Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The flying ship soared through the clear blue sky, its sleek form cutting effortlessly through the clouds. Onboard, fifteen students from the Celestial Arcane Academy stood on the deck, listening intently as Mrs. Ardent finished her briefing.

"Remember, this mission is not just a test of your combat abilities but also of your ability to work as a team," Mrs. Ardent said, her voice clear and authoritative. "You'll be encountering various magical creatures and terrain challenges. Stick together, support each other, and follow your team leaders' instructions. Don't be rude to your senior Awakeners and follow their orders."

She paused, scanning the faces of the eager students before her. "We will arrive at our destination in ten minutes. You can rest and prepare till then." With that, Mrs. Ardent gave a curt nod and made her way to the helm, leaving the students to themselves.

As soon as Mrs. Ardent departed, the students began to stir. Excitement and nervous energy filled the air as they started to cluster into groups, some discussing strategies while others double-checked their gear. Adrian observed from the side, taking in the scene.

It didn't take long for a group to naturally form around him. Aria, Aurelia, Aurelius, Ren, Lila, and Irithel gathered close, their expressions a mix of determination and anticipation. Adrian noticed the notable students from the other group—Emeric, Lyra, and Nora—standing a short distance away, talking amongst themselves.

Adrian raised an eyebrow, glancing at the people around him. Aria stood close by, her usually carefree demeanor around him now replaced with her usual indifferent look. Aurelia and Lile were discussing something in low voices, while Ren was busy adjusting the straps on his armor. Irithel stood on the other side of Aurelius, who was looking at Adrian with an expectant gaze.

He blinked in surprise. 'Why are they all looking at me like that?', he wondered. 'Shouldn't they be discussing what to do with each other by now?'

A moment of silence hung in the air, heavy with expectation. Adrian could feel the weight of their gazes, waiting for him to say something. 'What happened to them?' he thought, puzzled. 'Why are they all so focused on me?'

As if reading his mind, Aurelius spoke up, breaking the silence. "So, Adrian, what will we do?" His tone was casual, but there was an unmistakable note of seriousness in his voice.

Adrian's eyes widened slightly. 'Why are you asking me? Aren't you the main character?' he questioned internally. 'I'm just an extra in all of this. Aren't you or Ren supposed to be the ones taking charge?'

He glanced around the group. Everyone nodded in agreement with Aurelius's question, their expressions clearly indicating they were waiting for Adrian to take the lead.

'Oh, I get it now,' Adrian realized. 'They're expecting me to come up with a plan because they think I have some kind of strategy.'

Clearing his throat, Adrian tried to suppress his surprise and act naturally. "Alright," he began, his mind racing to come up with a coherent plan. "First, we may have to be divided into three or even five different groups. The Red Dragons guild will probably try to clear as many as Ruins they can during their mission.

Which means, they will probably go for speedrunning or dividing into several small groups and then start clearing."

Aurelius nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense. We'll need to stay adaptable."

Ren, adjusting his gear, chimed in. "What about the guild members? Should we avoid them entirely or try to stick close?"

Adrian considered the question for a moment. "Stick close but be cautious. You are bound to end up in a group with a Red Dragons member, remember they're there for their own mission too. You'll need to balance following their lead with ensuring your own safety."

Irithel raised her hand tentatively. "What if we end up in a tough spot? How do we get out?"

Adrian nodded, appreciating the practicality of the question. "Good point. I will talk about it now."

The group was quiet for a moment, digesting the information. Adrian could sense the tension and anticipation building as they prepared for the unknown challenges ahead.

"Alright," Adrian said, drawing their attention back to him. "I want to emphasize three things that you have to keep in mind."

The group leaned in, their focus intensifying.

"First," Adrian continued, "if you end up in a group with someone you're close with, work together while obeying your leader's orders. But don't follow everything they say without question. Even if they're from the Red Dragons Guild, they don't have authority over you as students of the academy. Use your judgment."

Aurelius's eyes flickered with understanding, and he gave a subtle nod. Aurelia and Lila also seemed to grasp the implication, their expressions turning more resolute.

"Second," Adrian went on, "if you find yourself in a situation where following orders could endanger you or your team, use your discretion. The Red Dragons may be experienced, but you need to prioritize your own safety and the safety of those around you."

Ren's face tightened with determination, and he checked his gear one more time.

"Finally," Adrian said, his tone firm, "put your life as your top priority. No mission or objective is worth risking your life. If it comes down to it, retreat and regroup. We're all here to learn and grow, but we need to come back in one piece." Read exclusive adventures at mvl

A tense silence followed, as each member of the group absorbed Adrian's words. They all seemed to be taking the message to heart, their resolve strengthening.

"Got it," Aurelius said with a nod. "Anything else we should be aware of before we land?"

Adrian shook his head. "Just stay alert and keep communication open. You'll be fine as long as you stick together and support each other."

Aria stared at Adrian's face, a small proud, and knowing smile spreading across her lips.

With that, the group members exchanged determined looks, silently agreeing to the plan. The anticipation was palpable as the ship's descent began, the forest below growing closer and more defined.

As the ship hovered just above the ground, Mrs. Ardent's voice rang out again. "Prepare for landing!"

The students quickly adjusted their gear and readied themselves. Adrian took one last deep breath, steadying his nerves.

The time had come.

The ship touched down smoothly, and the hatch opened, revealing the dense forest terrain. The group of fifteen stepped out, their eyes scanning the surroundings. Adrian looked back at his friend, seeing their eager and resolute expressions.

"Let's go," he said, stepping forward.

The mission was about to begin.