The Extra's Rise-Chapter 573: Fall Ball (1)

The Academy’s Luminous Grandeum had been transformed into something that belonged in fairy tales rather than educational institutions. The prestigious ballroom, normally used only for the most significant Academy events, now glowed with crystalline chandeliers that cast warm, golden light across polished marble floors. Floating orbs of soft magical illumination drifted lazily through the air like captured stars, while the walls were draped in rich fabrics that shifted color subtly with each movement. Arrangements of autumn flowers—enhanced with preservation spells to maintain their perfect beauty—filled the space with delicate fragrance.

But before I could experience any of that splendor, I had to survive the journey there with four of the most remarkable women at Mythos Academy.

"Arthur, you look wonderful," Rose said as she settled into the luxurious interior of the AI-controlled limousine that had arrived to transport us to the evening’s festivities. Her emerald green gown complemented her auburn hair perfectly, and her brown eyes sparkled with excitement that was infectious.

"Thank you," I replied, adjusting my midnight blue formal jacket as I took in the sight of my four companions arranged around the vehicle’s spacious interior. "Though I have to say, I’m feeling somewhat outclassed by the company." freewebnøvel.coɱ

"As you should," Rachel said with characteristic warmth, her sapphire blue dress bringing out the depths of her eyes as she laughed. "We’ve been planning our coordination for weeks."

Indeed, the four of them looked absolutely stunning. Cecilia sat with regal poise, her golden hair styled in an elaborate updo that showcased her elegant neck and shoulders. Her crimson gown brought out the striking red of her eyes, and she moved with the confident bearing of someone who had been attending formal events since childhood.

Seraphina occupied the seat across from me, and I understood immediately why she had taken slightly longer to prepare. Her silver hair had been arranged in an intricate style that seemed to incorporate actual starlight, creating an otherworldly effect that perfectly complemented her ice blue eyes. Her pale silver gown emphasized her ethereal beauty while remaining appropriately formal for the occasion.

"The Academy really went all out this year," Cecilia observed as our limousine glided smoothly along the route toward the Luminous Grandeum. Through the vehicle’s transparent roof, we could see other transport arriving ahead of us—some traditional carriages enhanced with modern comfort systems, others sleek vehicles like our own.

"This will be my last Fall Ball as a student," I said with a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation. "I want to make sure it’s memorable."

"It will be," Seraphina said with quiet confidence. "We’ll make sure of that."

"Plus," Rachel added with obvious enthusiasm, "this is the first major Academy social event since the transfer students arrived. It should be interesting to see how they adapt to Academy traditions."

As our limousine approached the entrance to the Luminous Grandeum, I could see the familiar setup that accompanied all major Academy events. The red carpet extended from the building’s ornate entrance, flanked by sophisticated AI camera systems that would capture arrival photos for the Academy’s archives.

"Ready for the cameras?" I asked, noting the familiar arrangement that had been part of every Fall Ball I’d attended.

"Always," Rose replied with confidence that had grown significantly since our first Academy formal event together.

The limousine came to a smooth stop at the beginning of the red carpet, and I could see other students ahead of us posing for the AI cameras with practiced ease. After three years of Academy events, most students had become comfortable with the documentation process.

"Ready?" Rachel asked, her hand finding mine with reassuring warmth.

"As ready as I’ll ever be," I replied honestly.

The limousine’s door opened with silent efficiency, and I stepped out first before turning to assist my companions. The evening air was crisp and clear, filled with the excitement that always seemed to hover around major Academy events.

Rose emerged first, accepting my offered hand with grace that made the simple gesture seem elegant. Her emerald gown flowed around her as she stood, and I heard several appreciative murmurs from nearby observers.

Cecilia followed, moving with the kind of natural authority that commanded attention without seeming to demand it. Her crimson dress seemed to capture and reflect the red carpet’s lighting, creating a dramatic effect that the AI cameras immediately focused on.

Rachel practically bounced out of the limousine, her enthusiasm for the evening evident in every movement. Her sapphire blue gown swirled around her as she joined our growing group, and her smile was bright enough to rival the ballroom’s lighting.

Finally, Seraphina emerged with the ethereal grace that characterized all her movements. Her silver hair seemed to shimmer with each step, and her pale gown created an almost otherworldly effect that drew gasps of admiration from nearby students.

As we began making our way along the red carpet, I became acutely aware of the attention we were attracting. The AI cameras tracked our movement with sophisticated precision, capturing images from multiple angles while other students paused to watch our procession.

"Arthur Nightingale and companions," I heard one student whisper to another with obvious excitement.

"Four dates," came the amazed response. "How does someone even manage that?"

"Look at how comfortable they all seem with each other," another voice observed. "That’s not fake politeness—they genuinely like each other."

The last comment was particularly gratifying because it was accurate. One of the most remarkable aspects of our relationship was how well the four women got along with each other. Rather than competing for my attention, they had developed genuine friendships that made group activities like this feel natural rather than forced.

"Smile and wave," Rachel murmured quietly as we paused for the cameras at the midpoint of the red carpet. "This is actually fun."

