The Extra's Reincarnation

As the door closed behind Audrey, a wave of confused murmurs swept through the classroom. Students huddled together, exchanging theories about her abrupt departure.

"I've never seen her leave without saying goodbye to a professor," a girl whispered loudly.

"Do you think it was because of him?" Another student nodded toward Julian.

Julian gathered his materials, puzzled by the commotion.

He glanced at Audrey's empty seat, noticing the slight frost that had formed on her desk, it was without a doubt physical evidence of her emotional state.

The paper she'd received lay crumpled in the small wastebasket beside her station.

As he made his way to the exit, Professor Farrow caught his eye.

"Mr. Julian, a moment please."

Julian approached the demonstration table where the professor was cleaning up.

"That was impressive work today," Farrow said, his eyes twinkling. "Especially for someone who missed the first week of classes."

"Thank you, sir."

"I should warn you, though," the professor added, lowering his voice.

"Miss Glacia takes her academic standing quite seriously. She's held the top position for alchemy since her arrival."

"I wasn't trying to challenge her, sir. I just answered the questions."

Professor Farrow smiled knowingly.

"Sometimes that's all it takes to create a rival."

***

[Julian's POV]

Two weeks had passed since that day in the alchemy class, and I still hadn't spoken directly to Audrey Glacia.

Not that I was avoiding her, it was quite the opposite.

She had perfected the art of pretending I didn't exist, walking past me in hallways as if I were made of air, selecting seats as far from mine as possible in our shared classes.

Anyways, today marked exactly one month since my arrival at Aethel Academy.

With this massive campus becoming more familiar to me I could navigate my way to most places, though I still occasionally got lost in the corridors of the older buildings.

Even so, I'd settled into a routine of sorts, dividing my time between classes, training, and keeping tabs on the original story's main characters.

I was currently at the main office, finalizing my class selections for this semester and the next.

The administrative assistant, a cheerful half-elf named Mira, was processing my paperwork for today.

"Magic History, Alchemy, Mage Arts, Combat Arts, Summoning & Taming Arts, and lastly Magic and Combat Theory" she read aloud, her fingers dancing over a crystalline interface.

"A solid selection, though quite demanding."

"I guess you're right," I replied with a slight shrug.

"The semester break isn't for another three months, which will be tiring, but I've been enjoying the classes so far. I want to make sure I'm officially registered for both terms."

"Smart thinking, many first-years don't plan ahead and end up scrambling when registration opens for the next term."

As she processed my paperwork, my mind drifted to the situation with Elenore and Marcel. I'd been monitoring them closely since that day I rushed out of the infirmary, but strangely, nothing had happened. Marcel hadn't made his confession, hadn't shown any overt interest in Elenore at all.

I wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or concerned by Marcel's apparent indifference.

Just because his eyes weren't on her didn't mean she wasn't on his mind.

In the original story, his obsession had grown in silence before exploding into something dangerous.

The quiet might simply be the calm before the storm.

FWANG!

[Main Quest Log:] [Act I: Stalkers Syndrome] - [On-Going]

The notification flickered in my vision, confirming my suspicions. The quest hadn't completed yet, which meant Marcel's obsession was still developing, just not in the way I remembered from the original timeline.

"All processed," Mira announced, interrupting my thoughts.

"Just one moment while I get the head of teaching to finalize your selections. He needs to approve all first-year schedules."

She rose from her desk and disappeared through a door behind her, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

A few minutes later, the door opened again, but instead of Mira, a tall, imposing man with graying hair and a stern expression stepped out.

"Julian Uzziel it seems we meet again," he said, his voice deep and commanding.

"If you didn't know already I'm Riggs Bourne, head of the Combat and Mage Arts department and the Head Of Teaching."

"Good to see you sir," I acknowledged with a respectful nod.

Not him again…

He studied my class selections with sharp eyes, his brow furrowing slightly.

"These are all standard-level courses," he observed, looking up at me.

"According to your combat ring performance against Uzan Modan Jr. and your advanced theory classes you should be in advanced classes, at minimum."

I shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny.

"I'm not really interested in the advanced track, sir. I just want to take classes I'll enjoy."

Hmph…

Riggs Bourne's eyes narrowed slightly while he set my class selections down on Mira's desk and folded his arms across his broad chest.

"Julian, I've been teaching at this academy for twenty-seven years,"

"In that time, I've seen thousands of students come through these halls. Some gifted, some hardworking, some neither."

He leaned against the desk, his imposing frame casting a shadow over my paperwork.

"Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?"

"With respect, sir, I'm not looking to stand out. I just want to take classes that interest me without the extra pressure."

"And why is that?" His gaze was penetrating, as if he could see through my carefully constructed facade.

"Most students would kill for the opportunities your abilities would afford you."

"I've never been one for the spotlight. I find that when you push too hard to excel, you miss the joy of learning itself. I'd rather understand the material thoroughly at my own pace than race ahead for recognition."

"That's... an unusual perspective for someone your age," he finally said. "Most first-years are desperate to prove themselves, to climb as high and as fast as possible."

"I'm not most first-years," I replied with a slight shrug.

He nodded slowly.

"Clearly not." He picked up my paperwork again, glancing at my selections.

"I could still arrange for you to join the advanced track. With your potential, you could graduate early, perhaps even secure an apprenticeship with a master mage or join the royal guards."

For a brief moment, I considered what it might be like to take the accelerated path, to fully embrace the power and knowledge this world could offer.

But that path would lead me away from my original goal, to observe, to understand, and potentially to change the darker parts of the story I knew was coming.

"I appreciate the offer, sir, but I'd prefer to stick with my original selections."

Something that might have been disappointment flashed across his face before his expression settled back into professional neutrality. He nodded once, decisively, and stamped my paperwork with perhaps a bit more force than necessary.

"Very well, Mr. Uzziel. Your class selections are approved."