Path of the Extra

Chapter 125: SICVC [1]

The backyard of the Crimson Estate stretched wide under the cracked sky.

Oaks and towering pines bordered the grounds, their branches swaying gently in the wind, casting long shadows over the perfectly manicured lawn.

The grass was a deep, rich green, untouched by wild overgrowth. In the center stood a marble fountain, water flowing in smooth arcs, the steady sound adding a sense of calm.

Rows of crimson roses lined the edges of the garden.

And standing there in the same backyard were three people—Lumine, Yelena, and Mira.

Lumine and Yelena wore crimson military uniforms, surprisingly similar to Miraʼs.

The only difference was that they didnʼt have the black furred coat draped over their shoulders.

Both stood with their backs straight, clearly nervous in the presence of a grandmaster.

Lumine glanced at the grass, noticing how the blades seemed to lean toward Mira, as if drawn by her mere presence.

Even the trees, swayed by the wind, bent slightly in her direction.

ʼA grandmaster—someone no longer considered human… almost like a god.ʼ

Her presence was overwhelming, even though she wasnʼt doing anything.

Just standing near her felt suffocating, making Lumine fight the urge to lower his gaze.

He glanced at Yelena, and their eyes met.

She gave him a small, wry smile.

”You must be extremely talented, Cadet Lumine, to rank above the Frost Princess and place second. And you too, Cadet Yelena, ranked sixth in your first year. Both of you have achieved feats you should be proud of. Word of how you protected the cadets from the skeleton stampede is already spreading.”

It seemed Mira had decided to see them as highly talented rather than mere survivors of void creature battles.

Of course, that made sense.

Anyone looking into their records wouldnʼt find any official reports of them fighting void creatures.

Lumine and Yelena exchanged surprised glances as they noticed a faint smile tugging at Miraʼs lips, despite her usual stoic expression.

”Y-you… you know about us?” Lumine asked.

Mira nodded without hesitation.

”All the higher-ups know about you. Whether you realize it or not, both of you have the potential to be one of the great pillars supporting humanityʼs future. Your names are already well-known.”

Lumine swallowed nervously.

ʼI had no idea we were being watched by such big names already...ʼ

Though, on second thought, it wasnʼt too surprising.

Hero Academy was known for producing the best cadets, and the top ten of the first year were bound to draw attention.

”And...”

Miraʼs eyes narrowed slightly, or at least it felt like that to Lumine.

It was as if thousands of needles pricked his skin, drying his lips.

”Itʼs only natural Iʼd find out everything about you two, especially since the prince went against the queenʼs wishes to have both of you join us.”

Lumine blinked, startled, and looked at Yelena.

She shook her head slightly, just as confused.

ʼHe did that? But why?ʼ

Lumine couldnʼt make sense of it.

Even back in CASC, Azriel had supported him for reasons he didnʼt fully understand.

He never looked at him like he was crazy or dangerous.

ʼIs he really that good of a person? Or is there another reason?ʼ

Doubts started to form in his mind.

”The prince has never been one to get close to others, not since he was young. So, itʼs surprising that heʼs protecting the two of you so much,” Mira remarked, suspicion flickering in her eyes.

Lumine didnʼt have any answers.

He didnʼt understand why Azriel had helped them either. He was an enigma—so much about him didnʼt add up.

Yelena furrowed her brow slightly.

”Did Prince Azriel not have any friends? Is that why he isnʼt close to many people?”

Mira looked at her for a moment before sighing.

”If you were royalty, youʼd know how difficult it is to form true friendships. People use you for their own purposes. But no, thatʼs not the reason. No one really knows why the prince distanced himself. Thatʼs how rumors started.”

ʼThe unworthy prince...ʼ

It was the label most had given him. They saw him as a prince without talent, without strength. A prince who couldnʼt achieve anything.

At least, that was until he came back from the dead.

”Whatever the case, unlike the two of you, no one will take the princeʼs words lightly once we enter SICVC. Itʼs not just because heʼs royalty. Surviving two whole years in the void realm—alone—is enough to command respect. Being a prince is just an added bonus.”

She looked at Lumine and Yelena with an intensity that made Lumine feel like he couldnʼt look away.

”Once you enter the void realm, your age wonʼt matter anymore. No one will see you as children. Youʼll be adults from that point on—if you survive. So do your best to show why the prince was so determined to have the two of you with us. Prove that you belong.”

Lumine felt a chill run through his fingers.

ʼThe void realm...ʼ

It was still hard to believe they were actually going there now.

Sure, he and Yelena had been there before, but that was only because of the systemʼs quests.

The places they had gone were just random areas with void creatures to fight.

But this time... this time was different.

He was going to face the real horrors of the void realm.

They would become adults.

