The Overlooked Hero Breaks the System

The grand hall of the palace was filled with tension. Normally used for royal gatherings and military discussions, today it served as the meeting ground for something else entirely—the division of summoned heroes among the noble houses.

Seated at the front were General Aldren and several high-ranking military officers. But across from them, seated in ornately carved chairs, were the nobles—dukes, viscounts, and lords from the most powerful families in the kingdom.

Their purpose was simple.

They have to claim the heroes.

The doors to the hall opened, and the summoned heroes were led inside in groups.

Leon walked at the front, his usual composed expression unwavering. Elena followed closely, her sharp gaze scanning the room. Alan, Aisha, Felix, and the other top-ranked students were called first.

At the far back, among the lower-ranked students, Rei remained silent.

The nobles barely spared the weaker ones a glance. Their attention was focused on the strongest—the warriors, mages, and strategists who had proven their worth in the dungeon.

Duke Haverton, a man with graying hair and a regal presence, was the first to speak.

"These heroes were summoned by the kingdom, but it is the noble houses that will shape their true potential," he said. "The strongest belong with those who can cultivate them."

Viscount Lendros, a thinner man with a calculating gaze, smiled. "Agreed. The military can train soldiers. But heroes? They belong with the ones who will rule alongside them."

Several students shifted uncomfortably at those words.

This wasn't about training—it was about possession.

General Aldren remained firm.

"These students are still in training. Assignments should be based on merit and their own choices."

Duke Haverton let out a quiet laugh. "Their choices? That's an optimistic view, General." He turned his gaze toward Leon.

"The Holy Hero is naturally suited for the Royal Family's protection. It is only right that he is trained under the best. I propose he is placed under direct royal guidance."

A murmur spread through the hall.

Leon tensed but remained silent.

Before Aldren could respond, Duke Reynard of the Western Marches scoffed.

"Royal guidance? How amusing," Reynard said. "The Arcane Valkyrie—Elena Vaughn—has already proven herself as well. A warrior of her caliber should be trained by the Grand Mage Tower, not by political rulers."

Elena crossed her arms. "If I'm being assigned, I'd rather have a say in it."

Several nobles laughed lightly at her boldness, but their eyes gleamed with interest.

They weren't asking. They were deciding.

As the arguments over Leon, Elena, and the top fighters continued, another discussion began quietly in the background.

It was among the nobles who weren't here for warriors.

They were here for the support heroes.

Viscount Lendros, a noble specializing in magical research, leaned toward a fellow lord.

"The enchanters and healers are just as critical," he murmured. "We need to secure them before the military takes them for front-line duty."

Lord Andrel, a noble from a house known for its elite knight orders, nodded. "Support heroes define the strength of an army. I've already arranged sponsorship for some of the healers."

A low-ranking noble shifted through a list. "There aren't many Enchanters, but there are a few promising ones."

Their eyes moved over the names.

One stood out.

Rei Kain.

A minor note on their list—low-ranked, unremarkable in combat. But efficient. Consistent. Unnoticed.

Perfect for recruitment.

The nobles didn't look at him directly.

But his name had already been marked for selection.

The discussion over the strongest heroes grew heated.

"We will not hand the heroes over like property," General Aldren stated firmly.

Duke Haverton smirked. "And yet, you summoned them with no plan for their future. Are you saying the military will decide everything?"

"We are saying they will have a say in where they go," an officer replied.

Viscount Lendros chuckled. "And you believe all of them will make the best choice? A healer doesn't belong on the battlefield. An enchanter shouldn't be wasted on ordinary soldiers."

Rei clenched his jaw slightly.

They weren't talking about him specifically. But he was included in their discussion.

To them, he was already decided for.

Leon finally spoke. "We were summoned to fight against the demon army. Not to be divided up like prizes."

Felix, who had been quiet until now, sighed. "But it looks like that's exactly what's happening."

Elena scowled. "This isn't training. This is ownership."

Aisha, the Lunar Priestess, frowned. "They didn't even ask what we wanted."

Dante muttered under his breath. "So this is how things work here."

Rei remained quiet, absorbing everything.

The nobles were selecting the heroes, deciding their fates before they even had a chance to refuse.

This was no longer about training.

This was about who would control them before the war even began.

General Aldren stood, his presence commanding the room.

"The discussion ends here," he stated. "Assignments will be considered based on performance, not noble preferences."

Some nobles looked displeased, but they didn't challenge him directly.

But as the meeting ended, Rei noticed something.

Several nobles didn't leave.

They were still discussing names, still reviewing their lists.

The decisions hadn't been made yet.

But soon, they would be.

And when that happened, Rei needed to be gone before they could decide his fate for him.