[{"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-396":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},1550019,2013,"Chapter 396 - 397 : Too Late","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-396",396,"\u003Cp>Erwin immediately straightened up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord,\" Erwin said at once, standing and bowing deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need to bow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin nodded once, composed himself, and sat back down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raon walked past them and took the chair behind the table, leaning back casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Raon,\" he said directly. \"Take me to Hephaetaestus.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raon raised a finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Someone was expecting you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Alex could reply—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A portal materialized beside Raon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hot air spilled out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scent of molten metal and magma filled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the portal—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman stepped through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Violet hair cascaded down like flowing silk, shimmering faintly as if lit from within by fire. Golden eyes burned intensely, like miniature suns forged in a furnace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s lips curved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew you’d come, Miss Potato Fac—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped mid-sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression changed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lina...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman stood still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of her arms was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A jagged scar ran across her face—ugly and brutal—cutting through what should have been flawless skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at Alex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unforgiving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her aura surged violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You came too late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room temperature dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal’s eyes sharpened, wings twitching faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are you to raise your voice at us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex raised his hand calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal closed his mouth instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lina’s shoulders trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tears began streaming down her face, burning trails of light as they fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our predictions were wrong,\" she said, her voice shaking. \"The attack came fifteen days earlier than expected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s gaze darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Continue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"L–Lord Hephaetaestus’ emergency defenses...\" She swallowed hard. \"They were breached easily.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence screamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A massacre happened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara’s fingers tightened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most of his believers are dead,\" Lina continued. \"Those we managed to save... their faith is already wavering.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We won’t last long. No matter what you do now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She clenched her teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Belial will replace him soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her shoulders slumped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ve already lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wiped her tears roughly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s no point in fighting anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned toward the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can go back,\" she said quietly. \"We don’t need you anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped forward—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex grabbed her wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unyielding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We lose only when I say we’ve lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lina froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I will not give up on the weapon. No matter what.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned back sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that’s it?\" she snapped. \"You only care about that weapon?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex met her gaze calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re right,\" he said. \"I do care about that weapon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I also made a promise to Hephaetaestus,\" Alex continued. \"And I intend to keep it. No matter what.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grip tightened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So take me to him,\" he said flatly. \"Instead of crying and throwing a tantrum.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lina trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then slowly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her emotions settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Come with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned and stepped back toward the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex moved immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara, Azreal, and Erwin stepped forward as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raon’s voice cut through the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not so fast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raon stood up from his chair, his relaxed demeanor fading into something more official.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As one of the Tower Managers,\" he said evenly, \"I can’t allow these three—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed toward Zara, Azreal, and Erwin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To accompany you to meet a god. They aren’t just ordinary beings you can meet whenever you want.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room went still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know it’s not that easy,\" Raon continued. \"Only a handful of top-ranked candidates are permitted to directly interact with gods.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And these three haven’t even cleared the First Floor yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He adjusted his glasses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So I’m afraid they can’t go with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raon sighed lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just because it’s you, Lucifer, I brought them here in the first place. But I can’t go further than that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spread his hands slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m restricted by the Tower as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara clicked her tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew it wasn’t going to be that easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal folded his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So we have to clear the First Floor first, huh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin stood silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, shock flickered across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered Alex’s words before entering the Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’I won’t babysit you.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’If you die, that’s on you.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His jaw tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His resolve hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex looked at the three of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like I’m going solo on this one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you’ll have to clear the First Floor on your own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry. We’re not complaining.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We already knew what we were getting into.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I have no intention of letting you babysit me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that’s what I wanted to hear.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ll follow you soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll be waiting,\" Alex replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned toward Erwin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Erwin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin straightened instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re the one most likely to die on the First Floor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words hit hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So I only have one thing to say to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s eyes locked onto his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Survive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And prove me wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that I won’t ever regret taking you with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Determination burned in Erwin’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will prove myself worthy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex shook his head slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t want you to just be worthy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want you to become so strong that your name is whispered in fear here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin clenched his fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will meet every expectation you have,\" he said firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or die trying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex added with a smirk,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But try not to die, okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin nodded without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex turned back to Raon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take them to the First Floor Protection Zone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell them everything they need to know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And let them clear the First Floor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raon sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But that’s all I’m doing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s all they need.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raon smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t mention it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his eyes gleamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just don’t forget I helped you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So in return, whenever I give you a task—prioritize it over tasks from other floor managers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll see what I can do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raon snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not reassuring at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I’ll take it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A portal opened beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raon gestured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zara stepped through first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azreal followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwin paused for half a second, looking back at Alex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Erwin turned and stepped into the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned toward Lina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take me to Hephaetaestus.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lina nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another portal opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stepped through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scenery shifted once more.\u003C\u002Fp>",1076,"2026-06-06T07:14:57.193Z",1,"novelbin.me","cd2337ebf7c2e3bfc071e9630527a691f8e61a0ca7fd26e60a505e3b389593d0","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-397","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-395",418,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-cover.jpg"]