Game's Extra: Starting With SSS-Ranked 1000-Death Talent-Chapter 43: Insert Name Here

The woman was wearing her work outfit.

Her clothes and face were still messy because of the fire she had to work with, but her leather pants and jacket gave her a cold look.

"I see our disobedient child is back," she said, sitting down at the table.

Punchy offered her the biggest plate, and she began eating, not waiting for Noa's response.

He guessed her intent.

"Let's talk later. And take me to the Arcane Academy."

His words caused a pair of frowning eyes to land on him, but no one disturbed the mealtime.

It was a peaceful occasion.

Yet all of them were in a hurry; eating slowly was a luxury they couldn't afford.

Tifa was the first one to finish and stand up, pointing at Noa to follow.

In an ideal situation, he wanted to meet Sylas and Seren while they were awake, but considering the situation in the world, he knew he had to act.

Aeris caught his hand before Noa disappeared once again.

"She isn't angry, right?" she asked, clutching his hand.

Noa nodded.

"Why would she be mad at me? Don't worry. Tell the twins that I will see them this evening—it's a promise."

She couldn't guess if his calm demeanor was hiding something.

However, she still tried to believe him and his change after the awakening.

As for the other members, they watched Noa and Tifa leaving the bunker, their brows lowered, sensing what lay ahead.

The bunker had only one entrance, excluding the magical gate.

Its path from the cavern turned into a dark corridor, and with bats flying around, the cave felt like an uninhabited place.

'I think it's their first hideout,' Noa remembered. 'By now, they should have started looking for a new one.'

After spending two whole minutes crossing the lightless cave, Tifa said nothing.

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They came out in the middle of nowhere, yet the important fact was that they were still inside the city, with nothing but abandoned houses around.

The cave was man-made, hidden among the deserted buildings.

Noa had never been in this neighborhood.

Neither in the game nor in the real world, either.

Still, he had heard about it, and it was the most deserted and poor part of the city, with almost no population.

Just as Noa was studying the scenery, Tifa gave him a phone.

"What's in there?" he asked, but a couple of ideas surfaced in his mind.

Some of which turned out to be true.

The screen showed images of the colossal titan's destroyed remains.

It also had before and after pictures and people, especially Embers, had a lot to say about it.

Everyone wondered who might have caused its downfall and how humans could even kill the demon king—the very monster whom no other Evolved could challenge.

"I can't believe someone actually destroyed it," one comment stated.

"I saw it coming when the system started spewing some bullshit. The world is doomed! Wake up, people!"

"Someone strong appeared in the human domain. It's a good sign. I don't know why everyone is panicking."

"Velrox Association is unusually silent. I think the Red Order did it. I'm betting $100 they will take responsibility."

Tifa's finger pointed at this last comment.

"I have no doubts it's your doing," she said, leading Noa to her car.

"Is there any chance for me to lie out of this situation?"

Seeing how she shook her head in confidence, Noa shrugged his shoulders and came clean.

"It was me," he said, but his brain worked like a true businessman. "We can use this opportunity and flex our power. I am okay with you publicizing this event as long as you put me into the academy."

He found an opportunity and used it immediately.

Tifa almost smiled.

"I know I have your family in custody, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't prove your worth and gain my trust."

She sounded harsh and demanding.

"Let me guess. You also want me to attend the academy," Noa said, buckling up his seatbelt. "And you want me to participate in the tournament?"

Tifa smiled this time, not surprised by his quick wit.

"The Eclipsed League—a worldwide tournament between every major academy in the world. Not only do I want you to compete, but I also demand you to win it."

Now it was Noa's turn to grin.

It was within his expectations because this tournament was the biggest event in Velrox, with countless great powers sponsoring and advertising it.

The grand prize wasn't revealed yet to the public, but thinking about it, Noa almost drooled in Tifa's car.

'I doubt she wants that, though,' Noa thought.

She had a different objective, and based on her expression, Noa guessed it was too early for her to reveal it.

"Sure!" he agreed immediately. "It won't be hard."

"Failure isn't tolerated," she responded, accelerating.

A momentary pause descended.

Noa took the liberty and tried to test the water.

"How is Rachel?"

Tifa's face visibly contracted, her hands fighting not to strangle him.

"We don't talk about that. Especially with someone who should be searching for a way to cure her."

Her voice was grim, devoid of any other emotion.

"Sorry... I promised you, and I will do it. I just need some time," he said, lowering his head.

"Just forget useless things and concentrate on your task."

"That's what I am doing. However, you shouldn't try to push me around—I may be part of your organization, but I am not part of your lap dogs."

Noa wanted to make it clear.

"We will see," Tifa nodded as if challenging him.

Then she asked before parking the car.

"I need to register your new identity. Do you have a name in mind?"

Of course, Noa had thought about it.

The Red Mask gave him his old face and allowed him to manipulate the level display.

But that wasn't all.

He needed something more fun and dramatic, and because he was about to meet so many important characters, only one name popped up in his mind.