Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"Huh? Hands?" she repeated, looking down at our hands clasped together. Her eyes widened in realization, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, quickly letting go of my hands and pulling back, clearly embarrassed.

Girl, why did you do it if you were gonna act this way?

"Pah..." The Fire Salamander, Ignis, let out a small puff of smoke, looking somewhat relieved. But it didn't forget to cast me a warning glance.

Hey, it was your master who did all this, why are you looking at me like that? And, do you think I'm afraid of you?

"Hehe," While we were doing a staring contest, it was broken by a cute giggle from Irithel.

I turned my attention back to her, surprised to see the amused expression on her face. "You two seem to get along well," she said, her embarrassment from earlier fading into a warm smile.

"...I doubt it," I muttered as our gazes clashed with the Salamander once again.

"You don't know him, he usually ignores everyone," Irithel said while caressing the little guy. "

"Really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "He seems pretty expressive to me."

"He's a bit protective," she admitted, looking fondly at Ignis. "But he must sense something different about you. He usually doesn't interact with others like this."

I gave a small laugh, still slightly puzzled by the little creature's behavior. "Well, I guess that's a good thing then."

Irithel nodded, her smile growing. "It is. Ignis is quite picky about who he trusts. Maybe he can sense that you're someone who can be trusted."

"I hope so," I said, glancing at my silver egg.

"..." I could feel both Irithel and Ignis observing it as well.

"Your companion egg looks really special," Irithel commented, her green eyes shimmering with curiosity. "I've never seen one quite like it before. What do you think is inside?"

I shrugged, keeping my eyes on the shimmering silver surface of the egg. "Honestly, I have no idea. It seems to be taking its time, but I'm sure it'll be worth the wait."

Ignis gave a small snort, almost as if in agreement, and settled back down on Irithel's shoulder. I couldn't help but smile at the little salamander's antics.

"I bet it will be something amazing," Irithel said with a reassuring tone. "Just keep doing what you're doing. Your connection with it is already strong."

"Thank-! Huh-?" I was stunned at her words. "Can you say that again?"

"What? It will be amazing-?"

"No, at the end."

"Your connection is strong?"

"Yes, that," I said, my heart starting to beat fast. "Are you saying our connection is strong?"

"Yes?" Irithel replied confused.

"But, I thought I didn't have a connection with it. And I still think so." I explained. "So, that's why I was surprised."

Irithel tilted her head, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "That's strange. From what I can see, your bond with the egg is quite evident. The way it responds to your touch and your aether, it's definitely there."

I stared at the silver egg, my mind racing. "But I haven't felt any significant connection. It's just been...quiet."

"Sometimes, connections can be subtle," Irithel said gently. "Not all bonds are immediately apparent or dramatic. It could be that your egg is still in the process of forming its link with you."

I considered her words, feeling a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "I guess that makes sense. I just expected something more...obvious."

"Give it time," she advised, her green eyes warm and reassuring. "Not every bond forms instantly. Some take time to develop fully. Keep doing what you're doing, and you'll see the results."

"Thank you, Irithel," I said, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

"No need to thank me, this is nothing in front of the things you did for me." She replied.

Well, that was a fair point, but still, it was important to me.

"By the way, how did you know our connection was strong? And can you see the others as well?" I decided to ask her even though I had an idea.

"Ah, right. It's because of my ability. And yes, I can somewhat sense others' connections as well, though not in detail like mine." She replied.

"Do you like it? Beast Taming I mean." I asked again. "If you do, then you are definitely lucky to have an ability related to it."

"Y-You think so?" She asked hesitantly. "But, my family told me it was better to have combat-related or special abilities."

Here it is... This is the thing that will hold her back for a long time... Then, let me help her to realize this simple thing.

"Nah," I replied. "Although their words aren't wrong, it's not entirely true either. I think it totally depends on the person.

Irithel looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise. "Really? But my family always emphasizes the importance of combat abilities for survival and prestige."

"I understand where they're coming from," I said, choosing my words carefully. "Combat abilities are definitely valuable, but they're not the only way to be strong or important. Your ability to sense connections and bond with beasts is incredibly rare and powerful in its own right. And I doubt that is all your ability can do. Imagine what you can achieve with that."

She seemed to ponder my words, her expression thoughtful. "I've never really looked at it that way. I just thought it was... less impressive."

"Think about it," I continued, my tone explaining. "With your ability, you can form strong bonds with powerful beasts. You can understand them in ways others can't. That's not just impressive, it's extraordinary. In a world where people constantly seek power, having a unique ability like yours can set you apart."

Irithel's eyes softened as she considered my words. "You really think so?"

"..." I silently looked at her before speaking. "It doesn't matter what I think, or what others think. What really matters is what you think, what you believe."

"!" Her eyes widened with realization. "Y-you're right..." she said softly, almost to herself. Then she went silent as if absorbed in her thoughts.

Well, I hope it works out well in the end.