The Extra's Rise - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Island Survival (1) Chapter 24: Island Survival (1) “You’re quite entertaining, aren’t you?” Cecilia’s voice drifted from behind me, smooth and amused, the kind of tone that suggested I was a particularly interesting specimen under glass.

I turned to find her leaning against the doorframe of the training hall, arms crossed, crimson eyes gleaming with that perpetual mischief that never truly left them.

I had just finished a grueling solo training session, my uniform still damp with sweat, muscles aching from hours of pushing myself beyond reasonable limits.

The private training ground-walls reinforced with mana shielding, monitoring systems disabled upon request-had become my sanctuary over the past weeks.

I lowered my sword, wiping my forehead with the back of my hand.

“Didn’t realize I was performing for an audience.” Cecilia smiled, pushing off from the doorframe with casual grace.

“Everything is a performance in this academy, Arthur.

Some of us are just more honest about it than others.” She strolled into the room, examining the training dummies I’d nearly destroyed, the scorch marks on the reinforced walls, the lingering traces of mana in the air.

“Impressive output for someone with no Gift.” I sheathed my blade, reaching for a towel.

“Did you need something, princess?

Or is watching exhausted students your new hobby?” “So prickly,” she observed, seemingly delighted by my irritation.

“One might think you don’t enjoy my company.” “One might be correct,” I replied, though there was no real heat in my words.

Dangerous as she was, there was something almost refreshing about Cecilia’s lack of pretense.

Unlike the other academy elites who veiled their ambitions behind courtesy, she wore her predatory nature openly.

She laughed, the sound echoing in the empty hall.

“And yet, that’s precisely why I find you interesting.

Everyone else either fears me or wants something from me.

You just seem…

annoyed.” “Happy to provide that service,” I said dryly, gathering my equipment.

“Now, if that’s all-” “Actually,” she interrupted, her tone shifting slightly, “I have something for you.” That gave me pause.

Gifts from Cecilia Slatemark were rare and inevitably complicated.

They came with strings attached-not always visible ones, but present nonetheless.

“Should I be concerned?” I asked, only half-joking.

She tilted her head, golden hair cascading over one shoulder.

“Probably.

But you’ll accept it anyway, because it’s too valuable to refuse.” With a practiced gesture, she flicked her wrist, tapping her spatial ring.

A sleek black I.D.

card materialized between her fingers, the surface gleaming under the training hall lights.

She held it out, smirking.

“For you.” I stared at the card, immediately recognizing the imperial seal and the five golden stars embossed on its surface.

A five-star adventurer license-one of the most valuable credentials in the empire.

It granted access to restricted areas, high-level missions, rare resources, and protection that would ordinarily be years beyond my reach.

“What’s the catch?” I asked, not reaching for it yet.

Cecilia’s smile widened.

“No catch.

Consider it a gift to someone who amuses me.” I raised an eyebrow.

“You don’t do anything without purpose, Cecilia.” “True,” she acknowledged with surprising candor.

“But sometimes the purpose is simply my own entertainment.

You’re trying so hard to keep up with the Gifted students, pushing yourself in ways that should have broken you by now.” She twirled the card between her fingers.

“I’m curious to see what you’ll do with better resources at your disposal.” I hesitated, weighing the risk against the benefit.

A five-star license would significantly accelerate my plans, opening doors that would otherwise remain closed for years.

It would make acquiring a Beast Will during fall break infinitely more feasible.

“This isn’t normal imperial protocol,” I observed.

“These licenses are earned, not given.” She shrugged elegantly.

“Being a princess has its privileges.

Besides, the empire grants these to individuals with potential as well as achievements.

I simply expedited the process.” After another moment’s hesitation, I reached out and took the card, examining its authentication runes.

It was genuine-imperial grade, impossible to counterfeit.

“…Thank you,” I said finally, meaning it for exactly three seconds- Until Cecilia covered her mouth with a laugh, her crimson eyes gleaming with delight.

“Aww, are you happy?” she teased.

“Such a serious expression, but your eyes gave you away.

For just a moment, you looked like a child receiving their first enchanted toy.” Any goodwill I had felt toward her instantly evaporated.

I sighed.

“I hate you.” She winked.

“No, you don’t.

You’re just annoyed that you can’t figure me out.” She turned to leave, her movements carrying that innate royal grace that seemed woven into her very bones.

“Use it well, Arthur.

I’d hate to think I wasted imperial resources on someone boring.” I resisted the urge to throw the I.D.

back at her.

________________________________________________________________________________ We gathered in the training hall with all first years, waiting for the instructors to arrive.

The hum of quiet conversations filled the air-most of them about rumors of the upcoming midterms.

Then, the doors swung open, and Instructor Nero walked in, his usual calm but authoritative presence settling the room instantly.

“Attention, first years.” The murmuring died down immediately.

“As you know, midterms are approaching.

However, before that, the Academy has arranged a practical evaluation-one designed to prepare you for real-world survival scenarios with all sections.” A few students shifted, their expressions mildly intrigued.

Nero’s grey eyes scanned the room.

“You will be dropped onto an uninhabited island and expected to survive for one week.” A noticeable pause.

“You will not be ranked based on this test.

It is not a competition, but an exercise in experience-building.

However, make no mistake-your performance will be closely observed.” “The environment will be harsh.

You will be expected to forage for food, construct shelter, and defend yourselves against mana beasts.” Lucifer, sitting a few feet away, looked unbothered, while Ian grinned like this was the best news he’d heard all week.

Rachel, however, furrowed her brows.

“No groups?” Nero tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering through his eyes.

“That,” he said, “will be up to you.” Cecilia laughed softly under her breath, catching my eye across the room.

She winked at me.

I had a very bad feeling about this.