Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"So, what you are saying is that boy doesn't have an affinity with either of the seven elements, right?" Rowan inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Emeric nodded, confirming his brother's question. "Yes, that's correct. Adrian is affinityless. He can't use any of the elemental powers."

A slow smile spread across Rowan's face, a mixture of intrigue and something more. "Interesting. Very interesting indeed."

He then gave Emeric a pat on the shoulder, pausing as if remembering something, and turned to leave. "Ah, I almost forgot. I left something back in the arena. We'll talk more next time."

Before Emeric could respond, Rowan was already striding down the corridor, his figure disappearing around the corner. Emeric stood there, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He had wanted to say more, to ask Rowan for advice or maybe even share some of his worries, but now the opportunity was gone.

Emeric sighed, shaking his head slightly. "He's always so busy," he muttered to himself, a hint of longing in his voice. He looked down at his hands, clenched them into fists, and took a deep breath. "I'll show him. I'll become strong enough to stand beside him one day."

With renewed determination, Emeric made his way back to his own dormitory, his mind already planning his next training session.

____ __ _

The night had fallen over Celestial Arcane Academy, casting long shadows across the campus. In a dimly lit room, a figure lay on a bed, a crazy smile playing on their lips. The room was sparsely decorated, with only the essentials and a few personal items scattered about. The figure's eyes gleamed in the low light, reflecting a deep-seated ambition.

"Hehe, today I got another prey to enjoy again." The figure muttered laughing. "I wonder how he will taste."

"Let's start then, I can't wait anymore."

'Somnial Dominion: Dream Manipulation.'

____ __ _

In his dormitory, Adrian lay restless in bed, his gaze scanning the silver egg beside him.

"I wonder if the Dream Stalker will attack me today..." He muttered to himself. "I certainly pissed him off, so the probability is 99% considering his personality. But... will it affect the egg?"

Adrian knew for sure after his actions, the Second Event would start immediately. Though the second event's target would originally have been Aurelius, but he changed it.

From what he knew, in the novel, after his match against the second years, Rowan's team, Aurelius would return to his dorm in the evening. Though it would seem like nothing happened to him, he would see nightmares every day, continuously for a month. And that would mark the beginning of the linked event, Aurelius starting to lose himself and control over his actions and thoughts.

And that would result in some nasty incidents and other events.

Some may ask why I would take a risk and change the target of Dream Stalker.

It's because I know precisely how to prevent dream manipulation. One needs a special potion and high willpower, both of which Adrian had prepared in advance. By becoming the target himself, he hoped to intercept the Dream Stalker's plans and mitigate the damage that would have otherwise affected Aurelius and others.

Adrian reached into his storage ring and pulled out a small vial of shimmering liquid. The potion was a blend of rare herbs and magical ingredients that he'd managed to acquire through his extensive research and resourcefulness. It was designed to protect his mind from invasive influences, fortifying his mental defenses.

"Let's see if this works," Adrian whispered, uncorking the vial and downing the potion in one gulp. The taste was bitter, but he forced it down, feeling a warmth spread through his body as the potion took effect.

Adrian lay back down, closing his eyes and focusing on steadying his breath. His only worry was if the Dream Stalker would attack his pet beast egg as well. He wondered whether to put the egg in another room or just hide it somewhere outside.

Suddenly, a cold shiver ran down his spine, and he felt as if an ominous presence was closing in on him. The air grew heavy, and the shadows in his room seemed to deepen.

He sat up abruptly, gritting his teeth. "No, I can't gamble with this," he muttered to himself. "The egg could be in danger too."

Without wasting another second, Adrian grabbed the silver egg, feeling its smooth, cool surface against his palm. He knew he couldn't let the egg stay with him.

He opened his door quietly and stepped into the dimly lit corridor. The academy was silent, the only sound being his soft footsteps. He paused in front of the door opposite his, hesitating for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand and knocked lightly, hoping he wasn't making a mistake.

After what felt like an eternity, the door opened slightly, and Aria's face appeared in the gap. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Adrian standing there with the egg in his arms.

"Adrian? What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I need your help," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

Aria nodded and opened the door wider, stepping aside to let him in. Adrian entered her room, and she closed the door behind him, locking it for good measure. Her room was neat and cozy, with a few personal touches that made it feel welcoming.

"What's going on?" Aria asked, her concern evident as she glanced at the egg in Adrian's arms. "Did something happen to you?"

Adrian smiled a little seeing her reaction. Then he spoke. "I wanted to ask whether you could keep this egg in your room for a while?"

"Hmm? The egg?" Aria muttered confusedly. "Did something happen to it?"

"No, nothing is wrong with it," Adrian replied while wondering what to say to her. He couldn't exactly tell her he was afraid it would also be invaded by the Dream Stalker.

'! Oh, that will sound plausible.'

"I just wanted to know whether it would hasten its hatching if it slept with a girl," Adrian muttered scratching his cheek awkwardly. "I'm the only one who hasn't been able to hatch mine in the course... So... That's the reason... Yeah."

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