I Became an Extra Without Growth at the Academy

Casually grabbing it like it’s no big deal, but a Lich Knight isn’t the kind of monster you can just casually talk about at a first-year level, even if it’s an advanced class.

Didn’t I say it before? You’d need to be at a graduation-level to even think about taking it on.

It’s no surprise that first-years, who’ve just started walking, couldn’t even scratch it no matter how hard they attacked.

The only damage done was a tiny scratch by the future Sword Master. But even that got erased when the armor auto-repaired, so it was back to zero.

“If we actually faced it, we’d just die.”

“We’ve got a long way to go…”

They probably had some pride in being in an advanced class, but thanks to Reina’s insane monster selection, their spirits were completely crushed.

Preparing a test to give these sprouting seedlings a taste of bitter reality… Reina, you’re truly a cruel person.

And so, after going around, the turn finally came to Lilith.

“Even if Holy Power works well on monsters, isn’t the gap here way too big?”

She voiced her anxiety, but there was no need for it.

Do you think she’s called the Saintess and wields Holy Power for no reason? There’s a reason Reina pushed her to the last spot.

Magic and Holy Power. The gap in their compatibility is so vast that discussing differences in levels is pointless.

*Squeak!*

While grumbling, she shot a Holy Arrow.

The five streaks of light arrows pierced straight into the Lich Knight’s abdomen.

A bright light flashed and disappeared from the impact… leaving a hole big enough to fit a finger.

It didn’t fully penetrate, but just making a hole was already a big deal.

Plus… the Holy Power prevented auto-repair, so it was a legit injury.

“…This is the Saintess.”

“No wonder Holy Power is so highly regarded.”

Maybe because they witnessed it, but the way they looked at Lilith changed.

Well, it’s probably the first time they’ve seen the Saintess’s power in action… Being able to land a meaningful attack on a monster they couldn’t even scratch must’ve been overwhelming for these rookies.

“I couldn’t even leave a dent with my sword…”

The future Sword Master was so shocked that his sword-hand was trembling.

That’s a sign of trouble brewing. Better keep a close eye on him.

Anyway, Lilith, who didn’t expect her attack to land so effectively, cautiously spoke up.

“…Um, Professor. Isn’t this a bit unfair?”

“What are you talking about? That’s your power and skill.”

She seemed a bit uneasy, thinking she cheesed it with Holy Power.

But Reina’s right.

When a monster attacks, no one’s gonna think, ‘Oh, I have Holy Power that others don’t, so it’s unfair. I’ll just die without using it.’

And even with Holy Power, if she hadn’t trained hard, making that hole would’ve been impossible.

Even if the result was thanks to Holy Power, it’s still partly the fruit of her effort.

Then, I sneakily approached and gave a thumbs-up.

“What? That feels bad.”

No matter what compliment you give her, she goes crazy.

“Alright, let’s wrap up Lilith’s turn… Who’s next?”

After Lilith’s turn ended, Professor Reina Trier casually stepped forward and alternated her gaze between Seria.

What should I do? They say it’s better to get hit first, but the result will be the same anyway. Should I just go first?

Was I overthinking it? Before I knew it, Seria was already walking towards the Lich Knight.

She stood in front of the Lich Knight, pondered something for a moment, then looked at Reina and asked, “You’re going to discard it after this test anyway, right?”

“Yeah. Our Saintess can’t even heal the holes with Holy Power, so it’s not reusable.”

“…Then I’ll just take a light shot.”

In an instant, she manifested three spells simultaneously and blew off the Lich Knight’s right arm.

As the arm disappeared, the heavy greatsword the Lich Knight was holding clattered to the ground.

*Thud*

“…”

Silence fell.

Even Reina was taken aback by the unexpected situation.

But only I knew. That she had already surpassed the level of a graduate.

That she had reached a level where she could easily handle a Lich Knight.

Her growth was so fast that it was almost bizarre, but I decided not to question it. It seemed like I wouldn’t find an answer anyway.

Seria herself broke the silence.

“Should I do more?”

“…No, that’s enough. Come back.”

Reina seemed to have a lot to say but decided to let it go for now.

Maybe she’ll call her aside after the test?

And so, my turn came.

Being the last… it’s quite a burden, but I really regret not having anything to show.

Standing in front of the Lich Knight, it looked quite pitiful. The hole in its stomach wasn’t repaired by Holy Power, and one arm was irreparably blown off.

But that didn’t mean it was weakened, so nothing had changed.

I drew my short sword and approached with light steps… then casually swung it.

*Screech*

An unpleasant noise rang out, but as expected, not even a scratch appeared on the Lich Knight’s armor.

Stabbing it repeatedly, I didn’t think I could damage this armor.

Well… if it’s not possible, it’s just not possible. It would be even stranger if something miraculous happened here.

Clearly, relying solely on dodging and parrying isn’t enough. I need to find a way to attack soon.

With that thought, I sheathed my sword and returned, only to be met with Reina’s incredulous gaze.

It seemed like she thought I hadn’t even tried properly before coming back.

“…What are you doing?”

