Surviving as the Third-rate Extra: I Can Plunder Talents
Chapter 68: New Class

Chapter 68: New Class

October 28, 2502

This marked the beginning of the second generation of the Warbody Program, but with increased intensity, training regimen sophistication, and seemingly everlasting military resources.

Military-wise, the Eshu County now had at most 1,000 personnel with different roles, especially with the addition of elves and dwarves.

The twenty (20) elves, after being treated graciously by their previous owners, were reduced to ’genuine’ slaves as their first role in this developing territory, albeit slowly, was to enhance the quality of the wheat being sowed by dozens of farmers—or at least those who had learned to become one.

It was common knowledge about what the nobles always desired from them with their innate affinity as folks of the forest to feel the flow of nature—a bunch of buffs.

Even if it was not comparable to the Saintess of Light or high-ranking members of the churches in general, elves—slaves or not—were bestowed with something called [Nature’s Blessing (Growth)] the moment they were born.

It’s a blessing that affected a living person or nature itself, giving either of them a rejuvenated health—and that in fact included a seed to survive being planted in a barren and infertile soil.

With the nobles, especially women, concerned about their appearance as they aged, it’s the perfect ability to use.

"Are we doing this for real? That damn young lord—! I’ll kill him when I get the chance!"

"Ever since I was born, this is the first time I’ve used this precious blessing on these puny seeds!

"S-stop-"

Thud!

But the problem with this [Talent] was that it could only be used once a month—and it’s the sign of being a defect among the ordinary elves, which was why they were reduced to being mere slaves.

Did the elves hate knowing their own kind being under human slavery? Under certain scenarios, it’s an outright no.

"Colette!" A female elf fainted, hitting the dirty ground. In addition to once a month utilization of such an ability, it was also strenuous as it consumed 100% of their mana. That’s why they needed intense and thorough care, even if it’s costly.

Unfortunately, it seemed they were sold to somewhere who refused to provide such a treatment.

"Hey! You there, help us!" A male elf pointed to one of the human soldiers assigned to oversee their work. But these soldiers only looked at each other before ignoring the twenty elves.

One of the Squad Leaders assigned to escort them to the nearest land outside the fortress, Brasken, remembered the sole and questionable command of their lord.

- Whatever happens, only do it this way...

"Why don’t you ask Mother Nature for help?" Brasken said, his tone monotonous.

However, it sounded so sarcastic from the elves’ perspective, as some of them had their veins bulging from their foreheads.

"You... What the fuck did you say?! Can’t you see what’s happening? Our friend’s down after doing the bidding of your maddened lord!" It was the same elf, who seemed to be their acting leader, who was beaten up almost to oblivion by Lugh.

"Why don’t you ask Mother Nature for help?" As though he were programmed to do so, Brasken only said the same thing in the same manner.

"...!"

"T-This son of a bitch—!"

*

Hero Academy, Exclusive Training Area.

"Hup! I can’t believe how irrational you can be. Aren’t you quite an emotional girl, Alana? Confronting the Family Heads of the Hero Bloodlines? If there’s a plus, I like the boldness."

These two didn’t know when this kind of interaction became normal for them. Not minding it that much, Alana casually replied to Maya, whose half of her body protruding from the mouth of an enlarged hovering witch’s hat—the same artifact or perhaps a relic that just seemed weird from the True Hero candidate’s eyes.

"Hup—! I don’t care. Everything shouldn’t remain this way. But can I ask you something?"

Dodging Alana’s attack, swiftly so, Maya smiled and teased, "Hoh? Are you taking an interest in me? I’ve already told you, I like men."

"...?"

Ignoring her for a moment, Alana continued, "Can you tell me about that hat?"

Strangely, I can’t scan its information.

Simultaneously, an unpleasant voice echoed in her head–

< "Is that a favor?" >

- Don’t talk, Ranaya.

Since then, Ranaya, in the form of a soul doll, occasionally talked to tempt her with Her seemingly boundless wisdom. It’s also proven that this personified god, reduced to a divine relic, had read the information of the relic itself. That’s why She was tempting Alana to fulfill a favor in exchange for the latter’s temporary loss of humanity.

Ranaya was curious how this girl would act if she compromised her morality even for a day.

