The Extra's Supremacy

Late at night, under a high-hanging moon, 100 kilometers away from the royal capital of Regalia, stood the bustling Kythera City. Within its heart, the well-renowned Everbloom Inn was alive with activity. Tonight, the inn was busier than usual, hosting a man whose reputation alone could draw a crowd—Aric, a master-level Ascender.

Aric was no ordinary guest. At just 28 years old, he was celebrated for his dual-elemental abilities: pyrokinesis and aerokinesis. His exploits had earned him a prestigious position as a professor at the esteemed Ascender Academy. As whispers of his presence spread through the city, townsfolk gathered in the inn's common hall, eager to catch a glimpse of the famous Ascender or hear tales of his adventures.

In the inn's lively main hall, Aric sat with a few of his trusted friends, a somber expression on his face despite the celebratory atmosphere around him. His light blue hair caught the warm glow of the lanterns, and his piercing green eyes hinted at depths of untold stories. A man of striking appearance and commanding strength, Aric was undoubtedly a figure who drew attention wherever he went.

As the evening wore on, he shared pieces of his life with his companions, his voice tinged with melancholy. "You know," he began, swirling the drink in his hand, "it's been three years since I reached Master Ascender level. Three years of triumphs, battles, and accolades. Yet here I am, still single."

One of his friends, a burly man with a hearty laugh, clapped him on the shoulder. "Single? You? Aric, you're probably turning down women left and right!"

Aric let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head. "If only it were that simple. It's not that I'm uninterested or that they're not interested. It's…" He paused, searching for the right words. "Most women assume I'm already taken. Good looks, strength, and status? They think there's no way someone like me wouldn't already have a partner."

The table erupted in laughter at the irony, though Aric's expression remained contemplative. "I've fought monsters, conquered challenges, and mentored dozens of students," he continued, his voice softer now. "But when it comes to something as simple as finding a connection… it feels impossible."

A friend with a sharp wit and a twinkle in her eye leaned forward. "Maybe you're just looking in the wrong places, Aric. Or maybe," she added with a teasing grin, "you need to let them see the man behind the legend."

Aric smiled faintly at her words, though a hint of sadness lingered in his eyes. The conversation drifted to lighter topics as the night wore on, the hall around them buzzing with energy and chatter about the famous professor. Despite the lively surroundings, Aric couldn't shake the weight of his thoughts.

The moon climbed higher into the sky, its silver light spilling through the inn's windows. Outside, the city of Kythera hummed with life, unaware of the quiet struggles of the man hailed as a hero. For all his fame and power, Aric was just another soul searching for a place to belong.

The door to the inn creaked open, and a sudden hush fell over the room as a figure entered. A lady, seemingly in her early twenties, stepped into the bustling hall. She was breathtakingly beautiful, her raven-black hair cascading in soft waves down her back, and her striking blue eyes glimmered in the lantern light, as though they held a universe of untold secrets. The room seemed to pause for a moment as if the very air shifted with her presence.

Aric's gaze locked onto her the moment she entered. A quiet curiosity stirred within him, and before he could even think, the words slipped out in a low murmur, almost as if spoken by someone else: "Beautiful."

His friends, who had been lost in their own conversation, instantly turned toward the lady, their eyes widening in surprise. They exchanged a look, then quickly glanced back at Aric, eyebrows raised in unspoken questions.

Aric, still mesmerized by her presence, quickly realized what he'd said. A flush crept onto his face, and he hastily cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. His usual confidence faltered for a fleeting moment as the woman's blue eyes seemed to pierce right through him.

The conversation around the table paused as his friends observed the exchange, all too aware of the significance of Aric's words. The mighty Master Ascender, usually unflappable, had just openly admired someone. It was a rare sight, one that hadn't gone unnoticed.

The lady, seemingly unaware of the attention she had garnered, made her way to the counter, where she politely greeted the innkeeper. But even from her back, there was an undeniable allure that captured the attention of everyone nearby.

Aric's eyes lingered for just a moment longer before he turned his attention back to his friends, trying to hide the lingering curiosity in his expression. His hand absently traced the rim of his glass as his friends smirked knowingly.

"Well, well," one of them teased, "seems like the great Aric is rendered speechless by a pretty face. What are the odds?"

Aric gave them a pointed look, trying to brush off the comment. "Quiet, you," he muttered, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice. Despite his usual poise, something about her—her presence, her beauty—had rattled him in a way he hadn't anticipated.

The lady remained at the counter for a moment longer, but Aric couldn't take his eyes off her. The air between them seemed to hum with something unspoken, as if fate had just made its first move.

His friends exchanged amused glances, grinning like mischievous schoolboys as they nudged Aric. "Hey, dude, this is your chance. Go talk to her!"

"Wha—what are you talking about?" Aric stammered, his face flushing slightly.

"You see, man," one of his friends leaned in, his grin widening, "you've got to make the first move. Otherwise, you won't be getting married in this life."

Aric sputtered, clearly flustered. He ran a hand through his light blue hair, trying to hide the awkwardness. "I—I don't know about that. What if she thinks I'm some sort of—"

"Pervert who talks to ladies?" His friend finished the thought for him, raising an eyebrow. "Come on, man, no risk, no gain. You won't know unless you try."

Aric hesitated for a moment, his nerves churning. But despite the hesitation, something about the situation made him feel like today was different. A feeling of unease mixed with excitement bubbled in his chest. "Fine," he muttered under his breath. "I have a feeling this will be my lucky day."

With a deep breath, he steeled himself, mentally preparing for the conversation. His eyes fixed on the lady, and his heart began to beat a little faster. He stood up, adjusting his robes, and started walking toward her. In his mind, a thousand thoughts raced. 'What should I say? What if I sound stupid? What if she rejects me? What if she doesn't even want to talk to me?'

He walked towards her, he opened his mouth to speak, the words forming in his mind. He was about to call out, "Hel-," when suddenly a shrill voice cut through the quiet murmur of the inn, startling him mid-step.

"Mother!"

A little girl, no older than five or six, came running from the entrance of the hall, her tiny feet pattering against the floor as she dashed toward the lady. The room fell silent as everyone's gaze shifted toward the child.

Behind the girl, an eighteen-year-old boy—likely her older brother—rushed in, attempting to catch up with her. His face was flushed from running, and he seemed genuinely concerned as he called out for her to slow down.

The lady's face softened instantly at the sight of the little girl. She bent down gracefully, her gaze filled with warmth as she caught the child in her arms, holding her close.

Aric paused mid-step, his momentum coming to a halt. His nerves, which had been building so quickly just moments before, now felt like they'd evaporated into nothing. The moment had passed.

His friends, still watching him, couldn't suppress their laughter. "Guess that's one way to get interrupted."

Aric sighed, sitting back down slowly. "Guess I'll just wait for my 'lucky day' to arrive some other time," he muttered, though he couldn't stop his gaze from lingering on the lady and her young companions.

The room resumed its usual noise, but for Aric, time seemed to slow down. His thoughts were still preoccupied with the brief encounter. Mother, he thought, the word echoing in his mind. 'She's a mother…'