Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 123: Date [2]

"Huh? No, no." Aria waved her hands in defense. "I just know the owner, she is someone from the academy. I just recommended her this place when she wanted to open a cafe."

Adrian chuckled, relieved. "Oh, I see. Well, you have a good eye for places."

They arrived at the café, a quaint establishment with a rustic charm, perfectly positioned by the tranquil lake. The gentle sound of water lapping at the shore and the soft chirping of birds created a serene atmosphere. As they entered, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloped them, making Adrian's stomach growl softly.

Aria smiled, noticing his reaction. "Looks like someone's hungry."

Adrian laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess so. Everything smells amazing."

They found a cozy table by the window, offering a splendid view of the lake. After settling in, they ordered breakfast—pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee for Adrian; a light pastry and tea for Aria.

As they waited for their food, the conversation flowed naturally. Adrian found himself more relaxed, all of his nervousness fading away in the warm ambiance of the café and the genuine interest Aria showed in their discussion.

"So, what are your hobbies aside from training?" Adrian asked, wanting to know more about her.

"Hmm... I like reading and traveling," Aria replied with a thoughtful smile. "I find both to be very relaxing and a great way to spend time. How about you?"

"I think we are on the same page. I love reading though I haven't been able to lately." Adrian replied. "And traveling sounds awesome too, you can experience new places and cultures. I would love to travel the whole world someday."

"I have the same wish," Aria added with a smile.

"Then, why don't we-"

Before Adrian could end his words, a waitress came over with their food, placing the plates and drinks in front of them with a warm smile. "Enjoy your meal," she said before leaving them to their conversation.

Adrian picked up his fork, taking a bite of the pancakes and savoring the delicious flavor. "Wow, these are really good," he said, his eyes lighting up.

Aria took a sip of her tea, nodding in agreement. "They are. I'm glad you liked it."

Adrian continued their conversation, intrigued by Aria's interests. "So, any favorite books or places you've traveled to?"

"Hmm, I personally like Peace_In_Chaos's works, though they aren't the best, I somehow get attracted to them..."

They continued to chat, sharing more about their lives and dreams. Adrian found himself opening up about his hobbies, plans, and interests. Aria listened with genuine interest, offering her insights and opinions.

As they finished their breakfast, the sun rose higher, casting a golden glow over the lake. The peaceful setting and the easy conversation made the time fly by.

After paying the bill, they decided to take a leisurely stroll around the lake. The gentle breeze and the soft rustling of leaves added to the tranquil atmosphere. Adrian felt a sense of contentment he hadn't experienced in a while.

"Where are we going next?" Aria asked, her silver hair fluttering gently in the breeze as they walked.

Adrian glanced around, thinking of their next destination. If it were Earth, there would be countless places they could visit, be it an amusement park, movie, arcade, or park. However, now that he was in another world, a fantasy world no less, therefore, he had limited options.

"Let's go treasure hunting."

"Treasure hunting?" Aria asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, there is a large Treasure Pavilion at the east of the city, where you can buy any kind of artifact or treasure you want. There is also a fun section called Treasure Hunt where you can try your luck by playing a game."

"Sound fun," Aria nodded thoughtfully. "Let's go there then."

"Ok, let's go."

Adrian hailed a passing carriage, and they climbed in, sitting side by side in comfortable silence as they made their way to the Treasure Pavilion. The journey was smooth, with the rhythmic clip-clop of the horse's hooves and the gentle rocking of the carriage lulling Adrian and Aria into a sense of tranquility.

Arriving at the pavilion, they stepped out of the carriage and were greeted by the sight of a bustling marketplace, filled with vendors selling all manner of treasures and artifacts. Adrian led the way, weaving through the crowd with ease until they reached the entrance to the Treasure Hunt section.

Aria glanced around, taking in the sights and sounds of the pavilion with interest. "It's quite lively here," she commented, her silver eyes scanning the crowd.

Adrian nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, it's always bustling with activity. The Treasure Hunt section is particularly popular among adventurers and treasure seekers."

They entered the Treasure Hunt area, where rows of stalls were set up, each offering a different game or challenge. Adrian spotted the one he was looking for—a game of chance where participants could win various prizes by rolling dice and matching symbols.

"Let's try this one," he suggested, gesturing toward the stall.

Aria nodded in agreement, her curiosity piqued. They approached the stall and were greeted by a cheerful attendant who explained the rules of the game. Adrian handed over the required fee, and they were given a set of dice to roll.

The game was simple—roll the dice and match the symbols to win prizes. Adrian and Aria took turns rolling the dice, their expressions impassive as they watched the results. Despite their silent demeanor, there was a hint of excitement in their eyes as they waited to see what they would win.

After several rounds, they had accumulated a modest collection of prizes—small trinkets, tokens, and even a rare artifact. Adrian glanced at Aria, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Not bad for our first try."

Aria nodded in agreement, her silver eyes sparkling with satisfaction. "Indeed. It was an interesting experience."

"Do you want to try another game?" Adrian asked knowing how addicting one would become to the thrill of winning.

Aria considered for a moment before nodding. "Sure, let's try another one."