Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra
Chapter 144 - 144: Adrian's preperations for the last week of the Year

Adrian's POV:

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The week ended, and we got a one-week holiday. Even though this world didn't celebrate New Year, the academy still gave us a break, perhaps to let everyone rest and prepare for the upcoming competition. The timing was perfect, giving me a chance to focus on gathering the materials for Senior Anya and plan something special for Aria.

I collected half of the materials on the list and today, I will collect all in one go. Because the place I'm going to will sell everything I need. I also plan to visit a clothing shop to buy myself a good winter outfit for a date.

Since the academy is under the protection of a powerful barrier spell, no rain or snow can get through the barrier. So the weather in the academy is always cool. But outside of the academy, the winter weather was in full force, with snow blanketing the ground and a crisp chill in the air.

After a quick breakfast, I made my way to the academy gates. The bustling atmosphere was palpable, with students and staff alike taking advantage of the break. Some were heading home, while others were preparing for the upcoming events. I stepped through the gates and felt the immediate change in temperature, the cold air biting at my skin.

Thankfully, I had my aether and warm clothes I took at the beginning of the winter. I pulled my coat tighter around me and approached a carriage that was not far away from me.

"To the Shop of Shadows and Secrets," I told the carriage driver, my breath visible in the frosty air.

The driver, an older man with a stern face, simply nodded and gestured for me to climb aboard. He flicked the reins, and the carriage began to move, the sound of hooves crunching on the snow-covered ground filling the air.

The ride took about twenty minutes, during which I watched the snow-covered landscape pass by, the white expanse broken occasionally by the bare branches of trees and the distant outlines of buildings. The cold seeped through the carriage, but I kept myself warm with the occasional surge of aether through my body.

We finally arrived at our destination. The shop's exterior was dark and unassuming, with a sign above the door that read "Shadows and Secrets" in an elegant, almost ominous script. The building itself looked old, with weathered stone walls and a heavy wooden door that seemed to absorb the light around it.

I paid the driver and stepped out of the carriage. I approached the door, hesitating for a moment before pushing it open. A bell tinkled softly as I entered, and I was immediately greeted by a warmth that contrasted sharply with the cold outside.

The interior of the shop was dimly lit, with shelves lining the walls, each filled with various items—some familiar, some completely foreign. The air was thick with the scent of incense and old wood, creating an atmosphere that was both inviting and mysterious.

"Welcome," a deep voice said, drawing my attention to the counter. Behind it stood a tall, thin man with sharp features and piercing eyes that seemed to look right through me. "How can I assist you today?"

"I need some materials," I replied, pulling out the list of the materials I needed.

The man's eyes flicked over the list, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You've come to the right place," he said, his voice smooth and reassuring. "We have everything you need. Please, wait a moment."

Then he flicked his fingers and closed his eyes, while I silently watched without interrupting him.

After a few seconds, the shelves began to shift and move, rearranging themselves as various materials floated gently into the air and toward the counter.

After a few moments, the man opened his eyes, revealing a collection of items laid out neatly before me. "Here are the materials you requested," he said, gesturing to the assortment. "Is there anything else you might need?"

I examined the items for a moment and asked. "Are these really the materials on the list?"

"Yes." The man calmly replied.

'Good, no reaction from the ring."

"Then, this should be everything," I replied, nodding in satisfaction. "How much for all of this?"

The shopkeeper's smile widened slightly. "For a customer such as yourself, I can offer a reasonable price. Let's say, 15 thousand Gold Aether Coins?"

"...Can you give a discount? I will recommend it to my friends and come here again next time." I asked thinking my budget would suffer if I really paid 15K Gold Aether Coins. I only have around 25K on me and I still have a use for the remaining 10K.

"Hmm... Ok, I will give you a 5% discount, and since you seem to be a student, I will also give an additional 5% discount, so 10% in total. Consider this a first-time gift from me. But..."

"Thank you, Sir. But?"

"But you have to show me your weapon once it's finished." The man leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with curiosity and amusement. "I have a keen interest in seeing the results of the materials I provide."

I smiled, appreciating the shopkeeper's interest. "Deal. I'll make sure to come back and show you the weapon once it's complete."

The man nodded, satisfied with my response. "Excellent. Now, let me recalculate the total for you."

With a flick of his wrist, a small, ornate abacus appeared on the counter. The beads clicked and clacked as he quickly recalculated the price. "With the 10% discount, that brings your total to 13,500 Gold Aether Coins."

I nodded and reached into my golden ring, pulling out a small pouch filled with coins. After selecting the necessary amount, I took it out of the ring and handed it over to the shopkeeper. "Here you go."

He accepted the payment with a nod, then waved his hand again. The materials I had purchased began to float into a series of small, elegant bags, each tied securely with a string. "Thank you for your business," he said, handing me the bags. "I look forward to seeing the weapon you bring."

"Thank you," I replied, taking the bags and securing them inside my ring. "I'll be sure to return once it's done."

With that, I turned and left the shop, the bell tinkling softly as the door closed behind me. The cold air hit me immediately, but the warmth of the shop lingered, giving me a sense of satisfaction. I had all the materials I needed, and now I could focus on my next task.

I walked down the street, heading toward a small clothing shop I had noticed earlier. The windows displayed various winter outfits, and I knew I needed something more suitable for the weather outside the academy's protective barrier.

Entering the shop, I was greeted by a friendly shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile. "Good morning! How can I help you today?"

"I need a good winter outfit," I replied, looking around at the various coats, scarves, and gloves on display.

"Of course," she said, leading me to a section filled with high-quality winter wear. "We have a fine selection of coats and accessories. Are you looking for something particular?"

"Something warm and not so stylish," I said, browsing through the racks. "I have a special occasion coming up."

The shopkeeper's eyes lit up with understanding. "Ah, I see. Well, we have just the thing." She pulled out a dark, woolen coat with a fur-lined collar and matching gloves. "This would suit you perfectly. It's warm and has a touch of elegance. It's also enchanted by a two-star Magic Tailor."

I tried on the coat, feeling the warmth envelop me immediately. It fit well, and the style was exactly what I was looking for. "This is perfect," I said, smiling at the shopkeeper. "I'll take it."

"Wonderful choice," she said, wrapping the coat and gloves in a neat package. "Do you need anything else? A scarf, perhaps?"

I glanced at the scarves, and one caught my eye—a deep blue, matching the coat perfectly. "I'll take that one too," I said, pointing it out.

After making my purchase and thanking the shopkeeper, I stepped out into the cold again, feeling well-prepared for the winter weather. With the materials and my new outfit secured, I felt ready for the week ahead.

But before I returned to the Academy, there was one more thing I needed to do. To select places for the date. The last time we went only to two places so this time, I plan to visit a few more to make the day memorable.

Thus, I spent two hours finding good places.

With my shopping and scouting done, I made my way back to the academy, feeling pleased with the day's accomplishments. I had gathered all the materials for Senior Anya, secured a good outfit for myself, and planned a series of delightful activities for the date with Aria.

Back in my room, I took out and placed the bags of materials in a safe spot and admired my new winter outfit. The coat and scarf felt luxurious and warm, perfect for the upcoming outing. I also placed the magical snow globe I bought on my desk, a reminder of the special day I was planning.

"Now, I'm ready for the upcoming week."