Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 150: Echoes of Desire: Through a Lover's Eyes

"Adrian, d-don't look at me."

I turned, my heart skipping a beat at the sight before me. Aria stood not far away, her usual attire replaced by something far more revealing. She looked absolutely seductive and charming, her eyes glimmering with an alluring light that seemed to draw me in. Despite her words, her body language told a different story, inviting me closer.

My mind was captivated by her presence, and for a moment, I felt an overwhelming urge to approach her. Every step I took felt like it was being guided by an unseen force, pulling me towards her. Aria's eyes never left mine, her lips parting slightly as if in anticipation.

However, as I got closer, I knew I couldn't ignore it any longer.

My grip tightened on my sword, and with a swift, decisive movement, I pierced her heart, my eyes cold and unyielding.

"The Aria I know would never act like this," I said firmly, my voice steady. "Not to mention this rate of illusion won't work on me."

The moment the words left my lips, the surroundings shifted. The seductive figure of Aria dissolved into a hideous, snakelike monster with a humanoid head. The rocky area around me solidified, revealing the true nature of my environment.

The creature hissed in pain and fury, its form writhing as it struggled to comprehend what had just happened. I probably was confused about how I escaped its illusion. Honestly, its illusion was good since its ability was to create an illusion based on the target's dark desires and emotions. But it underestimated my resolve and my knowledge of Aria.

The Aria I know would never behave in such a manner, and the discrepancy was glaringly obvious to me.

I withdrew my sword, watching as the illusion completely shattered. The monster's eyes, filled with malice and desperation, met mine for a brief moment before it slumped to the ground, lifeless.

But I was quite grateful for it since I was able to see that scene. Even if it was an illusion, it was really mesmerizing. Ah, dirty mind. Cough... Cough...

Thankfully, nobody aside from me could see the illusion I was under or else... I would have to think of how to take care of those who saw it.

Anyway as the last vestiges of the illusion faded, I took a deep breath, my mind clearing from the remnants of the creature's ability. The rocky terrain around me was harsh and unforgiving, a stark contrast to the alluring scene it had crafted.

Right now, I, no, we were in a ruin called the Seductive Serpent's Ruin.

Today was Saturday, 9th January. As usual Ruins Exploration Course was taking place today. However, a certain old man made a suggestion to Professor Lucious and so the Survival Training Course was to held joining the Ruins Exploration Course.

The Ruin was also selected by the old man Doome and I think I know why he chose this Ruin now. He probably wanted me and the other three to prepare for the Trials Of Illusions Event.

The Seductive Serpent's Ruin was notorious for its treacherous illusions and the vile creatures that inhabited it. The presence of an illusion-based monster confirmed the nature of our challenge today. Professor Lucious and Instructor Doome had certainly chosen a fitting location to test our abilities and mentality.

As I regained my composure, I glanced around to see how the others were faring. The ruin was a labyrinth of traps, illusions, and dangerous creatures, designed to disorient and test even the most seasoned explorers.

After all, even if you were strong and powerful but had weak will and resistance, you would be just as vulnerable in this place. Strength alone wouldn't get you through the Seductive Serpent's Ruin.

I have decided to solo this ruin from the start. At least until the Guardian's place. And now I was already near the place.

Deciding to wait for the others, I found a relatively safe spot and settled down, keeping my senses sharp for any signs of movement. The eerie silence of the ruin was occasionally broken by distant sounds of conflict, but for now, my immediate vicinity was quiet.

After a while, a figure appeared in the distance, moving cautiously through the rocky terrain. Even from afar, I recognized her instantly—Aria. She was moving with the grace and precision of someone who had faced her own set of challenges within the ruin.

"Aria!" I called out, waving to get her attention, and started to walk toward her with a smile.

'Hmm?'

However, it wasn't the same case with her. Aria stopped in her tracks, silently observing me. Her posture was tense, and her eyes narrowed in suspicion. There was no recognition or relief in her expression, just a cold, calculating gaze.

I slowed my pace, confusion washing over me. "Aria, you okay?"

She didn't respond immediately, her eyes scanning me from head to toe as if searching for something. Her silence was unnerving, and I could sense the tension in the air.

"Aria?" I asked again, stopping just a few steps away from her. "What's wrong?"

She sighed deeply, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Continue."

"Continue?" I echoed, genuinely confused. "What do you mean?"

Without warning, Aria lunged at me, her movements swift and precise. She aimed a strike directly at my chest, her blade shimmering with aether. Instinctively, I parried the attack, our swords clashing with a resounding clang.

'Wait...'

It was then that realization dawned on me. Aria believed I was an illusion, another trick of the ruin designed to deceive her. Her eyes were filled with determination and mistrust, clearly ready to fight what she perceived as a threat.

"Aria, it's me!" I said urgently, blocking her next attack. "I'm not an illusion you know!"

"The last one said the same thing." She muttered and her attacks didn't relent, each strike more forceful than the last. She was testing me, probing for any sign of weakness or inconsistency. I had to find a way to prove to her that I was real.

'Hmm... How can I make her believe me? Right!'

"Do you remember our first date?"

'It's the memory we both have.