Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

We now have officially become the strongest team among the first years!

I can say it without a doubt!

But the process of Aria ending up in our team was relatively funny. For some reason, the three groups she was assigned to instantly asked the instructor to replace her. They probably had the same reasons as the first team.

However, it was she who didn't want to be in the fourth group she was assigned to, even when the fourth group wanted her on their team. But she flatly rejected them. Maybe it was because it was Emeric's team.

So, in the end, she ended up being assigned to our team, making us the strongest group.

Honestly, I am quite pleased with her being our new member.

She is strong, responsible, reliable, pretty, wait, not this, ah, p-powerful, right-! And finally normal. Well at least compared to these three.

Exactly what I hoped for!

"Now, the class ends, you can disperse." While I was nodding in satisfaction (inwardly), the instructor's voice interrupted my thoughts.

As the students began to leave, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Now, our team was complete. And I don't have to worry about the upcoming event regarding the second-year students and the event that will take place right after it.

Hooh! I am really relieved.

Aria-! You are an angel-!

"H-Hey Kairen, Adrian looking at her differently." (Ardel)

"Right." (Kairen)

"Hmph, don't you know, that's how boys look like when they look at their cr-." (Lila)

"Listen up!" I quickly spoke up before Lila or these two guys could cause a misunderstanding. "Let's discuss our schedule with our new member. You are going to join us in team practice, right?"

"Yes." Aria subtly nodded.

Good, I managed to save my reputation. But damn these three.

Then, she told us when she would be free, fortunately, we didn't have to change the team practice time.

Then, we parted ways midway as those three decided to go to the cafeteria. Aria and I were left alone.

"Can you cook?" She suddenly asked, looking at my left arm.

"Ah, cook? Yeah, I can manage." I replied as calmly as possible.

"Alright," She nodded. "You can ask for my help if you can't do it."

"Thanks, I'll surely do that." I nodded with a smile. Then an idea crossed my mind. "You have a course in the evening and it probably ends around dinnertime, right?"

"Yes?" She answered slightly confused.

"In that case, why don't you spend the dinner with me? My schedule is free for today and since I can't train yet, I will be free. Besides, I wanted to express my gratitude for your help both for that day and the previous day."

"..." However, she suddenly stopped in her tracks, looking at me with a surprised expression.

'What, did I say something wrong?'

'I just invited her to a dinner, right?'

'Or... Did she misunderstand me?'

While I was doubting in my mind, her words brought me back to reality. "I will be in your care for the dinner then."

I smiled, relieved that she accepted my invitation. "Great! I'll prepare something special. Let's meet at my place after your class ends."

Aria nodded, a faint smile touching her lips. "Alright. See you then."

With that, we parted ways, and I headed back to my dorm, mentally planning the dinner. Cooking was a good distraction from the day's events and a chance to show my appreciation for Aria.

'But wait...'

'What should I cook?'

'Palov? Should I make palov? It's hearty and easy to cook.' I thought to myself, weighing my options.

As I entered my dorm, I immediately headed to the small kitchenette. I pulled out the ingredients I needed: rice, carrots, onions, and meat. Aria deserved a good meal, and I wanted to make sure it was perfect.

I set the pot on the stove, heating some oil before adding the onions. The kitchen started to fill with the comforting smell of sautéing onions. As I continued cooking, I couldn't help but think about Aria's reaction to my dinner invitation. Had she been surprised because no one had ever asked her to dinner before? Or was it something else?

I shook my head, focusing on the task at hand. I added the carrots and meat to the pot, stirring everything together before adding the rice. As I poured in the water and let the mixture simmer, I set the table, making sure everything was perfect.

By the time I finished, the palov was ready, and the savory aroma filled the room. I glanced at the clock – Aria's class should be ending soon.

I took a moment to tidy up, making sure the place looked presentable. Just as I finished, there was a knock on the door.

"Coming!" I called out, hurrying to open the door.

It was obviously Aria, and as I looked at her, I was momentarily stunned, my words caught in my throat. She stood there, her silver hair glistening under the hallway light, but it was her attire that truly took my breath away. She had changed out of her usual academy uniform and was now wearing a simple yet elegant dress that highlighted her beauty in a way I hadn't seen before.

She looked absolutely stunning.

I quickly shook my head, snapping out of my reverie. "Come in, please," I managed to say, stepping aside to let her enter.

Aria walked in, her eyes taking in the cozy ambiance of my dorm room and the neatly set table. "You didn't have to prepare this much, Adrian," she said, her voice slightly warm and appreciative. "Thanks."

I smiled, feeling a bit awkward under her gaze. "It's the least I could do. Please, have a seat."

We sat down, and I served the palov, placing generous portions on our plates. "I hope you like it. It's a traditional dish from my hometown," I said, trying to gauge her reaction. Well, from my home planet, or world?

Aria took a bite, her eyes lighting up as she tasted the food. "This... is delicious."

Good, she liked it! I knew this was the best choice!

We continued eating, the conversation flowing slowly between us. It felt natural, comfortable. I didn't even sense how the time passed.

It was already time for her to leave.

But, man, this was the best dinner I had since I came to this world.