Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 40: You Gotta Learn How To Survive First [1]

Wednesday.

The classes ended just an hour ago and I already returned to the dorm and had lunch.

I also didn't forget to feed the little guy (silver egg), that I got yesterday with my Aether. According to instructor Elara, one needed to continuously feed eggs their Aether so it would recognize them when they hatch and would be a lot easier to bond with them.

My knowledge about beast taming of this world wasn't that much since the MC didn't try it. But my knowledge from other novels and stories will be definitely helpful in my situation. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as I sat in my room, watching over the silver egg nestled in its makeshift nest of soft cloth.

After I was done, I prepared a few things since I had another course later before evening - Survival Training Course.

Honestly speaking, I don't want to attend it since I know the instructor very well from the novel. How much he...

But, I don't have a choice, I have to attend it if I want certain things to change.

I won't say I'm a hero, but I have my morals. I can't just sit by and watch when it was something that I could prevent or do something about.

Yeah, I'm trying to be a good guy.

Anyway, after I was finished, I put everything into my storage ring and then left my room.

____ ___ _

The location of the course was a little far from the dorm. It was said we should arrive at the big hall in the mountains behind the academy's main grounds.

As I made my way toward the mountains, I couldn't shake off the feeling of apprehension gnawing at the pit of my stomach. The Survival Training Course was notorious among students for its rigorous and often grueling challenges, designed to push participants to their limits in the harshest of environments.

Despite my reluctance, I knew that attending this course was essential if I wanted to improve my skills and increase my chances of survival in this world. Plus, there was always the possibility of encountering valuable extra knowledge or resources that could aid me on my journey.

But...

I have to get past the first challenge to 'get accepted' into the course.

The instructor has prepared a few tests for us. If the students want to arrive at the hall at the top of the mountains, they need to finish these 'tests'.

Though the students know nothing about the 'tests'.

Except for me who already had a good time reading when the MC had to get through these 'tests'. That's also why I want to start earlier than others.

'I'm already at the entrance of the first test...' I mumbled inwardly as I saw the forest in front of me. 'Though it's a bit tricky and most of the students will fail in this, I am confident I can pass this one easily.'

With determination fueling my steps, I entered the dense forest, my senses alert for any signs of danger or hidden obstacles. As I navigated through the tangled undergrowth, memories from the novel flooded my mind, providing me with valuable insights and strategies to overcome the challenges that lay ahead.

The first test, as I recalled, involved traversing through the dense forest while avoiding traps and ambushes set by the instructor. It was a test of both physical agility and mental acuity, requiring participants to remain vigilant and adaptable in the face of unexpected obstacles.

As I moved deeper into the forest, I kept a keen eye out for any signs of danger, scanning the surroundings for potential traps or ambushes.

Suddenly, a faint rustling sound caught my attention, and I instinctively ducked behind a nearby tree.

"Sniff... Sniff..."

My heart began to race as the rustling sounds grew louder, accompanied by the distinct sound of sniffling nearby. My instincts screamed at me to stay hidden, to avoid drawing attention to myself, as I knew all too well what lurked within these forests.

With bated breath, I cautiously peered around the tree trunk, my eyes widening in alarm as I caught sight of the source of the noise—a towering beast, its form partially obscured by the dense foliage.

The creature's fur was a mottled brown, blending seamlessly with the shadows of the forest, while its sharp claws and fangs gleamed menacingly in the dappled sunlight. It sniffed the air, its senses keen as it prowled through the underbrush, searching for its next prey.

'Damn, just my luck...' I cursed inwardly. Though I knew this beast's true nature, its outward appearance and actions were still too terrifying.

As the beast continued to sniff and prowl, I carefully assessed my options. Running was out of the question; the creature's speed and agility would likely outmatch mine. Fighting also seemed ill-advised; even with my knowledge and skills, taking on such a formidable opponent would be reckless at best.

No, I needed to rely on my wits and cunning to outmaneuver the beast and make it through this test unscathed.

And thankfully, I already prepared a perfect plan to fool this monster and pass through the forest.

All I gotta do is... nothing. Well, waiting. Waiting for the beast to leave.

Not a great strategy but since I poured that 'special' odor on me, I am confident the beast won't be able to sense me. That way I can easily execute the wait and then escape plan.

Thankfully, the monster didn't stay around here for too long and I was able to pass through the forest without any trouble.

"Hehe, the first one is complete."

"I pity the MC and the others though," I remembered how much Aurelius and others struggled to get out of the forest. 'Keke, but it was also fun to read those chapters.'

'You gotta learn how to survive if you want to get stronger, was it, Instructor ****?'