Path of the Extra

The number of times they had received a call from Joaquin Crimson, their father, could be counted on one hand. It was like a rare event—unpredictable, impossible to trigger at will. Yet somehow, Azriel had managed to do it.

Seeing the name "Dad" on the screen, he remained frozen, still processing the moment.

Jasmine, however, quickly composed herself, her expression hardening.

"Pick up. It must be important."

'Or just another drunk call.'

Unfortunately, most of the times Joaquin had contacted them, he had been far from sober.

"Ah… yes…"

At her words, Azriel snapped out of his daze and immediately accepted the call. Without hesitation, he put it on speaker so Jasmine could listen as well. His voice, still laced with bewilderment and concern, came through first.

"Dad? Is everything okay?"

"Of course. You need not worry—I called you for official matters."

Joaquin's voice was steady, unhurried. He didn't waste time with pleasantries, cutting straight to the point.

Azriel blinked, exchanging a glance with Jasmine.

"Official matters?" he repeated.

"Yes. If I'm not mistaken, there is a mission you are about to undertake soon—one for which you were personally invited by the Headmistress. Am I correct?"

Azriel raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Yeah, that's correct. She said it was for experience, and as a reward for what happened in the void dungeon. She also gave me a Displacement Cube… but I've already used it."

"Hah! That cunning woman—always finding ways to defy us just to soothe her own conscience! Giving you such a meager reward for preventing a catastrophe that could have ruined her. I will send you dozens of mana cubes, Azriel. Use them as many times as you wish!"

Jasmine stared at Azriel's phone, unimpressed, while Azriel's expression lit up with genuine delight. Seeing it, Jasmine sighed softly, her features relaxing.

'They've really grown close… I honestly thought it was impossible for us all to be happy together again.'

Even before Azriel had been presumed dead, their family had never been like this.

"Thank you, Dad. I'll make sure to use them," Azriel said, his voice genuinely cheerful.

"Good, good. Now, about that mission you're going on…"

Joaquin's voice dropped slightly, carrying an unmistakable weight.

"You will have to withdraw from it."

Azriel's expression quickly shifted to composure at his father's words, but Jasmine's brows furrowed with curiosity.

'The mission they're talking about… it's the underground auction one, right?'

She had heard about it in passing—apparently, she had even been invited to participate but had declined. She hadn't known that Azriel was actually involved.

'But why is Dad telling him to withdraw from it?'

Azriel seemed to have the same question.

"Can I know the reason?" he asked, his tone level but edged with curiosity.

"I just got a lecture from my dear sister about being reckless. Suddenly backing out at the last possible minute will surely reflect badly, won't it?"

Jasmine's stiff smile twitched at the mention of her lecture.

Joaquin was silent for a few seconds before responding, his tone even.

"That mission is far too high-profile for you to attend as a mere cadet of the academy. The auction is being relocated to one of CASC's official auction houses—Cake Auction. That means it has become legal. As for why… it seems something there has caught the interest of the Nebula King.

As a result, every influential clan will be sending representatives to try and claim whatever it is before he does.

So, Azriel… you will be going as the Prince of the Crimson Clan. Find out what he wants and buy it before he does! Hehehe! And make sure to capture his expression when he realizes we stole it from right under his nose! Ah! What a wonderful feeling that will be!"

Both Azriel and Jasmine stared at the phone, their gazes dull. Joaquin's manic laughter echoed from the speaker, seemingly unending.

Azriel coughed and spoke hesitantly.

"I understand. I'll do as you say. But… Dad, aren't you mad that I planned to go on this mission without telling you?"

The laughter ceased instantly. Joaquin's tone turned cold.

"Of course I am."

Azriel's face stiffened.

"But it's no surprise to me that you seem utterly incapable of listening to me. Ever. So, understanding my own son—and the fact that I have no idea what you're planning to do there, or to what lengths you'll go amidst the major organizations hiding in that place—there will be a punishment. And a precaution. Jasmine. You're listening, aren't you?"

"Huh?! Yes, I am!"

Jasmine straightened in surprise, leaning closer to Azriel as she answered hurriedly.

"Good. You'll be babysitting your little brother."

"!!"

"Huh?! Wait, Dad! I don't need a babysitter!"

"Yeah, and I'm not a babysitter!"

Both of them instantly protested, only for Joaquin to cut them off with a single, icy word.

"Quiet."

Like magic, their mouths snapped shut.

Even through the phone, his voice carried the weight of absolute authority, compelling them to listen.

"Azriel, do you mean to tell me that you have no plan whatsoever and intend to simply observe Saint Freya and the other heroes?"

Jasmine turned to Azriel, eyes drilling into him.

'Yes! Tell him! You're not planning anything reckless this time, right?'

Azriel lowered his head slightly, and his response was the exact opposite of what she had hoped for.

"...I have a plan. I know what I'm doing."

Joaquin's voice came flatly.

"Yes. The last 'plans' I witnessed from you involved offering yourself up to the God of Death, losing your hand, and falling into a coma because of a colossal tree."

Azriel pursed his lips, falling silent. Jasmine averted her gaze.

…Admittedly, his track record wasn't the best.

"I'd rather take my chances leaving you with your older sister. Besides, if you think I don't have a clue about what happened at one of the containment facilities in CASC, you are mistaken. You should be grateful, in fact—your mother wanted you to withdraw from this mission entirely. I convinced her otherwise. See? Am I not great?"

Azriel exhaled through his nose. His voice was dry.

"...I can't wait for us to work together, big sister."

Jasmine's response was equally lifeless.

"Me too, little brother."

Their tones made Joaquin frown audibly over the phone.

"I thought the two of you would be pleased to work together."

The siblings exchanged guilty glances before Azriel responded.

"Well, we are. Of course. It's just…"

"It's too sudden. We wanted it to happen in a more…"

"...Epic way?"

"Yeah. Something like that."

There was a long, awkward silence before Joaquin let out an exaggerated sigh.

"The two of you are utterly incapable of acting mature around each other… Perhaps I should educate you?"

At his words, identical looks of horror spread across their faces.

Azriel laughed nervously, cold sweat dripping down his forehead.

"You sure are funny, Father!"

Jasmine forced a laugh, her expression mirroring his.

"Perhaps once you retire as the Crimson King, you should become a comedian!"

A low grumble came from the other end of the call.

"Retire? Hah. I'm still far too young. I've said what I needed to say. Follow the plan, and don't die. Goodbye."

"Ah, yes, you don't need to wor—oh."

Azriel blinked, realizing Joaquin had hung up without waiting for a response. He sighed and turned to Jasmine with a wry smile.

"Well, it seems we'll be working together. I'll be in your care, dear sister."

Jasmine sighed as well, but her smile was warm.

"I'll make sure you don't die this time, little brother."