Extra's Descent

Everyone took a seat shortly after gawking at the new instructor.

"Good morning, goodmorning~"

Evelyn began her lecture as soon everyone settled in.

At the moment, it was 10:00 AM.

"Some of you may have recognized me during your time in Astrea Academy."

She walked towards the whiteboard and began writing her name.

"But for those who don't know me, my name is Evelyn Cessna. A Field Marshal, and a current SS- ranker."

It had to be said that there was not a single person in the room who hadn't heard the name, 'Evelyn Cessna,' evident by the awe that filled the room.

Cadets began to whisper with one another, "No way, she's my favorite ranker!"

Things like those.

She was akin to a celebrity at this point.

"With that out of the way, let's begin our lecture. For starters, can anyone tell me what an affinity is?"

Then, Evelyn pointed towards a cadet who raised their hand—seated at the front.

"You there."

A woman, with fiery red locks and golden yellow eyes.

Brandon was familiar with her. After all, she took part in the auction raid, and appropriately received her medal during the awarding ceremony.

It was none other than Artoria Watson, who stood up as soon as she was recognized.

"An affinity is a natural alignment with a specific type of elemental or magical energy. It determines how easily you control certain mana types, like fire, water, or lightning, and shapes your strengths and the development of your zone."

"Excellent answer. Thank you, you may take your seat."

Then, Evelyn clapped her hands. Clap—!

"But what exactly is affinity maximization? How does it differ from the affinity classes you took during the early phases of your training?"

After all, the [Affinity Maximization] lecture was never present, even in Astrea.

At that question, everyone began to ponder. However, there was one student who wanted to shoot their shot.

"You there."

Evelyn directly pointed towards the cadet who raised their hands. Surprisingly, the cadet sat right next to Artoria.

The cadet stood up. Blue hair and blonde eyes.

It was Ray Arcadia, Belle's assistant.

"I think…. affinity maximization is far more intense than regular training. In typical lessons, we balance our affinity with other mana types to gradually improve control and efficiency."

"Almost there."

Evelyn nodded her head and gestured for Ray to take a seat.

"But let me add further. Affinity maximization, you take it to the extreme. You isolate your affinity completely, shutting out any other kind of mana. You focus solely on one element, nothing else."

Some of the cadets exchanged glances, listening attentively to the lecture, some taking notes.

"The goal is to push your affinity beyond its normal limits, even if it means putting yourself under a lot of strain. It's not gradual like normal training. It's an intense, high-pressure process."

Suddenly, Evelyn's tone grew serious.

"But there's a big risk. You can end up overloading yourself or losing control of other types of mana. That's why it's considered so dangerous and why it's much more advisable for someone in the fourth to fifth tier of their mana core."

The lecture continued, Evelyn explaining the variance of one's affinity.

How exactly it is possible to efficiently maximize their usage to the brim, and so on.

Brandon listened attentively, crossing his arms.

From beside him, Raven was diligently taking notes.

'He's still the same.'

And right beside him, Amelia too was diligently taking notes.

No, it wasn't just them, everyone was. Even Belle.

He was the only one who took the lessons rather casually.

Listening to Evelyn, there were some slight deviations from what he knew about affinities.

Clearly, the research hadn't progressed that far off yet.

However, it was more of—lacking, in certain aspects.

Still, knowledge and practicality was different.

Actually putting it into practice is where things change.

For that reason, Brandon was quite excited too to explore his affinity more.

After all, [Curse] was such a peculiar affinity.

With his arms crossed, Brandon rested his head to the side, right on Amelia's shoulder.

"Hm?"

Amelia stopped writing and turned her head to the side, looking at him.

"I'm sleepy."

It was because he stayed up quite late, tailing Reinhard, just until he returned home.

Belle too had stopped writing, and looked at him with a frown.

"You two….."

Soon after, the lecture ended. But not until Evelyn left off some parting words.

"Alright, everyone. Before you go. As per Headmaster Bellion's instructions, we're about to take things up a notch. This Saturday, we will all meet at exactly 9 PM for a two-month-long training camp."

A ripple of whispers spread through the room—surprised by the sudden announcement.

But Evelyn cut them off with a sharp look.

"This isn't your typical training. Over the next two months, we'll push you harder than ever before."

She paused, locking eyes with each cadet.

"Be prepared."

***

"Yo, Rein. You wanted to meet with me?"

"Yeah. Sorry to take up some of your time."

Brandon had received a text from Reinhard—asking to meet him right by the stairs.

It was currently lunch break. For that reason, there were barely any people around.

"Can I ask you for a favor?"

Reinhard asked.

"Sure. What is it?"

"So…. you're rather close with Miss Evelyn, right?"

"Yeah? What about it?"

"Can you reach her? I have a friend who wants to meet with her."

Brandon's brows raised slightly.

'Friend.'

Most likely, it was Lianna.

But for what reason did she want to meet with Evelyn?

"I can set it up. But I think she's quite busy today."

After all, there were lots of things Evelyn needed to sort out. The upcoming blackmarket raid in two days. And the training camp that would start on Saturday.

"Oh."

"Actually, she's in the academy right now. She's an instructor for one of Class A's lectures."

"Is that so? I see, thanks."

And their brief conversation ended there. On normal occasions, the two would leave together and have lunch with their friends.

However, today, Brandon had an appointment with Amelia, Belle, and Raven.

That being said, Brandon arrived outside the academy where the people in question were waiting.

It looks like Belle and Amelia were talking to Raven. However, as Belle's gaze landed on the approaching Brandon, she quickly composed herself.

Brandon could swear she had said, "He's coming. Now act like we weren't talking about him just now."

"...."

Yeah, that was definitely what he heard.

"Okay guy, now be cool—"

"Yo?"

Brandon nonchalantly approached them, hands inside his pocket.

"Where are we eating today?"

He played it off, pretending like he hadn't heard them just now.

Belle briefly glanced at her phone.

"Artoria and Ray went ahead to get us a seat."

"Ah, okay."

While Raven may have been a stranger to them. It was important for him to get to know his new classmates. For that reason, he agreed to have his lunch with them.

The group of four walked towards the gate's exit.

Standing right next to Amelia, Brandon leaned in and whispered.

"What were you guys talking about?"

"Ah?"

Amelia's eyes darted around innocently.

"N-Nothing?"

"Hmm…."

Brandon pondered on how to peer the information out of Amelia.

Then, he whispered once again.

"If you tell me, I'll buy you a boba tea. The most expensive one at that."

Amelia's mouth hung open. He knew just what her weakness was.

Her fixation over boba teas.

It was her favorite drink at the moment.

However, Amelia's gaze fixed towards Belle. The two exchanged glances. They looked as if they were talking with their eyes.

Then, Amelia looked back at Brandon.

"I wish I could tell you. But it was really nothing….."

She slightly deviated from her statement.

".....Can I still have the boba tea though?"

"...."

Brandon twitched slightly, seeing the innocent look on Amelia's face, the glimmer in her eyes.

If she looked at him like that….

Then how could he refuse?

"Of course."

At that, they continued walking.

However, Belle's comment made him frown.

"Simp."