I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy

was not entirely random.
As the lowest-ranking student, I would likely be paired with a top-ranking student.
While the monster subjugation itself was important, a hero had to be able to lead a diverse group of team members.
That's the underlying message.
Since the majority of us were still young, only a few of us were able to fully comprehend this.
“Who's on my team…
Ah, shoot.” “Wait, I'm with Neike…
I'm on the same team as Neike! Nice!” “Hehe.
Nice to meet you, Eshild! I'm Travis.” Most of the students were simply happy to be teamed up with higher-ranked classmates.
A typical hero team comprises one hero and four supporting aides.
Accordingly, the scroll displayed 40 teams, each with five members.
The full-scale joint practical evaluations with aides would take place at the end of the first year.
Naturally, there were no aides at the moment – only prospective heroes.
'Let's see who I'm with.' I quickly scanned the scroll and soon found my team.
··· [Team 2: Piel / Ralph / Samir / Ivelia / Tarkan] ··· [Team 6: Aisha / Brad / Peter / Li Shang / Gerber] ··· [Team 10: Eshild / Siena / Max / Travis / Theo] ··· 'This is unfortunate.' I sighed inwardly.
Eshild is certainly competent, as is Max.
Travis shares my low ranking, but Max, being the 51st, was quite exceptional, so that was fine.
The issue, as anticipated, is Siena.
She is the sole elf in the first year, and her ranking for the school year is 74th.
It's high but not exceptionally so.
However, Siena possessed a unique ability, 'Spirit Magic,' that no one else could match.
A unique ability differs from a trait; it's more akin to a supernatural power.
Firstly, those who possess unique abilities are exceedingly rare.
Furthermore, Siena is a spirit wizard, as scarce as a 7th-circle high mage or even rarer.
Her 74th place ranking isn't due to a lack of skill.
Rather, she simply doesn't care much about her grades.
If she put her mind to it, she would undoubtedly be in the top 10.
'I must never get entangled with her.' I am already quite involved with other students, unlike in the original game, causing the future to change significantly.
However, I must never get entangled with Siena.
The future changing is one thing, but once she takes a liking to someone, she treats them like a plaything.
In the game, Neike suffered greatly because of her.
As I was thinking this, “Hello, everyone?” Siena brushed her golden hair behind her ears and greeted her teammates.
All the team members except me smiled awkwardly.
'It's understandable.' After all, her outward appearance is that of an elf, more beautiful than anyone else in the world.
“Nice to…
meet you?” “I, I'm also glad to meet you.
Let's do our best, Siena…um, ma'am.” Max and Travis awkwardly exchanged greetings.
In the Hero Department, excluding special cases like Aisha, students usually use informal speech with one another.
However, Siena, with her stunning appearance and being a 150-year-old elf, exuded an air of dignity that made her difficult to approach casually.
In fact, Siena is also the princess of the Wood Elf tribe living in the Great Forest.
“Nice to meet you, Siena.
Since we're classmates, let's use informal speech?” “Glad to meet you.” Of course, Eshild and I spoke informally to her.
She looked at us with an amused expression.
“Of course, feel free to speak comfortably.” I didn't need her to say that.
I was already planning on it.
Fortunately, [Twisted Noble's Dignity] did not activate.
When I first spoke with the orc, it had activated.
Was it because Siena was a beautiful elf princess? Siena smiled and continued the conversation.
“By the way, I heard from other students that the monster we're going to subjugate this time is a giant Cockatrice.
How about we come up with a strategy for that?” “Great idea.” Max and Travis responded.
“I agree too.
Honestly, I have no idea how to plan strategies.
You guys should do it.
I'll just follow the plan.” Eshild also replied.
'It's not a Giant Cockatrice, but a Great King Beetle.
I won't say anything, though.' I remained silent.
“Theo, what do you think? How should we proceed?” Siena inquired pointedly.
I had to choose my words carefully.
“Apologies, I was lost in thought.
I believe I have a sound plan.
Max, Travis, and I can hinder the Cockatrice's movements while Eshild provides ranged support.
That seems to be the safest approach.” “That appears to be a solid strategy.
You're as insightful as you were during the lecture.
What should I do?” “Managing the exploration would be ideal.
With the assistance of spirits, you'll likely locate the monster faster than any other team.” “Oh, I see.
What about the rest of you?” “I agree.” “Of course, I'm in favor too.
Just listening to the plan sounds plausible.
I hate using my head, anyway.
Leave the attacking to me; I'm confident.” Everyone agreed.
Siena gazed at me meaningfully and smiled.
“…” Suddenly, I felt uneasy.
It was best to avoid drawing the attention of that intensely obsessed elf girl.
As our discussion continued, an instructor interjected.
“Team representatives should obtain an emergency communication crystal.
Let's hope you won't need to use it.” As Eshild shrugged, Siena cast one more glance at me before going to collect the emergency communication crystal.