Not-So an Extra



—Clink!

The sound of metal clinking against metal echoed through the room as the chest slowly opened, revealing its contents.

As they gathered around it, their eyes widened in amazement upon seeing its content.

"Guys! We hit the jackpot!"

Péréz exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement, and the others nodded in agreement.

Inside the crest were two Magic Scrolls, a pouch of gold coins, and a treasure map.

The group then distributed the coins, but Adrian initially refused since he had not participated. 

However, they insisted, reminding him that it was they who told him not to join in, not the other way around. 

Eventually, he accepted the coins.

"Can I have this?"

Péréz held out one of the Magic Scrolls, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

The Magic Scrolls were powerful items that could enhance physical or magical stats for a designated period of time.

Since the items were meant to enhance physical abilities, the girls decided to give them up, as they were more interested in magical enhancements.

Without hesitation, Péréz took the Magic Scroll that could enchant speed, while Ralph took the one that could enhance strength.

With a swift motion, the wheat-haired boy tore the scroll, soon a bright light enveloped him.

"Whoa! I can feel the immense power swirling inside me!"

Péréz exclaimed, and they waited in eager anticipation.

Rhea then suggested.

"Try to run!"

"Okay!"

Without warning, Péréz sprang into a sprint, leaving behind a trail of dust in his wake.

"Woohoo!! I'm fast!!"

Péréz's voice reverberated through the surrounding area, drawing everyone's attention. 

The wheat-haired boy was sprinting at a speed that seemed impossible for a human. 

He effortlessly dodged the trees in his path and continued to run, laughing all the while. 

After a few moments, he drew his spear and began to wave it wildly at every tree trunk he passed like a madman.

"Hahaha! Look, guys! I'm invincible!"

Everyone who witnessed the scene could tell that Péréz was thoroughly enjoying himself. 

Despite its high price, Magic Scrolls proved to be worth the investment, and finding them for free was indeed a fortune.

As Péréz enjoyed himself, Ralph gazed at the Magic Scroll in his hand and tore it, unleashing a blinding burst of radiant light.

"So, did you feel anything?"

Rhea asked, and Ralph answered.

"I feel a surge of strength within me."

"How about trying to punch a tree?"

Sylvina suggested, and Ralph nodded.

Immediately he approached the tree and swung his fist.

—Crackle!

Suddenly, the sharp crackling of a tree echoed through the air, and the trunk broke in half before plummeting to the ground with a deafening thud.

—Boom!

The ground shook and stirred up clouds of dust billowing into the air.

"Whoaa!"

"Whoaa!"

Rhea and Sylvina stood there in awe, their jaws hanging open before they finally clapped their hands in excitement.

"Ahahah!!"

Péréz ran past them, his laughter ringing through the forest.

"Ralph became so strong in an instant!"

Sylvina chimed in, and Rhea nodded her head in agreement, still unable to believe what they had just witnessed.

Ralph stared at his fist in disbelief, unable to comprehend the sudden surge of power that had coursed through his body.

"Let me try once again."

He moved to the tree next to him and punched it with all his might.

—Boom!

The tree trunk broke in two and crashed to the ground, sending a cloud of dust scattered into the surrounding.

Ralph's eyes widened in surprise before he moved to another tree and punched it.

—Boom! —Boom! —Boom!

"Huaaa!! I can't believe I'm this strong!!"

Ralph shouted, his voice filled with exhilaration and wonder.

"Ahahah!!"

Péréz's laughter could be heard as he ran past him.

Adrian stood there, dazed by the sight before him. 

One of the boys was running around, laughing and brandishing his weapon like a maniac, while the other continuously punched every tree he could find as if a devil had taken over him.

Upon looking at their silly actions, the white-haired boy couldn't help but massage his wrinkled forehead.

'They're just kids. They're just kids.'

Adrian recited the same words again and again, suppressing the urge to smack them in the head.

"Both of you, stop."

Eventually, he spoke up; his voice was stern.

Ralph, who was about to punch another tree, immediately stopped moving and turned towards Adrian with embarrassment written all over his face.

"Ahahaha!!"

Péréz's laughter echoed through the forest as he ran around, his energy seemingly boundless.

