Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Start of Volume 4: Extra's Fall.

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After the tournament ended, students were given a week's holiday till the next semester started.

I spent the week as usual, though there were some changes in my life. Such as the appearance of Noxy, my little hedgehog beast companion. After the day it was born, I immediately went to see Professor Elara taking Noxy with me.

She was as happy as I was knowing I finally succeeded in hatching the silver egg. Not to mention how surprised she was when she saw Noxy. Unfortunately, even she couldn't tell the exact species Noxy belonged to or what its ability was, what its tier was.

The most unfortunate news of all was that Noxy was just like its master, me. It was an affinityless just like me. I don't know if it is still a baby, but it didn't react with any element when prof checked.

Whatever, at least it hatched, not to mention it can talk. Though I kept it a secret from prof Elara.

Another change in my life was obviously my status - I was not single now.

Yep, I now have a girlfriend, the best girl I could've ever asked for.

Aria Starlight.

One can say I conquered the unconquerable heroine, hehe. Though she was the one who made me fall first.

After the day I confessed and she gave her reply, we spent the vacation as usual. Training together, eating together, resting, and looking after Noxy together.

If I have to be honest, it was a bit awkward to speak with her in the first days, maybe I didn't have a girlfriend before or I was just not good at it.

Thankfully, Aria was supportive and much cooler than I was. After two or three days, the awkwardness fully disappeared, but when we were alone.

We still haven't decided to reveal our relationship to the public yet for several reasons. Well, I was the one to suggest to keep it a secret for now.

So, as the new semester began, the academy buzzed with the excitement of fresh challenges and new opportunities. Students were eager to showcase their growth and learn more advanced knowledge.

I walked through the academy halls, Noxy perched on my shoulder, and couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

Today was the first day of the new semester. There were new classes added and some old classes taken away from our curriculum.

Such as today's third class - Awakener's Training Class.

The first and the second classes were Elemental Manipulation II and Combat Training II. The old classes but more advanced.

I spent the first class watching other students learn deeper knowledge of their respective elements. Though my eyes were on either Aria or Noxy most of the time. I wonder why I need to attend this class when I don't have any affinity with any element.

However, I try to be optimistic about this. I learn and listen because the knowledge will definitely serve to be useful. Such as the weaknesses and strengths of each element.

So, one can make use of anything as long as they want.

Anyway, the Combat Training II class went similarly. Instructor Valerie started by recounting the individual and team battle events of the tournament. The first lesson was basically a revision and introduction.

Finally, the third, new class started.

We were sitting in another large classroom hall with a large screen at the podium.

I settled into my seat in the large classroom hall, Noxy comfortably perched on my shoulder. Around me, students were chatting excitedly, speculating about what the new Awakener's Training Class would entail. The atmosphere was charged with curiosity and anticipation.

As the murmur of conversations filled the room, the door at the front of the hall opened, and a black-haired woman dressed in formal attire stepped in. She had an air of a real teacher about her, with her glasses perched neatly on her nose and her hair tied back in a sleek bun. The room quieted down almost instantly, all eyes turning to her.

"Good morning, students," she began, her voice clear and confident. "Welcome to the Awakener's Training Class. I am Professor Lucina Ardent, and I will be your instructor for this course."

She paused for a moment, allowing the students to settle in and give her their full attention. "Before we start, let me tell you about what you will be learning in this class."

Professor Ardent walked over to the large screen at the podium and pressed a button. The screen lit up, displaying a series of topics and diagrams.

"This class is designed to train you in the practical and theoretical aspects of being an Awakener," she continued. "In short, you will be introduced to the real world of Awakeners and undergo training to be a good Awakener.

You won't learn spells or aether control in this class but you will learn strategies and skills every Awakener should be aware of, and the practical application of your abilities in real-world scenarios."

"Well then without further ado, let's start our first lesson."

"Our first lesson's topic is - Who or What is an Awakener? What responsibilities and capabilities does an Awakener hold? And so on."

"But first let me ask you a few questions. What or Who is an Awakener? Just speak what is on your mind, not what you learned in textbooks."

"Any volunteers?"

Silence filled the room as students exchanged glances, hesitant to speak first. Finally, a hand rose from the middle of the room.

"Yes, go ahead," Professor Ardent acknowledged.

The student, a tall boy with sandy hair, cleared his throat. "An Awakener is someone who can harness the power of the elements, using it to protect and defend. They are guardians of balance and peace, using their abilities to maintain harmony."

Professor Ardent nodded thoughtfully. "Good answer. Anyone else?"

Another student, a girl with fiery red hair, raised her hand. "An Awakener is also someone who has a responsibility to use their power wisely. They need to be mindful of the impact their actions have on the world around them."

"Excellent," Professor Ardent said, her eyes scanning the room. "Anyone else? Don't be shy. There are no wrong answers."

Should I give an answer or not...?