How to Survive as a Trash Extra Villain

Chapter 146

‘Even after confiscating it from Anette, I didn’t know what to do with it.’

Rather than letting it fall into the hands of a Demon Lord who toys with human souls, I had considered destroying it. But to think it would be used here.

“It can grant power to a pureblood descendant of the Defardly Empire’s imperial line.”

“Then…”

Tyrant Empress Anette. A pitiful girl consumed by the souls of the Defardly Empire’s emperors, transformed into a one-woman army of a villain. Her name and body were Anette’s, but her personality was not.

“…”

Anette was currently living a blissful life at the Academy. In the past, I might not have cared, but now, I didn’t want to sacrifice her. Besides, I didn’t even have the right to decide.

“What happens to the person who receives its power?”

“You need not worry. The dregs will be filtered out, and only pure power will be extracted.”

So, in the process of granting the Tyrant Empress’s power, Anette’s personality wouldn’t be destroyed.

“…Excellent.”

If possible, it would herald the arrival of a formidable ally.

“With the World Tree’s complete rebirth, the war against demon worshippers across the continent has entered a temporary lull.”

“So, nothing will happen for a while?”

“Yes, for now. You could call it the calm before the storm.”

A quiet, serene night sea. After this period, a grand storm might tear the world apart… but until then, nothing would happen.

“Both Hell’s demons and the Time Chaos Dungeons have suffered significant blows this time. The World Tree says it’s thanks to you, Guardian, for overcoming all trials and adversities. It will take some time for them to recover.”

“Then there’s much to prepare.”

“The World Tree is also making many preparations. So, while you prepare thoroughly, Guardian… it also urges you to enjoy daily life.”

“…”

I sensed it. The final battle was not far off.

‘This story…’

Somehow, I’d come this far in an instant.

‘It’s heading toward the ending.’

Probably… not too distant a future.

“And the World Tree insisted I convey this message, even if it meant not giving you the Authority of the Jungle.”

“Something more important than the Authority of the Jungle?”

One of the Nature Five, a crucial asset for preparing against the apocalypse.

Intrigued, I looked directly at the Elf Queen, who responded with a mysterious expression.

“I don’t fully understand, but it said, ‘Earth’ and ‘the Continent’ are not different.”

“…”

I was stunned. My mind… what?

“Both worlds are alive, breathing, and real…”

“…”

I couldn’t say a word.

***

Despite becoming a young hero who liberated Fog Island and the Guardian of the World Tree, nothing changed. The next day, I still had to—again, again, again!—go to ‘school.’

‘It’s exhausting.’

Sitting on my bed, staring blankly at the rising morning sun, I felt drained.

‘That sun, can’t it take a day off? It’s too diligent, honestly.’

Dragging myself up, I went to the bathroom, washed up cleanly, and came out to find a delicious aroma wafting through. Stepping out, I saw Lilac had prepared a feast.

“Master! Good morning! I’m glad you didn’t oversleep!”

“Ugh…”

I had no energy. Mana, stellar force, whatever—my morning weakness seemed incurable.

Sitting in the chair Lilac pulled out, I silently picked up a spoon and glanced at her.

“Nerjin, Bianca, and Savo?”

No matter how out of it I was, we should eat together.

“Bianca’s at the Academy, Savo’s training his swordsmanship, and Grandpa Nerjin went to the industrial district early this morning.”

“Oh…”

Right, I remembered. The reason we moved to a two-story house was to open a café on the first floor. The coffee wagon was fine, but having a proper building was more advantageous.

I heard this from Lilac yesterday, but I forgot already.

Know-It-All (Lv 4) is half-asleep.

Please… even if it’s influenced by my state of mind, don’t let it affect this.

‘So, we can’t even eat together.’

Proof that everyone’s busy. Not a bad thing.

‘A pity.’

…I never thought I’d feel this way, but I felt a bit lonely. Was I missing the bond I felt with them?

Looking up at Lilac, who noticed my gaze as she attended to me, she smiled softly.

“Master, do you need something?”

Her smile nearly melted my heart. I racked my brain for a question.

“Uh, how’s the business doing?”

“Oh, right. It seems coffee’s starting to trend in the capital.”

“Coffee’s trending?”

Already? That’s faster than I expected.

“Yes. Because of that, more merchant guilds are distributing coffee beans and cream ingredients. I’m planning to visit the merchant guild today to compare the quality and discounts of other suppliers and maybe switch.”

“That’s good.”

The guild supplying our coffee beans is small-scale. We’ve dealt with them from the start, but their quality’s spotty, and their attitude’s poor.

Until now, we were a startup with few options for coffee beans and cream, but with this change, things are different.

“Look into the Elidore guild. They’re acquaintances, so they might offer a discount.”

“Yes, I’ve got them as a top candidate.”

Having the Elidore Marquisate, the continent’s wealthiest family, as a business partner would be perfect. They’d supply what we need and might even offer to open branches.

Not that I plan to share the recipe for Korean-style coffee or expand branches.

“A café, huh…”

The interior, too—we’d need a bigger, better coffee machine than the one from the wagon.

‘No, maybe Nerjin will make one himself.’

Whatever. I delegated full authority, so he’ll handle it. I just need to do my part.

“Thanks for the meal, Lilac. I’m off.”

