Who Are The Real Heroes?

My so-called murderer, Eira, and I are on our way to an unscheduled school assembly. Starting about today actually, I have been sensing some incredible mana coming from somewhere so I'm assuming it might have to do something to do with that.

I originally thought it might have been myself after how many stats I gained after my extermination of all those monsters from the battle from the field trip. Either that or Ren. The power I've been sensing definitely is up there but nowhere near our level.

But neither me nor Ren are responsible for the sudden mana surge. So I guess I will have to wait to find out.

"Hey." I look over to Eira trying to get my attention next to me.

Now that I think about it this is the first time me and her have been left alone since our fight. Part of me wonders if it was on purpose.

"What's up?" I ask.

Eira lets out a sigh as we walk, "Look I just wanted to say I'm sorry for the whole murdering thing." She says bluntly.

Huh, a genuine apology. So now I'm confident this was a setup. I guess she was forced to apologize to me.

It seems Eira already sees how unconvinced I am and continues "Ok me and you have been off on the wrong foot since we met. From what I've heard from my ma- from Jade, she has said nothing but good things."

Did she almost call Jade her master? I guess that's what type of relationship they have.

She continues. "I would like to see that side of you Jade has talked so much about. If she likes you then I guess there's no reason for me not to." She looks away, slightly sad holding one arm.

You jealous? I almost say but don't. If I were Akari that might be something he says without thinking. However, this is a moment for myself to gain more allies. There is no need to ruin that by making a joke.

"It sounds like Jade means a lot to you. I won't act like I know what the deal is between you too but I will say that if you're cool enough to hang out with Jade then you're ok with me."

Eira looked at me, and her sad face faded away.

"I don't mind getting to know you better. The names Akari, nice to meet you Eira." I say to her, holding out my hand.

Eira's face brightens up a bit but it's only a bittersweet one as she shakes my hand. The moment is brief however as we are moved along into the school assembly room.

Once inside this big open space, we are able to sit and wait for everyone else leaving two seats open right next to me and Eira.

The location is outside with many benches and such laid out for the students with a stage in the front for everyone to look at. It doesn't take long for all the seats to get filled. I even see Ren…

She is not looking the best it would seem. Has she sensed the strange abundance of mana as well? Well, she is definitely going through something that's for sure.

Soon enough my attention changes to the arrival of Kira and Jade. Kira introduces herself by asking almost demanding to sit in my lap but after enough interjection, she sits down pouting. Jade on the other hand looks at me and Eira and seems to have a smug look on her face about something.

She doesn't need to say anything and sits between me and Eira.

The assembly continues when finally the speaker gets up to the stand and starts to speak.

"Thank you, students of Katursh Dai Academy. It's always a pleasure to see so many familiar faces," the speaker began, "I hope the recent field trip and snow day provided you with both enjoyment and a break from our rigorous schedule."

He shifted slightly, signaling a transition in his speech. "As most of you are aware, we're now at the midpoint of the year. This means the Initiation of Valor is upon us. This is the time when those among you who have demonstrated exemplary abilities are granted the opportunity for real-life experience outside the confines of our academy."

Taking a moment, he let the significance of his words sink in before continuing. "This battle experience, under the guidance of our most seasoned lecturers, will challenge you, push you, and ultimately, send you far beyond the academic knowledge you've amassed."

With a final look over the audience, he added, "Without further ado, let's commence with the announcement of the names. When you hear yours, please make your way to the stage with pride."

It's then he does just that. Many names are called including my own, Jade and Eira. Who would have thought she was a student as well?

In total 10 students were called to stand on the stage. However, there was one that didn't get up.

Ren continued to stay seated looking more sick than before. It seems after people tried to rush her up to the stage they realized how bad her condition was and were now continuing without her. Seems like Ren is going to go to the infirmary.

"Well, then," The speaker says, continuing his speech. "These students have shown some incredible skill, veracity, and power. Because of this truly remarkable talent, we felt it was only fair for them to be led by only the most powerful people in the land."

So this is where this mana was coming from.

"Please welcome the Heros!" The stage man says as he directs our attention to a male and female that have walked onto the stage. Everything about them even not talking about the raw power coming off them screamed heroes.

In a moment of shock for practically everyone, the heroes have arrived in the flesh. The crowd claps and cheers at their sudden arrival. Kira only starts clapping when I do.

Heh great to meet some more Vessels. I wonder what type of skills they possess from the gods.

There seem to be some bodyguards that follow the heroes as well. It's just some-

My hand is stopped before it is able to fully extend itself.

"Wha-what?" I looked down at my hand that was being restrained by Jade. When had I moved it? For what?

Jade gave me an odd look as she struggled to restrain my hand.

It took me a moment but soon I figured out what had just happened. One of the hero's guards was a wizard. A wizard that killed Mara. It would seem Akari would like to take his revenge so badly that he almost made me kill him instinctively.

Thankfully I am able to maintain my cool and my hand goes back to my side as if nothing had happened. My reasoning is not my caring for this wizard's life but more so about doing it so publicly.

It wouldn't ruin but definitely slow down my plans. Speaking of, by now I feel like I have enough power to enact it. Akaris's true goal.

Now that I know that this random wizard is here, he will die.

Thankfully I had enough self-control. I do however wonder what would have happened if-

Ren's body hurtles through the air, whipping past me.

I attempt to turn my head to keep up, but I'm unable to do so in time. By the moment I redirect my gaze towards her trajectory, she is already colliding with one of the heroes. Their bodies crash through the back of the stage, disappearing from sight.

Well, shit.