The Extra Can't be A Hero

Two weeks before Amon and Eldorin entered Alverton.

While the town of Alverton was bustling and jovial, a cave lay on the outskirts of the vicinity, nestled deep within a craggy mountain range far removed from the human settlement. Its entrance was jagged and uneven, partially obscured by overgrown foliage and tangled roots, as if nature itself were trying to conceal it. From afar, it looked like nothing was going on within the mountain ranges, making it difficult for anyone to deduce any form of foul play. However, as one looked closer, one would be stunned to realise that the cave was anything but silent.

Green, flickering runes illuminated the dark cave, giving it a sense of artificial life compared to the verdant life that covered its exterior. Inside, the air grew colder with every step, heavy with the stench of decay and an oppressive aura of malevolent magic. The walls were carved with ancient runes and sigils, glowing faintly with necrotic energy and pulsating like the heartbeat of the lair itself. Stalactites and stalagmites formed grotesque, almost skeletal shapes as if moulded by a sinister influence.

However, that was just the beginning of the cave system. The central chambers of the cave turned into a state-of-the-art laboratory, with innumerable scientific equipment ready for whoever's nefarious use. And its uses… were nefarious indeed.

Jars that contained embalmed human heads were displayed throughout the shelves of the chamber. Tanks with human remains, malicious tomes, and even grotesque abominations of human-beast hybrids could be seen throughout the disgusting cave.

But it was not all doom and gloom in the oppressive cave.

The inner chambers contained a breathtaking inner paradise, starkly contrasting the rough, dark tunnels leading to it. Soft, golden light filters down from cracks in the ceiling, illuminating a verdant oasis of lush gardens and towering trees. The air is warm and fragrant, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth, and the gentle sound of trickling water from a crystal-clear spring creates an atmosphere of serene tranquility.

It was a display that would give anyone severe whiplash.

And as Ravenna walked through the tunnels into the final zone unimpeded, she felt the same odd feeling.

"I can never get used to this place… How can someone live in such a dichotomy?"

The Demon Cult Apostle scrunched her nose as she reached the cave's inner sanctuary. As she said those words, the undead golem leading her to this point for safe passage glanced back at Ravenna confusedly.

"You… insult… master?"

"Was that what it sounded like? I guess that's the limit of undead intelligence."

"... insults… aren't… allowed!"

The golem was about to attempt a punch to silence the rude woman's mouth, but a dominating, ethereal voice promptly stopped its actions.

"Stop! Let our guest through."

"... understood."

As if it were a machine being powered down, the golem's anger disappeared, showing a gesture of obedience. Opening the final gate, the undead creature dropped to the ground and kept silent. That form made Ravenna's eyebrows twitch, but she didn't bother to look too much into it. Stepping foot into the deepest chamber of the cave, she approached the sanctum with an incredulous frown.

The final chamber of the cave was a verdant garden, far more beautiful and lush than the mountains outside. The garden was meticulously arranged, with vibrant flowers of every colour carpeting the ground in intricate patterns. Exotic plants and vines climbed the rocky walls, their leaves glistening with dew that sparkled in the light. A singular tree with a canopy as wide as the ceiling graced the room, its branches creating a natural roof of green, while smaller fruit-bearing trees were laden with ripe, colourful bounty.

And at the bottom of the tree was a handsome, distinguished gentleman draped in loose, wizardly robes.

His dark green hair was as long as it was silky, and his doll-like face seemed impervious to any imperfections. His piercing purple eyes shimmered with an equal measure of mischief and intelligence, while his sly, confident smile charmed anyone who crossed eyes with him.

His attire is a dazzling fusion of royal elegance and whimsical flair, embodying the spirit of a jester elevated to nobility. His doublet, tailored to perfection, is crafted from black fabrics, accented with gold and silver threadwork in swirling, magical patterns. The coat flares at the hem, with panels of bold, checkerboard designs and shimmering solid hues alternating.

Seated at the table with a thick piece of steak on his plate, the man seemed just about to begin a feast as he welcomed his visitor with open arms.

"Miss Ravenna, how nice of you to visit!"

"Agva…"

The Demon Cult Apostle frowned as she sauntered to the open chair. She glanced down at the bloody piece of steak, and her eyebrows twitched ever so slightly.

"I see that you've continued the nasty habit of eating your prey."

"Haha, it would be a waste of meat if I just threw it away."

The man gently smiled, not taking the woman's words to heart. He placed his knife deep into the steak and began cutting chunks out of it before asking:

"I'm sorry; if I had known you were coming, I would have prepared a plate for you."

"..."

Ravenna was less than pleased at Agva's offer. Knowing it would lead to a conversation she didn't want to have, Ravenna ignored his words and folded her arms.

"Agva, I came here under the orders of the Prophet."

"Oh, the Prophet! How exciting!"

The suave man smiled, his expression brightening up at the mention of the enigmatic figure.

