The Useless Extra Knows It All....But Does He?
Chapter 74 - The Battle against Destiny (1)

Chapter 74: Chapter 74 - The Battle against Destiny (1)

The cold wind howled through the trees, but it wasn’t the weather that made the air so heavy. One by one, groups began arriving —

Armored boots marched in rhythmic unity as the Knight Guard stepped into the clearing. Their silver insignias gleamed faintly, but even they couldn’t hide the tension etched into every face. Soon after, adorned in holy regalia and flowing robes, the Holy Kingdom’s clerics arrived, their solemn chants barely masking the fear in their steps. And then came the elite mages — robed in layered silks that shimmered with faint mana — sent directly from the Mage Tower itself.

All of them gathered around the center where Seraphina stood, her presence as composed as ever. Beside her, Luca stood silent, steady — but inside, his heart hadn’t stopped racing.

The first to speak was the Knight Guard’s lead — a tall man with dark eyes, his armor bearing the mark of a lion’s crest. His voice was firm but cold.

"Professor Seraphina," he began, casting a subtle glance at Luca, "I trust you’re aware of the current crisis. The disappearance of the Valdros team is no longer a rumor... and you must have received information from the Vice Dean."

Seraphina’s expression didn’t change. She simply nodded once. "I am aware."

The man’s eyes narrowed slightly at Luca, as if questioning his presence beside her. But before he could say more, a voice interrupted.

"We don’t have the luxury to waste time," said a woman robed in deep blue with silver embroidery — a mage, clearly high-ranking from the glow of her mana threads. "The abomination has already made its move. The fact that it hasn’t reached us yet is not a comfort. We must gather all powers and form a strategy now. If we wait for it to come to us... it will be too late."

Her tone was sharp, her words hanging heavy in the air. A few of the younger students who had just arrived overheard and gasped audibly. Someone muttered, "It’s true, then? The ancient dragon... it’s real..."

Seraphina glanced at them, then at Luca beside her, her voice calm but resolute. "I agree. Delay will cost lives. Gather your forces. We meet in the war hall in ten minutes."

The representatives nodded and began to move, but not before the knight’s eyes lingered on Luca again. This time, he said nothing — but the message in that glance was clear: Why is a student standing beside someone like her in such a moment?

And yet, none dared speak it aloud.

As the groups dispersed to their duties, the tension only grew, coiling in everyone’s chests like a serpent ready to strike. And in the middle of it all, Luca stood tall — not because he was ready... but because he had to be.

Hmm... I should be in that meeting as well, Luca thought, watching the high-ranking figures make their way toward the command tent. If we want to get out of here alive, I need to control all the pieces on the board. But how can I even get in? That Knight Commander already seems to have a problem with me.

He frowned slightly, thoughts racing. Well... I do still have that favor from Seraphina, don’t I? People might think I’m wasting it—but if I don’t use it now, I might not get another chance.

With a deep breath, he looked toward her and said, "Professor Seraphina... I would like to participate in the meeting as well."

Seraphina glanced at him, expression unreadable, and replied calmly, "Well, that would be easy."

Luca blinked, startled. "Huh? I don’t need to use the favor?"

"Really?!" he asked, half in disbelief.

She nodded. "You just need to announce that you’re the Tower Master’s disciple. Nobody would object to it."

Luca’s expression fell slightly, his spirit dampened. "No... It wouldn’t be proper. Not until Master announces it herself."

Seraphina studied him for a moment, then said with a shrug, "Then it would be a bit difficult."

Luca stood firm. "Please, Professor. Don’t you remember our deal? You said you’d listen to me once on Beastridge Mountain—without hesitation."

At that, Seraphina let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Ah... I did say that, didn’t I?" She glanced at him, reluctantly. "Alright. Let’s go."

The two of them walked together toward the large tent where the war council had been called. Inside, the atmosphere was tense, thick with authority and political friction.

As they entered, the Knight Commander’s gaze immediately landed on Luca. His brows furrowed, clear displeasure showing on his face—but he said nothing. Seraphina’s presence was enough to silence any objections, even from him.

Luca ignored the man’s glare and scanned the room.

Representatives from the major powers were gathered—each with their own agendas, each silently judging the others.

He spotted the Empire’s Knight Command, proud and rigid in posture. Among them stood Aiden, back straight. His face was calm, but his eyes briefly flicked toward Luca.

On the other side were members of the Magic Tower, robes marked with glowing symbols of arcane authority. Selena stood among them—expression cold as ever, arms crossed. She didn’t speak, but her gaze lingered on Luca for a second longer than necessary.

And finally, dressed in immaculate white and gold, was the representative of the Holy Kingdom—Aria. Her hands were clasped calmly in front of her, her aura graceful, almost divine. Her eyes, however, were sharp—observing everything, including him.

All the major powers were here.

The atmosphere in the tent was dense with tension, yet when Aria stood before them all, her voice carried a warmth that steadied even the most anxious.

"Thank you all for coming... I know you’re tired. Some of you have lost comrades. Some of you are still grieving. But even now, you stand here, unyielding... not because someone ordered you to, but because you chose to."

Luca watched her carefully.

So she’s the one chosen to speak first... Makes sense. The Holy Kingdom values symbolism, and what better than their Saintess to speak of unity.

Her hair shimmered faintly in the lantern light as she looked around at every face, from grizzled veterans to wide-eyed students.

"No matter where we come from—Empire, Kingdom, Academy—we are here for one reason: to protect life. And we will do just that."

A solemn quiet settled after her words. Then the Knight Commander stepped forward, jaw tight, a grim expression shadowing his features.

"We’ve received information from the outside," he began. "The barrier that isolates this region... it will take another fifteen hours before reinforcements can arrive from outside."

He glanced at the map laid before them.

"Until then, we hold the line. We stall that creature’s advance at all costs."

He began outlining the plan.

"Knights bonded with fast or flying beasts will be the frontline disruptors. Your job is to keep its attention divided—strike fast, fall back, repeat. Do not linger."

Another knight added, "Those with heavily armored or brute-strength beasts will form the core defensive squads. You will anchor positions, intercept heavy attacks, and create safe zones for healers and mages."

A senior magician spoke next, pointing at glowing arcane markers on the map.

"Mages will bombard from a distance. Our elemental formations will rotate to reduce burnout. Focus fire on the limbs, eyes, or wings—anything that limits mobility."

A high priest from the Holy Kingdom stepped up, his voice deep and calm.

"We will cast defensive wards, reinforce the mind and body, and offer blessings of resilience and clarity. Those chosen for offense will receive amplification—your strikes will carry divine force. Our healing will be immediate. Delays will cost lives."

Luca stood quietly in the back, listening.

His eyes swept across the map, the assignments, the chain of logic.

Everything seemed sound. Coordinated. Strategic.

His thoughts flickered.

"If everything goes according to plan, they might just hold out. But if something—anything—goes wrong..."

He clenched his fist.

They were building a wall of courage and hope... but they were still building a wall. No, this approach will only delay the inevitable. We need to strike first, I need to speak here..

And then—

"No."

The word cut through the tent like steel through silk.