Chapter 1: The Unlikely Awakening
Rain poured down in a steady rhythm, drumming against the cobblestones of the bustling academy courtyard. Students, garbed in vibrant robes adorned with magical symbols, hurried to and fro, their conversations blending into a cacophony of youthful energy. Yet, amidst the chaos stood an inconspicuous figure—a young man clad in plain brown tunic and worn boots, blending so seamlessly into the background that no one spared him a second glance.
"Where... am I?" he muttered, blinking against the drizzle. Memories of his former life as a struggling office worker in Seoul felt distant and blurry, replaced by the alien sights of this fantastical world. His gaze fell on the reflection in a puddle: a face unfamiliar, framed by messy black hair, with eyes that carried an unassuming clarity.
It took only moments for the realization to hit him—he had transmigrated into the world of Aetherial Chronicles, a popular manhwa he'd binged religiously. But as the protagonist? The mighty hero? The charismatic villain? No. Fate, it seemed, had cast him as an NPC.
A literal non-playable character.
He reached into his pocket and retrieved a small, tattered note. The ink had begun to fade, but the words were clear:
"Deliver the package to Professor Eldrin."
The mundane task matched his appearance perfectly. He sighed, glancing at the satchel slung over his shoulder. Yet, an uncanny sense of determination sparked within him. If he was to survive—no, thrive—in this world, he would need to play his role wisely.
Navigating through the courtyard, he marveled at the sheer vibrancy of the academy. Ornate spires pierced the sky, glowing with runes that shimmered faintly in the rain. Halls lined with ancient statues buzzed with life, each corner brimming with students practicing spells, swordplay, or crafting artifacts.
"This is insane," he muttered, gripping the satchel tighter. "I'm not supposed to be here. I'm just... me."
But as he made his way toward the professor's office, a group of students rounded the corner, their chatter loud and confident. They were the main characters of the novel, instantly recognizable from their striking appearances and vibrant personalities.
Leading them was Auren Veylor, the golden-haired protagonist whose dazzling smile could inspire armies. Beside him was Serena Delyra, her silver hair glistening like starlight as she conjured a small, glowing orb of magic in her palm. The two were joined by Kael Draven, the brooding antihero with dark hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see through everything, and Lilia Ferandis, the sharp-tongued noblewoman who radiated an air of superiority.
His breath caught as they passed by, their voices like echoes of a story he once thought fictional.
"Focus," he told himself, shaking his head. He was no hero, no villain, not even a sidekick. He was an NPC, and the first rule of survival was simple: stay out of their way.
Reaching the professor's office, he hesitated before knocking. The wooden door creaked open, revealing an older man with a long silver beard and eyes that sparkled with curiosity. Professor Eldrin, the wise mentor archetype of the story.
"Ah, you must be the courier," Eldrin said, his voice warm but probing. "Come in."
He handed over the satchel without a word, eager to leave and avoid any unnecessary entanglements. But as Eldrin opened the package, his expression shifted—from curiosity to something deeper, something that made the young man's stomach churn.
"Interesting," Eldrin murmured, pulling out a small, glowing crystal. "Tell me, boy, where did you come by this?"
"I... just followed the instructions," he stammered, unsure of what to say. The crystal wasn't something he recognized from the novel—or maybe it was, buried in some subplot he had skimmed over.
Eldrin's eyes narrowed, but his tone remained calm. "You're not from around here, are you?"
The young man froze. Did he know? Could he tell?
"Don't worry," Eldrin said, a knowing smile creeping onto his face. "Even the smallest cogs can alter the grandest machines. Be careful, though. The academy is no place for the unprepared."
As he left the office, Eldrin's words echoed in his mind. What did he mean by "smallest cogs"? Did the professor suspect the truth about him? And why did it feel like he was being drawn deeper into a story he had no control over?
For now, he would stick to the plan: play the role of an NPC, stay unnoticed, and survive.
But deep down, he knew that the world of Aetherial Chronicles wouldn't let him remain in the shadows for long.