The Absence of the Hero

The light was blinding.

A brutal, inhuman white flash swallowed the students of class 3-C.
Some screamed. Others collapsed to their knees, senses disoriented, eyelids scorched by the glare.

When they reopened their eyes…
A cathedral silence had fallen.

They were no longer in their world.

Beneath their feet, a polished white marble floor radiated an odd, living warmth.
The ceiling soared high above them, adorned with golden frescoes of celestial battles, dragons, and unknown heroes.
Floating flames lit the space without burning.
Stained-glass windows decorated the walls — animated scenes of epic wars from ages past.
A hall so vast, it swallowed the echo of every voice.

— “Is… is this a dream?” someone stammered.
— “What the hell is this place?!”
— “Are we dead?! Is this the afterlife?!”
— “Wait, is that a cosplaying princess over there?!”

All eyes turned to the raised platform at the far end of the hall.

A woman stood there, tall, graceful, imposing — despite the softness of her features.
Eltheria, High Priestess of the Kingdom of Aerith.
Her radiant white robes flowed around her like sacred mist.
Her golden eyes shone with ancient wisdom, and an aura of serene power surrounded her.

She raised her hand slowly.

The noise ceased.
As if time itself had bowed before her.

— “Calm yourselves. You are not in danger here.”

Her voice was clear, melodic, and amplified by old magic that resonated in the very bones.

— “I am Eltheria, High Priestess of the Kingdom of Aerith. You have been summoned from your world… to become the Defenders of this realm.”

A murmur ran through the students. Confusion. Wonder. Disbelief.

— “Summoned?”
— “What is this, some kind of isekai?”
— “No way… this can’t be real…”

Unfazed, Eltheria continued.

— “Each of you has been chosen for your potential. Each of you will receive a unique power, shaped by your will… and your soul.”

As she spoke, glowing orbs appeared around the students — floating gently like curious spirits, approaching their destined bearers.

— “These spheres will read your hearts. Your resolve. Your true desires.”

Some students reached out in awe.
A few cried with excitement.
Others stood frozen between fear and fascination.

But Eltheria… frowned.

Her eyes swept the group again. And again.

Something was wrong.

She murmured to herself:

— “…Someone is missing.”

A motion of her hand summoned a glowing scroll into the air — a long list of names written in shimmering gold.

— “Kaito Ren… Midori Asuna… Kaneshiro Daisuke… Takeda Rioshi…”

She stopped.

Her fingers paused midair.

— “…Takeda Rioshi?”

Tension rippled through the room.

— “He’s not here,” she said, voice now sharp.

One of the mages below turned toward her, concern in his eyes.

— “Impossible. Summonings are always perfect.”

— “Then where is he?” whispered another.

Eltheria narrowed her eyes.
A magical pulse swept through the air. She probed. She sensed. And then, she understood.

— “This wasn’t a mistake. It was a deviation. Intentional.”

The spheres hesitated, spinning, but none seemed disturbed by the missing presence.
To the students, it was just a name.

— “Takeda? The quiet guy in the back?”
— “Oh yeah… the one who never talked. Maybe he died during the transfer?”
— “Honestly? I doubt anyone will miss him.”

A student stepped forward — tall, confident, charismatic.
Kaneshiro Daisuke.
Star athlete. Cocky. Certain of his destiny.

He crossed his arms.

— “Doesn’t matter. I’m here. That’s what counts. The rest is just filler.”

One of the glowing spheres floated straight toward him.
It circled him once… then shot into his chest. A burst of light rang like distant bells.

[Power received: Divine Light — Sword of Royal Bloodlines]
[Class: Sacred Knight]

A golden energy blade materialized behind him, hovering like a loyal phantom.
Its aura forced nearby students to take a step back.

— “Whoa. That’s insane.”
— “He looks like the protagonist…”
— “He’s way too into this.”

Daisuke stood tall, chest puffed out, clearly enjoying it.

But Eltheria… remained still.

Her eyes stayed fixed on the empty line where Takeda Rioshi’s presence should have been.

A deep silence filled her thoughts.

— “The Évolis…” she thought. “So it wasn’t a myth. He ignored the call. He chose…”

She closed her eyes.

— “…a different path.”

And within her… a shiver.

Because the Évolis was not just a power.
It was a gamble.
A divine creation — beyond control.

And the one who bore it…
Was not a hero.

Not yet.

He was a void.