Chapter 6: Genre Misunderstanding: An Extra's Survival Story

Episode 6: Bunch of Weirdos

Spring. With the start of a new semester, the Continental Academy welcomed its new students.

Starting just a day prior, a particular rumor began spreading rapidly throughout the campus.

“Have you heard? One of the new students this year apparently drew his sword and charged at the seniors right after being hazed!”

“I heard from the ones involved that it was like he seriously wanted to kill them… but surely that’s exaggerated, right?”

“Who knows? The seniors were from the Ragem Kingdom, and the freshman’s from Ascal. Those two kingdoms are infamous for being mortal enemies no matter where you go.”

After the annual initiation ritual ends, seniors always make it clear that it was all part of the tradition.

Depending on the freshmen’s attitude, it could be taken in good humor or with displeasure, but most let it go since they know there’s a reason for it.

So it was no surprise that the story of a freshman who unsheathed his sword and rushed in spread like wildfire.

“…Or so the rumors say, Abel.”

“I see.”

“That’s all you have to say?”

“It’s not really an exaggeration, is it? I did draw my sword and charge, and while I didn’t intend to kill anyone, if the seniors felt like I did, it’s hard to call that a lie.”

At Abel’s calm response, Caligo sighed and rubbed his forehead.

To an outsider, it might sound like gossip about someone else.

But this was the guy at the center of it all. Was this really how he should be reacting?

And it wasn’t even a good kind of rumor. A freshman drawing his sword on seniors on the first day?

It was only natural that the second-years would view him poorly, and even professors and upperclassmen might start seeing him in a negative light.

“You should hold back from now on. I saw your talent firsthand, and it’s definitely exceptional—but the seniors aren’t pushovers either. If you act like you’re above everyone, you’re bound to get burned. There’s a reason why seniors are seniors.”

Caligo was well aware of the buzz surrounding this year’s new class.

Including himself, a prince of the Empire, and two powerful elemental users—sons of those considered the pinnacle of fire and water manipulation—there were a lot of impressive rookies.

Most would probably welcome the talent, but not everyone would feel that way.

Some might fear that cocky freshmen could disrupt the order the Academy had carefully established over the years.

What do people fear and resent the most?

Rebellion against the existing order and the chaos that comes with it.

Even among ability users, that sentiment holds true. The Academy isn’t some magical utopia either.

While the initiation ritual may have been the trigger, what escalated things was clearly Abel’s overreaction.

“Your Highness.”

“Just call me Caligo.”

“Alright then, Lord Caligo. Isn’t this different from what you said yesterday?”

“What?”

“Weren’t you the one who got the angriest upon hearing that an ice spear flew at Seria during the initiation?”

Me? Yeah, that sounds like me.

Abel’s unwavering response left Caligo momentarily speechless.

“…Can I ask something?”

“Go ahead.”

“What’s your relationship with Lady Seria?”

“We’re from the same kingdom, and we traveled to the Academy together.”

Caligo looked at Abel with a strange glint in his eye—like he was asking Is that really all?

Noticing what Caligo was implying, Abel firmly shook his head.

“If this is about those rumors, then no. That’s not it.”

“I didn’t say anything yet.”

“We met for the first time on this trip. There’s no engagement or romantic involvement. All of that’s false.”

Though Caligo cleared his throat like it didn’t matter, his twitching lips betrayed him.

It was obvious to Abel that the guy was relieved that he still had a chance.

Even if he’s just the Empire’s third prince, and far from the line of succession, he was still of noble blood.

He’s probably been around women far more elegant and beautiful than any provincial noble lady, so why Seria of all people?

Sure, she was pretty, but it’s not like the Empire was lacking in beautiful women.

“Anyway, Abel. Please try to stay out of trouble from now on. I’m asking you.”

“I overheard on my way here that even the knights tolerate a certain amount of disturbance. With ability users from every kingdom gathered here, is it even possible to stay out of trouble?”

“Charging at seniors on the first day like you’re going to kill them isn’t within that acceptable range!”

Caligo sighed deeply, torn about whether to share something personal.

It felt excessive to say this to someone from another kingdom who wasn’t even from the Empire…

But something about Abel felt like he was going to be the eye of the storm—maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea.

More than anything, Caligo remembered clearly what he saw that day.

The imposing aura, the flawless combat stance—everything about Abel screamed “elite.”

If he were from the Empire, people would already be praising him as someone with a bright future ahead.

“I can’t say much, but… sometimes something that seems trivial to one person can mean life or death to someone else. You understand what I’m saying, Abel?”

“I think I get the gist.”

“Really?”

Everyone knows the crown prince is already designated as the heir.

And for someone in line after him, it would be safest to eliminate potential threats before they became a problem.

If one of the lower-ranking princes started getting too much attention or admiration, the crown prince’s anxiety would naturally grow.

