Path of the Extra

Azriel stifled a yawn as he stood in front of the mirror, checking his reflection.

"Seriously, why do I always have to get up so early in the morning?"

It seemed like no matter what world he was in, Azriel was destined to get out of bed at 6 a.m.—whether it was for high school or now, the academy.

Not being a morning person, Azriel was already starting to consider skipping the first day.

But he quickly shook his head.

'I can't just skip the first day. Besides, I'm a prince now…'

Dressed in the white academy uniform and black pants, Azriel nodded at his reflection before leaving his room.

Leaving his room, Azriel stepped into the elevator.

He wasn't in the mood to walk all the way down, no matter how beneficial some might claim it to be—especially not at this hour.

There was still 2 hours before classes would start, but knowing himself, it was better to leave as early as possible.

'The class I'm in is HCS-1, with Instructor Ranni as the homeroom teacher... the same class as the protagonist, huh.'

It would be a lie if Azriel said he was surprised that he and Lumine were in the same class.

He had almost expected it, as if it were fate.

'I wonder why he seemed so out of breath back in the cemetery, though...'

Azriel shook his head.

'It's probably better not to know.'

Lost in thought, Azriel was startled when the elevator suddenly stopped, causing him to furrow his brows.

The elevator wasn't exclusive to him, but he hadn't expected any of the first years to be up at this hour.

Most wouldn't even bother using the elevator, as their rooms were closer to the ground.

Unfortunately for Azriel, being the apex meant having the highest floor all to himself, which was both a privilege and a hassle.

'Maybe I should've just jumped from my room.'

Solomon was probably joking about breaking all his bones… probably.

Azriel sighed, closing his eyes and resigning himself to the situation, hoping the person entering wouldn't recognize him.

By now, most people would know he was the apex with just a quick search, but at least they didn't have a picture of his face—yet.

"Azriel…?"

His eyes flew open at the sound of the beautiful voice directed at him.

Standing before him was someone who made him profoundly grateful that he hadn't given in to his darker thoughts.

All his fatigue seemed to dissolve the moment he saw her.

Her long, flowing silver hair cascaded down her back, shimmering like moonlight.

Her grey eyes locked with his crimson gaze, their intensity both captivating and soothing.

She wore the pristine white academy uniform paired with a black skirt, and her pale, slender legs were elegantly encased in black stockings.

Azriel couldn't help but smile.

"Celestina. What a beautiful morning it is, isn't it?"

Celestina gazed at his face for a few seconds before averting her eyes and standing next to him.

"…I guess it is."

'I'm glad I didn't decide to skip today.'

Even though he had only slept for four hours, it was a different story leaving his comfortable bed.

"Congratulations on becoming the apex, Azriel."

"So it's already public knowledge, huh? Thanks."

Celestina looked at him with curiosity.

"Haven't you checked the rankings online?"

Azriel shook his head.

"I woke up half an hour ago and hurried to get ready so I wouldn't have to deal with others at this hour."

"So, you're not a morning person, huh?"

"What about you, Celestina? What's your rank?"

Azriel asked, although he already knew from the book that she was ranked second.

With Lumine now in second place, it likely meant Celestina was now ranked third.

"Third."

'Thought so.'

"Apparently, someone named Lumine Versille is ranked second."

Azriel nodded.

"I know. I met him yesterday."

"You did? What was he like?"

Azriel thought for a moment before responding.

"He's a good person, if I say so. Though his kindness might be taken advantage of by the wrong people."

"Is that so?"

Celestina nodded, considering the information.

It was likely she was assessing how to approach Lumine and form a connection with him.

'She's still a princess, after all…'

Perhaps she was also considering recruiting him for her faction.

Factions in the academy are akin to the four great clans in the real world.

The major factions currently in the academy are the Crimson Faction, led by Jasmine Crimson; the Nebula Faction, led by Caleus Nebula; and the Dusk Faction, led by someone Azriel didn't know the name of.

The Dusk Prince had graduated last year, passing his faction's leadership to someone else, but it remained one of the major factions.

Azriel knew that this year, Celestina would form her own faction, the Frost Faction, which would become a major player capable of competing with the others.

Of course, there were smaller factions, but most students preferred backing from one of the four great factions.

Normally, Azriel should have been interested in creating a faction, building connections, or even joining his sister's faction, but he wasn't keen on any of that.

Besides, he saw no need for it.

'What else are elder sisters for?'

Azriel was truly grateful that Jasmine was handling all of that already.

He certainly didn't need to ease her burdens—definitely not.

"Oh, by the way, he's a grade 3 intermediate like me." Azriel added.

Celestina's eyes widened.

"Are you serious?"

Celestina looked at him as though he were joking.

Azriel nodded his head.

"I am. He's an actual grade 3 intermediate."

Celestina fell silent, her gaze fixed ahead as they waited for the elevator to reach the lobby.

"…I see."

Her whisper barely reached his ears, and Azriel inwardly sighed.

'Can't blame her.'

If he remembered correctly, Celestina was currently a grade 2 Awakened, close to reaching grade 1.

The gap between her and Lumine, who was ranked second, was already significant, not to mention the gap between her and Azriel, who was ranked first.

Even in the book, she had been upset about not securing the top spot, but it must have been even more disheartening this time, being ranked third with such a large gap between her and the top two.

"Have I told you that the uniform looks beautiful on you?"

From the corner of his eye, Azriel saw Celestina flinch slightly.

"Is this your attempt at cheering me up?"

Azriel shook his head.

"No, I was just stating a fact."

The elevator fell silent again after his words.

"…Thanks. The uniform suits you as well."

Azriel turned his head toward Celestina.

"Is this your attempt at flirting with me?"

Celestina turned her head toward him, narrowing her eyes.

"Don't push your luck."

With that, she looked ahead again.

Azriel chuckled and did the same, not mentioning the small smile that had appeared on her face.