Chương 10: Debut Ceremony (1)

"I wouldn't blame you for being jealous. Think about it, you're only a year younger than me and we share the Griffin name, yet look at where I am! Don't be too hard on yourself, though. It's just that I'm far too exceptional..." Jullius began his usual rambling, boasting about his own greatness. I'd heard this kind of garbage until my ears bled during my first isekai. All I could do was let it go in one ear and out the other. Fortunately, the ride didn't last much longer.

Before long, the Cathedral loomed before us. On this day, the streets were choked with horses and carriages. Curious citizens had gathered in droves, eager to catch a glimpse of the Hero Candidates' faces. Technically, the candidates' carriages were permitted to drive straight into the inner courtyard, yet Jullius ordered ours to stop at the main gate. He stepped out and strolled inside at a leisurely pace, no doubt wanting to bask in the admiring gazes of the crowd.

However, Jullius was right about one thing: I should be glad for the chance to step inside the Cathedral. Most commoners were barred at the gates. The so-called "Debut Ceremony" was, in reality, only a debut for the royalty and the nobility. Passing through the great gate, the noise finally began to subside. The massive white structure, featuring Averula's signature religious architecture, rose before us, magnificent and imposing.

As we stepped inside, I immediately saw exactly what I was looking for: the other Hero Candidates. They were all still radiating that faint, divine golden glow, and most were flanked by their own attendants. As we walked in, every head turned to look. Jullius was among the most famous, which meant he was also one of the heavyweight contenders. Jullius was clearly enjoyed being the center of attention, immediately striking up conversations with his acquaintances.

Meanwhile, I began my task of evaluating the candidates. There were a few faces I remembered from before, and others I didn't. I carefully read through each person's information, uncovering several intriguing facts. The Matthew family had two individuals selected as Hero candidates. Aside from Andrew - the son of the family head - there was another girl who had been chosen. Her name was Rushia Matthew. I examined Rushia's status board more closely.

Name Rushia Matthew Race Human Health 88/100 Mana 81/315 Strength 100 Intelligence 252 Reputation 135 The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Rank 7/28 Skill Ice Manipulation (Lv. 28) Temperature Control (Lv. 13) Dual Wielding Swordsmanship (Lv. 37) It was genuinely surprising. Not bad at all. No, actually, in every category except "Reputation," she was even superior to Andrew Matthew.

If her fame could just be boosted slightly, breaking into the top five would be entirely feasible. But it was too early to call. I still had to see what her personality was like. Another person caught my eye as well. It was a girl wearing an ash-gray dress that looked cheap, with a patched apron tied around her waist. That rustic outfit looked utterly out of place amidst the silks and brocades of the surrounding nobility.

Name Lealia Castela Race Human Health 86/100 Mana 33/140 Strength 71 Intelligence 289 Reputation 65 Rank 18/28 Skill Herbalism (Lv. 27) Healing Voice (Lv. 5) Acupuncture (Lv. 13) The skills of this commoner girl were also interesting; she had the potential to become the party's healer. Judging by her tense, timid expression, however, it seemed as though being here was a form of pure mental torture for her. She looked ready to trade half her fortune just to vanish from the spot immediately.

Next, my attention was drawn to a towering figure. Despite wearing only simple leather armor, his overwhelming military aura made those nearby hesitate to approach. As a result, a two-meter radius around the Vice-Captain of the Knights, Henry McCaley, remained a complete no-man's land. To be honest, even though he was also part of the Hero party during my first isekai ten years ago, I didn't harbor any ill will toward him. After all, the idea of using a resurrection elixir as I lay dying had actually come from him.

Even though the suggestion was ultimately shot down by the others and Henry didn't exactly stage a coup to save my life, I was still grateful that he at least had the intention to help. In that original squad, Henry was the most stoic. Perhaps it was the nature of a soldier accustomed to following orders, but he usually left the decision-making to others, only making his presence felt when he was holding the front lines in battle. As for him, I needed to weigh my options carefully.

I pulled up his information panel and couldn't help but marvel at the impressive data. Name Henry McCaley Race Human Health 160/200 Mana 40/310 Strength 420 Intelligence 174 Reputation 413 Rank 1/28 Skill Invisible Shield (Lv. 3) Swordsmanship (Lv. 30) Martial Arts (Lv. 25) Spearmanship (Lv. 17) Strategy (Lv. 8) Guardian Contract (Not activated) As expected of the person currently ranked Number 1. Neither his skills nor his reputation left anything to be desired.

That also meant it would be an uphill battle if I wanted to knock him out of the top five. It'll be much better if I don't have to do that, I thought.