The Academy's Extra (1)
The moment I regained consciousness, I snapped my eyes open and quickly scanned my surroundings.
"Where the hell am I this time...?"
The place I'd woken up in was a rundown room that looked long abandoned. More than half the windows were shattered, holes gaped in the ceiling and floor, and the furniture—if you could call it that—was barely holding together. The biggest problem with this ramshackle dump, though, was the musty stench hanging in the air. I wrinkled my nose at the foul odor wafting around.
"Even with my eyes open, it's some rotten hellhole. No way this is... "
["No way this is fit for human habitation. How the hell did your brother... "]
That line flashed in my mind. It was something the protagonist said upon entering this room.
"Then this must be..."
The Lowest Dormitory. Where Kyle Arden's hellish life began.
"...Fuck."
The curse slipped out. From now on, this was where I—no longer just Kyle Arden—would have to live. The thought filled me with irritation. Dirty was one thing, but this was beyond excessive.
"Wish it was just a dream..."
But I knew better than anyone that it wasn't. And I wasn't some idiot who'd deny reality. I quickly sorted through my thoughts.
Why I'd transmigrated into a novel? Who or what had done it? None of my business. Kyle Arden was a scumbag noble in Akacheonma—short for Academy Genius Magic Swordsman—a web novel. Not even a major character, just a third-rate villain extra set up for the early plot and quickly forgotten.
That was me now: Kyle Arden, the epitome of an extra. His backstory fit the role perfectly—trash personality, zero talent. All traits befitting a wastrel noble. The one vaguely appealing bit? Being the eldest son of the renowned swordmaster house of Arden. But even that was just flavor for the story.
Current situation: Kyle was on the path to ruin after a trial. Worst possible timing for possession. And the real kicker? He dies. Not right away, but in a month, beheaded by the protagonist.
"Tch, hate to lose my head."
Just imagining it was gruesome. But no need to panic.
"Solution's simple enough."
The cause of death was all on Kyle. Talentless but brimming with inferiority complex, he'd tried to kill the naturally gifted protagonist—and got killed in return. The protagonist was decent, though; he hadn't planned to kill at first. Kyle's cruelty left him no choice.
So cut off the cause, problem solved. Of course, Kyle's sins wouldn't vanish. That was the real issue.
"Brutal."
I recalled the scene before blacking out: hundreds of people glaring at me with murderous intent. They could've killed me on the spot without batting an eye. Trouble could erupt as soon as next week.
"Tch, of all things, a villain role."
Tongue click. Objectively, being the villain sucked. Unfair? Blame the timing, innocent bystander stuck with the original's baggage? Nah, not unfair at all.
Why? "Because Kyle Arden's an extra."
Extra. That's why I could smile. My previous life had worn me out—not great to begin with, full of pain. I just wanted rest. My head was packed with this world's info. Akacheonma was popular, got a webtoon and game adaptation. Tons of details: side stories, hidden routes, item lore. Some fans even compiled it all. I remembered it well.
But no plans to exploit it. No hero arc, no power grabs, no lazy mooching. I didn't want the lives others craved. Just ordinary: work, marry, grow old, die.
This body was perfect for that. Extras skip the protagonist's burdens, duties, entanglements—unless you force it. Ideal for my average dreams.
"Time to plan."
For my happy extra life. Basic policy set.
"Graduation's the way."
Weighed all options: dropout to some quiet village sounded nice, but self-expulsion now? They'd reject it outright. Graduation still had merits. Need a job for normal life? Prestige academy diploma unbeatable. Might even snag a cushy family spot. Closer to my ideal. If episodes dragged me in, dodge 'em. I could manage.
"Kyle's second-year. Two years to graduation."
Survive that, done.
"Minor stuff tomorrow. For now... whew."
Thoughts sorted, I collapsed onto the bed. Body still adjusting, head aching from overwork, but mind at peace. Throbbing skull from the guard's blow, dusty mattress, nagging issues—all ignored.
"This peace... been too long~"
Quiet. Blissful. Dorm far from academy center, uninhabited. No dorm supervisor, no caretaker. My sanctuary. Downsides: decrepit facilities, no maid service. All chores on me. Fine for an extra life. Minor inconveniences, bearable.
I checked the academy-issued wristwatch. Hands nearing 5 p.m.
"Dinner time soon."
Suddenly struck by how casually I pondered food. Previous life trauma? Adapted quick. Once cursed it, now appreciated.
Lost in sentiment, a knock: knock knock.
I stared blankly. Nobody visits the Lowest Dormitory. So this visitor knew me.
'Not good.'
Whoever it was, bad intentions. 'Dodge for now.'
Knock knock. I held my breath, playing dead. Knew the guy's personality—would leave soon.
Wrong. Door flew open with a bang.
The intruder: a knight-clad woman. Bed right by door, eyes met.
"Long time no see, Young Master."
Her voice chided my feigned absence. She entered without permission, scanned the room, approached.
'Seen her before.'
Long silver hair, expressionless face. First meeting, yet familiar. Then it clicked: illustrations. Name was...
"...Elraim."
Popular side character, memorable first illus.
"...Never thought you'd remember a lowly wretch's name."
Bad reaction. Even a good soul like her spitting venom? Villainous indeed. Blaming Kyle's karma, I scowled, snapping irritably.
"Why're you here?"
"Why do you think, Young Master?"
"Quit the bullshit and answer!"
"......"
Elraim stared silently. I glared, demanding.
"Thanks to you, the family's in chaos."
She explained. Trial crimes sugarcoated: bullying students, faking grades, trafficking illegal drugs like narcotics. Family blocking academy's wrath, especially over drugs tainting sacred halls.
"Family can't leave you unsupervised."
Disgraced eldest dabbling in drugs? Unacceptable.
I snorted. "Ignored me till now, huh?"
Ardens turned blind eye to his antics, rumors. Effectively disowned.
"Even we didn't expect drugs."
Elraim eyed me sadly.
"So, dragging me home?"
"No. I'll monitor you here."
"Like hell I'd allow that!"
Faked outrage. Kyle rebelled often—no awkwardness. Didn't want surveillance either. Controlled life sucked.
"Patriarch's direct order—no choice. And you know: Ariel Tianis spared you this light punishment. Without her, execution."
Her name triggered nausea. Body rejecting the princess? Blood rushed to head, but superhuman will steadied me.
"...Young Master, you okay?"
"...What? That all?"
Cold to her notice. Expressionless, she handed a letter from her bosom.
"From the Patriarch."
"Father's letter?"
Tore the Arden seal.
To my son Kyle.
This is the last time. Should anything like this reach the family's ears again, all rights granted to you thus far will be revoked, and you will be expelled from the house. Live quietly.
And as punishment for this incident, procure your own living expenses.
Blunt tone screamed Decal Arden. But the last line irked.
"What’s this end bit mean?"
"Literal. Your allowance stops today. Oh, tuition's covered—don't worry there."
Face twisted in dismay. Rifled pockets: dust. Checked bag for emergency cash: nada. Where'd this idiot spend it all...?
"Anyway, that's the message. Farewell."
"Wait...!"
"Won't help. Good luck, Young Master."
Noting my expression, Elraim ended abruptly and left. Footsteps faded, presence gone. Alone again.
"Cold..."
Didn't match my memory of her. Whatever.
"Now what?"
No money, no food—daunting. But one answer.
"What else? Earn some."
I sparked mana in my palm. Moved fine. Good. Tianis Academy offered ways—student-friendly.
Smug at my practical thinking, lips quirked. Satisfied, rose from bed.
Grrrrowl~
"Dinner first, then."