[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-extra-s-rise":3,"chapter-the-extra-s-rise-the-extra-s-rise-chapter-20":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Extra's Rise",{"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},1513005,1965,"Chapter 20 Prelude to Freshman Ball (3)","the-extra-s-rise-chapter-20",20,"\u003Cp>\"What are you doing here?\" Rachel asked, her voice polite but carrying the distinct sharpness of someone bracing for trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia smiled, tilting her head just slightly. \"Oh, just here to get a dress too. After all, I must uphold the dignity of a princess.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I almost forgot—these two didn't get along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not in the openly hostile, ready-to-duel-on-sight way, but in the silent, carefully measured, I'd-rather-be-anywhere-else-than-near-you way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged small talk when required, but beyond that? Nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were polar opposites in personality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel was bright and kind, effortlessly warm. Cecilia was dark, playful, and about as trustworthy as a cat staring at a glass of water on a ledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, they were eerily similar in other ways—both spellcasting prodigies, both daughters of power, both with too much talent to ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant, naturally, that neither of them wanted to be outdone by the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel's eyes flicked over Cecilia, and then, to my absolute shock, she simply said—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You being a princess is a crime.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no hesitation. No smile. Just an unfiltered statement of fact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia lit up instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finally showing your little claws, kitty?\" she purred, delighted, as if she had been waiting all week for this exact moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel sighed. \"Let's not fight, Cecilia. It's unbecoming of us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia pouted theatrically, but didn't press. For now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she tilted her head, eyes flickering with amusement, and changed the subject entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, I actually wanted to talk about something else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I immediately felt uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because when Cecilia wanted to talk about something, it was never good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's about the midterms.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel and I both turned toward her at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about them?\" I asked, warily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia's smile sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A little birdie told me that for our midterms, we're going to have a very interesting test.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, clearly relishing the moment before saying,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A survival battle royale.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel's expression darkened immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How did you even find out?\" she demanded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia shrugged lightly, the very picture of innocence. \"Oh, you know,\" she said airily, \"I listen. I ask questions. I get answers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel's expression shifted. Her mind was working now, I could tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, as realization clicked into place, she stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned to Cecilia, eyes narrowing with something between irritation and reluctant admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't tell me…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel exhaled sharply. Then, under her breath—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crazy bitch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia's grin widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey now,\" she said, delighted, \"a Saintess shouldn't have that kind of mouth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel's brow furrowed deeper, but she said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because deep down, she knew Cecilia was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel hated that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, a battle royale?\" I asked, trying to redirect the conversation before it devolved into outright murder. \"What kind of point system are they using?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They'll use beasts, of course,\" Cecilia said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. \"We hunt them for points.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with a pleased little smile, she added, \"And, of course, other students. Cute idea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She winked at me when she said the word cute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like she was talking about kittens instead of a sanctioned bloodsport.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel exhaled sharply, already bracing herself for whatever came next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So why did you tell us this?\" she asked, her voice as wary as if Cecilia had just handed her a loaded trap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia gasped, hand over heart, expression full of wounded betrayal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you really take me for the kind of girl who hoards information for herself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" Rachel and I said in perfect unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia's pout lasted a grand total of three seconds before she laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, you're right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She clasped her hands together, smiling like an angel who had just set something on fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which is why you both owe me now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel's entire face shifted into something between disgust and deep existential regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Owe you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh-huh,\" Cecilia smirked, the kind of smirk that suggested she had already planned out exactly how this favor would be repaid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with far too much satisfaction, she turned to Rachel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And for what you owe me, let's have a proper fight. One where we don't hold back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel's eyes narrowed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You won't win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia's expression didn't change. If anything, she looked even more pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know I'm behind in mana rank. For now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said it casually, like it was a temporary inconvenience rather than a massive power gap between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But when I reach high Silver-rank, I'll be Rank 4.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head, eyes gleaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fight me then. Not during the battle royale.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel considered this for exactly three seconds before scoffing lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, I won't say no to beating you up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In what world are you a Saintess?\" Cecilia asked, genuinely baffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel folded her arms, tone completely matter-of-fact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A Saintess beats evil.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pointed at Cecilia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are evil.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia let out a soft, amused hum, as if she was seriously considering the statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, before Rachel could react, she grabbed my hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arthur!