Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

About ten minutes later, Veda stepped back from her work with a satisfied nod. "There," she said, her tone calm. "They'll need a few days of rest, no fighting or strenuous activities, but they should be fine."

Tessa and Lenny, pale but now stable, thanked Veda quietly as they sat back, relief visible on their faces. As they relaxed, Rhea entered from another room, a faint smile on her lips. "The room is ready, Master," she said.

Veda nodded in approval and turned to Aurelius and Rhea. "Help Darius to the room," she instructed.

Aurelius gave a quick nod, moving to support Darius alongside Rhea.

Adrian watched this unfold, catching the subtle glance Veda threw at Aurelius and her apprentice.

'Truly an old hag...'

He smirked inwardly, already aware of her intentions. Veda had clearly noticed her disciple's growing feelings for Aurelius, so, she would likely encourage them. She would say some lines like - 'You two look good together', 'Have you gone out on a date yet?' and so on.

Honestly, it frustrated him. His sister's now almost-boyfriend being in a relationship with other girls.

He liked it when the main character had a harem back when he was on Earth. It sounded cool and amazing. But now, being in an actual world, being the brother of a heroine who would be a part of someone's harem...

He hated it.

It wasn't because he was overprotective of his sister or anything, nor he was jealous of Aurelius, it is just, having his single wife-for-life mentality back from earth couldn't accept this.

But, this world wasn't Earth, nor did he want to control his sister's life.

Well, he would talk with his sister and Aurelius soon about this as well...

'Hehe, Teacher must be really having a good time...'

Adrian chuckled to himself, imagining Darius struggling in the room not only with his physical injuries but also with the awkward tension that was bound to unfold.

As Darius was led away, Aria and Aurelia had already taken Tessa and Lenny back to their home, fulfilling their request for rest and privacy. With only Adrian and old man Doome left behind, an awkward silence settled in the room.

Not knowing how to break it, Adrian finally spoke. "Thank you for coming, and... I'm sorry for dragging you into all of this."

Doome waved him off, standing up from his seat with a proud grin. "Bah, no need for apologies. I have no injuries, as you can see." With that, he dramatically lifted his shirt to reveal his surprisingly muscled body and chiseled abs, clearly trying to show off.

Adrian's lips twitched. "Of course, you're the master of survival, after all," he said, half-amused.

Doome chuckled heartily. "Haha, you bet I am."

"..."

"You've already realized, from the two courses I taught you, haven't you? Physical and mental survival are all that matter. Besides, you've surprised me with everything you've done so far. I'm glad to have a student like you, truly."

Then, his tone softened, and he sighed in regret, his expression momentarily clouding over.

It was obvious he was remembering Adrian's condition.

"..."

The silence that followed was heavy, neither of them needing to say more. It was a shared understanding that loomed over them both.

About another ten or fifteen minutes later, Veda entered the room once again, looking clearly exhausted from the strain of using her ability for so long. Adrian glanced up at her, silently observing her weary demeanor, his gaze then flicking to old man Doome.

Doome's expression, which had been carefree and boastful moments ago, now gave way to concern. His eyes softened as he took in Veda's tired state, though there was also a flicker of determination in his gaze—something protective, perhaps.

Adrian noticed it right away.

"It's done," Veda said, her voice quieter now. "I've taken care of Darius's injuries, but he'll need to stay here for another three days. No movement or strenuous activities."

Doome stood up, the concern in his eyes being clouded. "Then, now that I know about them, I'll get going," he announced, his usual bravado dimming slightly.

Adrian could guess the real reason—Doome didn't want Veda to push herself further by worrying about or healing him. Or maybe, he really was completely uninjured as he claimed.

Either way, Adrian saw through the old man's intentions.

Veda remained silent, staring at Doome as he prepared to leave.

But then, instead of responding with words, she stepped closer to him, her expression unreadable. Doome noticed the shift in her actions, and his easygoing confidence faltered.

He hesitated, taking a step back as Veda continued to approach.

"Veda—" Doome started, but his voice trailed off as his back hit the wall after a few steps.

He was cornered.

Veda placed her hands firmly on his chest and abdomen, her gaze dropping to them, her fingers lightly brushing his skin.

Doome froze under her touch, a look of bewilderment crossing his face. Adrian, who was standing nearby, now entirely treated like a mere bystander, almost gawked at the scene unfolding before him.

Doome blushed—actually blushed—and quickly looked away, clearly flustered.

The sight of the man, who had been boasting about his abs and strength just moments ago, now behaving like a lovestruck maiden caught in a romantic drama was nothing short of shocking.

He was like a lovesick girl, feeling as if her heart was being playfully pounded by her eager boyfriend, leaving her breathless and laughing at the silly chaos of their love.

Adrian's mouth nearly dropped to the floor.

In both of his lives, never had he imagined seeing this man in such a state. Doome, the fearless survival master, the man who prided himself on his resilience, was now standing there, red-faced and tense, as if Veda's touch alone had completely undone him.

'Shoot...'

The entire scene was so surreal that Adrian almost couldn't believe it.

Doome looked as though he was waiting for Veda to speak, yet too embarrassed to say anything himself.

'Damn...'

Adrian bit his lip, trying to suppress a laugh, feeling like he was witnessing something far more intimate than he had any right to.