Extra's Ascent-Chapter 85: Dwayne’s Declaration

"What is that supposed to mean?... You aren’t living up to your clan’s reputation as an Aldaman."

Saldrich wasn’t the only one caught off guard by those words. The mere mention of Aldrich’s clan in connection to Kyle’s actions piqued everyone’s curiosity.

"What does my clan have to do with Kyle?" Aldrich muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

"I might be able to shed some light on that."

Dwayne Aldaman’s voice cut through the tension, his tone unwavering as he stepped forward. The moment called for clarity, and he intended to provide it.

To truly understand Kyle’s actions, one had to first understand Dwayne Aldaman.

His was a tale often romanticized, a classic zero-to-hero story. Not much was ever revealed about his past, either in the novel or in this reality.

What was known, however, was that he had enrolled at Eldora Institute and, in just a year, had dominated every field, carving his name into history.

His meteoric rise had earned him the title of the youngest LORD candidate, an achievement few could even dream of.

Dwayne was not just feared within the institute. His reputation extended far beyond, making waves across continents. He had established his presence during the intercontinental event, proving himself a force to be reckoned with.

To outsiders, he was the embodiment of an epic protagonist, the kind of legend they aspired to become. His story was one of relentless drive, power, and prestige.

But Kyle Dandada saw through it all.

Unlike those who envied Dwayne’s rise, Kyle understood the true reason behind his unyielding pursuit of excellence, he was not doing it for himself, but for his clan. Everything Dwayne did was to uphold the authority of the Aldaman name.

"So, you’re saying that Aldrich’s inability to bring out the full potential of his bloodline, unlike you, is what caused this conflict?"

Camelia, sharp as ever, interjected, her scepticism evident. She struggled to wrap her head around the situation.

"For someone raised in wealth, it’s only natural that you wouldn’t understand the burden of belonging to a clan."

There was a fundamental distinction between a clan household and a family household.

A clan’s existence revolved around its functionality, its survival and influence depended solely on strength. Their standing in society was dictated by the power they wielded.

In contrast, a family household, though also reliant on authority, operates on different principles. Their influence could be maintained through various means. Sealth, business, political connections.

"There’s not that much difference," Camelia countered, her voice firm. "I come from a conglomerate family where talent and capability determine your worth. If you fail to contribute, you’re discarded, disowned without hesitation. That’s my world."

She wanted to make it clear that she wasn’t naïve. She understood expectations, legacy, and pressure better than most.

"No, it’s different."

This time, it was Dante who spoke. His presence commanded attention, his words carrying weight.

"Your world is built on wealth and political influence. But a clan is different."

Dante knew this all too well. He was born into one of the most influential clans in the mystic society, where conflict dictated power.

"For families like yours, wealth determines status. You can acquire wealth through countless means. Connections, trade, even illegal ventures. But in a clan… there is only individual power. You are either strong or you are not, there is no in-between. And if you are weak, you are nothing."

His words rang with unshakable certainty.

A businessman’s world, for all its cutthroat nature, still adhered to rationality, to negotiation, compromise, and strategy.

But a clan?

A clan had only one question for its members; What can you offer for the prosperity of the clan?

Nothing else mattered.

"I still don’t get it."

Aldrich finally broke his silence, frustration lacing his words. His gaze flickered between Dwayne and Kyle, searching for understanding.

"I know Kyle finds me unworthy because I haven’t lived up to the Aldaman name._

That much was clear.

But was that his fault?

He was an S-rank student at Eldora Institute. He had worked himself to the bone, pushing his limits, striving to keep up with the monsters surrounding him.

Should he really be blamed for struggling to measure up to absolute freaks?

But none of that mattered right now.

"Shouldn’t there at least be a clan reputation to live up to in the first place?"

His voice grew heavier, his frustration giving way to something deeper.

Yes, he wasn’t living up to the clan’s expectations. He had been told that more times than he could count.

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But what clan?

The Aldaman Clan no longer existed. It had long since collapsed, leaving behind only remnants, scattered individuals who still bore its name.

It wasn’t like the Pendragon Clan, which had preserved its legacy, ensuring that future generations upheld their traditions.

The Aldamans?

They were nothing more than isolated individuals, holding onto a name that had lost all meaning.

"I intend to revive the Aldaman Clan," Dwayne declared, his voice unwavering. "I will restore its glory and elevate it beyond even the three greatest clans."

A lofty goal.

An impossible goal.

Ambition was admirable, even encouraged. But there were limits, dreams had to acknowledge reality.

"Revive the Aldaman Clan?" Aldrich scoffed. "There’s only Saldrich and me at Eldora. Add you, and that makes three. How exactly do you plan on reviving a clan with just three members?"

That wasn’t even the real question.

What legacy was he trying to revive?

There was no record of the Aldaman Clan’s influence in history.

Sure, they possessed an exceptional bloodline ability, but aside from Dwayne, no other Aldaman had ever gained enough recognition to be recorded in the annals of history.

Not in the novel.

Not in this reality.

"By proving that quality surpasses quantity," Dwayne answered resolutely.

He turned to Aldrich, his gaze piercing.

"I’ve observed your sister. She has the potential to embody what it means to be an Aldaman. She has the means to unlock the true depths of our bloodline.

But you—"

His expression shifted, a flicker of bewilderment crossing his face.

"You understand the power within you. You know what it’s capable of. And yet, you refuse to embrace it."

Aldrich remained silent, his fists clenched.

"You would rather fade into the background—content to play the role of an extra.

That cannot be allowed. Not if we are to reclaim our legacy."

Dwayne took a step closer, his presence imposing.

"And that is why, in two weeks, Aldrich Aldaman will face Kyle Dandada in a Veilbourne."