An Extra’s Rise in an Eroge

She turned back to the class, her expression softening once more. "Now, before we move forward—did everyone understand the basics I've covered so far?"

"Yes, ma'am," came the chorus of responses.

Elena's gaze swept across the classroom, her silver eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, it seems I have a room full of geniuses," she remarked with a playful smirk. "Well then, let's put your brilliance to the test."

The students exchanged nervous glances, realizing that her next words might not be as simple as they sounded.

"Let's see... You there." She pointed her finger directly at a boy seated in the back row. "What's the primary difference between Aether and mana?"

The boy froze, wide-eyed. "Um, Aether is... uh, the pure energy source, and mana is... how we, um, use it?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Elena raised a delicate brow, her expression unreadable. "Close enough," she said with a slight shrug. "But don't stutter next time. Confidence is key when channeling Aether."

She turned her attention to another student. "And you, what determines how much Aether an individual can channel at once?"

The girl answered quickly, "Their mana pool, ma'am. A larger mana pool allows for greater Aether usage."

"Correct." Elena nodded, her smile softening slightly. "But don't forget: your control over Aether is just as important as the size of your pool. A poorly controlled stream can cause more harm than good."

Arthur watched the exchanges carefully, already anticipating her next move. He knew her personality well from his memories of the game—Elena Moon didn't tolerate inattentiveness, nor did she shy away from calling out slackers.

His prediction proved true when her gaze landed on a boy slouching near the window, clearly disinterested.

"You." Her voice carried a sharp edge. "Care to enlighten the class on why warriors struggle to manifest aura compared to mana?"

The boy startled, fumbling with his words. "Uh... it's... harder?"

Elena's eyes narrowed. "Harder, indeed," she said, her tone dry. "If you find it difficult to pay attention, perhaps I should assign you some extra reading on the subject? Or would you prefer a demonstration of why slacking off is never a good idea?"

The boy straightened immediately, muttering, "I'll pay attention, ma'am."

Arthur hid a smirk, his suspicions confirmed. Elena was as strict and sharp as he remembered.

"Good." Elena moved on, her voice returning to its composed tone. "Let's proceed to another foundational concept: affinities."

The air in the room seemed to shift as she spoke, her words carrying an almost reverent weight. "Affinities are the unique connections each of you shares with specific elements. These connections define how you harness mana and manipulate the elements themselves. They're as intrinsic to you as your heartbeat, and they determine the paths your magical abilities will take."

Elena conjured a shimmering orb in her hand, its color shifting between hues of fire, water, and earth. "Some of you may have single affinities, while others might possess dual or even triple affinities. Rarer still are those with unique or divine affinities, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses."

As she explained, Arthur kept his attention fixed on her. While everything she was saying aligned with his prior knowledge, he knew better than to appear disinterested.

'She's watching,' Arthur thought, stealing a quick glance at her. He knew how closely Elena observed her students during her lectures. It wasn't just about understanding the material—she judged their discipline, focus, and drive.

True to form, Elena's sharp eyes flickered across the room, pausing momentarily on each student. Her expression revealed nothing, but Arthur could sense her evaluating gaze.

To ensure he stayed on her good side, Arthur raised his hand as soon as she posed her next question.

"What factors can influence a person's affinity beyond their awakening ceremony?" she asked, scanning the room. Read new chapters at empire

Arthur spoke confidently, "Exposure to certain elemental environments can deepen a connection, and rigorous training with an affinity can strengthen it. Rare artifacts and blessings from deities can also alter or enhance affinities."

Elena's lips curved into a faint smile. "Well said, Arthur Ludwig. You're correct, though I'll add that such transformations are exceedingly rare. Most of you will have to rely on hard work, not divine intervention."

Arthur nodded, careful to maintain a polite expression.

The lesson continued, with Elena posing increasingly complex questions while seamlessly weaving in demonstrations. Arthur made it a point to answer every question he could, ensuring Elena noticed his enthusiasm and engagement.

"Good, good," Elena said, nodding in approval as she paced before the class. "Now, who wants to demonstrate basic elemental manipulation? You've already done it during the practical exam, so this should be familiar." She gestured to a nearby table, where a book rested. "You can create a fireball, float this book in the air, or perform whatever your elemental affinity allows."

Her eyes swept across the room. "Any volunteers?"

Arthur straightened in his seat, his hand starting to rise. But before he could speak, Alex's confident voice cut through the room.

"Can I?" he asked, his tone brimming with self-assurance as he raised his hand.

Elena clasped her hands together, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Excellent! It seems we have a volunteer." She gestured for Alex to come forward. "Take the stage and show us what you can do."

Alex strode confidently to the front, his expression brimming with self-assurance. Whispers of curiosity and expectation rippled through the classroom.

Arthur leaned back in his seat, watching the scene unfold. He knew this moment was part of the story— the first event for the protagonist to earn a name for himself. He will also become the instructor's favorite student after another few lessons.

Elena crossed her arms, her sharp gaze fixed on Alex. "Whenever you're ready," she said, her tone encouraging yet commanding.

Alex took a deep breath, extending his hands forward. The room fell silent, the weight of anticipation palpable.

He began with his earth affinity. Small stones and shards of rock rose from the ground, gathering above his palms. They moved in a controlled orbit around him, spinning faster and faster until they formed a precise ring of levitating stones. The murmurs of amazement began to spread through the class.