Extra To Protagonist

The hum of the military transport filled the air as the academy students sat in relative silence.

The atmosphere was noticeably heavier than when they first left. A mission, even a simulated one, had a way of shifting perspectives.

Merlin leaned against the cold metal wall of the transport, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the scenery blurring past the window. The others weren't taking the experience lightly.

Nathan sat stiffly, his hands clasped together, eyes darkened with thought.

Seraphina's fingers lightly tapped against her arm, her mind clearly running through every detail of the mission.

Elara sat still, her sharp elven features unreadable. But the way her fingers gripped the edge of her seat gave her away.

Vivienne, seated across from them, had been watching in silence. Unlike her usual bright and warm demeanor, she was quieter this time, taking in their reactions.

Finally, she spoke. "You all did well."

Adrian let out a forced chuckle. "Would've been awkward if we didn't."

No one laughed.

Vivienne sighed, leaning back in her seat. "It's normal to feel uneasy after something like that. Even if it was a simulation, the weight of it doesn't disappear just because it wasn't 'real.'"

'Well, this definitely didn't help them.'

Merlin glanced at her. He had no such discomfort. But the others—he could see it clearly.

"There's no right answer," Vivienne continued, her brown eyes drifting to the window. "Some of you will move past it quickly. Some of you will hold onto it for weeks. Both are fine."

She didn't say 'You'll get used to it'. But the implication was there.

The transport moved steadily through the city, the towering skyline of modern architecture rising around them.

Streets were filled with pedestrians, holographic advertisements flickered above them, and the hum of vehicles filled the air.

When they finally reached the academy grounds, the students exited in quiet movements, some still lost in thought.

"No more lectures for today, everyone can go to their respectful places to rest. Lectures continue tomorrow."

Vivienne announced as the students were still silent but they didn't complain as everyone made their way in different directions.

Merlin stretched slightly, ready to head back home. He had no interest in lingering around with the others, especially after the mission. But before he could take a step—

"Merlin," Nathan called.

He turned, raising a brow.

Nathan, standing beside Elara and Seraphina, looked oddly hesitant. "We were thinking of heading into the city for a bit. You should come with us."

Merlin immediately shook his head. "Pass."

Seraphina sighed. "Figured you'd say that."

Elara, however, was having none of it.

She stepped forward, her sharp violet eyes locking onto his. "Come on, you can't just disappear like usual. You barely do anything outside of class."

"I do plenty."

Elara crossed her arms. "Really? Name one social thing you've done in the past week."

Merlin opened his mouth, then closed it.

"…Exactly," she said smugly.

"I don't see why I need to go. Shouldn't you guys be contemplating about today's events instead?"

The group seemed to tense at Merlin's words.

'Maybe that was too much..'

"This is the best way to turn our brains off…" Seraph answered as she looked at the floor.

"And not about 'need,' Merlin." Elara huffed. "We're just going out to get some things. You should come. You don't have any friends at all."

He still wasn't convinced.

Nathan sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Look, it's just a quick trip. If you hate it, you can leave."

'Why am I always so bitter anyways…it's not that big of a deal. I haven't done anything outside of training ever since I came to this world..'

Merlin narrowed his eyes slightly as his thoughts spun.

Seraphina glanced at him. "If you don't come, she won't stop bothering you, you know."

Elara nodded with far too much satisfaction.

Merlin exhaled. "…Fine."

Elara grinned. "Great. Let's go."

Merlin had the sinking feeling he had just been expertly manipulated.

But at this point, resistance was useless, and a little break wouldn't hurt.

'What could possibly go wrong?'

—

Merlin regretted his decision almost immediately.

The streets of the city were as crowded as ever, a sea of people moving in every direction, neon signs flashing overhead, and vehicles moved loudly along the roads.

Compared to the controlled and structured environment of the academy, the inside of the city was overwhelming in a different way.

'I've never been here before..'

He had never enjoyed these types of outings—too many people, too much noise, and absolutely no personal space.

He never did these types of things in his past. He was always locked inside his room, reading his books and novels trying to escape reality.

