The Retired Hero is an Extra

The city of Adonia, capital of the Solarnelle Empire, shone with unparalleled brilliance and magnificent style as it prepared for a momentous occasion.

The atmosphere buzzed with an energy that could only come from a grand celebration, and the air was filled with excitement.

Why would it not?

After all, today's Empire-wide banquet hosted by the Imperial Family was a significant event.

Today marked the day when the Imperial Family hosted a banquet for all of the nobility before the grand opening of the Solarnelle Academy.

All eyes were on Prince Avon and Princess Ava, the beloved jades of the Imperial Family.

The Imperial Family spared no expense to ensure that the celebration was nothing short of spectacular.

The streets were adorned with colorful banners and 3D holograms, casting an iridescent hue over the city.

No corner was left desolate in the entire city, as this was a much more significant event than the last one.

Last time, only the First Princess attended the Academy. However, this time, the Second Prince and the Second Princess were together.

Also, the number of influential people whose children would be joining this year was at an all-time high.

It was enough for the Imperial Family to splurge alongside a few big investors to make the event memorable for all.

Yet no one dared to be presumptuous, ensuring that something could be done better during the Enthronement Ceremony of the Crown Prince in the future.

In the city, intricately designed arches and magnificent floral arrangements were present everywhere along with a vibrant vibe.

It didn't matter if they were simple alleyways or high-rise buildings of the rich, everything looked pleasing to the eye.

The city had essentially transformed into a majestic wonderland, captivating the hearts of its residents and visitors alike.

"Wow!" A small girl exclaimed in shock, her eyes shining at the sight.

"It's really wonderful, isn't it?" her mother said, equally excited yet cautious of the visitors.

Such scenes were aplenty, and not just commoners but even some lower-ranked nobles had similar scenarios.

In some places, parents chided their children to behave and not embarrass themselves at the banquet, while others asked their kids to make connections.

Just like that, the sun dipped down the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city.

Following the setting sun, guests began to gather in the grand courtyard of the royal palace.

Nobles, leaders of various organizations, and esteemed envoys from far and wide came to pay their respects and participate in the special banquet.

The air of the Royal Palace was filled with animated chatter and laughter as everyone exchanged pleasantries, marveling at the extravagant display of wealth.

However, it was the banquet hall inside the palace that was a sight to behold.

The tables were adorned with fine linens, sparkling silverware, and delicate crystal glasses, along with diamond-studded chandeliers.

The aroma of delectable dishes wafted through the air, enticing the taste buds of those fortunate enough to be allowed in attendance.

In this peaceful world, such banquets weren't unheard of yet hidden alliances and enemies existed.

Quite a few nobles and people in power ended up becoming wary of each other, but that didn't stop them from forming connections.

In any world, the connections one had were just as important as their individual strength.

That's why every invitee found the time to attend the event as many new partnerships and alliances would form just in this celebration alone.

Naturally, since the most influential people were gathered today, one could say that they came to make world-changing decisions instead of enjoying the banquet.

Since the people present could change the course of the future for the world as a whole.

Of course, they were oblivious to how the world was supposed to have a destined path which was being forcefully bent at not one, not two, but three different ends.

Alas, the first one remained unaware of their own role in this ever changing world, unaware that they were the most pivotal person in its destiny.

Anyways, one of the people wasn't going to attend as the Church had sent a delegation of adults.

Rather, he was quite busy trying to change the course of upcoming events, preventing the potential destruction of the Church.

One could say that only one of the three was truly trying to alter the course of events, regardless of the consequences.

And currently, he was inside a carriage, riding to the Royal Palace after going through a teleportation portal.

'Damn! Why do I have a bad feeling about today?' Jash thought in confusion, his facial expression tightening in anxiety.

Jash's frustration boiled over. "Why couldn't we just drive? This is ridiculous!" he snapped, glaring at the carriage.

It was nothing more than a stupid attempt to divert his attention.

"Because that's the tradition!" Caera said, rolling her eyes and telling him for the seventeenth time.

"I told you to read some history and cultural books, didn't I?" she asked rhetorically.

"Hmm. The weather is really nice today," Jash said, trying to dodge her question.

"You really are helpless, huh?" Caera sighed in defeat.

"Ugh. I told you, all this history is distorted! The winner writes whatever they wish, always villainizing the loser!"

Jash had really tried explaining this point, as he knew that it was just a matter of perspective before one calls a person a hero or a villain.

If a person destroyed the world, they are a villain?

But what if their whole world, their family and loved ones, were taken away from them because of the world?

Was it wrong to seek revenge from the world itself and want to destroy it?

'No, it isn't! As long as no one can stop you, it's their fault for overestimating themselves!' Jash mused internally.

It wasn't like anyone would understand his unique perspective, so he chose to stay quiet.

"There are so many people here! Even elves, dwarves and mixed ones among humans!" Caera exclaimed, eager to meet them.

"As if! Every single living being in our world is competing with another for resources, there's nothing good about it!"

Although Jash preached the truth, Caera ignored him and chose to enjoy the moment instead of brooding over it.

"Hmph! You're such a joykiller. You should've gone with Mom!" Caera complained, irked by his constant grumblings.

She was really annoyed by his negative and hateful attitude related to everything she saw.

'If not for wanting to confirm this world's state, I would've much rather stayed home!' he thought to himself.

Indeed, he really wanted to just rest till the world academy entrance test, unlike others who were eager to come here.

Not only was he forced to wear these uncomfortable clothes and get ready after waking up early, but he had also sparred with Caera the previous night!

'It's so unfair!' he cried out inwardly, hiding his thoughts on the outside.

…

Unlike Jash and the Church's person, there was another guy coming here.

With his status, he didn't have an obligation to come early yet he had arrived right on time, roaming around the courtyard.

He seemed to have a pleasant aura around him as women of all ages found him eye-catching.

Yet the boy was just too focused on his own thoughts.

'Oi system! Are you sure about this?' he thought, or rather communicated with his system.

{Yes, host! I told you this is the best place to farm points before the main event, the Academy, starts!}