The Extra Wants Control

Chapter 171: Dragging it out...

A hush fell over the graduating class as they stood assembled in the center of the enormous arena.

The sun bathed the students in a warm glow, highlighting the vibrant colors of their graduation attire. Their regal cloaks shimmered in emerald, sapphire, and ruby hues, different coloured for each race on their white coats.

Laughter mixed with nervous chatter, creating a lively buzz that thrummed through the air.

Suddenly it was quite...

All eyes turned towards the raised platform at the edge of the arena. There, amidst the expectant silence, materialized Seraphina in a grandiose display of golden me aura.

Her arrival was beautifully ethereal.

There she was, clad in a gown the color of fresh fallen snow, long that clung on her body showing her curves though modest.

Golden embroidery traced intricate patterns across the fabric, reflecting the sunlight making it shine radiantly. Her blonde hair, usually worn loose, was carefully styled today, framing her face in a cascade of soft curls. Her blue eyes, usually brimming with warmth of a mature older sister, held a touch of regality today, a hint of the power she wielded beneath her gentle demeanor.

A blue amulet hung suspended around her neck, a simple yet striking counterpoint to the delicate small earrings that adorned her ears.

With a gentle clearing of her throat, the silence shattered. A collective gasp escaped the students, followed by a wave of thunderous cheers. Seraphina, their Saint, their inspiration, looked every bit the embodiment of grace and power. Her presence transformed the arena from a bustling sea of excitement into a captivated audience, just because of her beauty.

A soft smile touched Seraphina's lips. "Hello," she began, her voice a warm melody that carried across the vast arena.

The cheers intensified, a wave of adoration washing over her. In that moment, bathed in sunlight and brimming with warmth,

Seraphina didn't just stand before them as a Saint or a leader. She stood there as a proud teacher, ready to guide them into the uncertainties that lay beyond the Academy walls.

The graduation ceremony was about to begin, and Seraphina, with her captivating presence, was ready to set the stage.

With a wave of her hand, she calmed the boisterous cheers, their enthusiasm no less evident yet tempered with respectful silence. Seraphina smiled, her voice ringing out through the arena.

"Good morning, graduates!" she boomed, her voice infused with gentle welcoming warmth.

"Today is indeed a glorious day. We gather to celebrate the result of years of dedication, of trials both magical and personal. You stand before us, not just students any longer, but heroes to be, mages and knights brimming with potential. I hope you will be the heroes our society needs and deserves."

Her gaze swept across the sea of faces, each one etched with the pride and accomplishment of the day. "The path you've walked wasn't always easy," she continued, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

"There have been late nights spent poring over books, scripls ancient texts, spells that went spectacularly wrong, and perhaps a few instances where… well, let's just say your enthusiasm required a gentle reminder of the importance of safety regulations."

A ripple of laughter spread through the graduates, some nervous smiles as they got memories of those "gentle reminders." That made their spines shiver. Seraphina, ever the master of audience engagement, chuckled along with them, that made them even more scared.

"Believe me," she winked, "I know strictness isn't everyone's favorite tea, but trust me, it was always with your best interest at heart. And besides, a little punishment keeps you focused, wouldn't you agree?"

More laughter washed over the arena, breaking the tension and establishing a comfortable rapport between student and teacher.

Seraphina had their full attention, her speech weaving between heartfelt congratulations and a touch of playful teasing. The graduates, on the verge of their new lives, were reminded of the challenges they'd overcome, all while being reassured that their stern Saint had always had their back, even when those backs were facing detention.

Seraphina's voice dipped slightly, a touch of solemnity replacing the playful banter. "Today wouldn't be possible without the unwavering support of many," she declared. A wave of gratitude washed over her features as she addressed the crowd.

"First, my deepest thanks to the esteemed investors who envisioned this Academy, who believed in the potential slumbering within each of you, our great and wise Race Leaders." Applause rippled through the arena as she acknowledged the financial backing that had made Arcana a reality.

"And to the brilliant minds of Babel Corporation," she continued, a playful glint in her eyes. "You've ensured our days here were not only productive but also entertaining. Your inventions have made these students lives easier as they snuck out to relieve some stress."

Some students who had been caught before got pale faces.

" But that is all water under the bridge." Seraphina said with a smile.

