Path of the Extra

The ride back to the military base was extremely embarrassing for someone like Azriel, and he would rather never talk about it again.

Though he couldn't really complain much since there was perhaps no safer ride than that of Solomon, who was a literal saint, even though it's hard to remember.

No void creature had attacked them or even dared to get close, sensing the presence of a saint.

Azriel understood this but also found it strange, as there were always some that didn't really care, especially with how much Solomon tried to suppress his presence.

Only after getting a rough summary from Solomon about the weird things happening in Europe over the last few hours did he understand the reason.

'Still, to think a Leviathan-ranked creature has gone missing... I would have probably died if not for all those weird things happening. Does the God of Death perhaps have something to do with it?'

He thought this as he sat on a bed inside a simple room without any windows.

The room consisted of a single bed, a desk with a chair, and a door leading to a bathroom.

After arriving at the military base, the first thing he did was request a room so he could get some rest, a much-needed shower, and a new set of clothes.

Luckily, with Solomon's help, it all went quickly and smoothly.

Azriel immediately took a shower, changed into a simple black t-shirt and pajamas, and slept for four hours straight.

"Haa, he must have informed Uncle Ragnar that I'm already here. I am grateful that they gave me some time and let me rest at least."

Talking to himself, Azriel ran his fingers through his long hair.

"I should cut it before going back...home."

Standing up and stretching his body, Azriel glanced at the desk. A special black uniform was placed there, folded with black gloves on top.

A black furred coat was hanging on the chair. Next to the black uniform was a holster for Void Eater as well.

"I guess they want me to look presentable in front of the soldiers before leaving the room."

Murmuring to himself, he decided to go and finally get changed to meet Ragnar Frost.

******

Stepping outside of the residential building, which was entirely empty due to the soldiers training, Azriel decided to take a little detour before heading towards the building where Solomon and Ragnar were.

Solomon had already told him before he went to his room where he should meet up with him and Ragnar after resting.

It was already nighttime, and a full moon could be seen in the sky.

'The clothes fit me quite well and are comfortable,' Azriel thought as he walked towards the training facilities.

This was a rare opportunity to be in a military base in Europe at only 16 years old. He wanted to go sightseeing before he had to leave.

'Well, I suppose with my status, it wouldn't really be that hard to come here again. Or maybe it would now?'

The reason he was presumed dead in the first place was because he went to visit a military base close to Europe with his father.

'Dammit, they might become a little overprotective now...'

Azriel thought bitterly, knowing it would become a headache if his parents tried to restrict his freedom after returning from the dead.

'I just need to convince them properly. I mean, the fact that I am alive and, in their eyes, someone who managed to survive the void realm alone is proof enough that I can handle myself, no?'

Though in reality, he would have to make sure to train as well to improve his skills.

'I should focus the most on mastering my sword arts.'

While his mind kept thinking about a lot of things, he finally arrived at the training ground where he could see soldiers training.

'Parkour, huh...'

They were all going through multiple obstacle courses that most humans back in his previous life wouldn't even dare to try unless they were guaranteed to survive.

Yet here, every single one of them was training without any protection.

'It makes sense, I guess, to learn parkour since it is only beneficial when facing smaller void creatures. The entire terrain could be used as a weapon properly then.'

Though his posture and expression didn't show it, he was inwardly extremely impressed and in awe seeing how tall the obstacle courses were and how easily most were clearing them.

'Most here are probably experts and masters, as expected from one of the most dangerous military bases.'

"Alright! That is enough!"

The instructor, who had been watching them with his entire focus, suddenly shouted. Not a moment later, each soldier stopped, and those high up jumped back to the ground.

"Haha, good work out there!"

"Yeah! I managed to beat my personal record!"

"Tch, man, I have become slower."

"It's because you kept eating those donuts."

The soldiers could be seen laughing happily as they engaged in idle banter with each other.

All of them were simply wearing sleeveless white t-shirts with black military pants.

'How can they move in those pants?' Azriel thought as his eyes suddenly met those of one of the soldiers, who became extremely alert upon seeing him.

'Guess most don't recognize me. And of course, with these clothes, I would look more suspicious.'

The clothes he was wearing were certainly nice and suited him quite well, but they didn't have any ranks on them.

'Why the hell even this furred coat?'

It wasn't even that cold!

"Who are you?" the soldier asked after scrutinizing him from afar. His cold voice traveled throughout the entire training ground, catching everyone's attention. They all glanced at the soldier and then followed his gaze to Azriel.

The military base he was in wasn't that big, nor were there many changes in it, meaning that most soldiers here knew each other enough to recognize almost anyone they saw.

Seeing someone like Azriel, who had no badges displayed on his clothes, they all became alarmed.

'I should have thought this through, I suppose,' Azriel reflected. Perhaps he shouldn't have come here to sightsee, not in such a dangerous country.

As Azriel was about to open his mouth and speak to them, the instructor suddenly shouted, "I greet Prince Azriel of the Crimson Clan!"

He thumped his right fist against his chest and bowed his head in respect.

It seemed that only those of higher military rank knew a little about Azriel's presence here. The instructor, being one of them, managed to recognize him in time.

Silence filled the area as the soldiers tried to process what they had heard, glancing between Azriel and the instructor with wide eyes.

Until...

"I greet Prince Azriel of the Crimson Clan!" Each one of them said in unison, repeating the same gesture as the instructor.

Azriel gazed at them, his face unreadable, as each one of them slowly looked back up hesitantly and a little fearfully at his reaction.

'Huh? Prince?' Azriel thought.

'Oh right, in their eyes I am royalty...'

The four great clans are basically no different than royalty in everyone's eyes, as they rule over Asia with the respect of everyone on the continent.

'I forgot about that and just thought of Solomon's words before as him joking.'

Which he probably was.

'I should say something, no?'

Resolving his mind, Azriel smiled awkwardly and spoke to them.

"...Thanks."