Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the cobbled streets of the city, accompanied by the heavy breathing of a group of young men and women racing against time. Their expressions were tense, their eyes darting around for any sign of danger.

"Keep moving!" a sharp voice called out, urging them forward. The group sprinted past shops, alleys, and townsfolk who gave them curious glances.

At the front of the group was a white-haired girl, her silver locks catching the faint sunlight as they swayed with her every step. Her eyes scanned their surroundings carefully, the world appearing in . Suddenly, she froze mid-stride, her gaze locking onto something just out of sight.

"Wait," she whispered sharply, stopping so abruptly that the others nearly collided with her.

"Trainee Cassia, what is it?" one of the young men asked, frowning.

But Cassia didn't respond. Her eyes were fixed on the faint trail of blackened scorch marks leading to a narrow alley. Without hesitation, she spun on her heel and darted into the shadows.

"Trainee Cassia!" the others called after her, but they followed nonetheless.

The alley was empty save for the debris of a shattered carriage, its wheels broken and wood splintered. Althea's breath hitched as her eyes landed on a familiar figure sprawled on the ground.

"He's here!" she shouted, rushing toward the unconscious young man with brown hair. His face was pale, his clothes scuffed and dirtied from what appeared to be a violent struggle.

The others crowded around as Cassia knelt by his side, her fingers trembling as she reached for his wrist. "Check his pulse," she urged, her voice strained.

A green-haired girl pushed forward, her expression calm and composed as she crouched beside Cassia. She gently placed two fingers on the young man's neck, closing her eyes briefly. "He's fine," she said softly, her voice a soothing balm amidst the tension. "He's just fainted."

The group collectively exhaled in relief.

One of the young men frowned deeply, his sharp eyes scanning the destroyed carriage and Adrian's unconscious form. "It's probably the work of the Killers," he muttered darkly. "They must have ambushed him and taken away the ones in the carriage."

The others nodded solemnly, their expressions grim.

Althea's brows furrowed as her mind raced. "Mr. Kael must have known this would happen. That's why he insisted on taking the 'aberrants' himself. He didn't want to put the guard or the old man in danger." She muttered taking the scene into the sight.

"It adds up," another young woman agreed, glancing at Cassia. "His foresight is unmatched. It's not the first time he's gone out of his way to shield others."

"Enough talk," one of the men urged. "Let's get him to the hospital. He needs medical attention immediately."

They worked quickly, two of the young men lifting Kael's unconscious form carefully, their movements practiced but urgent. Cassia stepped back to give them space, her gaze lingering on his peaceful face.

'Thankfully, we managed to cover up the truth,' she thought, her heart pounding. 'Hopefully, the Hunters will believe in our story too… But those four people we saw earlier—those were the other second-years, weren't they? Young Master Adrian really predicted their arrival… He's always thinking ten steps ahead.'

As the group disappeared into the bustling streets, carrying Adrian's unconscious form toward safety, Cassia couldn't shake the gnawing feeling of unease creeping up her spine.

'... I have a bad feeling.'

_____ ___ _

The narrow tunnels of the Avengers' underground base were dimly lit, with the faint glow of enchanted torches casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. Aurelius, Aurelia, Ren, and Lyra followed closely behind a tall, masked figure who walked briskly ahead of them. The figure's posture was confident, and his steps echoed in the silence, guiding them deeper into the hidden stronghold.

The group had spent the last 10 minutes debriefing with Adrian, piecing together the fragmented knowledge he had gathered since arriving in this strange world.

His strategy was clear: he would maintain his guise as a successful "seed," blending seamlessly into the world of their captors. Meanwhile, the four of them would integrate with the Avengers, aiding the rebellion from the shadows.

Ren broke the silence, his voice a low murmur. "I still don't get it. Adrian could've just joined us here. Why keep up the act?"

Lyra, walking just behind him, responded without hesitation. "Because the seeds or the Hunter Trainees can become one of them. If he stays close to them, he can uncover their plans and work as a secret agent. His position gives us an advantage we can't afford to lose."

Aurelia nodded, her golden hair catching the torchlight. "And it's not like he's leaving us alone. We'll be working with the Avengers. He's trusting us to carry out the groundwork while he handles the dangerous part. As much I worry about him I trust in my brother."

Ren's gaze remained forward, his sharp eyes fixed on the masked figure leading them. "Still, it feels wrong splitting up. But if this is Adrian's plan, I'll trust it. He hasn't been wrong yet."

The masked figure leading them finally spoke, his voice calm but laced with a hint of warning. "You're about to meet someone who's seen the best and worst of this world. A word of advice: be respectful. He's been through more than most of us can imagine."

Aurelius raised an eyebrow but said nothing, exchanging a glance with Aurelia.

The group entered a larger chamber at the end of the tunnel. The air here was heavy, filled with the faint hum of magic and the whispers of old power.

A figure sat in the center of the room, leaning against a massive stone table covered in maps and documents. He was older than they expected, perhaps in his late thirties, with streaks of silver in his dark brown hair and a scar running down his left cheek.

His dark green eyes held a deep, unspoken pain, but also a fierce determination that seemed to burn brighter than the torches lining the walls.

"This is Commander Leoric," the masked figure announced before stepping back and leaving the room.

Leoric's gaze swept over them, measuring, weighing, judging. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. "So, you're the new recruits Adrian boy mentioned. He spoke so highly of you."

Aurelius stepped forward, his demeanor confident but respectful. "It's an honor to meet you, Commander. Adrian has told us about the Avengers and your fight against the ones controlling this world."

Leoric nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on each of them. "Good. You'll need to earn that trust. But if Adrian believes in you, that's a start." He paused, then added, "I heard you've been briefed on the basics. I assume you understand what you've gotten yourselves into?"

Aurelius's voice was steady as he answered. "We do. We're here to help, no matter what it takes. "

Leoric studied him for a moment before his expression softened slightly. "That's the spirit. But this isn't just about rebellion. This is survival. You've entered a war that has no rules, no mercy, and no guarantees of victory."

Aurelia, sensing the weight in his words, asked cautiously, "Commander, my brother said you were like us. That you came to this world from another."

Leoric's eyes darkened, and a shadow passed over his face. "Yes. I was once like you—young, determined, hopeful. I came here with a single purpose: to save my people. But…" He looked away briefly, his voice dropping. "This world has a way of crushing even the strongest of wills. I couldn't save them. I couldn't even save myself."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling heavily over them.

"But," Leoric continued, his tone hardening, "I've found a new purpose here. To fight back. To ensure that no one else suffers the way my people did. And now, you're part of that fight."

"Welcome to the Avengers."