How to Survive as a Trash Extra Villain

Chapter 104

Closing his eyes at a dazzling light, Nerjin opened them as darkness returned.

“…Ah, home.”

This was the alchemical workshop of the Wisdrammus Family, deep within the Cosmos Empire. A safe zone, untouchable even by the Time Chaos Dungeon’s warped spacetime.

“Master, your unworthy disciple has arrived.”

He knelt, pressing his forehead to the ground and kissing the floor. Nerjin von Pieric Wisdrammus, the sole survivor of the Wisdrammus Family, a key pillar of the Cosmos Dimension Research Institute.

“Today, I shall honor the legacy you left me.”

The spacetime-warped alchemical workshop was meant only for the Wisdrammus patriarch. The utopia of alchemists, unattainable even for Nerjin, a disciple—especially since he lacked bloodline abilities.

“Please watch over me, Master. I will fulfill your ambition.”

His master had seen potential in the beggar boy Nerjin and took him in, teaching him family, friendship, and wisdom, awakening his love, bonds, and scholarly zeal.

But the Cosmos Empire, obsessed with its time regression project, had rotted. Sensing the end, his master sacrificed himself to ensure Nerjin’s escape.

“So that the shame and sacrifice we endured that day won’t be in vain…”

Following his master’s orders, Nerjin denied everything and survived. Soon after, the Cosmos Empire fell.

“To avoid repeating past regrets…”

He’d left this space behind as a memory, thinking he’d never return. If only he’d taken one small achievement, one research result, he’d be twice as strong now.

“I’ll strive without rest, not for a single day or moment.”

Whenever he had time, Nerjin entered this space to absorb knowledge. The slowed time here helped compensate for his late start. Yes, he was late.

“But, Master.”

He realized too late.

“I’ve felt my limits.”

He’d gained his revered master’s legacy, the accumulated wisdom of the Wisdrammus Family. But… it was merely human knowledge.

“You must have stood in the same place, feeling the same. And so…”

Nerjin stood before a massive structure—a celestial observatory.

“You saw the final experiment of the Dimension Research Institute and found potential in the cosmos’ celestial bodies.”

Thus, the alchemical magic Big Bang was created. The unprecedented spell that left Helaine, fused with a demon, near death.

“But I don’t understand.”

Nerjin stared blankly at the universe around him. He could only look. He felt awe but gained no insight or awakening.

Compared to his great master, Nerjin was too small and lacking.

“You called Big Bang a miracle, a stepping stone to the ultimate alchemical magic.”

Gazing endlessly at the stars, Nerjin sat at a desk and began writing whatever came to mind.

“I won’t give up.”

Though the research was vast and uncertain, like exploring an infinite black universe, he vowed not to stop until his old body gave out.

But—

‘No matter how I observe the cosmos, it’s too vast and overwhelming.’

Nerjin suspected he’d learn nothing until he could hear the stars’ stories directly. So, he resolved to engrave his master’s legacy into his mind, heart, and soul.

***

“Hmm, let’s see.”

“Which one’s good?”

Imperium Academy, the continent’s premier institution, wasn’t perfect but ran even its clubs meticulously.

“Alright, everyone! You know our club has to set up a booth for the Grand Festival, right? Form teams, visit popular cafés in the capital, and write reports for reference! Whether you participate in the booth or not, everyone’s gotta do their part!”

At Advisor Hailey’s words, they split into teams. Prince Kazaks with Muller and Shuga, Martin with Adela and Luri. Assistant Teacher Hailey took the newbie Anette’s hand.

The protagonist party, with their numbers, had an edge.

“With our size, we need a detailed report to save face,” Elisha said.

Everyone nodded. Bord, friendly but aware of his noble status, agreed.

“Face. Important.”

Kazaks, Anette, and Martin—rivals gathered.

Anette was practically an ally now. Martin was an ambiguous rival. But Kazaks had clashed with them recently.

Elisha gritted her teeth.

“Muller… I can’t lose to him…!”

“H-Haha…”

“Y-Yeah…!”

The party quickly agreed. Elisha’s feud with Muller was well-known.

“We’ll find the perfect café for the festival booth and write the world’s best report!”

“So, you know a good café, Elisha?”

“Yup! Get ready—it might be the capital’s hottest spot!”

Elisha led them to—

“Wow, is that a carriage?”

“Impressive.”

A café that fit the criteria at a glance.

Mary flinched. This was the place Elisha dragged her to constantly. She knew it well.