'Who would have thought it would actually become my reality.'

It was one of the reasons why he was bullied for so long, people called him all kinds of names, geek and nerd were the most common.

He was always the loner, the unpopular kid that no one wanted to interact with.

Yet now here he was, walking beside Nathan, Seraphina, and Elara, who had practically dragged him into this…inside of a novel that became his reality.

"Where are we even going?" Merlin finally asked, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"Just some general shopping," Elara replied casually, leading the way. "I need some supplies for alchemy, and Nathan wanted to check out the weapons market."

'He's going to find a good sword soon either way if the story didn't change too much.'

Merlin shook his head as Seraphina glanced at Nathan. "Didn't you just get your gear checked at the academy?"

"I did," Nathan admitted, running a hand through his dark hair. "But I want to see if there's anything better."

Merlin gave him a sideways glance. "Better, or flashier?"

Nathan scowled. "I'm not that shallow."

'You are.'

Merlin wasn't convinced, clearly knowing the nature of Nathan. He used to make rash decisions in the novel just to seem flashy and farm aura…he was the cringiest protagonist ever but he still loved the novel..not because of Nathan though.

They made their way through the market district, where stalls and shops displayed everything from enchanted trinkets to combat gear.

It was a mix of high-tech and magic, an odd blend of old traditions and modern advancements.

Holographic advertisements floated above some stores, showcasing the latest magical weapons or cutting-edge armor modifications.

'I don't really need any of these things.'

Merlin wasn't interested in any of it though.

Elara, however, stopped at nearly every shop, inspecting materials, asking about potions, and occasionally dragging Nathan into arguments over the best enchantments.

Seraphina followed at a more relaxed pace, occasionally commenting but never engaging too much.

Merlin just stood in the background, waiting for it all to be over.

"You know," Seraphina said suddenly, looking at him, "you're really bad at blending in."

Merlin raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're standing like you're planning an escape," she pointed out. "And you keep scanning the area like you're expecting to be ambushed."

'I'm with a person that naturally carries disaster with him. Of course I'm scanning the area.'

"…Force of habit."

Seraphina gave him a knowing look but didn't press further.

Nathan, meanwhile, was busy debating a store clerk over the efficiency of different sword materials.

"This one is lighter," the clerk argued, holding up a sleek, black-metal blade. "It allows for faster swings and is reinforced with mana absorption."

'Mana absorption..what kind of scam artist is this?'

Merlin and Nathan both frowned as Nathan replied "But the impact force is weaker, isn't it?"

"It depends on the user's strength and technique—"

Elara sighed, rubbing her temples. "We are not going to be here for an hour debating swords, Nathan."

Nathan hesitated before sighing. "Fine. I'll think about it."

They continued wandering through the market, stopping occasionally but never for too long. The only person enjoying this was Elara.

Eventually, they ended up at a small outdoor café.

Nathan stretched, flopping into a chair. "That was exhausting."

"You're the one who wanted to go to the weapons market," Seraphina pointed out.

"Yeah, but I wasn't expecting to get lectured by a store clerk."

'Why did he even bother with that clerk. At least I can rest now.'

Merlin sat down without a word, relieved that they had finally stopped moving.

Elara ordered drinks for everyone before sitting down with a satisfied smile. "See? This wasn't so bad, was it?"

Merlin stared at her. "…You dragged me into this against my will. Particularly, I just watched all of you guys look through useless things that—"

"And yet, here you are, enjoying a nice break with friends," she said smugly, cutting Merlin off.

Merlin narrowed his eyes but said nothing.

Elara leaned back, sipping her drink. "You don't have to act like you hate it so much, you know."

'Whatever.'

Merlin rolled his eyes.

Seraphina chuckled slightly. "Just let him be, Elara. You already won. He did end up coming with us…even if it was kind of against his will."

Elara grinned, clearly pleased with herself.

Merlin sighed. He had definitely lost this battle against Elara. Completely defeated.

But at the very least, he had survived the outing without any major problems or some kind of disaster occurring in the city. It was peaceful.

For now.