Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate!

Envi and Amelia's attacks clashed against each other, their Divine Magic colliding in a powerful explosion of energy. The entire training room was flooded with radiant light, the pressure almost overwhelming.

In my mind, I shouted, "Envi, you idiot! Hold back your power!"

"I know, damn it! I'm already holding back as much as I can!" Envi replied, clearly irritated.

We had to restrain the force of our power. The last thing we wanted was to hurt Amelia.

BAM!

Their clash came to a thunderous end. Smoke and dense mana residue lingered in the air. The walls of the training room were cracked, testifying to the sheer force of their collision.

King Aslan, who had been watching the entire match from the side, began clapping enthusiastically, thoroughly impressed and looking delighted.

Envi was still standing, albeit breathing a little heavily. A few moments later, Amelia's silhouette emerged through the fading light.

Her hands slowly released both of her weapons, the sacred sword Durandal and the holy axe Regalion, letting them fall to the floor with a dull clatter. She looked utterly exhausted.

Her body began to tilt backward. Envi quickly returned the katana Divine Dawn to the grimoire and rushed forward, catching her just before she collapsed.

"Amelia!"

THUD!

He caught her just in time, pulling her into a firm embrace. Concern was written all over his face.

"Hehe… I'm just teasing. I'm not going to faint," she whispered softly, smiling shyly. "I just… wanted to be held like this."

Envi let out a sigh of relief. "You should've said so. I'd hold you like this all night if you asked."

"I'll remember that," Amelia replied, flashing her signature yandere smile. It was clear she already had plans in mind.

"You've gotten a lot stronger, Amelia. I could feel your Divine Magic. It's grown several times more powerful. That's seriously impressive," Envi praised her sincerely.

"It's true… but I'm still not used to this level of power," she admitted, catching her breath. "I haven't reached my father's or my sister's level yet. I still have a long way to go."

"HAHA! That's the spirit! I love that fire in you. And hey, now that training is over... how about we go on a date?" Envi asked, blushing slightly.

I was stunned. Was this really Envi getting shy? Normally he would just be blunt and throw in some cheeky grin or lewd remark.

Looks like this perverted system really is falling for Amelia.

Amelia looked thrilled. She nodded excitedly, clearly happy with the idea.

"I'll do my best," she said with a glow in her cheeks.

"You really are amazing, my woman," Envi grinned mischievously. "Let me give you a little reward."

Before Amelia could even ask what he meant, Envi leaned in and kissed her on the lips. Amelia didn't hesitate at all—she kissed him back just as passionately.

And it wasn't a short kiss either.

They held each other close, lips locked for what felt like forever.

King Aslan, who should have interrupted the scene… didn't. Instead, he watched with sparkling eyes like a man fully immersed in a touching romantic drama. He even looked a little emotional.

Great, I thought. I'm literally the only normal person in this room.

…

Eventually, Envi gently let go of Amelia and told her he had to return to the hero training grounds. King Aslan smiled and invited him to visit again tomorrow.

Envi gave him a thumbs-up and laughed cheerfully before turning away.

"Alright, you damned system. Give me back control of my body already. We need to get back to training with Yunho and Mina-sama," I reminded him.

He paused for a moment, then replied, "You're right, Nao. We have training to do… Actually, I think I'll be the one training this time! HAHAHA! You take a break!"

"What the hell? That's unusual for you. What are you planning now, you damn system?"

"Nothing! I just want to train... and maybe sneak in a kiss with Serena or flirt with the Mercenary Queen, Mina-sama. Heuheuheu."

I immediately wrested control of the body back from him.

"You perverted idiot! I knew it!" I snapped.

He kept whining and complaining in my head, but I ignored him.

This perverted system... he really hasn't changed at all.

Not long after, I arrived at the heroes' training ground.

Runa was doing an amazing job. She was teaching Freya about her phoenix, Thermina, while also helping her with her bond to Byakko. I even noticed her getting along well with Serena and her familiar, Ei.

Even Cain—of all people—seemed to be genuinely listening to Runa's advice.

Wow... My familiar really is something special.

I called out to her, and she came running over to me.

"Great work, Runa," I said, gently patting her head.

Her cat ears perked up and her tail swayed happily.

"Hehe, thank you, Master," she said with a beaming smile.

She told me the heroes had been able to complete the training smoothly under her guidance.

I nodded and told her that it was already afternoon—it was time for the physical training session.

