Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Adrian glanced at Aria as he heard her words. He was stunned for a moment but shook his head, thinking she didn't mean it that way.

'But, a hedgehog of all creatures? Has my luck run out?'

'But it can talk, though telepathically... It called me and Aria its parents... What a strange turn of events...'

'Whatever, I have a feeling it's not as ordinary as it seems. Even Aria believes that...'

"Then... What should we call you, little one?" Adrian muttered as he cradled the tiny hedgehog in his hands.

The hedgehog blinked up at him with its large, obsidian eyes, clearly not understanding his words. Aria stepped closer, a thoughtful look on her face. She tilted her head slightly, studying the little creature before smiling warmly.

"How about... Noxy?" Aria suggested, her voice gentle and affectionate. "It sounds cute and fitting for him, don't you think? Nox since he was born at night, and Noxy since it is a baby."

"Noxy?" Adrian looked at the hedgehog and Aria. "What about it, Noxy? Do you like that name?" Adrian asked, looking down at the tiny creature.

The hedgehog blinked its large eyes and, for a moment, seemed to consider the name. Then, in a soft, almost whisper-like telepathic voice, they both heard it again. "Noxy... Noxy! Noxy!" Noxy repeated its name a few times, clearly satisfied with it.

Adrian and Aria exchanged a surprised but delighted glance. "Well, Noxy it is," Adrian said, smiling warmly. "Welcome to the family, Noxy."

Noxy snuggled in Adrian and Aria's hand and they felt a surge of affection for the tiny creature. Despite its unremarkable appearance, they both knew Noxy was special. The bond they felt with the hedgehog was undeniable, and both were excited to discover what made Noxy unique.

Aria reached out and gently stroked Noxy's soft fur. "We should take good care of him," she said softly. "I have a feeling he'll surprise us in more ways than one."

Adrian nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. We'll make sure Noxy is well taken care of."

The night was peaceful, and the bond between the three of them felt strong and unbreakable. As they stood together in the moonlit clearing, Adrian felt a sense of completeness and hope for the future.

_______ ____ __

After some time, Noxy fell asleep in Adrian's hands, its tiny body curled up comfortably. The moonlight bathed them in a gentle glow, and the serene atmosphere made the moment even more special.

Aria looked at Adrian, her eyes reflecting the same warmth and tenderness he felt. "We should let Noxy rest. He's just been born, after all."

Adrian nodded, carefully placing the sleeping hedgehog in a small, soft cloth he found in his storage ring. "There, that should keep him warm."

As he finished, Adrian glanced back at Aria. "So, what should we do now? We still had plans for today but with Noxy's arrival..."

Aria smiled, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, I think our plans have changed a bit. How about we take a walk? We can talk and enjoy the night and then return to the dorm."

Adrian smiled back, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. "That sounds good."

They began to walk along the edge of the pond, the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle chirping of night insects creating a peaceful backdrop to their conversation.

"Aria... As I told you earlier, I like you." Adrian started as he walked. "However, I want to tell you a few things before you answer."

"Hmm..." Aria nodded in response, already anticipating Adrian to say this.

"You know that I don't have an affinity with either of the 7 elements. Which means I have no future as an Awakener. Although I hate to admit it, this is an undeniable fact. However, I just don't give up on myself, I will try my best to find a way to break through my limits."

"And... I may have to leave the academy after this semester if I can't advance to the Lunar Tier. So, we might not be able to be together..."

Adrian continued explaining his circumstances and what she should consider before answering his confession.

Honestly, he had no real experience with love, he knew a bit only from reading novels and comics or watching dramas. But he knew most of them weren't realistic.

Real life wasn't like the stories he had read or watched. There were real challenges, real struggles, and sometimes, things didn't work out as planned. Adrian wanted to be honest with Aria about his uncertainties and the obstacles they might face. That's just how he was.

Aria listened intently, her eyes never leaving his. She could see the sincerity and vulnerability in his expression, and it only made her feelings for him grow stronger.

"However, if you agree... I promise I will do my best to make this work. To be there for you, no matter what happens. I will protect you and love you for all eternity."

'Damn, the last part wasn't needed!'

Adrian continued despite his inner shame, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I understand if you need time to think about this, Aria. You don't have to answer now. I can wait." He looked at her, trying to gauge her reaction, but she remained calm and silent, her eyes reflecting a depth of understanding.

Silence enveloped them as they walked side by side, the soft sounds of the night creating a soothing backdrop. Adrian's mind, however, was far from quiet. Thousands of questions raced through his thoughts, each one more urgent than the last.

'What did I say? Did I say something wrong? I didn't mess up, right? Why isn't she speaking? Could it be she dislikes me? No, she wouldn't have kissed me then?

Ugh, why did I say I could wait?'

The walk felt longer than it actually was, each step echoing with his anxieties and uncertainties. Aria's silence only intensified his inner turmoil, and by the time they reached the dorm and their floor, Adrian was almost consumed by his thoughts.

Just as they reached their doors, Aria's soft voice broke through his reverie. "Adrian."