Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Check out my new story - The Virtous Tamer and The Villianessn/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

____ ___

The clinical way he delivered this information, devoid of any emotional inflection, made the account all the more unsettling. It was as if he were reporting on someone else's experience rather than his own harrowing ordeal.

The stark difference between this composed, detached Adrian and the one they had known just two weeks ago couldn't have been more apparent. It was especially evident in the way he addressed even Aurelia and Aria—his own closest people—with the same measured distance he used with everyone else.

Principal Arwen's grip on his staff tightened imperceptibly, while Instructor Elara and Ardent shared a concerned look. The rest of Adrian's friends seemed to struggle with this shift, their expressions a mix of relief at his return and confusion at his changed demeanor.

But it was Aria who noticed something else—something in the careful way he chose his words, in the perfectly measured pauses between sentences. It reminded her of how he used to be when they first met, yes, but there was something else there too. Something she couldn't quite put her finger on...

Instructor Ardent stepped forward, her brows furrowed in concern. "Adrian, do you remember me? The case with what happened at the Sanctuary? The last time we met was the time you returned to the academy and told info about the incident regarding the Valerian Hall and monster king's attack."

Adrian turned his gaze to her, his expression neutral. "The Sanctuary... was that regarding the Wild Heart Sanctuary?" he asked calmly.

Ardent nodded subtly, relived he could remember it. "Yes, that's correct."

Adrian paused, as if searching his memory. "I'm afraid the details are still rather hazy," he admitted. "But I believe I do recall something about the Sanctuary. We shall have to discuss it further once my recollection has improved."

Instructor Elara then stepped forward, gently cradling a small, sleeping creature in her arms. "And do you recognize this?" she asked softly, her eyes filled with concern.

Adrian's gaze settled on the creature, his brows furrowing slightly as he studied it. After a moment, he shook his head slowly. "I'm afraid I don't believe I can recall anything about this creature, even though it feels somehow familiar." His tone was apologetic, but the emotional distance in his words was palpable.

Principal Arwen placed a hand on Elara's shoulder, drawing her attention. "I believe it's best we continue this discussion once you've had more time to rest and recover, Adrian," he said calmly. "For now, your friends are simply relieved to have you back."

With that, the instructors filed out of the room, leaving Adrian alone with his classmates. Ren and Ardel were the first to speak up.

"Goodness, we're just so glad you're back, Adrian," Ren said, his voice thick with emotion. He could still remember the moment when Adrian chose group members to go the Valerian Hall... He realized how weak he had been at that time...

"That's right. We were really worried about you. Especially..." Ardel cast a meaningful glance towards Aria, though Adrian seemed to pay it no mind.

"We are thankful to see you in one piece again. And... Sorry we couldn't be any help to you... If only we could..."

Lila and Kairen echoed the sentiment, expressing their relief and regret at not being able to help during the incident.

Adrian get the gist he was close friends with everyone here after a bit of observation, so he slightly changed his tone and told them not to worry about it.

"...Adrian..."

Then, Aurelius stepped forward, his gaze meeting Adrian's with an intensity that made the others pause.

For a moment, Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something akin to skepticism crossing his features as he regarded Aurelius. The exchange was brief, but it did not go unnoticed by the others in the room.

Aria couldn't help but wonder what had caused this shift in Adrian's demeanor.

The Adrian she had known was never one to display overt emotions, but there had always been a warmth and familiarity in his interactions, even with those he wasn't particularly close to after he slowly changed. Now, it was as if a veil had been drawn between him and the world, separating him from the connections he once cherished.

Aurelius also felt a slight uncomfortable feeling in his chest while staring at his friend - Adrian. He could still vividly remember that moment, where he could do nothing but watch while Adrian fought against the darkness by himself, got stabbed by an assassin. The moment of seeing him bloodied, on the verge of death yet still trying to protect everyone...

And eventually doing it...

But...

At the cost of...

"Sorry..."

This was the lone word that Aurelius managed to mutter to Adrian after the awkward silence.

Although he wanted to say more, that he has been reflecting, wanting to fix his mistakes, getting stronger...

He subconsciously chose the one simple yet magical phrase.

Adrian stared at Aurelius for a while and nodded with a small smile.

"Don't worry about it. You did your best."

Aurelius felt a lump in his throat as Adrian's words sank in. He nodded slowly, his expression a mix of relief and lingering guilt. Secretly, he swore to himself that he would never again let such terrible incidents happen - he would become stronger, wiser, so that he could protect those he cared for.

Before anyone could say more, Aurelia could no longer hold herself back. With a sob, she launched herself at Adrian, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clung to him, muttering brokenly, "Thank goodness, you're back... hic... brother... I thought... I thought you had left me alone too..."

Adrian's eyes widened slightly at his sister's sudden display of emotion, but after a moment, his expression softened. Gently, he returned her embrace, murmuring, "Yes, little sister... I'm back." There was a note of warmth and sincerity in his voice that had been absent during his earlier interactions.

'After a long time...'

'I'm...'

'Finally...'

'Back again...'