The Extra's Reincarnation

[Julian's POV]

I stood in front of the academy office, my suitcase awkwardly clutched in my arms and Vykekard tied to the back of my hip.

I hadn't received a uniform yet, but I hoped to get one here or at the dorms.

But I couldn't believe that I'm here now, after all these years.

I am at Aethel Academy, the greatest institution in the world.

And today, marks the start of the main story.

Creakk…

The office hadn't changed much since I saw it at age five. A few new statues and pieces of furniture were different, but everything else was as I remembered.

I approached the front desk where a woman glanced up and smiled politely.

"Welcome to Aethel Academy," she said warmly.

"I'm Muriel, the head receptionist. How can I assist you today?"

"I'm Julian Uzziel,"

"…!"

The moment I mentioned my name her facial expression shifted immediately giving no time to lose composure.

"Ah! You're already here!"

She fumbled slightly, then straightened, her demeanor flustered yet efficient.

"We need to get you registered in the system immediately."

She tapped rapidly on a crystal board, trying to regain her usual professionalism.

"We have most of your credentials, but I'll need details about your mage profile. Basically your desired role, elemental affinities, and a verification of your mage rank."

I hesitated before responding, choosing my words carefully. "I'm leaning towards a support role," I said finally. "It's... important to me to help others."

Muriel blinked, clearly surprised by the answer but nodded for me to continue.

"I don't have an elemental affinity," I admitted, feeling the old sting of disappointment resurface. "And my rank hasn't been verified."

Her eyes widened again, astonishment plain on her face.

"Without two of those specifications?" she murmured incredulously. "I—I see."

She quickly filled in the blanks on her board then paused to gather herself.

"Kiera informed us to let you through regardless," she said more confidently now. "Your uniform will be sent directly to your dormitory."

"My dorm?"

"Ah, about that," Muriel smiled apologetically. "The dorms are rather full this term… so there may be some quick renovations needed."

I chuckled nervously, unsure how else to react as she handed me a small envelope.

"This has your dorm key and map of the campus," she added cheerfully.

"Thanks," I said with a nod before heading out.

***

"Oh! When you head towards the main campus gates, one of the student council members will give you an induction today. I'm very sure she's waiting by the gates."

Julian thanked her again and made his way across the sprawling lawns toward the northern gate.

A girl with silver hair stood waiting, her posture relaxed but attentive.

As Julian approached, she gave a wave and then a formal greeting.

"You must be Julian. It's nice to meet you. I'm Lorraine Wintervale, the Vice President of the Student Council. I'm in my 4th year and will be guiding you through the campus today."

She bowed respectfully to Julian.

Not knowing how to reciprocate, he did the same while introducing himself.

"Ah… I'm Julian Uzziel. It's nice to meet you, Vice President."

With his head bowed down, Lorraine noted his height with surprise.

She had expected him to be slightly shorter, like most first years, but he stood a good three inches above her.

And his features, now that she took a moment to look, weren't bad either.

-To think he has the looks and brains as well… it makes me wonder if he's as strong as the other two special admits.

Pushing aside her thoughts, Lorraine maintained her composed demeanor.

"Follow me," she said smoothly, leading him along the cobblestone path.

"I'll show you around while trying to explain everything as fast as possible since we've got an assembly at 10:00 AM ,"

Lorraine continued before stepping onto a glowing stone platform with Julian.

A wave of glowing light enveloped them, and suddenly they were across the campus.

"We're currently in Versabilis Block. This area focuses on magical studies. You'll find plenty of training grounds here, and it's where everyone usually hone their skills."

Julian nodded, taking in the intricate buildings lining the cobblestone paths. Students sparred with magic in open fields and others practiced their spell arts in isolated areas.

"At Aethel Academy, there are five main sections," Lorraine continued, falling into an easy rhythm as they walked.

"Each sector is marked by a distinctive building and arranged like a compass. The northern section is Cordis Block; east is Fides Block; south is Versabilis Block—where we are now—and west is Quaestor Block."

