Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 260: Choice

As a woman, Selene could tell that Rhea's affection for Aurelius was clear, and maybe so she couldn't help but notice the aching feeling in her heart for 'pitiful' Adrian.

He had been so determined to find Rhea, but now it seemed she had feelings for another man. She looked at Adrian in pity, her pity increasing as she watched him.

Adrian, having recovered from his initial surprise, turned his head slightly to watch the interaction between Rhea and Aurelius. His expression remained neutral, but Selene could sense the turmoil beneath his calm facade. He must have realized the depth of Rhea's feelings for Aurelius as well.

Then, suddenly Adrian turned his head, looking in her direction, his gaze stopping at her as their eyes met.

'Oh, no!'

Selene quickly looked down but she was sure Adrian saw her. 'Should I act now?'

She stealthily looked upward and saw Adrian slightly smiling at her, almost mysterious and unsettling.

Her heart skipped a beat. 'What is he planning?' she wondered, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity.

However, Adrian just turned back to Aurelius and Rhea, his demeanor calm and composed. "Are others fighting?" He asked as he looked at Aurelius.

"Ah, yes, they are taking care of the bandits at the first entrance. I sneaked in through the other one." Aurelius replied.

"Hmm... Alright. Then, let's free the herbalists and leave." Adrian said as he stood up, stretching his arms and legs.

Aurelius nodded while helping Rhea to stand up.

"I will start from this side," Adrian said and walked straight to Selene. Selene readied her dagger in her sleeve in case Adrian did something.

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However, Adrian just sat down beside her and the elderly herbalist. He first freed the elderly herbalist and the other herbalists besides Selene. It was as if he was purposefully leaving her for the last.

'What is he doing?' Selene couldn't comprehend his actions at all. She then frowned slightly as she saw the freed herbalists casting uneasy glances at her. 'Are they gonna expose me?'

While Selene was deep in thought, she felt Adrian sit down beside her. He leaned in close and whispered in a low, almost conspiratorial voice, "I advise you to leave without causing trouble. At least you can save your and your subordinates' lives."

He then stood up and spoke aloud, "So, what's your choice."

Selene stared at Adrian, her mind racing. She knew he thought it was better for her to leave, believing she was at least a peak Nebula Tier like him, and that was why he wasn't afraid of her. Her fists clenched and then relaxed as she hesitated, unsure of what to do next.

'Just... Why am I hesitating..?'

However, before she could decide, one of the middle-aged male herbalists who Aurelius had just freed shouted loudly, pointing directly at Selene. "H-Help! S-She is their boss! She killed the bandit leader mercilessly! She is a criminal! A murderer!"

'!' Aurelius' eyes widened as he didn't expect their enemy to be right under their nose. He immediately drew his weapon, his eyes narrowing. "Be careful, Adrian," he warned. "She's powerful."

"I know," Adrian replied calmly and turned to Selene, his expression unreadable. "Is it true?" he asked, his voice steady.

Selene looked at Adrian, then at Aurelius, and finally at the herbalists who were now watching her with a mix of fear and anger. She knew there was no point in denying it. She took a short yet deep breath. "Yes, I did, what about it?"

She asked her voice returning to their alluring way.

"Are you gonna punish me, Marcus? Or should I call you Adrian?"

"Call me whatever, you want, just tell me your decision," Adrian replied as if he didn't care about being his name exposed.

"Sigh... Sorry, Adrian but if you think you can defeat me, then I advise you to be not to trust a stranger and everything they say. I can easily take you and your friends by myself." Selene then flicked her fingers and the rest of her subordinates surrounded them. "I will give you a choice as well. Leave the girl and scram from here with the rest of these people, I promise we won't touch you.

Or else... Don't expect me to spare you."

Selene and Adrian stared at each other, their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills. The tension in the room was palpable, with everyone watching the two of them, waiting to see who would make the first move.

Aurelius stepped forward, his weapon ready, but Adrian held up a hand to stop him. "Let's not escalate this any further," Adrian said, his voice calm and measured. "We're here to rescue the hostages, not to start an unnecessary fight."

"Come on, we are leaving." Adrian turned around and walked toward the exit.

"Hmph! Don't be arrogant, you bast**d!" One of the masked men guarding the entrance scoffed. "Since Boss told us not to spare anyone who goes against her, I can now kill you!"

Adrian merely smiled at the masked man's provocation. He was the same one who kicked him a while ago and was tricked as well.

'I'll take care of him first then.'

'Shadow Glide.'

Just as the masked man was about to launch himself at Adrian, Adrian disappeared from his spot, and before the man knew it, a powerful kick hit him in his left side sending him flying.

"You sure?" Adrian chuckled as he retracted his leg.

Adrian's swift and decisive kick left the masked man sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain. The room fell into a tense silence, everyone too shocked to react immediately.

"You still want to fight?" Adrian asked, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of menace. He turned his gaze back to Selene, his eyes hardening. "Or will you take the smart choice and leave now?"

Selene's heart pounded as she weighed her options. She knew that Adrian was not someone to be underestimated, especially now that he had shown his capabilities. She glanced at her subordinates, who were visibly shaken by the turn of events. But she could still beat him and his friend alone.

'I can't fail my first mission as a Dark Operative. I... I need to free him...'

Selene took another short breath and her expression became resolute.

"Everyone, attack." She ordered.

Adrian could only sigh in disappointment. 'Guess, her resolve to free her 'lover' is stronger, huh...'

'But, she made the wrong choice.'