Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Adrian sat on a sturdy log, his posture relaxed but his gaze thoughtful as he watched the flickering sunlight filter through the trees. Beside him, Ria sat cross-legged, her hands resting on her knees as she toyed with the edge of her tunic.

"I see," Adrian murmured, his voice low and calm. "You were teleported near the town and managed to slip in without much trouble."

Ria nodded, a small, satisfied smile tugging at her lips. "Lucky, right? Though I nearly gave myself away with my lack of... uh, Elvin grace."

Adrian let out a soft chuckle but didn't reply immediately. He glanced up at the canopy above, his expression clouding for a moment. A wave of uncertainty washed over him.

How was he supposed to tell her about the rebellion? About what lay ahead? He wanted to protect her, keep her safe from the storm that was brewing. Her memories being sealed was both a curse and a strange blessing.

If she remembered everything...

She'd dive headfirst into the chaos, wouldn't she?

He clenched his fists, the leather gloves he wore creaking softly. She was always like that—caring too much, throwing herself into danger without a second thought, especially when it involved him.

Not that he was any different. Maybe that's why he couldn't help being drawn to her, even when it felt like he shouldn't be.

"Adrian?" Ria's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. She tilted her head, studying his face. "You okay? You've been quiet for a while now."

Adrian blinked, realizing he'd been staring off into the distance. He quickly schooled his expression, forcing a small smile. "Yeah, sorry. Just thinking."

"You always say the same thing," Ria teased, leaning back on her hands.

Adrian smirked faintly. "Funny." He stood up, brushing the dirt off his pants, and turned toward her. "We should head back to the town."

Ria arched a brow. "Already?"

"The Elvin's Blessing event starts tomorrow," Adrian explained, glancing back at her. "We need to book an inn and get ready for it. We need to complete the mission if we want to pass the exam, remember?"

Ria stood, dusting herself off as she gave him a nod. "Alright. Let's go then."

They made their way back through the woods in companionable silence. The afternoon light painted the forest in warm, golden hues, and the distant sounds of the bustling inner part of the town grew louder as they approached.
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The next day arrived with a vibrancy that was impossible to ignore. The town was alive, practically humming with anticipation. Colorful banners hung from rooftops, their intricate designs depicting symbols of nature—twisting vines, blooming flowers, and glowing sunbursts. The air smelled of fresh herbs and blooming flowers, a scent carried on the cool morning breeze.

'One would mistake this for a flower festival.'

Adrian thought as he stood near a fountain in the town square, watching as young elvins, some barely out of their childhood, gathered with nervous energy. The atmosphere was different today—hopeful but laced with tension.

"Nature's Blessings," Aria whispered beside him, her tone a mix of awe and curiosity as her eyes swept across the square. She adjusted the hood of her light green cloak, blending in seamlessly with the crowd of young elves. "It's fascinating. It's similar to how we underwent reckoning on the day of rendition albeit the process being highly different."

"Hmm." Adrian nodded, his expression neutral but his mind calculating. He could feel her 'hidden' excitement, but his thoughts were on the mission ahead. Blending in was crucial, and the three-day Blessing Trials would be the perfect cover for their, exam's objectives.

"It is how it is," he murmured, his gaze shifting toward the large, open-air theater at the far end of the square.

The elders of the town were beginning to gather on the stage, their ornate robes shimmering in the sunlight. Each robe represented a different aspect of nature—flowing rivers, sturdy mountains, and ancient trees. Their presence commanded respect, and the chatter in the square began to quiet as the young elves turned their attention to the stage.

Ria leaned closer to Adrian, keeping her voice low. "There are so many of them. I didn't expect this many participants."

"Nearly 250," Adrian said, his tone calm. "The ceremony draws every young elvin who's awakened in the past year. For many, this is a rite of passage, a defining moment."

"And for us?" Ria asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Adrian's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. "For us, it's a mission. Stick to the plan, and we'll get through this."

Ria nodded, her expression turning serious. She adjusted the straps of her small pack, which carried minimal supplies. Just enough to maintain her cover as a young elvin participating in the trials.

Alas, she had no idea she was going to hunt for these young elvins, not for resources or 'marks'.

The square grew silent as one of the elders, a tall figure with a long beard nearly touching his shoulders, stepped forward. His voice, deep and resonant, echoed across the square.

"Today, you take your first steps toward discovering the path Mother Nature has laid out for you," the elder began, his tone warm but firm. "Each of you has awakened to the gifts she has bestowed, but now you must prove yourselves. Through the Blessing Trials, you will be tested—not only in strength and skill but in heart and spirit. Only those who remain true to themselves will emerge with the blessings they seek."

Adrian kept his expression neutral, but he couldn't help the faint twinge of nostalgia for the ceremony's design.

The elder continued, gesturing toward the dense forest beyond the town. "For the next three days, you will be alone in the wilds of the Enawyn Forest. No guidance, no aid. You will face dangers and opportunities alike. But remember, the forest sees you for who you truly are. Your actions and decisions will determine the blessings you receive. And on the third day, at the heart of the forest, your blessings will be revealed."

The gathered elves listened intently, some with wide eyes and others with determined expressions.

Aria leaned slightly closer to Adrian, her voice barely audible. "And that's when we make our move, right?"