Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The Enchantment Class ended after another hour. The atmosphere was a mix of relief and lingering frustration. Despite their best efforts, only about a quarter of the students had managed to complete the basic enchantment. This starkly illustrated just how challenging the art of enchanting truly was.

Professor Sibilus stood at the front of the room, his snake-like eyes surveying the class. "Those of you who succeeded, well done. You have taken your first step into the world of enchanting. For those who did not, do not be disheartened. Enchantment is a skill that requires patience, practice, and perseverance. Keep working at it, and you will improve."

"And, there's an announcement that might be useful for all of you." Kiri started. "You will sign up for courses again this semester, right? Then, if you are interested in enchanting and want to learn and refine your skills, you can choose the Enchanting Guide Course. It will be all practical and will be held by both me and Professor Sibilus. Remember, it's not mandatory. You are free to choose."

The students nodded, already thinking whether to apply to this course or not.

"With this, the class is dismissed. You all are free to go." Professor Sibilus's words were a relief to many, who began to gather their things and head for the door.

"You are gonna enroll in this course, right?" Just as Adrian finished tidying his worktable and stood up, he heard Aria's voice from the side.

"Yeah, but how did you know," Adrian asked, was his expression that obvious?

"Well, you seemed totally engrossed in it, and from what I know about you, you only do this if you are really interested in the subject," Aria replied with a smile.

'So, she was watching me, huh...' Adrian noted in his mind and walked together to the door.

Soon, the classroom was free of students, only Professor Sibilus and Kiri remained.

"How many do you think are gonna apply, Sir Sibilus?" Kiri asked her voice curious but also a little down. "Do you think it will be the same as the last year?"

"Hm..." Sibilus hummed as he thought. "Well, at least we confirmed that one is going to enroll. That's an improvement, right?"

"Are you talking about student Adrian?" Kiri asked again. "We both saw him in the Tournament, he is a fighter. So, he probably joins the course for a hobby or so."

"Hmmm... You also know he is affinityless, right? I think he is trying to choose a profession that might be suitable for him since he probably knows he can't go any further as an Awakener." Professor Sibilus's snake-like eyes seemed to narrow in contemplation as he considered Kiri's words.

"Student Adrian's lack of elemental affinity does put him at a disadvantage as an Awakener after all," he admitted, his voice low and measured.

"But doesn't that mean he can't go higher than 2 Star Enchanter too? After all, you need to be able to elemental enchantment to be a 3 Star Enchanter." Kiri countered Sibilius's words.

"Well, there is also that." Sibilus nodded. "Sigh... Honestly, I pity that boy, he has such huge potential yet he is restricted by the chains of his lack of elemental affinity," Sibilus concluded, his voice tinged with genuine regret. 'Just like I'm chained by my past...'

Kiri's ears drooped slightly. "It's such a shame. But maybe, with enough dedication, he can still make a name for himself in another thing. It's not all about elemental affinity, after all. There are other paths and innovations he can explore. He should try to break away from those chains."

'Just like I'm trying to do...'

Sibilus nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. The world is vast, and there are many ways to innovate and excel. Let's hope that student Adrian finds his way."

"Yeah..."

________ _____ __

Just as Adrian left his bath and put on his clothes, his door was knocked.

(Pa... Ma?)

Noxy who was lying on the bed looked at him with its adorable eyes.

"Oh, it's Aria, huh," Adrian muttered as he picked up Noxy. Surprisingly, Noxy could tell who they were even while not seeing them. As long as they were in a radius of a certain distance.

Wondering why Aria was calling him, Adrian opened the door to find Aria standing there, dressed in her school outdoor attire. She looked composed and poised as always.

"Hey, Aria," Adrian greeted, holding Noxy in his arms. "Come in?"

Aria shook her head gently, a small smile playing on her lips. "Actually, let's go to the first floor. The course sign-ups have just been posted."

"Oh, okay," Adrian replied, a hint of curiosity in his voice. He set Noxy down on his shoulder, the little creature curling up contentedly.

As they made their way down the corridor and descended the stairs, Adrian couldn't help but steal glances at Aria. There was something about her calm confidence that always drew his attention.

The academy's common area was bustling with activity as students gathered around the notice board. Conversations buzzed around them, filled with excitement and speculation about the new courses available this semester.

Aria and Adrian made their way through the crowd, finally reaching the notice board. The list of courses was extensive, covering a wide range of subjects from combat training to cooking arts, and, of course, enchanting.

"There it is," Aria pointed to the Enchanting Guide Course. "Taught by Professor Sibilus and Kiri."

"I see." Adrian nodded, scanning the details. "Well, one course is already chosen. Let's pick the others. What are you going to choose, by the way?"

"Hmm... Let me see..." Both Aria and Adrian inspected the list, often seeing familiar ones from the first semester, such as Survival Guide, Monsters 102, and Beast Tamer's Guide. Well, they were improved versions with new names but the instructors were still the same.

"I think I'm going to go with these two," Adrian muttered, pointing at Beast Tamer's Guide and Survival Guide.

"Oh, I see. I also chose my courses," Aria scanned the list of courses, her eyes moving swiftly over the options. "I think I'll go with Monsters 102, Zero To Pro Swordsmanship, and Awakener's Guide," she said, her voice steady and confident.

"Good choices. I bet you chose Monsters 102 since you already studied Monster 101," Adrian chuckled.

"That's right. What I learned helped me a lot of times," Aria nodded. "It's good to know about your enemies after all."

"You are right about that," Adrian replied.

"Well, why don't take this course as well?" Aria asked. "It's really interesting, you know."

"Haha, I think I don't have enough time for another course. Besides, since I have you, I don't need to attend it, right?"

"...Hmph, whatever. Let's go and register ourselves then." Aria wasn't affected by his teasing, not that much.

"Alright, alright, let's do it..." Adrian smiled, feeling a sense of joy as they finalized their course selections. The excitement for the new semester was palpable among the students, and Adrian couldn't wait to see how the new arcs and events would unfold...