The Extra's Supremacy

Elara's voice was sharp, her gaze unwavering as she confronted Kain. "Don't dodge the question, Kain. I've seen the signs. You come home late, you're always cautious, and now I see a message about killing and bounties. I know you're not just pushing papers in some office."

Kain tried to wave her off, forcing a casual smile. "No, you're overthinking, sis. I wa—"

Elara's piercing glare cut him off mid-sentence. Her expression wasn't angry, but it was firm enough to pin him to the spot. Kain sighed heavily, realizing there was no way out of this conversation without revealing the truth.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he began hesitantly. "Alright… I'll tell you. But promise me you won't freak out."

Elara stayed silent, her expectant gaze saying everything.

With a deep breath, Kain started to explain. "I go by the name 'Reaper' in certain circles. It's my other identity. I take on… dangerous missions. I've killed people. Creatures, too. It's not exactly something I'm proud of, but it's something I've had to do."

Elara's expression softened, her concern clear as she asked, "Why do you have to do such dangerous things?"

Kain looked down, his voice quieter but resolute. "I want to attend the Ascender Academy and become stronger. Not for myself, but so I can protect you and Lily."

Elara's heart softened at his words, though her worry only deepened. She stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Idiot," she murmured, her tone laced with affection and frustration. "Did you ever stop to think about what would happen to me and Lily if something happened to you?"

Kain met her gaze, his expression steady. "No, I didn't think about that," he admitted, though the truth behind those words was questionable. "Because I already know I'll prevail against any challenge."

Elara sighed deeply, shaking her head at her brother's stubbornness and misplaced confidence. She knew he was lying to reassure her, but she didn't press further. Instead, she decided to change the subject, redirecting her concern.

"So," she said, folding her arms, "you've prepared all the money you need for three years at the academy?"

Kain straightened, a small, smug smile tugging at his lips. "Yes. Not only have I covered my academy fees, but I've also made sure you and Lily have enough to live comfortably for the next three years in the capital."

Elara raised an eyebrow at his arrogance but couldn't help feeling a twinge of pride at his dedication. "You're too confident for your own good, you know that?"

Kain chuckled. "Maybe. But I've got it all under control."

Elara sighed again, this time with a hint of resignation. "Just… be careful, Kain. You don't have to carry everything on your own."

Kain nodded, appreciating her concern. "I will, sis. I promise."

'I never imagined this would be this easy,' Kain thought, a mixture of relief and surprise washing over him. He had known deep down that hiding the truth from Elara wouldn't last forever. What surprised him most, however, was how calmly she had taken the news. The confrontation he had feared—the anger, the shouting—none of it came. Instead, he felt a weight lifting from his shoulders, as if a long-carried burden had finally been shared.

Elara smiled softly, reading her brother's expression with ease. She could see the relief in his eyes, the way his shoulders relaxed. "Don't worry," she said gently. "I'm not going to get angry at you. But, Kain, listen to me. Don't do anything reckless. Nothing that might endanger your life, alright?"

Kain couldn't help but grin at her concern. Standing at attention, he snapped a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am!"

Elara rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. "Now," she said, her tone shifting to something more practical, "do tell me, mister. When are we leaving for the academy?"

"Whenever you're ready," Kain replied, his grin widening.

Elara thought for a moment before nodding decisively. "Alright. Let's leave the day after tomorrow. In the meantime, I'll patch things up here and make sure everything is in order before we go."

Kain gave her a small nod, grateful for her steady presence. "Sounds good."

As the conversation wound down, Kain felt a rare moment of peace settle over him. For all his secrets and the dangers he faced, his sister's unwavering support reminded him of why he was doing it all. Together, they were preparing for a new chapter—a step toward the academy, a place that held both promise and peril.

The following day, Elara busied herself preparing for their departure. She made arrangements to transfer Lily to a school in the capital, informed her managers about leaving her fashion design job, and even scheduled a long-distance cab for their trip. Despite the whirlwind of tasks, she handled everything with the grace and efficiency of someone who had faced far greater challenges.

Meanwhile, Lily's reaction to the upcoming trip filled the house with laughter. The little girl's excitement was boundless as she darted around the house, peppering Kain and Elara with questions about the journey and imagining all the adventures she might have in the capital.

"Will there be big buildings like castles?" she asked, her wide eyes shining with wonder.

"Bigger than castles," Kain replied, lifting her into the air and spinning her around. "The capital is like a storybook come to life."

Lily giggled, her joy infectious. "Can I see everything? Can we go everywhere?"

"Maybe not everywhere," Elara said with a fond smile, ruffling her daughter's hair. "But we'll see as much as we can, okay?"

The day passed quickly, filled with laughter, preparations, and Lily's endless stream of questions.

Finally, the morning of their journey arrived. The cab waited outside, its engine purring softly. Kain, Elara, and Lily stood at the threshold of their home, bags packed and ready to go.

Kain looked back at the house one last time, his heart steady with resolve. The path ahead was uncertain, but he knew one thing for sure: whatever challenges lay in wait, he would face them with the same determination that had brought him this far.

With a deep breath, he turned to his sister and niece. "Let's go."

And with that, their journey to the capital began.

For now, though, there was a sense of quiet anticipation, a calm before the storm of what lay ahead.