The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide - Chapter 215

“The Great Sage Silvenia… is trying to resurrect the Holy Blue Dragon Velbrok…?”

“This is all just a hypothesis without any evidence. However… there is some credibility.”

Ayla Triss was a girl who wasn’t particularly strong in terms of firepower. However, she possessed an incredible amount of knowledge in magical academia.

In fact, she even had a high resonance with Celestial Magic. That, combined with her vast knowledge, made her an ideal candidate for Professor Glast to use as a sacrifice.

I wiped my face as I calmly organized my thoughts.

Thinking back on it, when finished and the credits started to roll… it showed various images of the characters’ lives further in the future after graduating.

Each of the characters was shown living their own lives now that the storyline was over. As such scenes passed by, at the very end, Ayla appeared with the title of “Great Sage” next to her name.

A genius scholar who was granted the title of Great Sage after Silvenia. The Great Sage Ayla Triss.

At the time, I thought it was simply meant to show that “Ayla achieved great academic success”… and nothing more. That was because all of the other characters were depicted in a similar way.

However, if Ayla had actually discovered something about the Great Sage Silvenia…

Or if she had truly followed and fulfilled the will of the Great Sage Silvenia…

Or if had intentionally glossed over that part…

The companion of Swordmaster Taylee McLaure—Ayla Triss. What truth did she discover about the Great Sage Silvenia?

All of that had happened completely off the main stage.

The sequence of events that took place on stage was slowly running out.

As we approached the final act, it had become impossible for me to predict anything based on the original timeline. Rather, the hidden truths beneath the storyline were beginning to surface.

The shadow of a young scholar’s back that had only ever appeared in the setting books—the girl with white hair tied back in black ribbons—was now starting to step onto the main stage.

“There is no way to verify whether that’s true or not right now. After all, how are we supposed to investigate someone whose traces disappeared from the world hundreds of years ago? However… Ayla Triss might somehow figure it out.”

“Y-You mean Taylee’s lover?”

“Yeah. If I’m right, she will become the next Great Sage.”

I came to the reasonable conclusion that she must have somehow come into contact with the Great Sage Silvenia.

After all, Ayla was the first to propose such a theory.

All that time, I had been trapped in a prison called “the original timeline,” blinded by the thought of somehow defeating Velbrok. But… she had chosen a different path.

“I’m sure she’ll find something. And when she does, I have to be ready to move immediately. That’s why I need to get even stronger.”

“That’s why… you seem more impatient.”

“The major event I’ve been preparing for is finally starting to reveal itself.”

I sat still, clenching my hands and teeth, then spoke quietly as I frowned.

“Honestly, I’m nervous. I’m only human, after all.”

The reason I’d been learning advanced magic through being attacked by Lucy was because I could genuinely feel the catastrophe drawing near.

“Ed…”

All of the students were slowly leaving the student square to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The student council members who were cleaning up the chairs glanced our way with puzzled expressions. It seemed they wanted to finish their tasks quickly and enjoy the festival themselves, which explained their hurried movements.

Sitting beside each other, Yennekar and I remained silent for a while longer.

“Ed… It might sound strange to say this, but I’m happy.”

“…What?”

“I don’t think you realize it yourself. But over the past few years, even though you’ve taken breaks and rested occasionally… it still felt like you were caught up in something enormous, always being chased.”

Yennekar smiled shyly as she reminisced, almost as if she were whispering to herself.

“When you sharpened your bow, built the cabin, went hunting, or sat quietly by the campfire… even when you looked calm and expressionless while taking care of things… somehow, I knew. You were running forward with all your strength, as if a knife were chasing you.”

Yennekar, sitting and gazing blankly at the sky, seemed lost in her memories.

“Once all of this is over, you’ll be able to get your diploma… and finally stop running.”

“…Yennekar.”

“Since I grew up in a secluded countryside, I knew nothing beyond an open ranch and towering mountains. That’s why I don’t truly understand how hard it must be to live a life like yours, where you’re constantly running forward. Still, I can imagine.”

I understood what Yennekar was trying to convey.

All of the emotions she felt while standing beside me and watching over me all that time couldn’t be summed up by simple words like worry or empathy.

“…I’m sure it must have been very difficult.”

“…I can’t deny that.”

“If dealing with Velbrok really is the end of everything, then afterward… let’s stop running.”

It was a life that felt as though bullets were constantly flying past.

