The Extra's Rise-Chapter 284 - 281: Rose Springshaper (2)

Arthur and I finished our dance just as the next song began to play, sending more couples onto the floor. The atmosphere shifted, the ballroom filling with movement and laughter as the celebration truly began.

I turned to him. "Do you want to meet my father?"

Arthur tilted his head slightly, considering. "Sure."

"You don't have to," I added, watching his reaction. "He just wants to meet you."

Arthur smiled. "I don't mind. If anything, I should get to know him."

Satisfied, I nodded and linked my arm with his, leading him toward where my father was speaking with other guests.

My father was effortlessly holding court, exchanging pleasantries with nobles and corporate heads alike. But the moment his eyes landed on us, his attention shifted, a knowing smile forming on his face.

Arthur inclined his head in a polite bow. "Greetings, Marquis Springshaper."

My father chuckled. "No need to be so stiff."

He took a sip from his glass before regarding Arthur with sharp yet amused eyes. "I am glad to finally meet one of the biggest clients of Vakrt, as well as Rank 1 of the greatest generation." He paused, his smile widening. "Though, of course, I am more pleased to meet the young man who has captured my daughter's interest."

I felt my face heat up instantly. "Father."

He laughed.

Arthur, ever composed, responded smoothly. "I am honored to be considered someone Rose likes."

My father hummed, eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he observed him. "Well, you are a special young man." His tone was thoughtful, appraising. "Such strength, such potential at your age."

Arthur met his gaze without wavering. "Thank you, Marquis. That means a lot."

"Anyway, you two should enjoy yourselves," my father said, smiling as he dismissed us with a casual wave.

Arthur and I turned away, walking side by side as the lively hum of conversation filled the ballroom.

"Well, that was pleasant," Arthur remarked.

I raised an eyebrow. "Did you expect otherwise?"

He let out a small chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "Let's just say I have experience with Rachel's father."

I sighed. "That's entirely different. You were in a coma for a month, Arthur. Rachel personally healed you every day, constantly traveling back and forth between Mythos Academy and the Creighton estate through gates just to keep you stable."

Arthur nodded, his expression softening. "I know… I'm very grateful to her."

As we continued walking, immersed in quiet conversation, I suddenly noticed someone approaching.

Arthur stiffened.

I turned to see a boy—tall, sharp-featured, carrying himself with the kind of confidence that came from both power and status. His black eyes gleamed under the chandeliers, his onyx hair a clear mark of his lineage.

Jack Blazespout.

Son of Duke Blazespout, heir to one of the most powerful noble houses in the Slatemark Empire—second only to the Imperial Family itself.

He inclined his head slightly, offering a polite smile.

"Greetings." His voice was smooth, deliberate. His gaze flickered between us before settling on me. "Congratulations, Lady Rose."

I nodded, offering a practiced, courtly smile in return. "Thank you, Lord Jack Blazespout."

Although his words were directed at me, his eyes never left Arthur.

In this world, three names stood at the forefront of our generation.

Lucifer Windward. Jack Blazespout. Arthur Nightingale.

Three prodigies, each with power that set them apart from the rest.

And geniuses? Geniuses were drawn to one another.

That was inevitable.

But the way Jack was looking at Arthur now… this wasn't mere curiosity.

There was too much tension.

Too much hostility.

Jack's smile was polished, his posture relaxed—yet every inch of him radiated challenge.

"I've heard a lot about you too," he said smoothly. "Current Rank 1 of Mythos Academy."

He extended his hand. Arthur took it.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then—a shift.

A near-imperceptible clash of mana.

It was subtle. Controlled. Contained within the handshake.

But I could feel it.

Their energies flared against each other in a silent contest—pushing, testing, challenging.

I narrowed my eyes slightly. I was right.

These two didn't just acknowledge each other as rivals.

They didn't like each other.

Which was strange. As far as I knew, they had barely interacted before.

And yet…

Here they were.

And the air between them was crackling.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Someone annoying now stood in front of me.

Jack Blazespout.

