Beyond the Script: The Extra Who Stole the Mangakyo

Chapter 24: Chapter 24

Chapter 24 – A Show Worth Watching

The Cafeteria

Alden strolled into the cafeteria, hands tucked into his pockets, sunglasses resting lazily on his face. Despite the elite status of S-Class, he was broke. His starting balance of 500 Academy Credits wouldn't last long if he spent carelessly.

He looked around. The cafeteria was massive, more like a high-end restaurant than a school mess hall. Long tables were arranged neatly, enchanted lights floating above them, and food stations served everything from simple meals to gourmet dishes.

Students gathered in groups—friends, rivals, and loners like himself. Some of the main cast had already taken their seats together, chatting like they were lifelong friends.

'So predictable,' Alden thought, shaking his head.

The place was lively, but the real event was about to start.

---

Alden grabbed a tray, picking the cheapest meal he could find—a sandwich and a juice. He had no intention of wasting credits.

'Why does everything here cost so damn much? I might have to start hunting missions sooner than expected...'

After picking his meal, he sat at a corner table, a little distance from the main groups. He had learned one rule in his past life—stay unnoticed, stay safe.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans.

Just as he was about to take his first bite, the cafeteria doors slammed open.

A group of seniors entered—loud, arrogant, and itching for trouble.

Alden smirked behind his sandwich. It was happening.

'Right on schedule.'

The leader of the group, Gregor Vance, was an A-Class second-year, and behind him were his usual lackeys. They had a habit of picking fights with first-years, and today's target?

The protagonist of the game—Leonhardt Valerian.

'Poor guy,' Alden thought, munching his sandwich. 'This is about to get messy.'

Gregor strutted forward, his voice booming across the cafeteria.

"Well, well, if it isn't the so-called genius first-years," he sneered, looking directly at Leonhardt and his group. "Enjoying your meal? You should be bowing to your seniors instead."

A hush fell over the cafeteria as students turned to watch. No one wanted to miss the show.

---

Leonhardt remained calm, sipping his drink. "I don't remember needing to bow to second-rate seniors."

Ooooh. The crowd felt that burn.

Gregor's face twitched. "What did you just say, brat?"

Leonhardt stood up, placing his drink down with a slow, deliberate motion. His C- Rank mana flared ever so slightly. "If you want to fight, don't waste time talking."

Gregor's grin twisted into an ugly smirk. "You've got guts, first-year. Fine. Let's take this outside. Unless you're scared?"

The cafeteria erupted in murmurs.

"A duel?"

"He's picking a fight with Leonhardt already?"

"He's gonna get wrecked."

Alden leaned back in his chair, watching like he had front-row seats to a blockbuster movie.

'This is exactly how it played out in the game... but in the game, you played as Leonhardt. Seeing it from the sidelines feels different.'

[Are you just going to sit there and eat?] his katana spoke in his mind.

'Of course,' Alden replied. 'Why should I interfere? This is free entertainment.'

The sword sighed. [You're an odd one, Master.]

'Damn right I am.'

The fight was moved to the dueling arena outside the cafeteria. It was a large open space specifically designed for combat training and challenges.

Alden casually walked over, munching on popcorn. He wasn't sure when he had bought it, but his priorities were straight.

Gregor and Leonhardt stood across from each other, both armed with practice swords provided by the academy. Instructors arrived to officiate the duel, making it official.

"First-year vs. second-year already? This is getting intense."

"I can't believe he actually challenged Leonhardt..."

"Five credits say the senior loses."

"You're on."

Alden smirked. 'People betting already? Gotta love academy life.'

Ding!

The duel officially began.

Gregor rushed forward, swinging his sword aggressively.

Leonhardt, however, barely moved. @@novelbin@@

Then—**in a flash—**he sidestepped, dodging the attack effortlessly.

Gregor's eyes widened in shock.

Leonhardt retaliated with a single counterattack, his sword moving with precision and speed.

CLANG!

Gregor's weapon flew out of his hands.

The second-year stumbled back, clutching his now-bruised wrist. "W-What...?"

Leonhardt didn't even look at him. He simply turned away. "Next time, don't waste my time."

The duel was over.

Gregor was defeated in seconds.

A wave of silence spread through the crowd, followed by cheers and laughter.

"That was brutal!"

"Leonhardt made him look like a joke!"

Gregor's lackeys quickly dragged him away before things could get worse, disgraced and humiliated.

Alden, still munching popcorn, clapped slowly.

'A true protagonist moment.'

[That was... underwhelming.] His katana sounded almost disappointed.

'Well, Gregor was always an idiot.'

[A real warrior would have fought to the end.]

'Yeah, yeah. Not everyone is as bloodthirsty as you.'

--

As the crowd dispersed, a few people took notice of Alden.

A lone student, wearing sunglasses, eating popcorn, and looking thoroughly amused.

"Who's that guy?"

"Wait... isn't he Alden Blackwood?"

"The disowned noble? What's he even doing here?"

"He got into S-Class somehow. No one knows how."

Alicia, who had watched the fight in silence, glanced at Alden.

'He's been staying quiet... but he's paying attention to everything.'

Leonhardt's eyes also briefly flicked toward him, as if acknowledging his presence.

Alden, completely unbothered, took another handful of popcorn. 'Ah... this is nice.'

But as much as he wanted to lay low, he was already attracting attention.

And sooner or later...

He wouldn't be able to just watch from the sidelines.