Path of the Extra

“…To think that actually worked.”

Still looking at the file in her hands, Celestina had an expression of exasperation and disbelief.

Azriel could only manage a wry smile as he sat next to her in the SUV, riding through CASC.

When he offered Solomon’s number, Instructor Penny’s attitude did a complete 180. She didn’t hesitate to hand them a C-tier mission, worth ten points in total—five points for each of them.

The mission was simple enough to not hurt their pride: checking up on a containment facility at the edge of CASC. One of its workers had requested help, reporting suspicious activity. Celestina and Azriel were only supposed to investigate. Nothing more.

Vague. Very vague.

Which was exactly why neither the government nor the great clans took it seriously, tossing it to the academy, which deemed it suitable for cadets and only C-tier worthy.

Azriel glanced at the girl sitting next to him, reading the file—which didn’t contain much.

‘…I don’t know how much I can still rely on the knowledge I have from the book, but… every single one of the main cast had an extraordinary talent for getting themselves into insane situations.’

Then again… Azriel wasn’t one to talk.

So what happens when two people who attract trouble team up?

Will they cancel each other out or amplify their bad luck?

Azriel’s face darkened at the thought.

‘…I’m screwed no matter what, aren’t I?’

Looking at the driver in front, Azriel’s mouth twitched.

When they received the mission, they had planned to go on their own.

Classes for first-years were still in session, and technically, they were skipping.

Not that they’d get in much trouble for it.

It’s just…

This Frost Knight had been waiting outside the academy. The moment he noticed Celestina and Azriel, he approached them.

But instead of saying anything, he simply offered to escort them to the containment facility.

It was expected. Someone from her clan was bound to be sent to protect Celestina whenever she left the academy—just like how Amaya was supposed to protect Azriel.

…Only Amaya had no clue that he was outside the academy.

‘If I told her, she probably wouldn’t have even let me take the mission properly.’

Not because Amaya was overprotective—though she was—but because Azriel knew his parents had ordered her to be.

The moment he got into real danger, Amaya would undoubtedly intervene.

And Azriel didn’t want that.

He wouldn’t grow stronger otherwise.

But he understood. They were worried about his life.

Yet, Azriel had no choice.

In this world, there was only one thing he knew for sure—every chance to grow stronger, he had to take.

Besides, now that a Frost Knight was here, having Amaya around as well would be overkill.

A Frost Knight… A knight was something one had to pay attention to.

It was a title granted only to those personally recognized by the Four Great Kings for their achievements in the army.

Not just a mere Crimson, Frost, Dusk, or Nebula soldier.

But a knight.

Amaya, for example, was a Crimson Knight.

Elites within their own ranks—warriors who had proven themselves to the world.

“I have to ask… Are you sure you’ll be alright giving her Solomon’s number?”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Azriel looked at Celestina. Her eyes held genuine concern.

Azriel smiled softly.

“He probably won’t even know it came from me. And even if he does, it’s fine… We’re friends. Sort of.”

Celestina studied him for a few seconds, something unreadable flashing through her eyes. Then, looking ahead again, she spoke in a steady voice.

“…He certainly seems to be an age-appropriate friend.”

Before Azriel could respond, he felt the vehicle come to a stop as the Frost Knight turned around.

“Your Highnesses, we have arrived.”

Celestina gave a nod.

“Thank you for the trouble, Sir Henrik.”

Henrik merely shook his head, closing his brown eyes for a brief moment as his tied-up hair swayed slightly with the movement.

“I am merely doing my duty. I will stay here, and if there is an emergency, please don’t forget to use it. I will head over to you immediately.”

“Of course, but you need not worry.”

Celestina didn’t look concerned in the slightest—nor did the Frost Knight.

After all, the Frost Heiress had completed far more difficult missions than a mere C-tier mission.

Both Azriel and Celestina stepped out of the SUV, their eyes settling on the massive building in front of them.

Multiple guards with guns patrolled the facility’s perimeter.

‘It’s rare for a containment facility to be inside a sacred capital… At least it’s heavily guarded and as far away from civilians as possible.’

Azriel turned toward Celestina, who was staring at the place, her eyes betraying innocent curiosity.

“…Should we go?”

“Ah.”

A soft, surprised sound escaped her lips as she snapped out of her daze, looking at Azriel before nodding.

“Yes, let’s go.”

Azriel studied her for a moment before starting toward the entrance alongside her.

“Is something the matter? Have you been here before, perhaps?”

Celestina shook her head.

“On the contrary. I’ve actually never been to a containment facility. This is my first time entering one.”

Hearing her words, Azriel did his best to hide the surprise in his tone.

“I see. Well, I’ve only been to a few myself. My father insisted I should at least familiarize myself with these places if I was going to neglect training properly.”

Celestina chuckled lightly.

“My dad is the opposite. He’d rather have me train than go out. My parents get more overprotective and worried by the day, it seems.”

Not even a few seconds after they reached the entrance, lined with scanners, did two guards standing at each end take notice of them.

One of the guards stepped forward, expression stern, gripping his heavy weapon tightly as he narrowed his eyes at them.

But the moment he got a good look at Celestina’s face, his eyes widened. Both guards immediately straightened their backs before thumping their fists against their chests and bowing.

“”I greet the Heiress of the Frost Clan!””

As they looked up, they cast only a brief glance at Azriel, giving him a curt nod, before turning their attention back to Celestina with admiration in their eyes.

Azriel and Celestina both blinked at the difference in attitude before quickly realizing why.

‘They don’t recognize me yet, huh…’

Azriel quickly gestured with his eyes for Celestina not to say anything. She looked reluctant at first but eventually relented with a quiet sigh.

“We were sent here to investigate the facility after it requested help without providing an explanation,” Celestina said, her expression now completely devoid of emotion as she addressed them.

The guard in front looked both confused and surprised.

“I don’t know anything about that… That’s above our pay grade. But if anyone requested help, it should be the director himself. Still, to think the Frost Clan decided to personally step in… Ah, I will lead you to the director’s office.”

“Please do.”

Celestina gave a slight nod while Azriel remained silent, observing everything.

In reality, they weren’t here on behalf of the Frost Clan—or any clan, for that matter—but as cadets from the academy.

But… perhaps it was better to let them believe otherwise.