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

The door opened without much delay.

A tall man in a crisp military uniform strode in, shoulders squared, medals clinking faintly as he moved. His presence alone filled the modest office with an air of authority. General Ryan.

Lucian's eyes flicked up briefly, measuring the man in silence.

The general's gaze swept over Lucian in turn.

For a fleeting second, disdain flashed across his eyes at Lucian's less bulky frame, as though strength could only be measured by muscle and armor. But just as quickly, the expression vanished, replaced by a practiced smile.

"Mr. Lucian. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

Ryan said, his voice carrying the tone of a man used to giving orders.

Lucian only offered a faint nod, his face calm, unreadable.

The secretary bowed slightly before excusing himself, scurrying off with a promise to prepare tea. The sound of the door closing left the two men alone.

Almost immediately, Ryan's shoulders dropped and the sharpness in his expression eased. He let out a sigh, as if setting aside the formality he wore like armor.

"I'll speak plainly. We're grateful—truly grateful—for the support you've been providing. Supplies, aid, resources… in times like these, only the strong will survive. Only the strong deserve to thrive—"

Ryan said, leaning slightly forward

Lucian's voice cut through the air before Ryan could finish.

"I'll stop you there, General."

Ryan blinked, caught off guard by the interruption.

Lucian's eyes sharpened, his tone carrying a weight that belied his lean build.

"Do not mistake my intentions. I am not helping because I agree with you or your philosophy. I provide aid because I don't want to see a settlement as large as Lumious collapse due to hunger."

The general's jaw tightened. The faint smile he had maintained twitched, threatening to break.

Inside, irritation simmered. To be dismissed so casually… to be lectured by someone who looked like he had never lifted a blade in his life.

But Ryan was a soldier. He knew how to keep his face steady when strategy demanded it.

"…Of course. That is admirable. Selfless, even. Still, I cannot deny the truth in what I said."

Ryan said smoothly, adjusting his gloves as though brushing away the sting of Lucian's words.

Lucian didn't respond, only watched him with that same unreadable calm.

Ryan cleared his throat, shifting the topic before the silence could grow too heavy.

"I have also heard rumors."

Ryan began, his eyes narrowing slightly with interest.

"Rumors about your guard. Their abilities. Their discipline. Their… efficiency in combat. My soldiers are well-trained, but seeing true strength often inspires men. Perhaps you would allow your guards to demonstrate their skills here, in front of my men?"

At that moment, the office door creaked open.

The secretary returned, huffing softly, balancing a tray of steaming tea and a modest assortment of dried crackers and preserved fruits.

He set them down carefully, beads of sweat on his forehead.

"Forgive me for the delay. Resources are tight these days, so this is the best we could manage."

The secretary said quickly.

Lucian's gaze drifted to the spread. Simple. Almost too simple.

For a settlement that supposedly struggled so desperately, the fact that they could still serve tea and snacks—even if meager—meant there was more here than met the eye.

Unequal distribution. Some were eating well while others starved. Some were hoarding, while others begged.

Lucian leaned back in his chair, sipping the tea quietly. He made no comment on the taste. But in his mind, a decision was already forming.

This place reeked of imbalance.

Of corruption hidden behind rigid military drills and forced discipline.

And the man sitting across from him was the center of it.

General Ryan might have been skilled in command, but he wasn't the kind of leader this place needed. He was using strength as a banner to cover flaws, pride, and greed.

No—Lucian thought as his eyes lowered. If Lumious was to survive, this man needed to be removed.

Ryan, meanwhile, was watching Lucian closely.

The silence stretched. Lucian's calm, thoughtful demeanor grated against him.

He had expected gratitude, or at least admiration. Instead, he was being silently judged, weighed like a soldier unfit for the frontlines.

Annoyance prickled at the back of his mind. But Ryan forced another smile, though it no longer reached his eyes.

"You're very quiet, Mr. Lucian. Surely the tea isn't that bad?"

Ryan said lightly.

Lucian set his cup down gently.

"The tea is fine."

The short answer gave Ryan nothing to work with, and that only worsened his irritation.

His plan had been simple: win Lucian over with military grandeur, impress him with strength, and secure additional supplies—at a cheaper rate. But Lucian was not reacting as expected.

That meant Ryan needed to adjust.

"Well. Words only go so far. Let me show you what Lumious truly is. Our drills, our discipline, the efforts my soldiers put forth day and night to keep this settlement safe from monsters and raiders alike."

Ryan said, rising from his seat. Lucian didn't immediately rise. His fingers tapped once against the armrest of his chair before he finally stood, unhurried.

"When you see the heart of Lumious, I am confident you will understand why we deserve your continued support."

"…Very well."

His tone gave nothing away, but inwardly, Lucian was already plotting.

The general wanted to show him Lumious? Then Lucian would see everything with his own eyes. The cracks. The weaknesses. The proof he needed to justify what he already knew—

That General Ryan's time as leader was nearing its end.

Ryan gestured toward the door, posture firm, his steps carrying the rhythm of a man who thought himself the unshakable pillar of his people.

Lucian followed at a measured pace, his expression calm, eyes steady.

To Ryan, it may have looked like obedience.

But in truth, Lucian was already imagining this settlement without him.

And when Lucian imagined something… it often became reality.

'It's only a matter of time now. This place will become one of our strongholds soon enough.'