I Failed to Be a Hero, So I Became the God of Three Realms

The morning sun poured through the towering stained-glass windows of the grand church, casting vibrant hues across the floor. The heroes stood at the entrance, gazing at the towering spires that reached toward the heavens. Their footsteps echoed through the vast chamber, a solemn reminder of the importance of this moment.

Tatsuya adjusted the collar of his simple, yet ceremonial, attire. His eyes were sharp, filled with determination, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in his gaze. Hanae, standing beside him, gave a soft smile. Her calm demeanor stood in stark contrast to Tatsuya's quiet intensity. Usagi fidgeted nervously with the hem of her robe, her ears flicking in the quiet, a mix of excitement and dread on her face. Riko's posture was relaxed, a confident smirk playing on her lips as she looked around the cathedral, her eyes taking in the grandeur. Reiji, at the back, adjusted his glasses, a faint sense of curiosity and awe in his gaze, though his mind was already working through the ritual's significance.

"Do you think this is it?" Usagi asked, her voice a soft whisper. "I mean, what happens after we pray? Will we really be chosen by the God?"

Tatsuya glanced at her, giving a reassuring nod. "We don't have a choice but to see it through," he said, his voice steady. "But there's something comforting about this place. It feels... right."

Hanae chuckled lightly, her voice soft and gentle. "Faith is a powerful thing. Perhaps that's all we need."

As the group walked further into the church, they came to a large, open area at the altar. A priest in simple robes awaited them, standing near a pedestal that held a shimmering stone, the source of the divine energy that granted skills and blessings to those who prayed.

"Ah, the Heroes," the priest greeted with a bow. "Your arrival has been anticipated. The ceremony of titles and skills begins now."

The group stood before the stone, each of them preparing mentally for the unknown ahead. The silence that enveloped the church felt sacred, almost suffocating, as if the weight of eternity rested on their shoulders.

"Place your hands on the stone," the priest instructed. "Focus on your desires, your heart's truth. The God shall grant you what you are meant to wield."

One by one, the heroes stepped forward. Tatsuya was first, his fingers brushing lightly against the cool surface of the stone. The moment his skin touched it, a surge of energy coursed through him. He felt his heart race as something deep within him responded—something ancient, something powerful.

"I wish to be strong," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I wish to protect."

Hanae stepped up next, her hands trembling slightly as she placed them on the stone. Her mind focused on the one thing she had always sought—healing, peace, and the ability to guide others.

"I wish to heal," she murmured. "I wish to ease suffering."

Usagi followed, her usual nervousness replaced by a calm resolve. Her hands connected with the stone, her thoughts filled with a desire for balance in a chaotic world.

"I wish to bring harmony," she whispered. "I wish to restore balance."

Riko approached next, standing tall and unwavering. She pressed her hands against the stone, her eyes filled with ambition. A quiet, almost imperceptible smile tugged at her lips as she spoke.

"I wish to lead," she said firmly. "I wish to have the strength to command."

Reiji, the final one, adjusted his glasses and approached the stone. His mind was already filled with the knowledge he sought, the answers to the questions that had always intrigued him. His hands settled on the stone, and for a moment, he felt as if the entire universe had opened to him.

"I wish to understand," he said softly. "I wish to see the truth."

The priest stepped back, observing in silence as the air around the group seemed to hum with energy. After a moment, the stone began to glow, its radiant light casting an ethereal glow on each of the heroes, one by one.

As the last hero finishes praying, the priest steps back, a solemn expression on his face as he surveys the group. "The God has granted you your skills," he says, his voice reverent. "But now, your true magical nature must be revealed. You are called to the Evaluation Chamber."

The priest gestures to a side door, where the sound of faint mechanical whirring and the glow of faint blue lights can be seen. A sense of mystery lingers in the air as the heroes exchange glances, each of them wondering what awaits them inside.

"It is time," the king's voice echoes from behind them, drawing their attention. King Solan, a tall and regal figure, strides forward, a stern but calm presence in the room. His eyes carry the weight of centuries of leadership, yet there's an underlying warmth in his voice as he addresses the group.

"Before we begin the evaluation," the king says, "I must explain something. Over the past three centuries, our methods of magical evaluation have undergone countless modifications. What began as simple tests of physical and mental strength has now become a sophisticated process—one that uses specialized technology brought in by the Empire. Its true inner workings remain a closely guarded secret, but it has been proven time and time again to accurately gauge not only your magical capacity but also your affinity with the elements."

The heroes nod, each of them intrigued by the mysterious technology and its potential to unlock their magical potential. The king's words seem to carry both authority and reverence, as if the testing itself is an event of great significance.

"The chamber ahead will show you what you are truly capable of," the king continues. "Once you have completed your evaluation, your affinities and capacities will be set. Trust in the process."

With that, the group heads into the Evaluation Chamber, a high-tech room filled with strange glowing orbs and crystal panels. At the center of the room stands a large pedestal, and as each of the heroes approaches, they notice a shimmering blue sphere suspended in mid-air, waiting for them to touch it.

The king stands off to the side, his eyes attentive but distant, clearly watching as the heroes prepare for their evaluations.

Tatsuya is first. His fingers brush against the cool surface of the glowing sphere, and the chamber hums with an electric energy. The sphere pulses with light, shifting from red to blue, then green in a swirling pattern before settling into a soft, steady glow.

"Fire," the machine announces, its voice emotionless, as the display reveals a fiery symbol next to Tatsuya's name. "Wind."

Tatsuya's eyes widen as he absorbs the information. Fire and Wind—two elements that are both volatile and unpredictable. His heart races, but there's also a sense of relief. He has a clearer understanding of his potential now.

Next is Hanae. She approaches the pedestal, her hands steady as she places them on the glowing orb. The sphere hums softly before lighting up with a brilliant, radiant flash of white. The room fills with the warm sensation of sunlight.

