Ordinary Extra
"It's a total uproar out there."
[Looks like you're finally gaining some fame. Even making the front page like this.]
"Well, it's already the third time."
[Still a long way to go. At least until there's no one in this country who doesn't know you.]
"Sounds good to me. Fame from thieving, of all things."
[You're not stealing for personal greed like some common thief. That's why you agreed to this in the first place.]
"True enough."
How did I end up becoming a phantom thief? There's a deep story behind it.
Where to even start? Bottom line: I possessed an extra from a web novel I used to read.
An utterly insignificant side character with equally underwhelming abilities. Name's Kro Morris. In the original story, total appearances probably don't even hit ten. Wouldn't fill a single chapter.
Not even die-hard fans would notice if he didn't exist.
One-liner summary: Extra in the protagonist's class, illusionist concept.
Why so forgettable despite the unique gimmick? This world's a magic battle fantasy centered on wizards. Classic sleight-of-hand illusion magic—tricks and misdirection—is inherently weak sauce.
When I first possessed him, I felt so lost. How to survive this brutal world on parlor tricks alone?
But things worked out. It's only been a month since possession, but still.
Credit goes to meeting the Goddess and striking a fair deal.
She lends me power; in exchange, I hunt gems scattered across the world as a phantom thief by night.
More precisely, to reclaim her lost power sealed inside them.
Win-win: She regains strength with each gem, I get stronger too. Perfect loop.
Once all gems are collected and her power fully restored, I can return to reality, she says.
I'm content with this life for now, though.
[This is just the beginning. Countless gems left to claim.]
"Energizing news."
[You'll get hooked on the phantom thief gig soon enough. Everyone will admire you.]
Admiring a thief? Sure, a Phantom Thief, not some crook.
As I said, we need the goddess power inside the gems, not the rocks themselves.
Stolen goods get returned or donated to those in need.
Sun's Smile will follow suit.
That's the gist. Days: ordinary Academy student. Nights: elusive Phantom Thief Raven.
My routine now. And it was time to head to the Academy as a student.
[What a fine day today.]
"That just sounded super old."
[...How rude. Remember, this body was a woman before it was a goddess.]
The Goddess's tone turned prim and pouty.
She's currently in the ring on my finger. Originally a staff, but rings only at the Academy—no wands allowed.
[Keep your eyes peeled, anyway. That woman from last night could be anywhere.]
"Oh, her?"
The mystery woman from last night. She saw through our entire plan, somehow.
If Rafano weren't such an idiot, it could've been bad.
"Too bad I couldn't make out her face."
[Look on the bright side. She didn't see yours either.]
"I've got perception interference magic anyway."
[Hm. True. Guess we're the ones at a loss.]
Agreeing too readily?
All we know: striking green eyes.
In 21st-century Korea, standout feature. But this is fantasy Britannia—magic world. Green, blue, red, purple eyes everywhere.
Still narrows suspects.
Home to Academy's a short walk. Slid into class quick.
Farther than dorms, obviously.
A month in, routine's second nature. Classmates oblivious to the change.
Original Kro was mute and shy anyway. No friends.
'Should I be happy or sad about that?'
[Doesn't seem worth celebrating.]
'Yeah.'
Chatted silently with the Goddess—no one the wiser.
I'm fine. Goddess for company, friends or not.
Self-rationalizing? Whatever.
Overheard classmates' chatter amid the quiet.
"Saw the news today?"
"Phantom Thief Raven, right? Third time already!"
Huh. About me. Ears perked.
"What's the cops doing, can't catch one thief?"
"He's a wizard, not some punk. And he shouldn't get caught!"
"What? You're rooting for that crook?"
Getting juicy.
[Oh ho. Fan already.]
'Who knew you'd be right, Goddess.'
[Hm? Doubted me?]
'Shh. Listen.'
[...Kids these days, no respect. Back in my day... Huh? Like that...]
Tuned out her grumbling.
"Crook? Raven donates stolen gems to orphanages!"
"How do you know? No clue where he sells 'em. 'Donation' is just cash piles with his card. Could be staged!"
Hey, how'd you stage that? Me just leaving card on orphanage cash drop?
"And Sun's Smile? Still missing. No return, no donation. One-off whimsy, now he's keeping 'em?"
No time yet. Stole it last night—barely 24 hours. Plus, daytime classes.
[So wronged? Tell 'em yourself.]
She teased with a chuckle.
Can't. Secret identity.
Then—
"What're you two whispering about?"
Gentle, kind voice. Beautiful girl joined the gossiping girls: Yulia Grace.
Unlike extra me, she's a lead heroine. Sweet, pretty—reader favorite.
Girls pivoted eagerly.
"Yulia! Saw the paper?"
"Paper? Yeah. Why?"
"Phantom Thief Raven! Your take??"
Yulia blinked, pondered. Why was I nervous?
Key original character opining on me. What'd she think?
She smiled awkwardly.
"Dunno. But stealing's bad, right?"
"Classic Yulia."
"Ugh... You poor souls missing Raven's coolness!"
Model student answer. Stealing's wrong, period.
Principled, but deflated my hype.
[Heh. Brutally shot down.]
'Not shot down. Never liked her.'
[Heh. Sure, whatever.]
More annoyed at Goddess.
Sighed deeply—back door slammed open. New arrival: my desk mate, Rachel Scarlet.
'Ugh...'
She tossed her bag, plopped down. My seat: rightmost window corner. Delinquent prime real estate.
Propped chin, stared at my profile, blurted:
"Hey, loser. No hello?"