Previously on The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne...
Orrun struggled with a magic formation until Nolan revealed the missing component: an object. They successfully used the formation to teleport an apple, confirming it had traveled to another world.
"Hahaha! We actually made it!" Orrun's laughter boomed, unable to be contained. Tears welled at the corners of his eyes, and he frantically wiped them away. Yet, the tears persisted, as if refusing to cease their flow. Nolan offered a smile and clapped him on the back. "Congratulations, Old Man. You've done it." Three years was an immense stretch of time. Even Nolan himself wasn't certain if he could have persevered for that long on something most would deem impossible.
"Hahaha! This is also thanks to your assistance, kid," Orrun replied, his gaze meeting Nolan's, the remnants of tears still evident. "Thank you. I know all of this is because of you. There's no earthly way I could have completed it without your help." Nolan had arrived at precisely the opportune moment. There were several details Orrun had overlooked, or perhaps simply forgotten, but Nolan managed to jog his memory. Consequently, their endeavor was concluded in a mere five days.
"Pfft! You're most welcome," Nolan let out a soft chuckle. "By the way, I'm sure there's still room for refinement in that magic formation. For instance..." Nolan then articulated the idea that had been occupying his thoughts. The magic formation before them was not the ultimate iteration. He harbored a strong conviction that ample room for enhancement remained—sufficient to yield yet another astonishing outcome.
"I understand," Orrun nodded without a moment's hesitation. "Let's proceed!" Nolan’s smile was one of deep contentment. With that, the two individuals resumed their collaborative efforts. However, a distinct difference marked this occasion; they worked with a sense of ease, entirely unburdened by previous pressures.
…
Two days passed…
"Phew…" Evalyn exhaled a lengthy sigh, dabbing the perspiration from her brow. She was clad in form-fitting white training attire that gracefully accentuated her captivating form. "This outfit is excessively tight," Evalyn muttered, tugging at the fabric around her chest. The attire belonged to Roseline. She had initially assumed the size would be suitable, given their similar statures. However, her assumption proved incorrect. The chest area felt remarkably constrictive. She pondered whether Roseline's bust was genuinely smaller, or if her own was simply too ample. If Roseline were privy to her thoughts, the woman would undoubtedly cry out in protest, "My chest is smaller, okay?! Can you please not bring it up?!" Alas, Roseline had no inkling of Evalyn's musings.
As Evalyn was engaged in stretching, the distinct sound of approaching footsteps echoed from behind her. "Evalyn, how is your training progressing?" Evalyn turned to find Roseline, elegantly dressed in a simple, white casual gown. A gentle smile graced her lips, her gaze exuding warmth and tranquility.
"Ancestor," Evalyn greeted softly, moving closer. "Everything is proceeding admirably. Do you require anything from me?" Roseline presented her with a glass of water, which Evalyn promptly accepted. As she took a sip, Roseline casually remarked, "Lucas will be arriving shortly. You must be prepared." Evalyn froze mid-drink. "When do you anticipate his arrival?" "In fifteen minutes," Roseline replied. "Fifteen minutes, you say?" Evalyn nodded, a smile returning to her face. "Do not worry. I shall remain within my tent until he departs."
Roseline let out a prolonged sigh and spoke with an apologetic tone. "I am truly sorry. These measures are due to my directives. I have no desire for Lucas to encounter you." Should Lucas discover that Evalyn hailed from the future, significant complications would inevitably arise. Furthermore, Lucas harbored profound affections for her. If he were to learn that he had failed to marry her in the future, Roseline could easily envision the immense fury he would unleash. This could also jeopardize their strategy for assaulting the Demon Emperor's fortress.
Evalyn crossed her arms over her chest, offering reassurance. "I understand completely. Please, do not worry. I grasp your meaning." "Thank goodness…" Roseline’s smile conveyed immense relief. After a brief exchange of further pleasantries, Roseline departed, leaving Evalyn in solitude. Observing Roseline's retreating figure, Evalyn shook her head and whispered, 'Being a princess is indeed a profound responsibility.' Over the preceding days, Evalyn had witnessed firsthand the overwhelming pressures Roseline endured. She was tasked with arranging crucial meetings with high-ranking military officials, devising essential strategic plans, and acting as a vital liaison between the army and the imperial palace.