To school, that is.

“Wait a second!”

Lilac stopped me. What was it?

“Sebastian, come here.”

[Woof!]

At Lilac’s call, Sebastian, napping in the kitchen corner, jumped up and ran over.

“The coffee wagon’s on hold for now, so take Sebastian with you, Master.”

“Sebastian?”

To the Academy… it’s been ages. I can’t even remember the last time. Honestly, Lilac feels more like Sebastian’s owner than I do.

“He needs a walk, and besides… you and Sebastian are soul-bound partners, right?”

“…”

I had no counterargument.

‘Wild Instinct and Know-It-All.’

To reach their final stage, Lv 5, I needed some clue. And… as my soul-bound partner who’s been with me and Lilac from the start, I’d been too neglectful of Sebastian lately.

“Fine.”

As soon as I answered, Sebastian bounced around excitedly, circling me.

[Woof! Woof woof woof!]

I’m glad he’s happy, but…

‘I’m already tired.’

I pressed my forehead.

“Have a good day!”

Before I knew it, I was outside. The park, blooming with vibrant flowers, was a pleasant sight. I was about to head to the Academy via the underground waterway…

‘Can I go that way?’

Seeing Sebastian eagerly sniffing the flowerbeds, I doubted it. With his keen sense of smell, the stench of sewage would be overwhelming. Unlike me, he can’t adjust with skills.

“Let’s go.”

Turning toward the Academy, Sebastian trotted after me. He seemed in high spirits, maybe because it was our first outing together in a while.

To reach the Academy, I had to cross the park, pass through the grand plaza, and take the main road.

‘It’ll be fine.’

Mistake.

“Hey, that’s…”

“Oh…”

Every passerby stared, eyes wide.

“It’s Martin.”

“Martin of Ulvhadin.”

“The Princess’s Black Knight.”

“The hero of Fog Island’s liberation.”

“The Guardian of the World Tree!”

All sorts of titles trailed me.

‘Annoying.’

Reaching the city from the park, the stares multiplied.

“Oh, that’s him…”

“He looks even cooler in person.”

The streets were bustling with early risers and nobles in carriages, all gawking at me. I felt like a monkey in a zoo.

‘Rumors.’

People who once condemned Martin now praised me with bizarre words. My changed behavior shifted my reputation, sure, but one thing was clear: most of these people were extras, mindlessly echoing rumors regardless of truth.

‘Extras.’

Thoughtless fools who follow rumors wherever they lead. Becoming an extra is simple.

Look at those crowding around, gawking at me. …I hate them most. Because I was an extra. Maybe it’s self-loathing.

“Martin!”

A familiar voice rang in my ears. The crowd murmured, and I turned to see a carriage door open, adorned with a dove holding a gold coin—the Elidore Family crest.

“Over here!”

Perfect. I leaped, stepped on a distant lamppost, and vaulted into the carriage.

“Pardon, Cadet Luri.”

Sebastian followed the same route, hopping into the carriage. The door closed, and we started moving. Sebastian wagged his tail excitedly in the new environment. Luri rushed to him, delighted. Updates are released by nοvelfire.net

“Wow, Sebastian! You’re going to the Academy today too!”

[Woof!]

Luri was a regular at the coffee wagon, so it wasn’t strange she knew Sebastian.

‘Feels like I’m bringing a kid along.’

Arriving at the Academy, I stepped out of the carriage, and immediately, cadets’ eyes turned to me.

“Hey, Martin’s getting out of the Elidore Family carriage…?”

“Shh, quiet. He’ll hear.”

Yeah, I hear it all… As I walked, not just cadets but teachers stared too.

“Hmm…”

“Ahem, cough.”

Half of them averted their eyes or moved away—teachers disciplined for the terror incident.

‘Serves them right.’

Entering Class A, I saw the cadets already there.

“Whoa! Martin! Good morning! Oh, it’s Sebastian?!”

“Good morning.”

Bord, the ultra-friendly class leader, greeted me. I needed to give him the Authority of the Jungle… but his outgoing nature made timing tricky.

Then Gilbert raised his hand enthusiastically.

“Martin! Good morning!”

I ignored him.

Sitting at my desk, Sebastian trotted over and lay beside me. Adela gave a languid smile.

“You and your hound’s popularity is sky-high.”

“Are you teasing me?”

“Well, I find it pleasing.”

Adela, probing with a subtle tone, giggled and slumped onto her desk, her golden hair spilling over.

[Woof!]

Sebastian tilted his head as if saying, ‘Who’re you to sit next to my master?’ but—

“Impudent thing. You dare challenge my authority? Feel the difference in status. Here, a dog treat.”

How she got it, I don’t know, but Adela tossed a top-grade treat supplied to the Imperium Imperial Family.

[Woof woof!]

Sebastian grabbed it, wagging his tail frantically.

“Cute thing. If only your master were as easy to handle.”

“You know your master’s right here, right?”

“Tch, mornings are exhausting.”

Adela turned away, pretending not to hear.

Luri, just sitting down nearby, chuckled. Her pink twin-tails swayed.

“Your Highness, so young yet already low on stamina?”

“I’ll kill you, commoner…”

“Haha!”

Unafraid of Adela’s threat, Luri laughed brightly.

How did those two get so close…?