The Extra's Reincarnation

I stared at the reward notification, my mind still reeling from the conversation with Riggs.

The SP was a nice bonus, but the information about the barrier weakening was far more valuable and troubling.

Could it be because of me?

My presence in this world, my knowledge of future events... had that somehow accelerated the timeline?

I'd always assumed I was just an observer, but what if I was actually a catalyst then it was a whole different story.

With Riggs gone, I leaned against the training room wall, suddenly feeling the exhaustion from the sparring session.

"Even if it's not because of me, this changes everything," I muttered.

The weakening barrier meant Antwon would be crossing sooner than expected.

In the original story, that demonic bastard led an army of monster-devils straight to the Aetherius continent, Ezekiel's homeland.

Millions died before he was finally pushed back, but the damages to their land would've been to severe for their kingdom to restore.

I closed my eyes, picturing the devastation described in those chapters.

Cities reduced to ash, fields soaked with blood, survivors huddled in makeshift shelters while demons prowled the countryside.

"What can I even do about this?" I whispered, running a hand through my hair.

The original heroes had years to prepare, to grow stronger, to forge alliances.

I had... what?

Many years to come… but still.

I needed to help Ezekiel prepare, but how?

If I suddenly approached him with warnings about demon invasions, he'd think I was insane.

Or worse, he might start asking questions I couldn't answer.

"Damn it," I hissed, pushing away from the wall.

There was no clear solution, no obvious path forward. I needed time to think, to plan.

But for now, I just needed to get through the rest of the day without arousing more suspicion.

***

The next morning arrived with frustrating quickness.

I'd spent half the night tossing and turning, my mind racing with possibilities and problems.

I dressed without much sleep, pulling on my uniform and gathering my books.

The barrier, Antwon, Ezekiel's homeland… I know these concerns would have to wait.

But for now, today was just another day.

The hallways were already bustling as I made my way to my first class.

I had Alchemy with Professor Kristinsson for first period, and I wasn't particularly looking forward to it.

When I reached the lecture hall, I paused briefly at the doorway.

Students were filing in, their faces reflecting a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Most were heading straight for the edges of the room, leaving the center section empty like so.

I suppressed a sigh and walked down the center aisle, taking my usual seat in the middle row.

It had become something of a ritual now.

It started with me claiming my spot in Audrey's territory, the class holding its collective breath, and Audrey pretending I didn't exist while radiating enough cold to freeze a small pond.

"Brave as always," a student whispered as I passed, genuine admiration in his voice.

I settled into my seat and glanced around.

The pattern was the same as every alchemy class, students crowded at the edges, leaving a buffer zone around where Audrey typically sat.

It was almost comical, this unspoken seating arrangement that everyone but me seemed to respect.

Today was special, though. Professor Jane Kristinsson would be teaching her first class since the semester began.

Until now, we'd had Professor Farrow, her assistant, handling the lectures while she was supposedly attending conferences and handling administrative duties for the academy.

That was the official story, anyway. But I knew better.

Jane Kristinsson wasn't just a brilliant alchemist and demanding professor.

She was a high-ranking member of the Demonic Order, a cult dedicated to bringing demons into our world.

Her "conferences" were actually meetings with other cultists, planning rituals and sacrifices.

And her real research had nothing to do with educational alchemy.

She was working on something far more sinister.

It was a serum to transform humans into true demons.

Right here, in the academy's laboratories, under everyone's noses.

In the original story, Kaelen and Audrey were the ones who discovered her plot and stopped her.

It was that shared adventure that brought them together, the foundation of their relationship.

Battling evil has a way of forging bonds, I suppose.

But there was a twist even they didn't discover until it was almost too late.

Jane planned to use Audrey as her scapegoat, framing her for creating the transformation serum.

It was the perfect plan—Audrey was a prodigy in alchemy, after all.

Who would question her involvement if evidence pointed her way?

The classroom door swung open, interrupting my thoughts.