She pointed to lamps along the way that glowed softly, each hue different from the next.

"The colors of these lamps indicate which area you're in. They are especially useful if you find the sectors look similar."

Lorraine stepped onto another stone platform with Julian, and they flashed into the center of the academy.

"Now we're in Axis Block. This is the heart of Aethel, with administrative offices, the grand library, and lecture halls."

The building towered above them, bustling with students moving purposefully through its corridors.

Lorraine barely paused before ushering Julian onto another platform.

They reappeared in a new environment filled with intricate machinery and bubbling potions.

"This is Cordis Block. If it's healing magic or potion brewing you're interested in, you'll find it here. Magical engineering and anything related to technology are also big focuses."

HWAM!

"Next is Fides Block," Lorraine stated as they materialized east of Axis.

"Here we study the ethics of magic—law, governance, history."

For such an early morning there were groups of students engaged in intense discussions inside lofty halls.

HWAM!

Finally, they landed on the westernmost side.

"This is Quaestor Block. It's all about research and curiosity. Advanced studies happen here."

Julian looked around at the experimental workshops and vast archives. It was a hub of excitement and exploration.

"Most importantly for you," Lorraine added, "all student dormitories are located here too."

She motioned to several grand buildings where students lounged outside.

Many were enjoying breakfast at the cafés, taking their usual morning walks, or studying with friends.

"Well, that concludes the induction," she said, her voice steady.

"You'll get extra time to figure out what classes you'll join, but that won't be until later. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask people with white capes; they're all part of the student council. Also the male dorms consist of all years from one to seven, but don't worry—the sixth and seventh-year students are out right now, so you won't get harassed by them."

She gestured toward one of the grand buildings.

"Once inside, the Headmaster of Dorms will assign you a room. Get your luggage settled in, and..."

Her gaze dropped to Julian's hip.

"Why do you have a helmet carried around your waist?"

Julian smiled slightly, tapping Vykekard's shell.

"It's a good luck charm for me."

Lorraine seemed satisfied with his answer and shrugged it off.

"Well Julian, I welcome you to Aethel Academy," she said warmly.

"Be sure you're in uniform when you get out; your roommates will show you around the first-year block."

With a final wave, she left Julian at the entrance.

He stood for a moment, taking in the lively atmosphere around him. Students were moving in groups, their chatter and laughter filling the air. As he stepped inside, a small man in elegant robes hurried over.

"You must be Julian Uzziel," the man said with a smile. "Headmaster Tilleri at your service. I've been expecting you!"

Julian blinked in surprise at being recognized so quickly but nodded politely.

"Let's see about finding you a room,"

Tilleri continued briskly, leading Julian through long corridors bustling with activity.

They paused at an empty doorway as Tilleri scribbled some notes on a clipboard.

"We're quite full this year for the first year area. But no matter—we'll get it sorted!"

He handed Julian a key labeled with the number 412, then gestured him towards the elevator down the expansively long hallway.

"Settle in and make yourself comfortable! Your uniform should arrive shortly."

Julian's footsteps echoed softly as he made his way to the elevator at the end of the long hallway.

He stepped into the lift, feeling a momentary disorientation as it shot upward, bringing him swiftly to the first-year area.

WANNG!

The doors opened to reveal an expansive floor, a veritable maze of corridors and rooms.

Julian marveled at how the first-year block wasn't just massive, but filled with amenities usually reserved for upperclassmen.

Cafeterias, common areas, study lounges—each section seemed dedicated to ensuring no one had to venture far for anything they needed.

As he walked through the vast space, Julian noticed an unusual silence.

The hallways were deserted, leading him to wonder if everyone was still asleep or simply elsewhere on campus.

It made finding his room easy; he arrived at 412 without much trouble.

Creakkk…

Opening the door, he paused at the sight of a sizeable living space.

The room was gigantic but came with one downside—two sets of belongings indicated he'd be sharing it with others.