Extra's Magic



The next morning, I awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. As the sunlight filtered through the curtains, I stretched my sore muscles and winced at the dull ache that resonated throughout my body. The training session with Robbin had taken its toll, leaving me feeling battered and bruised. Every movement was a reminder of the intense physical exertion I had endured.

"Shitty teacher..."

Sitting up on the edge of my bed, I took a moment to collect my thoughts and focus on the task at hand. The plan to invite Rose for a picnic near the outskirts of the city was still at the forefront of my mind. Despite my reservations about the cringeworthy nature of the act, I knew it was necessary to create an opportunity to address the matter of avoiding detection by the Royal Elven family.

As I made my way to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast, I considered the best approach to invite Rose without raising any suspicions. I needed a convincing reason for her to accompany me without revealing my true intentions. After all, a sudden interest in picnics might seem out of character for someone like me, given my known dislike for outdoor activities.

Gulp...

While sipping on a steaming cup of coffee, I devised a plan. I would subtly mention my newfound appreciation for nature during a casual conversation with Rose. Perhaps I could bring up a recent book I had read about the healing power of being in natural surroundings, making it seem like I was merely curious to experience it firsthand. With a bit of luck and careful wording, I hoped to pique her interest enough to agree to the outing.

"Will she fall for it though..."

Feeling a surge of determination and doubt, I finished my breakfast and headed to the training room to continue my daily regimen. Despite my soreness, I knew that maintaining my physical fitness was essential, both for the upcoming picnic and for my overall survival in the world I found myself in.

Huff...

Throughout the training session, my mind kept drifting back to the picnic plan. I mentally rehearsed the conversation, imagining the words flowing smoothly and naturally, hoping to make it appear as though the idea had spontaneously occurred to me. I reminded myself to be patient and observant, ready to seize the right moment to bring up the topic during our interactions.

Once the training session was over, I took a refreshing shower, letting the warm water wash away the physical strain of the morning. As I dressed in a comfortable yet presentable outfit, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness. The prospect of putting my acting skills to the test, pretending to be genuinely interested in something as mundane as a picnic, made me question my abilities.

"This is bothersome..."

Nevertheless, I pushed those doubts aside and reminded myself of the larger goal. If I wanted to avoid being tracked by the Royal Elven family, I had to take risks and step out of my comfort zone. It was a necessary sacrifice to grow stronger.

I arrived at the class slightly earlier than usual, feeling a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. The room was sparsely populated at this early hour, with only a few students scattered throughout the lecture hall. I chose a seat at the end of the row, near the back, allowing me a clear view of the room and an unobtrusive position from which to observe Rose's arrival.

As I settled into my seat, I took a moment to collect myself and calm the fluttering nerves in my stomach. This was it - the perfect opportunity to set my plan in motion. I glanced at my surroundings, feigning disinterest, while keeping a watchful eye on the entrance. Every sound and movement caught my attention as I waited for Rose to make her appearance.

Minutes ticked by, stretching into what felt like an eternity. I tried to occupy my mind with thoughts of the upcoming lecture, but my focus wavered, my thoughts consumed by the looming conversation with Rose. Doubts began to creep in again, and I wondered if my plan would be too transparent or if she would see right through my ruse.

Just as my doubts threatened to overpower my resolve, I spotted Rose entering the lecture hall, her graceful figure gliding through the doorway. She looked radiant as ever, her azure hair cascading in loose waves around her shoulders.

Rose scanned the room, her blue eyes flickering from one student to another. As her gaze landed on me, I offered her a warm smile, hoping to convey a sense of genuine friendliness, however, I could feel the corner of my lip twitching.

I wasn't used to this...

Luckily, she didn't seem to understand my intentions and returned the smile, before making her way toward her usual seat closer to the front.

Oh, there was also Tess behind her, but I chose not to look at her. Maybe because she was staring at me very intently.

"..."

As Rose settled into her seat, the anticipation in the room grew. The rustling of papers and hushed whispers filled the air, signifying the impending start of the lecture. Just as the buzz of conversation began to die down, the door swung open, and our teacher, Robbin, entered the room.

Robbin's tall, imposing figure commanded attention as he strode confidently to the front of the lecture hall. His hair was neatly styled, and his brown eyes scanned the room, capturing the attention of every student. Today he had an air of authority that demanded respect.

"Good morning, class!"

Robbin's voice boomed, instantly silencing the remaining whispers.

"I hope you've all had a productive week of training. Today, I have an important announcement regarding your upcoming midterm exams."

A collective murmur spread through the room, as everyone's attention focused on Robbin. Midterm exams were always a significant event, testing our knowledge and skills under the watchful eye of the instructors.

"These exams will be split into two parts."

Robbin continued, his gaze sweeping across the room.

"First, there will be a theory exam, which will assess your understanding of the principles and concepts we've covered thus far. This will take place in the main lecture hall next week."

The tension in the room seemed to ease slightly at the mention of a theory exam. While challenging, it was a familiar format that allowed us to showcase our knowledge without the added pressure of physical exertion.

"However..."

Robbin's voice grew more intense.

"The second part of the exam will be a combat assessment. This is where your practical skills will be put to the test."

A wave of anticipation mixed with a hint of apprehension washed over the room. The combat assessment was always a challenging ordeal, pushing us to demonstrate our proficiency in a real-world setting.

"This time..."

Robbin continued, a slight sadistic smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"The combat assessment will take place in an Ice Attribute Dungeon. You'll be tested on your ability to adapt to the environment, utilize your skills effectively, and work as a team. This is a chance for you to demonstrate your growth and apply what you've learned."

The mention of an Ice Attribute Dungeon sent a shiver of disturbance through the students. It was a unique and demanding setting, filled with icy terrain, treacherous obstacles, and formidable adversaries. Surviving and excelling in such an environment required not only physical prowess but also mental resilience and strategic thinking.

However, I kept calm. Well probably because I was already aware of this months ago. This was the main reason why I chose to raid an Ice Dungeon in which I saved Rose in the first place.

'It looks like my preparations will pay off...'

Scratching my cheek, I leaned my head back, feeling in control of the situation.

Robbin continued to elaborate on the details of the combat assessment, outlining the criteria for evaluation and emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

Although he tried to paint the picture that the Dungeon would be easy and most students would pass, I knew this was a lie.

There was no way an Ice Dungeon would be easy, especially, when we have all the protagonists in our class, four magnets of destruction that can pull a meteor from the sky.

I think I should start calling them curses since they literally cursed me with the added difficulty of the combat assessment.

As Robbin delved into the specifics of the combat assessment, my mind began to wander. While I had anticipated the challenge of the Ice Attribute Dungeon, there was a part of me that couldn't help but feel a glimmer of excitement.

This was the event where we'll become 'Rankers'.

Depending on the placement I get in the midterms, I will get a rank in the hierarchy of the Academy. The top Rankers get the most rewards and recognition, so it was crucial to perform well.

If I recall correctly, Drake managed to swoop first place within the First Year classes in the novel, which resulted in him getting an S rank skill. 

For some reason, I was feeling motivated.