[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-extra-is-a-genius":3,"chapter-the-extra-is-a-genius-the-extra-is-a-genius-chapter-454":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Extra is a Genius!?",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},895414,1170,"Chapter 454: The Underground Realm of Ascendants","the-extra-is-a-genius-chapter-454",454,"\u003Cp>The air grew warmer as Noel descended the final steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana-infused crystals pulsed gently along the walls, guiding him into the vast chamber below. The underground domain stretched out like a hidden world — jagged terrain, shadowed ridges, streams of dense mana fog drifting across the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every rumble in the distance hinted at something powerful moving deeper inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir inhaled sharply. ’Dad... everything here is strong. This is perfect.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel adjusted the Veil of the Silent Sentinel around his shoulders. The cloak responded instantly, softening his presence until he felt like he barely existed in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the base of the stairs, three hunters turned toward him — two humans and an elf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their armor was worn from real battles, their weapons carried the dull shine of constant sharpening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They looked at him with mild surprise, not suspicion — just genuine curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elf stepped forward slightly, offering a polite nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn’t expect someone so young down here,\" he said. \"Ascending alone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel returned the nod. \"Yeah. Just training.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the humans chuckled, not unkindly. \"Well, you’ve got guts. Most don’t touch this place until they’re older.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other added, \"If you’re confident enough to come alone, you’ll fit right in. Welcome.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel offered a simple \"Thanks,\" and continued forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None of them recognized him — not with the hood of his cloak shadowing his features, not in a place where power spoke louder than faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep growl rippled through the chamber. Something massive shifted behind a cluster of dark stone pillars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir’s tail flicked with excitement. ’Dad... that one’s big.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel slid a hand to Revenant Fang’s hilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good,\" he murmured. \"We came for big.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tremor rolled through the cavern floor—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a slow, deliberate THUD... THUD... THUD... like a heartbeat made of stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From behind a jagged rock formation, something enormous pushed through the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Stoneback Grottotaur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its legs were thick as pillars, each step cracking the stone beneath. Jagged mineral plates jutted from its spine and shoulders, scraping the cavern wall with a shrill grind. Steam hissed from its nostrils, glowing orange eyes locking straight onto Noel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir’s voice brushed against his thoughts. ’Ascendant rank... Common type. Heavy, slow, and extremely territorial.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grottotaur snorted—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and the air vibrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it lowered its torso, claws ripping trenches along the ground as it built momentum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOOM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The charge came like a landslide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel didn’t move immediately. He let the creature’s killing intent wash over him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and that’s when the Veil of the Silent Sentinel awakened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thin mana threads rippled across the cloak, bending the beast’s perception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its aim drifted—barely, but enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the last heartbeat—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel stepped sideways with a sharp pivot, boots sliding across dust as the Grottotaur’s massive horns swept past his ribs. Wind pressure alone tugged his cloak backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could feel the heat of its breath brush his cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster skidded, claws digging deep grooves to brake. Mineral shards broke off its spine as it twisted violently to face him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel’s fingers tightened around Revenant Fang’s hilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright,\" he murmured. \"Let’s test this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning flickered at his fingertips, racing up his arm before exploding along the blade. The cavern dimmed as if the light were being devoured into a single point at the sword’s tip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He whispered—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stormpiercer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time seemed to stretch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel vanished in a streak of white-blue lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grottotaur didn’t even have time to turn. A spear of electricity tore through its chestplate, melting mineral armor on entry and blasting out through the back in a shower of crackling arcs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beast staggered forward on instinct—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—then its entire weight collapsed like falling rubble, shaking dust from the ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint electric hum faded from Noel’s silhouette as he reappeared several meters behind the corpse, Revenant Fang still crackling with residual sparks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A translucent window shimmered to life:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have slain Stoneback Grottotaur (Ascendant – Common).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You have received 0.02% Core Progress.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Core Progress: 82.70% — Mana Core: Ascendant]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel flicked the blade once, sending the last arcs snapping into the air before sheathing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir leaned forward on his shoulder, tail curling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Clean hit. And stylish. Dad, you’re showing off.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shrugged lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wanted to make sure the cloak’s reactions sync with mine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he looked deeper into the cavern, where distant roars echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s move. We need stronger prey.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel advanced deeper into the cavern, boots kicking up pale dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air grew hotter. Denser. A faint metallic smell drifted through the tunnels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir’s ears twitched sharply. ’Dad... two signatures up ahead. One weak, one... strong.