The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist novel Chapter 237

Chapter 237: Chapter 237 : Duel (2)

The atmosphere inside the grand auditorium of Zenith Academy was charged with excitement—like the air before a thunderstorm. Every seat, from the lowest tier to the highest balcony, was occupied. From first-year cadets to the most elite third-years, everyone was present.

The chatter was endless, filled with anticipation. After all, the duel today wasn’t just between any students. It was a battle between legends in the making—

Ethan Williams, the Chosen One of the Goddess of Light.

Alden von Crestvale, the highborn prodigy of the Crestvale family.

And the mysterious Lucifer Morningstar, a hunter whose name had shaken the world within months of his debut.

No one wanted to miss what was about to unfold.

Away from the cheering masses, in the VIP section, sat figures of immense power—each one a cornerstone of the human empire.

At the center sat King Edward Evans Avaloria, his violet eyes gleaming with quiet amusement. To his right sat Duke Reynard Crestvale, posture rigid, expression unreadable. On his left was Headmaster Aldric Verlane, the man who oversaw Zenith Academy’s rise to prominence.

Beside Aldric sat Alyssa Vega, her gaze calm but calculating, and next to her was Marcus Reed, the famed leader of the number one guild in the human empire.

Across from them were three more legendary figures: Duke Arthur Williams, father of Ethan Williams; Marquis Liam Starlight, father of Seraphina Starlight; and Marquis Augustus Sinclair, father of Ophelia Sinclair.

The room practically buzzed with authority.

King Edward glanced toward Reynard, noticing his distant expression.

"You seem rather tense, Rey," he said casually. "Your son’s about to fight in front of the whole empire on my request as it’s being broadcast everywhere, yet you don’t look excited."

Reynard forced a thin smile. "It’s nothing, Your Majesty. I just saw something... disturbing before coming here, and I can’t seem to get it out of my mind."

Edward tilted his head, intrigued. "What could possibly disturb someone like you?"

Reynard’s jaw tightened. "I’d rather not talk about it. It’s nothing serious anyway. You could say I’ve already... dealt with the problem."

Edward chuckled lightly. "Very well. Then forget it and enjoy the duel instead."

Before the king could continue, Marcus Reed leaned forward with a grin.

"Your Majesty," he said, "who do you think will win?"

Edward’s eyes twinkled. "If I had to bet, Ethan likely has the highest chance of victory. But the other two aren’t exactly ordinary."

Duke Arthur smiled proudly. "I’m honored that His Majesty holds my son in such high regard."

Marquis Augustus Sinclair smirked. "I’ll put my money on the Lucifer kid. I hope he beats up that ’heroic’ ass of your son, Arthur."

Arthur’s expression darkened as a vein bulged on his forehead. "Mind your words, Augustus."

Augustus shrugged nonchalantly. "What? Can’t I share my opinion now?"

Before things could escalate, Reynard spoke up, his tone calm but firm.

"Alden has made significant progress. I wouldn’t count him out just yet. After all, he is a Crestvale."

The subtle pride in his voice didn’t go unnoticed.

King Edward chuckled softly, his gaze shifting toward Alyssa Vega, who had remained quiet the whole time.

"What about you, Mentor Vega? You’ve been awfully silent. Who do you think will win?"

Alyssa leaned back slightly, her arms crossed, her eyes half-closed as she spoke with calm confidence.

"I don’t need to say anything, Your Majesty. Ethan and Alden are monsters in their own right... it’s just their bad luck that they have to face him."

Edward raised an eyebrow. "You sound quite confident in your disciple, don’t you?"

Alyssa merely smiled faintly and said nothing more.

Marcus Reed laughed heartily. "Now that’s what I like to hear! I’m even more curious to see what this Lucifer boy can do."

He sighed wistfully. "I wish my grandson, Kyle, weren’t on that mission. This would’ve been quite the lesson for him."

Alyssa smirked. "Who knows? He might be watching anyway."

Marcus chuckled. "I hope he is."

Unbeknownst to them, she was right. Somewhere across the continent, Kyle Celestian was indeed watching the duel’s live feed with a focused expression, his curiosity piqued.

Suddenly, Marquis Starlight leaned forward, his tone eager.

"Everyone, the duel’s started."

In an instant, the massive auditorium went silent as dozens of holographic screens materialized mid-air, each displaying the same feed—the virtual arena where Alex, Ethan, and Alden stood.

As their bodies materialized, the trio found themselves standing inside a colossal coliseum that looked straight out of ancient history.

The arena’s walls were made of towering marble pillars carved with runes that shimmered with faint blue light. Spectral banners of forgotten kingdoms waved in a non-existent breeze. The ground beneath them was cracked sandstone, etched with the scars of countless battles.

Above, the sky was painted crimson and gold—eternal twilight frozen in time. Floating platforms and ruined statues circled the coliseum like silent watchers of fate.

The three of them stood at the center of the battlefield, facing each other. The air between them pulsed with invisible tension.

All three smirked almost simultaneously.

Alden spoke first, cracking his neck. "Finally," he said with a fierce grin, "I can test the results of my training. Maybe I won’t even need to use my divine weapon to beat you two after all."

Ethan’s mouth twitched. "Cocky as ever."

Before he could continue, Alden’s figure suddenly blurred—his movement vanishing from human sight.

’Fast!’ Ethan thought, barely able to process it before—

BAM!

Alden delivered a roundhouse kick straight to his face like a whip of steel.

Ethan barely managed to cross his arms in front of his face as draconic scales rippled across them in a flash of golden light.

The impact exploded like a cannon blast.

CRACK!

BOOM!

The shockwave tore through the arena floor as Ethan was sent flying backward, dust and energy scattering in every direction.

When his body skidded to a halt, his arms hung limply at his sides. The golden scales that covered them were shattered—thin cracks running along his forearms. Blood dripped freely from the wounds.

Ethan’s eyes widened in disbelief. ’What the hell... When did this guy get this strong? I barely reacted to that attack. His strength... his speed... it’s off the charts.’

His breathing grew heavier, his expression grim. ’Did I underestimate him too much?’

Alden grinned, his fists tightening as he said, "I like that look on your face."

Suddenly, golden flames erupted around Ethan’s arms, swirling like twin suns. Within moments, the bones and muscles snapped back into place, the flesh sealed, and the blood vanished. His wounds were gone, completely healed.

Alden clicked his tongue. "Tch. That annoying regeneration of yours."

Then he narrowed his eyes. ’But I have just the thing to counter that. Especially for someone like you.’

Ethan rolled his shoulders as the golden aura faded into a darker, crimson hue. A small smile formed on his lips. "Looks like it’s my turn."

The atmosphere thickened. The air vibrated. Ethan’s veins pulsed with divine energy and draconic power as golden scales began crawling up his arms, merging with his skin.

His forearms twisted, bones reshaping as the scales hardened like armor. Claws extended, glowing red with an ominous aura, as if dipped in dragon’s wrath.

And then—he vanished.

In the next instant, Ethan reappeared in front of Alden, his fist crashing into Alden’s gut like a meteor.

The sound echoed like thunder.

Alden’s body shot backward, smashing through a marble pillar. The impact shattered the pillar into dust and sent shockwaves rippling across the coliseum floor.

When the debris cleared, Alden stood, coughing blood, but his lips curled into a grin.

Ethan blinked, his crimson eyes narrowing. ’No... this can’t be right.’

Before his eyes, the torn flesh across Alden’s abdomen began to knit itself together. The bruises faded, and within seconds, Alden’s body was completely healed.

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