A New Nightmare Begins
It was a peaceful morning. Birds were singing. The sun was shining.
And Haru was hiding under a table.
"Why can't I just sleep in for once?" he mumbled, wrapped in a blanket like a burrito.
Knock knock knock!
"Lord Haru!" a maid called. "The king wishes to see you right away!"
Haru sighed. "If this is about fighting a dragon, I'm running away."
But it wasn't about a dragon. It was worse.
Much worse.
---
Welcome to Hero Academy
In the throne room, the king clapped happily.
"Hero Haru! We have decided to open a Hero Academy to train young heroes—and we want you to be the Guest Instructor!"
"…What?" Haru blinked.
"You're the greatest hero we've seen in a hundred years," the king said. "Who better to inspire the youth?"
"But I've never taught anyone anything!"
"Nonsense!" said a royal advisor. "You've shown leadership, wisdom, and incredible power!"
"I sneezed on a golem," Haru muttered.
"A legendary sneeze," the king said, nodding proudly.
Ding! [World Influence +3: Mentor of Heroes. Title unlocked: Accidental Teacher.]
"I hate this world."
---
Meet the Students
The Hero Academy was in a giant building made of white stone, with banners showing pictures of swords, dragons, and magic. Haru stood in front of a class of twenty students.
They were all staring at him like he was a god.
"This is Lord Haru," said the principal. "He will guide you."
Haru stepped forward. "Um… hi. I'm not really a teacher, but I'll do my best."
The students gasped.
"So humble!"
"Such a wise opening speech!"
"He's testing our focus with casual words!"
Haru blinked. "What?"
Ding! [World Influence +1: Inspiring Introduction. Student motivation increased.]
---
Lesson 1: Sword Fighting (Sort of)
"Okay," Haru said, holding a wooden sword, "today we'll practice basic swings. Like this!"
He swung the sword—but tripped on his shoelace and fell.
The sword flew through the air… and landed perfectly in the bullseye of a distant target.
The students froze.
"DID YOU SEE THAT?!"
"He used falling momentum to control the blade!"
"He's a master of chaotic motion!"
Haru groaned. "It was an accident…"
Ding! [World Influence +2: Inventor of Unpredictable Sword Style. Students gain new training technique.]
One kid whispered, "I will only fight while falling from now on."
---
Lesson 2: Magic
"Okay," Haru said. "Next is magic. I… don't really know magic, so just follow what you learned before."
"But we want to learn your secret style!" one student said.
"Yeah! The hidden aura magic you used to scare the bandits!"
"That wasn't aura! That was me tripping over a rock!"
They nodded seriously. "Rock Magic... genius."
Mina walked by, handing Haru a drink. "How's teaching going?"
"They think I invented Rock Magic."
"Sounds like they're learning a lot!"
Haru cried inside.
Ding! [World Influence +1: Magic Style Inventor. Title gained: Earth's Whisper.]
---
Unexpected Duel
During lunch, a new student entered the school.
He wore a black cape, had sharp eyes, and carried two swords.
"I am Riven," he said loudly. "Top graduate of the Northern Blade School. I've come to challenge the greatest hero."
Everyone turned to Haru.
"…Me?"
"You are the famous Bladebearer," Riven said. "Face me!"
"Can't we talk this out?"
"No. Only battle!"
Haru picked up a stick. "Fine. But I warned you—I'm very bad at this."
Riven charged.
Haru ducked in fear—and Riven tripped over Haru's foot and flew into a tree.
BOOM!
Riven groaned, stuck upside down.
"…Did I win?" Haru asked.
"HE DEFEATED RIVEN IN ONE MOVE!"
"UNREAL!"
Ding! [World Influence +5: Hero of the School. Title gained: Duelist of Destiny.]
The day started like any other—Haru hiding under a blanket, hoping the world would forget about him.
"I just want a normal day," he whispered. "No dungeons. No monsters. No royal quests."
Knock knock.
"Lord Haru?" said a cheerful voice. "The headmaster of the Royal Hero Academy has requested your presence."
Haru blinked. "Wait, school? What for?"
"They want you to give a speech."
"…I'd rather face another golem."
But ten minutes later, he was shoved into a carriage and whisked away. Again.
---
The Hero Academy
The Royal Hero Academy was a giant stone castle with tall towers and shiny blue banners. Young heroes-in-training were everywhere—practicing sword moves, casting spells, flying on wind boards.
Haru stepped out of the carriage and immediately felt small.
"I don't belong here," he muttered.
Students noticed him and gasped.
"It's him!"
"The Stonebreaker Saint!"
"Master Haru!"
Haru waved awkwardly. "Hi... please don't call me 'Master.'"
Ding!
[World Influence +2: Rising Hero of the Next Generation.]
"I'm so tired..." he sighed.
---
The "Speech"
Inside a grand hall, Haru stood on stage in front of hundreds of students. A teacher handed him a crystal microphone.
"Just share your wisdom," the teacher said. "Inspire them."
"I don't have any wisdom," Haru whispered.
"Even that is wisdom."
"Stop saying weird things!"
Haru stared at the crowd. They were silent, waiting.
"Uh... I'm Haru. I'm not really a hero. I'm just trying not to die."
The students gasped in awe.
"So honest!"
"Such bravery!"
"A true master of survival!"
Ding!
[World Influence +3: Honest Hero. Title gained: Survivor Sage.]
Haru stared at the crystal mic. "I hate this world."
---
Accidental Promotion
After the speech, the headmaster approached him with a big smile.
"Marvelous! Just marvelous! Lord Haru, we are short on instructors. Would you consider teaching a few special students?"
"Wait—what?! No! I'm not even qualified!"
"Nonsense," the headmaster said. "You've already taught the kingdom by example."
"I tripped and made a golem explode!"
"Exactly! A master of unconventional tactics!"
Ding!
[World Influence +1: Mentor of Mystery.]
And just like that, Haru was handed a scroll labeled: Instructor Pass – Special Class.
Haru stared at it. "This can't be legal."