The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73: Chapter 73 : Chaos in the cafeteria (3)

In the swirling chaos of the cafeteria.

Alden cracked his neck and gave a slow exhale expression bimming with rage. "You guys all had your fun," he said, rolling his shoulders and glaring at Ian and Maximus. "Now I need someone to beat up."

Ian and Maximus immediately got a very bad feeling. That kind of feeling where your stomach drops, your heart skips a beat, and you regret every life choice since birth.

Alden took a step forward, and Charlotte graciously released the gravity field.

The moment the weight disappeared, Ian and Maximus rolled up, panting, free at last. But this time—they didn’t run.

They were second-year seniors, after all. One year ahead in training, top of their class in combat assessments. Sure, Alden was strong, but he was still just a first-year... right?

"We can take him," Maximus whispered.

Ian nodded. "Together."

Alden grinned, unsheathing his sword in a slow, deliberate motion. "Excellent."

The blade shimmered, and with a flick of his wrist, flames ignited along its edge. His fire affinity roared to life, the heat in the air making the nearby students step back.

Maximus charged first, aiming a wind-infused punch straight at Alden’s chest. Alden parried the blow with his flaming blade, but Ian came in from the side with a mana-charged kick that knocked him back a few feet.

Alden smirked. "Nice teamwork."

He darted forward, his blade blazing, engaging both of them in a tight flurry of strikes. Maximus blocked one strike with an earth barrier, while Ian lunged from behind, landing a hit on Alden’s ribs.

A grunt escaped Alden’s lips. He looked genuinely impressed.

"Not bad."

But then the air shifted. Alden’s movements became sharper, faster, more aggressive. He began weaving flame-enhanced slashes in wide arcs, forcing the two to retreat. A blade of fire nicked Maximus’s shoulder, making him hiss.

Ian tried to rush in again, but Alden vanished in a fiery blur, reappearing behind him and slamming him into the ground with the hilt of his sword. Maximus barely raised a shield before Alden’s foot shattered it, and then a flaming uppercut sent him crashing into a nearby table.

Both seniors lay on the ground, groaning, clothes scorched and pride in ruins.

Alden exhaled and let his sword rest against his shoulder, the flames slowly fading. He looked down at the two with a mixture of smugness and satisfaction.

He turned to the rest of the cafeteria, dramatically wiping a speck of imaginary dust from his collar.

He exhaled, satisfied.

"Now I’m somewhat calm." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Seraphina," Ava whispered, tugging on her sleeve, "That ugly guy is quite violent and terrifying..."

Alden, still basking in the glory of his "somewhat satisfying" victory, froze mid-stretch. A visible vein popped on his forehead as he slowly turned toward the source of the insult.

"What... the hell did you just say, pipsqueak?" he said through gritted teeth, eyes narrowing. "Did you just call me ugly?"

Ava blinked, innocently tilting her head as Seraphina quickly stepped in between them like a teacher separating two misbehaving toddlers.

"She didn’t mean it, Alden. She was just kidding. Right, Ava?"

Ava furrowed her brow, lips pursing. "Was I?"

Seraphina’s smile twitched.

Alden took a step forward, eyes gleaming with mock menace. "Oh, I see. So now the garden gnome’s got jokes."

Ava, standing half-hidden behind Seraphina, raised a shaky hand. "Don’t come any closer... or you’ll regret it!"

Her voice was trembling, but Alden didn’t care.

He laughed, brushing soot off his sleeve. "Let’s see what you’ve got, pipsqueak. Come on—show me."

Ava exhaled slowly. Then her entire demeanor shifted.

"Fine," she said in a tone as cold as winter’s breath.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Alden’s feet cracked open. A thick tree sprouted upward in an instant, roots spiraling like serpents. Vines whipped around his legs, dragging him upward as the wooden behemoth grew several meters tall, suspending him upside down like a very angry carrot.

"WHAT THE—?!"

He tried to ignite his flames, sending bursts of fire down the bark. Nothing happened. The flames flickered and hissed but left no mark.

His eyes widened. "Why... why isn’t it burning?"

Seraphina’s brows lifted in shock. "Her elemental affinity... it’s stronger than his."

Alden thrashed, his face reddening. "Release me, pipsqueak! Or you’ll regret it!"

Down below, Ava folded her arms with a tiny, smug grin. The sight of the terrifying Alden dangling like laundry brought her visible satisfaction.

Ethan burst out laughing first, nearly choking. Charlotte followed, giggling behind her hand. Even Seraphina let out a rare snort.

"Now this," Charlotte said, wiping a tear, "is quality lunchtime entertainment."

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