An Extra’s Rise in an Eroge

"Hey! What's that smell?" someone whispered, their voice carrying an edge of curiosity.

Before I could respond, Professor Layla darted toward us, her vibrant indigo hair bouncing as she moved. She peered into the cauldron, her expression shifting from curiosity to astonishment.

"What did you do?" she demanded, her voice filled with disbelief.

"Nothing much, Professor. Is there something wrong?" I asked, feigning innocence.

Professor Layla ignored my question, her gaze fixed on the glowing potion. "This… this is the purest healing potion I've ever seen," she said, her tone almost reverent.

To prove her point, she grabbed a small knife from a nearby table and made a shallow cut on her finger. Without hesitation, she scooped a spoonful of the potion from the cauldron and poured it over the wound.

The class collectively gasped as the cut closed almost instantly, leaving no trace of injury.

"It's so fast," she murmured, her eyes wide with wonder.

Her attention snapped back to me. She grabbed my shoulders, her grip firm as she stared into my eyes. "What did you do? You just improved the healing potion formula!"

"Professor, it wasn't me," I said calmly, stepping aside to reveal Anya, who was attempting to blend into the background. "It was her—Anya's the one who did it."

Anya froze as all eyes shifted to her. Professor Layla's enthusiasm seemed to overwhelm her, and her breathing quickened as she fidgeted nervously.

I could see her struggling, so I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "There's no need to be nervous," I said softly, my voice steady and calm. "Take a deep breath. You've done something incredible, and you should be proud."

Anya glanced up at me, her wide eyes filled with uncertainty, but she gave a small nod. Professor Layla crouched slightly, bringing herself closer to Anya's eye level.

"Young lady, what you've just done is extraordinary," Professor Layla said gently, her earlier exuberance tempered by a more nurturing tone. "Can you tell me what adjustments you made? How did you achieve this?"

"Incredible!" Professor Layla exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine amazement. "How did you come up with the idea to use Sunveil Grass?"

Anya's face turned a deep shade of red. "N-Nowhere! I just… felt like it," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Professor Layla leaned back, her astonishment shifting into admiration. "A prodigy. A natural alchemist," she declared. "And don't worry about your formula, Anya. I'll personally ensure it gets patented in your name."

The room erupted into murmurs of surprise and excitement.

Turning to address the rest of the class, Professor Layla raised her voice, her energy palpable. "Did you see that, everyone? This is the essence of true alchemy! You are not here merely to follow recipes or reproduce what others have done before you. Anyone can do that with a bit of guidance and a manual. But true alchemists—true innovators—challenge the status quo! They strive to improve potion qualities, discover new recipes, and push the boundaries of what is possible."

She gestured toward Anya, who was doing her best to shrink into herself. "Just like this student here. Rather than blindly following predetermined steps, she trusted her instincts, modified the process, and significantly improved the quality of the potion. This is the kind of creativity and initiative I want to see from all of you. Now, let's give Anya a well-deserved round of applause!"

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

The room filled with applause, some students clapping enthusiastically while others begrudgingly joined in. A few even cheered, though I caught a few side glances of jealousy mixed in.

Anya fidgeted under the attention, her cheeks still flushed, but I noticed a shy smile forming on her lips.

As the applause died down, Professor Layla continued her rounds, and the class gradually returned to its usual rhythm. Anya, however, seemed different. Her initial shyness began to ease as we worked together, and she started opening up to me bit by bit.

"Thank you," she said softly at one point, glancing up at me with a timid smile.

"For what?" I asked, pretending not to know.

"For… earlier. For everything," she replied, her voice barely audible.

I smiled warmly. "You earned it, Anya. You're incredible—don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

She looked down, her hands fiddling with her robe, but I could see the hint of confidence beginning to take root.

Inwardly, I couldn't help but grin. 'This is only the beginning for her,' I thought.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

[And for you too, apparently,] Sol added in my mind, her tone laced with amusement.

I smirked. 'Exactly.'

By the time class ended, the sun was already dipping low on the horizon, casting an orange hue across the academy grounds. Arthur glanced at his watch—4:00 PM. Walking out of the alchemy building alongside Anya, they chatted casually about their lessons.

After a few minutes, Anya waved him off with a smile. "I'm heading to the library. I'll see you later!"

Arthur nodded. "Alright. Don't get too lost in your books."

As Anya disappeared down the corridor, his phone buzzed. He pulled it out and answered. "Hello?"

"Arthur, where are you?" Alicia's voice chirped through the receiver.

"Outside the alchemy class," Arthur replied, his eyes scanning the courtyard. "What's up?"

"Nothing much. Just wanted to see if you'd like to go for a stroll," Alicia said, her tone easy.

Arthur exhaled, rubbing his forehead. "Sorry, Alicia, I'm not free just yet." Read exclusive chapters at empire

"What? But classes are over, aren't they?" she pressed.

"Academy classes, yes," Arthur explained, "but Professor Lilith decided to give me extra lessons as compensation for wrongly doubting me earlier. I still have to attend those."

There was a pause, and then Alicia giggled. "Wow, private lessons? That must be cool—getting to learn more and stay ahead of everyone. Lucky you!"

Arthur sighed again, heavier this time. "Believe me, Alicia, if I had a choice, I'd skip it in a heartbeat."

"Don't be so disheartened," Alicia said, her voice teasing. "It's a good opportunity! Not everyone gets such a chance to shine. Anyway, go ace your class! Talk later."

The call ended with a cheerful click.

"Sigh…" Arthur let out a long exhale, staring at the empty hallway ahead.