Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Sunday arrived, and just like usual, Adrian found himself walking through the familiar grounds of the Wild Heart Sanctuary. The sanctuary seemed peaceful, almost deceptively so, considering what he suspected was about to unfold.

Adrian's steps were unhurried as he made his way toward the main area, where Irithel was likely tending to the creatures. Today, he wasn't just here out of routine; he had a mission. The inspection they had all been dreading weeks ago, an event that had since faded from the forefront of everyone's mind, was likely to take place today.

Adrian could feel it in the air—a tension that only someone as observant as him would notice.

He wasn't entirely sure what would happen, but he had prepared himself for various scenarios. After all, if there was one thing he'd learned, it was that being ready for the unexpected was half the battle.

As he approached the aviary, he spotted Irithel, her back turned to him as she focused on feeding a group of beasts with rainbow feathers and small mouths. Her presence was calm, almost serene, a stark contrast to the unease that simmered beneath the surface of the sanctuary. Adrian allowed himself a small smile before walking up to her.

"Good morning, Irithel," he greeted, his voice breaking the quiet.

Irithel turned, her expression softening as she saw him. "Good morning, Sir Adrian. You're here early today."

"Thought I'd lend a hand," he replied casually, stepping up beside her. "Plus, I wanted to check on things. It feels like today might be... eventful."

Irithel raised an eyebrow at that, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Eventful? You're not usually one for vague predictions, sir Adrian. Is there something I should know?"

Adrian smiled, his expression easygoing despite the weight of his words. "Just a hunch. Let's just say I've got a feeling we might have some unexpected visitors today."

Irithel's gaze lingered on him for a moment, as if trying to read between the lines of what he was saying. She knew him well enough to trust his instincts, and there was something about his tone that made her more alert.

"Well, if you're going to help, I won't say no," she said, a small smile touching her lips. "There's plenty to do. These little ones are always hungry."

Adrian nodded, rolling up his sleeves and getting to work beside her. The two of them fell into an easy rhythm, tending to the creatures and ensuring everything was in order. It was almost like the first time before the sanctuary's troubles had begun to escalate.

The morning passed in a blur of activity as Adrian and Irithel moved through the sanctuary, feeding and caring for the beasts. The creatures, with their vibrant feathers and curious eyes, seemed to sense the calm before the storm, their usual energy subdued as if they too were waiting for something.

As noon approached, the sanctuary settled into a peaceful lull. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the grounds. Adrian and Irithel had just finished feeding the last of the beasts and were preparing to take a break when the silence was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Adrian's senses sharpened instantly, and he exchanged a quick glance with Irithel. She caught the sudden tension in his posture and turned to look toward the entrance, her calm demeanor giving way to a frown.

Just as they had suspected, the trouble came when everyone was low on guard. The sanctuary staff, having completed the morning's work, were either gone to take their lunch or attended to their own tasks, leaving the front area unusually quiet.

The door creaked open, and Mr. Hawke strode into the sanctuary, his expression as stern and cold as ever. Behind him followed a group of individuals who immediately drew Adrian's attention.

At the forefront was a man in an official black and blue uniform adorned with the emblem of TWAO—The World Awakeners' Organization. The symbol gleamed under the sunlight, a mark of authority that instantly put everyone on edge.

Beside the uniformed man walked another familiar face according to what they heard — the inspector who had come to the sanctuary last time. His expression was even more severe than before, his sharp eyes scanning the area with a look of disapproval that made it clear he hadn't forgotten his last visit.

Trailing behind them were several men, likely Mr. Hawke's associates, judging by their demeanor and the way they kept close to him. They were all dressed in plain, dark clothing, their faces hard and unreadable, as if they were here on more than just official business.

Adrian's gaze narrowed as he assessed the situation. The timing was no coincidence; they had chosen to come when the sanctuary was at its most vulnerable, with most of the staff occupied or taking a break. He glanced at Irithel, who was already moving toward the approaching group, her expression a mixture of concern and resolve.

'Guess, it's her personality...' Adrian muttered inwardly before following after her.

"Mr. Hawke," Irithel greeted them, her voice polite but tinged with tension. "We weren't expecting visitors today."

Mr. Hawke's eyes flicked to Irithel, then briefly to Adrian, before settling back on her. It was clear he didn't expect them to be here, not Adrian at least.

"An unannounced inspection," he said flatly. "The inspector has some concerns that need to be addressed immediately."

The inspector stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the sanctuary. "The last time I was here, there were several issues that remained unresolved. I'm here to ensure that those matters have been taken care of."

Adrian remained silent, his expression calm as he watched the exchange. He could sense the underlying threat in the inspector's words, the implication that this visit was not just routine. This was a calculated move, orchestrated by someone with the intent of bringing the sanctuary down. And judging by Mr. Hawke's expression and actions, Adrian had a good idea of who was behind it.

'So, they want to go all out today.'

"Of course," Irithel replied, her voice steady despite the tension. "We've worked hard to address the concerns you raised last time. Please, follow me, and I'll show you the improvements we've made. However, we should call Mrs. Rena before we start."

She turned to head to find Mrs. Rena, but the uniformed man held up a hand, stopping her. "We'll immediately begin with the aviary," he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

_________ ____ ___

(Author: I just started writing a new novel. Go check it out.

Your next read is at m v|l-e'-NovelBin.net

Its name is - The Tale of Two Legendary Fools.

I'm sure you will like it. Don't forget to write your opinions about it.

And, we will be starting the climax of this arc soon. So, stay tuned.)