A hush fell over the room as Professor Jane Kristinsson strode in, her heels clicking sharply against the stone floor.

She was tall and striking, with auburn hair pulled back in a severe bun and piercing green eyes that seemed to miss nothing.

Her lab coat was pristine, the academy insignia embroidered on the breast pocket in golden thread.

"Good morning, students," she said, her voice crisp and authoritative.

"I am Professor Jane Kristinsson. I understand Professor Farrow has been handling your instruction in my absence."

She placed her materials on the demonstration table with precise movements, then surveyed the classroom.

Her gaze lingered briefly on me or perhaps on the empty space beside me where Audrey would soon sit and before continuing her assessment.

"Today, we will begin exploring transmutation principles that form the foundation of advanced alchemy. I expect nothing less than your complete attention and best efforts."

The door opened again, and Audrey entered.

As always, her timing was perfect not early enough to seem eager, not late enough to be disrespectful.

She moved along the room to her usual spot beside me, seemingly oblivious to the collective intake of breath from our classmates.

Professor Kristinsson's eyes narrowed slightly as she observed Audrey.

There was something calculating in that gaze, something that made my skin crawl.

I wondered if anyone else noticed it, or if I was just projecting my knowledge of her true nature.

"Miss Glacia," Professor Kristinsson acknowledged with a slight nod.

"I've heard promising things about your work from Professor Farrow."

"Thank you, Professor," Audrey replied, her voice cool and controlled.

"I look forward to learning from you directly."

If only she knew what kind of "learning" Kristinsson had in mind for her.

I glanced sideways at Audrey, wondering how someone so intelligent could be blind to the danger sitting right in front of her.

Then again, how could she know?

Jane Kristinsson was careful, meticulous in maintaining her cover.

Even in the original story, it took months before Kaelen and Audrey began to suspect her.

Professor Kristinsson announced, waving her hand over the demonstration table.

A complex alchemical circle appeared, glowing with intricate runes and symbols.

With another gesture, ingredients materialized—vials of colored liquids, powders in small dishes, crystals of varying sizes.

"Who can tell me the purpose of the containment rune in a transmutation circle?" she asked, her eyes scanning the classroom.

Several hands shot up, including Audrey's. Professor Kristinsson pointed to a student near the front.

"To prevent the energy from dispersing during the transmutation process," the student answered confidently.

"Partially correct," Professor Kristinsson said, her tone making it clear that "partially" wasn't good enough. "Anyone else?"

Audrey's hand remained raised, and this time Professor Kristinsson called on her.

"The containment rune serves multiple functions. Primarily, it creates a closed system where energy can be controlled and directed. Without it, the transmutation energy would dissipate, rendering the process inefficient or even dangerous. Additionally, it establishes the boundary between the alchemical reaction and the external environment, preventing contamination in either direction."

Professor Kristinsson's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Excellent, Miss Glacia. A comprehensive answer."

I could feel Audrey stiffen slightly beside me, obviously pleased with the praise.

If she only knew that Kristinsson's interest in her had nothing to do with academic potential and everything to do with finding a convenient scapegoat.

As the lecture continued, I found myself studying Professor Kristinsson more than the alchemical principles she was explaining.

There was nothing overtly sinister in her demeanor—she was strict but fair, demanding but clear in her explanations.

If I hadn't known her true nature, I might have simply thought her an exceptionally talented, somewhat intimidating professor.

But I did know. And watching her interact with Audrey, seeing the calculated way she praised her, asked her questions, subtly singled her out for both criticism and commendation... it made my skin crawl.

She was grooming Audrey, establishing herself as a mentor figure, building a relationship that she could later exploit.

In a few months, she would approach Audrey with an "advanced research opportunity"—the first step in her plan to frame her for the demonic transformation serum.

I should just let it happen. That was the path that led Kaelen and Audrey to each other, after all.

Their investigation into Kristinsson's activities, their narrow escape when her lab exploded, their triumph when they finally exposed her to the academy authorities—all of it was formative for their relationship.