"Light," the voice announces with a calm authority. The symbol of a radiant sun appears on the display. Hanae smiles to herself, feeling a gentle warmth flood her chest. Light—perfect for her nurturing heart.

Usagi steps up, her eyes focused but still carrying a trace of hesitation. She places her hands on the sphere, and it flickers to life, first glowing a deep brown before shifting to a soft, golden hue. The magic swirls in the air as the machine speaks.

"Earth," it intones, before shifting again. "Light."

The two symbols, one of an ancient tree and the other of a brilliant star, appear beside Usagi's name. Usagi blinks, clearly surprised by the combination of Earth and Light. She hadn't anticipated receiving both.

Riko approaches next, her face unreadable as she places her hands on the orb. The sphere comes to life almost immediately, glowing in multiple colors—brown, red, blue—until it settles on a combination of three elements.

"Earth," the machine announces. "Fire. Water."

Symbols of a mountain, a flame, and a droplet of water appear beside her name. Riko looks pleased, though the idea of wielding three elements is both exciting and overwhelming.

Finally, it's Reiji's turn. He steps forward with a quiet determination, adjusting his glasses as his fingers lightly brush the orb. The machine responds almost instantly, lighting up with dark purples and vibrant streaks of lightning.

"Dark," the machine announces. "Lightning."

The symbols of a crescent moon and a jagged bolt of lightning appear next to Reiji's name. He stands back, his expression calm, though his mind races. Dark and Lightning—both mysterious and powerful forces.

The heroes sat at the grand dining table in the King's Hall, the warmth of the feast and the hospitality of the palace enveloping them. The scent of roasted meats, savory stews, and fresh bread filled the air, and the clinking of silverware and quiet chatter added to the welcoming atmosphere. It was a moment of respite after the whirlwind of events they had experienced. They enjoyed their food in comfortable silence, the weight of their new roles hanging in the air, but for the time being, they allowed themselves to relax.

Eventually, Tatsuya broke the silence, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "This is all well and good, but what comes next? What should we do now?"

The group turned to the King, who had been listening quietly, his gaze calm and steady. He placed his goblet of wine down on the table and smiled. "The next step is to form an Adventurer's Party," King Solan said, his voice steady but with a touch of excitement. "As heroes, that is the path ahead of you."

The heroes exchanged glances, nodding slowly, but then Riko raised an eyebrow. "Forming a party? But... we're only five. Don't we need more members?"

"That's correct," the King nodded. "In order to form an official Adventurer's Party, you'll need seven members. So, you'll have to find two more."

The heroes looked at each other, a sense of uncertainty beginning to form. They had no shortage of talent within their ranks, but two more people—where would they find them?

"How are we supposed to find two more members?" Usagi asked. "Where do we even begin looking?"

The King's smile widened, as though he had anticipated this question. "This kingdom is full of wonderful people, each with unique talents. And beyond our borders, in the other lands, you'll find even more. The race, the status, or the background of your companions doesn't matter. What matters is their heart, their strength, and their willingness to stand with you against the demons. In the face of such a great threat, all that matters is the bond you share."

The heroes thought over the King's words. He was right, of course. They were fighting for the future of everyone, and that was something that transcended any titles or birthright.

"Alright," Tatsuya said after a moment, determination settling into his voice. "We'll find them, somehow."

Hanae nodded in agreement. "We have to, for the sake of everyone."

King Solan looked pleased with their resolve. "Good. Now, I suggest you focus on your training. You have a great deal of potential. The more you develop your abilities, the more prepared you'll be when the time comes."

The next week passed quickly, the heroes throwing themselves into their training with all the vigor they could muster. The Arena became a second home for them as they honed their skills—both magical and physical. With the Knights at their side, they pushed themselves harder every day. Their skills were still in the early stages, but their progress was undeniable.

Though their abilities had not fully manifested yet, they could already see the potential that lay within them. Tatsuya's affinity with Fire and Wind Magic had grown more refined, Hanae's Light Magic was becoming more versatile, and Usagi had gained better control over her Earth and Light Magic. Riko's mastery over Earth, Fire, and Water was impressive for someone so new to magic, and Reiji had already shown flashes of brilliance with his Dark and Lightning Magic.

One evening, after a particularly grueling training session, King Solan visited them in the Arena. His eyes scanned the group, nodding approvingly at the progress they had made.

"Impressive," the King said, his voice full of pride. "Your progress in such a short time is remarkable. I have no doubt that you will grow even stronger with more time and effort."

The heroes beamed at the praise, but there was something else in the air. They had been training hard, but it seemed that the King had something more to say.

"I also have some news," King Solan continued. "In two days, an important visitor will arrive. Marc Valtheria, the Emperor of the Valtherian Empire, has expressed interest in meeting with you."

The heroes exchanged surprised glances. The Valtherian Empire was one of the largest and most powerful nations in the world, and Marc Valtheria was an Emperor who was both feared and respected by many.

"The Emperor?" Reiji said, his voice low with awe. "What does he want with us?"

King Solan smiled knowingly. "He intends to offer you advice. He believes that you'll need it soon, and it seems that he has some insight into the challenges you're facing. He said it's something you'll be expecting."

The heroes fell silent, processing the news. The Emperor of the Valtherian Empire, offering them advice? It was an unexpected turn of events, but one that could prove invaluable.

"Well," Tatsuya said, standing tall, "we'll be ready. Whatever the Emperor has to offer, we'll be ready to take it."

The King nodded approvingly. "I'm certain you will be."

And with that, the group felt the weight of their next steps ahead of them. The future was still uncertain, but they were beginning to understand that the path they walked would be shaped by those they met along the way—and the strength they found within themselves.