The Extra Can't be A Hero

Zephys. The capital of the Hyades Republic

A thriving metropolis where modern technology meets magical science. The first thing one noticed upon entering the city was the sky. It was never empty.

Flying ships, their hulls trimmed with glowing runes, drifted lazily above the skyline. Some were merchant vessels with banners fluttering in the wind, others were armoured carriers escorted by glimmering knight-squadrons soaring on enchanted gliders, and between them floated towers of stone and glass, suspended by invisible ley currents, their windows glowing like constellations against the heavens.

Bridges of light arched from one floating structure to another, and faint trails of mana fell like stardust from their foundations. The streets were no less alive. Magi-tech trams whispered down their rails, their polished sides reflecting the neon glow of enchanted lanterns.

Portal arches hummed at every district square, each one etched with shifting glyphs. Step through one, and one might enter the merchant quarter, the sky gardens, or even the upper ring of floating citadels in an instant.

Beneath the cobblestones, a constant pulse of energy could be felt, like the heartbeat of the city itself, drawn from the Nexus at its core. Knights in luminous armour strode through the boulevards, their presence both reassuring and intimidating. Their swords were relics of old, reforged with crystal and circuitry, each blade humming with restrained power.

Magicians walked among them, some draped in traditional robes, others in tailored suits embroidered with glowing sigils, their staffs doubling as both weapons and devices of computation.

Vendors along the streets sold everything from spell-coded crystals that stored messages to mana-infused coffee that glowed faintly in its cup. Children laughed as they rode on floating boards that hovered inches above the ground, darting between carriages powered by elemental cores.

And above it all, at the heart of Zephys, loomed the most fantastical venue in all of the Hyades Republic—the Citadel.

The Citadel rose at the heart of the city like a monument to both history and authority. Unlike the sleek floating towers or shimmering magi-tech arcologies surrounding it, the Citadel was carved from timeless marble and obsidian, its foundations laid centuries ago when the Republic itself was still young.

Its vast plaza stretched wide, paved with flawless white marble veined in gold and silver, each stone humming faintly with the protective wards inscribed by the founding magi. Encircling the plaza stood statues of the Republic's greatest heroes—Knights in gleaming armour, swords raised high in eternal salute, and Magisters captured mid-chant, their staves forever pointed toward the heavens.

Their likenesses were so meticulously carved that even the folds of their cloaks seemed ready to stir in the wind. At dusk, enchanted lanterns ignited, casting the statues in a gentle glow, so that their shadows loomed like silent guardians over the people.

Inside, the great Assembly Chamber spread out like a circle within a circle, where the legislature of the Republic gathered to debate, pass laws, and govern the massive republic. High above, floating galleries allowed citizens to observe proceedings, a reminder that power, no matter how lofty, was not beyond the eyes of the people.

To the eastern wing lay the Hall of Justice, home of the High Courts. Its corridors resonated with solemn authority, where judges in robes woven with silver threads passed their verdicts beneath towering murals of justice—depicting blindfolded deities balancing scales of light and flame.

The western wing housed the offices of state, where Knight-Commanders, Archmagisters, and civil ministers alike shaped policy, their disputes echoing through chambers as old as the Republic itself.

Though centuries had weathered its walls, the Citadel remained unshaken—a bastion of law, order, and memory.

For the people of the Republic, it was more than a government building; it was the beating heart of their civilisation, where the past watched over the present, and where every decision cast ripples into the future.

But to members of the Solaris House… the Citadel was nothing more than a viper's pit.

"Today, we welcome the Commander of the famed Knight Order Eldorin."

In the Congress building, the speaker spoke warmly while unfurling a scroll. Behind the speaker were the seats for the members of the High Council, of which only three out of the ten were present. However, none of the Eldorin members were offended by the low turnout. In fact, it was a miracle to even gather three members of the High Council in one place.

"Eldorin has done the Republic a great service. By cleansing the Eternal Storm in Olavaguel, they uncovered parts of a lost dynasty…"

While the speaker was blabbering away, Amon held his yawn back and slowly glanced at everyone present. Many of them were governors, senators, and even wealthy individuals who had managed to squirrel their way into the building, hoping to gain connections with Eldorin, or more specifically, the famed Hero of this generation, Leon.

Most of them hardly had any combat experience and lacked any meaningful impact on Amon's quest. Hence, he placed them in the back of his mind. However, he did zone in on the three individuals seated at the highest spot in the chambers.

The Grand Marshall of Hyades—Gerrick Ironblood. Leader of the Hyades Army and one of the most powerful knights in the world. His presence alone was domineering enough to silence a room, and his battle-scarred face felt overwhelming for an average person to stare at.

The Archmagister of the Realm—Jex Amaris. One of the greatest magicians on the planet, and a stern supporter of Amon's Eldorin movement. He'd even sent one of the most promising talents in the Amaris House, Johann, over to Eldorin in hopes of eradicating the Demon Cult.