Even during the nocturnal hours, Evalyn observed Roseline diligently attending to her duties. Of course, she recognized that the ongoing war against the demon race was the root cause of this immense workload. Otherwise, it would be inconceivable for Roseline to manage such demanding responsibilities daily. Evalyn tilted her head back, her gaze sweeping across the azure sky above, and murmured, "The Hero of Darkness… I wonder what he is like…"
***
Within one of the designated tents, Rei stood alongside the military commanders, including Reinard and the others, gathered around a circular table. Dominating the table's surface was a detailed map, upon which several sections were conspicuously marked with "X" symbols. The crimson Xs pinpointed their current strategic location: the Dragon's Foot Border.
Meanwhile, the crimson marks on the map indicated the demon army's bases, either previously identified or newly discovered, by the human alliance's patrols.
"So, what's your strategy?" Rei inquired, his voice resonating with gravitas.
A tall, robust middle-aged man lifted his hand.
"Might I offer my perspective?"
Rei gave a slight nod. "Certainly, General Darion. Please, proceed."
Darion's gaze drifted to the map, and he then declared, "I believe it would be most prudent to eradicate the demon army's encampments with utmost haste."
The room's atmosphere became instantly charged with tension. However, before any objections could be raised, Darion elaborated, "Their continued presence poses a persistent threat to humanity, particularly to those dwelling in proximity to their strongholds. I harbor a deep fear..."
His countenance darkened considerably. "...that the demon forces will launch devastating assaults upon them, slaughtering these innocent people without a shred of mercy, precisely as they have done countless times before."
Darion carried the heavy burden of a tragic past. His own family had been obliterated by the demon army's onslaught during his prior military service.
This devastating event predated the summoning of Rei and Lucas, a feat accomplished through a meticulously orchestrated ritual by the esteemed mages of both the Tower of Silence and the Falling Star Magic Academy.
Consequently, Darion harbored an intense desire to prevent anyone else from enduring the same agonizing fate that had befallen him. The depth of his sorrow was immense, and the acceptance of such a brutal reality proved an extraordinarily arduous journey.
"May I have the floor?" another individual requested, raising his hand.
He possessed an unremarkable physique, yet his facial features conveyed an air of unyielding sternness and icy resolve. A prominent sword scar marred the right side of his face, a stark testament to his extensive experience on the unforgiving battlefield.
This man was Loren, a distinguished general hailing from the Lotus Kingdom. The Lotus Kingdom itself was a diminutive nation situated in the vicinity of the vast Great Velmora Empire.
Given the kingdom's limited military strength, it existed under the protective aegis of the Great Velmora Empire.
"You may speak, General Loren," Rei responded with unwavering politeness.
Loren inclined his head and turned his attention towards Darion.
"General Darion, while your proposal holds a degree of logical merit, there is a significant caveat..."
His expression became markedly grave. "It entails considerable peril. Our forces are presently in a state of recuperation following the arduous repelling of the demon contingent led by the formidable Demon General Karakan. Furthermore, only a few days prior, we endured an assault orchestrated by General Malgrion's legions. Though we ultimately achieved victory, the encounter served as a chilling reminder of our current precarious vulnerability."
He drew a deep breath, then slowly exhaled before continuing his strategic analysis. "Therefore, my recommendation is to adopt a defensive posture and await the arrival of the 'Hero of Darkness.'"
The assembled individuals contemplated his words, finding them to be both sensible and strategically sound.
Darion was on the cusp of voicing a counter-argument when the distinct sound of approaching footsteps, followed by the urgent voice of a soldier, echoed from just beyond the chamber.
"Apologies for interrupting your critical meeting. The 'Hero of Darkness,' Lucas, has made his grand entrance!"
