The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist novel Chapter 393

Chapter 393: Chapter 394 : One Last Goodbye (4)

Cold night air brushed against Alex’s face as he stepped beyond the palace gates.

The lights of Avaloria glowed faintly behind him, distant now, muffled by towering stone walls and heavy silence. Mist curled low along the ground, rolling lazily like something alive.

Then his gaze lifted.

Azreal stood just beyond the gates.

Tall. Still. Wrapped in midnight-black robes that seemed to drink in the surrounding light. Vast wings, folded neatly behind his back, stirred the mist with a faint, unnatural breeze. His eyes glowed softly.

Waiting for him.

Alex’s lips curved upward.

"Looks like you were ready to go even before me."

Azreal’s gaze shifted toward him, slow and measured. A faint smirk touched the corner of his lips.

"Well," Azreal replied calmly, "I was getting bored standing here anyway."

Alex let out a quiet chuckle and stepped closer, Zara appearing at his side as naturally as a shadow following its owner.

He tilted his head and glanced toward her.

"So," he said casually, though his eyes searched her face, "you’re not going to forget about me too, right?"

Zara paused.

For just a fraction of a second.

Then she sighed, crossing her arms.

"In theory," she began, voice calm but honest, "I shouldn’t."

Alex raised a brow. "That doesn’t sound reassuring."

Zara shot him a sideways look.

"This body I’m currently possessing," she explained, "was constructed using your blood and essence as the primary anchor."

She tapped her chest lightly.

"It isn’t a natural vessel. It’s closer to a derivative existence—bound directly to you rather than this world."

Alex listened quietly.

Zara continued, tone analytical.

"Because of that, the curse targeting existence recognition and memory tied to this universe should not affect me."

She then nodded slightly toward Azreal.

"And Azreal is also connected to you through a blood ritual. You summoned him using your own blood and life force. That bond exists independently of conventional causality."

Azreal inclined his head slightly in agreement.

"In simple terms," Zara added, "neither of us should be erased from remembering you."

She paused again.

Then frowned.

"That said... you could also say it’s all theoretical."

Alex blinked. "...Come again?"

Zara sighed. "I have no definitive proof that Zaraeka or I won’t forget you."

Alex’s mouth twitched.

"What a reliable theory," he muttered. "Even the person explaining it isn’t sure."

He glanced at her flatly. "Huh."

Zara shrugged unapologetically.

"That’s my theory. Take it or leave it."

Alex exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck.

’Figures. I should’ve known nothing would ever be simple.’

Before he could respond further, Azreal spoke again, voice low and thoughtful.

"What about the Tower?"

Alex looked up.

"Does the will of this universe influence it as well?"

The question hung heavy in the air.

Alex’s expression shifted—no longer playful, no longer relaxed.

Serious.

"I don’t think so," he said quietly. "The Tower is an exception."

Zara turned fully toward him. "Explain."

Alex looked past them, toward the horizon where reality itself seemed thinner.

"The Tower of Ascension doesn’t belong to this universe," he said. "Not truly."

He took a slow step forward.

"It exists outside conventional time and space. Not above it. Not below it. Outside."

His eyes sharpened.

"The will of this universe governs causality, memory, existence, and fate within its domain. But the Tower operates on a higher, isolated framework."

He raised a hand slightly, as if outlining an invisible structure.

"Think of this universe as a closed system. The Tower is a foreign object inserted into it—one that isn’t bound by its rules."

Zara listened intently.

"Time doesn’t flow normally inside the Tower," Alex continued. "Past, present, and future are malleable there. Memory erosion tied to universal authority shouldn’t apply."

He clenched his fist slowly.

"Which means even if this curse erases me from the world... the Tower won’t acknowledge that erasure."

Azreal’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"So inside the Tower," Azreal said, "you still exist."

Alex nodded.

"Exactly. The Tower recognizes strength, will, and ascent—not identity defined by this universe."

He exhaled.

"It’s the one place where the curse has no jurisdiction."

Zara was silent for a moment.

Then she nodded.

"I think Alex is on point."

She turned toward the mist-shrouded path ahead.

"Which means theorizing further is pointless."

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

"Let’s head to the Tower first."

Azreal unfolded his wings slightly, shadows stretching wide.

"And then," Zara finished calmly, "we’ll know for ourselves."

Alex looked once more toward the palace behind him.

Toward the world that would soon forget him.

Then he turned forward.

When suddey ripple passed through the shadows behind him.

The air warped silently.

And someone emerged.

A figure materialized from the darkness itself, kneeling the instant his boots touched the stone.

Alex halted mid-step.

Before anyone else could react, the man bowed deeply, fist pressed to his chest.

"Your Majesty."

Alex turned sharply.

"...Erwin?"

The commander of the Shadow Guards remained kneeling, head lowered in absolute respect.

Alex stared at him, disbelief flickering across his face.

"What are you doing here?" Alex asked. "Don’t you have other duties right now?"

For a moment, Erwin remained silent.

Then he lifted his head slightly.

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