I'm an Extra, so What?
Chapter 110 - 110: Cheating

Luka's breath caught for just a fraction of a second before he composed himself, his eyes hardening with resolve.

"Then… you know what I'm after."

His voice was steady, but beneath the surface, tension coiled like a viper ready to strike.

Once again—

The World Tree's countless leaves rustled, though there was no breeze.

Its massive branches creaked and groaned.

"Yes… To simply answer you, I will grant you what you seek... However, you must understand—the path you've chosen is a dangerous one... an uphill battle with no certainty of victory."

Luka exhaled slowly, crossing his arms over his chest.

His gaze flickered to the ground for just a moment before returning to the towering being before him.

"I know that…" His tone softened, the iron in his voice giving way to something almost weary.

"I just want this to end soon... I just want to survive. I don't want everything to—you know..."

His eyes drifted to the little elf girl.

Ahshala tilted her head, her violet eyes filled with confusion.

Luka could tell she was straining to understand, but she remained silent, sensing the weight of the moment.

The World Tree's branches swayed, and there was a sense of acknowledgment, almost sympathy, in its next words.

"I understand..." It paused, as if considering its next statement carefully.

"Also, do not worry—I have blocked off all hearing from our little watchers scattered about."

Luka blinked, then nodded slowly.

"Thank you…" Relief trickled into his voice, though his posture remained guarded.

The thought of the "NPCs" catching wind of what they were discussing had gnawed at him.

If they ever found out they were mere constructs in a game... the consequences would be catastrophic.

An uprising? Panic? He didn't know, and he didn't want to find out.

A soft yawn pulled his attention back to the little elf girl.

Ahshala rubbed her eyes, blinking heavily as if the weight of the world had suddenly settled on her shoulders.

"Why am I... so tired?" she murmured, her voice trailing off as she sank gently to the moss-covered ground.

Her eyelids fluttered, and within moments, she was curled up like a cat, breathing softly in slumber.

Luka stared, his brow furrowing. "What... did you do?"

"I ensured our little friend would not remember... or overhear our discussion," the World Tree replied, its voice laced with reassurance.

"She is safe. Simply dreaming."

Luka's eyes lingered on the little elf girl for a moment longer before turning back.

"Thank you…" His voice was softer now, almost a whisper.

He had no idea what he would've done if the little elf girl found out.

She was innocent in all this—too innocent.

The World Tree's branches shifted again.

"Now then," it began, its voice lowering.

"Shall we speak of what comes next?"

"Yeah… Let's," Luka replied.

At that very moment, the World Tree fell unnaturally still, its branches ceasing their gentle sway, its leaves frozen mid-rustle.

Suddenly…

Luka's breath caught in his throat as a glow began to emanate from the colossal trunk, starting as a faint shimmer before intensifying into a brilliant, pulsating light.

Mana—pure, liquid energy—started to drip from the bark, seeping from its cracks like sap, cascading down the towering structure in glimmering streams.

The droplets shimmered with hues of sapphire and emerald, glowing with an ethereal light that defied logic.

Luka's eyes widened as the mana began to snake its way down the bark, pooling at the roots before creeping across the ground.

He stumbled back instinctively, but it was too late.

The shimmering tendrils latched onto his boots, swirling up his legs with alarming speed.

The mana reached his skin, seeping into his flesh like water into dry earth.

A jolt of agony shot through Luka, raw and unforgiving.

"Ah—shit!" he shouted, collapsing to his knees as the mana burrowed deeper, spreading through his veins like wildfire.

His muscles clenched, spasming uncontrollably as the mana burned its way through his body.

Luka's hands clawed at the ground, fingers curling so tightly that his nails bit into his palms, drawing streaks of crimson.

He barely registered the sting, his entire focus consumed by the searing pain that roared through his bloodstream.

His vision blurred, colors smearing together as white-hot agony flared behind his eyes.

His veins bulged visibly beneath his skin, glowing faintly with azure light, pulsing in sync with his heartbeat.

His breath came in ragged gasps, sweat pouring from his brow as if his body was desperately trying to cool itself against the inferno raging inside.

When the mana finally settled, its last traces melting into his core, Luka collapsed forward even more.

His body still trembled from the remnants of pain, but he managed to force out a hoarse chuckle between ragged breaths.

He spat out a mouthful of blood, the metallic taste sharp on his tongue.

"Th-thank you…" Luka wheezed, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, which came away streaked with crimson.

"This… this makes everything so much easier."

The World Tree's glow began to fade, its leaves resuming their gentle sway.

"You are most welcome," it replied, "I apologize for the pain… but you must understand: you are of the Ranger Class. Your body is not accustomed to mana, nor does it welcome it easily. It is… against the natural order."

The World Tree paused, its branches creaking as if considering its next words.

"The process is painful, yes, but necessary."

Luka let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head as he wiped the blood from his nose.

His legs still wobbled beneath him, but he managed to push himself upright, leaning heavily against the nearby railing that encircled the roots.

"Yeah… I get it. Natural order and all that boring stuff," Luka muttered, cracking a weary grin despite the lingering ache in his bones.

The World Tree seemed almost amused.

"I'm pleased you understand."

Luka straightened up, rolling his shoulders.

"Let's keep going," he said, determination flashing in his eyes.

"We're not done yet."

"Are you sure about this?" the World Tree asked, its voice resonating with deep concern.

Its branches trembled slightly.

"The spell skills you're about to learn are far beyond your current level... If you attempt to wield them unprepared, the backlash could be—"

"That's why I need more mana," Luka interrupted.

He took a step forward, placing his hand on the bark.

"I have to raise my level, and I need your help to do it. I know it's kind of cheating... bending the rules and all, but you understand why I'm asking you, right?"

There was silence—

Finally—

The World Tree's branches swayed, and its voice returned, softer this time.

"Alright…" it whispered, almost reluctantly.

"The others will not be pleased with this. I cannot hide what I am about to do, and I fear their wrath… But I cannot let this world be destroyed. I love it too much…"

A shimmering light rippled across its surface, and slowly, it began to release something—tiny motes of light, like fireflies dancing in the night.

They gathered above Luka, swirling and condensing until they took form.

One by one, the system notifications flared to life in his mind:

[You have learned: Thunderbound Fist]

[You have learned: Glacial Cataclysm]

[You have learned: Earthshatter]

[You have learned: Phoenix Rebirth]

[You have learned: Dominion of Mana Blades]

Luka's eyes widened as the new skills surged into him.

His hands trembled slightly with anticipation.

"These are the only ones I can give you," the World Tree said, its voice heavy with finality.

"I apologize. If I push beyond this, the balance will be disrupted… and I cannot allow that."

Luka shook his head, smiling despite the tension straining his muscles.

"No. These are perfect. More than I could have asked for. Now I just need to be a higher level... more mana to use them."

"That... I can help with," the World Tree responded:

"Once I start infusing experience into you, it won't hurt like the mana did. Consider it... a smoother process."

Luka let out a long, grateful sigh. "That's nice to know…"

Before he could brace himself, tiny green particles began materializing around him.

They grew thicker, swirling around his body, pressing into his skin with gentle warmth.

Luka felt his body relax, almost instinctively absorbing it all.

[Ding! You have leveled up!]

[Level 5]