Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 199: Trial [2]

"You stole everything from me: my identity, my body, my family," the other Adrian continued, his voice growing colder with each word. "You think you can just take my place and live my life? You are nothing but a thief."

Alex's heart pounded in his chest, each accusation cutting deep. He wanted to argue, to defend himself, but the truth was undeniable. He had taken Adrian's identity to survive in this world, but now he was being forced to confront the consequences.

"I had no choice," Alex muttered, his voice barely audible. "I had to become you to survive."

"And it's not like I chose to become you, you know. I was in my room, reading a novel about your world but the author ended it, and then someone sent me a message asking if I wanted to know what would happen next. I naturally agreed but then I lost consciousness." Adrian didn't even realize he had started to tell the truth. It was as if he was under a spell to confess everything.

The other Adrian's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of curiosity replacing the coldness in his eyes.

"When I woke up, I was in a hospital room. The doctor said I had nearly died. That's when the memories came flooding back. I remembered everything—who I was, who you were. But by then, it was too late. I had to live as you, to adapt and survive in this world."

The other Adrian's expression softened further, the harsh lines of his face easing into something more akin to understanding.

"It wasn't easy," Alex continued, his voice gaining strength. "I appeared in this world with no idea of what was going on, what I was supposed to do. I had to learn quickly, to survive. I tried my best to protect the people I considered close, suffering myself so that others wouldn't have to.

I did everything I could to change some of the plot, to save people from their fates, or to punish those who deserved but managed to escape...."

Alex talked and talked.

After a while, he paused, gasping for breath. "I just wanted to read more of a novel, but..."

The other Adrian's expression shifted again, this time into a smile, though there was still a hint of sadness and another deep emotion hidden in his eyes. "You've suffered," he acknowledged. "You've tried to do right by others, even in a world not your own. But there's one thing I need to know."

Alex looked up, his heart pounding. What more could this trial demand of him?

"Tell me," the other Adrian asked, his voice soft yet penetrating. "In all your efforts to change the plot, to protect those you care about, did you ever once consider the consequences of your actions? Did you ever think about how your interference might alter the destinies of those around you?"

Alex's breath caught in his throat. He had spent so much time trying to change the fate of those he encountered, to save them from their predestined paths, that he had never fully considered the ripple effects of his actions. Well, he did but...

"I... I thought I was doing the right thing," he stammered. "I wanted to save them, to make things better."

The other Adrian's eyes bore into his, unrelenting. "And did you? Did you make things better? Or did you simply create new problems, new dangers, by meddling with the course of their lives?"

Alex's mind raced as he recalled the countless decisions he had made, the lives he had touched. He remembered the times he had intervened, the people he had tried to save. Some outcomes had been positive, but others...

"I don't know," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "I tried to help, but I can't say for sure if everything turned out better because of what I did. I just wanted to make a difference."

The other Adrian's expression softened further, his eyes now reflecting a mixture of understanding and sorrow. "The path to redemption is not an easy one, Alex. To claim the Relic of Forbidden Light or anything at all, you must accept that your actions have consequences, both good and bad. You must confront the reality of your choices and understand the weight of the power you seek to wield."

"..."

Alex stood in silence, absorbing the weight of the other Adrian's words. Each sentence echoed in his mind, bringing clarity and a deeper understanding of the consequences of his actions. He might thought of himself as some sort of savior, but now he saw the complexity of that role, the unintended ripples caused by his interventions.

The other Adrian watched him, his eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and sorrow. "So, Alex," he finally asked, "what do you think? Are you worthy of the relic or not?"

Alex met Adrian's gaze, his eyes steady. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his own honesty pressing down on him.

"I don't care whether I'm worthy of it or not, I don't even know if I'm in the right mind right now..." he said, his voice firm and unwavering. "I took this trial because I needed to because I had no other choice. I don't seek the relic for power or glory.

Well, I did it to gain power wondering if it would be real, but I wanted it because it's necessary for me to continue protecting the people I now care about. Both of us know that we, no, Adrian is weak, right? So, why should I hesitate when there is a chance to get stronger?"

He paused, searching the other Adrian's eyes for a reaction. "But let me ask you something," he continued, his voice tinged with curiosity and uncertainty.

"Are you..."

"Are you the real Adrian?"

"..."

Adrian stood there, silent and unmoving, his gaze locked with Alex's. For a moment, there was no reaction, no hint of emotion on his face. Alex waited, his heart pounding in anticipation, unsure of what would come next.

Then, slowly, a faint smile spread across Adrian's face. It was a smile that held a hint of mischief, a spark of something deeper than Alex could discern.

"What do you think?"

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(A/N: Finally, I completed the required priviled chapters. Now, I will return to update daily 2 chapters with weekly bonuses. The Gifting Event will be ongoing for this month as well. The rewards improved too. So, what are you waiting for ?

Anyway, I will announce a small event tomorrow for the privileged readers. Consider it a gift from me to those who are lucky and ready.)