Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The air was heavy with the weight of battle as Adrian, Darius, and the others flew toward the city walls, their destination clear in Adrian's mind. They needed help, and fast. As Bane descended, the familiar figures of Aria, Aurelia, and Aurelius came into view. The three of them stood near the gates, their faces reflecting a mix of relief and exhaustion.

Adrian dismounted swiftly, motioning for Aria and the others to board Bane. He turned to Ardel, his voice calm but firm. "Find Kairen and Lila. Message me as soon as you do."

Ardel nodded without hesitation, already moving toward the city to carry out Adrian's request. With everyone else aboard, Adrian signaled Bane to take off once more, the powerful beast's wings beating against the sky as they soared toward their next destination—a small mansion hidden on the other side of the city.

When they landed, the mansion came into view, its quiet exterior standing in stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind on the battlefield. Just as Adrian dismounted and helped Darius and the others down, a familiar blonde-haired elf came rushing out from the entrance.

"Miss Rhea," Adrian called, his tone more relieved than surprised.

Rhea's green eyes widened as she approached, her gaze sweeping over the group before stopping on Adrian and Aurelius. "What are you all doing here?" she asked, her voice a mix of surprise and concern.

Adrian stepped forward, offering a brief but apologetic smile. "I'm sorry to show up like this unannounced... but I need to see your master. Right away."

Rhea blinked, her surprise deepening at his request. However, with one look at people behind him, she understood the situation. After hesitating for a moment, she nodded, clearly sensing the urgency.

"I'll get her," she said quickly before turning and disappearing back into the mansion.

As Rhea left, Adrian felt the weight of several eyes on him. Old man Doome, with his usual sharpness, was the first to speak. "Is this... that old hag Veda's house?" he asked, his tone dripping with both suspicion and amusement.

Adrian's lips twitched slightly, but he nodded. "She might be the best option we have to get you all treated quickly," he replied.

Doome raised an eyebrow, though there was a glint of approval in his eyes. "I doubt she will help me..."

Lady Tessa and Mr. Lenny exchanged glances, their exhaustion apparent but their trust in Adrian or their niece Aria unwavering. Darius, too, gave a slight nod, though his injuries seemed to weigh more heavily on him by the second.

Adrian glanced toward the mansion doors, waiting for Veda's arrival, hoping they hadn't pushed their luck too far.

Adrian's thoughts drifted further as they waited, his gaze lingering on the ornate doors of the mansion. His mind raced back to what he knew about Veda, the mysterious and elusive figure they were about to meet. Though she was widely known as the 'Enchantress of Elixirs', her reputation as an alchemist was only the tip of the iceberg. Few knew of her true potential.

Veda was a healer, but not in the traditional sense.

Her abilities went far beyond simple remedies or healing potions. She had mastered the art of regeneration—an incredibly rare and powerful ability. Adrian had heard rumors that she could restore even a severed arm or grievous injuries with ease, though such feats required not only a massive amount of aether but also rare materials.

It was no wonder she was a figure of both reverence and fear.

As he pondered her skills, a sense of unease settled over him.

He had never personally sought out her help before, and given the strange circumstances they found themselves in, Adrian hoped that Veda's nature wouldn't prove problematic.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, the soft creak of the mansion doors brought his attention back to the present. Footsteps echoed lightly across the courtyard, and Rhea emerged, her expression a mix of curiosity and deference.

Behind her, another figure followed—a woman with striking elven features, her long silver hair cascading in waves over her shoulders.

Though she looked to be in her late twenties, there was an agelessness about her that hinted at the decades she had likely lived. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her sharp eyes that held Adrian's focus.

Eyes that had seen far more than they let on.

Veda.

She stepped forward with an air of quiet authority, her gaze sweeping over the group before landing on Aurelius, and then lingering briefly on Adrian, and then Darius, whose injuries were obviously the most severe. Adrian noticed she completely ignored the old man Doome, indicating there was some story between them. He also heard the old man chuckling at her antics.

'...They weren't... lovers? Right?'

Without a word, Veda tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as though assessing the situation.

"Well," she said, her voice smooth but tinged with gentleness. "I certainly wasn't expecting such a large group of visitors. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Adrian stepped forward, his expression serious. "We've come to ask for your help, Lady Veda. They were wounded badly while protecting the city just now. We need someone with your... unique abilities."

Veda raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. "You flatter me, young man." Her gaze finally flickered to Doome, and her smile 'widened'. "Even bringing this old fool along..."

Doome grunted, crossing his arms. "I didn't come here by choice, you know, a-and, if that's what you're thinking. But you better help me, or I'll take it personally."

Veda chuckled softly, her eyes dancing with cold amusement at Doome's gruff response. "Oh, don't flatter yourself, Doome. You're the last person I'd help if I had a choice." Her tone was slightly playful, but there was an edge of truth beneath the banter. Whatever history they shared, it was clear they had an old, complicated relationship.

Adrian cleared his throat, bringing the conversation back to the urgent matter at hand. "We wouldn't be here if it weren't serious," he said, his voice steady. "Their injuries need more than just bandages or light healing. We need your expertise, Lady Veda."

Veda's smile faded, and she turned her sharp gaze back to Adrian, scrutinizing him for a moment longer. Finally, she let out a soft sigh and motioned for them to follow. "Very well. Bring them inside. I'll see what can be done."

The group followed her through the large, ornate doors and into the mansion. Discover more stories at empire

The interior was lavish but not overly extravagant—elegant in a way that hinted at both wealth and careful restraint. The air inside was warm, filled with the faint scent of herbs and potions brewing somewhere deeper within the mansion.

Veda led them through several corridors until they reached a large room with comfortable seating and an array of vials, bottles, and strange contraptions scattered across various shelves. It was both a study and a laboratory, reflecting the dual nature of Veda's expertise.

She gestured for them to sit as she moved toward a cabinet, retrieving a series of vials filled with shimmering liquids.

Adrian and Aurelius helped Darius and the others settle into seats, noticing how Darius winced with each movement. Lady Tessa and Mr. Lenny, while trying to remain composed, were visibly pale, their exhaustion catching up to them. Old man Doome just looked around, trying to appear healthy.

Once they were seated, Veda returned with the vials in hand, her expression all business now. "These will help stabilize them for a bit," she said, handing each of them a small glass vial.

"But for the more serious injuries…" She glanced meaningfully at Lenny and Darius, "I'll need time and materials. Healing wounds like theirs, especially if you want regeneration, is not something that can be done on a whim."

Adrian nodded, expected as much. "What do you need?"

Veda tapped her chin thoughtfully, her sharp eyes glancing between Darius and Lenny. "A vast amount of aether, for starters. And some specific materials—rare ones. Adult wyvern's blood, thunderbird feathers, and aether-infused rare mineral. Those are just the required ones. I assume you didn't bring any of those along?"

Adrian's face tightened.

They had none of those things on hand, and finding such rare materials quickly would be no small task. But before he could respond, Veda added, "Fortunately, I have a small stock of what I need. However, the process is draining. And… costly."

Doome snorted from his seat. "Always about the cost, isn't it?"

Veda shot him a glare. "Healing the body takes a toll, old man. You know what, I will charge you three times more."

Turning back to Adrian, she continued, "I'll need your word, young. Payment can come later, but I don't work for free."

Adrian met her gaze and smiled. "You don't have to worry about it, Lady Veda."

Satisfied, Veda gave a sharp nod and motioned to Tessa first. "Then let's begin."