Xerox Zee : An Extra into a Novel

At the Professor's Lounge...

The room was filled with the hum of quiet conversation as professors gathered around a large central screen. 

It displayed live footage from the dungeon, where first-year students were completing their practical exams. 

The professors watched closely, noting each student's performance.

Aerox, Trival, Lily, and Silvana stood out immediately. 

Their confidence and skill in handling the challenges impressed everyone.

However, another student caught the professors' attention for an entirely different reason. 

On one of the screens, Xerox Zee sat calmly by a small campfire he had set up.

A tent stood neatly behind him, and a grill sizzled with meat.

Professor Thomas leaned forward, squinting at the screen. 

"Is he... cooking? In the middle of an exam?"

The room filled with laughter as the professors exchanged amused glances.

"Who is that?" 

Thomas asked, grinning. 

"I don't think I've seen him before."

"That's Xerox Zee," 

Professor Layla said. 

"He's one of my students."

Thomas chuckled. 

"Really? He looks more like a tourist than a student. Did he pack marshmallows too?"

The lighthearted moment was interrupted by Professor Johnny's sharp tone.

 "Why would you allow a student like that into your class Layla? It seems a bit careless."

Layla glanced at her colleague, her expression calm. 

"Xerox has his own unique way of handling challenges. Just watch. He may surprise you."

Johnny frowned but said nothing. 

She had never liked Layla, though she rarely admitted it openly. 

It wasn't just about Layla's professional success—it was personal. 

For years,Johnny had tried to gain the attention of Professor Lance, but his focus was always on Layla.

What makes her so special?

Johnny thought bitterly. 

She's not that much better than me.

The professors returned their attention to the screen, curious to see what Xerox would do next. 

While other students fought fiercely through the dungeon, Xerox lounged comfortably, calmly preparing his meal.

Thomas smirked. 

"Well, I don't know if this kid will pass the exam, but he's definitely memorable."

Layla allowed herself a small smile. 

"Let's just see how it plays out."

The lounge filled with quiet murmurs as the professors continued to watch, intrigued by the unconventional student who seemed completely at ease in a situation that had everyone else on edge.

The professors gathered in the meeting room, their expressions a mix of seriousness and excitement. 

Professor Johnny leaned back in his chair with a smug look. 

"I think some students stand out because of their natural talent. Others… well, they lack the drive to make anything of themselves."

Professor Layla frowned. 

"Natural talent? Or money? We all know you favor students from rich families."

Johnny crossed his arms. 

"I teach those who have potential. What's the point in wasting time on students who will never succeed?"

Layla didn't back down. 

"Potential isn't just about wealth. Hard work matters too."

The head teacher, clearly annoyed, raised his hand. 

"Enough. We're here to talk about the exam, not your personal arguments."

Professor Thomas, who was always calm and thoughtful, spoke up. 

"The students are doing well this year. We made the exam harder by adding a Rank-3 boss monster, and they're still managing to hold their ground."

Professor Lance, however, was not impressed. 

"One student, Xerox, should be disqualified. He brought food, water, and even a tent. Clearly, he knew about the exam beforehand."

Layla narrowed her eyes.

 "You can't punish someone for being prepared. Are you seriously suggesting we fail a student because they outsmarted the challenge?"

Lance's face reddened. 

"There's no way he could have known what to bring unless someone told him."

"Maybe he's just smarter than you give him credit for," 

Layla shot back. 

"Unlike you, he doesn't need to cheat to succeed."

-DANGGGG!

Before Lance could reply, the head teacher slammed his hand on the table.

 "That's enough. Xerox hasn't broken any rules, so we won't fail him. Focus on the test."

The tension eased as the head teacher turned to the vice-principal. 

"What do you think of this year's students?"

The vice-principal stroked his beard thoughtfully. 

"They're exceptional. Many have already reached Rank-2. And Aerox Sun… he's now Rank-3."

Gasps filled the room. 

The professors exchanged stunned glances.

"That's incredible," 

one of them said. 

"He's the youngest to reach Rank-3 in the academy's history."

The vice-principal nodded. 

"With Aerox's talent, we might stand a chance in the Tournament of Academies. But we need to push them further."

He turned to the head teacher. 

"Add a Rank-4 boss monster to the dungeon. A Wolverine. Let's see how they handle it."

The head teacher hesitated for a moment, then nodded. 

"Understood."

Soon, the screen showed the new challenge—a massive Wolverine entering the dungeon, its wings casting a shadow over the students. 

The professors leaned forward, eager to see how the students would face this unexpected test.

Aerox 's voice boomed across the panicked crowd of students.

"Everyone, calm down! If we panic, we'll all die!"

His commanding presence made the students stop and listen, even as the Wolverines' shadows grew larger. 

Aerox stepped forward, his eyes blazing with determination.

"We have no choice but to fight. Running isn't an option anymore. If we work together, we stand a chance!"

A murmur spread among the students. 

Some nodded, encouraged by Aerox's confidence, while others still looked pale and uncertain.

"But they're Rank-4! We can't beat them!" 

a student cried out.

Aerox raised his hand to silence the protests. 

"We don't need to defeat all of them. We just need to hold out until the exam ends. Focus on defending yourselves and helping each other. Form groups and cover each other's backs!"

I couldn't help but admire Aerox's leadership. 

He was rallying everyone, even in the face of such a hopeless situation.

Haris nudged me. 

"That guy's something else. No wonder he's the academy's rising star."

I nodded. 

"Yeah, but this is still going to be tough."

The Wolverines were now in full view. 

Their scales shimmered under the light, and their piercing screeches sent chills down everyone's spines. 

The Rank-4 Wolverine, larger than the rest, let out a deafening roar that seemed to shake the ground.

Aerox didn't falter. 

"Archers and mages focus on bringing down the smaller Wolverines first. Swordsmen and other melee fighters protect them. We'll need every second we can buy!"

Students scrambled into position. 

I found myself with Haris and a few others who were equally determined not to give up.

"What's the plan, Xerox?" 

Haris asked, gripping his weapon tightly.

I glanced at the approaching Wolverines and then at Aerox, who was already leading the charge against the first wave.

"We follow his lead. But don't take unnecessary risks. Our goal is survival, not heroics."

Haris smirked. 

"You're more level-headed than I thought."

"Don't tell me that," 

I muttered, rolling my eyes.

The battle began as the first Wolverine swooped down, claws extended. 

Arrows and spells shot through the air, striking it and forcing it back. 

The combined efforts of the students started to pay off, but the Wolverines kept coming.

I focused on supporting the group, using my skills to keep the Wolverines at bay.

Despite the chaos, I noticed Aerox charging toward the Rank-4 Wolverine, his aura flaring as he prepared for a direct confrontation.

"Aerox 's crazy!" 

Haris shouted. 

"He's going for the leader!"

I watched as Aerox leaped into the air, his blade glowing with intense Mana. 

If anyone could take on a Rank-4 Wolverine, it was him.

But as the battle raged on, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was far from over.

Surviving the next hour would take everything we had—and maybe more.