Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 134: Veil of Lies: Dire Situation [1]

The class already started but only Aria didn't come.

Adrian couldn't keep his focus on the lesson because of it.

Maybe so, as soon as the class ended, he was the first to leave.

He took out his communication device and sent a message to Aria asking where she was and if she was ok. But there was no answer from her. Nor did he know if she even read it.

Too bad, this world wasn't that developed in technology though they used holographs and screens.

Left with no choice, Adrian headed to the next class - Aetheric Theory. He was once again the attention of all his classmates. They were still continuing whispering about him.

He sat down on his seat and waited for the class to start again.

Hey, you ok?" Just then a familiar voice came from his side.

"Yeah, what about you Ardel?" Adrian returned, trying to mask his concern for Aria with a casual tone.

Ardel sighed, glancing around the classroom. "Honestly, not really. Have you heard what people are saying about you?"

Adrian's expression didn't change. "Yeah, I've heard. Baseless rumors and nonsense."

Ardel nodded sympathetically. "It's ridiculous. Everyone's talking behind your back, spreading lies. We need to do something about it before it gets out of hand."

Adrian clenched his fists under the desk. "I know, but confronting each person individually isn't going to solve anything."

Before Ardel could respond, another voice joined the conversation. "Hey, Adrian, Ardel."

Adrian turned to see Kieran approaching them. "Kieran," Adrian acknowledged with a nod.

Kieran took a seat beside the two, his expression serious. "I've been hearing all the talk too. It's not fair what they're saying about you. If we, Lila, I, and Ardel tell everyone that you've always been at the academy, most of the time with us in team practice, it could help clear things up. Lila is also angry at everyone for saying such things."

Adrian considered this for a moment. "It's a good idea, but we need to make sure we address it in a way that doesn't make things worse. The more people hear from reliable sources, the better."

Ardel nodded in agreement. "Right. We need to make it clear that you've been dedicated to your training and haven't been doing any of the things they're accusing you of."

"Hmm... But, it will be hard to fix this soon..." Adrian muttered. 'Even more so if that basta*d Dream Stalker is involved...'

"..."

The next moment, the whole class went silent.

Confused the two, Ardel and Kairen looked around and noticed nearly all the eyes were on them, on Adrian and the figure approaching him more precisely. The two exchanged a glance and chose to stay silent for the moment.

"Umm... A-Adrian." A gentle female voice spoke.

Adrian looked up to see a girl standing in front of him, her expression nervous and unsure. She had long, flowing hair and bright, inquisitive eyes. It was Eluna, the redhead from the survival training.

"...Eluna," Adrian acknowledged recognizing her after a moment, his voice neutral. "What is it?"

Eluna hesitated for a moment, glancing around at the other students before speaking. "I... I heard the rumors too, and I wanted to let you know that I don't believe any of them. I know you're not the type of person they're making you out to be."

"Thank you," Adrian replied still indifferent. "And..." He paused and then raised his voice. "I never considered those baseless rumors to be true either. I think they are lies sown by those with bad intentions and personality."

Adrian's declaration resonated through the room, causing the onlookers to quickly avert their eyes, afraid of meeting his gaze. The classroom buzzed with awkward silence, tension hanging in the air. Adrian's reputation, already teetering on the edge due to the rumors, now faced a new challenge.

But then, an unexpected scene unfolded.

"Adrian," Eluna suddenly said, her voice louder and more assertive than before. "Will you go out with me?"

Adrian blinked, clearly taken aback. He stared at her, confusion etched across his face. "What?" he managed to utter, his usually composed demeanor faltering slightly.

Eluna took a deep breath, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of determination and embarrassment. "I like you, Adrian. I have for a while. Please, go out with me."

A collective gasp spread through the classroom, eyes now darting between Adrian and Eluna with renewed interest. Adrian could feel the weight of their stares, their curiosity palpable.

Adrian sighed inwardly, trying to process the sudden confession. "Eluna," he began, his tone indifferent yet sincere. "I'm flattered you think so highly of me, but I'm sorry. I already have someone I care about."

The room went silent again, everyone holding their breath. Eluna's face crumpled, tears welling up in her eyes. Her expression was a mix of disbelief and feeling wronged.

"W-Why?" she cried out, her voice trembling. "W-Why are you rejecting me? You promised you would say yes if I took your side today!"

Adrian's mind reeled. He stared at her, speechless, thinking, 'What the hell? When did I ever say that? I only met you three days ago.'

However Eluna didn't stop, her tears began to flow freely, her voice rising in distress. "You told me after our yesterday night! You said if I stood up for you against those rumors, you would go out with me! You promised to take responsibility!"

'Eh?' Adrian was at a loss for words as the entire classroom erupted into chaos. Whispers and murmurs filled the room, students exchanged glances, some shocked, others curious, and a few with expressions that seemed to say, "I knew it."

Adrian's mind was racing. He had never made any promises to Eluna, let alone spent the previous night with her. This was clearly another setup to tarnish his reputation further. He had to handle this carefully to avoid making things worse.

But he really didn't expect Eluna to do this. He saved her life not long ago after all. Guess he expected too much.

'So, this is how you pay back your benefactor, huh...'