The Extra's Rise-Chapter 279: Reika Solienne (6)

"I'll do as you say," Reika said, her voice steady. "I only wish to serve you."

I blinked. "That… is a weird goal."

Scratching my cheek, I watched as she simply smiled, tilting her head slightly. "I don't believe so. Regardless, if that means joining Ouroboros, I shall do so."

"Great," I said, clapping my hands together. "Glad we're on the same page."

She nodded, still watching me with an expression that was far too composed.

"Anyway," I continued, leaning forward slightly. "I have some information for you."

Reika's brow furrowed slightly. "Information?"

I nodded. "As you know, the cult isn't just some scattered organization—it's an empire in the shadows, deeply rooted and incredibly powerful. But not all of it is after you."

Her fingers twitched slightly against the table. "So who is?"

"Your project—" I met her gaze, "—was under the jurisdiction of one of their Cardinals. Cardinal Akasha."

Her lips parted slightly as she echoed the name. "Cardinal Akasha…"

"In terms of raw strength, he isn't particularly remarkable among the Cardinals," I continued, "but he is ambitious. And right now? He's way too strong for the current you to even imagine winning against."

Reika clenched her fists, her violet eyes flashing with something cold. "I understand."

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She exhaled softly, before meeting my gaze again. "I'll do my best to become strong enough."

I smiled. "Good."

We finished our meal, and if Reika's expression was anything to go by, she'd really enjoyed it.

She looked… better. Not just physically, but mentally. No signs of lingering trauma surfacing. No discomfort from resurfaced memories.

It was surprising, considering how much she had buried her past.

I studied her for a moment, thoughtful. She should have struggled more with this.

'It's because of you,' Luna piped up in my mind.

I promptly ignored her.

Instead, I leaned back slightly and said, "Let's go to Ouroboros, shall we?"

Reika nodded, setting down her utensils and standing with me.

The ride to the guild wasn't long, and when we arrived, the sight that greeted us was one I still wasn't fully used to.

The building we had acquired for Ouroboros had undergone a complete transformation, thanks to the sheer effort put in by Elias and Kali.

What had once been a barely passable base for a fledgling Bronze-rank guild was now a proper headquarters—sleek, fortified, and fitted with the best technology we could get our hands on.

And it wasn't just the infrastructure that had improved.

We had people now.

A lot more than before.

Ouroboros was growing.

Reika followed me inside, glancing around with subtle curiosity. This was the first time she was really stepping into what would be her new home.

Kali was waiting for us, leaning against the main desk with her arms crossed, her dark gaze settling on Reika the second we entered.

"So," she said, lips curling slightly, "she finally shows up."

Reika stiffened slightly but held her ground. "I wanted to speak to Arthur first."

Kali tilted her head, amused. "And? Did he pass your test?"

Reika hesitated. "Something like that."

Kali smirked but didn't push further. Instead, she straightened and held out a sleek, holo-tablet. "Sign here. Officially makes you one of us."

Reika took the tablet, her fingers hovering over the interface for a second before she pressed her signature into the digital contract.

The tablet beeped softly in confirmation.

Kali nodded in satisfaction. "Welcome to Ouroboros."

Reika exhaled, as if she hadn't fully realized the weight of her decision until just now.

I patted her shoulder. "You'll be fine."

Kali's smirk returned. "We'll see."

"Don't be mean, Kali," I said, sighing.

Kali shrugged, crossing her arms. "Well, at least you didn't blackmail her this time?" She shot me a pointed look.

Reika blinked, visibly surprised, before shaking her head. "No… Arthur has been good to me. I just wish to repay him."

"Well, that makes one of you," Kali muttered under her breath before moving on. "Anyway, Arthur already explained everything, so your workload won't be much outside of school breaks. During those, you'll be taking missions—mostly to build your personal battle experience."

I nodded. That much was obvious. I hadn't recruited Reika because she was strong now.

It was because of her potential.

Kali leaned against the desk, tapping her fingers against the surface. "So, that makes three out of four, huh?"

