I Became the Extra the Heroines are Obsessed with

Chapter 1
The Heroines are Strange (1)

『 Translator – Divinity 』

The new semester begins with the warm spring sunshine.

This time of year is like a festival for everyone.

Freshmen, returning students, and even professors walk around the campus with excited hearts, creating a scene of reunions.

But I…

“Ah, it’s tough catching up.”

Unable to enjoy my youth, I was holed up in the dormitory, cramming theory non-stop.

“Why is he suddenly getting private tutoring? Ugh.”

The project I launched immediately after being possessed.

Namely, the ‘Comprehensive Heroine Power Enhancement Operation!’

A story that plunges into the depths of despair as it progresses.

This was the idea I came up with to overcome that, even if just a little.

“To think I ended up in such a messed-up novel…”

The boldness to kill off all the characters without a shred of hope is a given.

The power balance is completely broken, making the enemies insanely strong.

Even more absurd, it’s disguised as a romance fantasy novel, but as it goes on, almost all the heroines end up dead.

“Sigh… Such is my fate.”

The only ones who can assist the protagonist are the heroines.

There are supporting characters who help from time to time, but they all become cold corpses after a few chapters.

“Ah, time’s up.”

Today, despite being a weekend, is the day I decided to study in the library.

My study partner, of course, was a heroine.

***

“Have you been waiting long?”

“No, I just got here too.”

One of Arcane’s official beauties, Winslet Sylvia.

As the eldest daughter of the Duke Winslet family, who were founding contributors to the Empire, she is a figure often mentioned by male students for her extensive connections, outstanding skills, and beautiful appearance.

She gently brushed aside her white hair that flowed down to her waist and took out a few books from her bag.

“I tried what Theo told me, but there are some things I can’t solve…”

“What is it? Let me see.”

The first heroine I encountered upon entering the academy.

I did all sorts of things to get her attention.

She wasn’t the type to care much about others, so things like giving presentations in class or getting perfect scores on theory exams weren’t nearly enough to catch her eye.

If it weren’t for the fortunate encounter of meeting her by chance in the library, I wouldn’t have even exchanged greetings with her yet.

‘…But why is she ahead of me?’

In the novel, she was also an outstanding student.

However, that was only in terms of physical prowess.

She showed weakness when it came to theoretical aspects.

Her only complex was that despite being recognized as a near-genius in handling magic power and having combat sense, she struggled with theory.

I took advantage of that and gained the position of ‘classmate #1 who studies with her’ by explaining problems she didn’t understand.

“Ahem, Sylvia, the professor said this wouldn’t be on the test, didn’t he?”

“But I got curious. Theo knows everything, so tell me.”

Sylvia asked, blinking her innocent eyes.

“Sigh… Fine.”

I had no choice but to clumsily explain the theory I had hastily learned last night.

“Okay, I understand what you mean.”

I was worried that my explanation might have been strange.

But she gave me a bright smile and repeatedly thanked me.

“Oh right, Theo, have you heard about the new students?”

“The rumor that a current student lost?”

“Yeah. They say he’s incredibly strong.”

Of course he’s strong.

The protagonist of this novel is among them.

‘His skills were outstanding from the moment he entered the academy. The problem is his shitty personality.’

After the entrance ceremony, I deliberately approached the protagonist.

I tried to talk to him, acting like a friendly senior offering to show him around the school.

I subtly tried to slip him information related to the main story, but…

— Forget it. I don’t listen to people weaker than me.

He said that, and not long after, he caused a huge incident by beating up a current student.

‘This idiot. He’s so damn stubborn.’

I understand. As a commoner with talent that surpasses the children of prestigious noble families, the envy and jealousy towards him must be intense.

“Theo? What’s wrong? Your expression is scary.”

“Ah, it’s nothing. I just remembered something unpleasant.”

“Thanks for today. See you in class tomorrow.”

“Yeah, sure.”

After my tutoring session with my classmate ended, I left the library.

[Presence increases.]

