Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Adrian stood on the outskirts of the Elvin town's outer territory, the dense forest thick with the hum of life. The air was crisp, carrying a faint floral scent that felt oddly soothing.

He reached into his storage ring and withdrew the Hunter Amulet, a small, intricately carved piece of obsidian wrapped in a silver lattice. It felt cool in his hand, its energy humming faintly, as though aware of his intentions.

He clasped the amulet tightly and activated it. A soft, greenish-black glow surrounded him, tingling against his skin like static. The magic enveloped him, shifting his appearance. When the glow dissipated, Adrian felt a faint pull toward the nearest source of clear water.

He glanced around and spotted a small pond nearby, its surface as smooth as glass. Walking over, he crouched at the water's edge and gazed at his reflection.

The illusion was startlingly effective. His features now mirrored those of an Elvin—angled ears, a faint greenish tint to his skin, and a sharper, more delicate bone structure. His eyes held the same intensity, though their hue had shifted subtly to match the illusion.

The only tell of his true form was his hair, which stubbornly remained short. It wasn't an issue, as some Elvins wore their hair similarly, but it was a reminder of the limits of the magic.

Adrian tilted his head, studying the unfamiliar yet convincing face staring back at him. Satisfied, he nodded to himself and rose, brushing off his hands.

He adjusted the green cloak he prepared before the exam, ensuring it flowed naturally over his altered form, and strode toward the town's supposed gate.

Or rather, toward where the gate should have been.

At first glance, there was nothing but forest ahead. Towering trees stood undisturbed, their intertwined canopies casting intricate shadows on the forest floor. It would have seemed like an ordinary part of the woodland to anyone else.

But Adrian knew better.

His gaze zeroed in on two thin, parallel trees standing a few meters apart. Their trunks stretched skyward, and their tops intertwined, forming an archway of leaves and branches.

This was the gate to the town of Elvin.

He stepped closer, his steps sure and confident. The area between the two trees shimmered faintly as though the air itself rippled under his scrutiny. Concealment magic—a classic Elvin trick. There were no walls or visible signs of the town beyond, only the illusion of uninterrupted wilderness.

Adrian paused briefly in front of the trees, his hand brushing against the amulet. He could feel the subtle hum of the illusion pressing against his senses, like a gentle nudge to turn away. He ignored it and stepped forward without hesitation, crossing the threshold.

The world around him shifted.

The dense foliage gave way to an ethereal brightness, the concealment dissolving like a thin veil. The Elvin town unfolded before him in all its breathtaking beauty. Towering trees served as homes and structures, their trunks carved into elegant dwellings. Glowing orbs or rather Lightvins floated lazily through the air, casting soft light that illuminated the town's natural pathways.

Adrian's eyes swept over the scene, his expression neutral despite the awe that flickered in the back of his mind. Seeing it in person really gave me a unique experience and feelings.

The bustling life within the town was a stark contrast to the serenity of the forest he'd left behind. The life of the town was no different than in their current world or back in their real world.

Everyone was either busy or enjoying.

'Well, I have seen everything. Now, it's time to re-focus.'

This wasn't a sightseeing tour. His mission required subtlety, and he couldn't afford to draw unnecessary attention to himself.

He adjusted his posture, adopting the easy, fluid movements of an Elvin. Despite his altered appearance, he remained acutely aware of the illusion's fragility. Individuals with heightened mental power or strong magical senses could potentially see through the trick.

Though they would need to actually pay close attention to him.

With his hands in his pockets, he turned his Black Daggers into intangible mode and surveyed the elvins while acting natural.

Like the first batch of their kind, he could see black marks on almost every one of them. He could tell most of them were no match for him, even if he went 1 to 10. He would use the same tactic he used not long ago. Now he was certain that the talk about the power range of this world being manageable was indeed true.

There were still some individuals who gave off a dangerous vibe and aura - they were probably the secret guards planted by the Elders of the Elvins or just naturally strong Elvins.

'Well, that means I gotta be even more careful now...'

Adrian strolled through the Elvin town, his gaze sweeping over the lively streets as he worked to blend in. He avoided drawing too much attention, though his eyes were sharp, catching every detail.

As he turned down another path, his eyes caught something peculiar.

A young Elvin woman moved through the streets, her posture stiff, her steps uneven. She was turning her head often, glancing in different directions as if searching for something—or someone.

Adrian's lips curled up slightly. It wasn't hard to discern the truth. Her awkward gait and lack of fluidity gave her away instantly. She was trying to blend in, but her lack of acting skills made her stick out like a sore thumb. In his perspective that is.

'Must be one of the other Hunter trainees,' he thought with mild amusement. 'And almost zero acting skill at that.'

Deciding to investigate further, Adrian veered toward a nearby vendor. He purchased a chilled Elvin specialty drink, a vibrant, iridescent liquid served in a delicate crystal cup. It was light, refreshing, and the perfect prop for his casual approach.

Drink in hand, he started walking toward the figure. His movements remained unhurried, yet his senses were heightened. As he approached her, something strange stirred in his heart—a faint, unexplainable pull that he couldn't ignore.

He slowed slightly, and just as he was less than ten meters away, the woman turned.

Then...

Their gazes met.

'...Is that you?'

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( Author Note:

Hello readers!

To celebrate the end of 2024, I'm excited to release 10 chapters of

Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

today!

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your continued support. Your enthusiasm and feedback mean the world to me. I hope you'll continue to join me on this journey as the story unfolds.

I wish you all a successful and fulfilling 2025!

And get ready to embark on a new adventure soon – the story of a world-traveling soul is coming your way.

With love and appreciation,

Peace_in_Chaos.

.....

....

Other chapters are coming soon as well! )