Class Awakening Part Three

Kenta was the first to break the silence, running a hand through his hair with wide eyes.

"Holy crap, Miss Tanaka… You're a total badass now!"

Aiko's sharp gaze snapped to him. "Language, Kenta."

He coughed into his fist. "Er, I mean… You're a very impressive badass."

"Kenta," she warned, crossing her arms.

"Right, right! Uh… an extremely powerful and respectable individual?" he tried again.

Miko smirked. "You sound so fake right now."

Haruka, still processing everything, let out a low whistle. "No kidding, though… Freezing time? Bringing people back from the dead? Even the nobles look like they've seen a ghost."

Takashi rubbed his chin. "I don't know what's more insane—the fact that you have an SS-Rank class or that you actually have a resurrection ability. That's basically cheating in this world, isn't it? Guess we won't have to worry about dying with Sensei around."

Aya, who had been in the middle of taking a selfie with the glowing aftereffects of the crystal, paused mid-pose. "Wait, wait, wait. Does this mean Miss Tanaka is, like, literally the strongest support-type ever? Can we even lose fights with her around?"

Yuto adjusted his glasses, his mind already racing. "That depends. If her revival ability completely drains her mana and knocks her unconscious, she won't be able to revive multiple people in a single battle. But still… even one resurrection is an overwhelming advantage."

The heroes continued talking.

The king, still in shock, turned to his gathered nobles and advisors.

They exchanged glances before silently nodding, confirming what he already knew—this was both a blessing and a potential disaster.

Steeling himself, he stood and spoke firmly.

"Miss Tanaka," he called. "Step forward."

Aiko, still recovering from the sheer weight of her status, blinked and hesitated before obeying. As she reached the foot of the throne, she looked up at the king with a questioning gaze.

"I wish to grant you a noble title," the king said.

Aiko's eyes widened. "A noble title?"

The nobles looked pained, but they knew there was no other way.

"But… why?" Aiko asked, visibly surprised.

The king offered a composed smile. "This is simply a reward. With such overwhelming talent, I am certain you will be of great service to the kingdom."

The True Reason Behind the King's Offer…

In truth, the king wasn't simply rewarding her—he was tying her down to his kingdom.

If word spread that a summoned hero possessed the power to bring back the dead, the Holy Empire would inevitably make a move.

The kingdom lacked the military strength to resist them if they demanded her handover. However, by making her a noble, it became a political matter rather than a religious one.

According to the Imperial Scripture—the set of divine laws issued by the Holy Order—the Saint had once proclaimed a revelation from their god:

"Any kingdom that dares to destabilize another by kidnapping or coercing its nobles shall be met with holy war."

If Aiko became a noble, then any attempt to take her would be seen as an act of war against the kingdom. The Holy Order, despite its power, couldn't risk violating its own sacred law.

The king was using their own doctrine against them.

Aiko, unaware of this deeper strategy, still looked hesitant. She turned her gaze to her students behind her, who looked equally uncertain. However, the king's expression remained calm.

"Miss Tanaka," he said again, his voice firm. "Will you accept?"

Miss Tanaka took a look at her students who nooded, giving her the go ahead.

She took a deep breath, exhaled, then gave a respectful bow.

"V-Very well, Your Majesty. I accept your offer."

A pleased smile crossed King Yimdier's face.

"Excellent." He pointed to one of the knights nearby. "Bring me a blade."

A knight immediately stepped forward, kneeling before the king as he presented a ceremonial sword.

The blade was finely crafted, its silver surface engraved with the crest of Aradorn—a roaring black sea serpent. The king took it in hand and turned to Aiko.

"Step forward, Aiko Tanaka."

She obeyed, moving with measured grace before kneeling on one knee. The room was utterly silent.

The king raised the sword, tapping it lightly on her right shoulder, then her left, and finally resting it on the crown of her head.

"By the power vested in me as King Yimdier of Aradorn," his voice rang through the throne room,

"I grant you noble status under the name Lady Aiko Tanaka, the Starborn Sage of Aradorn."

"From this day forth, you are not only a hero of our kingdom but one of its honored nobility. May you serve Aradorn with wisdom, strength, and the brilliance of the stars."

With those words, he lifted the sword away.

Lady Tanaka lowered her head in a moment of solemnity before rising to her feet. She met the king's gaze.

"I will do my best, Your Majesty."

A knowing glint appeared in the king's eyes. "I know you will."

"I expect nothing less from someone of your caliber."

With that, he lowered the sword and handed it back to the knight before turning and making his way to his throne. As he sat down,

"Now then…"

"I believe there is still one last hero who has yet to awaken their power."

At his words, all eyes slowly turned toward Rikuya.

The young man was still leaning lazily against a pillar, his arms crossed as if none of this concerned him in the slightest. As attention suddenly directed his way, he let out a slow sigh.

"Please step forward, young hero," the king said with a smile, obviously a bit excited to find out the potential of the last hero.

Rikuya groaned from his corner as he lazily walked forward. "I don't know why… but I have a bad feeling about this…"

Kenta grabbed his arm, dragging him toward the crystal. "C'mon, man! Even Miss T got a cool class! You're gonna be awesome!"

The nobles held their breath. The last hero was about to awaken—what sort of surprise awaited them now?