After everything that's happened, I still couldn't achieve any real success… No, no, I shouldn't think like this. I saved two lives, after all. Even though I don't know how I did it, I feel like this power will be my key. Yet, no matter how hard I try to use it, nothing happens. But at least, I've started to get the hang of my healing magic.

• "Hey, Taro, how was your day?"

• "If you're talking about the event, you should've seen how I raised that flag, bro. Only the orcs were a bit annoying, that's all."

Orcs, huh? Maybe I shouldn't mention the slime monsters… I don't want Taro making fun of me.

• "Ah, little bro, congrats on saving those two girls. Got any romantic vibes going on?"

• "Honestly, even if you see it as a success, I couldn't even complete the event…"

• "Don't worry, brother. You've got potential. You're the only one who could surpass me. I see you as both my rival and my brother, so make sure you keep growing."

Taro's words snapped me out of it. After thanking him, I rushed to class. By sheer luck, I spotted Ren ahead.

• "Hey, Ren! Wait up!""Kaito, my friend.""Normally, you'd be the one running after me. Looks like we've switched roles."

A small smile crept onto my face.

• "Kaito, as much as I'd love to chat, I've got to get to class."

• "Ah, yes, class... Sorry, I'm in the same boat."

• "What could they even be teaching in Class C? Honestly, I think it's pointless for you to go. You should stay and help your father instead."

• "Ren, my friend, I won't stay where I am. My eyes are set higher. Even though I'm in Class C now, I'm sure I'll surpass even you, buddy."

I smiled as I said that, but Ren's fake smile and half-hearted response told me everything.

• "Of course, friend. Now, I really must go."

I've realized that even true friendships are only as deep as your status. Nothing has gone right since I came to this academy.

Can something finally go smoothly for once?

I entered the classroom, and there they were—the ones who betrayed me. They looked at me with fear in their eyes, trembling. It fueled my determination, and I realized a terrifying grin had spread across my face. I knew my personality was changing. I quickly reverted to my old self and sat down in my seat. Soon after, the guy who had defended the red team's flag spoke up:

• "Look at the villager. How are you not dead? You've got something, huh? I heard about what you did. Guess those idiots couldn't even take out someone as easy as you."

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• "You're just all talk. Next time, why don't you come and finish the job yourself?"

• "YOU STUPID VILLAGER, YOU'RE DONE! I WON'T LET YOU OFF THAT EASY! I'LL BEAT YOU SO BAD, YOU'LL BE HEALING YOURSELF FOR DAYS! HAHAHA!"

• "Please, I'll be waiting…"

Even in my own class, I don't feel safe. It's as if the whole world is turning its back on me. Everyone I care about is drifting away…

Lina hadn't shown up yet, and I couldn't spot Anya anywhere either. Our annoying teacher had finally arrived.

• "Sit down!""Yesterday's event was unfortunate. Some injuries occurred, but our hero Kaito came to the rescue, as always. Our little angel."

The sarcasm in the teacher's voice was obvious.

• "As a reward for the event, the winning team will receive five points each. Congratulations to those on the red team. Once you reach 100 points, you'll be able to move up a class. Every positive action you take will return as contribution points. Now, let's begin the lesson…"

The teacher talked about how to use our magic, their levels, and the current heroes. He mentioned Zorin, Valkyra, Kaelis, Aetheron, and Seraphina. Briefly, about the heroes:

Zorin: A powerful melee wizard, known for enhancing his massive swords with buffs, proving himself on the battlefield.

Valkyra: Said to be immortal. Not much is known about her, but she's always seen on the frontlines.

Kaelis: An incredible fire mage, the only one who can shape flames. Her beauty is also said to be remarkable.

Aetheron: From the backlines, he alters the course of battles with his magic arrows and sharp eyesight. Rumor has it he sold one of his eyes to the devil.

Seraphina: Like me, she's blessed. But unlike other healers, blessed healers hold a special place. (Not that I've found my own place there, but that's another story.)

Above all five heroes, there's a power greater still. The Wizard of Wizards, protector of the city, head of the school—Sorano Eldryn. Just saying his name sends chills down my spine.

Class had ended, but my thoughts were still on Anya. I decided to check the infirmary, but I couldn't find her. When I asked the doctor, he said she was fine and had already left. I felt relieved, but Lina was still nowhere to be found. I wandered around a bit more before deciding to go back to the infirmary, hoping they might know something.

• "Excuse me, Doctor."

• "Back again, Kaito? What do you need this time?"

• "Actually, I was hoping to get Lina and Anya's room numbers. Do you know them?"

• "Of course, I do. I know almost all of yours. You're frequent visitors here."

• "Could you tell me?""Normally, it's against school rules, but for you, I'll make an exception. Just keep it between us."

He gave me the room number, and I hurried to Lina's room.

Knock knock knock

Knock knock

• "Who the heck are you, banging on the door like that?"

• "I-I'm…"

• "Let me guess. You're Kaito, right? Lina told me about you. The hero from Class C, the village hero."

Another annoying character…

• "I'm just here to check on Lina and make sure she's okay. I'm not here to cause any trouble.""Lina's not here, by the way. But you're kinda cute. Wanna come inside?"

What kind of offer is that?!

• "Ah, no, thanks. I'm good, really.""Your face is all red. You're still a virgin, aren't you, Class C hero?"

I said nothing and quickly ran away. I'm so embarrassed!

The thought of going to the place where Lina and I first met crossed my mind. It was the last place I hadn't checked. I should've just gone there first… But at least now I know her room. As I got there, I saw her lying on the grass, gazing up at the sky.

• "LINA! LINA!"

Can she not hear me?

• "Hey, Lina."

I walked up to her, and her eyes were red from crying.

• "Lina, what's wrong? I've been looking for you all day."

• "Kaito, don't waste your time on me. I'm not worth it. After all, we're just village folk, right? We even call each other that."

• "Please, just tell me what happened."

• "That group from our class, the ones on the red flag team, three of them came after me. I was so scared, Kaito… I thought they were going to kill me."

Suddenly, she hugged me. My anger mixed with my sympathy, and I hugged her back as tightly as I could.

• "We're the only ones who truly understand each other. Don't worry, Lina. As long as I'm here, no one's going to hurt you. And if they try…"