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perfect,\" Noel murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped at a narrow choke point—two stone pillars leaning toward each other, forming a natural funnel. An ideal place to kill something fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel pressed one hand to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft fwoom pulsed beneath his palm as orange glyphs began to form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Flare Trap.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lines of fire traced across the stone in a circular pattern, thin but glowing like molten metal. He expanded it—wider, wider—until it covered nearly the entire floor between the pillars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped back and waited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the dark emerged a creature shaped like a wolf but built like a hunting cat, covered in patchy magma-like fur and glowing fissures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lavafang Carver — Adept Rank (Rare). Its claws dripped molten residue, eating into the ground as it walked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir whispered. ’This one spits magma... don’t let it build pressure.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Carver halted—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>hackles rising—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>then it lunged with a blast of molten breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trap ignited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>WHOOOOSH—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vertical pillar of flame erupted upward, engulfing the beast mid-leap. The explosion snapped its body sideways, crashing it into a pillar with a bone-cracking thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it didn’t die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Carver snarled, body steaming, molten blood sizzling on the rocks as it staggered to its feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its eyes burned bright red as it inhaled—preparing a massive magma blast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel didn’t give it time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rushed forward, heat curling around his cloak but unable to breach the Sentinel’s mana barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Revenant Fang flashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ignition Surge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames wrapped the blade, casting a red shine across his eyes as he closed the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Carver spat its magma burst—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—and Noel cut straight through it, the cloak’s Silent Guard absorbing the edge of the heat as he surged through the attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drove Revenant Fang down from above—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK—BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flaming blade cleaved into the Carver’s spine, splitting the glowing fissure line perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The creature convulsed once, twice—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—and collapsed in a pool of cooling magma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A glowing window appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have slain Lavafang Carver (Adept – Rare).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You have received 0.025% Core Progress.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Core Progress: 82.73% — Mana Core: Ascendant]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir hopped from his shoulder and inspected the corpse. ’Dad... you cut its core in half. That’s overkill.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It aimed a full blast at my face,\" Noel replied. \"I consider that fair trade.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cloak shimmered faintly, threads readjusting around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More roars echoed deeper in the cavern—louder this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel’s fingers slid along the hilt again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s keep going. Something elite has to be nearby.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir’s eyes glowed purple. ’Oh, I smell one. And it’s big.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\" He stepped forward, cloak billowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cavern widened into a dome-shaped chamber, crystalline growths casting blue-white light across the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air vibrated with mana — heavy, electric, alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir tensed on Noel’s shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Dad... straight ahead. Ascendant Elite. And angry.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep, rumbling snarl answered her words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From behind a fallen pillar, a massive beast stepped out — tall as a carriage, plated in obsidian armor. Its body resembled a lion twisted with draconic traits: jagged scales, a split tail, and four red eyes glowing like embers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Obsidian Mauler — Ascendant Elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its claws scraped sparks from the floor as it lowered its stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel rolled his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah,\" he muttered, \"this one will hit harder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mauler roared — blasting a wave of pressure that cracked nearby crystals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it charged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground shook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel’s cloak reacted instantly, Hostile Veil dimming his presence as he closed his footing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first strike came like a falling boulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He met it head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Frost Wall!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thick barrier of ice erupted between them — only to shatter on impact as the Mauler plowed through it, claws tearing through cold shards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel pivoted sideways, cloak flowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chain Flash!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning shot from his palm, splitting mid-air into multiple arcs. The bolts slammed into the Mauler’s flank — scorching, staggering it...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...but not slowing it nearly enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’It barely felt that, Dad!’ Noir warned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, I noticed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mauler swung its tail like a whip—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Noel ducked beneath it, sliding across the floor in a burst of sparks, Revenant Fang drawing a gleaming arc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fire Arc!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flaming blade carved a burning slice through the beast’s hind leg, forcing it to stumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Elite retaliated instantly, exhaling a blast of black heat — molten, compressed, hotter than magma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sentinel’s Pulse flared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cloak hardened around Noel for one heartbeat, absorbing the lethal edge as he leaped aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir hissed. ’That would’ve melted your lungs.