The Extra is a Genius!? Chapter 596: Before the Breakthrough

The memory of Elyria's birth was still fresh when Charlotte's labor arrived, and this delivery kicked off with complications right from the start. Her physique had always proven less robust than those of the others. The numerous blessings bestowed upon her during her lifetime had bestowed immense power, safeguarding, and authority that outstripped what ordinary saints could dream of, yet such gifts inevitably demanded a toll. Every one of those blessings had extracted a portion of her essence in exchange, gradually eroding bits of her life force in subtle ways that weren't immediately obvious. What was left was a frame much more delicate than Elyra's or Elena's, where recovery from even minor weariness dragged on far longer.

The healers had discreetly cautioned Noel that the birthing process would prove challenging.

The ordeal stretched out considerably beyond Elyra's experience. Hours ticked by as the healers attended with meticulous care beside the bed, their directions steady but sharpening in detail while Charlotte battled each painful surge. Beads of sweat gathered on her brow and matted the delicate pink wisps of hair that had slipped free around her features. Noel stayed right by her side without fail, gripping her hand each time she extended it, handing her water whenever the healers permitted, and keeping his words sparse otherwise. This wasn't the sort of scene calling for vocal motivation. Charlotte was fully aware of his steadfast presence, and that sufficed.

The healers traded uneasy glances on multiple occasions as the toll on Charlotte's form grew evident, her breaths turning ragged, her endurance faltering in ways that caused even the veteran attendants to hesitate briefly before urging her onward. Still, Charlotte pressed through, enduring more sluggishly and intensely than any prior delivery in that chamber, right up to the climactic instant.

A feeble wail pierced the air. A wave of relief swept over the healers at once as one of them delicately raised the infant, bundling the tiny body in fresh linens before tenderly settling the baby into Charlotte's hold. 'A healthy girl,' the healer murmured gently.

Charlotte sank back against the cushions, utterly drained yet beaming faintly amid her weariness as she peered at the little face nestled against her. The newborn's locks already held a gentle pink tint echoing her mother's, and when the eyes fluttered open for a moment, they unveiled the matching golden-yellow hue of Charlotte's own. The contours of her face, however, bore Noel's unmistakable imprint. She turned her gaze to him, her tone faint but affectionate. 'Her name... is Cloe.'

The peaks welcomed them with a gust bearing the sharp chill of elevation and the subtle iron tang of untamed mana drifting along the gorges. It was a realm where hush never quite conveyed tranquility. The atmosphere itself seemed watchful.

Seven days had slipped by since Cloe's arrival. The estate had eased into a more subdued pace over that span, as Elena, Elyra, and Charlotte continued their recovery, their little ones seldom straying from their embraces. Noel had remained with the family for as long as possible, prolonging the home's serene atmosphere a few extra days past his original schedule. But that lingering final one percent hadn't faded. It lingered in wait. And now, he had made his way back to the ranges.

Yet on this visit, he wasn't traveling solo.

Daemar positioned himself close to the ridge's lip, a light breeze stirring the material of his coat as he surveyed the unbroken line of summits vanishing into the horizon. 'This is the first time I’ve actually come here,' he remarked after a brief silence. 'We talk about these mountains in the academy... the unstable mana currents, the creatures that live here. But seeing it in person is different.'

Marcus scanned the nearby bluffs, his face showing clear discomfort. 'Yeah... this place gives a bad feeling,' he grumbled. 'You’ve really been training here all these months?'

'Yes.' Noel's eyes swept the scenery for a moment. The heights lay still that day, but such quiet hid underlying threats. In a spot like this, hazards never fully receded. They just bided their time.

'I brought all of you here for a reason,' Noel stated. 'I’m going to ascend to Manacode today.'

His statement hung heavy among them. Marcus blinked once. '...That explains it.'

Garron emitted a soft whistle. 'So that’s what this is.'

'I don’t expect anything to go wrong,' Noel went on evenly. 'But when someone reaches this level... there’s always a possibility something unusual could happen.' His gaze shifted quickly among the group. 'So I’d rather not be alone when it happens.'

'You want witnesses,' Daemar observed.

'And backup,' Garron chimed in.

Noel inclined his head. 'If something strange happens during the breakthrough, I want people around who are strong enough to intervene.'

Laziel gulped nervously, scanning the peaks once more. The environment already put him on edge, and the circumstances only heightened it.

Marcus scratched the back of his neck. 'Well... if you’re going to do something insane like that, I guess this is the right group for it.'

Selene stood quietly at Noel's side. In contrast to the rest, she had been privy to this plan well ahead of their arrival. Her eyes flicked over the summits briefly before settling back on him, steady and assured.

The group shared subdued glances, the gravity of the occasion weighing on everyone. This wasn't just another drill session in the wilds.

The trail tightened as they approached the following ridge, the landscape unfolding into a sheer gorge flanked by rough-hewn stone faces. The mana hanging in the air grew denser here, more oppressive, subtly bearing down on their awareness like an unending tide.

Laziel rubbed his hands on his coat for the third occasion, chilly sweat already beading down his neck. Garron spotted it and, without preamble, landed a solid clap on his back that rang out sharply over the stones.

'Relax,' Garron said, flashing a grin. 'Look around. With this group here we look like the elite squad of Princess Seraphina’s army.'

Laziel winced. 'Easy for you to say. Everything in this place is hungry and wants me dead.'

Noel moved nearer to the ridge's brink and peered into the gorge beneath. 'There.' The others traced his line of sight. 'Wait here. There’s only one creature left in that area.'

Marcus furrowed his brow faintly. 'You sound pretty sure about that.'

'I am.'

Marcus eyed him anew. '...Why?'

'I cleared the rest before you arrived.'

The companions fell silent. Daemar, Marcus, Garron, and Laziel gradually swiveled toward Selene. She merely offered a calm, comforting smile. All remained firmly in hand.

The darkness beneath Noel's boots stirred. Noir emerged from it, her sable coat snagging the muted glow amid the heights. Noel looked down at her. 'Ready, Noir?'

Her thoughts connected to his mind right away. ’Always, dad.’

Noel gave a single nod. Then his silhouette melted into the gloom. 'Shadow Step.'

The ranges claimed him as he plunged toward the remaining beast, with the ultimate one percent lurking at the gorge's depths.