[EXP + 1]

“As expected, she’s a reliable source of points.”

A dependable heroine who fills up my points whenever I need them or when my presence feels shaky.

I guess I can consider myself pretty close to Sylvia now.

***

“Hey, Theo. Why the gloomy face?”

“…Grey, you actually showed up today. I heard you were going to a momentous meeting.”

“Ahem, love is always difficult, you know.”

“Bullshit, that’s all just dopamine playing tricks on you.”

On the way to the lecture hall.

This guy who’s clinging to me with his arm around my shoulder is the first person I got to know after being possessed.

The youngest child of a Baron family, a free spirit who enjoys all the privileges life has to offer.

At the beginning of the semester, he abruptly skipped class, claiming there was a grieving widow waiting for him.

He’s a hopeless guy who leads a dissolute life, but as a person, he’s not so bad to hang out with.

“Hey, hey, your friend over there is glaring at me.”

In the direction Grey pointed, there was dazzlingly flowing white hair.

“Are you talking about Sylvia?”

“Yeah.”

“Hmm… I wonder what she wants to say.”

I’m guessing she probably wants to ask about something she got stuck on while solving problems alone yesterday.

That’s the extent of my relationship with Sylvia.

“…Is he inexperienced, or does he have low self-esteem?”

“What was that?”

“Ugh, forget it. I’m scared, so I’m going first. See ya!”

Grey, after muttering those incomprehensible words, ran off as if his feet were on fire and slipped into the building where the lecture hall was located.

Grey ran away, rolling his eyes as if checking for something.

I was puzzled by his behavior and looked around.

‘But there’s only Sylvia?’

Except for Sylvia, with whom I made eye contact and exchanged greetings, no one else was looking at us.

.

.

.

.

.

.

“Now, this is a brief overview of the upcoming classes. There are a few representative formulas… Okay, Theonar, come out and solve this.”

In the middle of the lecture.

It was common for the professor to call on me.

‘Well, I am well-versed in theory.’

Whether it’s cramming or whatever, effort doesn’t betray you.

After all, I was possessed in an unfamiliar world and ended up ranking first in theory.

“Well done. Everyone, remember how Theonar solved it. This is the standard.”

The usually stoic professor showered me with praise.

At the same time, dozens of pairs of eyes followed me sharply.

‘Tiring, so tiring.’

Unpleasant gazes mixed with jealousy and inferiority.

Perhaps, from their perspective, they don’t want to believe that a mere commoner is smarter than them.

I understand.

Those who enter Arcane are all talented young nobles.

Although they say their goal is to open a place for learning and harmony regardless of status, the reality is different.

Equality? Harmony? That’s all just lip service.

In the end, after graduating from the academy, nobles are the masters and commoners are the servants.

So, not going against their wishes is the common thought among students with commoner status, but…

‘I don’t need to do that.’

The world will soon turn into chaos.

Nobles and commoners alike will be swept away, so what’s the point of trying to look good to them?

“That’s all for today. We’ll have a quiz next time, so be prepared.”

After class, as I came out into the hallway, many students were gathered in one place.

‘Ah, the report cards are posted.’

Arcane’s tradition of hanging students’ grades like a banner to foster a competitive spirit was famous.

Regardless of status, they judge students’ potential solely on their ranking.

‘Let’s see… Ah, here it is.’

[Theonar – Overall Rank 975th]

Despite holding the title of first place in theory, I barely managed to avoid a four-digit ranking.

This is all because my practical skills scores are trash.

‘It can’t be helped. I haven’t used any EXP.’

This body wasn’t inherently lacking in talent.

Even if I’m a commoner, the fact that I entered Arcane is something to be proud of.

However, it’s inevitable that I’d be compared to the elites who grew up receiving early education.

‘Well, there’s still time.’

The entrance ceremony, which marks the beginning of the main story, is just a week away.

In terms of the novel, the prologue has just ended.

I have plenty of time.

‘Wait a minute, isn’t today that day?’

