Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 209: Illusions That One Doesn't Want To Get Out

Adrian's surroundings started to change as soon as he stepped deeper into the Ruin of Illusions. The once-solid ground beneath his feet began to shift and tilt, throwing him off balance. He reached out instinctively, searching for something to hold onto, but the ground gave way beneath him. With a startled cry, Adrian found himself falling into darkness.

"H-Help!" Adrian instinctly called out, his voice echoing in the abyss. His heart raced as he struggled against the sensation of freefall, the cold air whipping past him. Panic threatened to overwhelm him, but he fought against it, reminding himself that this was an illusion—a test of his resolve.

Suddenly, the darkness around him shifted, morphing into scenes from his deepest fears and anxieties. Adrian watched helplessly as visions of failure and rejection played out before him. He saw himself failing his first year at the academy, and being expelled in disgrace. The faces of his teachers and friends twisted with disappointment and scorn.

"A trash student isn't welcome in the academy!"

"Hmph, I shouldn't have become friends with someone like you, an affinityless."

"I don't have a brother like you."

"Loser."

"..."

"No..." Adrian whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the chaos of illusions.

"You aren't suitable for me, you aren't suitable for any girl, goodbye..."

He even saw Aria, the girl he cared deeply for, walking away with another man, their laughter mocking him.

The pain of betrayal cut deep, but Adrian struggled to hold onto his resolve. His emotions became stimulated on their own.

"They wouldn't..." Adrian muttered to himself, shaking his head. "They wouldn't do that..."

Slowly, as he fought against the illusion, Adrian began to regain his true consciousness. He remembered that even if he failed, his friends and mentors wouldn't abandon him like this. He knew Aria wouldn't betray him. These were just illusions, twisted scenes created by his memories.

'How did I fall to such an illusion? Or is it because this is a ruin... Whatever it is, I need to be more cautious....'

As Adrian reaffirmed his beliefs, the illusions started to waver.

The scenes of failure and rejection began to fade, dissipating like smoke in the wind.

"Hoof... That's done..." Adrian felt a surge of relief and strength as he pushed through the final remnants of the illusion.

But just as he thought he had overcome it, his vision blurred once again.

Swoosh!

He found himself standing beside a tranquil pond, the surface reflecting the starlit sky above. Adrian's eyes closed involuntarily, and in his mind's eye, he saw visions of success and happiness—all his desires and wishes fulfilled.

He saw himself winning championships in every event at the academy, celebrated and respected by his peers. He saw Aria smiling at him, her hand in his as they walked together. They confessed their feelings, becoming a couple filled with love and understanding.

They lived together, graduated with top grades, and got married, had children...

He awakened affinities with all seven elements even surpassing Aurelius...

He got his revenge on some people such as the King, Dream Stalker...

Adrian's heart swelled with joy and satisfaction at these visions, but deep down, he knew they were too perfect to be real. They were illusions, tempting him with what he desired most.

But they were too real to be fake...

Doubt began to creep into Adrian's mind as he stood by the pond, mesmerized by the scene unfolding before him. Was this really an illusion? What if this was all real and he was just overthinking...

The cozy house, the warmth of family life, and the love of Aria—it was all too enticing, too perfect. He reached up, massaging his temples as he struggled to maintain clarity.

Just then, Aria looked up at him from where she leaned against him, a tender smile on her face. "What's wrong, darling? Are you okay?"

Adrian's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, his wife in this illusion.

"Hehe, here is a kiss to cheer my darling up." She leaned in for a kiss, her gesture filled with affection and familiarity.

For a moment, Adrian was lost in the sweetness of the illusion. His heart pounded uncontrollably as he looked at her, feeling the warmth of her presence. He started to go for the kiss.

But then, like a flash of lightning, the real Aria's face crossed his mind.

'Did you forget yesterday's promise so soon?' Her words reverberated in his mind.

He remembered the promise he had made to her just yesterday—the promise that once everything was settled, they would go on that date.

Adrian's eyes widened as he realized the truth. This was not real. It was a temptation, an illusion meant to distract and deceive him.

"I'm sorry," Adrian said suddenly, his voice hoarse with emotion. He gently pushed away from the illusion of Aria with his left hand and placed the kids on the sofa gently, stepping back with resolve.

Aria in the illusion smiled gently at him, understanding in her eyes. "I believe in you, darling."

Before the illusion faded away completely, she leaned forward and kissed him gently on the forehead—a gesture filled with reassurance and support. It even looked as if it was the real Aria who kissed him just now...

As the illusion dissipated, Adrian stood alone once more in the darkness of the Ruin of Illusions. His heart still raced, but now with determination and clarity. He knew what he had to do.

"I will pass these illusions," Adrian declared to himself in his mind, his voice echoing softly in the ancient chamber. 'I will make what I saw a reality...'

With renewed strength, Adrian pressed on deeper into the ruins, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in the Trial of Illusions.

The trials had only just begun.

Thankfully, the trials were not being broadcasted, as the personal nature of these illusions could have exposed vulnerabilities too intimate and private to share. Even the Dream Stalker, known for their ability to observe and manipulate their victims, couldn't infiltrate this sacred space of the Ruin of Illusions.

Adrian knew this and moved with a newfound sense of freedom, determined to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead.

Little did Adrian realize, however, that someone else would be watching.

Someone who saw everything from start to finish and unknowingly discovered a new effect of their ability...

The spiritual Aria still remained even after Adrian left, her eyes looking at his back with countless emotions...