Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 272 : The Wild Heart Sanctuary [1]

The Beast Tamer's Guide course ended about two hours later, just a little before dawn.

Adrian decided to visit the sanctuary this weekend with Irithel. Then they parted ways. Adrian spent the next three days as usual. Finally, Saturday came.

As the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the academy grounds, Adrian and Irithel met at the gates. They exchanged greetings, eager for their visit to the Wild Heart Sanctuary. Hailing a carriage, they embarked on the short journey, chatting about their expectations and plans for the day.

The sanctuary came into view, its familiar wooden archway adorned with vibrant flowers. However, as they entered, a noticeable change in the atmosphere caught their attention. The usual lively sounds of beasts were subdued, and the staff moved about with a sense of unease. Adrian and Irithel exchanged worried glances.

They made their way to the main office where they found Miss Jenny, the sanctuary's manager. Her face brightened when she saw them, and she greeted them warmly. "Student Adrian, Irithel! It's so good to see you both. You've come to help, I assume?"

"Of course, Miss Jenny," Adrian replied with a smile. "But we couldn't help but notice that something seems off today. Is everything alright?"

Miss Jenny's smile faltered slightly, and she hesitated before responding. "Let's talk somewhere private." She led them to a secluded spot near the back of the sanctuary, away from the prying eyes and ears of the other staff and visitors.

Once they were settled, Miss Jenny took a deep breath. "Last week, we had a visit from Mr. Hawke again, but this time he brought an inspector with him."

"An inspector?" Irithel echoed, her brow furrowing in concern. "What were they inspecting? And wasn't an inspection held once in three months? We already had one not long ago."

"You are right. But Mr.Hawke insisted on it mentioning the previous incident. And at first, it seemed like a routine check," Miss Jenny explained. "They were looking at our facilities, our records, and eventually, they went to check on the bird-type beasts. Everything was going smoothly until then."

Adrian leaned in, sensing the gravity of the situation. "What happened?"

Miss Jenny's eyes darkened as she recalled the events. "When they got to the flying creatures, something strange happened. The bird-type beast, usually so calm and friendly, suddenly went wild. They started attacking Mr. Hawke, and it was chaos. We were all stunned, and it took Mrs.

Rena stepping in to calm them down. If she hadn't been there, I don't know what might have happened."

Irithel gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "That sounds terrible! Why would the birds react that way?"

"We're not sure," Miss Jenny admitted. "Mr. Hawke seemed more annoyed than hurt, he called us responsible and our sanctuary was hiding wild beasts, but the inspector looked suspicious the most suspicious. He didn't say much, but he left with a lot of notes. I'm worried about what might happen next. This could put the sanctuary in a difficult position."

Adrian frowned, considering the implications. 'So, this was the move he made... Let's get a bit more info.'

"Do you think Mr. Hawke did something to provoke them? Or could there be another explanation?" He asked.

Miss Jenny sighed, shaking her head. "I don't know, student Adrian. We've been trying to figure it out, but nothing makes sense. Although they can be a bit unruly sometimes, they have never behaved like that before. Not to mention all at once."

"I see..." Adrian nodded. 'He probably used an odor, smell, or a spell... Though a spell would be too obvious. So, the first guess is likely the correct one...'

"Is that why everyone is like this?" Irithel asked curious. "Or..."

"That is half correct." Miss Jenny replied. "The inspector said something before he left, something like I will visit soon again."

"Oh, is that why..." Irithel nodded realizing.

"Miss Jenny, can we take a look at the flying beasts' facility then?" Adrian asked. "We will just take a look."

"Ah, of course. In fact, I was planning to give the task of looking after them to you." Miss Jenny smiled. "You are Miss Elara's students, after all. I am sure if anyone can find anything it is you guys."

"Haha, you are flattering us. But we will do our best." Irithel responded with a light laugh, though her expression was serious. "Let's go take a look, Sir Adrian. Maybe we'll find something that can help clear things up."

With Miss Jenny's permission, Adrian and Irithel made their way to the aviary, where the bird-type beasts were kept. As they walked through the sanctuary, the usual vibrancy of the place felt muted, the tension palpable in the air.

When they reached the aviary, they were met with a large enclosure filled with various species of bird-type beasts. Some were perched quietly, while others fluttered restlessly, their usual songs replaced with occasional sharp cries. Adrian noticed that the staff were keeping a cautious distance, clearly wary after the incident.

"Let's split up and observe them," Adrian suggested. "Maybe we can find a clue as to what set them off."

Irithel nodded in agreement. "I'll start on the left side. You take the right."

They moved through the aviary, carefully observing the birds. Adrian kept his senses alert, paying close attention to the behavior of the beasts and their surroundings. The birds seemed to calm down slightly in his presence, but there was still an underlying tension in their movements.

'I should focus on smell and odors...'

'Hmm, is this it?' Adrian stopped and lifted one of the bushes that gave off a weird smell. 'Oh, it is just a feather.'

He continued with his smell inspection, earning weird glances from the staff who saw him sniffing around.

But he just ignored them. He even had an idea of one of the workers being a traitor, or more than one. So, he just continued walking, noting the expressions of the staff on his way.

As he walked, Adrian noticed something unusual near one of the perches—a faint, lingering scent that seemed out of place. He knelt down to examine it more closely. The scent was subtle, but it had a distinct chemical quality to it, something that didn't belong in a natural environment.