Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Saturday quickly came.

Adrian and his team decided to do a team mission today. As the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue across the academy grounds, they gathered at the Mission Hall.

The Mission Hall was already bustling with activity when they arrived.

Adrian, Aria, and the rest of their team—Lila, Ardel, and Kairen—made their way to a bigger screen, a staff was already there to help them if needed. They browsed the missions suitable for team of five first years. The screen displayed a wide range of missions, each with varying degrees of difficulty and rewards.

"Look at this one," Lila said, pointing to a mission titled "Forest of Mymers: Monster Subjugation". "It's a monster subjugation mission in the Forest of Mymers. The objective is to clear out a nest of Mymers that have been terrorizing the local area."

"Hmm, Mymer Beasts are known for their ability to disorient their prey with illusions," Kairen commented, stroking his chin thoughtfully reading the details. "It's a good choice."

"Sounds interesting, but we should also consider the risks," Ardel added. "Let's see if there are other options before we decide."

They continued browsing, finding missions ranging from simple herb gathering to escorting merchant caravans. Each mission had its own unique challenges and required different skill sets.

"How about this one?" Aria suggested, pointing to a mission titled "Silver Ruin Exploration". "It's an exploration mission in a silver ruin. But I think it's a bit high for our level now. Maybe we can try at the end of the semester."

"Exploration and another Silver Ruin artifact sound exciting, but you are correct," Adrian noted. "This one is a real Silver Ruin. It will be difficult to clear it with our current strength."

As they debated, another mission caught their eye. It was labeled "Urgent Rescue Operation". The mission involved rescuing a group of herbalists who had been captured by a notorious bandit gang hiding in the Mountains of Myrandor.

"Let's expand this one," Adrian suggested. They tapped on the mission to reveal more details.

_______ ____

Mission Title: Urgent Rescue Operation

Objective: Rescue a group of herbalists who have gone missing in the Mountains of Myrandor.

Details: A group of herbalists went to the Mountains of Myrandor to gather rare herbs and have not returned for two days. It is suspected they have been kidnapped by a notorious bandit gang and are being held hostage.

Rewards: 5000 Gold, 1000 Academy Points

Deadline: Immediate response required.

Note: All the bandits are suspected to be under Lunar Tier, however, the Chief of the bandits is highly suspected to have advanced to Lunar Tier. Caution is recommended.

_______ ____ _

"This is serious," Kairen said, his expression turning grim. "If they're being held hostage, we need to act fast."

"The reward is substantial, but the mission itself is quite dangerous," Ardel noted. "We need to be prepared for a potential confrontation with bandits. What makes it difficult is that they aren't monsters..."

"Right..." Adrian said, understanding in his voice. Fighting and killing monsters was one thing but fighting humans and killing... He has fought with many and killed a few as well. But he only killed once after recovering his memories. And that was also a villain mage. However...

"However, this mission is urgent. We can't just ignore it." Adrian said, his expression solemn. 'Besides, it is likely connected to the plot.'

"Let's do it then," Aria said, her eyes filled with resolve. "Those herbalists need our help."

Lila nodded in agreement. "I'm in. Let's rescue them."

Kairen and Ardel exchanged an uneasy glance but decided to agree. They couldn't turn a blind eye to people who are in need of help after all.

With their decision made, Adrian and his team quickly confirmed their acceptance of the mission. They gathered their gear and prepared for the journey to the Mountains of Myrandor, their minds focused on the task ahead.

The team returned to their dorms to gather their equipment and supplies. They knew that time was of the essence, and every moment counted.

Adrian packed his weapons and a few essential items, while Aria prepared a set of medical kits and enchanted tools. Lila, Ardel, and Kairen ensured they had all the necessary provisions, including food, water, and potions.

Once they were ready, they met back at the academy gates. The sun was now fully up, and the academy grounds were bathed in warm light.

"We have everything?" Adrian asked, looking at his team.

"All set," Aria confirmed, tapping her storage ring.

The other three nodded as well.

"Let's move out," Adrian said, his eyes sharp with focus.

The team set off towards the Mountains of Myrandor, hailing a carriage immediately. But even with the carriage, the journey would take an hour or so, and they needed to reach the herbalists as soon as possible.

______ ___ _

Mountains of Myrandor.

In a large cave illuminated by torches and light spells, a group of people could be seen tied with rope and with pieces of clothing stuffed into their mouths. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and smoke, the only sounds being the occasional drip of water and the faint crackle of the torches.

A man wearing a mask and a hood approached the captives, carrying a tray of meals. He stopped in front of one of the herbalists, a young elf with silvery-blonde hair and emerald green eyes filled with a mixture of fear and defiance. With a gentle movement, he took the clothing out of her mouth.

"You hungry, beauty?" the man chuckled, his voice low and mocking.

The elf stared at him silently, her eyes never wavering.

"Not in the mood to talk, huh?" The man shrugged, placing a piece of bread and some water in front of her. "You better eat. It's a long way to the afterlife if you starve yourself here."

The girl continued to stay silent, her eyes following his every movement.

"Suit yourself," the man said, standing up. "I'll be back later. Maybe you'll be more talkative then." He turned and walked away, leaving the tray within her reach.

The herbalist watched him go, her mind racing with thoughts of escape and survival. She glanced around at the other captives, their eyes reflecting the same mixture of hope and despair.

'Master... I'm sorry...'

'Aurelius... Aurelia...'

'Guess I can't fulfill the promise I gave to you...'

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