How to Live as an Extra (3)
The Dunhart count family tradition was as harsh as the cold northern winds of winter. As border counts responsible for the northern frontier, they stood on the front lines against the monster zones, so their defenses were ironclad, and the people were rugged.
A merciless winter with no warm days year-round. Instead of cherry blossoms in spring, frost formed; in summer, not the sun beating down on the earth, but sleet rattled the window frames. Autumn brought torment from magical phenomena called "snowball" typhoons, and winter transformed the land into an arctic wasteland where even life struggled to survive.
That flow of nature mirrored Siel's life.
From the moment she was born, Siel had no time to rest on her laurels. The world hailed her as a gem born from the union of geniuses, and in her childhood, she received a strict family education. Execution over excuses, challenge over complacency. Embracing those teachings, she flawlessly handled schedules that would leave even seasoned knights breathless, and mastered magic studies that intimidated academy students.
The family's etiquette had long since seeped into her very bones. After her mother—her emotional anchor—passed away, even her expressions of feeling grew sparse.
Now, though she'd left home for the academy, something remained branded in her mind like a cautery mark. The first words she'd understood when learning language. Her father's deep, resonant voice.
Become a perfect human.
Become a perfect human.
In other words, become a master.
Everyone expected it. Under that pressure, she'd overwhelmingly passed the Artina Academy entrance exam.
From morning till dawn without fail, she practiced magic in the training hall.
"……."
But there were times when no answer seemed in sight….
A lingering doubt gnawed at her chest. Could she really become a master living like this? Ever since witnessing a master's power firsthand, that thought had steadily eroded her mind. She felt desperate, anxious. No one could tell her if the path she was on was right—no one even offered the correct answer.
But.
—"Not bad."
In that instant, the rapidly expanding ice wall shattered the training hall's walls. It was the same practice routine as always, yet mistakes kept happening.
Siel stared blankly at the scene.
"Again…."
She'd messed up. Dozens of training tools already destroyed. Money wasn't the issue, but her mind and body were in turmoil.
"I'm… such an idiot…."
Siel couldn't understand why this was happening. Right after hearing that silver-haired boy's words, her heart started pounding, and a smile bloomed on her face like flowers in her head. For someone who'd lived without emotions her whole life, this was astonishing.
And whenever she recalled what that boy—Kyle, was it?—had said, her mana control slipped, and her power surged uncontrollably.
"Why is this happening…."
Even Siel couldn't control her emotions. She didn't know the reason. She'd never felt anything like this before. Having never known emotions, she didn't know how to handle them. She just felt recognized by him, and that overwhelming torrent made her heart race—she'd forgotten that the driving force was joy.
"Let's try again."
Regrettably, she was an indefatigable hard worker who didn't know the word quit. Siel dove back into practice, and that day, the training hall echoed with particularly loud blasts.
Loren Company.
I was chatting with Rien.
Rien tilted her head, quill pen raised at the sudden booming sounds.
"Hmm, I have no idea. I thought our branch was close to the faculty halls in the commercial district. It's far from any construction zones. Normally, student chatter is louder—sorry about this."
"It's fine. Seems like there are more explosions than usual today."
"Really? Well, then thank you. Kyle, that covers your 15 silver silings!"
Rien flashed a bright smile. Her already striking beauty became irresistible with that grin—enough to win any follower. Good thing I knew her true colors.
"Yeah, I'll pay back the remaining 35 silings bit by bit. The 5 silings can be my emergency fund—cut me some slack. But seriously, is it really okay to just give me this stuff?"
I lifted the bucket, mop, jar, and other household items.
I'd casually asked if Loren Company sold buckets, mops, and jars. She instructed a clerk, and they just pulled one out. When I tried to pay, Rien refused outright. So I asked again. Nothing in this world is free—especially from Rien.
"It's really fine? Do you think Loren Company can't afford a jar, bucket, or mop?"
"No, it's not that…."
"Besides, between us, it's nothing I can't do. I always get what I want, you see. Think of it as my way of investing in you."
I wanted to ask what the hell she meant. Wasn't our relationship one of pursuit, pressure, and obsession? It only got more dangerous as repayment loomed. And "want"? Was she hinting at the unpaid 35 silings?
Scary….
I stood up. Anyway, she'd given me gifts, so thanks were in order.
"Alright, thanks for the kindness. Call me anytime you need help next time."
"Sure, Kyle. I'll remember that."
"It was just polite talk. No need to take it seriously. Take care."