At that moment, Mercenary King Yunho and Mercenary Queen Mina-sama arrived.

All of us, including myself, lined up in formation.

Yunho announced that tomorrow's physical training would include others—people with potential to enhance their forced aura.

I nodded and confirmed the arrangements. I told them King Aslan had already sent letters to those individuals, and they were expected to arrive by tomorrow.

I had also sent a letter to the Blackmore family estate. I had personally requested Marius to come and train here.

Among all the Blackmore knights, I believe he has the greatest potential when it comes to aura manipulation.

Knowing Marius, he'll be thrilled to train here. He's a total muscle-head.

And with that, we resumed the usual hellish physical training led by Yunho and Mina-sama.

...

Night had fallen, and it was time for me to head to the magic laboratory.

Tonight marked an important meeting—one between the kingdom's top magical researchers and Edwin, the legendary blacksmith known for his extraordinary craftsmanship.

I hoped that together, we could successfully create the anti-teleportation magic device—something crucial for the future of our allied kingdoms.

But as I stepped into the lab, I was immediately greeted by chaos.

Edwin was already there—and he looked furious.

"What's going on in here?" I asked, glancing around the room at the tense faces.

"Um... Lord Naoki," Lyra said hesitantly, "Edwin-sama is saying he doesn't want to help us with the device."

"That's right," added Char with clear irritation in her voice. "This bald dwarf keeps insisting he won't make a magic tool like that."

I quickly walked over to Edwin. "Edwin, what's going on? You're the Miracle Head—ah, I mean Miracle Hand Edwin, the best blacksmith we have. Why would you refuse to help us with this?"

Edwin crossed his arms and looked away. "I don't have a specific reason... I just don't like that kind of magic tool."

That stunned me. Edwin was usually enthusiastic when it came to forging magical weapons or tools. He'd once repaired Freya's magic sword with passion in his eyes.

"But Edwin… we need your help. The future of Braveheart, Gildoria, and Solara may depend on this. You're our best hope."

Still, Edwin said nothing.

Both the Archmage Salvador and Xerion sighed in frustration. It was clear they'd already tried reasoning with him. Even the Saintess had attempted to persuade him, but to no avail.

I took a deep breath and approached him again.

"Edwin... please," I said quietly, locking eyes with him.

He let out a long, heavy sigh, then finally opened up.

"Lord Naoki… I'm not confident in the weapons and tools I make. I feel like I bring misfortune to those who use them." He clenched his fists tightly and added, "What if my creations aren't good enough? What if they end up causing more harm than good?"

The room fell completely silent. Everyone listened intently.

I asked gently, "Why do you feel that way, Edwin?"

"It's true, Lord Naoki," he replied. "Every time I forge you a katana or armor, you end up getting hurt. You've destroyed every piece I've made for you. I started thinking… maybe my craftsmanship just isn't up to par."

"I repaired Freya's magic sword, too… and even that ended up breaking in the end."

"I'm just... not as great as everyone thinks I am."

His head dropped low as he said that, voice full of doubt.

In that moment, I finally understood what had been weighing on him.

I placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Edwin… your work is more than just good, it's outstanding. I mean that. The weapons and armor you made didn't break because they were weak. They broke because I was up against enemies far stronger than I was."

He looked up at me, eyes slightly wide.

"Without your gear, I might not even be standing here. You also made me Divine Dawn, and it's still by my side, protecting me even now."

I drew the katana slightly from its sheath to show him the blade.

"Lord Naoki… I…"

"You have nothing to doubt, Edwin. Your creations have saved lives. They bring strength and hope, not misfortune. I believe in your hands more than anyone's. So please help us make this magic device."

I smiled gently and gave him a reassuring pat on the head.

Suddenly, Edwin, the grumpy, bald old dwarf, burst into tears and threw his arms around me.

"Huwaaaa!!" he wailed, hugging my leg tightly.

He only reached my waist, so it looked ridiculous… and incredibly awkward. I wanted to pull away, but everyone in the room shook their heads at me, silently telling me to just let him cry it out.

And so, I resigned myself to being his emotional support for the time being.

Eventually, Edwin calmed down and returned to his usual jolly self. He laughed heartily, proudly announcing that he would do everything he could to help build the anti-teleportation device.

Everyone praised him, which seemed to lift his spirits even more.

Seeing him smiling like that made me happy too. At least now, his confidence was back.

And honestly, he is amazing. If anyone can build something this critical, it's him.

...

..

.