Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate!

I stepped onto the stage and faced the students. Their eyes were filled with anticipation, waiting for my farewell speech. I also saw Arsene and King Aslan nodding at me, showing their trust.

I took a deep breath, clenched my fists, and gathered my courage. Finally, I slowly began to speak.

"I am Naoki von Blackmore, standing here as a representative of the third-year students of Braveheart Knight Academy. I never expected to be given this opportunity. That’s why I want to say this to all of you—you are incredible for making it this far and graduating today."

As I spoke, my confidence grew.

I could see the faces of my friends—Lyra, Freya, Amelia, Marius, and the others. They looked happy to see me delivering this speech.

Seeing them made me smile. It brought back memories of my past life on Earth.

Back then, I skipped my own high school graduation. I couldn’t bring myself to attend because I had lost the only friend I had. But now, I have so many friends who support me. Even though we, too, have lost comrades along the way, we’ve always lifted each other up.

I am truly grateful to be here and to have friends like them. For the first time, I can actually enjoy my graduation.

I carefully chose my words, making sure to reflect not only my own feelings but also those of Naoki—the real Naoki before I reincarnated into his body. I could only imagine how much he must have suffered during his first and second years at the academy.

"When I first entered this academy, I was nothing more than worthless trash. I couldn’t wield a sword properly, nor could I master magic. Maybe I was even rude to many of you. So for that, I sincerely apologize for any mistakes I made in the past."

I bowed my head slightly. A wave of surprise spread through the hall—no one expected me to apologize like this.