It must have been heartbreaking for Yennekar to watch me live with a knife perpetually at my throat, walking across a never-ending tightrope where a single misstep meant death.

“Instead, let’s walk.”

“……”

“But until that moment, I’ll run by your side.”

Yennekar spoke with a shy smile. Then, she straightened her expression and addressed me more directly.

“So… our top priority is dealing with the Holy Blue Dragon Velbrok, just like you said.”

“But right now, there’s nothing we can do about it. That’s why it’s better to handle everything else first. And Yennekar, there’s a lot you need to take care of right now as well.”

After I said that, Yennekar shook her head and replied firmly.

“Your situation is the priority right now. When the time comes, I’ll ask you for help too—but for now, we need to focus on your work. Of course, I have many things I need to handle as well, but… what could possibly be more important than what you’re dealing with right now?!”

“Lady Yennekar, you were here.”

“Eeek! …Bell?”

Yennekar screamed like a startled animal and spun around to see Bell Maya standing there.

“Thankfully, I heard in advance that there would be a gathering here in the student square. I see you were here as well, Young Master Ed.”

“You must be busy with the festival. What brings you here?”

“Well… I could have had someone deliver the news, but I felt it would be better to make time and speak with you in person.”

“For you to come directly…?! What happened, Bell?”

As Bell answered, I saw Yennekar’s face gradually turn pale blue. It was a strangely fascinating sight.

“Lady Yennekar’s parents are currently at Ophelis Hall.”

***

Orte and Saila Palerover were under the impression that Yennekar was still living in Ophelis Hall.

Bell Maya quickly arrived at that conclusion after seeing them visit Ophelis Hall and ask to be guided to Yennekar Palerover’s room.

Given Yennekar’s personality, there was no way she could bluntly tell her parents, “I got expelled from the dormitory, so now I live with a boy my age in the forest.”

Regardless, Orte and Saila shouldn’t have been able to leave Pulan because of the ranch, so Yennekar had always avoided the topic and never worried too deeply about it.

Bell, having accurately grasped the situation, first led them to a separate room to wait. Meanwhile, she had another empty room quickly furnished with simple school uniforms and daily necessities to make it appear lived-in. It wasn’t particularly difficult.

After that, she guided them inside, introducing it as Yennekar’s room. Once they sat down to wait, she excused herself, saying she would go call Yennekar.

All of the senior maids who witnessed Bell’s improvisation were left in complete awe of her competence.

However, even though Bell Maya’s response was nearly flawless… Yennekar Palerover’s dreadful acting skills remained unchanged. She would be of absolutely no help in this situation.

“D-Daddy?! Wh-Why are you here? What about the ranch?”

Sitting across from them on the sofa in the well-decorated room, Yennekar could barely form coherent sentences as her vision spun and her breathing grew shallow.

“Oh my, our sweet Yennekar. It was worth surprising you just to see that reaction…! And since it’s the Grand Crestle Festival, it was the perfect time to ask you about all those letters that keep arriving at the ranch about you becoming a baroness.”

At Saila’s words, Yennekar remembered something important.

Of course, she should have explained those letters to her parents. Even if she couldn’t do so in person due to the distance, she could have at least written back.

“R-Right…! I should have explained it. But I’ve been so busy lately that it slipped my mind. I’m sorry.”

“That’s alright, Yennekar. We’re all so proud of you. We also wanted to see what your school life was like. Everyone here seems so proud of you. As your father, I’m so happy…! Keheuk…!”

Orte Palerover, despite his burly frame and stern appearance, turned into a doting father in front of his beloved daughter.

Seeing how highly she was regarded, he became so emotional that he could hardly speak.

“Living alone in such a luxurious room… our daughter truly is incredible…!”

“Honey… don’t cry… or I’ll start crying too…”

“I’m… normally not a man who sheds tears, but… keheuk… damn it…”

Watching them tremble with tears in their eyes, Yennekar froze.

Judging by their words, personalities, and the neatly wrapped gift beside them, she could already guess what was coming next.

“Anyway, we heard that a young man from House Rothstaylor played a huge role in all of this. Since he’s treated us so kindly, we can’t just sit by and do nothing.”

“That’s right! We need to meet him and give our thanks! And what you said last time, Yennekar… about that man—we want to see him at least once. Ohohoho!”

How shocked would they be to discover those two were the same person? Once they returned home, it would take less than three days for rumors to flood the entire village.

Just imagining it was terrifying. Yennekar forced a smile.

