I'm a villain within the hero's party-Chapter 32: La Magia

The Rose of Death is a sign that the Second Apocalypse is near. This prophecy is written in the sacred scriptures of the Four Gods.

A Champion, also known as a Superhero, is someone chosen by the Gods. They are said to be ten times stronger than a Blessed Hero. But their arrival comes at a cost. When a Superhero ascend, monsters begin to evolve and grow stronger to match the Champion’s power, like a form of natural selection. This is why the apocalypse begins: the Champion’s presence triggers it.

In places like Robert’s Magic Academy, there are ritual altars where people can undergo the Ascencion. This ceremony reveals their fate. A person might ascend as a Superhero, a Hero, or a disciple blessed by the Gods, becoming either a knight, mage or a tank, which are more common roles. But not everyone awakens. Some remain ordinary, without any divine gift.

What determines the Ascension? No one knows for sure. Some believe it depends on a mix of luck, personal achievements, natural talent, strong beliefs, and ambition. But these are only theories. No one truly understands how the Gods choose or if the Gods are even the ones making the decision. No one even know if Gods truly exist.

If one awaken as a Hero, you’ll also receive a class. For example, Darius is a Knight, and Sarah is a Shade Guard, a type of defensive assassin. Heroes rarely get to choose their class. It’s usually assigned by the Gods, who are believed to know what role suits each person best.

After two long days of searching, Simon finally gathered all the raw materials and ingredients needed to create a cure for the Rose of Death disease. He handed everything over to Jin with a hopeful look.

Jin gave a firm nod and said, "We’ll return in one week to deliver the cure."

Simon gently tapped Jin’s shoulder and replied, "I’m counting on you."

Jin glanced at Gabby and thought to himself, "If we can cure his wife, we’ll gain a powerful ally."

Since both Jin and Gabby were enrolled at Robert’s Magic Academy, their next goal was clear. To return to the academy, sharpen their skills, and awaken their true potential.

They wasted no time and began their journey back to the academy.

When they arrived, they changed into their academy uniforms.

The uniform was a long red robe made of soft, flowing fabric. Black lines traced the edges and sleeves, giving it a sharp and elegant look. Underneath, students wore fitted black clothes that were both comfortable and easy to move in. The robe had a high, stiff collar, and a single black stripe ran down the back.

The entrance ceremony was already underway, and all new and returning students were asked to gather in the main hall.

Jin was called up to give a speech. He had ranked number one in the academy’s entrance trial, having defeated over four hundred goblins in less than two hours.

His partner during the trial chose not to speak, so Jin walked with quiet grace.

Confidence radiated from him, not the loud kind, but the kind that made people turn their heads without knowing why. As he moved toward the center of the hall, the crowd instinctively parted, their eyes drawn to the calm intensity in his stride.

He stood on the stage, looked out at the crowd, and began:

"Welcome, everyone. I’ll keep this short.

We’ve been second place for too long. Vinebind Academy always takes the top spot—in combat, in magic theory, in research. They act like they can’t be beaten. Like we’re just stuck chasing their shadow.

I’m tired of it. And you should be too.

You came here to learn, yes. But you also came here to fight. To push the limits of what magic can do. Every spell you cast, every book you study, every duel you face—it’s more than just a lesson. It’s a chance to prove that Robert’s Academy doesn’t belong in second place.

Not just in combat. Not just in theory. In everything.

This year, we will outcast them, outsmart them, and outwork them.

This year, Robert’s Magic Academy will rise to the top. We will become the number one Magic Tower and Academy in the world."

The crowd erupted in cheers. Students clapped and shouted, inspired by Jin’s bold words. Even the professors were surprised. They hadn’t expected a junior student to speak with such confidence—and such awareness of the academy’s current standing.

But not everyone was pleased.

Some of the senior students crossed their arms and frowned. They whispered among themselves, clearly unhappy.

"A gutsy junior," one of them muttered.

"He thinks we’ve done nothing? We’ll teach him a lesson," said another.

Jin’s speech had stirred something. It lit a fire in the hearts of many—but it also sparked tension. A storm was coming.

Jin thought to himself, "This Academy needs change. A real change. And to make that happen. I need to replace the current Academy President. The seniors had their chance. They chose comfort over progress. That ends now."

With a confident grin, Jin added one final line:

"I will reform this Academy’s standards and replace those who don’t deserve their place. It doesn’t matter who you are."

Then he stepped down from the stage.

His words echoed through the hall like a challenge. It wasn’t just a speech anymore, it was a warning. Jin had made it clear. He intended to shake the foundation of Robert’s Magic Academy. He would not hesitate to replace the current senior students if they continued to fail in raising the Academy’s status.

Some students looked shocked. Others looked inspired. But the seniors? They were furious.

Whispers turned into glares. Pride turned into rivalry.

Gabby stood quietly among the crowd, watching Jin with a thoughtful gaze. After hearing the speech, he couldn’t help but reflect:

"Right now, he’s only at the level of a third-core mage at best. But that confidence of his—it’s something else. It’s not arrogance. It’s like he already knows he won’t lose. Not in strength. Not in contests. Not even in politics."