The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38: fire, fury and girlfriend issues

Alden von Crestvale's POV

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Alden landed lightly on the cracked, dusty soil of the Deserted Isle, his boots raising a puff of red sand as he surveyed the barren landscape. The sun blazed overhead, unfiltered and ruthless, yet he looked unfazed.

Stretching his arms with a yawn, he muttered, "Alright. Let's see what this stupid 'Entrance Exam' has in store."

Just as he finished that smug thought, a low growl echoed behind him.

Alden didn't even turn. He thrust his sword backward with effortless precision, impaling a Barkwolf that had pounced from the shadows. It let out a whimper before disintegrating into light particles.

+10 points.

"Still no challenge," Alden sighed.

He'd already carved a trail through the local fauna. A herd of novice-rank Flame Lizards? Gone in under two minutes. A pair of intermediate-rank Razorback Boars? Barely managed to scuff his uniform.

Every now and then, a human candidate or a group would cross his path—some trying to talk, others attempting ambushes.

He brought up his EVOband with a flick of his wrist, the screen hovering midair in front of him.

Ranking: 245/1,000,000

Points: 2780

He grumbled, "Tch. I was hoping to be in the top 100 by now. All these weaklings are slowing me down."

"yeah. Too easy," he muttered, brushing dirt off his shoulder. "I swear, if I don't run into at least one advanced-rank monster or a decent opponent soon, I'm going to die of boredom."

As if the universe heard his complaint, he suddenly froze.

Multiple presences.

His senses flared, detecting faint rustling in the trees, shallow breaths, the scrape of boots against gravel.

Then they stepped out.

One by one.

From behind trees, out of tall brush, even from beneath hidden traps.

Alden's smirk widened as he counted.

Forty.

Forty candidates surrounding him.

"Well, well, well," Alden muttered with an unhinged grin forming. "Looks like someone heard my prayer. Finally."

He let out a laugh—no, a full-blown maniacal cackle that echoed through the twisted forest.

"Man, this was getting really boring! Now I can finally have some fun!"

A figure stepped forward from the encircling group.

Tall, lean, black hair swept back with precision, wearing the noble crest of House Simon.

"Long time no see, Alden," the man said coolly.

Alden tilted his head.

"…Who are you?"

The reaction was instantaneous. The man visibly twitched and nearly tripped over a root.

"It's me! Jordan van Simon!" he snapped. "We fought in the Westwind championship one year ago! I made it to the semi-finals!"

Alden blinked.

"…Never heard of it."

Jordan's eye twitched so hard it looked like it was about to fall out. Several of his subordinates chuckled quietly.

Truth be told, Alden remembered him perfectly. Jordan had a decent sword style and was even invited to a few noble banquets. But Alden made it a point never to remember mediocre people—at least not out loud.

"So…" Alden grinned wider, "You're saying you weren't man enough to face me alone and had to bring forty guys just to feel brave?"

Jordan clenched his fists, face red with fury, but forced himself to speak.

"If I can eliminate you before you enter the top 2000, then it's worth it. I can forget my pride for that much."

Alden clicked his tongue in mock disappointment. "So this isn't about the tournament then? How sad."

He leaned his weight casually on one leg and said with a glint in his eyes, "Tell me the real reason. Before I turn you into fertilizer, I want to know what I'm dying for."

Jordan grounded his teeth so hard Alden half-expected sparks. But then he spoke.

"…It was after the tournament. My girlfriend—Serena Durell—she… she dumped me."

Alden raised an eyebrow." So what do I do find another girlfriend for you. Sorry dude I don't run Lover.com for pitiful guys who get dumped by their girlfriends."

At that even the candidates surrounding him was trying to hold back themselves from not to laughing but some stll slipped.

Jordan seethed at that but he still continued, voice rising, "I saw her talking to you at the celebration banquet. Laughing, smiling—flirting. And then… she kissed you."

Alden blinked.

Then laughed.

Loudly.

Like the kind of laughter that made trees shake and birds flee." Dude I don't even remember that chick."

"And what you're telling me…" he gasped through tears, "is that I NTR'd you without even knowing?! HAHAHAHA!"

Some of the 40 surrounding candidates were clearly trying not to laugh. A few failed. One even choked on his own spit.

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