The Extra's Rise - Chapter 568

Chapter 568: Upper Years
Mythos Academy was scheduled to reopen in September, marking the beginning of what would be my final year at the prestigious institution. The thought carried a mixture of anticipation and melancholy—this represented the end of one chapter of my life and the beginning of something entirely new.

“I’ll be going now,” I said with a warm smile as I looked at my parents and Aria in the transport hub. The Slatemark Empire’s central warp gate facility was bustling with activity as students from across the continent prepared to return to their respective academies. “Take care of yourselves while I’m gone.”

“You too, dear,” Mother replied, pulling me into a brief but fierce embrace. “Your final year—make it count.”

Father nodded approvingly, his expression carrying the quiet pride that had characterized his reactions to my achievements over the past few years. “We’ll be here when you need us.”

Aria grinned at me with characteristic mischief. “Try not to cause too many political incidents this year, big brother. Some of us would like a peaceful academic experience.”

“I make no promises,” I replied with mock seriousness. “Trouble has a way of finding me.”

“More like you have a way of finding trouble,” she shot back, but her tone was affectionate rather than critical.

Aria’s third year at Slatemark Academy would begin as well, but her departure was scheduled for later in the week since her institution was located within the Empire itself. Mythos Academy, situated on its own sovereign island in international waters, required earlier travel to accommodate the additional transit time.

The warp gate to Mythos Academy was impressive even by modern standards—a massive archway constructed from rare materials and enhanced with some of the most sophisticated magical technology available. The energy field within the arch shimmered with otherworldly light, creating a portal that could transport passengers across vast distances in mere moments.

After presenting my student credentials and undergoing the standard security checks, I stepped through the gate and felt the familiar sensation of magical transportation—a brief moment of disorientation followed by the solid reassurance of arriving at my destination.

Mythos Academy’s arrival terminal was exactly as I remembered it—sleek, efficient, and designed to handle the constant flow of students, faculty, and visitors that kept the institution functioning. The island itself was visible through the terminal’s floor-to-ceiling windows, a carefully maintained paradise that served as one of the world’s premier educational facilities.

The Academy’s hyperloop transportation system was one of its most impressive features—a network of pneumatic tubes that could transport passengers between different areas of the island at remarkable speeds. The system was both practical and environmentally conscious, allowing rapid movement without disrupting the island’s carefully maintained ecosystem.

I boarded the hyperloop pod designated for the Class 4-A dormitory, settling into the comfortable seating as the system engaged. The journey through the transparent tubes offered spectacular views of the island’s landscape—pristine forests, carefully tended gardens, and the various academic buildings that housed different departments and year levels.

The fourth-year dormitories were located in a particularly scenic area of the island, positioned to offer both privacy and easy access to the advanced facilities that final-year students required. The building itself was modern and comfortable, designed to provide a home-like atmosphere for students who would be spending their last year together.

My room was exactly as I had left it at the end of the previous term—spacious, well-appointed, and equipped with all the technological amenities that modern students required. After unpacking my belongings and settling back into the familiar space, I made my way to the dormitory’s common area.

Rose, Cecilia, Rachel, and Seraphina were already gathered there, having arrived on earlier transports throughout the day. The sight of them together, relaxed and happy in the comfortable surroundings, brought a smile to my face.

“Arthur!” Rose called out as I entered, her face lighting up with genuine joy. She had grown even more beautiful over the summer break, her auburn hair catching the light and her brown eyes sparkling with the confidence that had become such an integral part of her personality.

“Finally,” Rachel said with mock exasperation, though her deep blue eyes betrayed her pleasure at seeing me. Her golden hair was styled in a new way that emphasized her graceful features, and she was wearing a casual outfit that managed to be both comfortable and elegant.

Cecilia looked up from the book she had been reading, her red eyes bright with welcome. “We were beginning to wonder if you’d gotten lost in your guild responsibilities.”

Seraphina offered one of her rare, genuine smiles. “It’s good to have everyone together again.”

We spent the evening catching up on our summer experiences, sharing stories about family visits, guild activities, and the various adventures we had each encountered during the break. The easy camaraderie between us was exactly what I had been missing during the busy months of guild expansion and political maneuvering.

As the night grew late, we eventually retired to our respective rooms, though not before making plans to meet for breakfast the following morning. The familiar routine of dormitory life settled around me like a comfortable blanket, and I fell asleep looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that the new academic year would bring.

The next morning arrived with the soft chime of the Academy’s wake-up system. After preparing for the day and meeting the others for breakfast in the dormitory’s dining hall, we made our way to the hyperloop station for transport to the academic buildings.

The fourth-year facilities were housed in their own dedicated building, a impressive structure that reflected the prestige and importance of final-year education. The building’s architecture was both functional and inspiring, designed to provide an environment that would challenge students while supporting their academic and personal growth.

Class 4-A was located on the fifth floor, accessible through high-speed elevators that offered glimpses of the building’s impressive atrium and the various specialized laboratories and classrooms that filled the lower levels.

I entered the familiar classroom to find several of my classmates already present. Lucifer Windward was seated near the center of the room, his commanding presence unmistakable even in casual conversation with other students. Clara Lopez occupied a desk near the windows, her navy blue hair falling like a curtain around her face as she appeared to be dozing despite the early hour—her violet eyes barely visible between half-closed lids.

Ian Viserion looked up as I entered, offering a nod of acknowledgment that carried the friendliness that characterized most of our interactions. Ren Kagu seemed more subdued than I remembered, though he managed a polite greeting. Jin Ashbluff was present as well, having returned from his work in the West in time for the new term.

As I took my usual seat, I noticed something unexpected about the classroom layout. Instead of the ten desks that had been arranged for our class in previous years, there were now fourteen seats positioned throughout the room.

“Lucifer,” I said, catching his attention with a questioning look. “Why are there four extra desks?”

His response was a knowing smile that suggested he was privy to information that hadn’t been shared with the rest of us. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

Before I could press him for more details, the classroom door opened and Professor Nero entered with his characteristic purposeful stride. The Professor was an imposing figure—mid Immortal-rank in power, with the kind of presence that commanded immediate attention and respect. His reputation for academic excellence was matched only by his reputation for demanding the highest standards from his students.

“Good morning, Class 4-A,” he said, his voice carrying easily throughout the room. “I trust you all had productive summer breaks and are prepared for the challenges that await you in your final year.”

A chorus of polite affirmations answered him, though I noticed that several students were glancing at the extra desks with obvious curiosity.

Professor Nero seemed to notice our collective attention to the altered classroom arrangement. His expression showed a hint of what might have been amusement as he prepared to address our unspoken questions.

“I see you’ve noticed the additional seating,” he said, setting his materials on the instructor’s desk with deliberate precision. “That brings me to an important announcement regarding this year’s class composition.”

The room fell into expectant silence, every student focused on the Professor’s words.

“This year, Class 4-A will be joined by four transfer students,” he announced, his tone carrying the weight of significant news.

“These new students will be—”

Professor Nero paused, his gaze moving across the classroom as if to ensure he had everyone’s complete attention.

“Well,” he said with what was definitely amusement now, “perhaps it would be better if I let them introduce themselves.”