I'm an Extra, so What?

The next day.

Luka sat, lightly scratching Snow's belly as the little dragon lay sprawled out on his back in front of him, tail flicking lazily.

Recently, he had felt a twinge of guilt as he watched his pet let out happy little dragon giggles—he hadn't spent much time with him lately, leaving him in the care of his personal maid for the past week.

He vowed to change that now.

After all, Snow wasn't just a pet—he would be a valuable piece on the board in the future.

"Who's the cutest little bastard in the world? You are!"

Luka grinned mischievously, diving his fingers into Snow's belly as the tiny dragon squirmed and laughed in his strange, squeaky way.

Standing nearby, Serene covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

Well-rested and full of energy from a proper night's sleep, she simply watched the scene unfold, her heart warming slightly.

Just then, the clock chimed, signaling the start of class.

Kira entered right on cue, her feet tapping against the floor.

She didn't say a word, immediately crossing the room to the blackboard.

Grabbing a piece of chalk, she swiftly began writing, her strokes quick.

— The Annual Elf-Human Showdown —

Luka paused mid-tickle, his eyes narrowing at the words.

He recognized the event instantly, but confusion flickered across his face.

'Why bring it up now?'

Kira finished writing, turned on her heel, and addressed him directly, her voice brisk and no-nonsense.

"Next week, the Headmaster will personally select five students—one Ranger, one Tanker, one Fighter, one Healer, and one Mage."

She tapped the board with the chalk for emphasis.

"The Annual Elf-Human Showdown is almost here. As you know…"

Kira placed down the chalk.

"It happens every year at the beginning of the academic cycle, a morale boost for whichever race wins, not to mention good propaganda. Also gives everyone a taste of each side's potential."

Luka leaned back slightly, arms folding, his mind already racing ahead.

'Wait a minute…'

He grinned inwardly, feeling opportunity knock at his door once again.

After all, a certain heroine would be present — and not just any heroine, but an incredibly important one.

The Elf Princess herself, the future Healer of the main character's party, and one of the central heroines of the story.

She was renowned not only for her stunning beauty, often compared to the coldest of winters, but also for her deep-seated hatred toward humans —

A hatred so pure it could be felt just by standing near her.

She loathed humans to the very core of her being.

Luka already understood well that damaging the relationship between a main heroine and the main character would cause Fate to fall — exactly what he wanted.

A slow smirk tugged at his lips.

"So, when does the selection trial begin?" Luka asked casually, though inwardly he was already plotting, unable to recall exactly when this event had taken place in the game.

"Today," Kira answered without missing a beat.

She plopped down into her chair, throwing her feet lazily up onto her desk as if she had all the time in the world.

"In the afternoon, so you still have a little time to prepare."

Clapping his hands together with genuine enthusiasm, Luka grinned.

"Perfect. I'll get selected easily — and then kick some elf ass."

A rough laugh escaped him, filled with anticipation.

Kira flashed a toothy grin.

"Good. That's the spirit. Let's get class started, then — so you'll have plenty of time to head over afterward."

▬▬ι═══════ﺤ

After class ended, Luka made his way toward the Indoor Stadium of the Academy, whistling casually as he went.

As he entered, he was immediately greeted by the sight of countless students flooding into the stadium, their chatter filling the air with a lively buzz.

Luka, however, wasn't fond of being surrounded by so many people.

Like a shadow, he weaved through the crowd with ease, drifting around until he found a spot that wasn't too crowded.

He was alone for the selection trials — his personal maid and his pet dragon, Snow, had headed home early, taking the day off.

It let him move much quicker and without any restrictions.

Once Luka found a good spot, he took a seat, scanning the area.

Unlike the test on the first day of the Academy, the setup was entirely different.

Instead of multiple separate platforms, there was now a single, massive, gleaming white platform at the center of the stadium.

Luka leaned back in his seat, fully aware of what was about to happen.

Students would be pitted against their own peers — Rangers versus Rangers, Tankers versus Tankers, Fighters versus Fighters, and so on.

Battle Royal—

To put it simply.

'This will be a walk in the park,' Luka thought confidently, fingers brushing against the concealed Soulreaper dagger hidden beneath his clothes.

In his mind, he was already celebrating his inevitable victory.

However, before he could get too lost in his daydreams, a voice called out above him.

"Hello~, Luka."

Opening his eyes, he looked up to find none other than the Second Princess, Charlotte, and the Saintess, Elysia, standing over him, smiling brightly.

"So, you two are taking part, too?" Luka asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Why, of course," Charlotte replied proudly, banging her fist against her chest with a loud thump.

The greatsword strapped to her back gleamed under the lights.

"This gives me a rare excuse to actually leave the country for once."

As royalty, her ability to travel was heavily restricted.

It was a rare and precious opportunity.

"That sounds nice." Luka recalled that this year's Annual Elf-Human Showdown was to be hosted in the Elf Kingdom.

Elysia chimed in next, her voice soft but full of resolve.

"I, too, am participating so I can travel. I think it would be wonderful to meet another race. All my life, I've only ever interacted with humans."

She couldn't lie to herself.

A part of her was doing this for her own growth—but deep down, she knew the real reason.

A single word still echoed in her mind: inexperienced.

It stung more than she cared to admit.

'I can do this! I know the Goddess Lucia is cheering me on!' Elysia thought, clenching her fists with determination.

Far above the clouds, the Goddess Lucia was indeed cheering her on—quite literally.

Dressed in a full-blown fan outfit, complete with the academy's colors splashed across her clothes, Lucia waved two radiant glow bars in the air, her voice booming across the heavens.

"You've got this, Elysia! Show them all what you're made of!" The goddess cried, practically bouncing with excitement.

Whether it was divine intervention or just her own stubborn spirit, Elysia felt a surge of strength rise within her…