Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"So, it's decided then," Aurelius spoke and others nodded in understanding.

"Be careful, you two then," Ren added as he looked at Adrian and Ardel. "Wake us immediately if something happens."

"..." Emeric didn't say a word and left the group.

Just now, in this little meeting, they discussed how to spend the night. Each group would take three hours to guard the campsite while the others slept. Adrian and Ardel volunteered to take the first watch, followed by Ren's group, and then Aurelius's group.

They decided Emeric's group would be last since they were the most exhausted. But, they would have to prepare breakfast for everyone.

After an hour, everyone went to sleep since they had to wake up early tomorrow.

As the night settled in, Adrian and Ardel took their positions near the campfire.

"Haha, this reminds me of the old days I used to keep watch with my uncle." Ardel started a conversation. And since their relationship improved, he wasn't as shy and awkward as before. "He used to tell me scary stories but would tell adventurous stories from time to time as well. You know, Adrian-?! Adrian?"

As Ardel shifted his gaze to his side, he didn't see Adrian, who were sitting with him just a moment ago.

Confused, Ardel looked around, trying to spot Adrian. Just as he was about to call out to him, he noticed Adrian entering the little camp they had made, his movements silent and deliberate.

"Adrian?" Ardel called out in a hushed voice, his tone filled with confusion. "Where are you going?"

Adrian turned to look at Ardel, his expression unreadable in the dim light of the campfire. With a faint smirk, he replied, "To sleep of course."

Ardel blinked in surprise, his confusion deepening. "Sleep? But... it's our watch."

Adrian simply shrugged, his demeanor calm and composed. "I've already checked the perimeter. Everything seems quiet. Besides, I am confident nothing will happen."

"Not on our watch at least..." He added in a low voice, but Ardel didn't hear him.

"B-But, Adrian, we agreed to take turns keeping watch," Ardel protested, feeling a sense of unease creeping over him. "It's not good if we ignore our duties and go to sleep as well."

"Oh, that's indeed true." Adrian nodded at Ardel's explanation. Ardel's expression brightened as he thought Adrian was coming back.

"In that case, why don't you keep the watch by yourself? I am sure you can do it. You can easily sense danger with your ability as well." However, to Ardel's misfortune, Adrian didn't plan to return at all. "You can wake me up if you sense anything suspicious. Ah, right, don't forget to wake me up ten minutes before the time our watch ends. I leave it to you, my friend."

Before Ardel could say anything, Adrian quickly retreated to his makeshift bed, leaving Ardel alone by the campfire.

Ardel sat there in stunned silence, watching as Adrian settled down to sleep without a care in the world. He couldn't believe what had just happened. Adrian had essentially abandoned his post, leaving him alone to keep watch.

Feeling a mix of frustration and confusion, Ardel glanced around the campsite, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.

'Right, he must be really exhausted, or else he wouldn't have done such a thing...' Ardel consoled himself. 'In that case, I need to be extra careful.'

Determined to cover Adrian, his first friend, Ardel activated his ability and focused on his surroundings, extending his senses out into the forest.

Soon, three hours passed by in the blink of an eye, however, for Ardel, it felt like an eternity. He remained vigilant throughout the night, his senses attuned to every rustle of leaves and every snap of twigs in the darkness.

He first went over to their camp and nudged Adrian to wake him up, just as they had agreed. Adrian stirred, blinking sleepily as he sat up, rubbing his eyes.

"Huh? Is it time already?" Adrian muttered, still half-asleep.

"Yes, our watch is over," Ardel replied, trying to hide his annoyance. "I kept watch as you asked."

Adrian yawned, stretching his arms before standing up. "Good job, Ardel. Thanks for covering for me. You are a real friend."

Ardel was slightly stunned at Adrian's words, then a smile crept onto his face. "..."

"Ah, right, you should go to sleep now, look at the dark circles under your eyes. You must be really exhausted." Adrian added, giving Ardel a pat on the back before making his way outside. "Don't worry, I will wake up the others."

"O-Okay," Ardel muttered and went to the bed. As soon as he lay down, he drifted off into a deep and well-deserved sleep, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and pride for successfully completing his watch.

"Gosh, did you use your ability till now to make you this exhausted?" Adrian muttered in a low voice as he peeked at sleeping Ardel. "But, that should keep you asleep till morning. You don't have to get involved in this mess. You have four more years to spend in the academy..."

"Alright then, should I wake Ren and his group then?" Adrian mumbled as he went to wake up Ren and his group, ensuring that the next watch was ready to take over.

Ren and his group stirred sleepily as Adrian approached, gently shaking each of them awake. They groggily rubbed their eyes, murmuring their thanks as they slowly rose to their feet.

"Thanks for waking us, Adrian," Ren said with a smile, already fully awake. "We'll take it from here."

Adrian nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "No problem. I'm going to get some rest now."

As Ren's group settled in for their watch, Adrian returned to his makeshift camp. However, he didn't enter it, took a glance at Ren's group, and went behind their camp, directly entering into the forest.

Ren looked over to the side, wondering if he heard something. But he shook his head, thinking it was Adrian who might have collapsed to the bed. "Let's focus on the mission..."