Game's Extra

Aiden Cross stepped out of the coliseum into the sunlight, his mind still reeling from the orientation. His next task was the written test. As he walked toward one of the instructors stationed nearby, he tried to mask his curiosity with a calm demeanor.

"Excuse me," Aiden said, catching the attention of a tall instructor with a clipboard in hand. "Where can I find the room for the written test?"

The instructor glanced up, adjusted his glasses, and pointed to a building at the far end of the field. "Head to Room 12 in that building. Once you arrive, present your ticket, and the proctor will give you the test paper."

"Thank you," Aiden said, nodding politely.

The walk to the test building was a short one, but Aiden couldn't help but admire the academy's blend of technology and nature. Towering structures made of sleek metals and glass were interspersed with lush gardens and trees, creating an environment that felt alive yet advanced. Students and staff moved around in a constant buzz of activity, their voices blending with the distant hum of machinery.

When he entered Room 12, the proctor, a stern-looking man in his late thirties, handed him a test paper. "Find an empty seat and begin. You have one hour."

Aiden nodded and walked into the spacious, well-lit room. He quickly found a seat near the middle, set his bag down, and examined the paper in front of him. The questions were a mix of history, logic, and problem-solving, designed to test not just memory but critical thinking.

With a deep breath, Aiden got to work. His prodigious mind, sharpened by years of engineering experience in his past life and a year of studying this world's history, kicked into gear. The system also subtly assisted him, providing occasional hints or clarifications when he hesitated. Confident and methodical, Aiden answered each question with precision, finishing the test in just 30 minutes.

He stood, walked to the proctor, and handed in his paper. The man raised an eyebrow at Aiden's speed but said nothing as he took the test and marked him off the list.

"You're free to go. Head to the male dormitory building and report to the headmaster there for your room assignment," the proctor instructed.

Aiden thanked him and left the building, heading deeper into the academy grounds. The campus was as vibrant as ever, with students sparring, chatting, and practicing their abilities in open fields. Aiden noted the state-of-the-art training facilities and futuristic classrooms as he made his way to the dormitory building.

When he arrived, he stopped in his tracks, marveling at the sheer size of the structure. The dormitory was a grand building with a modern design, its facade made of shimmering glass and metal. Despite its imposing size, it was surrounded by vibrant gardens and small streams, giving it an inviting touch.

Inside, Aiden approached the front desk, where the dormitory headmaster, an older man with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp eyes, greeted him.

"Name?" the headmaster asked, his tone brisk but not unkind.

"Aiden Cross," Aiden replied.

The headmaster tapped on a holographic screen, scanning through the list of students. After a moment, he nodded and handed Aiden a sleek access card. "Room 215 on the second floor. This card will grant you access to the dormitory and your room. Don't lose it."

"Understood. Thank you," Aiden said, bowing slightly before heading upstairs.

The second-floor hallway was spacious, with soft lighting and an elegant carpet. Aiden quickly found Room 215 and scanned his card at the door. It unlocked with a soft chime, and he stepped inside.

The room was sleek and minimalistic, just as he expected. A single bed sat against one wall, with a small table, chair, and bookshelf on the opposite side. The adjoining bathroom was compact yet modern, equipped with a smart shower system.

Aiden set his bag down and began unpacking. He carefully placed his clothes in the wardrobe, arranged his toiletries in the bathroom, and set a few personal items on the shelf. Once everything was in order, he sat on the edge of the bed, taking a moment to breathe.

Sweat clung to his body from the day's events, and he decided to take a shower. The hot water washed away the fatigue, leaving him refreshed. By the time he changed into a fresh set of clothes, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and the moon cast a gentle glow over the campus. Exhausted but content, Aiden climbed into bed and fell asleep almost instantly.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, waking Aiden early. He jumped out of bed, energized and eager to see the results of the tests. After a quick shower, he donned his academy uniform—a sleek black outfit with silver accents—and made his way to the main hall.

A massive holographic board stood at the center, displaying the results. The rankings were divided into classes, from E at the bottom to S at the top. Aiden scanned the E list first, then D, C, and B, his heart pounding as he climbed higher. Finally, his eyes landed on the S-class list, and there it was: Aiden Cross.

A rush of pride and relief surged through him. While he didn't intend to draw attention to himself, being placed in the S-class was a testament to his efforts over the past year.

Aiden made his way to the S-class building, a state-of-the-art facility located at the heart of the campus. He walked through the main hall, following the signs until he reached a door marked "S-Class: First Year." Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.

The classroom was spacious and luxurious, with rows of desks arranged in a semi-circle. Only a handful of students were present, each exuding an air of confidence and power. Aiden chose a seat near the back, quietly observing as more students trickled in.

It wasn't long before the main characters began to arrive. Elena Starwind, the elegant ice and lightning mage, entered first, her white hair and piercing blue eyes drawing the room's attention. Next came Iris Vale, the lively technomancer with purple hair and matching eyes, followed by Luna Solstice, the mysterious shadow mage with jet-black hair and amber eyes. Ava Drayton, the fiery combat specialist, strode in confidently, her short red hair and crimson eyes burning with energy. Finally, Atlas Cain, the charismatic protagonist, arrived, his blonde hair and striking blue eyes making him instantly recognizable.

Aiden kept his head low, determined to avoid interacting with them for now.

The instructor entered next, a striking woman with long brown hair in a braided ponytail that reached her hips and hazel amber eyes. Aiden immediately recognized her as Professor Lysandra Hale, a fan favorite in the game. He smirked, remembering how many players had been enamored with her.

"Welcome, students," she said, her voice warm but commanding. "I am Professor Lysandra Hale, your homeroom instructor. Let's start with introductions."

The students introduced themselves one by one. When Aiden's turn came, he stood and said simply, "Aiden Cross," before sitting back down.

The introductions continued, and the main characters introduced themselves in turn, each radiating the presence of future heroes. Aiden watched silently, knowing the roles they would play in the story to come.

After the introductions, Professor Hale laid out the rules of the class and began the first lecture. The hour passed quickly, and another instructor arrived to take over. By the time the second lecture ended, it was lunchtime.

Aiden followed the crowd to the cafeteria, his stomach growling. After grabbing a plate of food, he found an empty table and sat down to eat. The bustling chatter around him faded into the background as he focused on his meal.

For now, he was content to remain unnoticed.