And last but not least, the President of the Demon Hunter League—Lady Katarina Voss. As the woman who had hunted more Demons than anyone else in recent history, she was fully supportive of Amon and Eldorin, even going so far as to cancel all of her activities just to attend this useless commendation.

Amon had met them all in the past, when they rushed to Alverton in the aftermath of the Foolish Lich's anarchy. But, seeing them seated on their elevated throne, Amon felt a greater gravity from their presence.

'Not that it matters… If the Demon Cult succeeds in triggering the next few calamities, the Republic will cease to exist.'

Amon was nonchalant about their authority and had to struggle to stay awake from this useless commendation ceremony. By his side, the other members of Eldorin were fidgeting wildly, particularly those not used to formal events.

Venya and Khali, two of the least etiquette-trained individuals in Eldorin, felt abject fear and stood completely still like ice sculptures. In their minds, fighting against a Demon legion was infinitely easier than being present against all these big shots.

The same went for the others who had never attended functions like these, such as Fenric, Lutz and Ines, whose eyes were shifting about, unsure of where their focus should lay.

Though for the majority of the members, they all held their own. Remaining completely silent and nonchalant, their dignified poise struck awe into all of the spectators, many of whom had seen spectacular individuals all their lives. But even for them, the members of Eldorin were a cut above.

'I heard that they were misfits gathered by the Fantasy Couple.'

'They don't look like a young order at all.'

'That man… He looks so tall and strong!'

'What about that girl? Is that really a girl? How does she look so fierce for her age?'

'Ain't that Johann Amaris? What's he doing in a Solaris Knight Order?'

Whispers from the crowd occasionally made their way to the ears of the members, but they hardly cared. Some were marvelling at Fenric's tremendous size, others spoke about Eris, unaware she was a necromancer capable of turning the entire room undead, and some were even wondering about why Johann was in the mix.

But one thing was for sure.

No one doubted their strength.

"Members of Eldorin! You have done the Republic a great service. For that, it is my pleasure to award you the Medal of Prestige!"

With the speaker's lengthy address finally concluded, the hall shifted into anticipation as the medal ceremony began. One by one, the honorees stepped forward, each receiving a blue-and-gold medallion draped solemnly around their necks.

Clad in their distinguished black-and-gold uniforms, the newly formed Order of Eldorin stood tall and composed, their presence radiating dignity. The sight held the audience spellbound, as if they were witnessing not just a ceremony, but the birth of a knightly order destined for legend.

"Lord Amon Solaris, the floor is all yours."

As with custom, once the award ceremony had concluded, the commander of the order had the right to speak a few words. Most of the time, those invited to speak would thank those who awarded them and pledge loyalty to the Hyades Republic. But for Amon…

Everyone stood with bated breath, eagerly waiting to hear Amon Solaris speak publicly for the first time.

Clad in black and gold, the tall Knight commanded attention with every measured step toward the podium. Amon had always carried an air of nobility, yet in this moment that natural gravitas seemed magnified. His immaculate uniform caught the light, emphasising the authority he already embodied. At the same time, an intangible presence, born from his recent ascension, wrapped him in a shroud of mystery that set him apart from all others.

It was as if a black hole had appeared within the halls of congress, and it demanded full attention from all who dared stand before his presence.

Up till now, all of his exploits had been legendary. The youngest ever Knight Commander in Solaris history. The powerhouse who created Eldorin. And one half of the mythical Fantasy Couple, who had taken the Republic by storm.

So everyone was curious… what was Amon Solaris really like?

And his first words… well, they didn't disappoint.

"The world will fall to the Demon Cult in five years."

"!!!"

Everyone's posture stiffened, and many of their eyes widened. They stared at the impeccably dressed, indomitable young man who stood fearlessly on the podium as he carelessly spoke as if he were foretelling a prophecy.

"... that's if the world doesn't treat the threat of the Demon Cult seriously."

Fortunately, Amon cleared up his opening with an explanation, greatly easing the tension in the chamber.

"Eldorin will continue to fight on the frontline, eradicating as much of the Demon Cult as we possibly can. And those who dare to stand in our way…"

Amon's golden eyes naturally turned into draconic slits, and everyone present felt as if their natural predator had just arrived. Standing frozen, the hundreds of statemen, businessmen and influential figures felt breathless as Amon coldly spoke.

"We will exterminate. That's all."

With that, Amon ended his speech and walked down from the podium. Flustered, the speaker wasn't able to calm the room down, and he glanced cautiously at the three High Council members, who all universally wore amused expressions.

Meanwhile, the members of Eldorin all held their heads, entirely unsure of what they were supposed to do with their commander.

All except… one woman.

Yue blissfully chuckled with flushed cheeks as she openly filmed using her recording crystals, knowingly breaking the rules of conduct despite her etiquette training. In complete ecstasy, she chortled with a tone unbefitting her stature as a refined lady.

"Ahhh, Amon… You sure know how to give me S-rank moments!"