RE: The Extra's Dominance

After Hans decided to join hands with Raven, the two didn't waste any time and immediately went to contract signing.

The air between them felt heavier, as if both of them understood that from this point forward, there was no turning back. Every step they took, every word exchanged, felt like it was tying them deeper into a future that neither could fully predict.

"Read it carefully, once you sign that, there's no going back."

Raven said as he handed the mana contract to Hans. His tone was serious, almost warning him, though his expression remained calm and steady, showing none of the tension he felt inside.

Fwip-

"Huh?"

But to his surprise, Hans basically ripped the contract from his hand, and without even taking a look at it... He signed it right away!

His pen glided across the glowing parchment without a moment of pause, as though he had been waiting his entire life for this moment.

'Whoa, no hesitation, huh...'

Raven thought to himself, staring at Hans with raised brows. He had expected at least some hesitation, maybe questions, but there was none.

Hans' determination was frighteningly firm.

"I don't even care anymore if I signed a contract with a devil— As long as I get back at those bastards and my grandmother gets better."

Hans then grumbled that, his voice sharp, edged with anger and frustration. It wasn't just words; it was his conviction bleeding out, raw and unpolished.

"..."

Raven was speechless for a moment. He could sense how heavy those words were, how much hatred Hans carried in his heart.

Hans had told him what he went through when he got fired from his work, and he also voiced out his goal of getting revenge at them. His stories were filled with bitterness, pain, and humiliation that still lingered even now, as if the wounds were still fresh.

Raven already knows that, but he just listened to Hans' venting and pretended to be oblivious of everything.

He didn't interrupt, letting Hans unload everything he had been holding in, letting him speak until the anger in his chest lessened even just a little.

Anyway, Raven smiled faintly and opened his mouth—

"Do I look like a devil to you?"

He asked Hans, his tone light, almost teasing, as if to break the heavy mood that had just formed between them.

Though, not waiting for an answer—

Ping-

"Here, go to this place. I already told the guildmaster that you'll be there. They'll help you start up, and also with your grandmother."

Raven casually said that and sent a message to Hans through his [V.D] with a location attached. He spoke as though everything had already been prepared in advance, his confidence unwavering.

Hans looked at his phone, and upon looking at the place he was being instructed to go to—

"Huh...?"

His eyes widened, disbelief flashing across his face. His grip on the device tightened slightly.

"I'll also set up a shared bank account later and send the [30 Million Zeals] you were asking for. That will be the business' money."

Raven just continued speaking, not caring about his expression, as if the matter was already settled and could not be disputed.

"W-Wait...!"

Hans stopped him, his voice raised in urgency.

"...?"

Raven looked at him, tilting his head slightly, curious.

Hans pointed at his phone, his hands shaking a little—

"This place... It's the headquarters of the [Coldvale] guild..."

He muttered, almost in shock, his voice trembling as the reality sank in.

"Yeah? What about it?"

Then Raven just casually responded with that, his tone carrying no sense of surprise, as though this was nothing out of the ordinary.

"You have a connection with the number one guild in the Human Domain?!"

Hans exclaimed, unable to keep calm anymore. His voice was loud, and his eyes stared at Raven like he was some kind of monster.

And hearing his surprise—

"Heh, that's right. Aren't you glad you partnered with me?"

Raven shrugged and said that, smirking smugly as if he had just revealed a hidden trump card he had been keeping.

"..."

While Hans was speechless once again. His mind went blank for a second, his mouth half open but no words coming out.

Now, he's more than sure that the young man in front of him is not normal at all.

(Raven would never be normal :v)

*****

(Raven's POV)

After signing a contract with me, Hans immediately set off to go to Clifford.

His steps were hurried, almost restless, as though he wanted to get things done as quickly as possible.

I already informed Clifford beforehand of his arrival, so nothing would come as a surprise to him.

Clifford and I had a talk in the past, I gave him a proposal. We became business partners— I'll use his name and his guild's reputation, and in exchange— I'll bring him a lot of money. It was a straightforward deal.

(Chapter 47)

It might seem unfair in his side, and I agree with that.

Clifford's name and [Coldvale]'s reputation is not something a money can buy, after all.

But Clifford still partnered with me because he still felt indebted when I saved his guild members back in the [Mysterious Woodland]. That single incident weighed heavily on him, and he wasn't the kind of man who would ignore such debts.

And I wasn't the type of man who will refuse such pure, kindhearted person.

So now, Clifford will help Hans' mother get healed, and he'll also provide a place for the business.

Hans will handle the rest after that.

And all I did was give the starting money. Simple, yet effective.

...

...

In the novel— nothing was mentioned about Hans being great at business. I appraised his stats too and he didn't have any traits that will help him in it. He's unawakened too, so he doesn't have skills that could push him forward.

It's not guaranteed that the business will be successful under him. From a logical standpoint, the chances weren't high.

But for some reason—

'I believe he can do it.'

I can see the desperation in his eyes, the determination in his face... And his thirst for revenge that burned brighter than anything else.

"I just know that guy will do anything to get back at his bitch-ass boss."

I muttered, convinced.

I mean, he still continued learning a cursed sword technique even though he noticed his sanity vanishing. That's how determined he was. He kept going until the very end.

"I bet he will still have that much resolution, but this time— he wouldn't be a villain that is fated to die."

I muttered to myself again, my words carrying both hope and certainty.

[You really changed a lot of things in the future in a single day, huh...]

Sariel then appeared and told me that, his voice echoing softly as the system window flickered into view.

I just smiled at the transparent system window in front of me.

"Hans is one of my creations, you can say I'm the one responsible for his shitty life and luck— he died as a villain, and was forgotten afterwards."

I shrugged, my expression calm but my words heavy. And looking at the sky—

"I would feel like shit if that still happens, knowing I'm responsible for it all."

I stated that firmly, the conviction clear in my voice.

Then after that—

"It's not just the Higher Beings that can change things in the novel... I can as well."

I declared, smiling and glaring at the sky with confidence that shook even myself.

...

...

*****

Moving on...

Raven explored the marketplace of the City of Andres after his encounter with Hans.

He walked leisurely, his eyes scanning every corner, every stall. He looked around like a curious child— and he also ended up buying a few things he found interesting.

Ping-

Then in the middle of his shopping, like after an hour or two—

=====

[Clifford]: I already handled everything on my part.

=====

He received that message from Clifford.

=====

[Raven]: Thanks

[Clifford]: How's my daughter? Is she safe...?

=====

Raven shortly replied and put his phone on silent mode right after. He didn't want to be disturbed anymore.

And after that, he continued on his day, as if nothing had happened.

...

...

...

[6:32 PM]

Raven and the others joined up where they separated earlier. And looking at everyone's face— it was clear they bought some things and enjoyed their exploration.

Their expressions satisfied and even their casual chatter was proof of their good mood.

"It's time to head back, let's go."

Aoi said, and the group just nodded their heads without objection.

They were done anyway and had nothing else to do in the marketplace. Their energy had been spent, and now their thoughts were on resting.

And so with that— the group headed back to the hotel.

They were like excited chicks. They all wanted to browse through the items they had bought once they got back to their rooms, eager to show off to one another, their laughter echoing in the evening air.

And so with that—

"Let's go!" - Adelle

The group hastened their steps, laughter and light chatter escaping their lips.

For once, the group looks like a normal teenager in a field trip.

Raven looked at everyone, they seemed happy.

A small smile formed on his face...

...

Then he remembered the terrorist attack that will happen on the last day.

'I hope everything works out for all of us.'

He thought to himself.

...

...

...

The first day of the field trip will be tomorrow.