The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Baptism of Elements

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Darkness still clung to Alex's consciousness, but this time, it was not the crushing void of exhaustion. It was a gentle lull, like floating in the depths of a serene ocean.

His mind drifted in half-lucid dreams, his body slowly recovering from the brutal trial.

A firm, commanding voice shattered the silence.

"Awaken, boy. It is time."

Alex's eyes fluttered open. He was still lying on the stone platform, the cavern's ancient runes bathing everything in a soft, ethereal glow.

His body no longer ached as much as before, though a dull soreness remained—a testament to the battle he had endured.

The ancient warrior stood before him, arms crossed, his gaze expectant.

Alex groaned as he pushed himself up. "You sure you don't want to give me a few more hours?"

The warrior snorted. "You have rested long enough. Any more and I would have mistaken you for a corpse."

"Harsh," Alex muttered, rubbing his temples before exhaling. "Alright. What now?"

The warrior nodded. "Come. It is time to receive your true rewards."

Alex's ears perked up. True rewards? That definitely got his attention.

Without further hesitation, he stood up, stretching his limbs before following the warrior toward a section of the chamber that had been previously sealed.

As they approached, the stone walls rumbled, parting to reveal a hidden passageway.

Alex whistled. "You guys really like your secret doors."

The warrior smirked but said nothing as he led the way.

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The passage opened up into a vast underground chamber, completely different from the rest of the ruins.

The air was thick with energy, humming with an unseen force. At the center lay a massive pond, its surface shimmering with multiple colors—blues, greens, reds, purples—each hue shifting and flowing like liquid gemstones.

Alex's eyes widened. "What is this place?"

"The Elemental Baptism Pond," the warrior declared. "One of your rewards."

Alex blinked. "Wait, I get a fancy bath as a reward?"

The warrior rolled his eyes. "This is no mere bath, fool. The pond attunes itself to the affinity most suited to you. It will awaken your dormant elemental potential."

Alex's breath hitched. Elemental affinity awakening?

In this world, elemental affinities were crucial. Mages, swordsmen, and even martial artists benefited immensely from them.

While most people had to rely on rigorous training—or sheer luck—to awaken their affinity, an opportunity like this was practically cheating.

"Damn," Alex muttered, trying to contain his excitement. "Alright. So, I just jump in?"

The warrior nodded. "Submerge yourself fully. You will know when the process is complete."

Alex eyed the pond, took a deep breath, and stepped in.

The moment his body was fully submerged, an overwhelming sensation flooded him. His veins burned as raw elemental energy coursed through him, seeping into his very being.

Alex smirked. "Yeah, I tend to do that."

The warrior sighed. "Enough of your arrogance. There is still one last reward."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What is it?"

The warrior's gaze sharpened. "A legacy long forgotten. A blade art of the highest order."

Alex's smirk faded. He swallowed hard.

A sword art?

The warrior motioned for Alex to follow once more. They moved deeper into the chamber, where a grand pedestal stood, covered in ancient inscriptions.

The warrior turned to him. "Kneel." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Alex hesitated for a fraction of a second before doing as told. The warrior placed a palm on his forehead, and suddenly, knowledge surged into Alex's mind—a flood of techniques, movements, principles beyond mortal comprehension.

The sensation was overwhelming. He gritted his teeth, sweat forming on his brow as his breathing grew ragged.

Then, just as abruptly as it began, it ended.

Alex collapsed forward, panting heavily. His fingers dug into the stone floor as he tried to steady himself.

The warrior stepped back, a satisfied look in his eyes. "You have inherited the art. Use it well."

Alex's fingers twitched. The name of the sword art echoed in his mind, yet he couldn't fully grasp its depth yet.

His lips parted, his voice barely above a whisper. "This sword art is...