Surviving as the Third-rate Extra: I Can Plunder Talents

The [Aladdan's Symbol], as a tribute to the Founding Hero who led humanity into a new era of stability, was a long-standing tradition filled with competitive events.

From weapon production, artifact creation, quality potion concoction, and combat of heroes, all performed by representatives from first to fourth year, especially those who wanted to be a part of the Hero Bloodline, even as mere vassals.

After all, one didn't need to be of direct blood to be considered they belonged to the Seven Hero Bloodlines.

In addition, [Guilds]—or independent powerhouses across the continent—were certain to visit during the last day of the festival, when the tournament to claim the title as [Aladdan's Symbol] would begin.

"It's not even the last day, but why are you visiting early, sister? Are you seriously trying to scout someone?" The genius magician of this generation, Maya Hel Infinitum, welcomed the arrival of the Lotus Serpent Guild Master from the Adania Empire through the exclusive, heavily-guarded warp gate connecting both the empire's respective capital cities.

She was the one who was presently ruling the underground, and the very same woman covered in tattoos who provided accommodation to Lugh until he regained consciousness after he was almost split apart by Adelle's Spear of Light during their first encounter.

"Little one. It's been a while." Hera, the Lotus Serpent's master, patted Maya's head. Even though they were not biological sisters, one could say that she was one of the few whom Maya truly respected.

"Hah! Why did you even bother using a Warp Gate? You could have just delivered a message, and I would fetch you." Maya wondered.

That's when another two figures arrived behind Hera, people that Maya also knew. Seeing these two figures—a man with a burly body, short black hair, and dim blue eyes; and a woman with shoulder-length black hair, cheerful crimson eyes, and medium build—Maya chuckled.

"I guess you already have your answer." Hera smiled.

"That sounds about right, sister. These two are getting sick through instantaneous teleportation."

"Hahaha! Hi, Maya! How have you been?" The woman, whose appearance was said to be in her early twenties, lunged forward and embraced her.

Meanwhile, the man, whose age seemed to be slightly older, but no more than thirty, waved from behind with a smile as he and Maya silently nodded at each other.

"Never been better! Let's go eat something first!" Maya led them as they explored the establishments near the Hero Academy.

*

Around the same time, Alana Sol Astraea strolled through stalls and restaurants, trying to have a taste of any eastern dishes her eyes fell on, which was initially influenced by a former student.

"I can't believe it. Are you sure your stomach wouldn't burst? How are you still going?" The Imperial Princess, walking down the bustling streets as the cold night was approaching, looked at Alana holding baskets of eastern cuisine of all kinds.

Even if many eyes were fixated on them due to their identities and status, no one dared to approach them.

Many people were still unsure, as there was no conclusive evidence apart from being the last person seen on Ranaya Island, but the truth that this island vanished from the map couldn't be denied.

Even if someone had an ill will against the Imperial Princess, who would dare touch her in the presence of the savior who could cut them down without hesitation?

"It's delicious. You should try it." Alana succinctly said.

"I didn't say it isn't. But I just can't fathom how you're able to eat so much. And... I think it's just been recently that I saw you liking eastern food to a degree?" Princess Rosanna wondered.

With luminous street lights, a chattering crowd, passionately shouting hawkers, and all, they could barely hear each other. Then, as they casually approached a part of the street where silence was welcome, Alana answered, "It's because of Lugh. Do you still remember him?"

The Imperial Princess was momentarily taken aback at the mention of the name, causing her steps to hesitate, albeit for a brief amount of time.

"Ah-? Lugh? From the former Class Mu? Yes, I do remember him."

'H-he's just with me early in the morning today! A-and...' The Imperial Princess's thoughts trailed, suddenly recalling what had transpired before the sun showed itself for another morning.

Seeing Princess Rosanna's expression turn weird for a moment, Alana tilted her head. She couldn't understand why the Princess's face turned crimson and the sudden atmosphere surrounding her felt hotter than usual.