She was right. Despite my initial nervousness about the public nature of our arrival, I found myself genuinely enjoying the experience. The four women beside me were clearly having a wonderful time, and their happiness was infectious.

As we completed our walk along the red carpet and approached the entrance to the Luminous Grandeum, I could hear the sound of classical music drifting from within, played by an orchestra that seamlessly blended traditional instruments with magical enhancement techniques.

"Here we go," Seraphina said softly as the ornate doors opened before us.

The sight that greeted us was even more spectacular than I had anticipated. The Luminous Grandeum lived up to its name, with magical lighting that seemed to make the very air sparkle. Other students were already arriving, their formal attire creating a kaleidoscope of colors and styles that reflected the diverse backgrounds represented at Mythos Academy.

"This is incredible," Rose breathed, her brown eyes wide with appreciation for the transformed space.

"It really is," I agreed, offering my arms to escort my companions into the ballroom proper.

As we made our way inside, I couldn’t help but notice the way conversations seemed to pause as we passed. Having one date to a formal event was normal; arriving with four was something else entirely. But if the attention bothered any of my companions, they showed no sign of it. Instead, they seemed to take obvious pleasure in the evening and in each other’s company.

We found a table that had been reserved for us—one that offered an excellent view of the dance floor while providing comfortable seating for conversation. The Academy had clearly spared no expense for this event; the table settings included crystal glasses that seemed to shimmer with their own light, and the centerpiece was an arrangement of flowers that subtly changed color in harmony with the room’s magical lighting.

"This is beautiful," Seraphina observed, her analytical mind clearly appreciating the sophisticated magic that went into creating the evening’s ambiance.

"It really is," Rachel agreed, then leaned closer to me with a mischievous expression. "Though I have to say, I’m looking forward to the dancing more than the decor."

Before I could respond to her implied challenge, a ripple of conversation swept through the ballroom. The kind of murmur that indicated something unexpected or noteworthy had just occurred.

Following the direction of numerous gazes, I looked toward the main entrance and immediately understood what had captured everyone’s attention.

Lucifer Windward had just arrived, and he wasn’t alone.

Seol-ah Moyong stood at his left side, looking absolutely magnificent in a gown that managed to be both elegant and practical—a deep navy that complemented her black hair and brought out the gold in her eyes. Her usual analytical demeanor was softened by what appeared to be genuine enjoyment of the evening’s festivities.

At Lucifer’s right side stood Deia Solaryn, wearing a dress in warm gold that seemed to make her red hair glow like flame. Her golden eyes reflected excitement mixed with something that might have been nervousness, as if she was still adjusting to being the center of attention in such a public setting.

But it was Lucifer himself who commanded the most attention. He moved with his characteristic confidence, seemingly unbothered by the fact that arriving with two dates was causing considerable speculation throughout the ballroom.

"Well," Cecilia observed with obvious amusement, "it appears we’re not the only ones who decided to make this evening memorable."

"Poor Lucifer," Rachel said with mock sympathy. "He’s about to discover that being the subject of Academy gossip is less comfortable than he probably anticipated."

I watched as Lucifer guided his companions toward a table on the opposite side of the ballroom, noting the way conversations seemed to follow in their wake. Seol-ah appeared completely composed, as if attending formal events with shared escorts was perfectly natural. Deia looked less certain, though she was managing the attention with grace that spoke to inner strength.

"I should probably go say hello," I said, starting to rise from my seat.

"Later," Rose said firmly, catching my arm. "Right now, you owe me a dance, and I intend to collect."

Her tone brooked no argument, and honestly, I had no desire to argue. The evening was young, and there would be plenty of time for social obligations later. For now, I wanted to focus on the four remarkable women who had chosen to spend this evening with me.

"In that case," I said, standing and offering Rose my hand with appropriate formality, "may I have the honor of this dance?"

Her smile was brilliant as she accepted, and I led her onto the dance floor as the orchestra began a waltz that seemed designed specifically for romantic evenings and memorable moments.

As we began to move together across the polished floor, I caught glimpses of other couples joining us—including Lucifer with Seol-ah, while Deia remained at their table with what appeared to be several curious classmates who had approached to make conversation.

"Having second thoughts about our arrangement?" Rose asked softly as we turned through the dance’s patterns.

"Never," I replied honestly. "Though I have to admit, Lucifer seems to be handling his own complex situation with impressive composure."

"He’s had a good example to follow," Rose observed with gentle teasing. "Someone who’s been managing multiple relationships with remarkable success for quite some time now."

The music swelled around us, and I found myself lost in the simple pleasure of dancing with someone I cared about deeply. Rose had become an excellent dancer over our years at the Academy, and she moved with the kind of natural grace that made leading her feel effortless.

When the song ended, I escorted her back to our table where Cecilia was already standing, clearly expecting her turn.

"My dance, I believe?" she said with mock imperious authority.

"Of course, Your Highness," I replied with equally mock formality, offering my arm.

As we made our way back onto the dance floor, I caught sight of Lucifer now dancing with Deia while Seol-ah conversed with what appeared to be several other students who had approached their table. The gossip mill was clearly in full operation, but both groups seemed to be handling the attention with remarkable poise.

The evening was definitely living up to its promise of being memorable, and we had only just begun.