Beyond the Script: The Extra Who Stole the Mangakyo

Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Chapter 22 – The Gathering of Elites

The grand classroom of S-Class was unlike any ordinary lecture hall. Designed to withstand the power of rising prodigies, its reinforced walls shimmered faintly with protective runes. The seats were arranged in a semicircle, giving every student a clear view of the massive screens that lined the front.

As students entered, their eyes darted around, analyzing potential rivals, allies, and threats. But amidst the murmurs and excitement, a particular group naturally gathered—the children of noble families and powerful factions.

They had known each other long before entering the academy, their relationships shaped by political alliances, family ties, or simple childhood friendships.

---

Leonhardt Valerian was the first to step inside.

His dark brown hair and emerald-green eyes immediately drew attention. As the heir of House Valerian, one of the empire's most prestigious noble families, he had been trained from birth to lead. But more than that, his natural talent made him the protagonist of the story.

Despite the whispers around him, he walked with a casual ease, unbothered by the weight of expectations.

Spotting a familiar face, he smiled.

"Alicia, looks like we made it to the same class," he greeted, sliding into a seat in the second row.

Alicia von Rosenheim sat a few seats away, arms crossed.

Her red hair and golden eyes made her stand out immediately, but what truly defined her was the sharp confidence in her gaze. A swordswoman from a prestigious martial house, she had spent years perfecting her craft.

"Of course," she replied, flicking her hair back. "Did you really think I'd settle for anything less?"

Leonhardt chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Before their conversation could continue, the air grew noticeably colder.

A tall figure with silver hair and piercing ice-blue eyes entered the room, her very presence exuding an aura of frost.

Seraphina Everfrost.

The moment she stepped inside, murmurs filled the air.

"She's from the Everfrost Clan, right?"

"No surprise she's here. I heard she froze an entire lake during the exam." @@novelbin@@

Unbothered, Seraphina glided past the onlookers and took a seat next to Alicia, nodding slightly in greeting.

Alicia smirked. "Still trying to freeze the entire academy, Seraphina?"

Seraphina gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "If it means keeping the noise down, perhaps."

Leonhardt shook his head with a grin. Despite her cold demeanor, Seraphina had been part of their circle for years.

A sudden ripple in the air signaled the arrival of another presence.

Reynard Faulkner appeared seemingly out of nowhere, sliding into the seat next to Leonhardt. His golden fox-like eyes gleamed with mischief, and his black hair was as unkempt as ever.

"Already gathering in your little noble circle, huh?" he drawled lazily. "I almost feel left out."

Leonhardt rolled his eyes. "You're the son of the Faulkner family. You belong here whether you like it or not."

Before Reynard could respond, a gentle golden light entered the room.

Elena Brightwind, the Holy Saintess Candidate, walked gracefully toward them. Her long blonde hair shimmered under the lights, and her soft blue eyes carried a warmth that seemed almost out of place in the competitive atmosphere.

She took the empty seat beside Seraphina and smiled. "It's good to see you all again."

Alicia leaned back, smirking. "Elena, I hope you're ready. You'll be patching up a lot of bruises once training starts."

Elena laughed softly. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

The next arrival was impossible to miss.

A beastkin with wild silver hair and amber eyes strode into the room, his sharp canines visible in a confident grin.

Luca Ashenpaw.

His wolf-like ears twitched slightly, picking up every whisper in the room. Unlike the others, who carried themselves with refined nobility, Luca radiated raw, untamed energy.

"Yo," he greeted casually, plopping down next to Reynard. "Took you guys long enough."

Reynard smirked. "Says the guy who almost skipped the entrance ceremony."

"I was scouting the campus," Luca shot back. "Gotta know your hunting grounds."

As the group exchanged friendly jabs, the final main character arrived.

An elegant elven girl with long dark green hair and emerald eyes entered, moving with effortless grace.

Sylvara Nightwhisper.

As a prodigy of the Elven Kingdom, her presence was a rare sight. Most elves didn't enroll in human academies, making her appearance all the more significant.

She silently took a seat near Seraphina, exchanging a nod with the Ice Queen.

---

As the students settled in, they spoke in low voices, catching up before the first lesson began.

Reynard smirked. "So, who do you guys think ranked first?"

Alicia rolled her eyes. "Leonhardt, obviously."

Leonhardt scratched his cheek. "I wouldn't be so sure. I held back a little."

Luca chuckled. "Cocky as always, huh?"

Elena smiled. "The rankings don't matter too much. We're all here to grow stronger."

Seraphina arched an eyebrow. "Only the strong matter in battle. The ranking determines resources. That alone makes it important."

Sylvara, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke. "She's right. Those at the top will have an advantage. And in a world like ours, that makes all the difference."

The conversation turned toward speculation about their first lesson, past training experiences, and, of course, a few playful bets on who would win the first sparring sessions.

Then, the air shifted.

A commanding presence entered the room.

---

The grand doors swung open.

A tall woman with scarred arms and piercing violet eyes strode into the classroom. Her uniform, though similar to the academy's, was adorned with numerous medals and insignias—clear signs of a veteran warrior.

The murmurs died instantly.

"Settle down."

Her voice cut through the room like a blade, and every student instinctively straightened.

She scanned the room, her eyes assessing each student like prey.

"My name is Instructor Selene Drayden," she said. "For the next year, I will be responsible for turning you into warriors worthy of the S-Class title."

Her gaze lingered on Leonhardt, then on Seraphina, and finally on Alicia.

"Most of you come from noble families," she continued, her voice steady. "Some of you have trained since birth. Others were born with talent beyond reason."

Her lips curled into something between a smile and a sneer.

"I don't care."

A flick of her wrist, and a massive pressure descended on the room. Pure killing intent.

Even Luca and Alicia tensed slightly. Elena's eyes widened in alarm.

"Your past means nothing here," Selene stated. "Your strength is all that matters."

The tension hung in the air.

Then, she finally smirked.

"Welcome to S-Class. Try not to die."