Part 2
The bells rang throughout Astralis.
The palace doors opened slowly, and the procession began.
Kaito, hidden under a simple cloak with the hood pulled up, blended into the crowd alongside Seri. They stayed near a flower stall, surrounded by merchants and citizens waving white handkerchiefs in the wind.
—Are you okay? —Seri whispered, barely audible amid the bustle.
Kaito nodded, eyes fixed on the road.
—Yeah. I just want to confirm something.
The kingdom's banners fluttered proudly. Soldiers in ceremonial armor lined the streets, and fanfares echoed in the distance. The parade had begun.
The first carriage appeared, drawn by two beasts white as snow, adorned with golden ribbons.
—That's… —Kaito murmured.
A male figure leaned out the window, waving with one hand. His brown hair flowed in the wind, and on his chest gleamed a golden emblem shaped like an open book wrapped in magical chains.
—Hayato Aizawa… the "Hero of Wisdom" —Kaito muttered, with a grimace that never quite became a smile.
—He looks meticulous —Seri said, squinting—. The kind who analyzes his enemy before striking.
—He must be. I don't know him well, but he always claimed to be the smartest kid at school.
—So… the kind who self-declares a genius?
Kaito let out a faint snort.
—Yeah, something like that. But no one can deny his talent.
The applause continued to roar, passionate, as if that name meant something special to everyone.
To Kaito, it only brought back vague memories… and a quiet pang of disappointment.
—He was the first to look away when they cast me out —he added under his breath, more to himself than to her—. Not a word. Nothing.
Seri glanced at him sideways, her expression serious.
—Wisdom doesn't always come with empathy, it seems…
The crowd's cheers grew louder. Some even chanted his name.
Another carriage arrived. More modest. A red-haired girl with a stern expression stood tall, not waving, eyes fixed straight ahead.
—Miharu Takatsuki… the "Heroine of Combat" —Kaito whispered.
Seri watched her carefully.
—She doesn't seem to be enjoying this.
—No… She's like one of your tribe's warriors. Strong, straightforward… but not very expressive.
The third carriage followed soon after. A boy with silver hair leaned out, arms crossed, smiling with arrogance.
—Who's that? —Seri asked.
—Kouya Arisato. The "Hero of Leadership." Captain of the soccer team.
—And these three are the heroes the whole kingdom praises? —Seri said, doubtful.
Kaito didn't answer. He simply kept watching in silence.
The carriages passed through the grand plaza and disappeared into the palace. The doors shut behind them.
A tense silence fell over the city.
—Now comes the main event… —Kaito murmured.
—The royal family?
—Exactly.
Seri clenched her fists tightly. Kaito slightly lowered his head, still watching the palace.
—I knew it… —he murmured—. Mio was the one they discarded as a hero. They left a girl out just to keep those three "chosen" ones.
—Mio? —Seri asked, raising an eyebrow.
—Mio Tsukino… the Heroine of Healing. I don't know if they left her out because of her role or her age… But she didn't deserve that.
Seri was silent for a few seconds. Then, her expression changed completely. Her eyes burned.
—Let's go —she said firmly—. I want to see their faces when they lie to the whole world.
Kaito nodded. Together, they began making their way through the crowd, pushing toward the section where the royal balcony stood. It was the place where, at last, the heroes would be officially presented to the people.
As they moved closer, the guards grew more numerous… and more strict. Among them, Kaito noticed three figures that stood out from the rest—not because of their size, but because of their presence.
They were three women, visibly different from the other soldiers. Possibly demi-humans. One blonde, one red-haired, and one with dark skin and black hair.
They didn't wear heavy armor, but each radiated a unique energy. One looked like a warrior, the second dressed like a cleric, and the third had the calm air of a seasoned mage.
—Personal guards of the king…? —Kaito murmured.
Trumpets began to sound from the top of the balcony.
The entire plaza fell silent.
And then, he saw him.
The imposing king of Estelaris emerged with firm steps, stopping at the center of the balcony.
He was a man with graying hair and a majestic bearing, dressed in a military uniform embroidered in gold. His presence alone commanded respect. It was unclear if it was a magical ability… or simply a will so strong it could be felt in the air.
Kaito swallowed hard.
—So that's King Riden Tsukigami… We finally meet.
—That's the king of Estelaris? —Seri asked, surprised—. He was supposed to be present during the summoning…
—Which makes me even more suspicious. The Church is acting behind his back. And now I get it… —Kaito narrowed his eyes—. He's not someone you want to face head-on.
Just then, a familiar figure stepped out beside the monarch, standing at his side with false solemnity.
—Tch… that bastard —Kaito muttered, clenching his fists—. Marcel Delacroix… the high pontiff. The one who discarded me without even a second glance.
Noticing his tension, Seri gently took his arm—an anchor to keep him grounded.
From atop the balcony, the pontiff's voice boomed over the crowd:
—Children of Mizuki! Today we celebrate the arrival of our future saviors, the heroes who will lead us in the days to come… those who will keep the dark empire of Neheria at bay!
The crowd erupted in cheers. Flags waved. The trumpets rang again.
—The Church of Mizuki has blessed them —Marcel continued—. And their divine weapons, chosen by the moon goddess herself, are proof of their destiny.
The crowd roared with excitement. Kaito, however, felt every word tearing into his chest.
—They will join the Combat Academy of Aldoria —the pontiff announced—. And alongside the kingdom's top students, they will protect everything we hold dear.
—Let us give a warm round of applause to...
The fanfare swelled. The names rang out with strength:
—Miharu Takatsuki, Heroine of Combat and bearer of the Breaker Gauntlets!
—Hayato Aizawa, Hero of Wisdom, wielding the Chronoscroll Grimoire!
—And finally, Kouya Arisato… Hero of Leadership and bearer of the Shadowpiercer Bow!
The high pontiff raised his arms.
—Sadly, this year the goddess Mizuki has been more discerning than ever in her judgment. Due to her high expectations, only three heroes were deemed worthy of being summoned...
A murmur rippled through the plaza, though it was quickly drowned out by the next line.
—Fortunately, our Aldoria Academy gathers the finest warriors from across the continent. They will support these three chosen ones, guiding us to victory against the Empire of Neheria.
He paused for dramatic effect, then raised his voice one final time.
—Long live King Riden and his royal family!
—Long live the savior heroes of Estelaris!
—And may Mizuki bless you all!
The crowd burst into cheers and applause, unaware… that two names had been erased.
Kaito clenched his teeth.
He said nothing.
He simply turned around and began walking away from the plaza, his steps firm, his fists tight.
—Kaito, wait! —Seri called, stumbling through the crowd to catch up to him.
He didn't answer. He just kept walking.
Because sometimes, silence weighed more than any word.