Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Tuesday.

After having lunch with Aria, both headed to their chosen courses, Aria to Monsters 102 while Adrian to the Enchanting Guide.

The course was said to be held in the same hall as their practical class, it didn't take much trouble for Adrian to find it.

When he entered the hall, there were already a few students gathered, chatting amongst themselves or setting up their workspaces. Adrian spotted a familiar face and made his way over.

Instead of talking, he just sat behind them. Well, he knew the figure, but they weren't acquaintances.

'Kairen would become good friends with him.' Adrian thought noting down the figure's race. 'Zeffan Grilmin, half-dwarf and half-human. The prodigious Enchanter has yet to show his talent and brilliance. Unfortunately, he will start to shine only after he becomes a two-star Enchanter, in the second year.'

A few minutes later the door at the front of the hall opened, and Professor Sibilus entered, his sharp snake-like eyes scanning the room. Behind him followed the assistant instructor, Kiri, her fox ears twitching slightly as she took in the sight of the gathered students. They both moved with an air of confidence and purpose, immediately commanding attention.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Professor Sibilus greeted, his voice carrying an undertone of authority. "I see some familiar faces from the Enchanting Class. Today marks the beginning of our journey into deeper enchanting knowledge. As I told you before, you may call me Professor Sibilus, and this is my assistant, Kiri. You should call her Instructor Kirir. But do not talk to her too much or-"

"Hello, students!" Kiri gave a small nod while cutting off the professor, her fox-like features softening with a warm smile. "We are excited to guide you through this course," she added.

Professor Sibilus continued, "As this is our first session, we will start by reviewing the basic principles of enchanting. It's crucial that we build a strong foundation before moving on to more complex techniques. A week ago, you all learned basic enchantments in the Enchanting Class. Today, we will revisit those principles and ensure everyone is up to speed."

He gestured towards the worktables. "Please prepare your tools and materials. We will begin with a simple enchantment exercise to assess your current skills."

Adrian and the other students followed the instructions, setting up their workspaces with the necessary items.

"Most of you enchanted a ring the last time, so let's go with it this time as well. Working with familiar materials will help reinforce what you learned."

Adrian set up his tools and selected a simple silver ring for the exercise.

"Remember the enchantment we practiced last time," Professor Sibilus said, moving around the room to observe the students. "Focus on channeling your aether into the object, maintaining a steady flow."

Adrian closed his eyes for a moment, centering himself before he began the enchantment process. The ring felt cool and solid in his hand as he visualized the flow of his aether, guiding it carefully into the metal. His first attempt resulted in a faint glow, but the enchantment didn't take hold.

Undeterred, he adjusted his focus and tried again, this time achieving a stable glow as the enchantment successfully embedded itself into the ring.

"Well done, student Adrian," Professor Sibilus commented, his sharp eyes narrowing in approval. "A good recovery after the first attempt. I see you made an improvement."

Adrian nodded, a small smile of satisfaction playing on his lips. 'Of course, I did, I practiced for a whole day after all. I failed the first attempt not to raise any suspicion, you know.'

He glanced over at Zeffan, who was working methodically on his own ring. Zeffan's first attempt was similarly unsuccessful, but he remained calm, analyzing his mistake before trying again. On his third attempt, the ring glowed steadily, signaling his success.

"Excellent, student Zeffan," Kiri praised with a nod. "You show great promise."

'While this guy hasn't practiced at all, yet succeeded this easily.' Adrian muttered inwardly. He knew how lazy and yet talented Zeffan was. Heck if not for the pressure from his family, he wouldn't even bother learning enchanting.

The other students continued their efforts, some struggling more than others. A few managed to succeed on their fourth or fifth try, while a handful couldn't quite get the enchantment to hold even after six attempts. Professor Sibilus and Kiri moved among them, offering guidance and reassurance.

"Don't be discouraged if you didn't succeed today," Professor Sibilus addressed the class. "Mastery comes with practice and persistence. We will work on these issues individually to ensure everyone progresses."

After a while, the course came to an end.

Adrian felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had accomplished his goal of catching the instructors' attention, even if just slightly. The satisfaction of his progress and the recognition from Professor Sibilus and Kiri bolstered his confidence in his plan.

As the session concluded and the students began to pack up their tools, Professor Sibilus made a final announcement. "Remember, the foundation is critical. Master these basics, and you will find the more advanced techniques much easier to grasp. Practice diligently, and we will continue to build on your skills in the next session."

The students nodded in understanding and left the hall one after another.

