The next morning was too damn bright for Kyle's taste. Trumpets, banners, people yelling like they were about to witness god descend — the whole "Hero's Party Announcement" thing was a royal circus.
Kyle stood in line beside the others, hands stuffed in his pockets, half-awake, staring blankly at the golden confetti raining down. He was already regretting every life decision that led him here.
The hero, Evan Cross — cheerful, golden-haired, the kind of kid who actually liked speeches — was waving to the crowd like it was his wedding day. Beside him stood Lyra Aethren, the elf swordswoman who now had that annoyingly serene look whenever she glanced Kyle's way. Like she knew something the world didn't. Which, to be fair, she kinda did.
"Smile a little, man," Evan whispered sideways without moving his lips. "You look like you're attending your own funeral."
Kyle muttered, "Feels about right."
The announcer finished his long speech, the people screamed again, and the king lifted his goblet like it meant something. After the fancy words and royal waves, the ceremony wrapped up.
Later that afternoon, Evan rounded everyone up — away from the guards, the nobles, and the noise. Just the five of them now:
Evan, the golden boy hero.
Lyra, the calm elf with those sharp eyes.
Seraphina Lys Aurelian — yep, her — standing there with her arms crossed, all proud and royal for Kyle's confusion.
Then there was a tall guy in armor named Darius Venn, apparently a monster hunter turned S-rank bruiser.
And finally, Kyle. The chillest, most done-with-everything person in the room.
He turned to Seraphina instantly.
"What the hell are you doing here? You're not even an S-ranker. Did you bribe someone?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Excuse me? I earned my spot—"
He cut her off, waving a hand. "Yeah, sure. You, who couldn't even handle three drunk idiots outside an inn, are now one of the continent's top five. Makes perfect sense."
She crossed her arms, chin tilting up. "I could've handled them just fine. I simply didn't want to dirty my hands."
Kyle blinked. "…You're joking."
"I don't joke, Mister Kyle," she said flatly.
He exhaled through his nose, rubbing his temple. "Of course you don't."
There was a pause before he squinted at her again. "Wait. Where the hell's the dwarf? Burly old guy, loud, smelled like ale and iron? He was supposed to be on the damn list."
Seraphina sighed. "He became… unavailable."
Kyle stared. "Unavailable?"
She nodded like it was the most normal thing in the world. "The king personally asked me to fill his position. Apparently, I'm a more fitting representative of the Aurelian family."
Kyle dragged a hand down his face. "Yeah, right. A more fitting representative to give me a damn headache."
Evan and the others looked confused as to why they were fighting but will continue.
Evan clapped his hands. "Alright, since we're a team now, let's get to know each other properly! I'll start! Evan Cross, nineteen, human, officially the Hero apparently."
Lyra gave a faint smile. "Lyra Aethren. Elf. Three hundred twelve. Swordswoman."
Darius leaned back with a grin. "Darius Venn. Human. Thirty-two. If something's breathing fire or eating people, I'm the guy you send."
Seraphina flicked her hair, looking like she was born to make an entrance. "Seraphina Lys Aurelian. Human. Twenty-two. Noble blood, master of light magic, and the voice of reason, hopefully."
All eyes turned to Kyle.
He looked up from the mug of coffee he somehow had. "Kyle."
Silence.
Evan blinked. "...That's it?"
Kyle tilted his head. "What else you need, a life story? Fine. Human. Twenty-four. Likes coffee. Hates mornings."
Lyra gave him a quick side glance — just a flicker, almost unreadable. But that was enough. She knew he was lying through his teeth.
Seraphina sighed, muttering under her breath, "Unbelievable."
Kyle smirked faintly. "You get used to me."
Evan laughed, shaking his head. "Guess that's everyone. Hell of a mix, huh?"
Kyle shrugged. "Yeah. Let's just hope we don't kill each other before the demon lord does."
His thoughts were that they should get along now.
Almost.