“It’s over.”

“Helping with the capture doesn’t earn you extra points.”

She meant she couldn’t give me points if I ended it like this.

But what can I do? It’s not like anything would change if I tried more.

“It’s fine.”

“What on earth are you thinking… Oh, I see. That’s how it is.”

Huhu… Well, do as you please.”

Even so, since I’ve been doing things my way so far, it seemed like she had found some hidden intention behind it all.

I kinda wanted to know what she found too… but she just smiled warmly and stared at me, clearly not planning to tell me.

“Rudion?”

Seria, just like Reina, was looking at me with a face full of questions. I didn’t know what to say, so I tried to pretend I didn’t notice…

“Rudion. Thank you.”

She’s like this too. Well… I don’t know how you interpreted it, but if you’re happy, that’s all that matters.

And just like that, one practical exam ended. Reina put the Lich Knight back into the magic stone, checked the time, and then dismissed everyone, telling us to go eat lunch.

After lunch, once the next practical exam—sparring—was over, the midterms would be done.

Well, I didn’t really put in much effort, so I don’t feel much about it. Just a sense that time has passed.

“Rudion-nim!”

I was thinking about what to eat at the student cafeteria when I heard a voice I hadn’t heard in a while.

“Oh, long time no see, Frank. How’ve you been?”

“Thanks to you, every day is a joy!”

Frank, the guy who broke my dorm wall. He looked genuinely happy, just like he said he was.

Though his face looked even more haggard compared to his bright expression… Well, if he’s happy, that’s what matters.

Since Seria hadn’t met him before, I introduced him briefly.

“He’s my dorm neighbor. Though he’s in the lower class.”

“I’m in the intermediate class now!”

“Huh? You got promoted?”

“Yes!”

Guess the lower class exams are already over.

Wait, in the original story, this guy just caused trouble and disappeared, but now he’s in the intermediate class? Impressive. Maybe he had some talent after all.

As I was thinking that, Frank suddenly pulled something out and handed it to me.

It was a small iron plate with a magic stone engraved with a peculiar pattern and a hammer about the size of a hand axe.

“What’s this?”

“Didn’t I tell you before? I said I’d let you use all the things I make for free!”

So he’s keeping his word. Seems like he’s made some progress.

He’s already made two magic tools, which is pretty impressive, so I praised him a bit. Frank, excited, started explaining what he made.

“This is the Reflector A-01 type and the Striker A-01 type! The Reflector uses the principle of magic collision side effects, inspired by your fighting style…”

He went on and on, but in short, it was a classic combo of a one-handed hammer and a shield.

The shield disrupts low-level magic attacks, rendering them ineffective, and the hammer releases compressed magic upon impact or something like that…

But compared to his grand explanation, the tools looked pretty shabby, so I wasn’t sure how effective they’d be.

Still, considering he only started making stuff a month or two ago, it’s pretty impressive.

Clearly, this character has talent on this side.

“I used this to achieve the best results! Of course, it’s only by lower class standards, but…”

“Whatever it is, it’s good that I moved up to the intermediate class… Wait a minute.”

You’re the best? Then what about the main character?

Just then, the messenger rang, and I could see the main character’s recent status.

[Artes: I broke my arm and am getting treatment. Where are you now?]

Oh… Artes got wrecked. For all that hard work, the results are pretty shabby.

“It was really dangerous. If I hadn’t been lucky enough to dodge the last attack, I would have lost.”

But from what Frank said, it seems he didn’t lose too miserably.

“Luck is part of skill, so think of it positively.”

“I’m honored you see it that way! I’ll work even harder!”

Yeah. Work harder so you can create a weapon that no man can resist.

But the thing you made now seems to have enough output to break an arm. Is it really okay to give it to me right away?

“Anyway, the prototype is in storage, so it’s fine.”

So I asked, and that was the answer I got.

Well then… Since the lower class exams are all over, I guess there’s no use for it. It should be fine to take it.

“Oh right, you must have come to eat, but I kept you too long! I’ll be going now! Enjoy your meal!”

Frank seemed to realize it late and said that, then quickly ran off.

Seeing him like that, Seria quietly opened her mouth.

“Rudion. That Reflector A-01 type, can I borrow it for a bit?”

…You’re saying the full name.

You could just call it a reflector. Being so earnest in that part makes you seem like a weirdo.

Just in case, I asked why she wanted to borrow it, and Seria answered like this.

“I want to take a closer look at the magic formula engraved on the magic stone there.”

I had a rough idea of what she wanted to do, so I gladly lent it to her.

It’s not like I’m giving it to her to use. Seria isn’t borrowing it for that purpose either.

Originally, this tool that reflects low-level magic is something that would only work in the lower class.

But one thing is certain: Seria will learn techniques through this item, and those techniques will take the already strong Seria to another level.

Clearly, I’m the one who got possessed, but looking at the growth rate, I’d believe she’s the one who got possessed.

“You’re really Seria, right?”

“Why are you saying such things in the middle of eating?”

I asked just in case and ended up being treated like a weirdo for no reason.

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