Transmigrated as an Extra: Awakening of The Ex‐Class”

As we chatted among ourselves amid soft laughter and knowing glances, we didn't notice how we had finished each of our plates of okonomiyaki. The food was delicious and comforting, even for Aziel and Amelia's refined tastes. As soon as we placed our chopsticks on our empty plates, I could see Aziel fidgeting a little at my side. Her eyes indicated how she was urging us to hurry up so we wouldn't miss the day's fights.

The duels took place in the Nova Amphitheater, a vast coliseum-like structure nestled at the western end of the academy grounds. It was said that in ancient times, it was used to accustom warriors to death.

Just looking at the place, its shape was a fairly ancient construction of stones and metals with black tones. Perhaps adamantine and other elements were part of this gray stone. If you looked closer, you could see subtle glimmers in the runes inscribed on its walls, which contained energy even in this time. Many historians tried to study the runes, but little progress has been made in that area.

The place was protected by containment barriers that prevented the public from being harmed and also allowed the warriors to avoid death. This was similar to the virtual reality technology in my world.

In addition, high up on the screens were viewing spheres, allowing spectators to follow the battle taking place. This last feature was added recently, as not everyone who attended this festival was skilled at using mana.

The fights weren't simply displays of strength: they were part of the internal ranking system for the academy's teachers. Although previously conducted in private, the institution's growing autonomy from the Kingdom and the high nobles had transformed this practice into a public event. Now, they were part of the festive calendar. This allowed for more donations from noble houses, renowned magical clans, and mercenary guilds, funding not only the teachers' salaries but also private research and the maintenance of the facilities.

Today, the coliseum was packed. Students, scholars, merchants, and even foreign visitors occupied their seats. Sheathed viewing platforms sat at the top of the coliseum, supported by soundproof magic circles, offering privacy to the high-ranking guests. The sky was clear, but small fragments of enchanted clouds snaked across the dome, reflecting the spells active on the battlefield.

"Who's fighting today?" I asked as we took our seats in one of the high stands.

"Professor Harvey versus Instructor Mireya," a nearby student replied, without taking her eyes off the center of the arena. "He represents the Summoning Department, which focuses on elemental spirits, and although she belongs to the same department, her field of study is completely different."

The fight began with a loud noise that shook the stands. Professor Harvey appeared, accompanied by three summoning circles that revolved around him. From them emerged elemental entities: a fire sparrow, a water serpent, and a three-meter-tall golem. His figure, typical of a mage with blue robes and a penetrating gaze, moved calmly, directing his creatures with precise gestures.

Professor Mireya was dressed in lighter, more modest clothing. Without thinking, she cut her hand with a dagger and extracted blood from an obsidian urn, swallowing it immediately. As soon as she did, her body tensed for a moment. Then her shadow rose, taking the form of a multi-eyed beast. Each movement seemed like something out of a fantasy. Agile and violent, it almost seemed as if the air vibrated with her will.

The masters' battles were not governed by conventional rules. More than defeating their opponent, they had to demonstrate magical superiority, mastery of their specialty, and tactical creativity. The High Commission of Masters, composed of the headmaster, vice-headmaster, and a few senior teachers, was in charge of judging the battles from an elevated platform protected by soundproof runes.

During the confrontation, Professor Harvey used his vermillion bird to raise the temperature of the field, attempting to evaporate the fluids Mireya was manipulating. However, she responded by transmuting her blood into fine flakes, unleashing a storm that forced the professor to retreat, hiding behind his golem, which fell to pieces.

The audience watched in reverent silence, occasionally broken by gasps of amazement when a massive spell was unleashed or an unexpected strategy left the opponent in jeopardy. Even among first-year cadets, seeing teachers clash like this was a novel experience.

"Imagine being assigned to one of them..." someone muttered behind us.

"I just hope they don't decide to fight in class..." another responded.

