The Extra's Rise-Chapter 105: End of Year Project

Our seating arrangement shifted like pieces on a board, everyone silently adjusting to the weight of their new rank. The front row now belonged to Lucifer and me, while Ren loomed silently to my left like a coiled spring. Rachel and Cecilia sat behind us, their contrasting energies radiating like sunlight and wildfire. Jin, Seraphina, and Ian completed the ranks, rounding out Class 1-A in a neat and tense hierarchy.

Nero stood at the front of the room, his ever-watchful eyes scanning us like a hawk. He was a man who could silence a room with a raised eyebrow, though today, his expression leaned toward exasperated patience.

"As you know, we will have three practical evaluations again this semester," Nero began, his tone clipped. "But they will be very different from what we had last semester. Pay attention. I won't repeat myself."

Everyone straightened instinctively.

"The first practical evaluation will take place during our field trip in two weeks," he said, pausing for effect. "The second practical evaluation will involve your end-of-year submissions. You can choose one challenging project or goal that matches the standards of your respective classes. This could be anything from mastering a high-level spell to crafting an artifact, as long as it is deemed sufficiently difficult."

He fixed his gaze on us, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Finally, the third and most important practical evaluation will be the Sovereign's Tournament at the end-of-year festival. This tournament carries the highest weightage. The winner will be crowned the Sovereign and take Rank 1 while the finalist will take Rank 2, regardless of their previous standing. However, the results of the other two evaluations will determine the remaining ranks—should, for example, two semi-finalists need to be ranked."

I leaned back slightly, processing the information. None of this was new to me; the novel had laid it out in detail. Still, hearing Nero deliver it in his usual commanding way made it feel more immediate. The field trip, though—that was the key. If I played my cards right, I could find something crucial for the Arch Lich I was building.

"Schedules have been distributed to your devices," Nero concluded. "Make good use of your time. Dismissed."

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The tension broke as everyone stood. Some left quickly, while others lingered for hushed conversations. I had no time for either. My next class awaited—one I genuinely looked forward to.

Necromancy for First Years. A niche subject with an even smaller attendance: Jin and me.

Jin and I walked in silence to the necromancy wing, our footsteps echoing through the sleek metallic hallways. Conversation was never on the menu with Jin; his stoic nature made small talk as appealing as shouting into a void. It was just as well. My mind was preoccupied with the Arch Lich project.

The necromancy wing had its own peculiar charm—or curse, depending on your perspective. The air felt thicker here, charged with a subtle hum of mana that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The walls were a cold obsidian, etched with faintly glowing runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. It was the sort of place where shadows felt alive.

Professor Elias Gravemore waited for us in the dimly lit classroom. He was a wiry man with silver-threaded black hair that looked like it had seen one too many nights of neglect. His eyes, sharp and calculating, glinted behind half-moon spectacles. He wore a long coat that shimmered faintly, embedded with enchantments I couldn't identify.

"Ah, Ashbluff. Nightingale," Gravemore greeted, his voice smooth but carrying an edge, like the whisper of a scalpel. "Prompt as ever. Good. Time waits for no necromancer."

We both gave polite nods. Jin, naturally, remained silent, his expression as unreadable as ever.

"Let's get started, then," Gravemore said, clapping his hands. "Ashbluff, I have a task for you. Stabilizing mana pathways in a skeletal construct—delicate work, but I'm sure you're up to it. Instructions are on the board."

Jin moved to the far end of the room without a word, where a half-assembled skeleton waited under a flickering mana lamp. The professor's attention shifted to me.

"And you, Nightingale. What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to discuss my end-of-year project, Professor," I said.

Gravemore's interest visibly piqued. "Ah, an eager one. Excellent. What do you have in mind?"

"I'm aiming to create something more advanced," I began, choosing my words carefully. "A necromantic construct, but something with... complexity."

His eyes gleamed with excitement. "Splendid! A skeleton mage, perhaps? A fine choice for someone your age. Challenging, but achievable with effort."

I hesitated, then shook my head. "Not a skeleton mage, Professor. I want to create a lich."The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Even Jin's hands froze mid-assembly, his stoic mask slipping for a fraction of a second.

Gravemore stared at me, his expression hardening. He adjusted his spectacles slowly, as though giving me time to take back my words. "A lich," he said, his voice flat. "You want to create a lich."

"Yes, Professor," I replied firmly.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a long sigh. "Nightingale, I hope you realize what you're asking. A lich isn't just another necromantic construct. It's the pinnacle of dark summoning, requiring mastery of mana manipulation, necromantic theory, and soul-binding rituals—all at a level far beyond what you're capable of right now."

"I understand that it's difficult—" I began.

"Difficult?" Gravemore cut me off, his tone incredulous. "Difficult doesn't begin to cover it! You're talking about creating a construct that requires seamless integration of four separate aspects: a life source for the soul, a skeleton for the body, a skull for the mind, and a staff to bind the magic together. Not to mention programming the mana pathways to work harmoniously without tearing itself—or you—apart! You'd be lucky if you didn't end up accidentally summoning a time bomb with fangs."

"I know it's a challenge," I said, meeting his gaze. "But I'm willing to take it on."

Gravemore leaned back against his desk, studying me intently. "Why?" he asked finally. "Why go for something this ambitious when you could accomplish so much more with a simpler project? A skeleton mage would already be impressive for someone at your level."

"Because I don't want simple," I replied. "I've already started preparing for this. I have a skull as a foundation, and I've been studying the theory. I know I'm not there yet, but I have five months to work on it, and I'm not afraid to fail along the way."

The room was silent except for the faint hum of mana from the constructs in the corner. Gravemore's expression softened, though his skepticism didn't vanish entirely. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"

"Completely," I said.

He let out another sigh, this one tinged with reluctant admiration. "You're either brilliant or completely mad. Possibly both. Fine. If you're so determined to break your brain over this, I won't stop you. In fact, I'll help you—but you'll follow my instructions to the letter. No shortcuts, no reckless improvisation. If you're going to attempt this, you'll do it properly."

A small grin tugged at my lips. "Understood, Professor."

Gravemore shook his head, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "This kid's going to give me an ulcer." Then, louder, he added, "Right. Let's start with the basics. If you're building a lich, you'll need to understand the principles behind integrating multiple aspects into a single construct. We'll begin with that next lesson. For now, get back to your seat and start reviewing the mana programming on skeletal constructs."

I nodded, suppressing a wave of excitement as I turned to my workstation. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Jin glancing at me briefly before returning to his task.