\" she gasped, dramatically. \"Look at how mean Ray-Ray is being to me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared down at her hand, bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why is she grabbing me?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel's shoulders twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time in the entire conversation, she actually looked visibly rattled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes darkened, something dangerous flashing across her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Y-you,\" she stammered. \"What did you just call me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia tilted her head innocently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ray-Ray?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel twitched again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a much cuter nickname than Rach, don't you think?\" Cecilia continued, her voice pure, unfiltered amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel shuddered violently, like she had just been physically assaulted by the mere existence of those syllables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Never. Ever. Utter that from your mouth again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia just smiled wider, because of course she did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can call me Ceci too,\" she urged, her tone far too encouraging for my comfort. \"And you, Art.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I blinked. \"Art?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's cuter than Arthur,\" she shrugged, as if this was a well-established fact and not something she had just made up for the sole purpose of annoying Rachel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel's jaw tightened slightly, but she said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, Ray-Ray—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel twitched violently, gripping the edge of the café table as if contemplating flipping it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia continued, completely unfazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why did you ask Arthur to go to the ball?\" she mused, tilting her head, her voice just innocent enough to be suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her crimson eyes gleamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it just... kindness?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel, to her credit, didn't flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, without hesitation, she looked at me, her sapphire-blue eyes clear and unwavering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wanted to go with him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no hesitation. No awkward fumbling. No doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia let out a low hum, her fingers tapping idly against her cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you asked him out,\" she said, drawing out the words with just enough emphasis to make Rachel look like she had done something utterly scandalous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel just raised an eyebrow. \"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia's grin widened. \"How bold of you, Ray-Ray.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't call me that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think I will.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel sighed through her nose, visibly restraining herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cleared my throat, desperately looking for an escape from this particular battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We should probably get going,\" I said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel, thankfully, took the out immediately. \"Yes,\" she agreed, standing up with a swift, graceful movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia, of course, took her sweet time, stretching slightly before following us out of the café.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The streets of Maven City were just as lively as before, students moving between shops, restaurants, and entertainment centers, all of them enjoying their temporary escape from the Academy's ever-present rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well,\" Cecilia said cheerfully as we neared the warp gate, \"this was fun.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fun isn't the word I'd use,\" Rachel muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia ignored her completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"See you at the ball, Art.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sighed, already regretting the fact that this nickname was never going away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We stepped through the warp gate, the world shifting around us in an instant, and just like that, Maven City was behind us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back to Mythos Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back to reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>__________________________________________________________________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that he isn't here,\" Cecilia said, latching onto Rachel's arm like a particularly persistent parasite, \"tell me why.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel sighed heavily. \"Are you a stalker or something?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia gasped, hand over heart, expression pure and deeply offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me? A stalker?\" she said, blinking innocently. \"I'm just interested. Curious. Come on, don't be mean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are mean,\" Rachel muttered, attempting to shake her off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia whined dramatically, tightening her grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, fine,\" Rachel finally relented. \"It's because... he's different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia perked up instantly. \"Different how?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel exhaled, shoulders tensing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just didn't want to go with Lucifer, okay?\" she said defensively, folding her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia's eyes gleamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah ha,\" she giggled, clearly delighted. \"So the Saintess is using Arthur then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel's expression darkened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cecilia.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was low, her glare sharp. \"I'm not using him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia waved a dismissive hand, suddenly serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nah, I get it, don't worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head slightly, gaze drifting to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lucifer's a crazy bastard like that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel blinked. Then blinked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'You are saying this.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia caught her expression and smirked. \"Crazy in a very different way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel narrowed her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, whatever,\" Cecilia continued, too casual now, too smooth, like she was leading the conversation exactly where she wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you don't really care about him, right?\" Cecilia said, watching her carefully. \"Other than your stupid, kind heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel's brows furrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you saying that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecilia didn't answer immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she folded her hands behind her back and smiled, her crimson eyes glinting with something unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rachel felt a cold chill run down her spine.\u003C\u002Fp>",1585,"2026-06-06T05:13:22.572Z",1,"novelbin.me","46c678110161dc9562e438879dfd1ad3d5436ec59048c68d4c3cf042583bf31b","the-extra-s-rise-chapter-21","the-extra-s-rise-chapter-19",1100,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-extra-s-rise-cover.jpg"]