The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist Chapter 406 - 407 : Compensation

James and Clara led the way ahead, guiding Alex towards the enormous mansion perched on the hill.

The route slowly changed from fractured streets and scorched buildings to smooth stone pathways. The sharp divide between the wrecked town beneath and the opulent estate overhead felt downright offensive.

Clara eased her pace a bit and looked back at Alex.

"Lucifer... we can still turn back if you prefer."

Her tone had softened.

James gave a nod. "Yeah. You don’t need to battle on our behalf. The major clans are risky. They possess strong fighters, vast resources, ancient artifacts, and solid alliances. It’s wiser to avoid tangling with them unless it’s unavoidable."

Alex strode on steadily, pockets stuffed with his hands.

"No need to fret. I’m a real lover of peace. I’ll deal with this peacefully—zero violence involved."

He flashed James a thumbs-up.

James’s gaze brightened a touch. "I trust you."

A sudden chill crept down Clara’s back.

'Why am I suddenly hit with this ominous vibe?'

They pressed onward.

Before long—

The group arrived at the mansion’s grand entrance.

It loomed hugely.

Three levels high.

Walls of pristine white marble.

Iron gates towering with detailed scorpion engravings.

Guards posted at the gates.

Demi-humans they were.

Towering in height.

Wide-shouldered builds.

Dark bronze skin paired with piercing yellow eyes.

Curved horns jutting from their brows.

Clawed fingers on their hands.

Long tails whipping slowly behind, tipped with rigid stingers resembling true scorpions.

Black armor adorned with purple highlights covered each one.

Just their aura crushed down on the weary challengers from below.

As Alex, James, and Clara drew near—

The guards slammed their spears together, sealing the entry.

One sneered. "State your business."

Alex advanced with ease.

"Hey, fellas. Chill out. We’re only here to reclaim our stolen goods. That’s it. So kindly fetch the one in charge. I want a word with him."

The pair eyed him briefly.

Then—

Loud guffaws erupted from them.

One eyed James. "Unless I’m wrong... you lot are those Rainbow Guards or something, huh?"

The second scoffed. "Rainbow tramps fits better. Ever seen ’em? They camp in tents on the streets."

James’s cheeks flushed crimson.

Clara’s fists balled up hard.

From within the mansion’s grounds—

More Scorpion Clan folks started to assemble.

Lounging against columns.

Perched on fences.

Gawking.

Savoring the shame.

A few snickered.

Others murmured.

Clara teetered on the edge.

But James seized her wrist fast.

"That’s their goal, Clara. Stay cool. We just request our supplies and bounce."

Alex cocked his head a fraction.

"Guess that means... you won’t return our supplies?"

A guard scanned him head to toe. "And you? Just another stray tagging along with them?"

The other grinned slyly. "What’s your shade?"

He noted Alex’s black clothes and skull mask.

"Lemme guess. Black bum."

The nearby clan members roared with laughter.

Alex stayed utterly composed.

Perfectly serene.

"One more time. You refuse to hand over our supplies?"

A Scorpion Clan member advanced smirking.

He rolled his neck, then abruptly thrust both Alex and James back with brute strength.

"Say we don’t? What’ll you do then?"

James staggered, hardly staying upright.

Clara’s fists tightened.

James whispered fiercely. "Lucifer... we should retreat. Coming here was a mistake. They’re beyond reason."

Alex tipped his head once more.

"Didn’t you notice? He shoved you hard."

James blinked, puzzled. "Huh? When did that happen?"

Alex examined James’s face intently for a beat.

Then nodded deliberately. "Maybe not."

James hadn’t even moved—

Alex spun and slammed a fist into James’s face.

A sharp crack echoed through the air.

James soared back meters before crashing onto the stone harshly.

His lip tore open right away.

Out cold he went.

Blood trickled from his mouth’s edge.

Clara stood stunned.

She couldn’t process the sight.

Then fury ignited.

She yanked Alex’s collar roughly.

"What in the world are you doing, Lucifer?!"

Scorpion Clan erupted in booming laughs.

"Check it out!"

"He’s showing off for us!"

Another jeered. "Bet he’s angling to join us. That’s why he tagged along with these fools."

Fresh waves of mockery rang out.

Clara turned to Alex gradually.

Doubt sparked in her gaze.

"Is that the case? Were you faking help... only to win them over?"

Alex methodically loosened her grip from his collar.

His tone stayed even.

"Those men assaulted James and left him unconscious. Didn't you witness it?"

Clara's features contorted in shock. "What sort of rubbish are you spouting?"

Alex inched forward a touch.

He dropped his tone to a hush beside her ear.

"It doesn't matter what the truth is. What matters is how you present it. Always remember that."

Bewilderment danced in Clara's gaze as she struggled to comprehend the odd man standing before her.

Before she could reply—

He disappeared.

A single blink.

Vanished.

In the following moment—

He materialized right before the lead demi-human guard.

Then struck him with a fist.

The blow erupted like thunder from a cannon.

The guard's frame hurtled rearward like a fired cannonball.

Smashing straight through the enormous iron gates.

The metal warped and splintered as though crafted from flimsy plastic.

He ripped across the garden, gouging through marble paving.

Before crashing fiercely against the mansion's outer wall.

Stones fractured.

A profound depression emerged at the spot where his form impacted.

Hush descended.

The rest of the Scorpion Clan warriors stiffened in shock.

Clara's jaw dropped wide in astonishment.

Alex advanced with composed ease.

"You lot resorted to violence first and rendered my companion James unconscious. My friend Clara saw it plainly."

He cast a swift glance toward James sprawled upon the ground.

With a gentle flick, he brushed off his sleeve.

"And now... for his wounds, I demand hefty compensation."

Beneath the skeletal mask—

A savage smile stretched over his visage.