The Cursed Extra: Bloodline of Sacrifice

(POV: Eirak Arcwright)

Eirak winced as he rotated his shoulder, feeling the dull ache from yesterday's fight.

That guy actually dared to beat me up...

"Haah... that bastard really left me sore," Eirak muttered, rolling his shoulder again.

Jaxar, sitting beside him in the academy's private lounge, gave him a lazy glance. "Forget it. We're in the academy now. There are rules here."

Eirak scoffed. "Rules?" He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You think I care about that? He needs to be reminded of his place."

Jaxar sighed. He had known Eirak long enough to recognize that tone—stubborn, prideful, and itching for payback. "Then how exactly are you going to do it?"

Eirak smirked, He leaned back against the cushioned chair, crossing one leg over the other.

"It's easier to make people doubt a truth than to make them believe a lie."

Jaxar frowned slightly. "...What are you planning?"

Eirak reached for a quill on the desk, twirling it between his fingers.

"Like this."

---

(POV: Caspian)

A single rose leaf rested on the surface of desk.

I still don't understand... What does this mean in my domain?

He turned the leaf between his fingers, examining it under the light.

Did it come from outside? No... that's impossible.

The thought lingered in his mind, but before he could follow it further, the voice of Elana, the instructor, pulled him back to the present.

"Alright, everyone. You have one day. By tomorrow, I expect each of you to submit your group of five students."

A murmur spread through the classroom. Some students immediately turned to their friends, already forming teams.

Elana continued.

"The groups you form will remain the same for the entire year, so choose carefully. Additionally, the leader of each group will receive 20% more points compared to the other members."

Caspian listened in silence, his fingers still absentmindedly rolling the rose leaf.

A group of five.

His mind worked quickly, weighing his options.

He could either:

1. Find four lazy students—a team that would do nothing, leaving him free to handle every mission alone, ensuring maximum efficiency.

2. Find a group of trustworthy individuals—people to whom he could reveal his true potential, creating a strong and effective unit.

Both had advantages.

A strong team meant more success, but it also meant sharing control.

A lazy team meant he'd have full autonomy over their missions. No one would question him. No one would interfere.

A lone hunter has fewer weaknesses.

Caspian leaned back in his chair, eyes half-lidded. The choice was clear.

A lazy team.

This way, every mission would be mine. Every reward, mine. Every point, mine.

And in the end—he would grow faster than anyone else.

.

The classroom was still buzzing with students scrambling to form their teams.

Some had it easy, forming groups with friends, while others had to negotiate their way in or settle for last-minute arrangements.

Caspian leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, still debating his strategy. A lazy team—that was the most efficient choice. No competition, no unnecessary conflict, just pure individual growth.

But before he could finalize his decision, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Caspian."

He barely had time to sigh before turning to see Fianna standing next to his desk.

She looked at him with the same unreadable expression.

As expected…

He had already predicted this encounter.

"Join our team," Fianna said directly, wasting no time.

Caspian raised a brow. "Your team?"

Fianna nodded, arms crossed as if she had already decided the answer. "Yes. Me, Vynesaa, Seraphina, Lyria, and you." She tilted her head slightly.

It was a solid team—extremely solid.

Vynesaa had an exceptional bloodline and was a natural leader. Seraphina was an elite combatant, and Lyria was one of the most proficient in support magic. With Fianna's strategic mind and his own skills, the team would be nearly unbeatable.

A perfect team.

But Caspian's immediate thought was—

Fuck. It's an all-girl team.

He could already imagine the rumors, the whispers, the unwanted attention.

"Caspian, the only guy in a team of top-ranked noble girls? Suspicious."

"I bet he's just trying to get close to Vynesaa."

"Or maybe he's aiming for Fianna."

No. Absolutely not.

"I decline," Caspian said immediately.

Fianna didn't react, as if she had expected his answer. "Why?"

Before he could think of an excuse, another voice joined in from behind.

"Caspian, is it because of me?"

A smooth, familiar voice—Vynesaa.

Caspian turned slightly to see her approaching. Her lavender eyes studied him, her expression unreadable.

This just keeps getting worse…

"No," he replied quickly. "That's not—"

Vynesaa tilted her head slightly. "Then why?"

Caspian looked around. Students were starting to glance in their direction.

Too much attention.

"I already joined Darian's team," he said smoothly.

Fianna narrowed her eyes slightly. "You did?"

Caspian nodded. "Yeah. I told him just before class started."

It was a lie.

A convincing one, but still a lie.

He could tell Fianna didn't believe him entirely, but she wasn't going to push the issue in front of everyone.

For now, at least.

Vynesaa studied him for a moment longer before giving a small, unreadable smile. "I see."

Caspian forced a casual shrug. "Sorry. Maybe next time."

Fianna didn't press further. "Fine. But don't regret it later."

And with that, she turned, walking away with Vynesaa beside her.

Caspian let out a quiet breath.

Crisis avoided.

He wasn't against working with them. But right now? He needed control over his own growth.

And a team full of nobles was the exact opposite of that.

.

Caspian scanned the classroom. He could see alliances forming—noble houses sticking together, commoners banding for survival, and a few ambitious individuals aiming for balance.

Expected.

Then, his gaze stopped.

Darian.

He sat alone on a bench, arms folded, staring ahead without a hint of concern. Unlike the others, he hadn't made any effort to form a group. And despite his strength, no one approached him.

'I thought he will form team with oliver'

But I think he is Dragon Clan heir.

That was the reason he is alone— Oliver is prince so most likely he will form team with human nobles forming strong future alliances.

Dragons are also strong alliance but they are not allowed to interfere in other races conflict.

And Darian was from one of the ancient dragon clans.

But to Caspian—

He's perfect.

Strong. Independent. Doesn't interfere too much. Minds his own business.

A teammate like Darian would ensure Caspian could focus entirely on his own growth.

No drama. No politics. No unnecessary distractions.

With that thought, Caspian moved toward him.