[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist":3,"chapter-the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-393":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist",{"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},1550016,2013,"Chapter 393 - 394 : One Last Goodbye (4)","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-393",393,"\u003Cp>Cold night air brushed against Alex’s face as he stepped beyond the palace gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lights of Avaloria glowed faintly behind him, distant now, muffled by towering stone walls and heavy silence. Mist curled low along the ground, rolling lazily like something alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his gaze lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal stood just beyond the gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tall. Still. Wrapped in midnight-black robes that seemed to drink in the surrounding light. Vast wings, folded neatly behind his back, stirred the mist with a faint, unnatural breeze. His eyes glowed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s lips curved upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like you were ready to go even before me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal’s gaze shifted toward him, slow and measured. A faint smirk touched the corner of his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well,\" Azreal replied calmly, \"I was getting bored standing here anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex let out a quiet chuckle and stepped closer, Zara appearing at his side as naturally as a shadow following its owner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tilted his head and glanced toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So,\" he said casually, though his eyes searched her face, \"you’re not going to forget about me too, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For just a fraction of a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she sighed, crossing her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In theory,\" she began, voice calm but honest, \"I shouldn’t.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex raised a brow. \"That doesn’t sound reassuring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara shot him a sideways look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This body I’m currently possessing,\" she explained, \"was constructed using your blood and essence as the primary anchor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tapped her chest lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It isn’t a natural vessel. It’s closer to a derivative existence—bound directly to you rather than this world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex listened quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara continued, tone analytical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because of that, the curse targeting existence recognition and memory tied to this universe should not affect me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She then nodded slightly toward Azreal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And Azreal is also connected to you through a blood ritual. You summoned him using your own blood and life force. That bond exists independently of conventional causality.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal inclined his head slightly in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In simple terms,\" Zara added, \"neither of us should be erased from remembering you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That said... you could also say it’s all theoretical.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex blinked. \"...Come again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara sighed. \"I have no definitive proof that Zaraeka or I won’t forget you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s mouth twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a reliable theory,\" he muttered. \"Even the person explaining it isn’t sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at her flatly. \"Huh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara shrugged unapologetically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s my theory. Take it or leave it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Figures. I should’ve known nothing would ever be simple.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could respond further, Azreal spoke again, voice low and thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about the Tower?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does the will of this universe influence it as well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question hung heavy in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s expression shifted—no longer playful, no longer relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t think so,\" he said quietly. \"The Tower is an exception.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara turned fully toward him. \"Explain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex looked past them, toward the horizon where reality itself seemed thinner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Tower of Ascension doesn’t belong to this universe,\" he said. \"Not truly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a slow step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It exists outside conventional time and space. Not above it. Not below it. Outside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The will of this universe governs causality, memory, existence, and fate within its domain. But the Tower operates on a higher, isolated framework.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised a hand slightly, as if outlining an invisible structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Think of this universe as a closed system. The Tower is a foreign object inserted into it—one that isn’t bound by its rules.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara listened intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Time doesn’t flow normally inside the Tower,\" Alex continued. \"Past, present, and future are malleable there. Memory erosion tied to universal authority shouldn’t apply.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fist slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which means even if this curse erases me from the world... the Tower won’t acknowledge that erasure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So inside the Tower,\" Azreal said, \"you still exist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly. The Tower recognizes strength, will, and ascent—not identity defined by this universe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s the one place where the curse has no jurisdiction.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara was silent for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think Alex is on point.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned toward the mist-shrouded path ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which means theorizing further is pointless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared on her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s head to the Tower first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal unfolded his wings slightly, shadows stretching wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And then,\" Zara finished calmly, \"we’ll know for ourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex looked once more toward the palace behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Toward the world that would soon forget him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When suddey ripple passed through the shadows behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air warped silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And someone emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure materialized from the darkness itself, kneeling the instant his boots touched the stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex halted mid-step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before anyone else could react, the man bowed deeply, fist pressed to his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex turned sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Erwin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commander of the Shadow Guards remained kneeling, head lowered in absolute respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex stared at him, disbelief flickering across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you doing here?\" Alex asked. \"Don’t you have other duties right now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Erwin remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he lifted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty,\" he said steadily, \"I have one small request I wish to make.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He burst out laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound echoed faintly through the mist, startling even Zara.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seriously?\" Alex said between chuckles. \"You really are loyal to the bone, aren’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head, still smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I’m not the king anymore. Didn’t you hear the announcement?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed back vaguely toward the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I’m pretty sure you were there—leading every soldier during my farewell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin didn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly, deliberately, he reached up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And removed the black hood covering his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shadows peeled away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Revealing the man beneath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was in his late-thirties, his features sharp and disciplined. Dark hair fell neatly around a stern but composed face. His eyes were deep and steady, carrying years of battle, loyalty, and silent resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no fear in them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’So this is his real face,’ Alex thought quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin bowed again—lower than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty,\" he said firmly, \"please take me with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s laughter died instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara stiffened, eyes narrowing sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal’s eyes shifted faintly as his gaze locked onto Erwin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air itself felt heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take you... with me?\" Alex repeated slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin’s voice did not waver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I offer my life, my blade, and my loyalty—not to a throne,\" he said, \"but to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence pressed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex stood there, stunned for a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara glanced between them, clearly caught off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal watched Erwin closely, eyes glowing faintly, as if evaluating something far deeper than words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Erwin remained kneeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unmoving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unshaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex let out a slow, deep sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weight of the moment pressed against his chest, heavier than any battlefield he had ever stood on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright,\" he said at last, voice calm but firm. \"Tell me the reason why.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes locked onto Erwin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I already know you’re loyal,\" Alex added. \"So don’t give me some boring speech about loyalty or duty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin’s jaw tightened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would never lie to you,\" he said without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He straightened his back, still kneeling, his voice steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is true that I have unshaken loyalty toward you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...But there is a bigger reason.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that is?\" he asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin lifted his head fully, meeting Alex’s eyes without flinching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Growth,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word landed quietly—but with force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A growth that I can only achieve by following you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex did not interrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin continued, his voice deepening with conviction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve devoted my entire life to serving the empire. Every breath. Every wound. Every order obeyed without question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fists clenched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believed that was enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But you...\" he said, eyes burning. \"You were the first person I truly found worth serving.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s expression shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Someone worth sacrificing my life for.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin’s voice did not waver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not because you demanded it. Not because of your throne.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swallowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But because you showed me something I never understood before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That there are beings above us. Powers beyond our rank, our laws, our so-called limits.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You opened my eyes to how vast the world really is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mist around them seemed to still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And now,\" Erwin continued, \"I don’t want to be tied down by any form of limitation anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pressed his fist to his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe you are the only one who can make me break free from them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy. Absolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So,\" Erwin said quietly, bowing his head once more, \"please take me with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will serve you with all my heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex didn’t answer immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he turned his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted to Zara.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then to Azreal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t look at us,\" she said plainly. \"You’re the boss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What she said.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex chuckled softly under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Of course.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned back to Erwin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A smile slowly spread across his face—not playful, not mocking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As erwin heart started beating fater than ever waiting for his answer.\u003C\u002Fp>",1545,"2026-06-06T07:14:57.193Z",1,"novelbin.me","7bcf99c7c74a429bbb194473f4a51b3bd5a55910de18fc0f6c222a44e8adf7f2","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-394","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-392",418,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-cover.jpg"]