Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 136: Aria Takes Action: The Truth Comes To Light

"Student Aurelius, tell me what's happening." The instructor ordered after hearing what happened.

Since he knew who would speak the truth, he asked Aurelius to explain what happened. Aurelius started with how students started talking badly about Adrian and then the events happened just now.

The instructor's expression grew more serious as he listened. "You—student Eluna and student Adrian—are going to the vice principal's office with me, right now," he said authoritatively. "Whether this is truth or a lie, we'll find out once we go and investigate."

"Professor, why don't you just let it go this once?" Rowan, who had been observing the entire situation, interjected. "After all, they are still young. They tend to make mistakes at this age."

The instructor shook his head. "Even though you are right, I still have to act according to the rules. Come on, be quick. Others, be prepared to hand in your home tasks when I return."

As the instructor turned to leave, Eluna and Adrian reluctantly followed. Just then, Aria stepped forward, her expression determined. "Professor, may I follow you?"

The instructor, who knew Aria well and respected her judgment, considered her request. "Alright, Lady Aria. You may come along," he conceded. "But stay quiet and let us handle this."

With that, the small group made their way out of the classroom, leaving behind a sea of whispering students. Adrian's mind was a whirl of confusion and frustration. As they walked down the hall, the voice of the Dream Stalker echoed once more in his mind, its tone chillingly clear. (Do not say anything related to me.)

Adrian clenched his teeth, the weight of the Dream Stalker's influence pressing down on him like a suffocating shroud. He glanced at Aria, her presence a small comfort amidst the chaos. He knew he had to play along, at least for now, to keep some things hidden and protect those he cared about.

As they approached the vice principal's office, the tension in the air was palpable. The instructor knocked on the door, and after a brief moment, it opened to reveal the stern face of the vice principal.

"Come in," he said, his voice carrying a note of authority.

They entered the room and they found themselves in the imposing office of the vice principal. The vice principal, a stern-faced man with a reputation for strictness, looked up from his desk as they entered.

"What brings you here?" he asked, his voice carrying a note of authority.

The instructor stepped forward, his expression serious. "Vice Principal, there has been an incident involving students Eluna and Adrian. There are serious accusations being made, and I believe it requires your attention to resolve this matter."

The vice principal's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the gravity of the situation. "Tell me everything," he commanded.

The instructor recounted the events as he had heard from Aurelius, explaining the gossip that had spread through the first years, Eluna's accusations, and Adrian's response. As the instructor spoke, the vice principal listened intently, his expression growing more serious by the minute.

Once the instructor finished, the vice principal remained silent for a moment, contemplating the best course of action. The tension in the room was thick, and it was Aria who broke the silence.

"Mr. Vice Principal," Aria said, her voice steady and cold. "May I ask Eluna a question?"

The vice principal nodded, granting her permission.

Aria turned to Eluna, her eyes piercing. "Eluna, what time were you supposedly with Adrian last night?" she asked, her voice demanding an answer.

"W-what time?" Eluna's face went slightly pale, her anxiety evident as she struggled to remember. "I... I don't remember exactly," she stammered. "It was... it was at night."

Aria's gaze remained fixed on Eluna, unwavering. "And you expect us to believe your accusation when you can't even recall the time?" she said sharply.

Turning to the vice principal, she continued, "Sir, I request that we check the hidden surveillance spells that monitor the dormitory. If Adrian left his room last night or was with Eluna, it should have been recorded."

The vice principal considered her request for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Very well," he said. "We will check the records. If there's any truth to these accusations, it will be revealed."

He called for the head of the Dorm Guards, instructing them to retrieve the surveillance records from the previous night. As they waited, the tension in the room was palpable. Adrian stood silently, his mind racing with how Aria was doing an investigation.

Yeah, if not for her suggestion and presence, he doubted the vice principal would think of this method or the Dream Stalker wouldn't intervene.

After what felt like an eternity, the head of the Dorm Guards arrived, holding a small, glowing crystal. "Here is what you requested," he said, handing the crystal to the vice principal. "It has yesterday and today's all data."

The vice principal took the crystal and activated it, and a series of images and timestamps appeared in the air. Everyone watched intently as the records played out. The images showed the floor and the hall of Adrian's room. They watched from evening till night but there was no sign of him leaving his room or Eluna entering or leaving his room.

There was only one time when Aria entered his room empty-handed and left with a medium-sized silver egg about ten minutes later.

Aria explained why she did that saying Adrian asked her help to take care of his pet egg. She also emphasized that there was no trace of another person or aura in the room at the time.

They also watched the night-to-morning timeline. At about 6:00, Adrian finally left his room in his morning exercise attire, and about 5 minutes later, Aria also left her room but in her uniform. There were no signs of any unusual activity or interaction between Adrian and Eluna throughout the surveillance footage.

Maybe so, as soon as the footage ended, all the eyes landed on Eluna who was covering her face, clearly distressed.

From the looks of things, the truth has come to light...