The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Chapter 56 : Acknowledgement

High above the Earth, nestled amidst the clouds and suspended within the azure vastness of the sky, stood the magnificent Zenith Academy—a structure so grand, so mythical, that it defied the boundaries of imagination.

Floating islands interconnected by glowing energy bridges, crystalline waterfalls that flowed into nothingness, and towers so tall they pierced the very sky made up the architectural marvel of the academy.

The air shimmered with the hum of powerful enchantments and ancient technology—an ethereal blend of magic and science.

Zenith Academy wasn’t just a place of education—it was a realm of legends.

Countless figures who had shaped the world—kings, queens, innovators, war generals, and world-renowned heroes—all had once walked these very paths.

To many across the world, the academy was a dream too distant to reach. It was a temple of destiny where only the chosen few were allowed to step in.

And today, 2,000 cadets had done just that.

They had earned the right to learn in a place others could only dream of.

As the light faded and the ground beneath stabilized, a collective exhale filled the space.

"Haaaaaah... it’s over."

"WE MADE IT!"

"I—I’m alive... We did it!"

The reactions were electric. Some students collapsed onto the smooth marble floor, laughing hysterically.

"I made it, Mom! Your son made it!" one cadet shouted at the top of his lungs, tears streaming down his face.

Others cried softly, embracing their teammates. There were high-fives, shouts, and exhausted chuckles.

But then, the air shifted as a powerful presence flooded the auditorium, taking everyone’s attention.

The atmosphere grew heavy—like gravity itself had intensified.

A silence spread like wildfire across the room as a single presence made itself known at the center stage.

There stood Aldric Verlane, the Headmaster of Zenith Academy.

A living legend.

He radiated power.

"Damn..." Alex muttered from the crowd, a wide grin plastered across his face. "This old man really knows how to make an entry. He even looks more badass appearing like that."

Aldric’s gaze shifted to him for a moment, as if he had heard him, surprising Alex.

But just as quickly, his gaze shifted to all the candidates present.

Alex wasn’t grinning only because of Aldric’s entry, though. No. He was grinning because he had done it.

He had achieved something that only legends in this world had achieved.

Rank 1.

He had done it. He had shattered expectations. No longer just a background character in someone else’s tale—he was here to make his mark.

He defeated the prodigies. Hell, he even beat the protagonist.

But then just as quickly his attention shifted to Aldric.

Aldric spoke, his voice deep and commanding, yet oddly warm.

"Congratulations," he said, "Cadets."

That single word echoed in the chamber.

Not candidates.

Cadets.

A buzz rippled across all the cadets, filling their chests with pride. They had made it.

"You’ve survived your first war—that we call the Zenith Entrance Exam. From over one million hopefuls, you 2,000 have made it here today.

I have no doubt it was hell. Many of you were pushed beyond your limits. You fought, bled, and endured. And you stand here not by chance—but by your own merit, because you proved that you are the chosen ones in a herd of one million candidates."

Some cadets straightened up with pride. Others wiped tears from their eyes.

"Some of you may feel," Aldric continued, his tone sharpening, "that the exam was unfair. That nobles had more resources—better training, enchanted gear, secret techniques. And you’re not wrong."

Whispers spread across the room. Heads nodded.

"But remember this, Cadets..."

His voice echoed.

"Life. Has. Never. Been. Fair."

Aldric stepped forward, eyes sweeping across the room.

"Those who believe in fairness live in a fantasy. The world is ruled by power, by determination, by those who choose to rise despite the odds. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you’ll begin your path to greatness.

You may have started with nothing—but that changes now. What you become here will shape your future. Whether you were born a prince or a pauper, it doesn’t matter anymore. Power does not bow to titles. Power bows to resolve.

And here in this academy, status and rank do not matter—even if you were a beggar before coming here. It’s all irrelevant now.

Because moving forward, you will forge your own paths and choose what to become."

The cadets listened in stunned silence.

Some clenched their fists.

Others whispered:

"...Damn, that’s motivational."

"...No excuses now."

"...I’ll prove myself."

"Zenith Academy will give you the tools—but you will decide what to build."

Then, with a nod, Aldric finished:

"Your instructors will guide you from here. Good luck, Cadets."

And with that, he vanished—like smoke in the wind.

"Holy crap," someone muttered. "That was better than a war speech."

Another chuckled. "He sure knows how to fire up a crowd. If he ran for president, I’d vote twice."

Then, a minute later, the stage shimmered again.

And a new presence stepped forward.

The crowd stilled again.

Selena Vega.

"Holy mother of—"

"Now that I’ve been admitted to Zenith Academy, I’d fail an exam just to see her scold me."

Even the girls were stunned.

"Is this what perfection looks like?"

Some whispered in admiration.

Some in envy.

"Congratulations, cadets," Selena said, her voice cool and confident. "You’ve broken through the first wall of success. You’ve passed the Zenith Entrance Exam—a feat many dream of, but few achieve."

She let the words settle.

"However, this is just the beginning. You will face many more challenges, and Zenith Academy exists to prepare you for them.

Starting today, you are to be assigned temporary dormitories. Each room will have two cadets—male and female separate, of course.

Take the next two days to recover, explore the campus, and prepare yourselves. Uniforms will be delivered tomorrow morning. Orientation will take place the day after—an event broadcast to the entire world."

The cadets stirred.

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