Novel's Extra: I Awakened The Strongest Physique From The Start

A ball for a birthday celebration is most of the time held during the evening, ending before midnight—that was how it is in normal cases.

Today was different—today was the eighteenth birthday of humanity's face. It was sponsored by the student council of Originveil Academy, as well as the great Drakathor Empire.

The student council might not seem like a very big organization because people see them as kids, but they forget one important thing: almost every person in Originveil Academy has a background—which is especially true for the student council members.

Gurrak Gildspire, the prince of the Golden Goblin Empire alone can sponsor the whole celebration, as the only thing the Golden Goblins have no shortage of is wealth. Not to mention that people like Theron Shieldspire, Fenna Hearthhop, Aerenion Vaelion, Zahara Nemeanor, and Lilia Morningstar—princes and princesses of their respective races—are also part of the student council.

With all of them backing the celebration, the duration was increased from even to midnight to morning to midnight. Feasts open for all to dine upon, entertainment for all to enjoy, and a variety of stalls from other worlds all gathered here for people to buy things—all of this thanks to the connections of the student council.

The celebration was so long that no matter who it was and no matter how far they lived, they could all make time to attend it, even if it was just for a while. Essentially the reason for guests arriving even now, when it was already around eleven in the morning, almost noon.

The lower nobilities were using this chance—the long celebration—as an opportunity to make new connections with those at the higher ranks, while the higher nobilities, who had long recovered from the effect of Alex's speech, were now discussing their future actions and views about Alex and the empire's current situation.

Many had changed their view of Alex, finding him a variable to have on their side or be removed from the equation. Today's show of handling the crowd and stirring the strings of their hearts had made them realize that Alex wasn't just talented in the academic field but also in politics since his words could affect even those of higher echelon.

Most of the higher nobilities, along with the royals and the imperials, had already moved to the throne room, conducting their routine listening and discussing matters that required Emperor Maurice's attention.

Some people had already left after greeting Alex and wishing him a happy birthday, as not everyone had time to stay here all day long while many were still coming.

The main focus of the event, the birthday boy and the rising star of humanity, Alex Drakathor, was right now, chatting with his friends from the student council in a chamber attached to the ballroom—a place that gave them privacy while also letting them view the events taking place on the ground floor.

"They haven't made any moves yet," Alex mused, studying a communication device in his palm. The device showed no signs of activity, leaving him deep in thought.

"Are you certain that your sources won't fail you?" Theron then questioned, not skeptical but uncertain. His emotions were shared by the rest of the council members, excluding Zahara and Lilia.

They knew that Alex had never failed them before and wouldn't today as well, but that was not the base of their concern.

"What if those sources of yours betrayed you?" Aerenion raised the question, making Theron, Rodeus, and Aelora nod, doubt flickering past their eyes.

Fenna, not versed in scheming and politics, just stayed silent, munching down on the feast placed on the table in front of her, passing some to Mira, who was doing the same—the only difference being her blank gaze, which was focused on Alex.

Mira, as one of the main heroines, despite her abnormality—or maybe because of her abnormality—was quickly accepted by the members of the student council and was treated like a member of the council and not as a secretary that she was.

Alex, much aware of her gaze, replied to Aerenion's question with a confident smile. "They won't betray me. They can't."

As he spoke, a memory passed through his head, recalling the faces of the two fourth-year teachers who had been a great help to him by keeping track of the movements of the group of teachers who had been trying to sabotage the student council—the same teachers whom Alex had used to stimulate Zyrrak in the past.

Gurrak's voice broke his reverie. "Are they like me?" he inquired cryptically, referring to their unique bond with Alex's system.

"No, they aren't. They don't have the luxury of being able to think whatever they want." Alex replied, smirking as he added, "No matter what they do, they can never betray me."

As Alex spoke, he also noticed the favorability bar above Gurrak's head. It had moved from [81] to [86].

'Looks like he had a long chat with his father.' Alex noted. Alex was sure the fact that Zyrrak or Gurrak was alive right now due to the healing potions Alex had used on him wouldn't be kept from Gurrak or Zyrrak for long, but he never expected the Goblin Emperor to have revealed it this soon.

'It seems like his senses are pointing him in a direction that's in my favor.' Alex concluded, knowing full well how strong the Goblin Emperor's fortune senses were.

"You seem confident."

A voice interrupted Alex's musing, making him turn to Rodeus, who was chewing on a piece of meat while looking at him with a brow raised in curiosity.

Rodeus was already assured of the plan succeeding but unable to stop himself from making a comment as he wanted to show that he could understand things as well, even though he didn't.

"Because I am," Alex chuckled, aware of Rodeus's desire to appear insightful. Leaning forward, Alex plucked a grape from the table and tossed it into his mouth. "There's no better opportunity for them to act than now, with all the council members preoccupied for the day."

Zahara, who was sitting next to Alex, picked up a grape from the table and fed it to Alex when she noticed that he was going to pick another one. "Here," she spoke.

Alex raised a brow at her display but didn't shy away from it as he ate the grape with a chuckle, making Zahara smile softly, nodding to herself.
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Their exchange was pretty normal for two lovers. Neither Zahara nor Alex found it strange, but to others, it was ground-shaking. They were all frozen still in their spots.

The only ones who seemed calm about it were Lilia, Gurrak, and Mira; others had their jaws dropping; even the ever-calm Theron was somewhat shocked.

All of them knew that Alex and Zahara had made up, but they didn't know that things had moved to this stage.

Lilia was calm; she knew about it and was prepared for this happening, but in no way was she happy with the situation. She pretended to be calmly biting on a piece of fruit, but her trembling hands betrayed her effort.

Mira was no different. Although Alex and Mira weren't in a defined relationship, Alex had revealed to her that he already had two women, one of which was Zahara, when their date was about to end.

Mira, who had heard it, had just nodded at that time, not caring about anything since she was still busy feeling his warmth, only to later feel searing stings in her heart whenever she recalled those words.

Even now, she could feel sharp pangs. It was unbearable seeing Zahara so close to Alex while she sat afar, watching it all with her blank gaze, which seemed to be quivering in pain.

She was never able to tell Alex how bad it felt—especially now when she could somewhat understand what feelings she had for Alex.

Gurrak, on the other hand, was aware of Zahara and Alex because he had seen Zahara in the dream world, and he was made aware of her relationship with Alex.

It was then that Alex noticed the odd silence in the room. "Hm?" Seemingly confused, he turned to look at them. "What's going on?"

"Isn't that what we should be asking?" Rodeus rose from his seat, his fingers pointed at both Zahara and him as he questioned, "What's going on?"

Alex tilted his head, growing more confused by the passing second before realization dawned. Slapping his forehead, he exclaimed, "Oh, I didn't tell you? Zahara and I are together now."

'No, you didn't!'

His answer made them want to yell that out loud but were unable to since most of them were too shocked to even say something. They just stared in disbelief, their minds reeling from the unexpected revelation.

Zahara, unfazed, simply smiled, her calm demeanor reinforcing the depth of her bond with Alex.