"Oh, this one? It’s a gift from my master... Before he left for the Abyss Lands... with your brother to end the Demon King’s reign."

Maya’s master and Alana’s brother were allies during the Last Human-Demon War, which reached its peak three years ago, resulting in the deaths of many.

"Your master..." Alana muttered.

Even to this day, he was still considered the Tower Master of Infinitum Magic Tower.

"Half of his soul is missing; he’s in a coma," Maya said abruptly as their training stopped midway.

"..."

Sensing her sparring partner’s momentary silence, Maya continued, "Politics is truly complicated; it exists within every powerful organization. So you’re probably thinking how my master still remains as the Infinitum Magic Tower’s master with his condition, right? Well, despite the position being eyed, no one dared to try to usurp it."

After all, I’ll kill anyone who dared to take what’s not theirs. Maya thought.

Hearing this, Alana only had a look of confusion as such a thought never crossed her mind. If there’s one thing, Alana’s thought was focused rather on the ’cause’ behind Maya’s master’s soul.

"...Do you know who did it?"

"No," Maya replied. "But I’ll eventually know the culprit who ruined my master."

Why does she seem certain? Alana thought.

Though somehow, Alana understood her feelings because if the Demon King didn’t die alongside her brother, the Hero Ascension Trial would have happened the same day the news of his demise reached humanity’s ears. And even as a 14-year-old during that time, Alana would have been anointed as the True Hero.

After all, traditionally and historically, the Hero Ascension Trial happened under three circumstances: (1) Within the day when the True Hero perished, given if Demon King was alive; (2) three-years after the True Hero’s death, only if the Demon King also perished at that time; and (3) at any moment if the arrival of the new Demon King was unexpected.

"Keuk!"

Bang!

While contemplating, a miniature warp appeared behind her where a magic missile emerged, hitting her back.

"Hahaha! Finally, a clean hit!" Maya clapped as she hovered playfully with her witch’s hat.

Being distracted, Alana couldn’t sense Maya’s intent.

I should have known better!

< "Pfft! In the end, the two of you are just kids." > Ranaya remarked.

"That’s cheating!" Alana gripped the training weapon in her grasp and began to chase Maya.

...

After some time, their sparring came to an end. Drinking water side by side, Maya opened another matter.

"I heard the entrance exam’s finished. It’s cruel, but an opportunity should be given. What do you think? And there’s the matter of merging... What a funny idea."

"..."

Thinking for a moment, Alana replied, "Just as you have said, opportunity must be given, so we couldn’t blame the academy for looking for a new batch of students to fill up the former Class Mu... and about the merge. I don’t know. Whatever happens..."

"Happens." Maya chuckled. "You’re both cold-hearted and romantic, it’s confusing as hell. Anyway, these days have been so boring."

That’s when Alana asked, "What do you think happened...?"

Sensing what she meant, Maya replied, "I have no damn idea. I just couldn’t help but feel like something’s amiss with the disappearance of Class Mu... and even Professor Ragnar on the island."

I feel the same way. Alana thought.

*

Several weeks had passed since the Ranaya Island incident. Throughout these passing weeks, the renowned Hero Academy was under fire from scrutiny, causing a one-time indefinite class suspension as noble families recalled their children to their respective territories in fear for their safety.

Even if they were not directly affected, the third and fourth years were also swept up in this incident as their peace was disturbed. But after some time, everything gradually returned to normal as the Hero Academy’s chancellor issued a public apology, and a ceremony for those who were missing was held, and they prayed that if the heavens willed it, their bodies should at least be found for a proper burial.

Then came the 30th of October, Monday—the date when the new batch of students filled the former Class Mu after deliberation that deserved criticism, as the majority of the public perceived the academy’s action as disrespectful to the missing students.

With forty (40) new students fortunate enough to pass the entrance exam and other qualifications, the day was welcomed with the introduction under the watchful eye of Professor Jacob, the acting advisor of the new class.

Facing the other students of the class, one female student with long dark hair, crimson eyes, a model-like figure, and fair skin stood with confidence.

With a smile, as their eyes were fixated on her as if being mesmerized, this student smiled and said,

"Hi, I’m Delkira."