That was a hella long ass explanation from the hot Goddess.
But since she was the hottest woman I had ever seen, I listened to her.
We were in the Empire of Light. A great Empire which was currently in danger by the Demon Kingdom and they were all dying pathetically so they are counting on us with our super powers to save them and kill the Demon King.
Really cliché yeah.
However, it didn't take a genius to realize that Khione was withholding a great deal from us.
"If we work together, we might have a chance to defeat the Demon King and discover a spell capable of sending you back to your world," Khione pleaded, her hands clasped together as if on the brink of tears. "I humbly implore you. Please, help us."
A heavy silence descended upon us all.
"We will," Jason responded with a cringe-worthy seriousness that made me wince.
Too much cringe. I couldn't bear to watch.
I rubbed my forehead and closed my eyes, shaking my head in disbelief.
"J-Jason!" Teacher Amelia's objection was clear in her voice.
"Ms. Carter, we have no other options. If we wish to uncover the spell that could return us all to Earth, we must seek their assistance and their knowledge. Where else would we go? Besides, this country, our supposed new home, is under mortal threat from the Demon King. We must act for our survival and for theirs!" Jason argued.
"Jason... do you even hear yourself? This is dangerous. They are asking you all to go to war!" Amelia persisted.
"I know... I know. But if we possess great power, as Ms. Khione claims, then it would be unjust not to use it. With power comes responsibility, doesn't it, everyone?" Jason turned to the group, seeking their support.
I couldn't bear to watch this shit anymore.
Now, I'm pretty sure I ain't the only one wanting him dead.
Some remained silent, uncertain, but others cheered on his words.
"I agree with him." The voice that spoke up belonged to a beautiful girl with long black hair tied back in a ponytail, her eyes a striking shade of blue. She was a senior, two years older than us, but she was drawn into our predicament by virtue of being part of the ill-fated trip.
Sienna Parker, my elder stepsister.
"If we think logically and carefully. This is our only solution. Gaining strength will also raise our chance of survival, Ms. Carter." Sienna added.
"I also agree with Jason!" The girl who followed had medium auburn hair tied and blue eyes much like Sienna since she was her blood sister and so my step-sister. No need to say she had a crush on Jason.
"I will also follow Jason!" Courtney Turner, another beauty who was part of the cheerleaders group added. She was also very beautiful with her dirty blond hair and brown eyes. And she was also in love with Jason.
Oh god, I hate that guy.
It's only looks that count in the end uh??
The girls all followed on by one Jason's whatever charisma this cringe guy had.
Only Gwen and Aisha were silent.
I knew it.
That's why I loved them too.
Gwen was working as a young actress while Aisha was the typical japanese beauty. Both were really beautiful and had that cold beauty vibes.
"Yeah, there is no way I'm dying here!" Aiden also raised his hand with a snort.
The boys also followed his lead.
Amelia looked around dejected.
I kinda felt bad for her since she just wanted our safety.
If there was one person I had to choose among everyone here, it was obviously teacher Amelia. She helped me out a lot against that bastard Aiden and the other fuckers.
"Goddess Khione." Jason stepped forward. "Let's start the awakening you said earlier. We don't have time to waste."
Khione beamed a happy smile and nodded. "Yes. Thank you."
Again I'm hard like the others by the way.
"Move away, nerd."
I staggered as a forceful push nearly sent me tumbling.
It was Aiden.
Glancing at him and his group of friends, who were snickering without a care, I felt nearly nothing. Anger wasn't a common visitor in my life.
I might sound like an old man, but from my perspective, they were just kids.
Yet, despite my usual calm demeanor, a part of me harbored a deep-seated desire.
Please, God, grant me some sort of cheat ability.
"Please, lay on this altar," Khione requested, indicating a strange platform adorned with intricate patterns.
"Move," Jason attempted to step forward, only to be shoved aside by a grinning Aiden.
"Now, give me a cheat ability," Aiden demanded, a smirk playing on his lips.
Khione smiled and activated the altar.
In an instant, a divine white glow enveloped Aiden's body.
"OH! This is an SS-Rank Skill!"
"Amazing! Just as expected of a Hero!"
"Yeah!"
The knights cheered fervently as Aiden stepped down from the altar, a triumphant smirk adorning his face.
Khione's joy was palpable as she called forth the next candidate.
It was Jason's turn, and what followed was nothing short of divine.
"WOWWW!"
"A rainbow light!"
"It's an SSS-Rank Skill!!!"
This guy was clearly blessed by the Gods, even before this moment.
But the blessings didn't stop there.
Sienna and Gwen received SS-Rank Skills.
Courtney and Siara were granted A-Rank abilities.
Aisha obtained an S-Rank Skill.
Most of my classmates were bestowed with extraordinary gifts, and the soldiers around us erupted into cheers and jubilation.
Then, it was my turn.
Please, lady luck.
Grant me at least an A-Rank Skill.
I lay on the altar, hopeful anticipation coursing through me.
But when the light emerged, it was small and brown.
I had never seen this particular hue before, so I wondered if it was a unique or special skill. However, the look on Khione's face told a different story—disappointment and coldness.
"It's an E-Rank Skill. The lowest of all," she stated flatly.
"GAHAHAHAH!!" Aiden's laughter rang out, quickly joined by nearly the entire class.
Luck, it seemed, had a twisted sense of humor.
I sighed heavily, feeling the weight of disappointment, and stepped away from the altar.
Let's check that crap skill anyway.
I read the description in my mind and…
"Uh?"