The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist novel Chapter 57

Chapter 57: Chapter 57 : Self interest’s

Alex Dragonheart stood tall—or as tall as his tensed posture would allow—inside the grand auditorium of Zenith Academy.

Moments ago, he was riding the high of clearing the entrance exam, feeling like the main character for once. Now? He was sweating.

From places he didn’t even know could sweat.

Before him stood not one, not two, but three of the most powerful, dangerous, and influential girls in the entire academy.

Together, they looked less like students and more like a final boss squad.

At the center of this elegant threat trio stood Charlotte Evans Avaloria, the First Princess of the Avaloria Empire.

She radiated authority and beauty, with an amused glint in her eyes.

To her right was Seraphina Starlight, heir to Marquis Starlight and a mage prodigy known for he prowess in ice magic.

And to the left—as if the universe wanted to see him suffer—stood Lilith Noctis Bloodrose, the crimson-eyed vampire princess known for her dark nature, and let’s be honest, a mild case of murderous intent.

All of them except Lilith had the same expression.

A smile.

Not the friendly kind, mind you. But Like the predator who sees a cornered rabbit and is debating whether to eat it now or play with it first.

"Hello, Mr. Lady Killer," Charlotte said sweetly, with a voice that held amusement and menace in equal measure. "Can we have some of your time?"

Alex mouth twitched she was definitely teasing him for his earlier comments in the exam.

But he straightened up like a soldier before an imperial inspection, hands clasped behind his back.

"Your Highness Princess Charlotte," he said, bowing slightly. "It’s an honor."

He turned and greeted Seraphina with a formal nod. "Lady Starlight."

Then, cautiously, he glanced at Lilith.

"Princess Bloodrose."

Lilith was only staring at him as if she could attack him at any moment.

Charlotte chuckled, clearly amused at the beads of sweat now forming at Alex’s temple. "No need to be so formal, Alex. I just wanted to thank you."

He blinked.’ Thank me’?

She continued, voice soft but edged. "Thank you for almost ’eliminating me’ during the entrance exam. If Alden hadn’t warned me about those explosives you set, I’d be writing this thank-you note from something red."

Alex stiffened. Was that sarcasm? A threat? A joke?

She smiled wider.

"You caused us trouble, Mr. Dragonheart. And trouble... must be compensated for. Don’t you agree?"

Alex’s mind was already spinning. He wasn’t stupid. No, Charlotte wasn’t mad.

No, this was her way of reaching out. Politely veiled in thorns, yes, but it meant one thing:

’She sees potential in me.’

The exam was over. The rankings were in. And Charlotte, always planning three steps ahead, was now trying to form connections with useful people.

Alex quickly weighed the pros and cons. He knew from the game that getting on Charlotte’s bad side was a terrible idea. Aligning with her might bring complications, yes, but also opportunity. Carefully, he nodded.

"If Your Highness feels I owe compensation," he said smoothly, "then I’ll agree to fulfill one request. As long as it’s reasonable, of course."

Charlotte clapped her hands in delight.

"Perfect! I expected nothing less from someone with your intellect."

Alex gave a pained smile. Why does that sound more like a threat than a compliment?

Then she turned to Seraphina. "Do you want anything from him, Seraphina?"

Alex’s eyebrow twitched.

She’s trying to get as much out of me as possible... classic politician move.

But he did not say anything.

Seraphina met Alex’s eyes, her own grey ones reflecting a curious gleam.

She tilted her head thoughtfully, then said, "Nothing comes to mind. For now."

She smirked.

"But...We can think about it in the future."

Charlotte chuckled. "Don’t worry, Alex. We have plenty of time in the academy. You’ll be seeing a lot of us."

That did not sound reassuring.

"It was nice meeting you, Alex Dragonheart," Charlotte said, turning gracefully with a swirl of her regal outfit. Seraphina followed, her blue hair catching the auditorium lights.

Alex had just exhaled a breath of relief as Charlotte and Seraphina left with their entourage. Their teasing, veiled warnings, and playful threats had left him emotionally drained.

But before he could properly relax, a chill ran down his spine.

He turned his gaze—only to meet a pair of crimson eyes staring at him from a few steps away.

Lilith Noctis Bloodrose.

The Vampire Princess.

Her presence was quiet—too quiet. Her black attire hugged her slender figure, her long black hair flowing like liquid night behind her, and her red eyes... they were glowing faintly.

She didn’t blink.

She didn’t move.

She simply watched.

Alex’s throat went dry. His instincts screamed at him—predator.

It wasn’t fear exactly. It was something deeper.

A flicker of a grin formed on her lips.

Then it grew.

And grew.

Until it became a wild, unhinged smile, filled with something between madness and curiosity.

Alex unconsciously took half a step back.

"Uh... hi?" he offered.

She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she tilted her head ever so slightly, as if studying a strange new puzzle. The grin never left her lips.

"You..." she finally said, her voice soft, lyrical... and absolutely laced with danger.

And without another word, she turned sharply on her heel and walked away. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

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