“What do you think, Lina? Looks good, right?”

“Yeah, it’s… unique.”

Elisha asked Lina, usually stoic even to jokes, making her reaction rare.

“Really unique. Surprising.”

“Right?! It’s called a coffee wagon.”

“Coffee wagon? Hmm…”

Gilbert examined it closely.

Four men and women in butler and maid uniforms took orders and made coffee.

A calm maid with brown hair, purple eyes, and a beautiful smile, wearing glasses.

An elderly butler with white hair and a slight beard.

A lively maid with deep purple hair in twin tails.

A young, cool butler with a blank expression.

Their attire made it feel like a cozy noble’s banquet, not a café.

“Actually, there’s something I should tell you. I’ve known about this place and come here often, but you probably didn’t.”

“Hm?”

“What?”

Elisha confessed to the entranced party.

“This is Martin’s café.”

Their eyes widened, staring at the wagon.

That happy-looking coffee wagon was run by that Martin?!

“W-Wha-What…”

Gilbert froze, fists clenched. Elisha encouraged him.

“This is your chance, Gilbert! You want to apologize to Martin, right?!”

“…!”

A chance. Right. A favorable report might soften Martin’s heart!

“It’s not just Martin—this coffee wagon is perfect for benchmarking. Martin would want his club to succeed, not fail! Plus, booth clubs can collaborate with external businesses. Invite the coffee wagon to the Academy—think of the publicity! It’s all good for Martin!”

Her points were spot-on, and Gilbert resolved himself. The plan was perfect… unaware of how it’d spiral into chaos.

“Let’s order drinks and observe their operations.”

“Sounds good.”

At the counter, the brown-haired, purple-eyed maid greeted them with a smile. She seemed their age, her etiquette flawless even to the Four Great Ducal Families’ standards. Her purple eyes scanned them quickly.

“Thank you for returning. We have new guests, too. The coffee wagon always welcomes you. It’s an honor to serve Academy cadets. May I take your order?”

“Uh, drinks…”

“Oh, esteemed guests have arrived.”

An elderly voice. Looking up, a refined old butler in the wagon waved lightly.

“Huh, Manager Nerjin?!”

“…!”

Gilbert and Lina’s faces changed. They’d often consulted Nerjin for artifact appraisals. Elisha knew him from the Helaine incident.

“Ho ho, I’m just a humble employee now, so call me casually.”

“Uh, okay. Grandpa Nerjin. You’re here… We were worried after you vanished that day.”

“Busy matters kept me away. Anyway, nice to see you. Order up—I’ll cover it.”

“Wow!”

Inside the wagon, a purple twin-tailed girl wiping cups bounced with a greeting. Nerjin’s granddaughter, Bianca.

“Hey, big bro, big sis!”

Gilbert was dumbfounded, whispering to Elisha.

“You said this is Martin’s café…?”

“Did I not mention? Sorry.”

The party ordered drinks and desserts, then sat to observe.

Gilbert noticed a flaw.

“The division of labor is blurry.”

“Yeah. They have roles—taking orders, payments, cleaning, dishes—but they fluidly help each other when free. Like a single organism. Like a dungeon raid party, right?”

“Exactly.”

The old man, two women, and boy—four distinct people bound by a tight bond.

As evening fell, the wagon began closing. Time to leave.

“…Huh.”

“Hm.”

Gilbert and Lina stood. They headed toward… a young boy sweeping around the wagon.

‘He’s been on my mind.’

His expression never changed during service. Even Lina, known for stoicism, showed more. He seemed emotionless. That alone wouldn’t warrant approaching, but—

“Lina. See it?”

“Yes.”

The flaw was his broom. Each sweep was… restrained. Like wielding a sword. Even rubbing their eyes, it clearly held the subtle artistry of swordsmanship.

The Cosmos Crown Prince and his guard recognized the swordsmanship of the empire’s once-greatest Sword Saint.

‘Killing intent.’

‘Dominance.’

A killing sword, meant solely to slay.

A dominant sword, crushing foes and treading over corpses.

How a young boy learned such a sword chilled them.

If only they’d seen the Dungeon Tournament, they’d know its origin.

“I’ll be right back.”

Gilbert approached the boy. Lina followed. Sensing them, the boy looked up. Gilbert waved.

“Uh… hi?”

Savo, staring blankly, answered like a rigid math formula.

“…Hello, customer. The coffee wagon is closed for today. I apologize if I cannot address your inquiries. What’s the matter?”