“O-Okay! But he’s extremely busy, so I don’t know if he’ll be able to meet you!”

“I see.”

“Y-Yeah! It’ll be really, really, really hard to meet him! And there’s already so much to do during the festival! Since you came all this way, I should show you around! There are academic conferences, concerts, and so much food! We can even watch Princess Selah’s arrival at Silvenia and the Joint Competition…! That’s right, Ed— I mean, Young Master Ed—is participating in the Joint Competition this time.”

“Really?”

“I see… I suppose he wouldn’t have time to spare for people like us. Still, I wish we could at least give him this gift…”

“Just seeing him during the Joint Competition would be an honor…!”

Yennekar’s head throbbed.

Rumors about her relationship with Ed had already spread throughout the academy. If she didn’t keep her parents close at all times, she was certain something would slip out.

With the festival ongoing, students were likely too busy to gossip. If she worked hard enough, she could at least create good memories before sending her parents home.

Yennekar steeled herself and gathered her resolve.

I can do it.I can do it…!!!!

***

“I can do iiit!”

The shout of Wade Callamore, the first-year combat department’s top student, echoed through the waiting room.

The duel between the third and fourth years would serve as the final climax of the Joint Dueling Competition.

Compared to that match—which would be held on a special stage personally attended by Emperor Kroel and Princess Selah—the first- and second-year matches received far less attention.

That was only natural. Most visitors wanted to see duels between senior students, so priority was given to the third and fourth years.

Still, that didn’t mean the first- and second-year students took their matches any less seriously.

Unfortunately, Wade had drawn an especially unlucky opponent.

While many people eagerly awaited the duel between the top third- and fourth-year students, Ed and Daike…

The match between the top first- and second-year students—Wade and Lucy—was already considered decided.

“I’m a… genius… I’m a genius…”

Wade had been hailed as the heir to House Callamore his entire life. On top of that, his loyalty to Princess Penia weighed heavily on his shoulders.

A top combat department student with white hair and sharp features, Wade entered Silvenia with overwhelming ambition.

However, he soon realized the gap between himself and monsters like Ziggs Eiffelstein and Ed Rothstaylor.

As his sense of superiority crumbled, so did his confidence. From that point on, he immersed himself in training without arrogance. Even so, he was deathly afraid of his scheduled match against Lucy Mayreel.

The first- and second-year duels were nearing their end. Although no one from the Imperial Household had arrived yet, prominent figures such as Deputy Headmistress Rachel and Head Dean McDowell were present.

He couldn’t afford to make a fool of himself in front of so many powerful individuals.

But his opponent was Lucy Mayreel.

Even as he tried to stabilize himself through sheer self-hypnosis, Wade knew the truth.

No matter how talented he was with a sword, he stood no chance against Lucy Mayreel. That much was obvious without even fighting her.

“Wade. Don’t be too nervous. Just focus on giving it your best.”

“Daike.”

Daike Elpelan, a fellow combat department student, patted Wade on the shoulder. However, it wasn’t much consolation.

The experience of being crushed and helplessly falling before someone far more talented…

Daike had endured that more than anyone else. Seeing Wade tremble, he saw his own reflection.

Through the iron bars, Wade looked toward Lucy, who had already entered the arena. She stood there drowsily.

She had only come because participation was mandatory. Judging by the wide yawn she let out, she clearly wanted to finish quickly and take a nap.

From the start, Lucy didn’t view this as a duel. To her, it was merely a task to be completed as efficiently as possible.

Clevius Nortondale had once charged at that monster with his sword.

That wasn’t a ceremonial duel with safety measures. Lucy had been out of her mind with rage, and Clevius had still risked his life to face her.

Compared to that, Wade trembling in a duel layered with safety enchantments felt unbearably pathetic.

“Do you think you’re pathetic, Wade? Scared and trembling?”

Daike suddenly spoke up, trying to light a spark within him.

“…Yes.”

Wade answered honestly.

He trusted Daike Elpelan. No matter what he said, Daike wouldn’t mock him. He was a dependable upperclassman.

Wade expected stern encouragement—words likeDon’t be afraid. You can do it.

“I know. I’d be fucking terrified too. If I were you, my legs wouldn’t stop shaking.”

Instead, Daike swore and spoke bleakly.

Wade’s eyes widened.

“Clevius clenched his fists and charged at that monster. That’s not something anyone can do. How is that any different from jumping into a pit of flames?”

Rather than encouragement, Daike’s words instilled fear. Wade was stunned.

