Arthur glared coldly at the boy who stood beside him. Messy grey-black hair, dark circles under his eyes, and short on top it all. He looked entirely out of place next to him. Arthur Gale.
The perfect Prince.
His golden hair was swept neatly to the side, his uniform immaculate somehow despite the transfer. He had a divine face that this cretin was definitely jealous of.
Yet he dared talk so casually to him.
"Oh hello Arthur, or should I say...trashbin."
Adrian smiled as he saw Arthur grit his teeth beneath his gentlemanly smile before he simply pretended not to hear him and looked towards the still-smiling angel.
"Oh good, you two seem like very good friends. I'm honoured to have such great heroes who are willing to work together for the grand goal."
Adrian snorted.
"Yeah yeah, let's just tell us what we need to do to get this over with."
She seemed taken aback but she smiled nevertheless.
"As much as I appreciate the enthusiasm, nearly all of you have no combat experience. If you were thrust into the other world, you would die easily and all shall be for naught." She paused for a moment, letting the implications sink in.
Adrian nodded, stroking his chin in mock thoughtfulness.
"Oh, you think so?"
He added sarcastically.
"Well that is why you will be provided abilities and guidance to help you survive in this new world. We are not so heartless to...ah, what's the saying? Throw you to the dogs unarmed."
"But..."
Adrian's eyes narrowed.
"But what?"
"You all have to undergo a trial in order to gain access to the powers of the world."
At this a few of the students expressed their unease.
"Um, Miss Mara, do you really expect us to start fighting monsters for tests."
"Can't we just get the powers and start hunting monsters?"
"I was born a hero! You can't expect me to keep doing tests even after my isekai arc has begun!"
Maraele clapped her hands once, silencing them instantly.
"Do not worry. Not all trials require you to fight to pass. But even if it did, eventually you would have to fight to protect the world and yourselves. Then, there would be no opting out."
This caused an uncomfortable silence among the students.
"Each trial is different and will mostly focus on increasing your strengths and awakening your skills, so there is nothing to fear."
Arthur smiled as he turned to face his classmates.
"Lady Maraele is right. If we were to fail at the starting line, what use would we be in battle? Do not think of this as a hindrance but as a proving ground where we can show our true worth."
"Nicely put Arthur. You should also know that if you perform exceptionally well, you might get a blessing."
Adrian's eyes narrowed.
"Blessing? What's that?"
She smiled softly as she faced him.
"I won't be the only one watching your performance in the trials, other higher beings will be in attendance. And if you're lucky enough to catch the eye of one, you might get a blessing from said entity."
Adrian noted how the word entity seemed to carry a bit more weight.
"Just one more question."
"Yes, Adrian?"
"Where's Rael?"
There was a brief silence before the other's eyes widened as they just realised that Rael wasn't among them.
Maraele's eyes seemed to narrow slightly behind the blindfold before she answered, her voice a bit regretful as she nodded slowly.
"Ah, good in you for noticing. Bonds like these are important in life. But... it's truly a shame no one else seemed to care."
"Don't dodge the question." He said flatly.
Arthur turned to him with a stern look, his voice low.
"Devon be respectful."
"Shut it, trashbin." Adrian didn't even spare him a glance.
"Very well. I meant to tell you earlier but Sir Deth will not be joining us."
Arthur's face seemed to twitch as he heard the way she referred to Rael.
"Sir...Deth?"
"Although you all should know him as Rael. He is currently undergoing his own trial but will, unfortunately not be joining you."
"And why is that?" Adrian asked.
"That, I cannot tell you."
Adrian sighed before walking back towards the group.
"That's enough for me. You can start the trial or whatever now."
Maraele nodded before clasping her hands together as if praying. Suddenly, a large circle of light appeared beneath the group, rippling with a strange translucent energy.
Slowly, the light began to build up and intensify in strength until Adrian could barely see anyone, yet he somehow felt a strange disconnect. As if he was alone in that white light.
"Say... Maraele, does this world we are going to have anything to do with DDS?"
For a moment, there was no answer. He even thought that she wasn't going to reply or couldn't.
But then he heard a soft voice chuckle ahead of him before seeing a golden wheel appear momentarily in his vision before vanishing like a mirage.
"Maybe~"
He chuckled helplessly.
"That motherfucker."
Then the light was no more.
[The trial of Heroes has begun.]
[Participation confirmed.]
[You have been selected to participate in the Trial of Heroes.]
[May your light shine brightest in the Void, Hero Adrian.]
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[Ka%os: As long as there's not another 'dungeon grind' (●__●)]
[E#d: Author's promised no more witches.(ー_ー゛)]