I'm an Extra, so What?-Chapter 56: Two Birds, One Stone

"Now what?" Serene asked, brushing dirt from her uniform as she stood.

"Well," Luka rose to his feet and stretched his sore arms. "We sell the damn thing."

"What!?" Serene's head tilted in disbelief. "Aren't you already wealthy? Why would you sell a weapon like this?"

Luka scratched his nose casually, avoiding her gaze.

"Well… there's a certain person I don't want getting their hands on it. And besides, I can't even use it. It's too heavy, and my class is Ranger. Greatswords aren't exactly my specialty."

Serene raised an eyebrow, still not convinced.

"But more importantly," Luka continued, a smirk creeping across his face.

"Selling this greatsword will get me in the good graces of someone very influential. Let's just say, she's someone worth connecting with."

His grin widened, teeth showing as if he were already imagining the possibilities.

"If you think that's best…" Serene murmured, glancing down at the greatsword lying heavily in the grass.

"Then I don't see why not. I'm guessing we're going to have to drag it to the carriage?"

"Yep…" Luka sighed. He crouched down and gripped it again. "You ready?"

Serene mirrored him, taking the opposite side. "Ready."

Luka closed his eyes for a brief moment, centering his breath before exhaling slowly.

"Three… two… one!"

They lifted together.

Luka's knees immediately buckled under the weight, his side sagging lower as he grunted through clenched teeth.

The greatsword felt like a slab of a mountain.

"Let's hurry this up," he hissed, stepping back with small, awkward shuffles.

"…" Serene nodded silently, her movements smooth, effortlessly bearing her side of the weight.

Together, they trudged toward the carriage, the massive greatsword swinging gently between them.

When they finally reached it—

Luka glanced at the coachman.

"Hey, can you open the carriage door for us?"

The coachman, quick on his feet, climbed down and swung the door open. "Here you are, sir."

"Thanks…" Luka muttered, sweat dripping down the side of his face.

He adjusted his grip and tilted the greatsword's angle.

With Serene's help—

They maneuvered the weapon into the carriage with a loud clang, the carriage visibly sinking a few inches under the sheer weight.

"Remind me," Luka said breathlessly, slumping against the side, "to never rob a grave again… unless the loot is lighter."

"I'll make sure to do so…" Serene replied, catching her breath.

A faint sheen of sweat clung to her forehead as she wiped it away with the back of her glove.

Just then, an old voice was heard—

"Ah! You must be the adventurers who accepted the job! Thank the Goddess Lucia! I was so worried no one would take it... It's been months!"

Both Luka and Serene turned their heads to see a tiny old man slowly making his way toward them, leaning heavily on a wooden cane.

Despite his frail frame, his smile was wide and radiant, almost blinding in its sincerity.

He finally reached them, standing just a few feet away and craning his neck to look up at the two.

"Ah, how rude of me," he said, placing a hand over his heart.

"My name is Eldric Thorne, elder of this village. I'm incredibly grateful for your help! The children here have been absolutely terrified!"

"Oh, really?" Luka responded, rubbing the back of his head with a forced chuckle. "That's, uh, terrible."

In truth, he was thinking: 'Beat it, old man. We're trying to get out of here before nightfall!'

But he wasn't completely heartless…

He had some standards…

Even if they were low…

"Indeed!" Eldric nodded eagerly, his whole body bobbing with the motion.

There was a hopeful glow in his eyes.

"And I can't believe you even arrived early! You truly are a kind soul! Please, allow us to show the village's appreciation with a small feast—just a modest one, of course!"

Eldric gestured proudly toward the tiny cluster of houses a little away.

"I promise, our food may be humble, but it will meet your standards, I assure you!"

"Well…" Luka hesitated, scratching his cheek. He glanced at the sun.

"I want to be ready for tonight. Can't afford to waste energy before then. How about this: once I've taken care of the zombies, you can throw that feast for me?"

Eldric's eyes sparkled.

"Ah! I see! You won't accept it until the job is done! Truly, you have a heart of gold, young man!"

Serene tried to keep a straight face, but it was filled with guilt.

Meanwhile, Luka gave a polite smile and a small wave, trying to steer things back on track.

"We'll be back once it's taken care of. Then we'll eat. Promise."

Eldric bowed as deeply as his body allowed. "May the Goddess Lucia guide your steps!"

As the elder slowly shuffled back toward the village—

Luka sighed under his breath and glanced at his personal maid.

"Let's get out of here," he muttered.

"Yes, Young Master…" Serene placed a hand over her heart, her brows knit in a faint frown.

With that, the two climbed into the carriage.

As it began to roll forward—noticeably slower thanks to the weight of the greatsword—

Serene turned her gaze out the window, watching the small village slowly fade from view.

Her fingers gently clutched the tiny cross necklace around her neck.

Luka, noticing the change in her mood, let out a soft sigh.

"Let me guess… You feel guilty about not helping?"

Serene gave a small, reluctant nod.

"Indeed… I'm sorry, Young Master. It just feels wrong—really wrong—to leave things like this."

Luka pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Fine, fine… How about this—once we get rid of the greatsword, we'll come back tonight and actually finish the job."

"…" Serene's eyes lit up. The heavy look on her face melted away, replaced by a bright, grateful smile.

"Thank you, Young Master!"

"Yeah, yeah…" Luka waved it off, leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms.

'Though I guess this works out… I'll get some XP, and it'll probably boost my reputation too. Two birds, one stone.'