An Extra’s POV

"Well done, everyone."

The man of darkness himself, Ralyks, clapped as he gazed upon the group of nine who stood before him.

No one could see what was hidden underneath his dark mask, but based on the tone of his voice, and his gesture, it was clear he was pleased.

The expanse above showed a bright sun that sharply contrasted with his black aesthetic, and the ground around him had been shattered—destroyed by the just-concluded battle.

"You exceeded my expectations." Ralyks nodded in approval as he formally ended the round.

The Otherworlders—or rather, students under Ralyks—had just passed the final phase of their test with the Dark Adventurer.

This was something they had been undertaking for the past few days, so the smiles and expressions of relief that pervaded their faces was understandable.

Everyone was exhausted, but they couldn't help but laugh energetically as they collapsed on the ground in satisfaction.

They really did it!

"You've defeated the last of my Elemental Summon. I can see you're now ready for the next step."

The Otherworlders all looked at Ralyks from wherever they sat on the devastated ground.

They knew what was to come.

"Tomorrow… we will venture into the Royal Dungeon." He declared.

The equipment that they needed was finally ready. Their practice had paid off, and they were deemed prepared enough for the rigors of the Dungeon Raid.

Everything had been set in motion.

"Any questions?" Ralyks asked, both hands behind him as he did so.

No matter the situation, this man always maintained an air of elegance and prestige.

… Also power.

"I have one. How long will we be spending for the Raid in total?"

The person who asked this question was Justin, and he had a goofy smile on—as usual.

serious, nonetheless, and the teenagers around him seemed to resonate with

moment

thought it would take two months or more, but…" He narrowed his eyes as he looked at the

month should

ten hours a day in the Dungeon, they were definitely going to finish things

exponentially in the past couple

individual had their respective kinds of

was a beautiful thing

Circle were

They had all grown.

********

[Moments Later]

did you think about the

"Man… I'm so exhausted!"

back inside to snack on

take a

teleporting away, everyone

rest of

each person had

Clark hung out together

Trisha often trained together, or just walked

and Alicia were a clique

two were practically

and decided what to do after, the both of them were

around them—and the second group

known to frequent

ones like Justin—postulated that they were definitely doing something more than

no proof, nothing he said

on them, he couldn't get

to leave due to how boring and

and

can fool everyone, but not me!" He often declared aloud, though that was always

a rumor about Rey and

and powerful Alicia was, and how average Rey appeared—but

it mere

their relationship as one-sided, with Alicia essentially controlling

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