Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The café nestled itself comfortably in the corner of the bustling Blue Star Town, its quiet warmth a sharp contrast to the restless energy outside. The walls were lined with old, polished wood, the air rich with the scent of freshly brewed drinks and baked bread. Alex sat at a corner table, his hood pulled low over his face. The half-empty glass of juice before him caught a glimmer of sunlight streaming through the window, condensation pooling at its base.

Across from him sat Z'yna and the Queen, both disguised as ordinary hunters through the amulets Alex had enhanced.

Z'yna's draconic features were dulled into the rough, battle-worn guise of a seasoned ranger, while the Queen carried an aura of ease despite her disguise, sipping delicately from her cup as though she were merely indulging in a casual outing.

Alex leaned back slightly, his gaze trained on the street outside, where a steady stream of people moved about their business.

His sharp eyes caught sight of a figure walking aimlessly on the far side of the street. Flowing silver hair cascaded down her back, catching the light as she moved without focus or direction.

Princess Isabella.

Aurelius's little sister.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

She looked no different from an ordinary citizen at first glance, but Alex could spot the faint unease in her posture, the calculated movements of the four guards who lingered inconspicuously around her.

They were good—trained to blend in without drawing attention—but their presence was obvious to someone like Alex.

Z'yna followed his gaze, her sharp eyes locking on Isabella. "She's been walking the same stretch for fifteen minutes," she murmured, her voice low enough that only Alex and the Queen could hear.

The Queen, seated elegantly with her drink, didn't so much as glance outside. She closed her eyes as if savoring the taste of her tea, letting the silence linger between them.

When she finally opened them, there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Everything is progressing as planned," she said softly, her tone carrying a quiet satisfaction. "The dragon boy is keeping the top hunter occupied, and the elvin chief's grandson has stirred the pot between the hunters and Avengers."

Alex gave a faint nod, his fingers tapping once on the edge of the table. "Good," he said simply, his tone measured and calm.

His eyes flickered back to Isabella, her figure shrinking as she moved farther down the street.

She was still under the Black Star Lord's manipulation, her free will suppressed by dark means he had employed. Saving her wasn't just a goal—it was a necessity.

Not just for the sake of saving, but for the battle to come.

And yet, there was more to it.@@novelbin@@

Taking her now would achieve more than one objective.

The plan was simple but effective: disguise as an Avenger, create a spectacle during the abduction, and sow discord between the Avengers and the hunters. Lead the guards back to the Avengers' base under false pretenses.

Hit two birds with one stone.

Of course, they would've saved Isabella and the other prisoners regardless. Alex wasn't one to leave people in chains. But the added chaos? That was just good strategy.

They could also check if the two sides have joined forces or not.

Z'yna watched him closely. "You're sure about this?"

Alex didn't answer. He drained the last of his juice, his gaze unwavering as he set the glass down. Then, standing in one smooth motion, he adjusted the edge of his cloak.

Queen leaned back, crossing her arms. The faintest hint of amusement danced in her sharp eyes. "No goodbyes, then?"

Alex ignored her, stepping away from the table. Z'yna's calm, knowing gaze followed him as he moved toward the door.

"Be quick," she said softly.

Alex paused at the threshold, glancing back for a fleeting moment. "I always am."

Without another word, he stepped into the street.

The air outside was brisk, the scent of dust and fresh bread mixing with the faint metallic tang of the nearby marketplace. Alex kept his hood low, his movements blending seamlessly with the flow of pedestrians.

As he walked, his sharp gaze tracked Isabella's every move. Her guards were positioned well—two trailing a short distance behind her, and two more stationed ahead, blending with the crowd. They were cautious, but it wouldn't matter soon enough.

Alex's expression remained calm, his steps unhurried as he moved closer. Every motion was deliberate, calculated. To the rest of the world, he was just another ordinary citizen.

The plan was already in motion.

Now, all he had to do was make his move.

He calculated his approach, noting the positions of her guards and the subtle sway in her movements.

Ten meters.

He was close now, his strides purposeful but unhurried.

Then, it happened.

SWOOSH-!

A blur of motion, faster than even Alex's trained reflexes could register. A hooded figure appeared beside Isabella as if materializing out of thin air.

Before the guards—or Alex—could react, the stranger's hand clasped around Isabella's arm, and in a single fluid motion, the princess and the figure vanished.

The air rippled with afterimages, faint traces of the hooded figure's path lingering for a heartbeat before dissipating. The guards froze, stunned by the sheer speed of the abduction.

'Eh?'

Alex's mind went blank and his body froze for the briefest moment.

The plan, the carefully orchestrated strategy—shattered in an instant.

'Not again!'

Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire

But he wasn't one to dwell.

"KILLERS!" His voice cut through the cacophony of the marketplace, sharp and commanding. "THE KILLERS ARE KIDNAPPING THE PRINCESS!"

The shout sent a ripple of chaos through the street. Bystanders turned in shock, some gasping, others scrambling to move out of the way. The guards, jolted into action by Alex's cry, drew their weapons and surged forward, their movements frantic as they attempted to locate the kidnapper.

Alex reached into his cloak, pulling out a Hunter Emblem and holding it high for all to see. The metallic crest caught the sunlight, glinting with authority.

"I'm a Hunter!" he barked. "AFTER THEM!"

Without waiting for a response, Alex broke into a sprint, his movements sharp and calculated. His eyes scanned the faint distortions in the air, the only clue left behind by the hooded figure's incredible speed.

The guards hesitated for a fraction of a second, their training clashing with the sheer confusion of the situation. But seeing Alex's emblem—and his determined pursuit—they followed, their weapons drawn as they pushed through the crowd.

They needed to save the lord's daughter!