Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The Queen's gaze lingered on Alex, her glowing flower-like irises dimming as the hypnotic effect dissipated. She tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a serene smile. "Alright, boy. Stop being so cautious," she said gently. "If I said I'll protect you, then I will."

Alex straightened up, quickly hiding the storm of relief bubbling within. But he still couldn't help but feign reluctance, gulping audibly as he nodded. "...Thank you," he said in a voice laced with hesitance.

The Queen's smile grew, a spark of amusement glinting in her eyes. "That's good." She turned her attention to the horizon, her expression softening as she muttered, almost to herself, "The other children will be arriving soon..."

Her words made Alex's ears perk up. It seems like he arrived on time. The Queen of Nature seemed lost in thought, her expression contemplative.

After a long pause, her lips curved upward in a new smile—this one brighter and more mischievous than the last. She turned back to Alex, her eyes sparkling with a playful light that made his stomach churn with unease.

Alex felt a cold sweat form as he gulped, this time for real. Something about her expression screamed trouble. "W-What are you thinking about?" he asked cautiously, his voice almost cracking.

He has become an expert at detecting troublesome situations by now.

The Queen's gaze softened, and she leaned closer to him, her voice sweet and gentle as nectar. "Tell me, boy…" she began, her tone almost teasing. "Have you ever tried being… a flower?"

Alex froze, staring at her as if she had just sprouted a second head. "A f-flower?" he stammered, his voice barely a whisper.

His mind was busy processing what kind of ordeal he had to go through next.

Meanwhile, the Queen only smiled wider, as if thoroughly enjoying his reaction.

____ ___ _

Adrian adjusted the Hunter Amulet around his neck, its faint glow blending seamlessly with the soft, ambient light filtering through the dense forest canopy. His disguised appearance as a young elvin was almost flawless, thanks to the magical properties of the amulet.

Beside him, Princess Cassandra walked with calm confidence, her white hair now concealed by the illusion of greenish elvin locks.

The group of Hunter trainees moved carefully, their steps soundless on the mossy ground. Each trainee wore a similar amulet, their human features hidden beneath the guise of elvins. Though they walked together, there was an unspoken tension in the air—each trainee was cautious, aware that they weren't the only ones prowling this part of the forest.

Adrian glanced at Cassandra. "Is everyone ready?" he asked in a low voice.

She met his gaze, her expression steady. "Yes, brother Kael. We will stick to the plan."

Adrian and Cassandra walked with steady steps, their expressions calm yet vigilant as they approached the clearing at the heart of the forest. The magical glow of their Hunter Amulets ensured their disguise as young elvins blended seamlessly with the other arrivals.

All around, small groups of young elvins emerged from the dense woods, converging on the same destination. Adrian's sharp eyes caught how several of them stole quick glances at him and Cassandra before whispering among themselves. He frowned slightly.

"They're watching us," he muttered under his breath.

Cassandra tilted her head, her expression neutral. "It's to be expected. The elders must have warned them about our presence."

Adrian nodded, his thoughts turning to the bigger picture. This reaction meant their plan was progressing. The elders' warnings about "foreign intruders" had successfully seeded suspicion, and now, it was up to them to play their part convincingly. Explore stories on empire

They moved deeper into the clearing, seamlessly joining the gathering of young elvins. Adrian kept his posture casual but attentive, noting how the forest itself seemed alive with a soft hum that resonated through the air. It was as if the heart of the forest was watching their every move.

'Well, if she is watching then it's true...'

At the center of the clearing stood a massive cocoon, its translucent, shimmering surface pulsing faintly with an inner light. The young elvins formed a circle around it, their eyes wide with reverence. This was no ordinary cocoon—it was the slumbering form of the Queen Mother of Nature herself.

Adrian exchanged a glance with Cassandra, silently noting the awe on the young elvins' faces.

One of the elvins whispered to another, "Mother of Nature will test us… and bless us if we prove worthy."

"But she hasn't awakened yet," another murmured, glancing nervously at the cocoon.

"Then we wait," came a soft, almost melodic voice. Adrian's gaze flicked to the speaker—a tall young elvin with green hair and piercing eyes.

Eltheris.

The guy he met when he encountered his sister and the others.

Adrian's breath stilled for a moment.

However, he got a shady feeling from that guy.

The young elvins began to murmur among themselves, their whispers barely audible over the hum of the forest.

"How will we fight the intruders?" one whispered.

"The elders said their black weapons are cursed," another replied. "We can't let them touch us."

"We'll need a plan," a third added, glancing nervously toward Eltheris.

Eltheris's sharp eyes flicked to each speaker in turn. He was silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm and measured. "Stay close to each other. Use the forest to your advantage. And whatever happens, do not engage alone."

The young elvins nodded, their trust in him evident. Eltheris opened his mouth to say more when a sudden voice cut through the clearing.

"I the Queen's Envoy welcome you all, children of the forest!"

All eyes turned to the newcomer.

Standing near the edge of the circle was… something. Adrian blinked, momentarily taken aback. It was an elvin—or at least, something that looked like one—draped in an elaborate disguise that could only be described as floral chaos.

A crown of flowers adorned his head, and vines spiraled down his arms and legs. His tunic was an explosion of petals in every imaginable color, while a treelike cape made of bark and leaves billowed dramatically behind him. Even his face was painted with streaks of green, as if to emphasize the "natural" theme.

The young elvins gasped in awe. "The Queen's envoy?!" one of them whispered, bowing deeply.

"Eltheris," another muttered, tugging on the leader's sleeve, "look! The Queen has sent her messenger!"

"Yes, I can see it..." Eltheris muttered wondering why there was an envoy of queen.

'Elders didn't tell us anything about an envoy...'

'But if this is Mother Nature's work...'

'Then who could the envoy be...?'

'And...'

'Why are they dressed like that?'