The day when the fragmented rumors about the protagonist spread definitively throughout the academy.

All the students gathered to confirm the truth.

“Breaking news, breaking news! The top freshman is having a showdown!”

Sure enough, a friend of mine, who was around extra #34, desperately pushed through the crowd, spreading the news.

“Who’s his opponent?”

“Second-year Kunberolanda.”

“Oh, that sounds interesting.”

The students who were gathered to see the report cards started to swarm out like ants to witness this sudden and exciting spectacle.

‘Seems like it’s true. Should I go watch too?’

This day was the starting point where the protagonist’s innate talent would be proven and the heroines would become interested in him.

‘There are more people than I expected.’

The location was a training ground tucked away in a corner of the academy.

Due to the large crowd, it was difficult to get a clear view.

“Excuse me! Just a moment…”

I tried to push my way to the front as much as possible, but…

“Ugh…”

My weak body held me back, and I got stuck in the middle.

I felt suffocated, and just when I thought I might die a pointless death by being crushed…

“Theo!”

I was able to escape thanks to Sylvia, who had somehow approached me.

“Gasp… Thank… Sylvi… a…”

“You’re here to watch too, Theo? Let’s go over there together.”

She led me to a place where she said there was a good spot.

It was a place like the head table, where high-ranking nobles or professors were located.

There wasn’t a separate seating arrangement, but who would want to be in that suffocating, silent place with such a tense atmosphere?

So, it seemed like a natural formation, as ordinary students avoided it.

“…Sylvia? I don’t think I should be here.”

“Nonsense. Come and sit here quickly.”

She quickly sat down and patted the seat next to her, offering it to me.

When I approached, some students expressed displeasure, but…

“…Why don’t you just watch the match quietly?”

Seeing Sylvia respond in a cold tone, they closed their mouths.

‘Well, I guess it’s better to be on good terms…’

I fidgeted as if I were sitting on pins and needles under the excessive gazes.

But it felt awkward to suddenly turn around and leave.

[Presence increases.]

[EXP + 5]

I decided to just think of it as point farming and enjoy it.

Turning my gaze to the training ground, I saw a man with blazing blonde hair coolly brushing it back as he checked his equipment.

‘Damn, he’s ridiculously handsome.’

The combination of his sturdy physique, tall stature, and handsome face was like a cheat code.

‘No wonder the heroines fall for him.’

And on top of that, he has genius-level talent.

There’s a reason why the male students are looking at him with displeasure.

“This duel will be supervised by 1st-grade professor Cartoon Padrae, and it’s a non-lethal duel to lightly test each other’s skills. As many are watching, please conduct yourselves with dignity.”

Whistle!

The duel began with the supervisor’s signal.

The person dueling the protagonist was Kunbero, my classmate and a second-year.

Kunbero is a character with a significant role.

He’s a supporting character who envies and is jealous of the protagonist, constantly picking fights and causing trouble.

He’s not significantly lacking in skill, but his opponent is the protagonist.

It was a fight he was obviously going to lose.

So, I decided not to worry too much and watch comfortably.

But then…

“End of duel! Kunbero wins!”

Something unexpected happened.

“…Huh?”

No, it wasn’t unexpected. The story that was set in the novel had changed.

What is this absurd situation?

The protagonist’s victory was a foregone conclusion, and it was only natural.

It was a necessary process for things to proceed according to the original story.

But, absurdly, it was broken.

‘Ah… I’m screwed.’

I thought the protagonist would manage on his own.

On top of the heroines, do I now have to take care of the male characters too?

‘Right, the heroines.’

Originally, the heroines should have become interested in this duel.

That’s how it goes in the [Exciting Arcane Academy!] that I know.

The moment I turned my head to check their reactions…

I couldn’t help but get goosebumps.

‘Why in the world…?’

Their gazes were directed neither at the protagonist nor at Kunbero.

“Why… are they looking here…?”

The place where the heroines’ gazes landed.

It was the extra of extras.

Ranked 975th overall in the second year.

Theonar.

It was me.