Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 320: Business And Danger Blooms

"I..." Selene's expression shifted, her confident demeanor faltering. She opened her mouth, trying to find the right words. "I... I..." she stammered, but then she paused, her thoughts spinning.

'That's right,' she thought, 'why am I telling him all this?' A wave of confusion washed over her. 'Didn't I come here to kill him and recover my lost reputation in the organization?'

Her eyes drifted to Adrian's face, and memories of the Myrandor Mountains flashed before her eyes—the chaos, the battles, the moment he saved her. A realization settled in her mind: she wanted to repay the debt. He had saved her in a sense, after all. But there was no way she could admit that to him!

Scrambling for an excuse, she blurted out, "I... I don't want my targets to lose their lives without knowing. I... I like to play with them."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she knew they sounded ridiculous. Adrian's expression turned strange, his eyebrows raised in bemusement.

Panicking, Selene waved her hands in front of her defensively. "I-I didn't mean it that way!"

But then she caught the slight smile tugging at his lips, and it dawned on her—he was messing with her. Again. Her face flushed in embarrassment, and she clenched her fists, ready to lash out. But before she could retort, Adrian's demeanor shifted, becoming serious.

"Thanks for warning me," he said, his voice sincere. "I really appreciate it."

Selene went silent, her frustration simmering down as she looked at him. After a few moments, she gave a reluctant nod, realizing there was nothing more to say.

"Next time we meet, I won't hesitate to kill you," she muttered, her voice holding a hint of a threat as she turned and disappeared into the shadows of the alley.

"..."

"She left, huh." Adrian muttered and sighed in relief.

Honestly speaking, he wasn't surprised about this happening. He expected those who hated him to act sooner. But he was surprised that they hired the Black Hand Syndicate.

Adrian stayed in his spot for a few moments, moving back and forth as he mulled over the encounter.

'Who could have commissioned the Black Hand Syndicate to kill me?' he wondered, his thoughts racing. He had a few suspects in mind. The king was an obvious choice, considering their not-so-good relationship and the rude acts Adrian had shown. Ironheart brothers' father was also high on the list—both had plenty of reasons to want him out of the picture.

'I guess I have to be careful from now on.' He muttered inwardly as he slowly made his way back to the city's lively areas. 'Thankfully, unlike the other novels or stories, the assassins or dark mercenaries can't infiltrate the Academy so I can be relaxed in the academy. But outside...'

It was a complete different story.

He would have to stay vigilant at all times. Since this was a fantasy world, the assassins could kill him in many unknown ways, even without showing themselves or in the open.

'Not to mention the fact that I'm just an extra. I don't have the plot armor the main cast has.'

As Adrian walked, his attention was caught by a group of people gathered in front of a newly opened shop. The sign above the door read "New Life" and from the looks of it, business was booming. He paused for a moment, observing the steady stream of customers entering and exiting, all with satisfied expressions and bags full of various potions and medicines.

A small smile crossed Adrian's lips. 'Looks like the business is thriving, just like in the novel,' he mused, recalling the investment he'd made a while back.

The person behind the New Life was none other than the mastermind of the upcoming event - Evangeline. He supported it for her ingenuity and knack for turning a profit. Investing in her venture had been a calculated risk, but it seemed to be paying off.

'The right investment, indeed,' Adrian thought, his eyes scanning the bustling shop. 'Soon enough, I'll be reaping the rewards.'

He watched as a young couple exited the shop, chattering excitedly about a new type of potion they'd just bought. Adrian chuckled softly to himself. Evangeline's business was more than just a money-maker—it was an opportunity to shape events and gather influence. And right now, it seemed like everything was falling into place.

Feeling satisfied, Adrian turned on his heel and continued his journey back to the academy. The streets grew quieter as he moved away from the bustling marketplace and toward the more refined part of the city.

'Let's stay in the academy till the mission with the guild starts. It's better to keep a low profile for now.'

'I'll tell Dorian to keep an eye on suspicious people in my stead.'

'It's been a while since I spent quality time with Aria and Noxy as well. Guess, we'll have more bonding time...'

_____ ___ _

2 weeks later.

Adrian had kept a low profile, just as he had planned, focusing on his studies and training. The academy's bustling life, filled with classes, lectures, and the occasional friendly spars with either Ren or Aurelius, provided a welcome distraction from the looming threat of the Black Hand Syndicate.

He had taken the time to catch up with Aria and Noxy, enjoying their company in the quieter moments. They had spent hours together, exploring the academy grounds, sharing meals, and laughing at Noxy's playful antics.

The hedgehog's harmless quills were a constant source of amusement, especially when it tried to scare off other students with its tiny growls, even though they were attracted by its cuteness.

But today was different. Today, the anticipation was palpable in the air. The Red Dragons Guild mission was finally set to begin.

As Mrs. Ardent said, this was no ordinary mission; it was an opportunity for students to prove themselves, to gain experience and prestige. And for Adrian, it was a chance to put his skills to the test and further his own plans.

As he prepared to leave his dorm room, Adrian glanced at his reflection in the mirror. His face was calm and composed, but his eyes held a spark of determination. He knew the risks involved, but he was ready to face them head-on.

He strapped on his gear, making sure everything was in place. His sword hung at his side, its weight familiar and comforting. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead.

As he stepped out of his room, he was greeted by Aria who seemed to be waiting for him. The two nodded at each other and made their way to the mission hall, where other participating students were waiting.