Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 253  Mountains of Myrandor: Infiltration [4]

Adrian's hands and foot slipped, his foot sliding off the ledge. He quickly grabbed onto a protruding rock, his heart pounding.

'Woah, that was close!'

'But I can't stop now.'

After regaining his balance, he continued his ascent, the sound of the waterfall thundering around him.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Adrian reached a small hole in his left hand. He turned, peering through the opening, and his eyes widened with excitement. There, hidden behind the waterfall, was a medium-sized entrance to a cave.

Adrian couldn't contain his excitement. "I found it!" he shouted, his voice echoing above the roar of the waterfall. "There's a cave here!"

"Do you hear me, there is a CAVE HERE!" Adrian shouted once again, emphasizing the last two words. 'Guess this should be enough.'

Then, Adrian carefully made his way back through the waterfall. He emerged on the other side, drenched but exhilarated, and found Selene waiting with an expectant look on her face.

"I found it," Adrian said, his voice breathless with excitement and exhaustion. "There's a cave behind the waterfall. It could be the perfect place for the herb you're looking for."

"You didn't enter the cave?" Selene's eyes lit up with interest.

"Eh, no?" Adrian replied looking 'Was I supposed to?'.

 "Alright, let's go, then," she said, her tone decisive.

"Then, follow me, be careful, it's really slippery here." Adrian then led the way back through the waterfall. This time, Selene followed him, her movements graceful and sure despite the slippery rocks. They reached the entrance to the cave, the cool air inside a stark contrast to the humid atmosphere outside.

They entered further into the cave, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. After about three minutes of walking, they came to a fork in the path with three distinct pathways. Adrian chose the right path without hesitation, turning to Selene with a confident smile.

"The right way is always the right choice," he said with a playful grin.

Selene silently followed him, her eyes scanning their surroundings. They walked for about five minutes, the path winding deeper into the cave. Eventually, they came to a more open clearing with a dead end. A small pond lay before them, and next to it, a beautiful, vividly colored herb stood out against the dull stone.

Adrian and Selene exchanged a glance. "Is this the one you're looking for?" Adrian asked. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Selene nodded, her eyes gleaming. "Do you recognize it?"

Adrian shook his head. "No, I've never seen anything like it."

Selene smiled. "It's a rare herb that can cure a certain beast's poison."

"That sounds important," Adrian remarked. "Do you want me to pick it for you?"

"Yes, please," Selene replied, her voice soft and encouraging.

Adrian nodded and carefully approached the herb. As he picked it, a strange smell enveloped him, a sweet yet oddly intoxicating scent. He handed the herb to Selene, but as soon as he did, his mind began to get foggy. His vision blurred, and he struggled to stay upright.

"Selene... I don't feel so good. Can you help me?" Adrian asked, his voice wavering.

Selene only smiled at him, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "This herb has a sleeping property, Marcus. Whoever picks it will fall asleep soon."

Adrian's heart sank, a sense of betrayal washing over him. "Why...?" he managed to ask, his voice barely a whisper.

"Alas, you were a good young man," Selene said with a sigh, "and a handsome one too."

She flicked her fingers, and just before Adrian lost consciousness, he saw two masked silhouettes appear beside her. His last expression was one of betrayal and confusion, his world fading to black as he succumbed to the herb's effects.

Thud-!

Adrian fell to the ground with a thud, the sound echoing through the cave. Selene stood over him, her expression a mix of curiosity and contemplation. She turned to the two masked figures who had appeared beside her, their faces obscured by dark hoods.

"Why didn't you inform me there was an intruder?" Selene demanded, her voice cold and demanding.

The masked men exchanged uneasy glances. "We received no reports about an intruder," one of them replied in an apologetic tone. "We didn't know until you called for us."

Selene looked down at Adrian, her eyes narrowing. "So, he was telling the truth, huh?" she muttered to herself, recalling his story. Despite this, something still didn't feel right. There was an underlying suspicion she couldn't shake off.

She straightened up, addressing the masked figures with authority. "One of you, take him to the other hostages and tie him up. Observe the elf girl's expression. If she reacts when looking at him, report back to me immediately."

One of the masked men nodded, lifting Adrian's unconscious body and carrying him deeper into the cave.

Selene turned to the other masked figure. "You, check the surroundings. See if there is anyone else. Be careful, use the other exit. If you detect anyone, don't engage—just come back and report. Before you leave, take two more with you and send them to check on the scouts."

The masked figure bowed slightly before hurrying off to carry out her orders. Selene watched him go, her mind racing with thoughts. She couldn't afford any loose ends. The appearance of this intruder, Marcus, or whoever he really was, raised too many questions.

It would be fine if what he said was correct, if not...

As the masked figures dispersed to their tasks, Selene lingered for a moment, staring at the place where Adrian had fallen. She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, but she quickly pushed it aside. She had a mission, and she couldn't let anything distract her from it.

"Sorry, young man, but it seems you were just unlucky." "Maybe, it would have been fine if you just left instead of searching..." "But, guess, I can't blame you..." Selene finished her thought aloud, turning to leave the clearing. "Love is a curse that makes us do foolish things."