Extra’s Rise: I Stole All The Women In The Hero’s Party

Zayn sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

He was still processing the disaster that had unfolded.

The heroes had chosen their parties. 

The strongest, the most talented, the most charismatic warriors had all been selected to stand beside them in the battles to come.

And Zayn?

He had been chosen by the nerd.

He barely resisted the urge to bang his head against the nearest stone pillar.

He could still see Cedric, Ragnar, and Eve standing proudly on their respective pillars, surrounded by highly competent warriors. 

Even Ragnar, the absolute brute, had managed to assemble a party of muscle-bound maniacs who looked like they ate nails for breakfast.

And then there was Tobias — his new boss.

The Hero of Knowledge, standing there with that same calm, unreadable expression, adjusting his glasses like some kind of final boss strategist.

Zayn wasn't sure how to feel about it.

He glanced around, taking note of the warriors who had been left behind. 

Not everyone had been chosen, which made sense. 

There were only so many spots, and the heroes were picky.

Some of the warriors who hadn't been selected looked downright devastated, their dreams of fighting alongside the legendary heroes shattered. 

Others just looked pissed, gripping their weapons like they wanted to stab someone.

Zayn?

He was just mildly dead inside.

Before he could spiral into another round of self-pity, the king raised his arms.

"It is time!" his voice boomed across the grand hall. "Our heroes, along with their chosen warriors, shall now embark on their journeys!"

A soft hum filled the air as the pillars beneath them began to glow, each one in a different color.

Zayn barely had a second to mentally prepare himself before the light swallowed him whole.

'Teleportation Sucks,'

The next thing he knew, the ground vanished beneath him, his stomach lurched, and a moment later —

BAM!

He landed face-first into the dirt.

"…Ow."

Someone coughed beside him. 

Zayn pushed himself up, shaking his head as he took in his new surroundings.

They weren't in the grand castle anymore.

The scent of woodsmoke and earth filled the air. 

The sun was bright overhead, casting light on cobblestone streets and wooden buildings. 

A large stone wall surrounded the perimeter, and people in medieval-style clothing moved about their daily lives.

A town.

"Welcome to Timberstead," Tobias said, completely unbothered by the teleportation whiplash.

Zayn groaned. "Next time, warn a guy before throwing him through a magic portal."

Tobias ignored him and instead turned toward the rest of the group — his party.

Zayn finally took a good look at them.

And… okay.

He had to admit.

The nerd actually put together a solid team.

First, there was a female earth mage — a tall, tan-skinned woman with short, spiky brown hair and arms that looked like she could bench press a horse. 

A stone-carved staff rested on her back, and she stood with an easy confidence that screamed veteran fighter.

Then, there was the nun.

Zayn immediately noticed two things about her.

One: She had a calm, serene expression, the kind that belonged to someone truly devout.

Two: She was stacked.

Zayn had never seen a nun with that kind of figure before. It was borderline criminal.

He quickly averted his eyes.

And last, there was the axe-wielding warrior.

A tall, broad-shouldered man with a scar across his nose and a massive battle-axe strapped to his back. 

His arms were thick with muscle, and he had the distinct look of someone who had been in a few too many bar fights.

The earth mage crossed her arms. "So, this is everyone?"

Tobias nodded. "Yes. Let's do introductions."

The mage went first.

"Kara," she said simply. "Earth mage. I specialize in defense and terrain control."

Figures. 

Earth mages were built like tanks. They didn't just throw rocks — they reshaped battlefields.

Next, the nun spoke. "I am Sister Elisse," she said with a soft smile. "A devoted servant of the Divine Mother. May her blessings protect us on this journey."

Zayn barely stopped himself from glancing at her again. 

'Stay respectful, stay respectful.'

And lastly, the axe warrior.

"Bran," he grunted. "I hit things."

Zayn nodded. "Nice. Good to have hobbies."

Bran stared at him.

Tobias gestured toward Zayn. "This is Zayn Eldrake. He will be our final member."

Kara raised an eyebrow. "What's his specialty?"

Silence.

Zayn glanced at Tobias. Tobias glanced at Zayn.

"…I have a sword?" Zayn offered weakly.

Kara sighed. "Great. Another one of those."

Zayn scowled. "Hey, I'll have you know I am a master of strategic combat."

Bran snorted.

Tobias pushed up his glasses. "Regardless, he will be valuable."

Zayn wasn't sure whether to be grateful or insulted by how casually Tobias had defended his existence.

Regardless, the party was officially assembled.

"So, what's the plan?" Zayn asked as they made their way down the cobblestone streets. "Are we hunting monsters? Meeting with an informant? Buying supplies?"

Tobias glanced at him. "We're getting a room at an inn and eating lunch."

Zayn blinked.

"Wait. What?"

Tobias tilted his head. "We just arrived. It is standard to gather information, assess the town's situation, and rest before embarking on major missions."

Kara sighed in relief. "Finally, a leader who thinks."

Elisse nodded. "A good meal and a proper rest will keep our minds sharp for the battles ahead."

Zayn crossed his arms. "I dunno, I kinda thought we'd be thrown into battle immediately."

Bran smirked. "What, eager to die?"

Zayn scowled. "No, I just — "

A loud crash interrupted him.

The group turned their heads just in time to see a merchant's cart go flying, apples rolling across the street. 

A group of rough-looking men in armor surrounded the merchant, sneering.

Bandits.

Because of course there were bandits.

Zayn sighed, hand resting on his sword. "Alright. Guess I spoke too soon."

Kara cracked her knuckles. "Looks like we're starting early after all."

Tobias adjusted his glasses.

"Perfect," he murmured. "A good chance to test our combat efficiency."

Zayn grinned.

Maybe this nerd's party wouldn't be so bad after all.