Reborn As An Extra In My Own Novel-Chapter 33: Homecoming [2]

The chamber that housed the gate was only slightly larger than the room I had been sleeping in. Aside from the large altar positioned at the center, nothing else stood out as particularly unique.

"We will begin now," Series commanded as we ascended the three rounded steps onto the circular altar. "Pour your mana into it."

Throughout the entire process, none of us spoke. We were all exhausted from the chaotic contrast of the bizarre dungeon. I channeled my mana into the altar as the intricate carvings on the ground flickered with a blue glow.

The light converged, forming symbols on the altar. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

I lowered my gaze and examined the carvings using clairvoyance. They were a distinct type of rune, unfamiliar even to me. Still, something urged me to memorize the characters—perhaps instinct, or the heart of an adventurer.

As the once-dim glow gradually intensified, a spark of light formed beside the altar. In an instant, a large sky-blue gate appeared.

Series, Amy, and I, who had been simultaneously channeling and regulating our mana, withdrew our hands from the cold floor.

"Haah, home sweet home," Series muttered with a nod of approval.

"But how will the gate take us to our destination and at the same time return you to Nefertari?" Amy inquired, adjusting her glasses.

"Are you sure you want to know?" Series’s tone turned serious. Even I was curious about how it functioned.

After a long pause, she opened her hands wide. "I don’t know either."

Frustration bubbled within me.

Amy clearly felt the same and quickly voiced her complaints. "Why the hell did you ask if Amy wanted to know?" she snapped.

I swiftly moved closer and took her hand, which was fully poised to strike Series. "I don’t think we should fight—at least not now." Seeing Amy calm slightly, I continued, "The gate won’t last forever."

Series nodded repeatedly. "Yes... Yes, it might not even last a full minute."

Amy composed herself and turned to me. "We better go first."

I nodded in response as Amy held the other members’ hands. "See you later, then," she offered her farewells.

"Mmm... See you later," Series replied.

I gave a slight bow before heading to the gate.

"No goodbyes, Master Kai?" Series teased.

"Don’t call me that..." I then added, "But later."

I would have liked to say more—about how she could treat her mother’s illness, or how Nefertari would fall because of Tomb Thebes, but I had to leave it for a later Chapter. Yes, it was to be continued.

I smiled and waved goodbye.

"We might meet sooner than you think, Master Kai."

"Suit yourself, Master Series," I replied, stepping into the gate.

"Back at you!" Those were the final words as the blue light enveloped me.

The fresh scent of spring and roses filled my nose as I let out a sigh of relief.

’We are finally back.’

------

As the world beyond the gate came into view, I saw the figures of over ten professors standing a few meters from the portal.

Apart from them, several other groups were present, some looking lazily, while others wore indifferent expressions.

My mind struggled to comprehend the situation, but like a bolt of lightning, Neko-sensei appeared before me and pulled me into a firm embrace.

’What happened?’ I wondered.

I was certain time moved faster in the dungeon—so why was she reacting this way?

"I’m glad you’re alright." Her voice was subdued as her tears soaked into my chest. "I thought you had died."

I looked again at the gathered students. The full class of forty-two seemed present—so why?

"It has been a day since we rescued the other students," she said, pulling away slightly. "But a few couldn’t be located... We later found that those were the ones dropped in the outer regions, not the major cities."

She pointed to the screen still showing live images from Nefertari. "Luckily, we managed to track you, but after your battle with the dragon, it was as though you vanished."

’No way, right? All of them saw that? Everything?’ My mind reeled.

"You never told me you had gotten that strong, brat. And what did you eat to grow taller? Even your face..." Her hands cupped and examined my face, as though sculpting it—but my thoughts were elsewhere.

I could see the relief in Amy’s eyes, knowing nothing that occurred in the temple had been broadcast.

"Neko..." I began, but Neko-sensei’s voice interrupted me.

"Congratulations on your advancement, Master Kaiser," she announced, then added smugly, "This is my disciple, after all, I wouldn’t expect less."

I smiled softly as I responded. "Thanks..."

I felt the sharp and suspicious gazes of the professors. I had so many questions I wanted to ask Neko-sensei, but it had to wait, she looked genuinely overjoyed at my return.

As she guided me to walk beside her, the rest of the students rushed to Amy and the pouch girl, offering them comfort.

The day had been long.

It was finally time to rest in a real bed.

------

After a brief conversation with Neko-sensei, I pieced together what had occurred during the dungeon raid.

First, time hadn’t actually flowed differently like in the novel. That meant the two days and three nights we spent in the dungeon also passed in the real world, and to be honest, I was glad.

At least I got a free pass to miss classes. Why fake a sick day when I could just get stuck in a dungeon?

The second thing I learned, though not directly from Neko-sensei, was that I had become the talk of Noctis—a student celebrity.

Dragon Slayer Kai—even the nickname my bullies used had now become my household title: Alabaster Prince, which, in my opinion, was so cringe it made me feel like puking.

Initially, Neko-sensei and the rest of the faculty believed I had slain the Sequence Six drifter using brute strength alone. In my foolish attempt to clarify things by explaining the plan I devised, I only ended up intensifying the rumors.

King’s Gambit Kai, or whatever they were calling me now.

But the most critical piece of news was that Alyan had been stripped of his teaching position and imprisoned after it was confirmed he was a demonic human.

Because of this, Deerheart had not made any moves since the dungeon incident—granting me valuable time to prepare for what lay ahead.

It was finally the weekend, marking the end of my first week at the academy.

Amy had asked me to meet her at the school’s main mall—mC Nagi.

After meeting her, I needed to catch up with Anica, who had been calling me since yesterday, and attend a quick meeting with both the teachers and the student council president.

After reading a message from Hari saying she was waiting in my room, I slipped my phone into my pocket.

I passed a group of casually dressed students. It was becoming a little uncomfortable walking around, as everyone seemed to stare at me—some even lost in their tracks.

I wore a large linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the first three buttons undone, black trousers, black sandals, and a face mask.

Noctis’ specialized smartwatch adorned my wrist, with a silver chain around my neck.

I opened the door to the ground floor of the three-story mall. The ground floor served multiple purposes, but the front area was its café.

I caught a glimpse of Amy waving at me from the far edge, beside the left wall.

Judging by the box in her hands, it looked like she had gotten what I asked for.

Beside her, waving awkwardly, was a face I never expected to see.