Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The night passed without further incident, and the students managed to get some much-needed rest. The following morning, instructor Doome appeared beside their camp and took them back to the academy in a flying ship. He was well aware of the ordeal they had endured the previous day.

As the ship soared through the skies, Doome addressed the students, his tone firm yet instructive. "You must have learned a valuable lesson from yesterday's experience. Nothing is as it seems. You can't always see how deceptive something or someone can be at first glance. You must always be prepared for the unexpected and never let your guard down, no matter how harmless something might appear."

Adrian silently agreed with the instructor and added his own perspective: "The same goes for people."

The rest of the journey back to the academy was spent in thoughtful silence. The students reflected on their experience, understanding the gravity of the lesson they had learned. The flying ship landed smoothly at the academy, and the students disembarked, feeling a mix of exhaustion and newfound knowledge.

As the students dispersed, heading towards their dormitories, Doome called out, "Adrian, Aurelius, Ren, and Emeric, stay behind. I have something to discuss with you."

The four boys exchanged curious glances before stepping forward.

"You must already know about the annual competition of the academy, right?" Instructor Doome began, looking at them intently.

"Yes," the three replied in unison, while Emeric remained silent.

"In that case, I won't beat around the bush. There will be an event specifically for surviving called 'Trials of Illusions.' It's a test of your ability to survive in the most challenging conditions the academy can create. This won't be just about fighting monsters or finding food; it will be about using your wits, your skills, and your instincts to make it through."

Doome continued, "Only the second years and above can participate in this event, and it will be held in a Silver Ruin called the Ruin of Illusions. The Ruin itself will randomly create situations you must navigate. No two experiences will be the same."

He paused, letting the information sink in before adding, "However, I've been watching you four all this time. You have courage, decisiveness, intelligence, and teamwork. I believe you have the potential to handle this challenge, even though you're first years."

Doome smiled proudly. "So, I talked with the principal and got four tickets for you to attend the Trials of Illusions. You will all attend. No rejections are accepted. Understood?"

The four boys stood silent, processing the magnitude of the challenge ahead.

"Ah, don't worry," Doome reassured them. "You won't die even if you 'die' in the Ruin; you'll just be teleported out."

"Wait... we can die inside the Ruin?" Emeric asked, a hint of confusion and concern in his voice.

"Of course, it's a Ruin for a reason, Emeric," Doome chuckled. "But don't be scared; it won't hurt that much. Besides, I'll prepare you all separately from the next lesson. Otherwise, you might end up failing in the first trial. Anyway, since I've told you what I needed to say, you can leave."

The boys nodded, still absorbing the news. As they walked away, Adrian's mind buzzed with thoughts of the Trials of Illusions. This didn't happen in the novel. No, it happened but later, in the second year. Which meant, there was something that changed the future. And that would be none other than him, his actions.

'It seems our performance in the old man's eyes is good. Or else he wouldn't go this far. After all, he might be the one who cares about his students' survival the most...'

'But, it's not a bad idea to attend the Trials of Illusions. After all, the Ruin will create illusions based on your power and rank.'

'Not the mention rewards for clearing each illusion and the Ruin itself is good.'

'Well, that works in my favor, since I won't be here in the second year, haha.'

'Is this what they call a blessing in disguise? Then I like it.'

While immersed in his thoughts, he didn't realize he was already in front of his room.

'Hmmm... Should I check on the little guy?' He muttered inwardly his gaze landing on the door opposite of his. 'Nah, let's do it in the evening. She might be out now. I need to wash up and change attire too.'

Sighing to himself, he entered his room and directly went to take a shower.

Not knowing the person already waiting for his arrival and in a bad mood.

_____ __ _

Later in the evening.

After preparing the meal and the table, Adrian left his room to call Aria. Fortunately, he was lucky as he met her entering her room the moment he opened his door.

"Hi, Aria. How're you? Are you free for dinner?" He asked her with a friendly smile.

"Adrian? When did you come back?" Aria asked in her usual indifferent attitude. "I thought you would be still out spending time with girls."

"Eh? Girls?" Adrian asked not sure what she was talking about.

Aria crossed her arms, her eyebrows raised in an unimpressed arch. "Yes, girls. Like that redhead, Eluna, who seemed quite taken with you during the survival training. She even came looking for you as soon as you returned too."

Adrian blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her sharp words. "Eluna? I saved her life and she was just thankful for what I did. That's all."

"Is that so?" Aria's tone was skeptical, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It seemed like more than just gratitude to me. Especially those eyes of hers."

Adrian sighed, realizing this conversation needed a bit of patience. "Look, I don't know why she came after arriving or interested, ok? Besides..."

"I already have you and I don't need anyone else."

"..."

"...Idiot." Muttering in a low voice, Aria quickly entered her room and closed it.

Adrian stood outside Aria's closed door, his face blank.

"Did... I said that out loud..." He muttered, his face landing on his face. 'I really am an idiot...'