Age wouldnʼt matter anymore.

No one would see them as children.

Lumine released a quiet, shaky breath, while Yelena glanced down, clearly nervous.

Though they had already decided to go, the weight of that decision was still heavy.

Suddenly, something caught Lumineʼs eye—one of the walls in the backyard.

It looked dented.

A human-shaped dent.

ʼDid someone crash there?ʼ

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind him.

Mira stopped looking at the two and bowed, thumping her right fist against her chest.

”My prince.”

Startled, Lumine and Yelena turned to see Azriel approaching, a small smile on his face.

Like them, he wore the crimson military uniform, but his was adorned with a black furred coat, just like Miraʼs.

Walking behind him on his left was Amaya, and on his right was Nol, though only Amaya had a black furred coat—Nol looked disappointed to be left out.

Azriel stopped in front of them and glanced around briefly before meeting Miraʼs eyes.

”Lady Mira, has my sister not arrived yet?”

Mira shook her head.

”Her Highness should be here any moment, my prince.”

Azriel furrowed his brows slightly.

”Well, girls do tend to take their time with makeup...”

Lumine and Yelena blinked at his comment, a hint of red creeping onto Yelenaʼs face as she looked down again.

ʼHe really acts like itʼs no big deal...ʼ

Lumine thought, watching Azrielʼs calm demeanor.

Their eyes met, and Azrielʼs smile faded as he spoke in a more serious tone.

”Have you written the letters?”

Yelena looked up, her expression complicated, while Lumine bit his lip. Both nodded.

”Yes,” Lumine said.

”We gave them to one of the maids, as you requested.”

Azriel nodded, and the atmosphere grew solemn.

The letters were for their parents, a precaution Azriel had insisted on before they entered the void realm.

They were still children here, not yet in the void realm, but parents would always see their children as just that—children.

Azriel wouldnʼt take them unless they left something behind, should the worst happen.

Lumine clenched his fists.

ʼIʼll make sure those letters never have to reach them...ʼ

Azrielʼs smile returned, brighter this time, as he placed a hand on both their shoulders.

”Try to relax. Being tense and nervous wonʼt help you. And donʼt worry—your parents wonʼt need to read those letters. Youʼre going with the Crimson Princess, a grandmaster, a master-ranked maid, a silver-blood devil, and, of course, the best part... me!”

At his words, Nolʼs face darkened comically, prompting Lumine and Yelena to take a step back in unison.

”My prince, even for you, how many times must I remind you to take things more seriously?”

Amaya scolded from behind, and Mira nodded in agreement.

”Lady Amaya is right, my prince. Weʼre heading somewhere unknown. Anything could happen,” Mira added.

Azrielʼs lips twitched as he glanced between them, still smiling, though his eyes were less amused.

”Have your social skills deteriorated that much?”

Both women widened their eyes, hurriedly apologizing.

ʼOh...ʼ

Lumine realized, feeling a tinge of surprise.

ʼHe was just trying to lighten the mood, wasnʼt he?ʼ

Azriel had likely sensed how on edge everyone was.

Though he wasnʼt the best at it, he was at least trying to ease the tension.

A small smile appeared on both Lumineʼs and Yelenaʼs faces.

”Thanks,” Lumine muttered.

Azriel glanced at him, smiling softly.

”Of course.”

There was so much Lumine wanted to ask, so many things he was curious about, but now wasnʼt the time.

Perhaps after all of this, he would have a chance.

ʼThis is an invaluable opportunity, and I canʼt let it go to waste.ʼ

Glancing at Yelena, they both nodded with renewed determination.

Then, a voice came from the side.

”I see everyone is here.”

Jasmine had arrived, dressed similarly to Azriel.

”Took you long enough.”

Jasmine sighed.

”Youʼre the one who ran from Mother, not me. Anyway, letʼs not waste time. Lady Mira, youʼre already anchored at SICVC, so if you would.”

”Certainly, Your Highness.”

Mira nodded, and everyone took a few steps back.

Then, a white cross appeared beneath Miraʼs feet.

The wind howled, roaring through the air, furiously whipping their hair as Lumineʼs breath caught in his throat.

He could feel the mana gathering in one place, pulling toward Mira.

Though he couldnʼt see it, he could sense it.

His heartbeat quickened.

Lumine squinted. In front of Miraʼs outstretched hand, a tiny black hole began to form, almost imperceptible at first. But it grew larger. And larger. Until Lumineʼs face paled.

ʼShe actually created a void rift...ʼ

Right before them was a swirling mass of darkness, a portal that sucked the air, making the grass and trees around them thrash wildly.

Somehow, Lumine knew Mira was protecting them from being pulled in.

Then, she turned toward them.

”Letʼs go.”