The Useless Extra Knows It All....But Does He?
Chapter 69 - The Echoes of Mythical Beasts (5)

Chapter 69: Chapter 69 - The Echoes of Mythical Beasts (5)

The sun rose slowly over Beastridge Mountain, casting golden rays across the frost-kissed peaks. A gentle mist curled at the base of the cliffs, rising like breath from the slumbering earth. The wind carried the scent of pine and ancient magic, stirring leaves and cloaks alike as the morning came alive with hushed excitement.

Dozens of floating platforms had been summoned by various powers, while banners fluttered proudly in the sky—each symbol telling tales of empires, guilds, and holy orders. The once tranquil mountain was now brimming with life, its silence broken by the chatter of thousands.

Luca stood beside Eric, the early sunlight gleaming off their uniforms. Aiden and Kyle soon joined them, each wearing expressions of quiet anticipation.

Eric whistled under his breath.

"Woah... look at the crowd."

Kyle gave a short nod, eyes scanning the crowd with practiced calm.

"Of course. There are participants from every major power here."

He gestured subtly toward a group nearby—tall figures clad in ornate golden armor, their posture impossibly rigid, their swords gleaming even without light.

"Look. Empire’s knights."

Aiden pointed in the opposite direction, his eyes narrowing with subtle awe.

"And those... they’re from the Holy Kingdom."

A group of individuals clad in flowing white robes stood gathered in a circle, a faint aura of divinity shimmering around them like a barrier. Their very presence seemed to part the mist.

Luca’s gaze shifted toward another cluster.

"Mage robes... That’s the Magic Tower delegation. They look more like scholars than adventurers."

Then he added with a touch of intrigue, "Professor Seraphina’s participating this year too."

Eric blinked.

"Prof–Professor Seraphina?! Wait, isn’t she... uh... too old?"

Aiden chuckled.

"Not really. She’s only twenty-two or twenty-three, I think. Anyone under twenty-five is eligible."

Kyle scanned the crowd once more, brows furrowing.

"Hm. But where’s the delegation from Valdros Kingdom?"

Eric shrugged.

"I heard they like to keep a low profile. They’re probably blending in somewhere. But damn—there’s gotta be over a thousand people here."

Just then, a figure stepped forward onto a high stone platform—an elder from the Beastridge Mountain Council, dressed in ceremonial blue and silver, his voice echoing with authority as he raised his hands for silence.

"Welcome, friends and challengers from every corner of the continent," he began. "Today, after fifty long years, Beastridge Mountain shall open its gates once more."

The crowd stirred with tension and excitement.

"Now, I will explain the rules and regulations you are all bound to follow. Remember—this is sacred ground. No exceptions will be made."

He raised one finger.

"First, only those under the age of twenty-five may enter. Should anyone be found guilty of violating this, they will be executed on the spot—no trial, no mercy. Furthermore, the power or nation they represent will be banned from entering the mountain for the next five hundred years."

Kyle let out a low whistle.

"Damn. That’s strict."

The councilman continued unfazed.

"Second, you may only form contracts with beasts who are willing to be bound. Forced contracts are forbidden. You must not try to break their will."

Someone in the crowd raised a hand.

"But what if we fight to subdue them? Isn’t that fair?"

The councilman nodded slightly.

"It’s not so simple. Each beast has unique traits—elements, temperaments, even emotional resonance. Sometimes, yes, a challenge may be part of earning their recognition. But remember: the goal is not to harm them. As the contract initiation will be done from the beast themselves.Some beasts may be far stronger than you, others weaker. But once the contract is formed, their strength will harmonize with yours—scaled to match your potential."

He held up three fingers.

"Third, you may compete against each other for a beast—but there will be no killing. Any act of lethal force will result in immediate disqualification and removal from the mountain."

Eric frowned.

"Seriously? With this many people, and this much tension... is that really going to hold?"

Aiden replied calmly.

"Well, that rule’s probably meant for people like us. We’re among the youngest here—most of these guys could crush us if they wanted."