"The Magatamas… We need them completed by the end of the month. Is that possible?"

"End of the month? That's going to be tough…"

Agva frowned through his inhuman-like face. That perfect face was so handsome that it felt unreal, almost artificial. And just that mere fact was enough to sour Ravenna's mood even further. For she knew what the cost of maintaining that perfection was.

"The Demon Cult has given you enough resources, have we not? We have given you everything you needed and even indulged in your luxuries. Don't tell me it can't be done?"

Ravenna may seem like a pushover in front of the Prophet and her fellow Apostles, but against anyone else, she maintained her disposition as a mighty being. Being an Apostle held weight, and her powers reflected her utter dominion. Showing off her mana was enough to freeze the former Archwizard in his tracks, wiping off the perfect smile he had plastered on.

"My, my… Miss Ravenna, there's no need to be so tense!"

"... answer my question, Agva."

"As you may be aware, our deadline was in two years. For me to rush the procedures would be unwise and…"

"So it can't be done?"

"N-No, of course it can! B-But a month may be pushing it… We still need to gather available test subjects, prepare a layer of protection to prevent others from catching onto our tracks, and other safeguards. Could you give me a year?"

"No, one month."

"Half a year?"

"One month."

"Three months?"

"... Two, that's the best I can give you."

Ravenna finally came up with a compromise. As much as she didn't wish to do it, the Apostle knew what a tall hurdle it was for the Magatamas to be completed ahead of schedule. She wouldn't have pushed for its completion if not for the Demon Cult's troubles.

"T-Thank you; I will try and make it work!" The handsome man replied with his signature perfect smile. But he had to leave one final comment before letting her go. "B-But, if I try to do it in two months, I will violate plenty of safety protocols. If that happens, it would only be a matter of time before the Holy Church catches on. If they send a Paladin squad, I'm afraid my weak defences won't be able to take them on."

"Hmph, you call your defences weak?"

Ravenna snorted as she recalled the numerous defences she passed to get into the inner sanctuary.

"You can never be too safe, Miss Ravenna. Unlike the Demon Cult, I lack the resources to repel the Holy Church. Besides, won't your losses equal mine if my laboratory gets breached?"

Agva remarked as his words reflected a thin veil of a threat. That tone irritated the feisty Apostle, but Ravenna quickly recalled a helpful fact that would turn this negotiation on its head.

"Then, it's your lucky day. The Prophet will send not one but two Apostles to defend your fortress."

"... What?"

"And you've met them before, so I'm sure you'll be pleased to see them again."

"You can't mean…"

"Dante and Damien, from the Gospel of Vengeance. These two will help guard your sanctum while you continue your research."

"Y-You can't be serious…"

At that moment, Agva realised he had bitten more than he could chew. Having two Apostles as guards was a positive thing. Their individual fighting force equalled entire Knight Orders, and they could call forces from the Demon Realm to do their bidding. But, if those two were to be his guards…

"Why? You wanted protection, and I gave it to you. Don't tell me that having the protection of two Apostles won't be enough?"

"N-No, of course, it would be sufficient. I am grateful for your kind offer."

"Then it's settled. You will deliver the Magatamas to us in two months, and for protection, I will send the Twin Brutes, I mean, the Twin Apostles over."

"... thank you for your kind consideration."

"It was nice doing business with you… try not to choke on your food."

Leaving the conversation at that, Ravenna excused herself from the final chambers and hurried out of this putrid place. She left the handsome man flabbergasted and floored like a fool. In due time, he recovered and waved his arms to call for assistance. A beautiful young maid entered the chamber with a fearful face and awaited his orders.

"Y-yes, my lord?"

"We're going to speed up the development of Magatamas. Tell the Warden we'll need more specimens."

"H-How many, my lord?"

"Everything!!!" The man shouted, losing his temper. "All the specimens and anything else in Alverton! I don't care if the entire town finds out about the missing people; just gather as many as possible!"

The man broke down for the first time in front of the maid. Possible because of that stunt, the girl fell to her bum as she muttered words she would not have said before:

"M-My lord… y-your face!"

"Hmmm?"

Agva frowned and created a magical mirror to see what the maid had pointed out. His doll-like face, which should have been perfect, now revealed a misty crack that showed parts of his skull. The cut was slight, but it revealed his true, undead nature.

A sinister Lich.

"This is what happens when I don't finish my meals…"

"M-My lord?"

Agva didn't bother to answer the maid's question and sliced her neck with a clean swipe of his hand. Almost instantly, the woman disintegrated into mere bones as all of her essence was absorbed into the Lich's being. There, the small cut he'd sustained quickly recovered, allowing him to retain the perfect, doll-like appearance he always wore.

"A pity, I liked sleeping with that one."

The Lich spat in annoyance before chanting a spell to incinerate the maid's remains.

"Looks like I will have to do everything myself…"