[{"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-77":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},1550250,2013,"Chapter 77 : The first years vs the second year prodigies (1)","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-77",77,"\u003Cp>The Zenith Academy Training Grounds buzzed with tension as the first and second-year top ten cadets assembled under the searing blue sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dueling platforms shimmered under the protective barrier enchantments, ready to witness a storm of talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a pink blur dashed forward with the speed of a cheetah toward Ethan. It was Ophelia Sinclair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex recognized her immediately. Ophelia Sinclair, daughter of Duke Augustus Sinclair of House Sinclair, he thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the villainesses in the game. Beautiful, dangerous, and absolutely obsessed with Ethan Williams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because, just like a textbook hero, Ethan had saved her from being kidnapped four years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after that, well... just like all cliché romantic stories, Ophelia developed a major crush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That crush had only deepened with time, especially as she saw the number of girls constantly surrounding Ethan—Seraphina, Charlotte, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jealousy had turned her infatuation into something... obsessive. She had even threatened noble girls trying to get close to Ethan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, she had pounced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ethan!~ I missed you so much!\" Ophelia squealed, tackling him with a gleam in her eyes and planting a kiss on his cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan staggered back. \"Ophelia, what are you doing?!\" His voice was stern, his tone utterly unromantic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophelia pouted, pressing her face against his shoulder. \"But I missed you sooo much. I didn’t even get to attend the entrance ceremony! I was on a mission sent by the Academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like the world didn’t exist around them. Ophelia only saw Ethan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Ophelia,\" came a voice like polished ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphina stepped between them, her grey eyes narrowed. \"You should behave yourself. This is the Academy, not your bedroom.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophelia’s smile strained as her demeanor shifted. \"And what does it matter to you, Miss Seraphina, what I do with my darling Ethan? Unless... perhaps you’re jealous?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jealousy suits you more,\" Seraphina said coolly. \"I don’t see people as possessions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, that’s rich, coming from someone who hovers around him like a lapdog,\" Ophelia snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Better a lapdog than a psychotic peacock,\" Seraphina shot back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girls stepped closer, sparks flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ladies, please,\" Ethan pleaded, trying to keep the peace. \"This isn’t the time for this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the sidelines, Alex munched on popcorn. No one knew where he got it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wanna have some?\" he asked Alden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alden took a handful. \"Where did you even get that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don’t need to know that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar voice thundered across the grounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough! All three of you – Ethan, Seraphina, Ophelia. Back to formation or you will be punished,\" Professor Alistar barked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophelia huffed but obeyed, returning to her place beside the second-years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Alistar’s sharp gaze fell on Alex. \"No eating in my class, mr.dragonheart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex straightened like a soldier and tossed the popcorn over to Alden. \"Yes, sir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who elbowed his stomach in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex rubbing his stomach glanced toward Charlotte, who was shooting daggers at her older brother, Lucas Evans Avaloria – the second prince of the Avaloria Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex chuckled inwardly. Oh, the show is on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas and Charlotte were notorious rivals for the throne. With the first prince being an idiot, Lucas had the highest chance of becoming Crown Prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alistar’s voice echoed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today will be a test. First-year top cadets vs. Second-year top cadets.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His announcement got the attention of everyone from class 1-A and 1-B making them curious and excited at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gasps and murmurs spread across the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unfortunately,\" Alistar continued, \"one second-year cadet is on a mission. So, I’ve brought in a guest who volunteered herself– third-year Alicia von Crestvale. Also your student council president.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was surprised at seeing Alicia here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All first-year cadets instinctively narrowed their eyes, analyzing their older counterparts. The second-years did the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas stepped forward with a smirk. \"How have you been, Char?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Better than you, brother,\" Charlotte replied coolly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas chuckled. \"Of course. After all, I didn’t get rank five at the entrance exam.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charlotte’s jaw tightened. That jab hit home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As tension surged, Alistar clapped his hands. \"Alright, stop staring at each other. Time to fight. Second-years, choose your opponents.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex suddenly had a bad feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia walked toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tried to slide away, only for her to appear right in front of him, smirking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where are you going, Mr. Apex? After your little speech at the entrance ceremony, I’m eager to see your capabilities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alistar joined in with a grin. \"So am I. That speech was... something else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex cursed his past self. \"Come on, Professor. She’s a third-year! I don’t stand a chance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alistar laughed. \"Exactly! That’s what makes it fun. Besides, she’s not trying to hurt you – just testing you. You should be grateful she made time to come here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s eyebrow twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia smirked as if reading his thoughts. \"Don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughter erupted across the grounds. Alden, Ethan, Seraphina – everyone laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second-years began selecting their opponents:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas, rank 1, of course chose Charlotte.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Percival Black, rank 2, picked Ethan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caspian Finch, rank 3, chose Alden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophelia, rank 4, chose Seraphina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric Ashford, rank 5, picked Elaria, the elven princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phil Rhys, rank 6, picked Maria, the Saintess candidate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cordelia Harrington, rank 7, chose Lilith.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luke Grave, rank 8, selected Thalos, the fairy prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen Arcwright, rank 9, chose Aurelia, the fairy princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the fights began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan vs. Percival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stage fell into a tense hush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one end stood Percival Black, a second-year at Zenith Academy, known for his rare dual affinity—Wind and Space magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cloaked in flowing robes enchanted with mana channels, Percival hovered slightly above the ground, air currents swirling lazily beneath his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other end, Ethan Williams, a first-year Advanced-rank student, stood tall. His radiant blade shimmered with flickers of fire, lightning, and divine light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I finally get to fight you, Mr. Hero,\" Percival said with an amused grin. \"Truly an honor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan smirked, eyes sharp. \"The pleasure’s mine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the professor’s platform, Alistar’s voice boomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No lethal techniques or forbidden spells! Especially you, Percival. Keep it controlled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both nodded in acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"PERCIVAL!