Luca added, his voice calm and dry:

"But it follows the oldest rule in the book—’you’re not a thief until you get caught stealing.’"

He kept that thought to himself, knowing well how it played out in the game. Fights for beasts often became chaotic and brutal, especially deeper in the mountain.

The councilman finally concluded:

"Last one, there is a very powerful Mythical beast inside resting, don’t disturb it.Those eligible to enter the Inner Sanctum must gather with your designated supervisors. You will be briefed further about your region’s responsibilities, safe zones, and the structure of the trials ahead."

Eric stretched his arms.

"Finally. That was a lot."

Then he grinned and saluted playfully.

"Well, see you later then!"

Luca, Aiden, and Kyle walked toward the gathering area at the edge of the cliff, where several professors stood under a magically conjured canopy. The morning mist still clung to the mountain air, a faint chill drifting on the wind. Beastridge Mountain, ancient and sacred, groaned beneath the awakening of its slumbering magic. The atmosphere crackled with quiet intensity — the kind only felt when history was about to be written.

Standing near the front were Professor Seraphina, the Vice Dean, and a few other faculty members — their expressions solemn, but their eyes bright with anticipation.

Ten students had been chosen from the academy to enter the Inner Sanctum — a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Luca glanced around the small group, mentally taking note. Beside him stood Aiden and Kyle, then Lilliane, Selena, Vincent, Elowen... and Aurelia.

He blinked.

"Huh...? Wait, Aurelia?" he muttered, surprised.

Before he could say anything more, Aurelia walked up with a proud smirk and — much to his surprise — grabbed his hand.

"Surprised to see me? Hehe. I am the strongest second year, you know. That fight with the monster on the mountain just sealed the deal."

Luca smiled softly.

"I’m glad."

And he meant it. In a place where power meant everything, seeing her here meant she had grown even stronger.

The Vice Dean stepped forward, his voice carrying authority as he addressed the chosen ten.

"You ten are not just students anymore. You’re the future of this continent. The Inner Sanctum is a sacred land — the chance to forge a bond with mythical beasts is an honor rarely granted. Do not waste it."

He gestured to Professor Seraphina, who stepped forward with her usual calm grace, holding a small pouch at her side. She opened it and revealed ten glimmering crystals, each pulsing faintly with runes.

"I will be coming in with you this time. These are communication crystals," she said. "Each of you will get one. They allow one-time contact with me and will also let me track your location and vice versa. It’s a privilege exclusive to our academy."

She handed them out, one by one, making brief eye contact with each student.

Kyle tilted his head curiously.

"Ah, Professor, weren’t you supposed to enter with the Magic Tower? You got the quota from them, right?"

Seraphina gave a small smile.

"It’s the quota that matters, not who I enter with." her gaze drifted to the academy students.

Kyle wasn’t done.

"Then what about Saintess Aria?"

The Vice Dean answered this time.

"Saintess Aria holds a unique status — second only to the Pope in the Holy Kingdom. She will also be entering the Inner Sanctum. If you find her and she requires aid, offer it. She is your classmate now, and this trial is not just a personal test — it is a shared burden."

He paused, then added gravely,

"Once you’re inside, no one from outside can enter. The formation will seal behind you and reopen only after four days. Make those days count."

Luca approached Seraphina as he said " Professor you remember the favor right.?"

She replied "I still don’t know why you need that."

Just then, a low, echoing horn blew across the cliffs. The mountain responded. A tremor rolled through the ground, the air shimmering as ancient glyphs lit up beneath their feet. Magic — raw and ancient — surged from the core of the mountain.

The Vice Dean turned sharply.

"It’s time. Professor Seraphina, please return to the outer field. The other academy participants will be under your guidance."

She nodded and stepped back as the ground beneath the ten chosen began to glow in a golden circle. One by one, they steadied themselves — shoulders squared, expressions sharp.

Luca appeared in the inner sanctum with two questions.

Which beast can I form a contract with ?

What turn has fate taken this time?