Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 137: We need to talk

All the eyes were on Eluna who was covering her face, clearly distressed. The vice principal's expression hardened as he turned his gaze to her.

"Student Eluna, it seems there is no evidence to support your claim," he said sternly. "Do you have anything else to say for yourself?"

Eluna's eyes darted around the room, desperation evident in her expression. "I... I don't know what to say," she stammered. "It happened... I know it did..."

"Enough," the vice principal cut her off. "False accusations are a serious matter. We have clear evidence that contradicts your claims. You will face disciplinary action for this behavior."

Eluna's face turned pale, and she began to tremble. "No, please, you have to believe me," she pleaded, but her words fell on deaf ears.

The vice principal turned his attention to Adrian, his stern expression softening slightly. "Student Adrian, I apologize for the distress this situation has caused you. We will ensure that the truth prevails and that you are not unjustly accused. I will now go to your classroom and inform the students of the truth. This incident must be clarified to prevent any further damage to your reputation."

"Thank you, Sir." Adrian nodded, his relief mixed with lingering anxiety. He glanced at Eluna who seemed to have lost herself. He had a hunch she truly believed something happened and the reason was probably her dream.

'This degree of Dream Manipulation is really scary...' Adrian could imagine how Dream Stalker prepared all of this just for today. He was sure he must have made Eluna see whatever things happened in her dream while making it as realistic as possible. 'He is really a psycho...'

"Then, let's go to your class."

____ ___ _

"Students," the vice principal began, his voice firm and clear. "There has been a serious misunderstanding involving students Eluna and Adrian. After a thorough investigation, it has been determined that the accusations made against Adrian are completely unfounded. The surveillance records clearly show that he was not involved in any misconduct last night."

Murmurs of surprise and confusion rippled through the classroom. The vice principal continued, "False accusations can cause significant harm and will not be tolerated. Student Eluna will face disciplinary action for her behavior. Let this be a lesson to all of you about the importance of truth and integrity."

"The same goes for the culprit behind the start of rumors about student Adrian. Spreading baseless rumors is a serious offense and will be dealt with accordingly."

The students exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the vice principal's words sinking in. The room was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the shuffling of feet and the soft murmur of whispers.

Ardel and Kieran, who had been ready to defend Adrian earlier, looked relieved. They exchanged a glance, silently communicating their support for their friend. Adrian, meanwhile, felt a mix of relief and unease. The immediate threat to his reputation had been addressed, but the presence of the Dream Stalker loomed large in his mind. Who knows what he might do again?

"Celestial Arcane Academy cares about all of their students and strives to maintain an environment of trust and respect," the vice principal continued. "We must all work together to ensure that such misunderstandings do not occur again. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir Vice Principal!" The students replied.

"Good, then I'll take my leave."

The vice principal turned to leave, and the instructor conveyed him. The atmosphere in the room was thick with a mix of relief and lingering tension. Adrian could feel the curious gazes of his classmates, but he focused on maintaining his composure.

"Tch." He heard someone clicking his tongue when he passed by their seat.

'...' Adrian didn't even bother to comment on Emeric's sign of annoyance.

He was now more concerned about how to deal with Aria and her questions which would come later. Not to mention she was following behind him with a piercing gaze.

Adrian then took his seat. Ardel and Kieran came over to him, their expressions showing both concern and support.

"Adrian, we're glad the truth came out," Ardel said quietly, his voice filled with relief.

"Yeah," Kieran added.

"Hmm..." Adrian nodded appreciating their support.

"Then... can you give me your home task to copy?" Ardel moved closer looking expectant.

Adrian glanced at him, thinking 'Seriously?'.

"Sigh... Here."

"Haha, thanks, man." Ardel laughed taking the scroll from his hand and placing it between himself and Kairen.

"Thanks." Kairen also added.

"Huh?" Adrian looked at Kairen with a look saying 'You too?'.

But he shook his head thinking no matter which world he was in, some people would be similar.

"Ok, just don't make it the same, or else the instructor will find out." He warned the two and focused his gaze on the door.

Soon, the instructor returned to the class and started the lesson.

Aria, sitting at her desk, kept her eyes on Adrian. She knew there was more to the story and planned to get to the bottom of it. The instructor's voice droned on about ancient spells, but her mind was elsewhere, dissecting the events and Adrian's peculiar behavior.

'Just what is going on... I can't understand... I clearly know Adrian did nothing they said about... Just who is spreading the rumors... Everything seems no coincidence... Eluna's involvement, my arrival, Adrian's words, senior's and teacher's arrival.

It was as if someone orchestrated everything...' Aria thought, her eyes narrowing as she observed Adrian. She knew he was hiding something, and her determination to uncover the truth only grew stronger.

When the class finally ended, Aria made her way to Adrian's desk. "Adrian, can we talk?" she asked, her tone leaving little room for refusal.

Adrian nodded, knowing this conversation was inevitable. "Sure, I was going to ask you anyway," he replied, gathering his things as they walked out of the classroom together.

They found a quiet spot in the courtyard, away from prying eyes and ears. Aria turned to face Adrian, her expression serious. "I need to know what's going on, Adrian."