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, thanks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel planted his foot, eyes sharpening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to end this fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning crawled up his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Magic surged around Revenant Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stormpiercer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel vanished — reappearing in a streak of blue-white light directly above the Mauler’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword plunged downward at near-supersonic force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KRRRRAAAACK—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scales split. Stone shattered beneath them. The Mauler roared in agony as lightning wrapped around its body like a strangling chain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It collapsed to its knees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel landed, twisted his stance—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—and dragged Revenant Fang upward in a decisive finishing arc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>SHRRRKK—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mauler fell with a seismic thud, body twitching once before going still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A golden window blinked alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have slain Obsidian Mauler (Ascendant – Elite). You have received 0.10% Core Progress.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Core Progress: 82.83% — Mana Core: Ascendant]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel exhaled through his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hard hitter,\" he admitted. \"But manageable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir hopped onto the corpse, sniffing proudly. ’Dad, your cloak reacted perfectly! You barely took damage!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good,\" he said. \"We’re just getting started.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deeper tunnels opened into a vast chasm lit by molten streams running through cracks in the earth. Heat shimmered in the air. The floor vibrated constantly — as if something enormous breathed beneath it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir leapt from Noel’s shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Dad... I need my big form.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel nodded. \"Go for it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pulse of shadow exploded around her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>FWOOOM—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tiny body stretched, expanded, darkened — until a towering wolf with black fur and purple streaks stood beside him, claws digging into the stone like roots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir, in her full form, was the size of a carriage now. Eyes gleaming with hunger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Let’s hunt properly.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A roar thundered from across the chasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then several — echoing over each other in a chorus of rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three massive beasts emerged from the molten-lit shadows:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Molten Fang Ravager (Ascendant – Common)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cinderhide Basilisk (Ascendant – Rare)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gloomback Ogre (Ascendant – Rare)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel rolled his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perfect warm-up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ravager lunged first — a four-legged beast with lava dripping from its fangs. Noir met it head-on, slamming her full weight into its flank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRUNCH—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bones buckled. The monster spun, tumbling like a ragdoll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before it recovered, Noel lifted his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Voltage Needle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spear of lightning shot clean through its skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have slain Molten Fang Ravager (Ascendant – Common). You have received 0.02% Core Progress.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Core Progress: 82.85% — Mana Core: Ascendant]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The basilisk struck next, its long body whipping forward, maw opening to spit burning venom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel stepped sideways —\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shadow Step.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—vanishing into his own shadow and reappearing atop the creature’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Revenant Fang ignited with flame as he slashed downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ignition Surge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>FIRE roared along the blade. The basilisk shrieked as the strike split through scale and spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KRRSSHH—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It crashed to the ground, convulsing once before going limp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have slain Cinderhide Basilisk (Ascendant – Rare). You have received 0.05% Core Progress.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Core Progress: 82.90% — Mana Core: Ascendant]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir, meanwhile, had pinned the Gloomback Ogre beneath her claws. It struggled wildly, swinging a boulder-sized fist at her jaw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir snarled. ’Oh please.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She bit down on its shoulder and tore half its torso clean off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ogre collapsed in a wet heap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have slain Gloomback Ogre (Ascendant – Rare). You have received 0.05% Core Progress.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Core Progress: 82.95% — Mana Core: Ascendant]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel exhaled slowly, heat rising from the bodies around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But deeper in the lair...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THOOOM... THOOOM... THOOOM...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something far heavier began to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noir’s massive tail swayed, excitement twitching through her fur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Dad... that one’s BIG. Really BIG.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noel tightened his cloak and lifted Revenant Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let’s finish strong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He jumped onto Noir’s back, her shadowy fur rising like armor beneath him. Together, they charged deeper into the chasm — two hunters ready to tear through anything that moved.\u003C\u002Fp>",2155,"2026-06-03T05:52:39.903Z",1,"novelbin.me","07731f623d2e7c55c767e3c12d8c82a39ba401eae11f38850bb4f83626af3671","the-extra-is-a-genius-chapter-455","the-extra-is-a-genius-chapter-453",624,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-extra-is-a-genius-cover.jpg"]