Just as Adrian was about to leave, a voice stopped him.

"Student Adrian, can you answer a question of mine?" It was obviously the odd prof Sibilus.

Adrian turned around and nodded. 'Guess, he is gonna say it now.'

"Why are you learning enchanting?" Sibilus asked, his voice solemn. "Is it just for fun or are there other purposes behind your actions?"

Adrian stared back at the professor and answered. "I just found it interesting, that is all. It might be useful at a later date."

"... We both know you don't have a future in this field, you can't become higher than a 2-star Enchanter if you don't have any affinity. I advise you to find another 'interesting' thing for your own good. Just don't waste both of our times."

"..."

"..."

Kiri glanced between them, unsure of what to do or to say.

"Professor... Are you afraid that I joined the course because I want to pursue your assistant?" Adrian suddenly asked, causing Kiri to look dumbfounded and then blush.

A strange glint passed through Sibilus's eyes. He smiled coldly and replied. "Yes, I fear that you are coveting her cuteness. You were staring too much at her the last lesson too."

"..."

"..."

"Alright, I admit instructor Kiri is cute, but I joined the course since I didn't want to waste my time. Besides, I already have a girlfriend, more beautiful and cuter than your 'crush', professor." Adrian chuckled sarcastically. "Then, I'll take my leave." Then he quickly left the hall, ignoring the professor's claims that there was no one cuter than Kiri.

"That brat!" Professor Sibilus cursed out loud as Adrian quickly disappeared out of sight. Kiri, still blushing, looked up at the professor with a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

"Professor, he's just a student," she said gently. "I think he genuinely wants to learn. And besides, there's nothing wrong with a bit of admiration," she added with a playful wink.

Sibilus grumbled under his breath but didn't press the matter further. He respected Kiri's opinion, even if he found Adrian's boldness infuriating.

"Do you think he really has no ulterior motives?" He then asked. "We both witnessed how smart he was at the Tournament. I know he didn't simply 'join' just because it was 'interesting'."

"Are you being jealous again? Didn't he say he had a girlfriend?" Kiri teased the professor, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Professor Sibilus grumbled but then looked at Kiri with a playful smirk. "Yes, I'm jealous. What are you going to do about it?" he teased.

Kiri's face turned a deeper shade of red. "Professor! This is the academy, Professor! We need to maintain professionalism!" she exclaimed, her voice trailing off as she hurried out of the hall, leaving a smirking Sibilus behind.

Meanwhile, Adrian was making his way to his second course of the day: the Beast Tamer's Guide.

Of course, he first picked up Noxy from Aria who finished her course.

The course was going to be held at the same place as before.

The students were the same from the first semester too.

"Sir Adrian!" Irithel waved at him as soon as she noticed his arrival. "You can sit here."

"Hmm, good afternoon." After greeting her and exchanging a look with the arrogant lizard, Adrian sat down on the grass beside Irithel.

"Hello little one, how are you doing?" Irithel giggled at Noxy who jumped off from his shoulder to her hands.

Adrian and Ignis watched as Irithel pampered Noxy.

'I guess his temperament has become a bit nice.' Adrian commented inwardly as he noticed Ignis silently watching. He didn't allow Irithel to pet or hold other beasts before after all. 'Guess, working at the sanctuary helped them both.'

"Did you visit the sanctuary these days?" Adrian asked since there was still time for to course to start.

"Eh, no, I couldn't visit it." Irithel looked up from Noxy to him. "However, I'm planning to go the day after tomorrow. I won't have any courses that day."

"I see." Adrian nodded.

"What's wrong? Did you want to know something?" Irithel asked curiously, her expression brightening. "Are you planning to work there again?"

"Well, yeah." Adrian nodded. "I wanted to check on things and maybe help out a bit. I couldn't visit because of the incident, just like you."

Irithel smiled warmly. "That's great! I'm sure the sanctuary could use your help. Plus, the beasts seem to really like you."

"Let's hope so," Adrian replied with a chuckle. "Noxy seems to like the atmosphere at the sanctuary too."

Noxy, nestled comfortably in Irithel's hands, chirped in agreement, causing both of them to laugh.

As they chatted, more students arrived and took their places on the grass. The instructor for the Beast Tamer's Guide, Instructor Elara soon appeared and started the course.

__________ ____ _

Keep reading on m,vl-em|p-yr

(Author: I might not be able to release tomorrow for various reasons. But I will try my best. If not, I will return the day after tomorrow. Just an announcement in advance.)