“Y-You think so too… Daike…?”

“How could I be any different? Facing a monster like that, how could your legs not tremble?”

“…I thought I was brave. Able to charge into tens of thousands of troops without fear… I wanted to be like my father, Magnus…”

Wade remembered Ziggs Eiffelstein’s sword at his neck.

He had been nothing more than a coward intoxicated by victory.

True courage was fulfilling one’s duty despite fear.

“Not feeling fear doesn’t make you brave. It makes you reckless. Your father commands a massive corps—do you think he doesn’t know fear?”

Daike rejected Wade’s words.

“Bravery is acting despite fear. Don’t try to erase it. Face it and overcome it.”

Never backing down after defeat—that was Daike Elpelan’s way of life.

“Daike…”

“Everyone expects Lucy Mayreel to win. That’s only natural. But if you can trade blows with her—even land one solid hit—people will see you differently.”

“…Alright.”

Accepting his fear, Wade stood.

Leaving the dim waiting room, he entered the brightly lit arena to applause.

Lucy Mayreel stood there with a drowsy expression.

Wade inhaled deeply.

No one cared about the result. Everyone was waiting for the seniors’ duel the next day.

A stage without expectations—there was no better place to shock the world.

“Lucy Mayreel.”

Wade unsheathed his sword.

Even if you lived as a coward… even if you always ran from fear…

There were moments when a man had to fight back against the world.

Like Commander Magnus, standing firm before tens of thousands.

“You should prepare yourself.”

Wade even issued a provocation.

Lucy merely muttered about jerky while adjusting her hat.

“Even if my strength can’t match yours… my resolve—and my refusal to yield—I’ll show you!”

“Begin!”

Booooom!Crash! Clang! Clang!

In an instant, the arena filled with light.

Advanced Lightning Magic—Divine Judgment.

Three consecutive strikes.

Wade was flung into the arena wall and lost consciousness immediately.

“…Crap…! I didn’t control my power…!”

Lucy’s face turned pale.

After constantly fighting Ed, her control had dulled. Ed was one of the few who could withstand her magic, even if only by gritting his teeth through the pain.

She had used that same level of power on Wade.

Fortunately, his injuries didn’t appear life-threatening.

Lucy broke out in a cold sweat and stuffed jerky into her mouth.

“…Sorry.”

The crowd roared as Lucy apologized and hurried out of the arena.

Applause followed—for Wade, who lay unconscious.

Watching the overwhelming gap in talent, Daike Elpelan smiled bitterly.

Some differences could never be closed.

***

“Are you going to use me in your duel?”

Merilda sat atop a pile of books.

The cabin interior was filled with them, a situation she found very satisfying. Most had been brought by Lortel.

“Of course. He’s a difficult opponent to beat without a high-ranking spirit.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve been able to go all-out. I hear they call him the King of Power—able to destroy entire buildings with a single punch.”

“At the very least, we can’t take it lightly. By the way…”

Back at the cabin, I fixed the door hinge, checked supplies, and disposed of spoiled food.

After spending time on magic engineering upstairs, I prepared to head to Trix Hall.

Before that, I turned to Merilda.

“As far as I know, you’re the only one who ever met the Great Sage Silvenia in person.”

……

“So I want your opinion.”

Merilda had met Silvenia—and been close to her.

After all, her human form mirrored Silvenia’s appearance.

“The Great Sage Silvenia, who asked you to protect this forest long ago.”

“Are you searching for my old friend? She’s become quite famous.”

“You already know what I’m going to ask, don’t you?”

Merilda knew Silvenia better than anyone.

Was the Great Sage Silvenia truly responsible for releasing Velbrok’s seal?

“That’s impossible.”

Merilda denied it instantly.

“She loved this school more than anyone. She would never risk destroying it herself.”

“You sound confident.”

“We were close friends.”

She had watched Acken Island evolve from nothing.

“That girl was eccentric, but she’d never harm this place.”

……

“I don’t give credit to humans easily. But Silvenia was worthy of my respect.”

Merilda rarely spoke so seriously.

“There’s something I should tell you, Ed. A story no history book records.”

“The truth behind Silvenia’s death… you haven’t heard it, have you?”

***

A long time ago.

When Acken Island was nothing but towering mountains and lush forests, a young girl was exiled there and built an academy.

A white-haired girl who smiled proudly, hands on her hips, gazing at the stars.

That was Merilda’s testimony.