Transmigrating as an Extra, But the Heroine Has Regressed?!
Chapter 72: Meeting of the Academics.

Chapter 72: Meeting of the Academics.

Elric slowly stood up from his seat with calm.

"Everyone," he began.

"Principal Aldric of Arcadia academy has reached out again. This is the third formal meeting in almost a decade and he is formally requesting an alliance... and our corporation."

Some of the professors glanced up with eyebrows raised.

Elric continued, "according to the report he sent, Arcadia’s investigators have been tracking a secretive group operating in the shadows. They believed this organization is not only involved in several recent attacks, but maybe connected to the demon forces."

He paused waiting for the next thing to say.

"And now principal Aldric claims there is a demon known as the demon lord who himself is involved."

For a moment there was silence.

Then some began to murmured..

"That’s absurd," someone said loudly.

"The demon lord? Are they serious?", another said clearly unconvinced.

"Are they joking? Throwing a fight against the strong heroes of the nation."?

One professor leaned forward, "who even is the demon lord? No one has seen or heard about his existence for over a century. How can we believe such a wild claim?"

Another professor added under his breath, "Arcadia always makes it sound like the world revolves around them."

Several around him nodded and whispered in agreement.

Then, from the far end of the table, one professor chuckled.

Principal Jareth Vonn leaned forward, a man with a deep scar running down to the left side of his face, "Arcadia academy..." he said.

"Is already the top ranked academy across all nations. They have nearly a hundred elite-ranked heroes teaching as a staff. Some of them used to lead armies. That place isn’t just an academy, it is a fortress in disguise."

"And now, you want our help? Is that a joke?"

"Strongs asking help from others"

Then Jareth Vonn leaned back in his seat.

Principal Aldric, "I am not asking for help, we seek cooperation if incase, there are things that we can’t handle, maybe we should join hand in needs."

Some professors shook their heads in agreement but many of them leaned back looking frustrated.

A new voice came up, "Or perhaps," he said, "this time... the fire is real."

Everyone’s eyes turned to the voice.

"Or perhaps... Because the fire is real."

Some of the professors from the Arcadia academy offered respect, bowing to the council.

"Valenwald Academy is a respected and powerful institution," he began saying towards the hall, " none of you doubt your legacy, your strength or your judgement. But it doesn’t mean I am going against everyone’s will or questioning your pride, I also agree with Arcadia’s corporation. The threat we speak of is not just Arcadia’s problems. It may happen to us too because hundreds of future heroes lies in our protection."

The room remained silent.

The principal Elric Durnholde spoke carefully, "we have already reviewed their reports of the assassinations."

"But none of them has been confirmed. There is no solid proof."

He stepped forward and stopped at the centre of the table.

"Those heroes who died have died due to aging and some due to illness. There are no traces of vanishing heroes."

"Hence, we, the Bighall Academy, turn down the corporation."

"Forgive us, but we welcome you for the student competitions at any time you need."

Then one of the female professors said, "Arcadia is the home to the home to the continent’s most powerful heroes with top ranked warriors, and suddenly seeks cooperation."

"I will turn it down but why do you need now.?"

The professor who agreed spoke again, "Because now," he said clearly, "is when it matters."

He let those words hang in the air before continuing.

"Principal Aldric doesn’t just believe the Demons are preparing to rise—he’s certain of it. The signs are there. The movements, the symbols, the silence in places that should never be quiet."

He turned, making sure every principal and professor saw the seriousness in his eyes.

"Yes, Arcadia can hold the line—for a while. We have strength, resources, and trained heroes. But not even we can stand forever against what’s coming."

He paused, then pressed forward, his voice rising slightly with passion.

"But if we unite... if Valenwald and the other great academies stand with us—then we can act before the demons destroy us."

His final words echoed across the marble chamber, bold and unwavering.

For a few heartbeats, no one responded.

But then some of the principal says,

"Nice speech. But let’s not dress it up in banners and glory."

He narrowed her eyes.

"You speak of fighting those demons. Those demons are fake. Demons don’t exist and don’t make us laugh."

"Let’s call it what it is. You’re asking us to prepare our students—our children—for a battle they might never return from. Based on what, exactly? Broken carvings? Ancient symbols? Disappearances and whispers in the night? Those fake demons Arcadia spoke of?"

Murmurs of agreement rose among several other professors. Concern and doubt spread like wildfire.

Then one of the principal says,

"You ask for unity," he said slowly. "You ask us to rally behind Arcadia’s banner. But do not forget—we have our own people to look after too. Our own homes, our own students."

"You speak of a storm that’s coming. But if you expect us to march into it with our doors wide open, you must give us more than shadows and fear."

"But Arcadia has never stood with us when we needed help. During the Ghoul Plague in the west—where were you? When Frostfall fell under siege—where was Arcadia then?"

"Every year, we hold competitions among academics twice and your academy always scores first. So use your heroes to kill those fake demons."

Some of the professors shook their heads. "We will not be Arcadia’s sword."

"Nor its shield," Jareth added.

Aldric looked around the room, sensing the mood.

"Let’s vote," he said finally. "All in favor of a temporary alliance with Arcadia Academy against the supposed demon threat?"

One hand rose.

Then another.

Only four of the sixty two professors and eleven principals raised their hands.

(Opposed?) Elric asked.

The result was clear.

The head of the department of the Arcadia academy bowed his head respectfully.

And with that, they turned and walked out of the hall, leaving them in thoughtful silence.