A hero who wants to help others wants to live a normal life - Chapter 8

Chapter 8   Demonstration of Skills

After leaving the storage room, instead of returning to the classroom, we were taken straight outside without even being given a break, even though the class period was already over.

By “outside,” I mean we were still within the school grounds, at one of the several fields. We had been here during the school tour before; this was the area designated for skill training. We were probably going to test and get accustomed to the skills we had just acquired.

However, it wasn’t like we’d suddenly be told to use our skills immediately upon arrival. First, there was an outdoor lesson on skill usage led by Momochi-sensei.

“To use a skill, you need to say a specific phrase. The phrase differs depending on the skill, as it is based on the wish made by the ‘Blessed One’ when they acquired the original ‘Blessing.’ This phrase will naturally come to mind when you try to use the skill, so there is no need to memorize it. Let me show you an example.”

With those words, Momochi-sensei took a deep breath and raised her right fist in front of her chest.

“Reenact.”

As soon as she uttered those words, a faint pink halo appeared above her head.

It was clear from its appearance that this halo was not just for show. Despite being mere words, the phrase gave me an inexplicable, unsettling feeling, almost like a sense of familiarity. Perhaps it was my own ‘Blessing’ reacting to a kindred power.

“I will not forgive those who harm me. I will not forgive those who take what is precious to me. I desire the strength to defeat my enemies and protect what is dear to me. <—I must not lose to anyone.>”

When Momochi finished reciting the phrase, the sense of unease I had felt before was nothing compared to the intense power I now sensed.

So, this is what it feels like when someone uses a ‘Skill.’ But…

“This skill enhances physical abilities. As for its effects… Hah!”

With a sharp exhale, she struck the ground with her fist. The area around her feet collapsed, and cracks spread outward.

The students widened their eyes in astonishment, and then their thoughts shifted to the realization that they too might be able to wield such power. Excitement appeared on their faces.

“As you can see, this skill grants enough strength to crack the ground without any weapons. It also provides resilience, allowing you to withstand gunfire with only minor setbacks. However, please be cautious when using your own skills.”

Sensing the students’ excitement, Momochi added a warning. But if such a warning could calm them down, they wouldn’t have been so excited in the first place.

Perhaps understanding this, Momochi let out a small sigh, gently shook her head, and continued speaking.

“Now, while ‘Skills’ can grant powers that defy common sense, they do not make you invincible. When facing someone else with a ‘Skill,’ the conditions are the same.”

That was certainly true. Against an ordinary person, one could consider it an overwhelming power. However, when facing another person who also possessed a skill, the advantage of simply “being able to use a skill” would be nullified.

“Some of you might wonder why we would ever use ‘Skills,’ which are meant for fighting monsters, against humans. But the answer is, yes, there are situations where ‘Skills’ are used against people.”

Sensing what was about to be said next, I found myself clenching my fist tightly without even realizing it.

Unaware of my inner turmoil, Momochi continued speaking.

“‘Demons.’ It means people who have been consumed by evil. I’m sure you’re all familiar with them — criminals or wrongdoers who have grown arrogant after acquiring ‘Skills’ or ‘Blessings’ and act however they please. This academy exists to train people to fight using skills and blessings, and the targets of these skills are both monsters and demons. So, be careful. The day will come when you must face them yourselves.”

Demons. That word refers to the same type of people who ruined our lives a few years ago. They attacked my family while we were on vacation, and they were the ones who turned us into ‘monsters’ — the Blessed Ones.

I don’t intend to act purely out of hatred. I don’t want to let hatred change my life.

But even though the demons from back then have already been dealt with, if another one appeared in front of me, I would undoubtedly choose to fight them.

“However, while there are many considerations when dealing with demons, there’s no issue using ‘Skills’ against monsters. In fact, only ‘Skills’ can effectively harm monsters, so you should use them proactively. Your training will start with imagining fighting monsters.”

Monsters are beings created from the ability born of a deranged Blessed One’s wish to “end the world.” Only the power of ‘Blessings’ can inflict effective damage on them. This is why, despite not wanting more people to have these abilities, the nations of the world developed ‘Skills’ and built schools to mass-produce students who could use these powers.

“And, as you might have noticed, when a skill is used, a halo-like ring, commonly called a ‘Halo,’ appears above the user’s head. Even if an invisible effect skill is being used, as long as you keep an eye on the opponent’s head, you won’t be caught off guard. Conversely, even if it seems like nothing is happening, you should stay alert if a Halo appears.”

The halo that appeared when Momochi tried to use her skill — that’s why ‘Blessings’ are called blessings, and why they’re considered gifts from the gods.

However, Momochi’s halo was just a simple glowing ring, which is because her ability is a ‘Skill.’ As it is merely a fragment of a ‘Blessing,’ the halo is a lesser form. Unlike a ‘Skill,’ a true ‘Blessing’ has additional embellishments. However, these extra elements only appear when the user utilizes their full power, so at a glance, there’s no way to distinguish a lightly used ‘Blessing’ from a ‘Skill.’

“This area is protected by a barrier created by a ‘Blessing,’ so attacks cannot pass in or out. However, attacks between those inside the barrier can pass through without any hindrance, so be careful to avoid friendly fire. Before using your skills, always make sure to check your surroundings. Now, please begin your individual training.”

With that, the initial explanation was over, and everyone dispersed across the field to start using their skills.

But of course, it was only natural that excited students who had just gained the ability to use skills for the first time couldn’t help but cause problems.

One student, getting carried away, accidentally set off their skill and injured themselves.

It seemed to be a skill that dealt with fire or shock waves. With a loud bang, the impact spread across the field, and the student who triggered it was caught in the blast and fell to the ground.

“I told you to be careful, didn’t I? There’s no choice… to the infirmary…”

Momochi rushed to the fallen student, reprimanding them while checking their condition. As she stood up, however, she was stopped.

“Teacher, would you allow me to use my skill here?”

It was the Saintess. Even before enrolling, she was known to be capable of learning healing-type skills, and it seemed she had indeed acquired one this time—a princess from some country. She hurried over to the fallen student, offering to heal them herself.

“Wind-san? Ah, yes, you have a healing skill, don’t you? Very well, please go ahead.”

“Thank you. Then…”

Perhaps because this would be her first time using her skill, she placed her hand on her chest with a tense expression and took a deep breath.

She then reached out her hand toward the fallen student and began to speak.

“Reenact, I extend my hand. I don’t want anyone to cry. Tears are the enemy, and those who shed them are my enemies. I want to wipe away all tears and see everyone smiling.”

“…What?”

The moment her words reached my ears, a voice unconsciously escaped my mouth. Of course, it did—because that skill… that blessing…

“<—This hand is meant to wipe away someone’s tears.>”

As she finished her chant, the hand that touched the fallen student began to glow, and soon after, the student’s body emitted a faint light as well.

The light continued for several seconds, and when it faded, all traces of the injuries that had existed just moments before had vanished as if they had never been there at all.