Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Selene returned to the three paths and chose the middle one. The narrow passageway was dimly lit, with flickering torches casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. She moved with purpose, her mind racing as she considered the events that had just transpired.

After a few minutes of walking, she arrived at her resting place, a small chamber adorned with simple yet comfortable furnishings. She sat down on a cushioned chair, letting out a sigh as she tried to gather her thoughts. The flickering light from the torches danced across her face, highlighting the worry etched into her features.

Not long after, the first masked figure entered the chamber, bowing respectfully before speaking. "Boss, I have news to report."

"Go on," Selene said, her tone weary yet commanding.

"I deliberately showed the elf girl the young man's face and tied him up with her. She reacted strongly, her distress evident."

Selene nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Guess I was worried for nothing. But to think she lied about having no other companions when we caught them... She must also have feelings for him."

The masked figure hesitated for a moment before continuing. "We have news from the X-Scout."

Selene's eyes narrowed. "Continue."

The masked figure took a deep breath. "The X-Scout has reported the appearance of three young people, possibly freshman students from the Celestial Arcane Academy. One young man and two girls. He said they are searching for their kidnapped friend."

Selene's mind raced as she processed this information. "So, they are a rescue team. They must be here to rescue the elf girl and the young man. And they are from the Celestial Arcane Academy..."

Her thoughts turned to the potential threat these students posed. The Celestial Arcane Academy was known for training some of the most powerful and skilled individuals in the realm. If these students were anything like their reputation suggested, they could be formidable opponents. But she wasn't worried, as they were only first years.

"Alam should return soon, then we will act according to the plan," Selene said. "Our task is to just keep the girl here until 'they' arrive. Go on, return, and keep an eye on the hostages. Be careful of the bandits too. They are untrustworthy."

"Understood Boss."

As her subordinate left, Selene sighed and fell into deep thought once again. 'Couldn't they catch the girl themselves since they knew when she was going to come? Why bother hiring us?'

She worked for a secret organization that specialized in high-risk operations, including assassination, kidnapping, and sabotage. Right, it was a dark organization. She became a Dark Operative not long ago after she advanced to the Lunar Tier. While her 10 subordinates were all Black Novices.

She and her group were tasked to take over this mountain bandits' hideout kidnap an elf girl with certain features and keep her hostage until the 'Receivers' arrived.

"I was told they would arrive today, but there's no news about them..." Selene muttered again. "Let's hope nothing goes wrong."

________ ___ _

At the foot of the Myrandor Mountains.

"Thank you, sir, for helping us," Aurelius smiled at the middle-aged man leading the way. "Not only did you take us here, but you are also helping us to search for our friend."

"Haha, don't worry, young man," the man replied with a hearty laugh. "As long as I can do good deeds and help those in need, I will be relieved. Besides, I know the mountains well, so it will make things easier."

Aurelius glanced back at his companions, Aurelia and Irithel. Their expressions were a mix of determination and concern. Earlier today, as promised, he and Aurelia had gone to Rhea's and her master's laboratory.

However, they only found the anxious and tired alchemist master. She informed them that her apprentice, Rhea, hadn't returned for two weeks, and she had received a letter stating that Rhea was being held hostage by mountain bandits.

The letter demanded 100K Gold for Rhea's safe return.

The alchemist master had already asked the academy for help, but she sought assistance from them as well. Aurelius had readily agreed, and together with Aurelia, they quickly headed to the Regal Rides to catch a carriage. They had searched for a carriage to take them to the Mountains of Myrandor, but no one agreed—until this middle-aged man approached them and offered his help.

Just then, they had met a familiar figure—Irithel. Upon seeing her, Aurelius and Aurelia had immediately asked if she was free to assist them. Irithel, ever the loyal friend, agreed without hesitation. And now, they found themselves here.

As they entered the mountains, the middle-aged man glanced at them from the corner of his eye, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Young people are always so full of energy and determination," he said, his tone light and encouraging. "It's good to see that you're willing to go to such lengths for your friend."

Aurelius nodded, gratitude evident in his expression. "Thank you, sir. We appreciate your help more than you know. Rhea is important to us, and we'll do whatever it takes to bring her back safely."

The man smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of wisdom and amusement. "I can see that. Just be careful—these mountains can be treacherous, and the bandits are known for their cunning."

The group continued their ascent, the path becoming steeper and more challenging. The air grew cooler, and the dense foliage of the forest gave way to rocky terrain. As they reached a vantage point, the middle-aged man paused, pointing to a distant cluster of caves.

"Those caves are known to be used by the bandits," he said. "It's likely that your friend is being held in one of them. We'll need to be cautious as we approach."

Aurelius, Aurelia, and Irithel nodded in unison, their resolve unwavering. They followed the man as he led them closer to the caves, the path becoming narrower and more treacherous.

As they neared the entrance to one of the larger caves, the man held up a hand, signaling for them to stop.

He panted heavily, his face flushed and beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. He leaned against a rock, catching his breath. "Huff... I think this is as far as I can go."

Aurelius turned to him, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright, sir? You look exhausted."

Aurelia nodded in agreement. "Maybe you should rest here. You've done more than enough already. We can handle the rest."

Irithel added, "Please, don't push yourself too hard. We'll manage from here."

However, Ignis hissed at the man, ready to spew fire at any time.

"Aha, sorry about him, he's been a little aggressive lately." Irithel apologized while nagging Ignis.

"Don't worry." The man gave a tired smile, nodding appreciatively. "I appreciate your concern, young ones. I'll rest here for a while and then head back. Be careful in there."

Aurelius clapped him on the shoulder, his grip firm yet friendly. "Thank you again for your help. We'll take it from here."

The man nodded, sitting down on a nearby rock and waving them off. "Good luck, and stay safe."

With a final nod, Aurelius, Aurelia, and Irithel entered the cave, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. The air grew colder, and the dim light from outside barely penetrated the cave's depths. They moved cautiously, their senses heightened as they navigated the narrow passageways.

"BOOM!"

Not long after they had ventured deeper into the cave, a sudden explosion rocked the entrance behind them.

"Wh-! Be careful you two!"

"Argh-!"