"What's wrong, Your Highness? Are you feeling sick?"

"N-No. I'm okay now... It's just, I was surprised when you brought his name since there was a rumor about him when he was still in the academy, right? So... How come did he become the reason why you've taken an unusual liking to eastern cuisine?" Princess Rosanna walked slowly behind as she drank a bottle of water.

"Because Lugh cooked for me once."

Spit—!

The Imperial Princess was surely lively tonight as she couldn't help but spit the water from her mouth upon hearing Alana's words. What's more, she seemed to have forgotten her status as a royal blood with her action just now, prompting some people chilling around to murmur among themselves upon seeing such a display.

- "Did you see that? Is she really the Imperial Princess?"

- "But that's a good one. Perhaps it means that she also considers herself ordinary sometimes. Not afraid of showing such an etiquette among us?"

- "But why did she do that? What is she surprised about?"

Even Alana was quite surprised. At this point, she already noticed that the condition of Princess Rosanna had gone infinitely better.

She was not too conscious of her surroundings anymore, especially for any possible encounter with anything related to the Church of Luminary.

She became a free-spirited princess to the point that it was suspicious, more so in the eyes of those who were aware of her grave condition.

Alana wanted to ask, but refrained from doing so. It was personal, and she believed Princess Rosanna would tell her when the right time came.

"I-I'm sorry, Alana. It's just... How could that pervert cook for you?!" She got closer to her and whispered.

But for some reason, behind those demeaning words, there's a subtle interest in her voice that Alana could not figure out.

"..."

*

Somewhere in the Capital City of Solana, far from the scrutinizing eyes of many.

Adelle responded to Delkira's request to meet as the latter wanted to confirm the former's words last night, as well as the Imperial Princess's condition getting better all of a sudden.

"How long has it been since we've met like this without wanting to kill each other? I can't even remember." Delkira started the conversation as they leaned on a lofty tree, not exactly facing each other.

"I'm not here to play with you, and I can't leave the one I serve for too long. So what do you want?" Adelle said, her arms crossed.

"Why are you in a hurry? Your little princess is with the one who will likely become the next True Hero. In fact, I could say Alana could provide better security compared to you. Don't you think so? Fufu."

Adelle didn't respond to Delkira's little provocation.

Seeing this, Delkira let out a chuckle.

"Tsk. Boring as ever. How about you tell me what I really want? Does that man from last night really possess the ability to Plunder? Why didn't I hear from him until now?"

"I don't know exactly. But yes, you could say he's the reason why the one I serve is now fully healed." Adelle answered.

"...But you know, it's not exactly the ability that's terrifying, it's the entity behind its origin."

"..." Adelle could not say a word. But she didn't disagree with Delkira's words.

"Now this is becoming complicated and too dangerous for everyone. Aside from that entity, it depends on how much that man knows about it, right? I wonder what your Goddess will do? No... Even the Demon God will send an oracle for a revelation the moment something's amiss."

Hearing this, Adelle pondered for a moment before saying, "I didn't and would not know what the Goddess is thinking... But I was surprised when 'She' heard my prayer."

"Yes. A prayer that allowed you to threaten the entire demonkind. What a funny thing to say. Maybe I should just kill that man before he becomes a problem. If what you said is true, and that he has a connection with that entity since he inherited the ability to Plunder, then it would be best to get rid of him."

"... I don't care what you do from now on. Just don't bother the Imperial Princess or I will not hesitate to get in your way." Adelle warned.

"Hahaha! You aren't what you used to be. How dare you spout such nonsense? On a side note, I believe you also find it strange... That your Goddess risked a holy war so that you could get the attention of that man. There's a possibility that your Goddess takes an interest in him, dangerously so."

"Whatever you say. Just as I said, do your business from now on and don't drag me into it."

Delkira only chuckled.

Fine then.

But do you think you can escape the grasp of those whom you have wronged?