Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"We went to the cafe you picked and then the Treasure Hunt. Then we got those rings that match. Look the silver one is still in my hands." I said quickly showing the silver ring on my fingers, hoping the personal memory would pierce through her doubt.

Aria hesitated for a fraction of a second, her eyes flickering with recognition. But she didn't lower her weapon. "..."

Before I could react, Aria's demeanor shifted dramatically.

"D-Don't come any closer." She muttered looking at me, her eyes took on a seductive glint, and her posture became awkward. She slowly stepped closer, her movements somewhat awkward yet alluring, it was as if she mimicking the illusion I had faced earlier. She reached out, her face near mine.

"Adrian," she purred, her voice dripping with allure. "Don't you want to come closer?"

For a moment, I was stunned. The transformation was uncanny, and I couldn't help but feel a flicker of doubt. My grip on my sword tightened again, my mind racing to understand what was happening. Was I under an illusion? And she was the fake one? But I can clearly...

"...Hehe." Seeing my hesitation, Aria's expression softened into a mischievous smile, and she giggled cutely. The sound was genuine, filled with warmth and familiarity. My confusion deepened, but the doubt began to clear. Yeah, she was the real one.

"Adrian," she said, her tone now gentle and sincere. "I knew it was you. And now I am sure."

I blinked, lowering my weapon completely. "You knew?"

She nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yes, but this place makes it hard to trust what you see. I had to be certain it wasn't another trick."

I let out a relieved laugh, shaking my head. "You almost had me there. I thought you were trying to seduce me like those illus-."

Oh crap, I said it, huh.

The next moment, I felt a chill sensation running down my spine as Aria's expression shifted. Her eyes narrowed and her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. "What kind of things did you see then?" She muttered her voice cold. "Did you enjoy them?"

Oh, shoot, she's angry.

"Umm... Look, it's Ardel and the others." I exclaimed pointing behind her.

She furrowed her brows and turned her back.

Now...

Let's run.

I bolted in the opposite direction, feeling a mix of panic and amusement. Aria's expression had shifted from suspicion to irritation in an instant, and I knew better than to stick around for her reaction.

"Adrian! Get back here!" Aria's voice echoed behind me, but I didn't slow down.

Many readers know how women can be dangerous when they are angry. So, let's meet her when her mood is better.

____ ___ _

Meanwhile, Aria who was 'tricked' by Adrian stood in her spot without moving.

Her cheeks flushed and her heart raced. When Adrian disappeared from her gaze, she finally let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She patted her cheeks, trying to calm the heat rising in them.

"What did I just do?" she muttered to herself, the memory of her bold actions replaying in her mind. The way she had acted—seductive and alluring—was so unlike her usual self. She covered her face with her hands, feeling the embarrassment wash over her.

"No, it's all because of those darn illusions." She justified herself. "How could he watch me like that... Though I also..."

Recalling how the Adrian in the illusions she was was, her cheeks flushed even more. The illusion had been disturbingly accurate, reflecting her deepest insecurities and hidden desires. She had seen Adrian's illusion, the one meant to trap her, and it had mirrored her own thoughts in a way that left her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

She sighed deeply, shaking her head. "Get it together, Aria," she muttered, straightening her posture. "This is no time to be distracted."

"Let's reunite with the others quickly,"

______ ___ _

After retreating I stopped in front of a large pool where there was a large circle rock at the center and a fist-sized ring type of artifact at the top of the rock. The ring emitted a faint, ethereal purple glow, casting intricate patterns on the surrounding water. This was probably an artifact of this Ruin. And since it was here...

I took a moment to catch my breath, the adrenaline still coursing through me from my encounter with Aria. I couldn't help but chuckle at how quickly the situation had escalated. But now, standing before this mystical pool, I needed to focus.

Because...

The Guardian was in the pool, either sleeping or waiting for his unlucky prey.

The water rippled slightly, and I could sense a presence lurking beneath the surface. The Guardian of the Seductive Serpent's Ruin was known for its cunning and lethality, a creature born from the very essence of the illusions that plagued this place. It was a formidable opponent, and we had to be prepared for anything.

'Let's leave before I become trapped in an illusion.'

I quickly retreated to a safe distance away from the pool, my senses on high alert. The faint glow of the artifact continued to cast eerie patterns on the water's surface, creating an almost hypnotic effect. I turned away, intending to put as much distance as possible between myself and the pool. However, as I moved, something felt off.

No matter how far I walked, the distance seemed to remain the same. The large pool and its ominous presence were still just a few steps behind me. I frowned, quickening my pace, but the scenery refused to change. The rocky terrain, the twisted vines, and the dark shadows all stayed eerily constant.

A sinking feeling settled in my gut. This wasn't right. I glanced back, the pool still disturbingly close. Realization struck me like a bolt of lightning.

"Damn it," I muttered under my breath. "I'm already trapped in an illusion."

I stopped moving, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Panic wouldn't help me here. I needed to think clearly and methodically if I wanted to break free from this deception. The Seductive Serpent's Ruin was living up to its name, its tricks, and illusions as cunning as they were relentless.

However, just as I was about to move, my hair stood on end as I sensed a predatory presence behind me. Slowly, I turned, my grip tightening on my sword.

Shoot-!

There, emerging from the water, was the Guardian.