Novel's Extra: I Awakened The Strongest Physique From The Start

People swayed under the enchanting rhythm filling the masquerade hall. It was something new—something they had never heard before—yet they couldn't help themselves.

The fact that the most skilled bards—ones who could infuse their music with magic—didn't help them resist it at all.

The one who stole the stage every time, however, was Alex, who would suddenly appear. Two such instances already took place, one when Alex went upstage with Zahara and the other just ended a second ago.

People—only the ones who didn't already know—searched for him, wanting to know who he was, but he had already mixed in the crowd along with Vanessa. His dance with Zahara and Vanessa made many girls and women want to dance with him; after all, every lady—except a few—would love such attention.

"It was good," Vanessa, now standing next to Alenia, back in her spot, said, her voice low as Alex let go of her hand. Experience more content on empire

"Of course it would be. With you in the equation, everything is good," Alex smiled, and Vanessa just silently took the glass of wine that Alenia passed her, making Alenia giggle again as she could tell that Vanessa was just feeling sigh—it was clear from the way she averted her eyes.

Alex could tell that as well, even with the cold expression on Vanessa's face. But his attention then turned toward Alenia. "What about you, giggling lady?"

"Huh?" Alenia's giggle stopped, her eyes freezing at Alex.

"How could I walk away without a dance with you?" Alex grinned, but Alenia hesitated, her gaze turning to Vanessa. Things between her and Vanessa had returned to normal, but would she be fine with this—

"You shouldn't keep him waiting," Vanessa's voice was heard before Alenia could even turn to look at her, and Alex, without a second's delay, pulled Alenia to the stage.

"W-Wait. I might be a bit clumsy—" Alenia tried to warn Alex, but she was twirled around by him as he grinned.

"Do you think I know dancing?" His voice, low as he added with a chuckle, "No one knows who you are, nor do they know me. Just do what your heart desires."

With those words, he swayed, leading Alenia to do the same.

"It's him," someone commented, grumbling enviously, "and he's with a hottie again!"

People had already parted, giving them space, making them the center of attention—something Alenia didn't like.

"What are you tense for?" Seeing Alenia tense up, Alex teased, "A guy just called you a hottie, lady."

His words eased some of her tension, making her smile gently, knowing why he did that.

"You matured early," she sighed, but Alex just smiled. "Isn't it better? I am now capable of taking care of both of my mothers."

His words froze her for a second before tears welled up in her eyes, only to smile at his sudden comment. "You had water manipulation ability? Nice."

They swayed for a while before finally getting off the stage and masterfully integrating into the crowd, losing the eyes chasing after them.

Alenia found her way to Vanessa, who raised a brow. "Where's he?" She asked.

"Well, he's popular with girls," Alenia spoke with a helpless smile before both sighed. They felt like the child they made so big was now becoming a playboy.

Alex, on the other hand, oblivious to their thoughts, moved to his next target—Mira. She was lingering near the refreshments table, trying—and failing—to look inconspicuous. Wearing a black gown similar to others, her eyes blank as always, occupied with something—which Alex is to blame for—she kept eating sweets, feeling like she didn't belong there.

'It's all gray again...' She thought, feeling tasteless, only to suddenly feel her world gaining color as she heard a voice, warm and soft. "Care for a dance, miss?"

She turned to look in front of her, finding a man, dressed up like every other guy in the ballroom, standing with his arm extended for her to take.

Mira froze for a second, staring at the extended hand before he quickly grabbed it, gobbling her head up and down.

"Oh?" Alex raised a brow, surprised at her lack of hesitation. "You won't ask who I am?"

His question made her stare into his eyes, her fingers gripping his as her lips moved. "You are colorful and warm. You are Alex."

"Colorful?" Chuckling at her unique way of identifying him—which he didn't understand—he nodded. "Let's have some fun then."

Alex pulled her toward the stage, failing to notice the rare soft smile on Mira's face as she stared at his back.

'I don't want to lose this,' she muttered inwardly, and feeling his warmth, determination flickered in her blank blue eyes.

'I know what to do now,' she nodded to herself.

For the first time in her life, Mira, who could never tell what to do most of the time, was now sure what she needed to do.

Soon, Mira found herself close to Alex, swaying with him, matching his pace—something that surprised Alex.

"You learned dancing?" He questioned, making her shake her head. Looking at his footwork, she replied, "I am learning."

'I guess she wasn't called one of the most talented in the novel without a reason,' Alex thought, smiling as he felt his talent being challenged.

"Shall we increase the pace then?" Without a word, their dance moves turned faster and smoother, and Mira, although struggling, was still able to keep up.

She was enjoying it. It was more fun than the rides she had with Alex in the amusement park. The way her heart hammered against her ribs, nervous that she might step on his foot, made her feel more alive than ever.

Every move of Alex—every click of his heel and every twist of his body—was followed by Mira without missing a beat.

If Mira were to rate it, then she would rate this experience as the second most favorite thing, with only kissing Alex above it.

Alex's expression softened as he saw Mira smiling. He could feel genuine and raw happiness from her—something she was incapable of doing normally.

"You're surprisingly good at this," he admitted, his voice barely audible over the music, making Mira show a toothy smile on her always-blank face, taking Alex by surprise.

As the blinking lights brightened her smile, Alex couldn't help but be mesmerized by just imagining how she would've looked if the mask wasn't blocking his view.

"I just like being with you," her voice echoed through his ears, bringing him back to reality, but then he noticed a group of ladies eyeing him as a predator staring at its prey, slowly making their way toward him, and he sighed. "I guess we need to stop now."

His words made Mira's smile vanish, her gaze dropping, but then she nodded, knowing that having him all for herself wasn't possible.

"Un," she nodded in the end, jumping down the stage with him, finding herself alone again, standing in a corner.

Her head lowered, feeling a bit lonely, only to feel a soft sensation on her forehead the next second, and his voice followed, "Don't be down. We will have many chances in the future."

She couldn't see him, probably because he was using some stealth ability, but the warmth of his lips on her forehead remained.

'I love him,' she smiled while touching her forehead. She knew her feelings for him now.

Alex, on the other hand, was now stuck.

[I can't believe you made such a rookie mistake.] Sophie sighed in exasperation as she looked at the situation.

"Young man, dance with me."

"You are quite handsome, aren't you? Wouldn't it be better to dance with me? We might just hit it off~"

"Oh, come on, leave those old hags and dance with me."

One voice after another made its way to his ears as right now, Alex was surrounded by women, each trying to make him choose them as his next dance partner. This ruckus, of course, attracted more of them—all because he spoke to Mira.

His stealth ability only worked until his presence was made obvious; that's why every time he uses his ability, he moves quietly. He was going to do the same right now, but Mira's downcast look tightened his heart, making it impossible for him to not comfort her.

It was true that Mira couldn't see him. She didn't have her eyes on him when he spoke, and by the time she looked up, he was already gone, but the same couldn't be said for the others.

Now he was in a bind.

But just then...

"Mind if I join the fray?" A soft and elegant voice was heard, making all the women automatically turn quiet.

The one who spoke wasn't wearing anything different. Just like them, she wore a sleek black gown, but the authoritative air around her was making it hard for them to look into her eyes.

"How about going a round with me, 'young man'?" The lady spoke, a teasing smirk on her face, and Alex, unlike others, just grinned. "Of course, how can I say no to a lady?"

He knew who she was the moment he heard her voice.

The one who came to his rescue was his next target—Lilia Morningstar.

'Turns out, I am not the only one setting targets,' he chuckled inwardly.