" The Council of Allied Races also deserves our immense appreciation," Seraphina went on. " Our instructors, and the whole staff of the academy their guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping this Academy into the beacon of unity it strives to be." She bowed her head slightly, acknowledging their crucial role in fostering cooperation between the diverse races.

Finally, her gaze rose towards the sky, her voice softening with reverence. "And above all, let us offer our most heartfelt gratitude to the divine Goddesses who have blessed us with their wisdom and guidance. It is their power that flows through these halls, nurturing your magical talents and preparing you for the challenges that lie ahead."

A moment of quiet reverence descended upon the arena.

Students bowed their heads, offering their unspoken thanks to the divine beings who watched over them.

Seraphina paused, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. "Now, I know I've kept you waiting," she said, her voice breaking the solemn mood. "You've come here not just for speeches, but to witness the introduction of Arcana's most extraordinary graduates – the Five Blessed."

A collective gasp resonated through the crowd. The moment they'd all been waiting for had arrived. Seraphina, with a flourish, raised her hand.

"First, we have Azrael," she began, a poignant note creeping into her voice. "A human from a small frontier village, who lost his family to the first attack of demons. Yet, amidst his tragedy, the Goddesses saw a burning ember of courage and unwavering spirit. Azrael, step forward."

From the ranks of students, the handsome white haired young man stepped forward. A murmur of sympathy that shifted to admiration of his bravery and effort, rippled through the crowd as his image, courtesy of the Kurrent app, instantly circulated worldwide. No longer an anonymous face, Azrael, the human Blessed, stood before the world, a testament to overcoming adversity.

Seraphina continued, introducing each Blessed in turn. Lara, the elven princess with an air of regal grace. Axl, the dragon prince, whose fierce gaze hinted at the power coursing through his veins. Kim, the tigerkin, her short hair and feline eyes showing the beauty and strength of her lineage. And finally, Astrid, the dwarven princess, her well toned frame making most nod in appreciation.

With each introduction, the crowd erupted in cheers, their faces a mixture of awe and admiration. The images, broadcasted through Kurrent, reached every corner of the world. Gone was the uncertainty of the Blessed's identity.

The Five Blessed, chosen instruments of the Goddesses, were now known but they weren't acknowledged nor revered cause no one knew how strong or special they were or altleast were supposed to be.

A hush fell over the arena as Seraphina's hand swept towards the side, drawing attention to a figure materializing not too far from her. "And now," she declared, her voice ringing out, "I'd like to introduce someone who played a crucial role in making today's event, and indeed, all of Arcana's endeavors, so spectacularly… entertaining!"

The crowd craned their necks, anticipation crackling in the air. Then, with a confident stride, a man emerged from the shadows. Ray Alistair, the mysterious head of Babel Corporation, stepped into the spotlight for the very first time.

Gasps rippled through the audience. Here, finally, was the face behind the Babel name. Contrary to some whispers, Ray wasn't a hulking brute, a fat noble or a flamboyant showman.

He was a vision of elegance, his dark shiny hair meticulously combed, his blue eyes gleaming with maturity and wisdom behind polished spectacles. A crisp black suit draped his well-built frame, the picture of quiet power and control.

As Ray approached Seraphina, a hush fell over the crowd. Even the usually boisterous students were captivated, their gazes locked on the man who held the reins of Babel, the company that had revolutionized entertainment and education alike.

"Thank you for the introduction, Saintess," Ray's voice, smooth as velvet, resonated through the arena. "And hello, everyone!"

A ripple of awe washed over the crowd. While Babel's products were ubiquitous, Ray himself remained shrouded in mystery. This public appearance was a landmark event.

Even the Five Blessed, couldn't help but be curious about this man. Their minds whirred, plans and ideas forming in their heads, each different but had the same purpose to gain something from this man. After all, Babel's reach was immense and it was growing, and a powerful ally could be invaluable in the near future.

Seraphina, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, stepped forward again. "I understand many of you must have questions for Mr. Alistair and I" she addressed the crowd, a smile playing on her lips.

"However, fret not! We'll have a dedicated Q&A session after the official ceremony concludes."

A relieved sigh swept through the audience. Curiosity about Ray could wait; for now, the focus remained on the graduating class and the revelation of the Blessed Ones.