The Retired Hero is an Extra

Jash awoke with a start, his mind immediately focusing on events of the day ahead.

The bed seemed to be yearning to be slept upon, but its yearning was now overshadowed by a blend of annoyance and mild sadness.

"Goodbye," he muttered, caressing his trusty bed. "I will be back to sleep on you after graduation," he told the bed with determination.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he wiped a lone tear from his eye,

It turned out his sadness wasn't from being unable to meet his parents but from being separated from his comfy bed.

Shaking his head, he remembered that he was already running late, exclaiming, "Shoot! As if I am not late enough!"

He dressed quickly, his thoughts racing through the details of the Entrance Test he was well aware of.

"Every detail matters, and every preparation, no matter how small, is crucial," Jash mumbled to himself, focusing back on the day ahead.

Oblivious to each other's polar opposite mindsets, Jash and Amael moved through their routines with a mixture of focus and trepidation.

Both fully aware of the weight of what was to come.

Of course, Amael had nearly arrived at the venue of the Entrance Test while Jash was still getting ready.

After more than ten minutes, Jash finally prepared to leave, his thoughts constantly drifting back to the tasks he had yet to complete.

'This year's Entrance Test is unlike any before, with intense competition across all races,' he thought.

The Entrance Test usually was not only a challenge of ability but a test of endurance and mental fortitude.

However, this year, it was going to be taken to another level due to the higher average talent, making it all the more enjoyable for the spectators.

Bets were already being placed and many had bet on themselves.

"I will strike it rich," Jash mumbled subconsciously, dreaming of the money he would get after betting on himself.

Though the odds weren't as crazy as 100 to 1, they were still higher than most famous participants.

'Getting 37.5 million with an investment of just a million is really crazy indeed,' he smiled to himself, remembering the odds of Amael.

"Damn guy! His odds were only around 1.1 to 1! Just how many people bet on him to win? Even Avon's odds are 2 to 1."

Jash wanted nothing more than to bet on Amael and have an easy time during the Entrance Test, doing just enough to pass.

"If only he won, I wouldn't be bothered, urgh," Jash grumbled in annoyance.

The plot indeed favored the protagonist such that he would defeat the seeded candidate, Amael Blake.

'It would really give the church some hype since they didn't produce any good participants for quite some years,' he recalled from his lessons.

"Anyways, the pressure of the day can push even the most prepared to their limits," he smirked.

That was the best way to give his final speech or so he believed.

If only he came back to the present and realized he hadn't even reached the Venue yet, not to mention participate in the event!

"Just where am I getting lost today?" he yelled in disbelief, unable to stop overthinking for the day.

Still, he regained himself and gathered his belongings before taking a moment to steady his breathing and focus his mind.

After all, a calm and clear perspective would be essential for success.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting shorter shadows across the landscape, Jash found himself on his way to the venue.

'Faster, faster, faster,' he urged inwardly, knowing the sports car he sat in was going at its fastest speed.

If not for his status, the current speed would be nothing more than a pipe dream.

They had literally emptied the areas and posted security teams through the way from the Ramille Estate to the teleportation portals.

Meanwhile, Amael had a rare moment of quiet contemplation, choosing to refine his strategies and prepare for any uncertainties of the test.

'I hope nothing goes wrong with that guy,' he prayed, referring to Jash.

While both were anomalies in their own right, the two were much too different to be even classified in the same category.

Jash wanted nothing more than an easy life, unlike his past while Amale had no option other than to seek chaos.

The God of Darkness was a literal God, not someone he or the lowly system could hope to defeat.

Or at least the current level of his system.

However, Jash didn't know about Amael's system or even his own, from his previous life.

It was really strange for him to change the plot instead of faking his death and letting it go down the route it's supposed to.

For Jash, it was something that needed to be done without any reason but Amael had his reason--the Villain Points.

Unaware of the complexity about each other, both were especially wary of not the protagonist but the other suspicious person.

Oblivious to the strange fate ahead, Jash calmed down in his fast moving car, choosing to reflect on his journey and the opportunities that lay ahead.

'I hope I reach on time, though,' he prayed and closed his eyes, leaving it all to the security team.

Thankfully, he reached the teleportation portals on time and reached Adonia before the Entrance Test began.

Unlike some idiots who took the wrong route, he walked with his back straight into the correct place as if he had done it many times.

'Finally...' he mused to himself, heaving a sigh of relief at appearing right on time.

Unfortunately, he had arrived a little late to miss the view of the capital city.

As the final hours before the test ticked away, the city's atmosphere grew ever more electric, charged with the promise of change and the thrill of competition.

The city of Adonia began to stir as well, with families and competitors alike preparing for the day's events.

The air was thick with the tension of unspoken rivalries and the promise of new beginnings.

As Jash and Amael moved towards their respective destinies, the stage was set for the Entrance Test--a pivotal moment that would shape the future of many.

Most weren't confident in their abilities, their nervousness clearly visible on their faces as they waited for the Entrance Test to begin.

Some waved their nervousness and hesitation goodbye as they started conversing amongst themselves.

Naturally, the cunning ones used this chance to glean information about one another.

However, the places where the nobles or the people in power sat weren't approached by even the daring ones.

In the grand scheme of things, this was just the beginning and it made no sense to offend someone in power, even if accidentally.

After all, who knew what might offend these people in power?

Also, some rumors stated that each step taken, each decision made, would echo through the halls of the Solarnelle Academy and beyond.

Though no one knew how much truth they carried, it was wiser to be on the cautious side.

And with the final preparations complete, the test that would brighten or dull the futures of many was all set to begin.

The anticipation of what was to come filled the air, as the world seemed to hold its breath for the unfolding drama of the Entrance Test.

It was a place where skill, strategy, and resolve would all come into play.

As the time for its beginning approached, the city settled into a tense calm, the stage was set for the Entrance Test--a pivotal moment that would shape the paths of all who participated.

***

{A/N}

Yo~

So, this is where Volume 1 ends. I know it's the major cliff, being carried upon for a long time, but Volume 2 will be where the main stuff starts, so get ready!!

Also, as thanks for all the support and love my book's been getting, I will set some extra chapter goals:

Every 150 Power Stones, Every 50 Golden Tickets, Every 5 reviews, Every Gift worth 1000 coins = 1 Extra chapter(Am I being greedy?)

5 Extra chaps for Supergifts!

{No, you didn't pay extra for this part}