Reborn as an Extra with the SSS-Divine Debt System and my Past Skills

Lucius got back into his office with a tired sigh, finally letting the quiet wrap around him. His thoughts barely had a chance to settle before the door burst open.

Berry and Mira barged in, both grinning like fools.

"You're coming with us."

Berry declared, grabbing Lucius by the arm.

Lucius frowned.

"I have work to—"

"No excuses. The settlement is celebrating. You're the reason they survived yesterday. You can't just hide in here like a grumpy old man."

Mira cut him off, tugging at his other sleeve.

Before he could resist, the two of them dragged him out into the settlement's square.

Fires burned high in barrels, laughter echoed through the night, and the people of Dawn settlement cheered their victory over the monsters.

Tables were lined with food, mugs overflowing with alcohol, and music carried on from one end of the square to the other.

Lucius hesitated, uncomfortable at first, but the smiling faces around him made it hard to simply leave.

He allowed himself to sit with the others, answering their questions, accepting their praise.

For once, he stayed. He even laughed quietly when Mira told an exaggerated version of how she had frozen Merci in place, watching the children's wide eyes light up in awe.

But while everyone else drank without restraint, Lucius kept his cup untouched. He needed his senses sharp. He couldn't afford to slip.

That was when Luna stumbled over, cheeks flushed, eyes glazed with alcohol. She dropped heavily onto the bench beside him and shoved a mug into his hand.

"Stop holding back. Drink with us for once, Lucius."

She slurred, grinning wide.

He narrowed his eyes at her.

"You're drunk."

"And you're boring. One night won't kill you. Just… let go."

Luna shot back, nudging him with her elbow.

For a moment, Lucius debated refusing. But something in Luna's tone—a raw, reckless joy—pulled at him.

Against his better judgment, he lifted the mug and drank.

The warmth hit his stomach quickly, loosening the ever-present edge in his chest. Another mug followed. Then another.

The celebration blurred, laughter spilling into song, his companions' faces glowing against the firelight.

The last thing Lucius remembered was raising another drink with Luna and Mira at either side of him.

When he woke the next morning, his head throbbed. He blinked blearily at the unfamiliar softness beneath him, then froze.

Luna was curled on his right side, Mira nestled against his left. His breath caught.

He didn't remember what happened. His memory was a haze of firelight and laughter. But instincts screamed at him to get out before anyone else saw.

Quietly, carefully, Lucius slipped free of the pile and got dressed.

By the time he returned to his office, Belphegor was already waiting, leaning against the window with an amused smirk.

"Rough night? Did you have fun, Lucius?"

The demon king teased, eyes glinting with wicked amusement.

Lucius leveled a glare at him, but Belphegor only chuckled, clearly entertained by his discomfort.

"Relax. I won't tell your little companions how red your ears are."

Belphegor drawled.

"Get to the point."

Lucius snapped.

Belphegor sighed dramatically, then reached into his cloak and placed a small, metallic device onto Lucius's desk. Its surface shimmered faintly, faint runes carved along the edges.

"This is what I found in the junk yard where you sent me. Traps everywhere. Took me longer than I liked to retrieve it."

Belphegor said, tapping it lightly.

Lucius studied the device. It hummed faintly with mana, its shape unfamiliar. Even he couldn't tell what it was supposed to be.

"You don't know what it is?"

He asked.

Belphegor's lips twisted into a rare grimace.

"Not a clue. And that bothers me. My kind should know such things."

Before Lucius could reply, the air shifted. A sharp, unnatural pressure pressed against his chest, the world itself groaning in protest.

The ground shook violently. Books tumbled from shelves, papers scattered across the desk, and even Belphegor straightened abruptly, his smirk vanishing.

"What was that?"

Lucius turned toward the window just as a blinding light streaked through the sky. A deafening crash followed, rattling the walls.

The shockwave sent dust cascading from the rafters.

His gaze rose to the massive World Tree that towered over their settlement. Its crown reached so high it seemed endless, a pillar of green piercing the heavens.

Now, at its top, smoke curled upward where something massive had crashed into it. The settlement below trembled, whispers turning to panicked cries.

Lucius clenched his fists. Another disaster, another trial.

Belphegor's eyes narrowed, dark and serious.

"Whatever that was, it wasn't natural."

Lucius grabbed his coat and rifle, already moving.

"Then let's find out what just fell on top of our world."

Lucius and Belphegor moved quickly through the settlement, heading toward the shadow of the towering World Tree.

The people were gathered in groups, staring upward with frightened expressions, whispering about what could have fallen.

The thick canopy of leaves, however, made it impossible to see anything clearly from below.

Belphegor narrowed his eyes, his tone unusually grim.

"Whatever struck the tree wasn't ordinary. I can feel remnants of divine energy clinging to the air."

Lucius scanned the tree line and then looked back at the people who followed him at a distance.

"Stay here and keep the settlement safe. If something is up there, I'll check it myself."

He ordered, voice firm.

Belphegor smirked faintly, but he ddn't argue.

"As stubborn as ever. Try not to get killed before I can collect my payment."

Lucius ignored the jab and strode toward the enormous trunk of the World Tree, each step heavy with anticipation.

The closer he drew, the stronger the lingering energy pressed against his chest, as though warning him away. His hand tightened around his weapon, instincts sharpening.

Then the ground lurched violently. Another earthquake ripped through the settlement, far stronger than before.

The earth split in jagged cracks beneath his feet, and the villagers screamed as buildings trembled and loose debris rained down.