Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 347: Fair Deal

"Teacher," Adrian began, "are you the young master of the Devouring Serpent Tribe?"

"!"

As soon as these words left Adrian's mouth, the air in the room dropped instantly, growing colder and heavier. Adrian felt a chill run down his spine as Sibilus's eyes narrowed dangerously, shifting from their usual neutral gaze to something far more primal—predatory.

The pressure in the room intensified, and for a moment, Adrian could have sworn he felt the weight of two unseen serpentine eyes, staring at him from the shadows, ready to strike.

His throat tightened, and he swallowed nervously, but his face remained calm. He knew this was dangerous territory, but he couldn't back down now.

Sibilus didn't respond immediately, his silence more terrifying than any words. The killing intent that emanated from him was palpable, a cold, suffocating force that pressed against Adrian's very soul. But Adrian kept his eyes locked on Sibilus, refusing to flinch under the weight of that deadly aura.

He had to admit, although Sibilus was now a dangerous-looking but actually softie, he had a dark past involving Kiri and him. So, he couldn't be sure of his survival.

Adrian took a deep breath and spoke again, his voice steady despite the rising tension. "I also know... that... you're aware Kiri is the runaway princess of the Celestial Moon Fox Tri-!"

"Stop."

The room's atmosphere grew even heavier as Sibilus muttered in a cold tone.

The temperature seemed to plummet further, and the killing intent doubled. Adrian felt the overwhelming pressure suffocating him, like a vice tightening around his entire body. It took every ounce of willpower to remain standing, to resist the urge to step back or avert his gaze.

For a moment, the world seemed to still, as if waiting for Sibilus to make his move. The predator in Sibilus's eyes had fully awakened now, and Adrian could feel the silent promise of death should he make a single wrong move or word.

But even with the suffocating aura pressing down on him, Adrian remained calm, at least was trying to. His eyes didn't waver, meeting Sibilus's deadly stare head-on.

"I've no... intention of revealing your secrets," Adrian added, his voice unwavering. "And if I've overstepped, I apologize. I only hope... you can trust me... and let me speak."

"..."

The tension lingered for what felt like an eternity, the pressure in the air almost unbearable. Then, as quickly as it had come, the killing intent receded. The air warmed slightly, and Sibilus's eyes returned to their usual cold but controlled state. His arms, which had been tense and ready to strike, relaxed at his sides.

The silence that followed was heavy, but there was no longer the threat of imminent violence. Sibilus studied Adrian carefully for a long moment before finally speaking, his voice as calm and emotionless as ever.

"You're brave, Adrian," Sibilus finally spoke, his tone betraying no emotion, though the tension in the air still lingered. "But bravery alone can be a dangerous thing when it borders on recklessness."

Adrian exhaled quietly, his muscles still tense from the suffocating pressure. He knew he had walked a fine line just now, but there was no room for regret.

"I understand," Adrian replied, his voice measured. "But I also know that you and Kiri… you've both been looking over your shoulders for a long time. You might think it's better to keep your past and position hidden, but it's becoming a bigger risk to ignore it, right?"

Sibilus stared at him, his gaze sharp as ever, but there was no longer that dangerous edge. Instead, there was curiosity. "You think you understand things beyond what you've seen."

"I don't claim to know everything," Adrian said, his voice steady. "But I've seen enough to understand that you two are more than just teachers here. You're hiding in plain sight. And those who are looking for you will find you soon if you don't cover your tracks or find a solution to whatever problem you have or had."

"...How do you know about this all?" Sibilus asked curiously. "And why are you risking your life telling me all this? Is it perhaps related to your ability? You even found out that Rowan boy's past rather quickly and correctly."

"...Actually, it was another person who told me all your info and helped me to take care of Rowan," Adrian replied, his tone calm. "And your guess is somewhat correct. It is related to an ability though it is that person's ability. I only know that he can see the future. He also told me I could tell you this."

Sibilus narrowed his eyes at Adrian's words, studying him intently as if trying to peel back layers of truth. The room was still, but the tension between them hung heavy, like a coiled snake waiting to strike.

"A person who can see the future, huh?" Sibilus said slowly, his voice low, barely above a whisper. He didn't seem entirely convinced but was clearly intrigued. After all, there were many strange and yet powerful abilities. Just like his own...

"And this person… they told you about Kiri and my past? And permitted you to speak to me about his own ability? Right?"

Adrian nodded. "Yes. He said it was necessary. He didn't give many details, but he made it clear that you and Kiri are running out of time to stay hidden."

Sibilus was silent for a long moment, his snake-like gaze never leaving Adrian's. The weight of the conversation seemed to settle over the room like a thick fog, suffocating and tense.

"And what do you want, Adrian? Or, should I say what does he want?" Sibilus finally asked, his voice measured. "You're not just revealing this information out of the kindness of your heart. There's something more."

Adrian hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words. "I want to help," he said, at last, meeting Sibilus's gaze head-on. "Whoever is chasing you, whatever is coming—I'll help you both deal with it. And in return, I hope that when the time comes, you'll help me with something I can't handle alone."

Sibilus raised an eyebrow. "A mutual exchange, then?" There was a slight amusement in his voice, but his eyes remained guarded. "You're quite bold to think you could help with something that even we're struggling with."

"Maybe I am," Adrian admitted, "but I'm not stupid. I know I'm offering a gamble, but so are you if you continue to hide. I have no intention of exploiting your secrets—this is a fair deal."

"Fair deal you say, haha, you are good with your words..." Sibilus coldly muttered as he fell into a deep thought.

He turned away from Adrian for a moment, glancing toward the door as if expecting Kiri to suddenly reappear. After a brief pause, he turned back to Adrian, his expression unreadable. "I'll discuss this with Kiri. But be careful—just because you've earned some trust doesn't mean we won't retaliate if we suspect betrayal."

Adrian nodded, understanding the weight of Sibilus's words. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

He knew that much.

For the first time, Sibilus gave a small nod of acknowledgment, a gesture that was more than just approval. It was respect—something rare from him.

Maybe he was amazed by the level of intelligence and knowledge Adrian had shown. Or he was reminded of his own youth...

"Very well, Adrian," he said quietly, "I'll tell you our decision when we finish your sword."

Sibilus then turned away, his back facing Adrian as he seemed to contemplate everything. The room, which had moments ago felt like a battlefield, now had the eerie calm of a ceasefire.

Adrian let out a quiet breath, but his guard was still up.

"You've taken a dangerous step," Sibilus muttered, his voice low, almost to himself. "But perhaps... a necessary one."

"Take care."

Without another word, Sibilus turned and left the room, leaving Adrian alone in the quiet, yet still charged, atmosphere.

Adrian stood there for a moment longer, thinking about the delicate balance he had just struck. His heart was still racing from the danger, but his mind was already moving ahead, planning his next steps. He wasn't entirely sure how much time they had before things escalated, but he knew one thing for certain: the game had changed in the way he wanted.

And Adrian was only planning to win.