Reborn as an Extra Chapter 5 Introduction

"Alright, it's time for roll call. Introduce yourselves when I call your name." (Anna)

"Rank 1. Link Rex"

"Here! As you all know, I'm Link Rex. Even though I'm the son of an SS-rank adventurer, please treat me just like anyone else. I'm excited for our time at the academy!" (Link)

'Hmph, what a sneaky hypocrite. I bet you're already scheming to target the weakest student in the class for bullying.' (Rio's thoughts)

"Rank 2. Kira Bloodlight"

'And here's the story's leading lady.' (Rio)

"Hello, everyone. I'm Kira Bloodlight, and I'm a mage. I'm eager to share our academy experiences together."

"Rank 3. Lia Silver"

'Ah, that's Lia, the novel's sole antagonist female character.'

Throughout the story, Lia stands as the one girl who refuses the central hero, embodying the villainess archetype by constantly tormenting the primary heroine, Kira. She's a swordswoman as well, harboring deep disdain for mages. Because the hero practices magic, she spurns his advances and turns down every proposal he makes. Eventually, she falls to the monstrous boss inside the SSS-rank gate.

Five minutes later—

"Rank 505. Rio Flash"

'Not bad, my position seems solid enough.'

Following a quick self-presentation, he took his seat and began anticipating the real excitement, set to kick off with the hero's arrival.

"Rank 1000. Fade Crest"

"Rank 1000. Fade Crest! Rank 1000. Fade Crest!"

Frustration boiled over in Anna when no response came, prompting her to swiftly survey the room for a specific pupil. There, at the back row's final desk, the hero slumbered away; she strode over and delivered a sharp smack across his cheek.

"Ow!"

The impact sent Fade soaring, slamming him into the wall with a loud thud.

'Wow, her brutality matches the book's depiction perfectly.' (Rio)

Now completely alert, Fade shook with terror.

"Pay attention next time in my lesson! This applies to all of you—if I catch anyone dozing off, they'll feel my hand too!" (Anna)

The class swallowed hard in unison, plunging the room into utter quiet. Returning to the podium, Anna proclaimed:

"As it's your debut day, we won't push too hard. Head to the training area with me to select your gear, then come along."

The pupils formed a neat queue and trailed after her; ten minutes of marching brought us to the expansive training zone at last. These fields are massive, capable of holding thousands without issue.

"Pick your weapon from this selection—every type imaginable is available. Then, engage in some gentle practice independently. For your initial session, that's all."

With that, she departed the area, seemingly abandoning the group to themselves, though I'm aware she'll monitor everything via surveillance alongside the faculty.

'No time to waste; I'll focus on my own path.'

Students grabbed their preferred arms one by one, and Rio selected his own—a hefty two-handed broadsword.

'This should suffice temporarily.

Academy-provided practice tools are mandatory during sessions here. Sure, personal equipment works too, provided you avoid detection.

'Time to hit the gravity chamber first.'

Once everyone secured their tools, they dispersed to train promptly. All but one: the lead character, Fade Crest. He lingered frozen in place, lost in thought—no telling what occupied his mind. Only after thirty minutes of staring blankly did he grasp a mage's rod and approach the training targets.

Attempting to launch fireballs at the target, his spell produced a mere flicker, tiny like a match's spark. Nearby classmates burst into mockery. Even the instructors watching from the control area sighed in disappointment.

Anna, in particular, fumed at the feeble display:

"That idiot! How on earth did he sneak into our school?!"

The rest of the staff chuckled inwardly, knowing Anna's flawless streak—every pupil succeeding under her watch—would shatter at last this term.

Two hours into the session, Anna returned to the grounds and signaled the conclusion of the lesson.

Back in his quarters, Rio collapsed onto the mattress right away.

"Phew... today's workout was just so-so. I must push harder—once the hero claims his cheat, he'll skyrocket, so I have to build strength to safeguard myself."

Fade starts as a timid sort until his system activates; post-that, arrogance defines him, and he'll pummel whoever crosses his desires. Block his path? Expect a thrashing. Defy his orders? You'll regret it.

'Tch, no way I'll bow to that punk. One blade at his throat, and problem solved.'

Fights are permitted freely in the academy, but lethal blows, torment, or severe injuries are forbidden. Everything else goes. Thanks to those limits, the hero endures daily assaults from Link's followers. No deadly harm, just routine beatings for their amusement.

Of course, such trifles won't end him—how could heaven's favored son perish so simply? Rather, the harassment triggers his system's emergence.

"Can't wait to see that unfold!"