The Extra's Rise
Chapter 619 - 619: Early Departure

The headmaster's office at Mythos Academy had always been an imposing space, but today it felt different—more like a formal conclusion than the prelude to disciplinary action that my previous visits had usually entailed. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the academic awards and magical artifacts that decorated the walls with scholarly authority.

Eva Lopez sat behind her massive mahogany desk, her navy blue hair perfectly styled despite the early morning hour, her sharp eyes studying me with the kind of amused assessment that suggested she was enjoying this meeting far more than I was comfortable with.

'This feels surreal,' I thought as I settled into the chair across from her desk. 'Four years of academy life, and it's ending not with ceremony but with a private meeting because I'm too busy running a guild to attend my own graduation tournament.'

"Arthur Nightingale," she said, leaning back in her chair with a slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "When I first reviewed your academy application four years ago, I knew you were going to be... interesting. I just never imagined quite how interesting."

'Here it comes,' I thought, recognizing the tone that usually preceded detailed recitations of my various academic infractions and unorthodox activities.

"Let's see," she continued, activating a holographic display that materialized above her desk. "First year: created your own Ancient Undead Lich with a revolutionary method and took Rank 1 in the greatest generation. Second year: somehow got yourself involved in a death cult incident and cryptically disappeared. Third year: got involved in a continental war in the East."

'When she puts it like that, it does sound rather excessive,' I admitted silently.

"And fourth year," Eva continued with obvious amusement, "you've managed to continue romantic relationships with four high born women simultaneously, publish a paper that our Professor Gravemore describes as a revolutionary breakthrough in necromancy, defeat the future Pope of the Savage Communion in single combat, and somehow find time to build an international guild that's become significant enough to require your absence from the Sovereign's Tournament."

Luna's amused mental laughter echoed in my mind. 'She's not wrong about the trouble magnet assessment. You do seem to attract chaos with remarkable consistency.'

"Headmaster," I began, attempting to offer some form of explanation or defense, but Eva held up a hand to stop me.

"Oh, don't misunderstand," she said with genuine warmth. "I'm not complaining. Troublemakers like you are exactly why Mythos Academy exists. We don't educate students to become comfortable bureaucrats—we shape the people who will lead continental governments, revolutionary magical research, and yes, international organizations that reshape global commerce."

She stood and moved to one of the windows overlooking the academy grounds, her expression growing more thoughtful. "What I find remarkable is that despite all the chaos that seems to follow you, your academic performance has been consistently excellent. Your theoretical knowledge, practical application, and innovative thinking have exceeded every expectation."

'That's... surprisingly positive,' I thought, having expected more criticism about my unconventional approach to academy life.

"The truth is," Eva continued, turning back to face me, "you've outgrown what we can offer here. Your real-world responsibilities have reached a level where sitting in classrooms discussing theoretical applications of magic feels somewhat absurd."

'She's not wrong,' I reflected. 'Planning extraction operations in the Ashen Territories and coordinating international trade agreements does make academic exercises feel rather limited in scope.'

"Which brings me to why I asked you here today," Eva said, returning to her desk and opening an ornate wooden box that I hadn't noticed earlier. "The faculty council has voted unanimously to award you early graduation with highest honors. Your contributions to magical research, demonstrated leadership capabilities, and practical achievements have far exceeded standard graduation requirements."

She withdrew a diploma from the box—not the standard academy certificate, but something more elaborate, crafted from materials that seemed to shimmer with their own inner light. The document itself was a work of art, bearing seals and signatures that represented approval from the continent's most prestigious magical authorities.

"Normally," Eva continued, "we would present this during the graduation ceremony after the sixth year. We do offer earlier graduation but even that happens only after the Sovereign's Tournament. But since your guild responsibilities have made participation impossible, and frankly since everyone knows you would probably win anyway, we decided to handle this privately."

"Arthur Nightingale," Eva said formally, rising from her chair and extending the diploma toward me, "by the authority vested in me by the World Academy Council and the faculty of Mythos Academy, I hereby award you graduation with highest honors, recognizing your exceptional achievements in magical theory, practical application, innovative research, and leadership."

I stood and accepted the diploma, feeling its weight both physical and symbolic. The parchment was warm to the touch, embedded with preservation enchantments that would ensure it lasted for centuries.

"Thank you, Headmaster," I said, genuinely moved by the recognition. "Mythos Academy has provided me with foundations that made everything else possible."

"And now you get to take those foundations and build something extraordinary with them," Eva replied, her expression shifting from formal authority to genuine warmth. "Though I have to admit, I'm somewhat relieved to see you go."

"Four years of wondering what kind of international incident you were going to cause next has been... exhausting," she continued with mock severity. "Do you have any idea how many diplomatic inquiries I've fielded about your various activities? The paperwork alone could have supplied a small library."

'Probably more than I realize,' I admitted. 'My romantic relationships alone must have generated significant political attention.'

"But despite all the chaos, all the complications, and all the diplomatic headaches," Eva said, her voice taking on a more serious tone, "you've been exactly the kind of student Mythos Academy was designed to produce. Someone who doesn't just learn magic—someone who advances it. Someone who doesn't just follow established patterns—someone who creates new ones."

She moved around her desk to stand before me, her expression carrying the weight of someone offering genuine mentorship rather than administrative formality.

"I know you're going to accomplish extraordinary things," Eva continued. "Not just because of your magical capabilities, though those are remarkable, but because you understand that real leadership means taking responsibility for others' welfare and growth. Your guild members, your romantic partners, even your fellow students—you've consistently prioritized their development alongside your own advancement."

"The academy will miss having you here," Eva said with a slight smile, "though I suspect we'll be hearing about your exploits through international news rather than disciplinary reports from now on."

"Hopefully more positive news than negative," I replied, earning a laugh from the headmaster.

"With you, Arthur, it's never going to be boring," she said. "But boring leaders don't change the world. Extraordinary ones do."

As I prepared to leave her office for the final time as a student, diploma in hand and four years of memories behind me, I felt the familiar mixture of anticipation and responsibility that came with major life transitions.

"Arthur," Eva called as I reached the door. "Take care of yourself out there. And remember—Mythos Academy's doors are always open to its distinguished alumni."

"Thank you, Headmaster," I replied. "For everything."

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