Beyond the Script: The Extra Who Stole the Mangakyo

Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Chapter 23 – The S-Class System and the Mysterious Student

The air in the classroom remained tense long after Instructor Selene Drayden had made her presence known. S-Class. The elite of the elite. Each student had earned their seat through sheer talent, lineage, or achievements.

But for some, their placement was expected.

And for others... it was a complete mystery.

As Selene's presence loomed over them, the murmurs slowly started again.

"She's definitely a monster..." Luca muttered under his breath, his wolf-like ears twitching.

"She was a war hero," Alicia whispered back, her golden eyes sharp. "Served on the frontlines against the Demon Army. She's not someone to underestimate."

"Or someone to cross," Reynard added, grinning. "I like her already."

Leonhardt chuckled, shaking his head before glancing at a particular student sitting near the front.

Alden Blackwood.

Dressed in his uniform, his long black hair was tied neatly, and dark sunglasses rested on his face, completely concealing his eyes. His posture was relaxed, but those who paid attention could tell he was quietly observing everything.

And unlike the others, he wasn't talking to anyone.

---

"Alden Blackwood..."

His name had circulated among the students the moment the rankings were revealed.

A disowned noble, exiled from his family. A nobody who had somehow ended up in S-Class, sitting among prodigies from the strongest bloodlines.

"What the hell is a failure like him doing here?" one student whispered, eyeing Alden from a few rows back.

"I heard he barely passed the practical exams before the academy. Then suddenly, he ranks in the top forty? There's no way that's not suspicious."

"I bet he used some trick or bribed someone. No way he actually fought his way in."

Sylvara, sitting a few seats away, subtly glanced at Alden. Unlike the others, her gaze was calm and unreadable. She could sense it—his mana was dense, but controlled. There was no way a weakling had ended up in this class.

There was more to him.

Seraphina also took note of the whispers, but as always, she said nothing. It wasn't her concern.

Reynard smirked slightly. "He's interesting, at least. Maybe we should find out what makes him tick."

Leonhardt didn't respond but kept his eyes on Alden for a moment longer. He was certain they would cross paths soon enough.

---

The Academy's System

Instructor Selene's voice snapped everyone back to attention.

"As S-Class students, you have access to the highest level of resources within the academy," she said, her gaze sweeping across the room. "However, nothing will be handed to you for free."

With a wave of her hand, the classroom's massive screens lit up, displaying the academy's credit system.

Academy Credits and Their Uses

The screen displayed a ranking system for Academy Credits (AC), the currency used within the institution.

1. E-Rank Missions – 10 to 50 AC

2. D-Rank Missions – 50 to 200 AC

3. C-Rank Missions – 200 to 1,000 AC

4. B-Rank Missions – 1,000 to 5,000 AC

5. A-Rank Missions – 5,000 to 20,000 AC

6. S-Rank Missions – 20,000+ AC

"Everything within the academy runs on this system," Selene explained. "Want better weapons? Buy them with credits. Want access to high-level training facilities? Pay for it. Even your meals at the high-tier restaurants require credits."

Alicia's eyes narrowed. "So basically, the strong will keep getting stronger."

Selene smirked. "Exactly."

The room grew silent. Some students looked nervous, while others smirked at the challenge.

"Your starting balance is 500 AC for S-Class students," Selene continued. "Use it wisely. If you run out, you'll need to complete missions, participate in tournaments, or sell services to other students."

"And one more thing."

Her expression turned sharp.

"S-Class isn't just a class. It's a constant battlefield. You will be fighting against each other regularly. Rankings will shift, and those who can't keep up..."

She let her words linger before finishing with a smirk.

"Will be kicked out."

-- @@novelbin@@

Alden remained unfazed throughout the explanation.

'So it's just like the game... but now that I'm living it, it feels even more brutal.'

He leaned back in his seat, mind racing. The credit system meant that ranking high was crucial. He couldn't afford to slack off.

'At least I got into S-Class...'

He had barely made it into the top forty, which guaranteed him access to the best resources. If he had ranked any lower, his life here would've been much harder.

But that also meant more attention.

'Damn it. I wanted to stay low-key.'

He could feel the stares on him. People were suspicious. His sudden rise from failure to S-Class ranker was too unusual.

At least his sunglasses helped him hide his Mangekyo Sharingan. That was one secret he couldn't afford to expose.

His katana, which had transformed into a black bracelet around his wrist, spoke directly into his mind.

[They're all looking at you, Master.]

Alden sighed mentally. 'I know. Just ignore them.'

[You could simply cut them down if they bother you.]

'That's not how things work, you bloodthirsty hunk of metal.'

The sword huffed.

[Weaklings shouldn't be whispering about the strong.]

'You're getting a little too comfortable in my head.'

---

After a few more details about the academy's training schedule and mission board system, Selene finally dismissed the students.

As the students rose from their seats, the murmurs grew louder.

"Did you see the rankings?"

"I heard some first-years are already at D+ Rank."

"Yeah, but Leonhardt is nearly at C- Rank. He's already way ahead."

"Alicia and Seraphina are probably the closest to breaking through as well."

"What about Alden Blackwood? He was ranked E-, but he still made it to S-Class..."

"Tch. Probably just got lucky."

Alden ignored the whispers as he glanced at his smartwatch. A new notification had appeared.

[Dormitory Information Assigned]

— Room 317, S-Class Dormitory Wing

'Finally, I can rest.'

But as he turned to leave, he felt something.

A sharp gaze watching him.

Alicia.

Her golden eyes locked onto him, curiosity and something else hidden within.

He had definitely caught her attention.

And that could be a problem.