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophelia’s voice sliced through the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"IF ETHAN GETS EVEN A SINGLE SCAR ON HIS BEAUTIFUL AND HANDSOME FACE, I’LL ROAST YOU ALIVE!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Percival paled. He looked nervously at Ethan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Well, you heard her. Looks like she’s serious about you. I’ve never seen her like this before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan sighed. \"Please don’t mind her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air shifted as Percival extended his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wind Surge: Tempest Spiral!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A roaring vortex shot forward, spiraling with razor-sharp air blades. Hidden within the vortex, faint ripples shimmered—space distortions meant to misdirect and disorient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan readied his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Radiant Edge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a flash, his blade ignited with light and fire. He cleaved through the spiral—but as he stepped forward, space twisted around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What—my step teleported me back?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Percival grinned, floating above. \"I shifted the battlefield. Good luck closing distance now, swordsman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aero Blades!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of wind-formed daggers rained down from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prismatic Guard!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wheel of spinning elemental light formed around him, countering the daggers with elemental bursts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Percival flicked his fingers. \"Spatial Fold: Mirror Rift!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, an attack from the left emerged from Ethan’s right. He stumbled, taking a shallow cut on his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’He’s not just casting... he’s warping space with every spell. This isn’t a normal mage.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan charged forward, chaining steps with momentum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mirage Step!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His form blurred, appearing at Percival’s flank—only to phase through an illusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wind Shackles!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bands of condensed air wrapped around Ethan’s limbs mid-charge, slamming him to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tch! His control is on another level.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From above, Percival summoned a vortex of crushing winds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hurricane Cage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan barely raised his blade in time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Severing Ray!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A beam of condensed thunder-light blasted upward, colliding with the vortex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clash sent Ethan skidding backward, bruised and battered.muttering under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can’t break his rhythm... He’s controlling the field and me. Damn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Percival watched with narrowed eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’He’s still standing? Even after that pressure?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s not just strong—he’s adjusting mid-fight. I can’t afford to get careless.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan calmed his breath. Magic swirled around him as he focused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve seen how he warps space. Now I just need to make him predict wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drew from all six affinities—flames wreathed his sword, lightning sparked at his feet, wind circled his blade, and holy flames burned his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dawnbreaker Judgement – Fifth Form: Strike of Judgement!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Percival instantly cast, \"Spatial Flicker!\"—but Ethan reappeared where Percival dodged to, blade roaring with radiant flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He predicted my dodge?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Percival reacted fast, condensing space into a protective warp shell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clash of radiant judgment and compressed space cracked the arena stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan skidded forward, panting, bruised, his energy dimming. The fifth-art took its toll on his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Percival, floating mid-air, hovered down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That almost hit me. And he’s still just an mid- Advanced rank?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They faced each other, spells ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both moved at once—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan’s blade flashing forward—Percival’s spatial lance surging out—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>FREEZE.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alistar intervened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their attacks stopped—barely one inch from each other’s necks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alistar’s voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"DRAW!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd went wild as they eagerly watched the top ranks in action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex stood stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He fought Percival... and it ended in a draw? While being one full rank lower?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He really is the protagonist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alistar stood up from his seat, his eyes wide for once. \"Unbelievable... an Advanced (mid)-rank matching an Expert (mid)-rank like Percival. He really is the prophesied one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia von Crestvale, arms folded and gaze sharp, smirked. \"That’s the Hero of Light for you. That kid’s really something else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheers erupted from the students after a beat of stunned silence. Some screamed Ethan’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others applauded Percival’s unshakable composure and mastery of spells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could believe what they had witnessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophelia cheered for Ethan like there was no tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Alex turned to Seraphina, his expression serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sera, what do you think? If I fight Ethan seriously, what are my chances of winning?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, Ethan will also not be holding back anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You want honesty?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Less than 10 percent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So he’d wipe the floor with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Absolutely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex didn’t even argue—he knew the reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he simply nodded, determination flickering in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’I need to grow stronger fast and awaken whatever bloodline and physique I have. ’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A\u002FN:-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So how was the Chapter tell me on comments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks for the golden tickets guys\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@Danger_Croc, @supersan,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@Kaan_ZEYREK, @chibisal, @Dawid_4859\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I really appreciate the support 😊.\u003C\u002Fp>",1753,"2026-06-06T07:14:57.154Z",1,"novelbin.me","0df579a6af9eeaa0fabc7d5bd98e766ee705e07ae615f1f57d65a724ce37a561","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-78","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-76",418,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-cover.jpg"]