Just Extra

A few weeks had passed, and life had settled into a new, comfortable rhythm. The sun rose and set, painting the sky with its usual mix of colors. Every morning, Navika and Minerva were up before dawn. Navika could be found in the garden, her black sword moving like an extension of herself—graceful and focused. The shadowy clone of her sword, which she had learned to create, followed her like a ghostly echo, mirroring every move she made.

Meanwhile, Minerva was in the courtyard, her hands glowing softly with reddish light as she practiced her magic. She created shimmering energy barriers and tested them by launching magical attacks at them. Then she would switch to healing spells, making nearby flower petals glow with fresh life.

Inside, Minasa was always busy, but in a quieter way. She spent her time in her study, surrounded by old scrolls and strange magical gadgets. Her current project was the family's divining compass—a large, ornate bronze disc with a crystal at its center. She poured her energy into it for hours, making the crystal glow steadily. She believed that with enough power, the compass could track the Phantom Cult's dark energy no matter where they hid. Though it wasn't the family's most important heirloom, it belonged to the Akerman family, and since she was the next matriarch, she had the authority to use it. Navika, her younger sister, was second in line.

Their days were a perfect mix of training, simple meals together, and quiet conversations. It was peaceful—a chance to truly embrace their new powers and shared purpose. Navika felt more at home than ever. Her past life as Joseph seemed like a distant dream, and this new life as Navika was becoming the reality she loved.

Then, one bright afternoon, their calm was shattered.

A messenger, breathless and covered in dust, burst through the gates of Medure City. He was a young man with wide, panicked eyes. He stumbled into the courtyard where the city guards stood.

The horse he rode was already exhausted, looking as if it hadn't eaten for days. Two guards rushed over and pulled the young man to his feet, asking what had happened.

The man, blue-eyed and gasping for breath, managed to say, "Th... there's a dungeon. A new dungeon has appeared near Silverbend Town. The monsters inside attacked the town, and the city was almost destroyed."

"How did you escape?" one guard asked.

"I was far from town, out hunting. When I saw what was happening, I ran and managed to get away."

The two guards exchanged worried glances. Without delay, they escorted the man to inform the chief.

After that, news spread quickly throughout Medure City. Although the chief tried to keep it from spreading, it was impossible to stop. When the young man reached the city gate and spoke with the gate guards, many citizens nearby heard the conversation.

Soon, the news was everywhere. Even though the new dungeon was dangerous, many magic cultivators saw it as a rare opportunity. The dungeon had no owner, and Silverbend Town, the closest powerful city, was much weaker than Medure City.

The Medure family was not interested in the dungeon unless it contained a Fourth Essence core or higher. They also had no intention of allowing another power house to claim it.

Therefore, the dungeon could benefit the citizens of Medure City, magic cultivators, and nearby towns.

Minerva and Navika also knew that the chief of the guard had already informed the patriarch of Medure. The patriarch then reported the news to Minerva.

Minerva called Navika and their guardian, Minasa. They came to the garden.

Minerva was sitting in the garden. The leaves and flowers were dancing in the cold wind.

Minerva saw Navika and Minasa coming, and they did not sit immediately. Minasa already knew why Minerva had called them.

With her power, she could understand everything happening within a radius of 10,000 kilometers. This was from her clone's power. Her main body was not in this galaxy. So she knew a special spatial phenomenon had occurred about 120 kilometers away.

Minerva looked at Navika and said, "Alex told me that nearly 100 kilometers away, a dungeon appeared near the town named Silverbend."

Navika looked at her and said, "Miss, do you mean a spatial cave?"

Minerva nodded.

In this galaxy, what people call a dungeon is actually a spatial cave. Normally, a black core magus can open one. Sometimes, a magus below black core but above Fifth Essence core can open one if they have a special tool, or if their Element is space and comprehension abilities are very powerful.

But Silverbend is not a city. So, no black core magus or above Fifth Essence core magus with spatial ability or treasure can open a spatial cave there.

Moreover, black core magi are not present in this lower galaxy. If they came, they would be destroyed this galaxy without doing anything. If they tried to come, experts from the Second Galaxy would kill them before they could even try to open the galaxy wall.

(The galaxy wall is a spatial barrier surrounding every galaxy.)

Minerva said, "This might have come from the Upper Galaxy, or maybe it is a spatial treasure opened by someone."

Sometimes, spatial caves are ownerless because the original owner has died. These caves can travel between galaxies.

Minerva continued, "I feel that because the Universal Essence is weak in this galaxy, there is no strong spatial power here. That is why this cave has opened here."

Minasa, who had seen many spatial caves—even ones far larger and more extraordinary than this—knew it was different. She said to her mistress, "Young lady, this is not from the Upper Galaxy. It is most likely some kind of trap meant to lure you.

"You know there are already assassins after you. Their mastermind will never stop sending them. This spatial cave may have been created by someone who wants to have you assassinated.

"Someone from the Upper Galaxy could have sent their power, borrowed someone's body, and opened a spatial cave there. I may be wrong, but for it to appear so close to Medure City is too much of a coincidence."

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