This year’s new class at the Continental Academy was already being hyped as legendary.

Caligo was among them. Whether he liked it or not, people were going to mention the Empire’s third prince when talking about the new students.

“But really, Lord Caligo, do you think that’s going to be as easy as it sounds?”

This was a place for gifted individuals—a place for gifted individuals—and the academy was their stronghold. There was no way things would stay quiet. Even if he wanted to live peacefully, the world around him would never allow it. Just looking at this year’s lineup of new students, it was impossible to predict what kind of incidents would break out.

To add to that, and though he felt sorry for Caligo, Abel had no intention of keeping a low profile.

He hadn’t come to this academy after all his efforts just to blend into the background like watered-down wine. Dropped into this amazing world of superpowered individuals, it was only natural that he should make a name for himself.

“Abel, hearing you say that just makes me even more worried…”

Caligo covered his face with both hands, unable to hide his growing gloom. As if responding to the creeping shadow that loomed over them, a bright voice suddenly lit up the space beside them.

“Lord Abel!”

“Lady Seria!”

She called his name, yet it was Caligo who answered. Abel shot him a look as if to say, why are you replying to that?—but the prince just grinned like he couldn’t care less.

A few seconds ago, he was acting like the whole world was weighing down on him, and now this. Shaking his head, Abel turned to greet Seria as she walked over.

“Good morning, Lady Seria. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, I slept great! What about you, Lord Abel?”

“I’m the same. But more than that, you look to be in an excellent mood.”

“Well, the dorms are way better than I expected! Honestly, they’re even nicer than my room back home in our territory!”

“But of course. Our Empire invested considerable effort into building the students’ living quarters. Lady Seria, even most nobles’ estates pale in comparison.”

Seizing the moment to insert himself into the conversation, Caligo leaned in. Abel was mildly surprised at how assertive the prince was being. Normally, characters like him would act all shy in front of their crush, only to get all dramatic behind their back.

“How was dinner last night? Was it as splendid as the dorms?”

“Yes, Prince—ah, I mean, Lord Caligo. The food was all amazing but… now I have a bit of a worry.”

“What kind of worry? You said everything was great—what could possibly be the problem?”

“Well… it was all so good that I ended up overeating. If I keep this up, I feel like I’m going to be rolling around in under a month…”

For a woman, weight gain was a serious concern. Abel nodded with a deep sense of empathy. But Caligo just burst out laughing like it was no big deal.

“You needn’t worry about that, Lady Seria. There’s a good reason why the food here is so excellent.”

“A reason?”

“Of course! What kind of place do you think this is? Just some ordinary school? Absolutely not. This is the Continental Academy, where selected ability users from various nations are trained. The process will be anything but easy. There will be times when the training is grueling. And in such moments, one of the best ways to relieve stress and pressure is none other than delicious food.”

“After hearing that… I’m even more worried now.”

No wonder he was doing so well for a typical unrequited love character. Seria slumped her shoulders in disappointment, while Caligo, who genuinely wanted to cheer her up, kept missing the mark. Abel watched the scene unfold, clicking his tongue.

BOOM!

To top it off, a loud explosion rang out.

“Huh? What was that just now?”

“Sounded like something exploded.”

“It came from the front gate. Let’s go.”

There’s one event that always had to happen at least once at any proper academy.

A massive surprise attack by unidentified individuals. If there’s an academy in a fantasy world, then an attack on that academy was practically a requirement.

It was a bit early, but if that was the event happening now, there was no way they could miss it.

“Abel? Wouldn’t it be better if you just stayed put—Wait, Lady Seria! Where are you going?!”

“Lord Abel said he’s heading to the front gate, so I’m going too!”

The one who tries to stop them.

The one who follows.

And the one whose heart is racing.

The three of them rushed toward the main gate—only to be met with something completely unexpected.

“Outta the way. I’m going in first.”

“Says who? I got here first, so you wait your turn.”

“Ugh. Are all fire users this rude?”

“And do all water users think they can get their way just by nagging?”

Growling at each other, then eventually coming to blows.

A red-haired boy and a blue-haired boy—locked in a brawl. If they’d been like Abel, causing a ruckus due to initiation, at least that would’ve been excusable. But no. These two decided to be the first to use their powers on each other as soon as they arrived.

“Oh gods…”

Caligo clutched his forehead. What was wrong with his fellow classmates?

Seria just blinked her eyes in awe. Raised in a rural area, she’d barely even seen ability users before—so this was all fascinating to her.

And finally, Abel…

“Abel? Why are you drawing your sword?”

“I’m going to stop them.”

“Doesn’t look like that’s what you’re planning.”

“Caught me.”

He looked like he was dying to jump into the chaos himself.

||Previous||TOC||Next||