The Extra's Rise

"Alright, let me begin by explaining the two practical evaluations," Nero said, his voice carrying the same no-nonsense authority as always.

"Both evaluations will be missions," he continued. "They are compulsory, and you may only undertake them during the first semester. However, you will have the freedom to choose which missions you take on—within reason. A certain level of difficulty is expected, and I will personally be reviewing and approving each selection."

His gaze swept over the class, lingering slightly on those he deemed the most reckless.

"Furthermore, these missions must be completed individually," he added. "There will be no partnerships, no team efforts. You will succeed or fail on your own merits."

That sent a ripple of unease through the class, but no one spoke.

"Moving on," Nero continued, "next semester, any of you may formally announce your candidacy for Student Council President. The elected student will take charge of the lower years in your third year. As the President, you will have full authority over the delegation of Student Council positions and may assign roles at your discretion."

That got more of a reaction. A few murmurs. Some thoughtful expressions. The Student Council President wasn't just a fancy title—it came with real power. The ability to influence Academy policies, secure funding for personal projects, and access to classified mission requests.

Nero let the weight of that sink in before he moved on.

"In January, we will embark on a Field Trip to one of the continents," he continued. "In May, we will have the End of Year Festival." His voice remained impassive, but everyone knew the Field Trip wasn't just a vacation.

"And, of course, in December," Nero said, his eyes sharp, "we have the Inter-Academy Festival. I will explain the details of that when the time comes."

The class was silent. The Inter-Academy Festival was the event of the year—where Mythos Academy clashed with rival institutions in a world-stage competition. This wasn't just about grades or internal rankings. This was about proving we were the strongest generation in the world.

"For now," Nero continued, unbothered by the tension in the room, "you have your new classes, as well as the Sophomore Ball."

At his words, all ten of us instinctively checked our phones as our schedules updated.

I had four practical classes again.

Spellcasting IV, Enhanced Aura Mechanics, Purelight I and Deepdark I.

I felt a shift in attention as a few people glanced toward me and Lucifer.

"Some of your classes," Nero said, his gaze flickering between the two of us, "have been tailored for future progression, given the unique nature of White-rank and Integration-rank."

Lucifer and I exchanged a glance before nodding.

No one questioned it.

"And for your classes," Nero continued, his gaze sweeping over us, "they may not always be limited to second-years. Some of you will be placed alongside third-years for certain subjects, given your progress." He let the words settle before adding, "However, we have ensured that none of your classes will overlap with fourth-years or above."

That meant one thing: we were strong, but not strong enough to be thrown in with the monsters yet.

"Alright," Nero said, straightening. "You are dismissed. Make your way to your first classes."

The room filled with the sound of chairs scraping back and murmured conversations as we stood and filed out into the hallway.

Lucifer, who had been quiet throughout the briefing, glanced at me as we stepped into the corridor. "Arthur, what classes do you have?"

I listed them off. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

He nodded. "We have Spellcasting IV and Enhanced Aura Mechanics together, then."

I wasn't surprised. His schedule would naturally lean toward combat-heavy courses, just like mine.

"Let's head to Enhanced Aura Mechanics together?" he suggested.

I agreed easily. After a quick chat with the girls—who were already discussing their own schedules—I left with Lucifer, making our way toward the third-year building.

Enhanced Aura was a step beyond normal aura—the next stage of development for warriors who used the aura method. It was something that could only be formed from the mana of an Integration-ranker. Technically, Lucifer and I could already mimic it, but true mastery would only come once we completed the full Integration process.

Lucifer would probably master it faster than anyone.

His black and white mana—born from his supernatural Gift—was what made him infamous. The moment he properly reached Integration-rank, the world would see why he was considered a monster.

We talked as we walked through the hallways, our conversation casual. It was strange, in a way. The awkwardness that had existed between us when we first met had faded. We weren't exactly close, but there was understanding now.

Respect, even.

The third-year building was noticeably quieter than the second-year one. There were fewer students in the halls, and the air felt heavier—like the people here had already been tempered by fire.

Lucifer and I reached the classroom and stepped inside.

Three people were already there.

The professor, who was scanning through a tablet at his desk, and two third-year students sitting near the front.

Both of them were Integration-rankers.

Lucifer and I exchanged a look.

