Extra's Descent

"Looks like I'll be transferring classes tomorrow."

"Huh? But you've only been in this class for two weeks…."

A dejected look spread across Raven's face, hearing the news of Brandon transferring classes.

Seeing this, Brandon placed his hand on Raven's shoulder, consoling him with a smirk.

"But it's not just me."

"Hm?"

"Good luck, cadet. You'll need it."

"Uh….?"

Then, Brandon walked away. Raven stood alone at the center of the combat hall, bewildered by the other cadets watching him.

After all, Brandon had specifically told Delton to keep it a surprise.

Why?

Just to mess with Raven.

Brandon sat right next to Reinhard and watched the entire scene unfold.

He glanced at Reinhard at that moment, stirring up a conversation.

"Do you want to transfer classes too?"

Reinhard turned his head slightly, meeting Brandon's gaze.

"I don't think I'm qualified for it."

"You're pretty strong yourself, Rein."

"Nah, I honestly don't know why I'm still here."

As if realizing what he had just said, Reinhard shook his head and changed the topic.

"Nevermind. Yeah, I don't mind transferring classes. It'd be better for me in the long–run if I underwent their hellish training compared to this."

Of course, Brandon picked up on everything. From his tone, to the little gestures he made from time to time.

Just those signs were enough for him to tell that there was something internally wrong with Reinhard.

For a second there, Reinhard sounded like he wanted to drop out of the academy.

"Okay, good luck then."

"Hm?"

"You're next after Raven."

"Wha—"

"Use this chance, Rein. I've set it up for you."

"...."

Reinhard just sat still, looking at him with a dumbfounded expression. However, Brandon's words seemed to have reached him as he stifled a smile shortly after.

"Alright."

Maybe that's what Reinhard needed.

Someone who didn't try to stop, but a friend who actively believes in his endeavors.

But if that's the case, does Raven know?

Probably not.

Of course, Brandon could've asked Bellion. But judging by how the request was given, it seemed like Bellion wouldn't say anything.

Meaning, the only way for him to find out is to personally ask Reinhard if he ever opens up to him.

At that, the two fixed their attention on the ongoing fight between Raven and Delton.

For some reason, they used Brandon's basis as a clearance to ascend to the upper class.

No, it seems like they added something to the criteria, now that Brandon took a good look.

***

The mana regulator.

An artifact that lowered the output of mana cores. It was albeit—different from Brandon's, since Delton himself suppressed his mana core to be of the same tier as Raven's.

Meaning, Raven had a fighting chance.

Most probably, instead of assessing where his mana lay, Delton had chosen to evaluate Raven for his raw skills alone.

After all, Raven was a duelist.

And so, he had to prove himself as a duelist.

At that moment, Raven's figure darkened like a shadow, appearing before Delton—who had the look of fire in his eyes.

A bright golden aura surrounded Delton after activated his zone.

A myriad of magic circles began to appear. A mixture of lightning and fire lashed out in rapid succession.

But what Delton didn't know was Raven's skill.

[Reflection]

Raven was at his best whenever he fought a mage.

He was a perfect counter against any mage in this generation.

Swoosh—!

Just as the magic was about to hit Raven, swiftly swinging his dagger, the charge of magic reflected back and headed towards Delton—a look of surprise flashed in his face as his eyes shot wide open.

However, quickly reacting, a magic circle appeared, completely dismantling the onrushing magic.

Swoosh—! Swoosh—!

The air around them grew heavy as the two exchanged attacks one after another.

"Uh…?"

Brandon found himself stupefied upon seeing the sight.

It looked as if they were playing….

Tennis…?

As if the fireball was the golf ball, the two's attacks continued to repel towards each other.

It was getting ridiculous at this point.

"That looks kind of fun."

Amy—who was leaning right on the chair's recliner, the same seat Brandon was seated on, said.

However, just as the exchange was about to occur, something different happened.

"Hm?"

With his arms crossed, Brandon scrutinized intently, squinting his eyes.

For a brief second, he could swear he had just seen a veil of shadow coalesce around Raven, but disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

'Am I seeing things right?'

It looked like….. an internal zone?

But that didn't make any sense.

He could solemnly swear Raven's mana core was a tier four.

If that's the case, then he had to give Raven a lot more credit.

***

"Huu….."

Raven took deep heavy breaths, exhausted by the repeated usage of [Reflection].

However, Delton seemed to share the same sentiments as him. Evident by his chest heaving up and down, and his rather distorted expressions.

Sparks flew in the air, Raven—who could instantly shatter any barrier magic—or rather—the magic circles barrier magic produced.

He knew it was unheard of.

That he—himself was an anomaly amongst duelists.

The only duelist who could easily bridge the gap between mages and duelists.

He had been frustrated for a long while. That his efforts went unnoticed. Hailed as the strongest in his class due to his strength—but never having the approval of the instructors—just because he was a duelist.

They may have never stated it. But he could tell that was the exact reason why they never noticed his abilities.

For that reason, he took the challenge.

This stage was set for him.

For him to shine. To show the instructors what he was truly capable of.

But if he had to be honest. If he didn't have [Reflection], this fight would've been a lot harder.

Swoosh—!

With bated breaths, Raven cleaved down. Magic circles shattered around Delton.

Seizing the opportunity, Raven's dagger swung forward, right until the tip of his dagger was an inch close to Delton's neck.

Raven wanted to pat himself in the back for this. After losing to Brandon twice, especially in front of his classmates, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of achievement.

That he too was strong.

"Haaa…. I win."

Delton, who stared at the dagger for a brief moment, before eventually landing his gaze on Raven, opened his mouth.

"Congratulations."

And that was it.

This entire ascension opportunity was laid out by Brandon. It became apparent to Raven after Brandon's recent endeavor.

It might've not been possible to have this opportunity as a regular cadet, but with Brandon's connections, he had made it possible.

While thinking back on what might happen tomorrow, a mix of excitement and dejectment boiled within him.

Excited that he could finally take the upper classes after a month and two weeks in the academy, and sadness that he would have to leave his friends' classes.

To leave Amy's class.

But….

He knew it shouldn't be like this.

He was well aware that his friends didn't want to hold him back.

A decision to choose his future over complacency.

If the others wanted to catch up with him and Brandon, then they had to work hard.

Raven shifted his gaze towards the audience. Two ice–blue eyes looked back at him, giving him a thumbs up and a smile.

Raven returned the gesture, clenching his fist in the air.

For him, he had given his all in this fight—evident by the adrenaline and the sweat dripping down.

It was for that reason why he couldn't hold back on celebrating.

"Yessssss!"

His scream echoed throughout the entire combat hall, his fist clenching in the air.

Finally, after all those grueling training inside the Special Force headquarters. The beatings he took from Reina and the other members.

His efforts—after cutting out on sleep just to train—to finally increase his stats to the A ranks….

Had finally come into fruition.