Encounter With The Heroine. Arriving at the Dorm.

"Yes, you. More precisely your actions during the exam. You got a perfect score on the written exam. Either you are a genius or you knew what questions would be asked. And the same thing goes for the practical exam and special exam."

"It was as if you knew the contents of them beforehand."

Ah, so that's how it was...

"Well, there were other reasons, but since you already confirmed it, there's no need to speak further."

"So, can you tell me about your ability?" Principal asked. "I knew someone with a similar ability to yours. That's why I'm curious."

Guess, I have no choice.

Although I'm now an extra, I shouldn't forget about my OP ability. However, I can't use it properly.

"Ok. My ability is called Chrono Vision. It allows me to catch glimpses of the future, although the visions are often fragmented and ambiguous. I can't control when these visions occur or their specific details. It's more like witnessing snippets of possible futures rather than having a clear, comprehensive view." I answered.

"So, it happens randomly, right?"

"Yes," I replied shortly. 

The principal was right as well. I got a vision regarding the special and practical exam just a week before the exam. But regarding the written exam, it was all done with my own knowledge.

The same could be said for the recent incident. I got a vision of her and him being chased by masked figures while rain was pouring down. It happened just a day before the incident, so I had a little time to prepare which resulted in getting myself nearly killed.

Well, that'll serve as an experience.

"So, that's why your ability is at the Solar Tier..." I then heard the principal's mumbling.

"Anyway, now we have already discussed everything, you are free to leave." He said as he looked at me. "But remember, you can stay at the academy for one year at most if you can't break through to the Lunar Tier. I know it's an impossible thing since you're 'affinityless', but miracles can happen, you know."

"...Yes. Miracles do happen." I replied. "Then, I'll excuse myself."

"Good, I hope you have a good time while studying in our academy."

With that, I turned back and walked toward the door.

I opened the door, and just as I was about to step out, a figure appeared in front of me. It was both familiar and unfamiliar, and our eyes locked for a moment. Those deep purple eyes held a certain depth that seemed to draw me in.

Aria.

The unconquerable heroine of the Aetheric Chronicles.

She stood there silently, her presence commanding yet enigmatic. A subtle tension hung in the air, and I found myself momentarily captivated by the aura she exuded.

'Damn, is it because I'm an extra?'

Realizing I had been staring, I coughed awkwardly, breaking the silence. "Uh, sorry. I didn't mean to be rude."

Aria remained silent, her expression unreadable. I couldn't help but feel a hint of discomfort under her scrutinizing gaze.

"I just had a meeting with your grandfather, Ah, I mean the Principal," I explained, attempting to fill the silence. "He gave me some rewards and discussed how I could contribute to the Academy with my ability."

Still, Aria didn't utter a word. Her silence added to the awkwardness of the moment, making me fidget under her gaze.

"Well, I should get going. And since you saved me, I owe you my gratitude," I said, mustering a polite smile. "Thanks for checking up on me during my recovery as well. I will definitely repay you. And now, if you excuse me..."

As I moved past her, she finally spoke, her voice calm and measured. "You owe me nothing. I acted out of necessity, not kindness. Don't mistake it for anything else."

Her words left me slightly perplexed, but I nodded in acknowledgment. Aria remained an enigma, her motives and feelings hidden beneath a composed exterior.

"Take care, Adrian Lighthaven," she said before turning and walking away, leaving me standing there with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty swirling in my mind.

With a sigh, I continued my journey through the Academy's halls, pondering the complexities of the world I had found myself in. The encounter with Aria, though brief, left me with a sense of intrigue and a realization that navigating the intricate web of relationships within the Academy would be no easy feat.

I was an introvert in my first no less.

Sigh... whatever, it's not like I'm gonna stay here for life.

One year. 

I can stay at the academy for one year.

And that'll be enough for me to complete my few plans and change a few things.

"Let's go to the dormitory then."

____ ___ _

Navigating the vast corridors of the Academy, I realized the enormity of the task before me. The labyrinthine halls seemed to stretch endlessly, and without a clear sense of direction, finding the dormitory felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. I sighed, realizing that my lack of familiarity with the Academy's layout could pose a challenge.

Remembering the novel and drawing on the knowledge from my previous life, I decided to seek guidance from other students. Spotting a group of students chatting nearby, I approached cautiously. They seemed engrossed in conversation, discussing their classes and exchanging laughter.

"Excuse me," I interrupted politely, catching their attention. "I'm new here and a bit lost. Can you help me find the dormitory for first-year students?"

The students eyed me curiously, assessing the newcomer in their midst. After a moment, one of them, a friendly-looking guy with sandy hair, grinned and pointed in a general direction.

"Sure thing! Head straight down this corridor, take a left, and you'll find the first-year dorms. You can't miss it," he said cheerfully.

"Thanks a lot," I replied with a nod, appreciating their willingness to help. "By the way, any advice for a newcomer like me?"

The group exchanged glances before the sandy-haired guy spoke up again. "Well, just be yourself and stay on the right side of the instructors. Some of them can be a bit strict, you know? And watch out for the cliques. Academy life can be competitive, but if you find the right group, it's not so bad."

I nodded, taking note of their advice. It seemed like the dynamics of the Academy were as complex as any social setting, and navigating them would require a delicate balance.

"Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep that in mind," I said, preparing to head in the direction they indicated.

As I walked away, the group continued their conversation, leaving me to traverse the unfamiliar halls alone. The Academy buzzed with activity, students moving about with purpose, and the air filled with palpable energy. Each step brought me closer to the dormitory, and with every passing moment, the reality of my new life sank in.

Finally reaching the first-year dormitory, I observed the entrance. The building exuded an air of both excitement and anticipation. Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that awaited me within the walls of the Academy.

"Here I come."