The Extra's Rise

"Master, is this not dangerous?" Reika asked, her violet eyes reflecting concern as she gazed out the window of our private jet. Below us, the azure waters of the Great Southern Sea stretched endlessly toward the horizon, marking our approach to the continent of powerful bloodlines and ancient beasts.

"What makes you think it's dangerous?" I replied, one hand absently stroking Luna's dark hair as she slept peacefully across my lap.

"Ferraclysm is strong," Reika pressed, her voice carrying the weight of professional assessment. "In terms of pure combat power, they stand at the helm of all the Diamond-rank guilds. Their military connections run deeper than just contracts—they have personal relationships with generals, admirals, and commanders across the Empire."

I nodded, acknowledging her valid concerns. "You're absolutely right. They are formidable opponents with incredible resources."

"Then why—"

"Reika," I interrupted gently, shifting slightly to face her while being careful not to disturb Luna. "When you go fishing, what's the most important element?"

She tilted her head, considering my question. "The bait?"

"Exactly. And what makes good bait effective?"

"It has to be... appealing enough to attract the target, but not so obvious that they recognize the trap," she said slowly, understanding beginning to dawn in her eyes.

"Ferraclysm is strong, and they know it. That strength breeds confidence—justified confidence, in many cases. But confidence can become arrogance, and arrogance makes even the most powerful opponents predictable." I smiled, feeling the familiar satisfaction of a plan falling into place. "They'll be wary, certainly. They'll take precautions. But they won't be careful enough, because their strength has always been sufficient before."

Reika studied my expression for a long moment. "You want them to attack."

"I want them to reveal their true nature in a way that can't be denied or spun by their public relations teams. Sometimes the best way to defeat an enemy isn't to outfight them—it's to let them defeat themselves."

Luna stirred in my lap, mumbling something about butterflies before settling back into peaceful sleep. The sight of her innocent contentment made my chest warm with protective affection.

"I'm surprised Luna insisted on coming," Reika observed, reaching over to gently poke Luna's soft cheek with a small smile. "She seemed so excited about this trip."

"I felt terrible about being so busy during the Aetherite R&D phase and market launch," I admitted. "Between the laboratory visits, political meetings, and strategic planning, I barely spent any quality time with her. She deserves better from her father."

The guilt had been gnawing at me for weeks. Luna had been remarkably understanding about my absence, never complaining when I missed bedtime stories or had to cancel promised activities. But I'd seen the disappointment in her dark eyes when I had to leave for yet another urgent meeting, and it had cut deeper than any enemy's blade.

"So when I realized this Southern continent trip would take several days, I decided we could combine business with family time. The Viserion royal family understands the importance of family bonds—they'll appreciate that I brought Luna along."

"And the sightseeing?" Reika asked with amusement.

"The Southern continent has some of the most beautiful natural wonders on the planet. Luna should see them while she's still young enough to experience that sense of wonder." I looked down at my sleeping daughter. "Besides, after everything she's been through, she deserves to make some happy memories."

The jet began its descent toward Drakmoor City, the Southern continent's second-largest metropolitan area and a major hub for international commerce. Unlike the beast-tamer capital of Valdris where I'd visited during my academy field trip, Drakmoor was known for its stunning architecture and cultural attractions—perfect for sightseeing with an eight-year-old.

"Master," Reika said quietly, "the other girls wanted to come too, didn't they?"

I groaned softly. "That was a diplomatic crisis that nearly derailed the entire trip. Cecilia pulled out every argument from 'royal diplomatic necessity' to 'I haven't seen the Southern continent's famous gardens.' Rose insisted her business expertise was essential for negotiations. Rachel claimed the Southern continent's religious sites required Saintess-level inspection. Even Seraphina submitted a formal request citing 'cultural exchange opportunities between Mount Hua and the beast kingdoms.'"

"How did you manage to convince them to stay behind?"

"Barely. I had to promise individual trips to each of their preferred destinations once the Ferraclysm situation was resolved. Cecilia gets a full royal visit to the Sunset Archipelago. Rose gets to negotiate trade agreements with the Eastern merchant princes. Rachel gets her pilgrimage to the Northern continent's sacred sites. And Seraphina..." I paused, remembering her particular request. "She wants to visit the ancient libraries of the Western academies."

Reika laughed softly. "You're going to be traveling for months fulfilling those promises."

"Worth it for some peaceful family time now," I replied, though I was already mentally calculating the logistics of four separate romantic getaways while managing guild operations and political maneuvering.

The jet touched down smoothly at Drakmoor International Airport, the city's skyline rising beyond the terminal windows like something from a fantasy novel. Crystalline spires twisted skyward alongside more conventional skyscrapers, while floating gardens drifted lazily between the buildings on magical currents.

Luna woke as we taxied to the gate, her eyes widening with wonder as she took in the alien beauty of the Southern continent's architecture.

"Daddy, the buildings are flying!" she exclaimed, pressing her face against the window.

"Those are the famous Sky Gardens of Drakmoor," I explained, enjoying her excitement. "They've been floating there for over three hundred years, tended by wind-magic specialists who maintain perfect growing conditions."

"Can we visit them?"

"That's first on our sightseeing list," I promised, earning a brilliant smile that made every difficult negotiation ahead seem worthwhile.

Our first day in Drakmoor passed in a blur of wonder and discovery. We visited the Sky Gardens, where Luna marveled at flowers that bloomed in impossible colors and butterflies whose wings shimmered with natural magic. The Crystal Caverns beneath the city showcased geological formations that sang when touched by ambient mana, creating natural symphonies that left Luna speechless with awe.

Reika proved to be an excellent companion for family outings, her usual serious demeanor softening as she watched Luna's joy. She even bought Luna a small dragon plushie from one of the souvenir shops, claiming it was "for tactical comfort during future missions."

We had dinner at a restaurant built into the trunk of a massive tree, its dining rooms connected by bridges that swayed gently in the evening breeze. Luna fell asleep against my shoulder during the meal, exhausted by excitement and wonder.

"She's happy," Reika observed as I carefully adjusted Luna's position without waking her.

"She is. And so am I." The simple truth of that statement surprised me. Despite the political machinations and strategic planning that constantly occupied my thoughts, these moments of pure family contentment felt more valuable than any business victory.

Our second day was planned around the city's famous Beast Gardens, where visitors could safely observe some of the Southern continent's more docile magical creatures. Luna was particularly enchanted by a family of miniature dragons who performed aerial acrobatics for treats.

It was as we were leaving the gardens, Luna's hand secure in mine and Reika walking beside us with characteristic vigilance, that I saw her.

Seraphina Zenith stood beneath the garden's entrance archway like something from an elven fairytale. Her silver hair caught the afternoon sunlight and seemed to glow with its own inner radiance, while her ice-blue eyes held depths that spoke of ancient magic and patient wisdom. She wore a flowing dress of pale blue that seemed to shift color with her movements, and her ethereal beauty made passersby stop and stare in unconscious reverence.

The half-elven princess of Mount Hua, one of the most reserved and enigmatic women I'd ever known, was the last person I'd expected to encounter on the Southern continent.

"Seraphina?" I said, my voice carrying genuine shock. "What are you doing here?"

Her lips curved in the faintest suggestion of a smile, an expression that on her normally composed features seemed almost revolutionary. When she spoke, her voice carried the musical quality of mountain winds through pines.

"I came for you, Arthur."