Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 23: First Class [2]

Finally, the first lesson has started.

Instructor Lyr stood at the podium, his presence commanding the attention of every student in the room. The atmosphere hushed as he began to speak.

"Good morning, aspiring Awakeners. I am Instructor Lyr, and I will be guiding you through your first official class at the Celestial Academy – Elemental Manipulation."

He paused, allowing his gaze to sweep across the room before continuing. "Before we delve into the intricacies of affinities, let's first discuss the fundamental force that permeates our world – Aether. Aether is the magical energy that flows through every living being, every element, and every inch of this academy. It is the essence that binds our existence and empowers our abilities as Awakeners."

As Instructor Lyr spoke, an ethereal glow enveloped him, demonstrating his profound connection with Aether. The students watched in awe as the energy responded to his presence.

"Aether exists in various forms and concentrations. You can find it in the air you breathe, the water you touch, and the earth beneath your feet. As Awakeners, your task is to attune yourselves to this energy, to absorb and channel it through your affinities."

He asked questions about Aether from students and after a while switched to another topic.

He then turned his attention to the concept of affinities. "Affinities are the unique connections each of you shares with specific elements. It is through these affinities that you can harness Aether and manipulate the elements themselves..."

Although I already knew everything or the instructor was talking about things I already knew, I still had to pay attention to him.

Because I know his personality very well from the novel. It is true that he is a theory-based teacher. But it's only at the start. As time passes, he will focus more on practical things rather than theory.

According to what I remember, he first wanted to teach basics to everyone since he knows not every student knows about them.

Moreover, he observes everyone during his lesson. Who is paying attention and who is not, more precisely... Just like Earth teachers, he will immediately pick on the student who caught his attention or annoyed him by not paying attention.

It's not that I can't answer his questions, it is just I don't want to attract unnecessary attention. Even more so in his class.

"Good, good. Now who wants to demonstrate basic elemental manipulation? You guys already did it in the practical exam." I heard the instructor facing students. "You can create a fireball or sandman or whatever you can using your respective affinities."

"Are there any volunteers?"

Thankfully I'm at the back and his focus is on the front row. Moreover, there is a person I know who will answer the question.

"C-can I?" A voice spoke in a low voice, raising their hand.

Yes! I believed in you, Aurelius! You are really the MC.

"Oh, we have a volunteer. Ok, come to the stage and show us what you can do." The instructor called our protagonist to the stage.

This will be the first event for the protagonist to earn a name for himself according to the plot. He will also become the instructor's favorite student after another few lessons.

I watched silently as Aurelius descended to the podium.

Aurelius, with a slightly timid yet determined expression, made his way to the front of the classroom. The eyes of the students followed him, anticipation hanging in the air. Instructor Lyr, with a knowing smile, gestured for him to proceed.

"Alright, you may start." the instructor encouraged.

Aurelius took a deep breath, and the room fell into silence as he extended his hands. He focused on the element of earth, and in an instant, small rocks formed above his palms and began to levitate, swirling around him like a controlled dance. The display of Earth Manipulation elicited murmurs of amazement from the students.

"Well done," the instructor praised, his eyes reflecting approval.

Aurelius shifted his focus to his air affinity, as he channeled his aether, a gentle breeze enveloped the front row of the classroom. The air seemed to respond to his command, creating a serene and controlled gust. Whispers of admiration and awe echoed as the students witnessed his Air Manipulation.

The instructor nodded appreciatively. "Impressive indeed."

But Aurelius didn't stop, as if he was immersed in what he was doing.

The instructor watched with growing curiosity as Aurelius continued his elemental showcase. The room remained captivated as he seamlessly transitioned to his water affinity.

He then created a water ball, which caused surprises among the crowd.

"Is he a triple affinity Awakener?"

"Woah, that must have been the reason why he entered the top ten."

"..."

I could easily hear my classmates murmurs.

Sigh, you guys are reacting too early you know.

"Woah! H-he even has an affinity with fire?"

"That was a perfect fireball, right?!"

Our MC continued causing an uproar with his elemental showcase.

Thankfully, he stopped and turned toward the instructor who was equally surprised.

"Student Aurelius... You have four affinities and you already have basic control over them?" Instructor Lyr repeats the same lines as in the book.

"No professor."Aurelius, oblivious to the atmosphere around him replied. "I also have affinities with light, lightning, and darkness. It's just I haven't learned how to use them yet. Master told me I should learn them after mastering one of the four basic elements to the fullest."

The room fell into stunned silence as the revelation hung in the air, the students exchanged glances filled with surprise and curiosity. Whispers erupted once more, fueled by the awe of witnessing such a display.

The idea of a student possessing seven affinities, all the elements to be more precise, was beyond the realm of conventional understanding.

It was unheard of though there were some legends and stories.

The mention of these additional affinities stirred a fresh wave of disbelief. While some looked at him in awe, some scoffed, accusing him of exaggeration or outright falsehood.

'Isn't it time for our cliche villain to appear?' I laughed inwardly.

"You seriously expect us to believe that?" One skeptical student retorted loudly gathering the whole class's attention. "You are lying!"

And here he is.