Extra's Fate

Whoosh...

The engine of the zeppelin thundered as the colossal craft sliced through the brisk morning air.

Below the aircraft, the scenery transformed rapidly, shifting from rolling hills to thick forests and meandering rivers.

All of it was reflected in my grey irises that were glued to the distant horizon. I had been gazing at the mesmerizing vista for a few hours now, but I could not tear my eyes away.

It was simply that beautiful.

[ Next Stop… Starfall Academy! ]

My attention was only diverted when a robotic voice echoed through the cabin.

Tilting my head, I glanced around to see people of my age stirring with excitement, packing their belongings and slowly rising from their seats.

"Ah…"

Momentarily, confused I also stood up, grabbing my sword and tucking it behind my cloak.

It was my first time boarding such technology in real life so I was slightly overwhelmed by the whole experience. Although expensive, it was the only vehicle that could transport me to the Academy without me being late to the entrance ceremony.

Obviously, I had to 'permanently borrow a small sum' of gold coins to afford the ticket, but it was well worth it. I also made sure to 'borrow' only from the wealthy merchants of the port, so I wouldn't feel too guilty about it.

Overall, everything went smoothly and I am finally here, at the place where all the playable characters begin their journeys - Starfall Academy.

Tap… Tap…

Following the group of students, I followed them off the zeppelin onto the solid ground, feeling my boots hit the hard pavement.

Gazing up, I immediately noticed a large city standing before me.

Massive stores, towering spires and bustling streets unfolded in my vision. It was obvious that the town was very prosperous and well-developed.

However, I wasn't interested in the city.

Narrowing my eyes, I focused on the grand, imposing structure that stood at the center of it all - Starfall Academy.

It was a sight to behold.

The sprawling campus was enclosed by majestic, ivy-covered walls, and the grand entrance was framed by colossal, ancient gates that hinted at the academy's long and storied history.

The main building itself was surrounded by lush, meticulously maintained gardens, where rare and exotic plants thrived.

I gazed at the imposing structure, my eyes tracing the contours of the intricate carvings and the elegant arcs of the bridges connecting various buildings.

"It's even more beautiful than in th-"

Before I could even finish my sentence, suddenly, I felt a cold rush down my back, the sudden chill startling me from my reverie.

Instinctively, I quickly looked around, trying to locate the source of this unsettling feeling.

My eyes darted from face to face, scanning the crowd of students who were equally captivated by the magnificent sight before them.

It was then that I noticed him.

He stood a short distance away from the group, his stance relaxed and almost careless.

His small frame and lean build made him seem almost fragile, but there was an undeniable presence about him.

Black hair fell in messy waves, contrasting starkly with his pale, almost luminescent skin. He had an air of nonchalance, yet his eyes, which were fixated on the horizon, held a strange, knowing glint.

A weird smile played on his lips, as if he found amusement in something only he could see.

"Ian Pierce…"

I bit my tongue, trying to stop my legs from shaking.

Never have I ever expected to meet one of the characters from the game so early in my arrival at Starfall Academy.

And even then, why does it have to be him? The Ice Monarch!?

Taking in a heavy breath I steeled my nerves.

For a moment, I just stared at him, observing his every move.

"…"

I wanted nothing to do with this ruthless psychopath, but…

I had to do this.

Tap… Tap…

Every step I took towards him felt heavier and heavier as if somebody was filling my shoes with lead weights.

Beads of sweat were forming on my forehead, threatening to create a salty river that would go on forever.

As I came ten feet away from him, I felt another wave of cold grip my body and this time it wasn't only in my head. His mana was literally suppressing me.

"Hey…"

Raising my hand, I tried to keep my voice as steady as possible.

It didn't help that the moment I spoke his two icy blue eyes locked onto me and this time, they didn't hold that weird smile he had before.

I felt like being watched by a predator.

"Do you like ice cream?"

I spoke.

"…?"

Okay, in my head that sounded way better.

As soon as I blurted those words, I felt my face grow hot with embarrassment.

The face Ian also made me instantly regret my decision. He looked as if he had seen a person with mental illness.

Luckily, he was more confused than agitated.

"What is… 'ice cream'?"

As soon as he uttered those words, my entire mood changed.

'So that's how it is…'

Shaking my head, I smiled to myself.

"Nevermind. I'm sorry for interrupting."

Turning away, I stepped away from the guy with very calm and totally not hurried steps.

I only approached the Ice Monarch to find out one thing…

Whether he was someone like me, who possessed one of the named game characters like I did.

Unfortunately, he didn't even know what Ice Cream is as this world doesn't have such food, which meant that he is likely a native character of this world, not someone like me who has been transported from another reality.

"That's… okay."

I whispered to myself, joining back into the group of students and trailing them towards the general direction of the Academy.

If Ian Pierce was not possessed then most likely other characters wouldn't be too.

It's fine, just a bit sad.

I am truly alone in this world.