The Extra's Reincarnation

[Julian's POV]

Weeks had dragged on like years since that day at the academy, and I hadn't done much but scheme ways to salvage my future.

I'd even looked at other academies near Aethel, though none held the same prestige.

Maybe I'd just stick with my work as the chief in the Florence household. Or take a break and travel across the seven continents—a holiday for Mother and me might be just what I needed after all that disappointment. And frankly, I needed some space.

"Have mercy…"

THUD!

I'd just beaten down a few irritating bandits pestering the Florence territory when I made it back to the mansion.

My legs were sore after walking for the entire day, but my mind was still restless.

Upon entering the main entrance, one of Ophelia's maids met me at the front door.

"Lady Ophelia wishes to see you in her office."

I sighed and nodded, dragging myself through the winding halls until I stood outside her door.

If this was another job, it wouldn't be long before I ran out of distractions.

But when I opened the door, my mother was there by Ophelia's side, looking happier than I'd seen in weeks.

"Oh, Julian!" she beamed. "We have news!"

Ophelia's expression was unreadable as usual, but there was a glint of something unfamiliar—was it amusement? She gestured for me to come closer.

"I received this letter for you," she said slowly, pulling out an already opened envelope. "I took the liberty of reading it on your behalf."

"Huh? why would you do that?"

"Anything received here is basically my property,"

Ophelia gave me that smirk that told me I had no right to talk back so I took the letter from her hands.

"…?"

When I took a look towards who the sender was, I was the emblem of Aethel Academy was stamped across the top.

No way.

_______

Dear Mr. Uzziel,

We sincerely apologize for the error during your recent admissions. Your theoretical exam displayed exceptional insight, surpassing your peers. We regret the premature disqualification and the missed practical exam.

Therefore, we offer you a Special Admissions Student position for the current year, starting next week. This recognizes your unique abilities and corrects our mistake.

As an apology, your tuition is waived for your entire stay. You will reside in the academy dormitories, like all other students.

Upon your arrival next week, you will be provided with an induction, including a tour of the campus, introductions to key faculty and staff, and all necessary information regarding your curriculum and academy life.

We look forward to welcoming you to Aethel Academy.

Please confirm your acceptance of this offer by replying to this letter within the next coming days.

Sincerely,

Kiera, Principal of Aethel Academy

_______

The letter slipped from my fingers and fluttered to the floor.

"Isn't it wonderful, Julian?"

I could barely speak.

How had this happened? They'd sent me away without a second thought—but now?

"Julian," Ophelia's voice cut through my daze.

"You did exceptionally well for this to reach us so quickly."

"Ah… I guess so,"

Mother hugged me tightly, and I felt some of that heavy tension from the past weeks begin to lift away. Maybe things weren't as bleak as they'd seemed after all.

"However… you'll be staying at the dormitories,"

Ophelia said, watching me closely.

"It's an incredible opportunity."

My heart sank once more, and I realized my mother and I would be apart again.

"I don't want to go,"

I blurted out, surprising myself as much as the others.

"Your mother will be fine without you, Julian. We discussed this beforehand."

Mother nodded gently.

"Lady Ophelia was alumni at Aethel too, so you can always visit on breaks."

She seemed so sure about everything, but I felt like I could only worry.

"Hah… You knew I'd get in?"

Mother smiled softly.

"I wanted you to have the life I never got to enjoy."

I hesitated, looking between them both before sighing in resignation. "I need to send my reply."

Ophelia handed me another letter with a triumphant smirk.

"Taken care of. Everything was always supposed to be covered by me after all."

BLING!

She tossed me a hefty bag of coins, her expression uncharacteristically raw, as if she were holding back her emotions.

"Consider it your severance fee for all your work here," she said quietly. "Spend it wisely."

I stared at the bag in disbelief. Was she really letting me go just like that?

"Ophelia…" The words caught in my throat. "Can I call you Auntie now?"

Her eyes softened with something almost like relief.

"You may," she replied.

I hugged her, feeling the weight of her affection—and mine—more than I ever had before.

"Thank you auntie,"

***

Back in my room, I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling as disbelief gave way to an odd thrill.

Could I really do this? Was it possible for someone like me?

FWANG!

[Main Story Quest: Aethel Academy | Admission Exams - COMPLETE!]

[Pass the admissions exam (Main Story Quest 1.5#) - 500 SP]

[Successfully enroll into Aethel Academy (Main Story Quest 2#) - 250 SP]

[A Hidden Quest Has Been Completed…]

[Hidden Quest: Be admitted as a special admissions student.]

[Reward: 2500 SP]

[3250 SP Has Been Awarded]

The massive influx made me livid—how close had I been to missing out on all these points? What should I even do with them now? I'd save the big spend for later.

As I mulled over the possibilities, I noticed Vykekard sleeping on my bedside table.

Snore….

"Wake up." I gave his helmet a gentle shake.

Shake…shake…shake…

"AHHH!"

His voice screamed from the inside.

"Who dares awake me from my slumber!"

"I got into Aethel."

His tone changed instantly. "You have!? Remarkable! Now let me rest…"

I smacked him lightly on the helm. "We're leaving in a few days."

"Truly?" he said, now fully alert.

"I'll be at the academy for years," I explained. "So we're packing up soon."

"At last! An adventure worthy of legend!" His exuberance filled the room.

I nodded, feeling a similar excitement rise within me. "About time we go somewhere different."

Vykekard spun around joyously before settling back down. "You've done well, Julian."

I allowed myself a rare smile as I began planning what to take with me.