The Extra Who Shouldn’t Exist

Meanwhile, in the Crestvale Duchy.

Elric's voice thundered through the dining hall, shattering the morning calm.

"This is not the time for this, sir! There's an emergency—Young Master Alden, along with all of his friends, has been kidnapped!"

Serena froze mid-step. It felt as though the blood had drained from her body. Her hands trembled, and she shoved her chair back so violently it toppled to the floor with a sharp clatter. Her breath quickened, panic surging.

"W–what… what are you saying? Isn't he… isn't he at the academy?"

Reynard's eyes darkened to the color of a storm. His aura exploded outward like a tidal wave, engulfing the entire Crestvale estate.

The air itself seemed to solidify, pressing against every living thing. Servants in the hall staggered, clutching their chests as the crushing pressure stole the air from their lungs.

His face remained carved from stone, unreadable—yet every soul who felt that aura knew the truth: to harm a Crestvale was to challenge both the royal family and Reynard himself.

In a voice low and edged like tempered steel, Reynard spoke.

"Tell me… everything. In detail."

Serena's panic only worsened.

"Rey, do something! Our son's in danger—it's not the time to sit idly by!" Her voice trembled as she stepped toward him, her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.

Before Reynard could respond, another voice—deep, commanding—cut through the tension.

"Calm yourself, Serena. Acting blindly will accomplish nothing."

The air shimmered, and a figure materialized in the center of the room.

Serena's breath caught.

"Brother…?"

It was Edward Evans Avaloria, King of the Human Empire.

"Brother, what's happening?" she demanded, fear lacing every word.

Edward's expression was grim.

"Charlotte, Ethan, and Alden—along with Marquis Starlight's daughter and the dwarven prince—have all been kidnapped."

Reynard's sharp gaze narrowed.

"Edward… you're not here. This is just a projection of your will. Where are you?"

A faint smirk tugged at Edward's lips.

"Perceptive as always, Rey. The moment I received news of Charlotte's kidnapping, I went to her last known location with Marquis Starlight, Duke Arthor, and our forces."

The smirk vanished.

"But they knew I was coming. It was the Cult of the Abyss—and two Monarch-ranks were waiting for me, as if they anticipated my arrival. To prevent destruction inside the Empire, I lured them beyond our borders. I'm engaged with them now."

His tone shifted, hardening with command.

"Reynard, we don't have much time. Elric will give you their location—go and save them. And understand… I'm not asking as your friend. I'm ordering you as your king. If you must choose… abandon everyone else and save Ethan. He is our only hope against the Abyss."

Serena's heart wrenched. Tears burned her eyes.

"Brother, how can you say that?! That's your own daughter—your nephew! How can you be so heartless?"

Edward's eyes flickered with regret.

"I'm sorry, Serena."

He turned his gaze back to Reynard.

"I leave everything to you."

The projection dissolved into shimmering fragments, leaving only the tense silence of the room.

Reynard looked at his wife, his voice steady.

"Don't worry, Serena. I'll save them all."

He took a step toward the door, but before he could move another inch, a servant burst into the room, pale-faced and panting.

"My lord! The teleportation circle in the estate—it's activating on its own! We've detected no authorization codes, yet it's responding to an incoming transfer!"

Reynard's eyes narrowed instantly.

'An unapproved activation? Could this be the same as Edward's situation…?'

Without hesitation, he strode from the room, Serena and Elric following at his heels. The estate's elite security unit joined them, weapons at the ready, as they made their way toward the teleportation chamber.

The sound of boots against marble echoed in the tense corridor, each step bringing them closer to whatever—or whoever—was forcing their way into the heart of Crestvale.

The teleportation circle roared with unstable light, arcs of energy whipping out like angry lashes. Guards gripped their weapons tighter, unsure if they were about to face an enemy or receive allies.

And then—figures stumbled out of the swirling magic. Alden. Charlotte. Ethan. Seraphina. Draven. Ava. Carter. A scattering of frightened civilians clung to each other, eyes wide with terror.

Serena's heart leapt.

"Alden!"

She ran to him without hesitation, wrapping her arms tightly around her son. For a moment, she expected the familiar warmth of his embrace, the relief of knowing he was safe.

Instead, Alden's body went rigid. He pushed her arms away—not roughly, but with a determination that stunned her. His eyes were locked on someone else.

Before anyone could react, Alden strode toward Ethan, his steps quick and sharp. Then, without a word, he lunged—tackling the hero to the ground.

"You bastard!" Alden's voice cracked with fury as his fist slammed into Ethan's face. "Why did you do that?! He put himself in danger to save your ass—how could you do this to him?!"

His fists rose and fell in relentless rhythm. Ethan didn't fight back. He didn't even try to block.

"It was the only way," he said through clenched teeth, blood on his lip. "I had no other choice."

Seraphina's voice rang out sharply as she rushed forward.

"Stop it!"

She threw herself between them, shielding Ethan with her own body. Her hands trembled, but her expression was firm.

Draven stood a few feet away, his mouth opening and closing like he wanted to say something—but no words came.

Ava was frozen, hands over her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Charlotte had fallen to her knees the moment she appeared, her eyes unfocused, silent sobs shaking her shoulders.

Only Carter seemed to register the towering figure now standing near them—Duke Reynard Crestvale. The weight of that presence made his breath hitch, his instincts screaming that this was not a man to trifle with.

Alden's voice cut through the tense air again.

"Don't you dare take his side, Sera! You know what happened! Didn't that guy save you too?!"

Seraphina's head dipped, her gaze falling to the ground. Her lips trembled, but no sound came out.

The sound of boots on stone made everyone freeze. Reynard stepped forward, his shadow stretching over Alden. His eyes were cold, his tone colder.

"What's happening here?"

Alden looked up at his father. Normally, just that sight would have frozen him in place. Reynard Crestvale was not a man one defied. But this time… he didn't flinch. He didn't bow. He didn't even greet him.

Instead, his voice was urgent, almost desperate.

"Father… please. Save him. He's still trapped there."

Reynard's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Save who?"

Serena stepped forward too, her own voice tight with concern.

"Who, Alden?"

Alden's answer came without hesitation.

"Alex."

The name hung in the air for barely a second before a soldier burst into the chamber, panting hard.

"My lord… urgent report!" he blurted, his voice strained. "A major problem has occurred—the capital is under attack!"

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A/N:

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