Path of the Extra

Everyone in the SUV exclaimed suddenly at hearing the absurd statement that just left Ragnar's mouth.

The driver's reason, though, was different than the rest as he narrowed his eyes slightly at Azriel through the mirror before they widened in shock.

"A-Azriel Crimson..."

'W-what the hell!? What does he mean not against me dating her?'

'It was just a game dammit! The maniac didn't even finish who the second girl would have been as an option!'

Though screaming inside his mind, perhaps it was for the best the second choice was never revealed since he would have definitely picked that to avoid awkwardness.

But that would have now only looked like Azriel didn't want Celestina, earning him Ragnar's ire.

'Is he actually trying to set me up with his daughter?'

"You have grown into one of the most handsome young men I know of, and you are extremely talented, so of course you would be the perfect partner for my daughter, not to mention you being Joaquin's son."

Azriel narrowed his eyes, as did Thomas and Solomon, at Ragnar, who had his arms folded together and his eyes closed again.

For some reason, he had a feeling that the last part was the main reason...

"You have already talked to her a few times, haven't you? You have seen just how smart, beautiful, and talented she really is. So many boys your age would kill to be her boyfriend. Besides, she is already a grade 2 awakened, she just needs to kill a little bit over 30 more grade 3 beasts to advance."

'H-he is really trying to set me up with her!'

Solomon's mouth was agape, staring in disbelief at Ragnar, as the driver's ears were a little red from a lot of things he was hearing here.

Thomas could be seen massaging his temples.

"So what do you say? Do you want to be with my daughter?"

Hearing his question, everyone suddenly looked at Azriel with bated breaths for his answer.

Even the driver could be seen focused on him instead of the road.

'E-eh? He wants me to answer right now? The fuck, how can I dammit!'

Sure, Celestina Frost was his favorite heroine when he was reading the book.

But that was when she was just that, a character in the book.

Now he was Azriel Crimson, an actual person in the world of Path of Heroes.

Not Leo Karumi, an ordinary high school student reading the book.

He knew that he didn't love her or anything like that as Leo Karumi.

More like he admired her like an idol.

'W-what should I say? If I decline, would he kill me just hours before I am about to reunite with my family?'

He flinched as he noticed Ragnar's cold blue eyes were fixed on him suddenly.

Darting around, his gaze met that of Solomon, who merely averted his.

'Traitor!'

The bastard was the reason he was in this mess in the first place!

"I-I..."

"Ah! We have, uhm, arrived."

As if a god had descended, the driver's meek words made him breathe out in relief.

"Oh right, we should finish this another time, Azriel."

"Y-yeah."

Please don't.

They had already passed through the gate without any of them noticing since it opened for them instantly, recognizing the Frost clan plate on the SUV.

Glaring at Solomon the entire time as he stepped out of the car with them, only one thought came to mind as he gazed at the city.

'Words don't do this justice in the slightest...'

Skyscrapers soared into the sky, their glass surfaces reflecting the sunset, some of them had their modern design highlighted by shifting LED patterns.

The streets buzzed with the chatter of people. Huge screens fixed on buildings displayed vibrant ads.

Public art installations dotted some of the sidewalks, and above, skybridges connected to some of the tallest buildings, lined with cafes and boutiques.

The aroma of street food mingled with scents from upscale and downscale restaurants, hinting at the variety within.

The city was like a blend of technology and nature.

He had memories of the previous Azriel of this city but...

It truly felt like he was seeing this for the first time.

'EASC...'

*****

Due to having all four heads of the great clan in EASC today, the streets were fairly empty and filled with security.

Only those who live in EASC and are thoroughly checked were allowed to roam around the city.

All except for Azriel and the others with him, of course.

Being a hassle to get checked if they were allowed to be roaming the capital, most decided to stay inside their respective homes.

After finally getting a haircut, Azriel was sitting opposite from Solomon inside a coffee shop.

Thomas and, surprisingly, Ragnar were getting their orders.

It was good that the entire shop was cleared since most would have coughed out blood.

Just like how the staff members did.

Seeing how the both of them were now alone, this was the perfect opportunity for Azriel to confirm some things.

Not once had he let himself fully be at ease after he woke up.

Not with the one sitting in front of him...

Solomon Dragonheart.

Also secretly known by the other saints as...

The Clown.

"What do you really want?"

Azriel cut to the chase, not wanting to play any more games with Solomon.

Sure, with him, his return to EASC was almost never boring, but that didn't mean he wasn't on edge with Solomon.

Just like now, with Azriel, the clown had always had his attention on the protagonist back in the book when he joined the academy and ranked first in his year.

The book hadn't really delved deeply into Solomon, or at least not until where Azriel read, except for him being a professor somehow in the hero academy, the most talented saint, and...

"Hmm? What do I really want? I already gave my order to Ragnar, though?"

Seeing him act innocent and tilting his head, Azriel had the urge to punch Solomon's handsome face.

"I mean, what are you still doing here... Clown."

The moment Azriel said that, it felt like the air around them froze.

"Oh my, when did you develop such an interest in me? Ah! You are going to make me blush!"

Azriel would have retorted, hearing Solomon's words and seeing that bashful smile on his face.

But what made him quiet were those eyes that made his skin crawl...