I left Loren Company and veered toward home. With time to spare, I planned to hit the library first.
Crackle, crackle.
"This should do it for now."
I unloaded my heavy load. Bucket and mop from Rien, a jar, and four books borrowed from the library. Carrying all this for a 30-50 minute trek had been brutal.
"Hot, so hot."
I stripped off my shirt. My whole body was drenched in sweat, overheated. Cool air clung to my skin, bringing relief.
I examined the four books in that state.
"Three magic tomes and one imperial swordsmanship book, right."
Honestly, I wanted more, but students were limited to four. The library was better for extended reading anyway.
"These two are must-haves."
Introduction to Magic Studies and Principles of Magic Circuits 1. Essential textbooks for majors—ones we carried daily.
The rest: Basic Magic 1 and Valencia Regulations: Roland Noble Swordsmanship. Borrowed out of personal ambition. I wanted basic magic and melee skills.
I opened a book. The worn pages confirmed I'd picked good ones—great books get handled roughly.
"This later."
I checked the jar first. Flawless premium quality, not a single chip. Was it really okay to take this…?
Worries aside, no choice but to use it now.
"I'll put the rock salt in here."
From the previous day—a few sets' worth from some block game—I dumped all the rock salt into the jar. Stirring slowly broke it into coarse grains.
What I was doing was prep for jerky. Some dried it, but salting worked too—osmosis to draw out moisture completely.
"Now just add the meat."
I laid in the meat I'd bled and hung yesterday, burying it completely. Super salty, but extended shelf life. Perfect.
Sealed the jar lid and placed it in a breezy spot. That wrapped it up. Leave it a week.
"Whew, now to read…."
I pulled out Basic Magic 1. But timing was an issue. Readable till 6 PM; after, it got too dark. And now was deep night.
"This'll work."
I approached the campfire, sparked embers with flint, and built it up. Letters glowed yellowish, not ideal, but better than idling.
Just as I dove in.
"Eek, hic!"
A voice from the woods. Looking up, pink hair poked between trees. Trying to hide, but obvious.
I closed the book and called softly.
"Lumina, just come out."
"Eep."
Lumina emerged, hands behind back, shuffling awkwardly. Avoiding eye contact, staring at distant mountains.
Then I realized: my skin prickled. I was shirtless. Naturalist life made it routine; I'd forgotten.
I hastily buttoned my shirt.
"Lumina, I'm dressed now, so relax."
"Y-yeah, K-Kyle. I wasn't trying to look, but when I got here, you were like that…. Sorry for coming unannounced…."
"It's cool. What's up?"
"Well, we haven't met today, so I came myself. Great exercise!"
She mimed flexing arms. I nodded—relatable.
"True… nothing beats this workout. Drains stamina going to and from campus every morning."
"Yeah, must be tough. You're so diligent, Kyle! I couldn't do it daily."
"Gotta go for classes on time…."
Dorm-free life meant this fate. Might as well exercise en route—no complaints.
I added logs to the fire. Brighter now—good for reading.
"Kyle, what's that book?"
"Basic Magic 1. Starting today. Other students probably know basics already."
Non-commoners usually finished prep academies with basics down. Like a college kid not knowing arithmetic.
"I see! Studying hard…!"
"Yeah, gotta catch up."
"Which part?"
Lumina clapped excitedly, scooting close. Her hair and breath tickled; a nice scent wafted. I endured, pointing to the page.
She beamed.
"I know this…! Want help?"
"Sure? Oh, right—you ignited last time. Forgot."
"Exactly! Leave it to me!"
I accepted. A magic mentor was gold.
Lectures assumed context; details tripped me up. Grades just needed passing—no Fs. Practical scores might suffer against demons/monsters, so theory tests were key. Knowledge built wisdom for this world. No regrets on past life—no ties, no reason to cling. No clue how to return anyway. The one who dumped me here set Nightmare difficulty—avoid bad ends first. Return later.
"Look here. This is the magic circle, see? Fire element uses triangular strokes, but ignition just does the top one? Cool, right, Kyle? This stroke is like… a formula. Derives results…? Ignition lights fire, so…."
I got absorbed in Lumina's explanation. Magic as principles and formulas—kinda fun.
We studied till late evening.
Finally, I learned it.
Active Skill Acquired: Ignition!
"Whoa! Kyle! It worked!! Congrats!"
"Thanks to you."
Essential survival skill: ignition. I smiled at the match-sized flame dancing on my hand. No more fire worries.