The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist Chapter 3: Path to strength

In the faint glow of his chamber, Alex's thoughts raced wildly as he recalled every detail he knew of Etheron Chronicles. What was once just a game had turned into harsh reality. Every secret treasure, legendary relic, and hidden challenge he'd discovered in his prior life as a gamer now represented priceless wisdom.

'If my memory is right, an ancient ruin lies within the forest close to the capital... It conceals a mighty sword technique. Should I claim it, my power will skyrocket.'

His forehead creased as he mentally scanned all the spots he could remember. Hidden potions lurked in abandoned caves to amplify strength, tests bestowed rare abilities, and dungeons brimmed with precious materials.

'Ethan Williams, that protagonist, gained a huge advantage from his elite heritage and the goddess's favor... Yet I possess what he lacks—foreknowledge of events to come.'

His hands clenched firmly. He would not allow destiny to control him. Survival demanded strength, and strength required relentless training.

---

Two Months of Training

Come morning, Alex lost no time. He headed to a remote glade on the village edge near the capital. Though modest—a simple clearing ringed by trees—it suited training perfectly.

Initially, his frame rebelled. His feeble muscles and poor endurance failed to perform the drills adequately.

Each stroke with the wooden practice sword set his arms ablaze, every dash left him wheezing.

Yet an odd phenomenon emerged.

During practice, his Dual-Soul Resonance talent truly activated.

He comprehended techniques at an astonishing pace. Skills that normal swordsmen needed weeks for, he mastered in days. His steps grew keener, strikes deadlier accurate. Progress came at a frightening speed.

After the first month, his Basic Swordsmanship (F) had advanced to Intermediate Swordsmanship (E-).

Power built consistently. Push-ups, squats, long runs—he drove his body to extremes. Alex Dragonheart's once-scrawny limbs now pulsed with fresh energy.

Sword proficiency rose alongside mana mastery. Evenings brought meditation sessions where he pulled in surrounding mana, purifying it within. Early efforts felt labored, mana scarcely yielding. But his gift intervened, skyrocketing his mana insight.

By the second month's close, Basic Mana Control (F) reached Intermediate Mana Control (E-).

Overall attributes climbed too:

---

[Updated Status Window]

Name: Alex Dragonheart

Age : 16

Rank: Novice (Peak)

Bloodline: [Unawakened]

Physique: [Unawakened]

Class: None

Talent: [Dual-Soul Resonance] (Enhanced learning speed, intuition, and adaptability)

Strength: E-

Agility: E

Endurance: E-

Mana: E

Mana Capacity: E

Will: B

Charm: B+

Luck: ???

Skills: [Basic Swordsmanship (F)], [Basic Mana Control (F)], [Dodge (F)], [???(Sealed)]

---

Amazement filled Alex as he gazed at the hovering panel. Hitting Novice Peak after only two months... Unprecedented.

'Is this purely my talent's doing? No, it's beyond that... Like I inherently grasp mechanics, and my body simply complies.'

Fists balled tight, he sensed the shift in his physique. No longer a powerless frail, he'd forged his initial stride toward real might.

Yet this marked only the start.

---

Bolstered by fresh power, Alex targeted the ruins next.

Under cover of night, he gathered his scant provisions and plunged into the sprawling forest by the capital. Deep inside waited ancient ruins bearing a lost swordsman's heritage—a technique promising dominion to worthy inheritors.

The trek proved grueling. Thick woods grew wilder inward, perils mounting. Mana-glowing flora illuminated his way, but beastly roars chilled his blood.

Hours dragged on amid tangled undergrowth, dodging toxic beasts and treacherous ground.

Right as rest tempted him, a deep snarl echoed.

Tension gripped his form; he whirled toward the noise.

Crimson eyes gleamed from the shadows.

A Shadowfang Wolf.

Sword hilt crushed in his grasp amid the surging murderous aura.

The creature pounced.