The primary antagonist of Saga of the Divine Swordsman. The one who bonded with the Orb of Avarice and inherited the Heavenly Demon's memories and Gift.

A parallel to Lucifer Windward.

Lucifer had two Body aspect Gifts. Jack had two Mind aspect Gifts.

Lucifer was proud, but at his core, he was still a Hero. Jack was the opposite.

Pure evil.

And the future Calamity.

"You've grown stronger," he murmured, voice dipping into a whisper.

His words slithered into my ears, laced with mana.

"Isn't that right, Emperor of the World?"

I kept my face neutral.

Luna's voice rang in my head. 'How did he detect me?'

'The Heavenly Demon inside him was at the level of a demigod,' I answered. 'Your seal can't work against something like that.'

Jack grinned, sharp and amused.

"You're playing a dangerous game, demon child," I whispered back, infusing mana into my voice.

His smile widened.

"How about we talk alone?" he suggested, this time loud enough for others to hear.

I glanced at Rose.

"I'll be back," I assured her with a smile before following Jack.

We entered a private chamber, and the moment the door shut, a soundproof barrier flared to life.

No witnesses.

I turned to face him.

"How did you know?" I asked.

Even with the Heavenly Demon's presence inside him, detecting Luna's existence shouldn't have been natural.

Jack leaned against the wall, completely at ease. "I had my suspicions after Evelyn told me about you. I just needed to confirm it for myself."

I frowned. "Are you not afraid I'll expose you?"

Jack chuckled. "You can't."

I narrowed my eyes.

"There's zero evidence," he shrugged. "And I'm a Duke's son. You'd be putting your life on the line in a trial that I would win."

I clenched my fist.

The worst part about Jack.

He could completely hide his miasma.

Even more than normal contractors.

Which meant that even if I dragged him to trial, nothing would come of it.

It was how, in the original novel, one of Lucifer's friends had ended up dead—because he accused Jack, only for Jack to walk away innocent, fooling everyone.

Jack flicked his fingers, and white flames danced at his fingertips—ethereal, shifting embers that pulsed with a purity unnatural for something born of him.

Nirvana Flames.

The epitome of purification. A force that mirrored Lucifer's white mana and the sanctity of Purelight—yet distinct in its own right.

And in the hands of someone like him?

It could erase anything.

Including recordings.

"Come on now," Jack said, voice carrying an easy amusement. "Let's not be childish."

I exhaled through my nose, resisting the urge to click my tongue.

"So? What do you want?" I asked flatly.

Jack smiled. "Well, I have the upper hand here, don't I?"

He spread his arms lazily, like this was all one big joke.

"I want Rose Springshaper."

I froze.

"What?" My voice was sharp.

Jack tilted his head, rubbing the back of his neck like he was discussing a trade deal.

"Evelyn keeps asking for her daughter," he said, almost bored. "So, I want her. How about it? Seems like a fair deal to me."

I scoffed.

"There is no way I'm saying yes to that."

My gaze darkened. Jack knew it, too.

He sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah, I figured you'd say that."

Then, his expression shifted.

Gone was the lazy amusement.

His dark eyes glinted, something dangerous sparking within them.

"But how long do you think you can protect all of them?" His voice was soft—too soft.

Cold.

Like he already knew the answer.

"Against us?"

The air in the room seemed to tighten.

Jack took a step closer.

"You're weak, Arthur."

Before I could respond, Jack turned away, moving with the same unhurried ease as if he had already won.

"You'll find yourself in a pit of despair soon," he murmured, his voice almost gentle—like a preacher delivering a prophecy rather than a threat.

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His hand lingered on the doorframe, just for a moment.

"And when you're ready to commit one of the sins, pray."

He glanced over his shoulder, a smirk curling at the edges of his lips.

"Perhaps, if you're lucky, one of the Lords will hear you."

The smirk deepened.

"And then… maybe I'll spare you."

He stepped out, the soundproof barrier dissolving behind him as the door hissed shut.

I stood there for a moment, rolling his words over in my mind.

Then, I smiled.

Crushing arrogant enemies was always the most satisfying.