoiled prince he used to be.
Meanwhile, in the back corner of the classroom, someone else was secretly the happiest person there—Irish.
As always, she was sitting quietly in the last seat, completely hidden by her stealth skill. No one could even tell she was present unless she wanted them to.
Her mind wasn't in class, though. She was half asleep, her cheeks a little red, softly giggling to herself.
Because today was finally the last day of the academy.
After this, she would be free to go wherever she wanted—and she already knew exactly where that was. DreadHaven. The place where Scarlett was. The person she longed for.
Her heart fluttered just thinking about it. Soon, she began daydreaming about their wedding.
In her imagination, she stood beside Scarlett in a beautiful church. Both of them wore elegant white gowns. Scarlett's alluring figure looked breathtaking in that dress—so perfect that Irish felt her heartbeat quicken just looking at her.
Then the priest smiled and said, "Do you accept this marriage, Irish Heartfilia?"
Irish blushed and whispered shyly, "Yes…"
But suddenly, Scarlett's face changed—turning into Chiyoko's face instead.
He smiled brightly and said, "Thank you so much for your cooperation!"
Irish's eyes flew open wide in shock. Her beautiful daydream shattered like glass. She blinked, realizing that everyone in the classroom was staring at her—and Chiyoko was standing right in front of her.
In reality, Chiyoko had just asked her to join his team… and she had accidentally said "yes" out loud while lost in her fantasy.
The reason Chiyoko had come to her in the first place was simple—he knew just how strong she was. During the first-year competition, she had defeated him and his team single-handedly. Even now, her exam was third, Right after Aoto and Chiyoko himself.
The only reason people forgot about her was because of her stealth skill. She could hide her presence so completely that even teachers sometimes forgot she existed.
But today, Chiyoko wasn't going to let her slip away.
"Yes! This is just like those classic Isekai stories!" he thought excitedly to himself. "The protagonist notices the quiet, introverted girl who secretly has amazing talent. Then she joins his team and slowly falls for him!"
His imagination ran wild for a moment before he shook his head. "I should've talked to her long ago. But it's fine—it's not too late now," he thought proudly and returned to his seat.
He had chosen four members so far, even though five were allowed.
"This is it," Chiyoko said with confidence. "We four will go!"
Meanwhile, Irish just sat there in shock, blinking in confusion.
She hadn't meant to say yes—but now, after agreeing in front of everyone, there was no way she could back out.