Transmigrating as an Extra, But the Heroine Has Regressed?!

The next day, the first-year students of Arcadia Academy gathered on Ground Zero.

The morning sun had just begun to rise. It wasn't a running-lap day, so the usual grumbles about exhaustion were absent.

Yet, the student gathers there. Students whispered among themselves, glancing around, curious about what had prompted the gathering.

Kael arrived later than most.

Soon, Professor Sylvia appeared at the field, carrying a stack of papers in her hands, and the murmurs quickly faded.

"Everyone," she began, "there has been a report from the village of Blackstone Plaza. The villagers there were attacked overnight by a combination of escaped prisoners and local beasts. Some have been injured, and others are in danger of being captured."

Some of the students were shocked. "Prisoners? Beasts? That sounds dangerous!"

Professor Sylvia raised a hand to silence them.

"I will be sending a group of first-year students to aid the villagers and ensure their safety. This is an urgent mission, and your cooperation is expected."

One student, standing near the front, raised a hand and asked hesitantly, "Madam, why aren't the second-year or third-year students sent instead?"

she responded. "The upper years are currently participating in the inter-academy combat event. They are occupied with their own official duties, representing Arcadia Academy across the state. That is why this mission falls to you, first-years."

Most were thinking of the dangers ahead, facing escaped prisoners was risky enough, but combining that with wild beasts in unfamiliar terrain made this mission seem nearly impossible.

Yet, the thought of helping real people in need and the opportunity to prove themselves stirred determination in many of them.

Before anyone could voice further questions, Sylvia continued, "I have chosen the students who will be accompanying this mission."

Her eyes briefly scanned the gathered students before stopping on a few individuals.

"You will form a single group. Elysia, you are included in this team."

All eyes turned to Elysia, and a few whispered among themselves.

"With her, the people will be rescued".

The elysia raised her hand, "madam"

Professor Sylvia scanned the group of first-year students, holding a list in her hands. Her eyes flicked across each face, assessing who would be suitable for the mission to aid the villagers of Blackstone Plaza.

Suddenly, Elysia paused and then pointed decisively toward Kael.

Kael froze in an instant.

(Is she pointing at me?) he thought, blinking in surprise.

Before he could say anything, Elysia stepped forward confidently, eyes steady as she addressed Professor Sylvia.

"Madam, I would like to include Kael in this mission," she said firmly.

"He should not be judged by appearances alone. He is strong, and I believe he can be a greater asset to our group than many others. His skills will benefit everyone during the rescue."

Professor Sylvia's eyes softened slightly as she considered Elysia's words. She gave a subtle nod, accepting the suggestion.

"Very well," she said. "Kael will join your group. Make sure he understands the mission clearly, Elysia."

Cecelia, standing nearby, could not hold back her disbelief. She stepped forward, frowning slightly.

"Elysia, what the hell are you doing? Why are you putting Kael on this mission?"

Elysia turned to Cecelia with a calm.

"He is strong," she replied simply. "He will help us all. This isn't a matter of favoritism—it's about capability. Kael has proven himself more than once; he can handle this."

Cecelia's lips pressed into a thin line. She didn't like it, and yet she could see the logic behind Elysia's argument.

Still, a twinge of worry tugged at her heart. Kael was strong, yes—but the mission would be dangerous. She wanted to make sure no harm came to him.

Kael, meanwhile, stood silently, trying to make sense of the sudden attention.

He shifted slightly, adjusting the strap of his bag.

(Why did she choose me, though?) he wondered.

(I thought I would just spend the day practicing in the training room… not running into a dangerous mission with first-years and beasts.)

He glanced at Elysia, whose confident expression gave nothing away.

(Is there a reason she singled me out? Or does she just… want me in the group?)

He looked around at the other students who had been assigned to the mission—Edwin, Alina, Jin, Selene, Isolde, and Seraphina. Each of them seemed prepared, though a few exchanged uneasy glances at Kael as if wondering why he had been chosen over others.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to relax. (If Elysia believes I can do this, then I'll have to live up to that.)

Cecelia, noticing Kael's silent hesitation, stepped closer and gave him a reassuring nod.

"Be careful," she said.

Elysia, meanwhile, had already begun issuing instructions to the group.

She unfolded the maps that Professor Sylvia had provided and pointed out the path they would take toward Blackstone Plaza.

"We'll travel carefully through the forest path first," she said, "but we need to stay alert. The terrain may be unstable, and there's always a possibility of encountering hostile beasts or escaping prisoners along the way."

Kael listened. He adjusted the strap of his sword across his back, letting his fingers brush the hilt.

(This will be my first real rescue mission outside training), he thought.

Elysia caught the subtle movement and gave a small, approving smile.

"Good," she said. "We'll need everyone focused. Stay close to the path, watch each other's backs, and trust your instincts."

Kael felt a shiver run down his spine from anticipation.

The group began gathering their equipment and supplies.

"He had arrived late, yet he had been selected", said someone.

Elysia, standing among the selected students, smirked faintly. Her eyes locked on Kael for a brief moment, and she subtly adjusted her stance.

The final roster was announced by professor Slyvia: Kael, Elysia, Edwin, Alina, Jin, Selene, Isolde, and Seraphina.

"Elysia," Slyvia said, "this map will guide you to the village. Stay together, and do not take unnecessary risks. Remember, the villagers' safety comes first."

Though she had her own map, she took the map from professor Slyvia.

"Thank you ma'am".

Elysia accepted the maps with a nod, tucking them carefully into her satchel.

Sylvia continued, addressing the group. "Gather your equipment and prepare your supplies. Take only what you truly need. You will leave immediately from the terminal of Arcadia Academy once ready."