Seeing the wheat-haired boy who kept running, Adrian spoke once again.

"Péréz, stop this in an instant."

"Huh?"

Péréz turned to him without bothering to stop.

"Watch out!"

Sylvina's screams filled the air, forcing Péréz to turn his head, but it was too late.

—Whack!

"Arrghhh!!"

Péréz was sprawled out on the ground, writhing and wriggling like a maggot while clutching his nose. 

A thick, red liquid oozed through his fingers, staining the ground beneath him.

Adrian shook his head in disbelief.

'Taste a little power, and they went crazy.'

Their faces were etched with surprise, and the trio rushed towards him; Adrian followed closely behind.

"Are you okay?"

Sylvina asked as soon as she arrived.

"Ugh! I think I broke my nose!"

"Let me see."

As he removed his hands from his nose, Sylvina sprang into action, using her Blood Controlling abilities to stop the nosebleed.

After a few moments, the bleeding slowed and then stopped altogether. 

Sylvina breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

"It's done; you should be fine."

"Ugh, thanks, Vivi."

Rhea quickly retrieved a bottle of water from Magical Sphere and unscrewed the cap.

"Here."

She held it out to Péréz. 

Soon, he nodded gratefully, and Rhea began pouring the water over the boy's face. 

Péréz rubbed his face vigorously, trying to clean the blood off.

Once he finished, Adrian turned to the girls and spoke up.

"Excuse me. Could you give us a moment alone?"

Rhea and Sylvina exchanged a quick glance before nodding and stepping away, giving the boys some privacy.

Soon, Ralph and Péréz hung their heads in shame.

The white-haired boy let out a deep sigh before addressing Ralph and Péréz.

"Take a look around you."

Adrian gestured to their surroundings.

They complied, and the once-pristine clearing was now in a state of disarray.

Broken trees scattered everywhere as if a hurricane had swept through.

"Having a taste of little power, and both of you lost control."

Adrian said sternly, causing them to hang their heads in shame, realizing the gravity of their actions.

"Instead, save your powers to fight the next monster. What you did was foolish."

"We're... sorry."

Ralph and Péréz spoke in unison, their voices filled with regret.

It was not without reason they were like this.

During the Survival Test, Adrian taught them a plethora of skills that were not covered in the Academy's curriculum. 

From tips on how to fight monsters to the art of dismantling their corpses, Adrian had gone above and beyond to impart his knowledge.

Not only that, but Adrian also willingly offered his assistance whenever they needed it, just like during the midterm test when he tutored them for an entire month.

That was why their respect for Adrian was not unfounded.

Rather than a friend, they regarded him more as a mentor.

Adrian sighed and responded.

"Very well. I accept your apology, but please be more mindful of your power next time. Use it to fight monsters, not to cause destruction."

"We understand."

They replied, their heads still bowed.

"Good."

After a brief silence, Adrian stepped forward and patted Ralph's shoulder before extending his hand to help Péréz. 

Péréz's expression lit up, and he took the help.

"Thanks!"

Adrian let out a small smile and nodded.

"Let's go."

Soon, the trio rejoined the ladies and resumed their quest to find the treasure.

.

.

.

"Hmmm…"

Péréz hummed thoughtfully as he studied the treasure map in his hands, with three figures gathered behind him. 

They scrutinized the map and the surrounding area, back and forth, until they finally nodded in agreement.

"Yes, this is the right spot."

Péréz declared. 

"But where is the chest?" 

Ralph asked, puzzled. 

Despite the presence of a small altar in the center of the clearing, the chest was nowhere to be seen.

"We must solve the puzzle or riddle to call forth the treasure chest."

Adrian informed them, and Ralphed nodded his head in understanding.

"Ah, I see."

After defeating the monster, the treasure was not simply handed over to them. 

The players had to solve puzzles, riddles, avoid traps or obstacles, testing their problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Adrian climbed onto the altar and noticed writing on the stone surface. 

He soon announced it to the group.

"There's something written here."

The group's attention turned to the white-haired boy standing on top of the altar. 

"What does it say?" 

Sylvina asked, and Adrian read it aloud.