Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"Huh? What's that nonsense?" I asked looking at his sad face. "Although it's true you can't use it to fight, your ability is still incredible," I said, genuinely impressed by Ardel's ability. "Being able to connect with nature like that will be quite the advantage, especially in situations like this. Not to mention, you can develop your own fighting style which suits your ability as well."

Ardel's cheeks flushed with pride at my praise, clearly buoyed by my positive reaction. His expression softened at my words, a hint of gratitude shining in his eyes.

"Th-thank you, Adrian," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "You're the first person to ever say something like that to me."

"Come on, don't say stuff like that. It sounds weird." Really, it was weird.

"Oh, ok."

"Anyway, let's stop this awkwardness, we have a mission to complete," I told him. "I am also pretty sure we can find the exit in one or two hours with your ability. So, let's quickly get to work. After that, we will have enough time for other things."

"Y-You think we can do that?" He asked in doubt.

"Huh, aren't you confident? I thought you were good at things like this. Or perhaps..." I tried to provoke his pride. It was the only thing he was good at after all.

"N-no, I'm confident!" That worked, hehe.

"So, let's start already, we are losing on time."

"Y-Yes, let me concentrate then..."

As Ardel concentrated, I stood by, observing the surroundings. The forest seemed to respond to his connection, the foliage shifting and rustling in response to his energy. It was still fascinating to witness, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe for his abilities. This is a fantasy every reader dreams of after all.

After a few moments of intense focus, Ardel's eyes snapped open, a determined glint shining in them. "I-I think I found it," he declared, pointing in a specific direction. "The direction of the exit is that way."

"Good job, Ardel," I commended, nodding approvingly. "Let's go then, you can lead the way."

"Y-Yes!"

With Ardel at the forefront, we ventured deeper into the forest, navigating through the dense foliage with relative ease. Along the way, we encountered various creatures native to the forest, from common beasts to more formidable Novice and Elemental Beasts.

Whenever we encountered these creatures, I took charge, swiftly dispatching them with a combination of techniques and weapons. Ardel watched in awe as I effortlessly handled each encounter, his confidence in our abilities growing with each victory.

Despite the occasional challenges posed by the creatures, we pressed on. And true to my prediction, after about two hours of relentless trekking, we finally emerged from the dense forest, greeted by the sight of sunlight filtering through the trees.

"We made it," Ardel exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face. "I can't believe we actually found the exit!"

"See, I told you we could do it," I said, returning his smile. "You did great, Ardel. Your abilities were a huge help."

Well, he is really kinda OP on his own way if you think about it.

Ardel beamed with pride at the praise, clearly elated by our success. He was eager to return to the others and share the news of our accomplishment, but before he could do so, I stopped him.

"Ardel, listen to me. We shouldn't tell the others about finding the exit," I said, my tone serious. "It's better if we keep it to ourselves for now."

"But why?" Ardel asked, confusion evident in his expression.

"Trust me, it's for the best," I replied cryptically. "There are reasons why we shouldn't reveal everything to the others just yet. Let's keep this between us for now."

Reluctantly, Ardel nodded in agreement, albeit with a hint of disappointment. He trusted my judgment, though, and knew that I had our best interests at heart.

But I still need to find a good excuse...

"Listen, I know you want to get recognized but think about it." I started explaining. "If we tell them we already found it and then get out of the forest, where is the meaning in that? Wouldn't that be too easy? I think Professor Doome specifically gave us this challenge so that the students could improve and learn by doing real actions.

If they stay at the academy all the time, they can't survive when the time comes. You agree as well, right?"

"You know how dangerous wilderness can be since you are from a hunters' tribe, right?"

"Y-Yeah..." Ardel muttered his head down. "I didn't think about it. T-Thank you for reminding me of that. And... you are right... I forgot to think about the bigger picture."

"No big deal, you forgot since you were overwhelmed with joy," I reassured him. "It happens to everyone."

"...A-Adrian... Can I ask you something?" Ardel asked, looking hesitant.

I nodded indicating it was ok.

"W-Why are acting friendly with me... Being casual... Usually, you are cold, indifferent yet calm. I thought you didn't like anyone..." He spoke awkwardly. "A-ah, sorry, I didn't mean to be rude! I shouldn't have asked that."

My expression turned cold in an instant. "So, you think I am a cold person, huh."

"H-Heek! N-No, s-sorry."

"....Pffft! Gosh, you are so funny," I laughed out loud seeing his reaction. "No need to apologize, Ardel. You're not wrong though, I do tend to keep my distance from others. But I'm not the person everyone thinks I am, at least not completely. I saw you were somewhat lonely, and I thought it would be good to make friends after all.

Plus, we made a good team, don't you think?"

Ardel's eyes widened in surprise, clearly taken aback by my candid admission. He seemed unsure of how to respond, his expression caught between disbelief and gratitude.

"A-Are we friends?" He asked unsure.

"You don't want to?" I asked 'coldly'.

"N-No, I-I want to! Thank you for saying that, Adrian!" Ardel replied, his voice filled with genuine warmth and gratitude. "I-I would be honored to call you my friend."

With a smile, I extended my hand towards Ardel, offering it to him in friendship. "Then it's settled. Friends?"

Ardel hesitated for a moment before reaching out and grasping my hand firmly in his own. "Friends," he affirmed, a bright smile spreading across his face.