After nearly half an hour of intense exchanges, the fight ended when both teachers ran out of mana, exhausted, and showing visible signs of exertion. Although neither was able to kill the other, this was because they shared a specialty and were aware of each other's strengths. The high commission of teachers, after a brief deliberation, declared a technical draw, awarding them equal points based on the ranking system. The audience gave a standing ovation.

I stood for a moment, distracted, observing the battlefield, which moments before had been a completely finished, destroyed, and cleared terrain. Now, before our eyes, it was beginning to transform. A ring of light began to slowly spread from the center toward the edges of the coliseum, and where the earth touched that energy, twisted roots and shoots sprouted, rising as if awakening from a long slumber. In a matter of minutes, the place became a lush forest: tall trees with golden leaves, flowers that opened in the wind, and bioluminescent mushrooms that emitted a faint violet light. It was a clear indication of the next fight; the terrain was chosen randomly, and when it was ready, the fight would begin.

Next to me, Aziel seemed to be the most excited, constantly speculating about who might be the next to show up. It was fascinating to see her like this; she's not usually much of a talker. Although I glanced at her from time to time, I was too distracted to pay attention. Suddenly, a feeling of foreboding prickled my neck. I instinctively turned to my left… and my stomach sank.

Erwing, whom I was supposed to be watching, was no longer there.

The air in my lungs was cut short for a few moments. All sorts of situations occurred in my mind. I even began to think the worst. I took a deep breath and tried to contain myself. With an eagle's gaze, I scanned the crowd. The hubbub, the murmur of the spectators, the flashing lights of the field... everything was beginning to blur.

Sweat trickled down my neck. The rhythm of my chest rising and falling had increased. It felt heavier and more violent, almost as if each rib was slicing into the letter inside me. For brief moments, flashes of images of me reading the novel in my previous world flashed by. I tried to recall this specific chapter, searching for a detailed description, how he disappeared, whether it was through transport portals, anti-perception magic, illusion magic, invisible creatures... anything I could think of.

Right now I didn't know what situation I was in, I just knew I had to act fast, I rushed forward, about to get up and run without direction, when I saw him reappear in the crowd.

Erwing had returned walking with a carefree smile on his face, in his hands were four flags wrapped in paper, as he approached, practically instantly recognized that smell, tender corn coated in a kind of toast with a spicy smell ... that imbesil went to buy sausages while I was worried.

"Hehehe..." I let out a slight sigh and let myself fall into the bleachers more calmly.

Erwing, with his smile still intact, handed one to each of us.

-To replenish our energy," he said simply.

Aziel held it carefully to prevent it from falling and very timidly said softly "thank you" it was almost inaudible, while he gave it small bites. Maybe because it was something new for her she froze for a second, with an expression between incredulous and delighted but she quickly devoured it before I even noticed.

Amelia, who was watching her, grabbed the banderilla with a curious look. Judging by her gestures, she probably didn't trust the taste, but as soon as she took the first bite, her eyes opened wide.

"This is... more delicious than it looks." Erwing nodded proudly.

I didn't say anything. I just gave him a dissatisfied look and took a big bite of mine. The mixture of textures and flavors exploded in my mouth: the crispy crust of the pastry was truly a delicacy, the spiced sausage inside, the subtle sweetness of the honey. It was comforting, warm. As if all the anxiety from the previous moment, although completely gone, had become more bearable.

The next battle began more quickly than the previous one. No sooner had the forest materialized than two figures descended from floating platforms above the field. Professor Irvana and Professor Markus, she an elemental mage and he a warrior, exchanged a brief bow and, without a word, launched themselves at each other.

It didn't last more than a few minutes.

A sharp gust of wind ripped through the field, followed by a burst of white light that blinded most of the spectators. When vision returned, Professor Irvana lay on the ground, defeated, and Professor Markus was already retreating with calm steps. Some applauded, others remained silent, bewildered by the brevity of the encounter. Combat efficiency was also a way of demonstrating power, though rarely so forceful.