Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

In a noble carriage entering the city.

"Dad, why did you leave so soon? Didn't we plan to use this chance today?" The boy who was just whining and shouting moments ago now looked at his father, Mr. Hawke, with a confused expression.

Mr. Hawke sighed, glancing around and activating the soundproof barrier spell to ensure they wouldn't be heard before speaking. "Son, you have to learn how to choose your battles. Today, we created enough trouble to sow some doubt and discord, but pushing too hard right now could backfire. We need to be strategic."

The boy frowned, rubbing his burnt hand. "But that student girl and her beast were still there. And that guy, another student as well, he seemed like he was protecting them. What if they figure out what we're up to and report to the academy?"

Mr. Hawke's expression darkened. "Don't worry about the boy student. He won't be a problem for long, he was here only for a one-time mission. As for the girl student and her beast, we'll find another opportunity. Patience is key.

We need to weaken their defenses and make them doubt themselves first. That way, when we make our move, they'll be too disorganized to fight back."

The boy nodded slowly, understanding dawning on his face. "Alright, Dad. I'll be patient."

Mr. Hawke patted his son's shoulder. "Good. Now, let's get that hand treated. Your mother will nag us again if she sees this."

As the carriage continued to walk away, Mr. Hawke couldn't help but smile to himself. The sanctuary and its inhabitants wouldn't know what hit them.

Soon, he would complete his plans and become the owner of another sanctuary.

_______ ____ __

Three days later. Celestial Arcane Academy.

First Years, Second Class - The Enchantment Class.

In the practical hall, the atmosphere was abuzz with the anticipation of the new class. The practical time of Enchantment Class was designed for hands-on learning, with each student's worktable neatly equipped with all the necessary tools for enchanting items, weapons, and other objects. The theory part was held last week. So, one week of theory and one week of practice.

The students shuffled in, their chatter and excitement filling the room as they took their seats at the worktables. The walls of the hall were lined with various enchanting artifacts, from simple charms to complex enchanted weapons, showcasing the possibilities that lay ahead.

As the students settled, the door at the front of the hall opened, and the two instructors entered.

Adrian focused on the male instructor, a tall beastman with snake-like eyes and sharp, menacing teeth, who commanded immediate attention. His presence alone was enough to silence the room. His eyes, slitted and cold, surveyed the students with a penetrating gaze.

From what he remembered, he was called Professor Sibilus, which carried the meaning of "useless poisons," a name earned due to his once-incredible but now seemingly unremarkable skill in poison-making that had transitioned to enchantment.

'Another supporting character who plays a good role in this semester...'

Sibilus approached the center of the room and spoke, his voice a low, hissing rumble. "Welcome, students, to the practical part of the Enchantment Class. I am Professor Sibilus, the main instructor for the practical aspects of this course. Here, you will learn how to channel your magic into objects, imbuing them with powerful enchantments."

He gestured to his side, where a much shorter, but equally noticeable figure stood. She was a beastwoman with fluffy fox ears and tail and a warm, welcoming demeanor.

Adrian instantly remembered her. Her name was Kiri, which meant "cute short fox."

Despite her petite stature, she carried an air of competence and friendliness.

"And this is my cute assistant, Kiri," Sibilus continued, his voice softening slightly as he introduced her. "She will assist you with any questions or issues you may encounter during your practical sessions. But I must warn you... Don't stare at her too much, don't stare at her ears, don't speak her too much, and..."

"S-Sir Sibilus! S-Stop, please." Kiri exclaimed as Sibilus continued with his list of `don't`s. "I-I will introduce myself."

"Hmm.. Alright." Sibilus nodded.

"Hello, everyone! As Professor Sibilus introduced, my name is Kiri. I'm pleased to meet you all." Kiri gave a cheerful wave to the students, her fox ears twitching in delight. "I graduated from here two years ago and became an assistant instructor last year. Hope we'll get along. Ah, right, if you have any difficulties or need guidance, just ask.

I'm looking forward to working with all of you!"

"Woah!"

"Yes, Miss Kiri!"

"She's cute!"

The students cheered loudly. Adrian could only sigh shaking his head. They were reacting as if she were an idol giving free motivational interviews.

'But prof and assistant prof must have some kind of relationship...'

Sibilus's gaze returned to the students, his expression hardening once more. "Today, we will begin by enchanting simple objects - the most basic enchantment. Each of you will use the tools provided at your worktable to practice the basic enchantment. Your goal is to complete a basic enchantment by the end of the class."

The students nodded, their excitement mixed with nervousness. Sibilus's imposing presence and Kiri's encouraging demeanor created a balance that kept the atmosphere focused and energized.

"Now, pay attention, I will show how it is done three times." Sibilus stepped forward, picking up a simple metal ring from his worktable. He held it up for the class to see, his snake-like eyes gleaming in the light. Behind him stood a large screen showing the process in a big and focused view. "The first step in any enchantment is focus. Clear your mind and channel your aether into the object."

He demonstrated, his fingers glowing with a faint, greenish light as he concentrated on the ring. The students watched in rapt attention as the light transferred from his fingers into the ring, causing it to shimmer slightly. "Once your aether is flowing into the object, you need to shape it with your intent. For this exercise, we'll start with a simple enhancement—strengthening the metal."

As he spoke, the ring began to glow brighter, its surface shimmering with a new, more robust sheen. Sibilus held it up again, showing the students the difference. "This is a basic enchantment, enhancing the durability of the metal. Now, watch closely as I repeat the process two more times."

'Well, that looked easy but I bet the process will be like his.'