Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

After that day, she and Adrian kept talking more and more, their daily interactions increasing. She intentionally sat near Adrian in some of the classes.

She also saw how he helped Lyra to make a choice, how he picked a magic creature egg after searching for so long. She laughed when she saw his first day at the Survival Training Course, alas she couldn't hear his thoughts or else it would be too funny. That was also when she realized he rarely talked and kept everything inside.

But she was really worried and anxious when they were attacked by dark spirits or whatever they were. Her heart skipped a beat when he nearly died in the fight against the dark mage. She asked herself why he risked his life. Couldn't he bring help?

Then a few days later, they were divided into teams, she wanted to be on the same team as him but it seemed her luck had run out that time. But her luck returned in the practical test. She worked in his team, together.

Although she got second place, she didn't mind it which was strange in a sense. She even left the good reward for the third place, knowing it was his sister.

Then, they teamed up once again in their first ruin exploration.

And he did it again.

He put himself in danger in order to save others. The first one wasn't dangerous but the second...

He nearly died when taking on the guardian. She nearly went all out in rage that came out of nowhere but his state worried her more, so wanted to stay but Adrian himself asked her to kill it. So she took revenge for hurting him.

Then, she got to talk with his sister, she also confirmed she didn't seem to hate him as he thought. Though his sister also caught her off guard with a question.

It was a simple yet difficult question.

'Was it that time that I realized I liked him?' Aria smiled recalling her reply to his sister's request. Her mood slightly dropped as she remembered an issue she found out from his grandfather. 'Thankfully, it got resolved... I can now fulfill that request...'

'Hehe, but he really looked cute that time.' A smile returned to her face as she recalled how Adrian woke up and stared at her, and then pretended to be asleep. She found it really cute. 'Was it also the time that I started to be able to control my ability?'

Right, she started to have some control over her ability. Though forced and random visions of Adrian still kept appearing without her control, she could see them herself but it was only limited to Adrian. Till today...

'Then, it was our first official dinner...' Aria's face blossomed once more.

Honestly, she thought he was a passive type of person but he invited her to dinner, surprising her. And it sounded like a 'date' to her ears. That's why she spent an hour choosing a dress which she had never done before.

Thankfully, the results were worth it, she could see it from Adrian's expressions that day. So, reading romance books and stories and looking up dresses were all worth it as well.

And they had a meal she never had eaten or seen before. Its taste was super delicious as well. But, what made it her first best dinner was none other than being together with him.

But he did something that made her feel a new emotion.

Jealousy.

He was chummy and lovey with a girl from the Beast Training Course. They even held hands! While it wasn't a big deal, it looked rather disturbing and uncomfortable to her. The feeling of jealousy was so foreign to her that she kept avoiding him for a while, in the classes, and outside.

But about a week later, she found it was quite bad, both for him and her. He seemed troubled about her antics while she found herself uncomfortable and tired as well. Thus she found the courage to appeal to their relationship when they entered another ruin. She asked him to be careful and not to put himself in danger. Though the second part was in her mind.

But...

Again...

He did the exact opposite.

He put his life in danger.

He broke the promise.

But...

Although she might have looked angry at him, she was more worried about his condition and sad at his actions.

She really wanted to scold him for constantly risking his life, for breaking the promise he'd made to her, but when she looked into his eyes, filled with determination and unshakable resolve to protect others and get stronger, her anger melted away immediately.

It was infuriating yet admirable.

How could someone be so reckless yet so selfless? She wanted to understand him, to truly know why he bore such a burden without asking for help.

She wanted to talk with him, alone.

So she waited till they returned to the academy.

She wanted to enter his room right away but she wanted to confirm if he was free and in his room.

And... That is when she saw it.

His body...

His bare body, drenched under the water, revealed his refined muscles...

His strong arms, toned chest, and sculpted abs...

"..." Aria stuffed her face, her breath caught in her throat. She felt heat rise to her cheeks once again.

At that time, she wanted to quickly turn off her ability realizing she was intruding on a private moment. But something else caught her eye.

The scars.

They marred his skin, a sore contrast to the otherwise flawless physique. Three long and jagged lines etched into his left arm, remnants of a recent battle. Her heart clenched at the sight. It wasn't just his recklessness she was reminded of, but the pain he had been enduring till now.

Scars that weren't just physical but ones born from the burdens he carried, ones he never spoke about till now.

Her fingers instinctively tightened around the fabric of her clothes, her chest heavy with emotions she couldn't fully grasp.

'Why?' she thought to herself at that time, eyes lingering on each scar as if they held the answers she was searching for. 'Why do you always push yourself this far?'

"And he still hasn't changed..." Her vision blurred slightly, the present mixing with the past as she continued reminiscing. "But don't worry... I will share your burdens with you..."

I'll protect him, she thought, her fingers tightening into a fist. Even if it means standing by his side, even if it means facing the dangers together.

And next time, she wouldn't just watch from the shadows.

She would fight.

For him.

With him.

Always.

Chapter Explore:

"..."

Aria exhaled deeply, the weight on her chest lifting slightly as her decision solidified.

Because now, more than ever, she was certain.

'I'll always be the one protecting you, Adrian.'