An Extra’s Rise in an Eroge

The Arcane Academy spread out before us, an expansive marvel that seemed more like a small city than just an institution. The grand scale of the place was stunning, and I couldn't help but be impressed. This wasn't just some school—it was an empire of knowledge.

"It's beautiful!" Kaela exclaimed beside me, her face lit up with excitement.

I couldn't disagree. The Academy held a unique status within the Hestia Empire as a neutral institution. Students from across the continent came here, drawn by the academy's inclusive reputation and mission to foster unity among nations. The diverse crowd around them—students from different backgrounds, races, and nations—created a dynamic, international atmosphere.

I noticed the candidates gathering around in the main hall as we entered. Though there was still some time before the exam began, a crowd had already formed, murmuring in anticipation. I could feel a few eyes on us, noting the Ludwig crest on my attire. I heard whispers circulating about the "genius of the Ludwig family." Others gazed, some staring, others more subtle, particularly the female candidates whose attention lingered a little too long, trying to catch my eye.

Arthur glanced around, taking in the crowd's energy and searching for any familiar faces from the game. Just as he was scanning the room, he sensed someone approaching from behind. In an instant, before the stranger's hand could reach his shoulder, Lira stepped forward, intercepting with a swift, firm grip on the wrist.

"Who are you?" Lira demanded, her tone suspicious.

I turned, catching sight of a handsome young man,, though not quite on my level. He had his arm still held midair, his wrist in Lira's iron grip.

"Uh, could you… release me first?" he asked, his voice strained.

I gave Lira a nod, and she let go, leaving red marks on his wrist, which he rubbed gingerly.

"Hey, why are you acting like you don't recognize your best friend?" he said, grinning. "It's only been a few months, and you're already acting like we're strangers?"

'Of course, I don't recognize you. I have no memories of the real Arthur,' I thought to myself. But after taking a closer look at him, I managed to recall a vague memory from the game—Cedric Raven, heir to the Raven Marquee, one of the wealthiest families in the Empire. They aren't a family of warriors or mages; rather, they've carved their legacy as masterful businessmen. His great-great-grandfather, Magnus Raven, raised this family from humble merchants to a noble house, and from there, their fortune had surged like wildfire. What began as a small noble house had grown to the rank of marquee, just beneath the dukes. Among merchant families, the Raven household stands as the pinnacle, an ideal to aspire to.

I hadn't recognized him at first, probably because he was similar to me in one significant way: just like Arthur, Cedric was more of an extra in the game. But unlike Arthur, who had no role in the plot at all, Cedric had at least a minor part as the twin brother of Alicia Raven, a side heroine.

Still, I didn't recall anything about him personally—or how Arthur might have been connected to him. But judging from his familiar tone and that "best friend" comment, it can be inferred that we were close. I could play along, now that I had the basics.

"Of course not! How could I forget you?" I said, faking a grin. "She's new—that's why she didn't recognize you."

Cedric's grin widened. "Oh, did you finally let Lily go? I liked her. If you're not going to keep her, maybe I could…"

Before he could finish, Lily stepped out from behind me, smiling sweetly. "Greetings, Young Master Cedric. I'm flattered you think so highly of me, but I'm still happily in Master Arthur's service."

"Ah—Lily!" Cedric stammered, a bit taken aback. "I didn't see you there. And… you look beautiful."

Lily raised an eyebrow, giving him a playful smile. "Oh? So I wasn't beautiful before, Young Master Cedric?"

"I-I didn't mean that," Cedric stammered, turning red. "I meant… you look even more stunning in that dress. It suits you."

I couldn't help but smirk at their little exchange.

"Thank you for the compliment, Young Master Cedric," Lily replied. "It's one of Master Arthur's gifts."

Cedric shot me an approving glance. "You've got good taste, my friend," he said, glancing over Arthur's group with genuine interest.

"So, Arthur," he continued, turning his gaze back, "why don't you introduce your new companions?"

"Yes, these two are my new maids and guards, Lira and Lyra," I said, gesturing to each of the twins. "Don't be fooled by their beauty, though—they're equally deadly, so don't try anything on them." Cedric chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender.

The twins nodded. "Greetings, Young Master Cedric," they said in unison, giving him polite smiles.

Lira inclined her head slightly. "Apologies for the earlier rudeness."

"No, no," Cedric said quickly, waving it off with a warm smile. "There's no need to apologize. It was my fault for approaching from behind like that. As guards, you were only doing your duty."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"And this is Kaela Howler, heir of the Wolf Tribe," I continued, gesturing to Kaela. "We met on our way here."

Kaela gave him a respectful nod. "Likewise, Young Master Cedric."

Cedric nodded, clearly impressed with the company I'd gathered. Once introductions were over, he turned back to me, his expression shifting to one of familiarity.

"So, where have you been, bro? I texted you so many times, but you never replied," Cedric said, giving me a playful look.

I let out a light laugh, scratching the back of my neck. "Ha… I've been pretty busy. My brother and mother have been putting me through intense training. I barely had any time to check my aetherpod."

"Oh, really?" Cedric's eyes lit up with curiosity. "So, what's your level now?"

I lifted my chin, a hint of pride in my voice. "Peak Intermediate, in both swordsmanship and magic."

"Damn, bro, you're insane! I bet you'll be the strongest freshman ever," Cedric said, his admiration unmistakable.

"Of course, young master is the strongest," Lily added with a confident smile.

Before I could respond, the noise in the hall died down. A middle-aged man entered, stepping up onto the podium at the front. He clapped his hands lightly, but the sound seemed to resonate through the entire hall, immediately silencing the crowd. All eyes turned to the podium, and the hall fell still, as everyone's attention shifted to the man who was clearly here to begin our journey at the Academy.