This would be interesting.

"Welcome, students. Lucifer Windward. Arthur Nightingale."

The voice was smooth, carrying the kind of authority that didn't need to be forced. The professor, a man in his early forties with sharp silver hair and a neatly pressed coat, barely spared a glance at us as we entered. His attention remained on the holopad in his hand, but there was no doubt that he had already sized us up the moment we stepped inside.

"I am Professor Lucas," he continued, finally setting the device aside to focus on us. "I will be teaching you both the principles and applications of Enhanced Aura."

His gaze flickered between Lucifer and me, assessing, calculating.

"You two are exceptions in this class," he said. "Not in strength, but in progress. Neither of you have reached Integration-rank yet, which means you will not be able to sustain Enhanced Aura for long."

Lucifer and I nodded, accepting the fact.

Enhanced Aura was a step beyond standard aura—it required the kind of stabilized mana flow that only an Integration-ranker naturally possessed. For now, we could mimic it, but not truly wield it.

"For now," Lucas said, motioning for us to take our seats, "I will explain the theory behind it."

We sat down next to each other, both of us silent, watching as Lucas flicked his fingers. A holographic projection sprang to life in front of the classroom, displaying the outline of a human body, veins of golden energy threading through it like a complex circuit.

"Enhanced Aura," Lucas began, tapping a point on the projection, "is not simply a more powerful version of standard aura. If that were the case, any sufficiently strong individual would naturally develop it."

The golden veins in the projection pulsed, shifting into thicker, more refined lines.

"Aura, in its base form, is raw mana being converted into force—it coats the body, reinforcing durability, speed, and strength." He tapped the projection again, and the golden lines narrowed, condensing into concentrated nodes across the body. "Enhanced Aura is different. Instead of mana simply flowing outward, it is compressed and refined, allowing it to be used at a much more efficient and deadly level."

Lucifer leaned forward slightly, watching the display with sharp focus. I, too, narrowed my eyes, committing every detail to memory.

Lucas continued, his tone steady. "With standard aura, effort directly influences output. A stronger push of mana results in a more reinforced body. But Enhanced Aura does not rely on sheer output—it relies on control. The ability to mold and stabilize your aura into a form that doesn't simply act as a shield, but as a part of you, indistinguishable from your physical self."

I nodded slowly, understanding the principle. "So instead of just reinforcing ourselves, Enhanced Aura allows us to move and react as if the aura itself is alive?"

Lucas gave me a pleased look. "Correct. A warrior using Enhanced Aura does not simply strike harder—they move with flawless flow, wasting no energy, no unnecessary motion."

The projection changed again, showing two figures. One was coated in a thick, blazing aura, the way most high-ranked warriors fought. The other had barely any visible glow at all.

The first moved with raw power, every swing of their weapon carving through the air with sheer force. But the second—

The second did not move wastefully at all.

Every strike, every block, every shift in their stance was flawless, not a single drop of mana wasted. The aura wasn't just reinforcing them—it was an extension of them.

"Enhanced Aura is not about making your aura stronger," Lucas said. "It is about making it a part of you. Those who fail to understand this will never master it, no matter how much mana they possess."

Lucifer exhaled through his nose, arms crossed. "And how do we train it?"

Lucas smiled, and I didn't like the look in his eyes.

"By forcing your body to adapt."

I had the sinking feeling this was about to be painful.

Lucas turned to the two third-year students in the room.

"Since you two are new to this class, let's make sure you understand the difference between regular aura and Enhanced Aura," he said smoothly. "You will spar against them, without using your Gifts."

The two third-years—who had been watching in silence until now—grinned.

Ah.

I knew where this was going.

Lucifer glanced at me, his expression unreadable. Then, he exhaled.

"Fine."

"Fine," I echoed, standing up.

Lucas gestured for us to follow him to the sparring chamber adjacent to the classroom. The two third-years stood as well, rolling their shoulders, cracking their knuckles. Their aura wasn't explosive, wasn't flaring with raw power—but it was dense. Compact. Controlled.

I could already tell.

We were about to get beaten senseless.

Lucas clasped his hands behind his back, watching us with something dangerously close to amusement.

"Try to last at least five minutes," he said.

Lucifer sighed. "No guarantees."

I cracked my neck. "Let's get this over with."