I nodded.

Reika tilted her head. "Three out of four?"

"Four special talents," Kali explained. "You, Elias Vance, and Jin Ashbluff."

Reika's brows shot up. "Wait—Prince Jin Ashbluff?"

We both nodded.

She blinked, processing it. Then—just accepted it. No drawn-out questions. No skepticism.

I liked her.

Kali smirked. "So, who's the last?"

I scratched the back of my head. "The most special of them all."

Kali raised an eyebrow. "And when are you planning to recruit them?"

"In the future."

Reika, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "The most special?"

I nodded. "Don't worry. I'll get her."

My lips pressed into a thin line.

Because unlike the others, this one would be different.

"God, what are you planning now?" Kali groaned, sinking back into her chair. "I'm telling you right now—don't involve me."

I raised an eyebrow. "You know I can't get her alone, right?"

She glared at me, unamused.

"May I ask who you're talking about?" Reika asked, watching us both.

I didn't answer immediately. Instead, I pulled out my phone. The silence stretched as I tapped a few buttons.

Then—just as they were about to press me again—the door slid open.

Elias stepped inside, hands in his pockets. "You called?"

I nodded. "Sit."

He did, settling into the chair across from me as I reached for the console embedded in the table. A single press of a button activated the technological soundproof barrier, an invisible field humming to life around us.

"Secretive, huh?" Kali mused.

I nodded. "This isn't something we can afford anyone else hearing."

I leaned forward slightly, folding my hands together. "Do you know about the First Calamity—the Heavenly Demon?"

The reaction was immediate.

Kali stiffened. Reika inhaled sharply. Elias's usual easy-going demeanor vanished, his expression hardening.

Of course, they reacted that way.

Everyone knew about him.

The First Calamity—the singular being who had brought the entire world to its knees. The unstoppable force that had shattered humanity's Golden Age, wiping out millions and requiring the combined might of every nation, every guild, and every legend just to contain him.

And even then—he had not been defeated by war.

He had only been slain by the First Hero.

"Of course we know," Elias said, his voice quieter than usual. "Who doesn't?"

"Then you also know about the Order of the Fallen Flame," I continued. "The remnants of the Heavenly Demon Sect that rebranded themselves after their leader's fall."

They all nodded.

The Order of the Fallen Flame hadn't been idle. Their influence had resurged in recent years, and their most notable attack had been against the Tower of Magic itself.

"Well," I said, tapping the table, "they're trying to revive him."

Silence.

A heavy, suffocating silence.

Reika's fingers curled slightly.

Elias narrowed his eyes.

Kali's mouth opened slightly before closing again. Then, finally, she spoke.

"W—what?"

"Revive the Heavenly Demon?" Her voice wavered slightly—something I never heard from Kali. "Arthur, you better be joking. No—actually, maybe it would be better if this was a joke."

"I wish I was joking." I sighed. "But it's true."

I didn't tell them how I knew.

"There are two major plans in motion right now," I continued. "Two ways they're trying to bring him back."

Reika's voice was quiet. "And what… what are you planning to do?"

I smiled.

"Steal one of them."

Elias blinked. "You want to steal a method for resurrecting the First Calamity?"

"Yes."

Kali laughed—except there was no humor in it. "You're actually insane."

"Maybe," I admitted. "But after what they did in the summer? After trying to hurt me? I think it's time I returned the favor."

I leaned back, my smirk fading slightly.

"That said," I continued, "we're all still too weak. This isn't something I can rush. I'll proceed with this plan when Ouroboros reaches Gold-rank… and when I can beat a high Ascendant-ranker on my own."

Their reactions varied.

Kali rubbed her temples like she had a headache. Elias leaned back in his chair, considering. Reika simply sat there, fingers twitching slightly against the fabric of her sleeve.

They knew it was crazy.

They also knew I wasn't changing my mind.

"So what's the plan until then?" Elias finally asked.

I smiled.

"We get stronger."