Beyond the Script: The Extra Who Stole the Mangakyo

Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Chapter 16: The Academy's Grand Beginning

Standing before the full-length mirror in my hotel room, I took a long look at myself.

The black and gold-trimmed uniform of Velmoria Academy fit me surprisingly well. The high-collared jacket and sleek pants gave a regal look, though I felt a little suffocated in the formal attire.

But what really caught my eye was my hair.

It had grown longer over the past few days—thicker, slightly wavy, and reaching down to my shoulders. I grabbed a hair tie and quickly pulled it back into a low ponytail, leaving a few strands loose in the front.

"Not bad. Looks a bit mysterious... or maybe like a wannabe swordsman from an anime."

"You certainly look less like a lost street rat now."

I sighed. "Good morning to you too, Kurenai."

"Morning? l been awake for an hour."

Ignoring my sarcastic sword, I glanced at my status window before heading out.

---

Status Window

[Name:] Alden Blackwood @@novelbin@@

[Race:] Human

[Rank:] E- (Mana Vessels Expanded)

[Basic Stats:]

Strength: E

Agility: E+

Intelligence: C

Mana: E+

Stamina: E

[Weapon Arts:]

Crimson moon Strike (5-Star | Katana) → Proficiency: 5.7%

Phantom edge sword(2 star)

Proficiency:30.6%

---

I had grown stronger, but in the grand scheme of things, I was still at the bottom.

Velmoria Academy housed geniuses, prodigies, and monsters. I had no intention of standing out, but I refused to remain weak.

With that thought, I left for the Entrance Ceremony.

---

The academy's Grand Hall was a sight to behold. Towering marble columns, enchanted crystal chandeliers, and thousands of students gathered in neatly arranged rows. The air buzzed with excitement and whispered conversations.

At the center of the stage stood a man draped in deep violet robes, his mere presence commanding respect.

Headmaster Aldric Valtorin.

I felt a shiver crawl up my spine.

In the game, he wasn't just a headmaster—he was a living legend.

Rank: SS.

One of the strongest humans alive.

A former war hero who once single-handedly fought off a Demon duke.

And right now, I was breathing the same air as him.

"Try not to look so nervous," Kurenai muttered in my mind. "You're acting like a fanboy."

"Hey, you would too if you knew what this guy was capable of."

As if sensing the attention, Headmaster Valtorin raised a single hand, and the entire hall fell into absolute silence.

Then, his voice echoed—calm yet powerful.

---

Headmaster Valtorin's Speech

"Welcome to Velmoria Academy."

His gaze swept over the crowd, sending a chill through the first-years.

"You stand here today because you have been chosen. Chosen to represent your families, your nations, and your races. But make no mistake—your past achievements mean nothing within these walls."

A slight smirk touched his lips.

"Here, you will be broken, tested, and rebuilt. Only the strong will thrive. The weak... will be discarded."

Murmurs spread through the crowd, but no one dared to object.

I, however, internally groaned. "Damn, this guy really knows how to welcome students with positivity."

"Well, he's not wrong," Kurenai chuckled. "Survival of the fittest, and all that."

The speech continued, outlining the academy's rules, expectations, and the looming threats of demons. Finally, as if granting mercy, the Headmaster raised a hand.

"Now, retrieve your Academy Smartwatches. This will serve as your identification, class schedule, and personal ranking tracker. Welcome... to Velmoria Academy."

With that, the ceremony ended.

As students rushed to retrieve their smartwatches, I sighed.

"And so it begins."