Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"The Joint Class Ends."

Instructor Darius's voice echoed throughout the arena, signaling the conclusion of the event.

The final tally stood at two wins, three draws, and the rest losses for the first years.

Even though they lost, the first-year students held their heads high, having fought bravely against their more experienced seniors. The sense of camaraderie and determination was palpable as they gathered their belongings and prepared to leave the arena.

But they were stopped by another announcement from the instructor.

"The Principal would like to address everyone before we conclude," Instructor Darius announced, his voice commanding immediate attention.

The students, both first and second years, turned their focus to the center of the arena where Principal Arwen, an imposing figure with an air of authority, was making his way. His presence alone demanded respect and silence fell over the arena as he approached the podium.

He gave them a speech about the intention of the Joint Class and their fights. Then he also congratulated the second years on their victory while praising the first years for their valiant effort and remarkable progress.

He emphasized Ceil and Adrian's teams, and the power and tenacity they had shown.

After ending his speech, he officially ended the event and left being accompanied by Instructor Darius.

____ __ _

"Did you want to see student Aria?" Darius asked as he walked with the principal. He knew the principal wouldn't attend such events unless there were special reasons or it was on a big scale. He was a busy man, too busy perhaps.

"Hmm..." Principal hummed, a smile etched across his face. "I also wanted to see someone else. Care to guess who it is?"

"..." Darius's eyebrow lifted upward, showing his surprise. "Is it... student Ceil? Did you want to check whether she successfully became a Lunar Sage?"

"Hmm? Now that you mention it, that little girl has become a Lunar Sage now, huh." Principal muttered nodding to himself.

"So, my guess was wrong then," Darius commented, his curiosity growing who could pique the principal's interest for him to personally attend.

"Haha, don't be sad." Principal chuckled lightly. "In fact, you know the person well. You even want to take him as a student, if I'm not wrong, right?"

"Huh?" Darius was slightly surprised by the principal's words. "Are you perhaps talking about... student Adrian?"

"..." Principal didn't say anything.

"But... Isn't he affinityless?" Darius continued, certain he guessed right this time. "Although I want to make him my student, I'm hesitating since his time is limited in the academy. I also don't want to give him false hopes."

"Why did you give your completed personal set of sword techniques to him?" Principal Arwen asked, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

Darius paused, taken aback by the question. He hadn't expected the principal to bring that up. "Well, because I saw potential in him," he finally replied. "Even though he's affinityless, his dedication, determination, and ability to adapt in any battle are exceptional. He's certainly different from the others."

Principal Arwen nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's exactly why I came to see him today. There's something about that young man that goes beyond just talent and hard work."

Darius frowned slightly, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

The principal's eyes gleamed with a mixture of mystery and anticipation. "It's not just about what he lacks, but what he has. Sometimes, the absence of something can lead to the presence of something greater. I believe the young man might be on a path that we can't fully understand yet."

As they continued to walk, the principal's words lingered in Darius's mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Adrian than met the eye.

_____ ___ _

Back in the arena, the students were slowly dispersing, still buzzing with the excitement of the day's events.

Emeric left the first years, walking alone in the corridors.

Just then, a hand landed on his shoulder, startling him.

"Who-!" As he turned around in irritation, his eyes widened, recognizing the figure.

"B-Big brother?"

Rowan stood there with a wide grin, his presence commanding as ever. "Hi, Emeric! How's my little brother doing?" he asked, his voice full of joyous energy.

Emeric shifted awkwardly, his shyness evident. "I'm fine, Rowan," he mumbled, his eyes not quite meeting Rowan's.

Rowan ruffled Emeric's hair affectionately. "I heard you've already mastered the third move of our family technique. That's impressive!"

Emeric's face turned a light shade of red. "I'm not as great as you, Rowan. But... I did learn a lot from watching your match today."

Rowan chuckled, clearly pleased with his younger brother's progress. "Have you learned the fourth move yet?"

Emeric shook his head, looking somewhat dejected. "Not yet. It's... really difficult. But seeing you in action gave me some ideas. I think I understand what I was doing wrong."

"That's the spirit!" Rowan said, giving him an encouraging pat on the back. "The fourth move is tough, but I know you can do it. Just remember to stay calm and focused."

"Hmm." Emeric nodded, his confidence slowly building. "I'll keep trying. Thanks, Rowan."

"That's my little bro." Rowan chuckled. "Ah, by the way, what do you know about that young man who I fought against me? Can you share it with your brother?"

A strange glint passed through Emeric's eyes listening to his brother's words. His spirit went down again though he hid it since his brother was here. Then he nodded and started telling what he knew about Adrian.

".../.....//..../...." (Talks about Adrian)

"..Although he may be strong now, I will definitely surpass him once I reach the Lunar Tier." Emeric concluded his speech, wanting to appear confident in front of his big brother.

"Hmm? What makes you so confident? Although being confident is good, overconfidence might lead to your downfall," Rowan said, his tone both teasing and serious. "From what I saw that boy is both talented and hard worker, so you need to try your best if you want to surpass him."

"Heh, he may be strong now but he can't be stronger than me when I reach Lunar Tier." Emeric laughed, a mocking glint passing through his eyes.

"Oh, why so?"

"It's because he's different from us..." Emeric paused as if revealing a hidden secret.

"He is affinityless."

____

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(A/N: How have the chapters been lately? Is their quality and grammar good?

Are the romance and battle scenes written well?

Comment if you have any opinions, I'm doing my best, and I'm still trying to improve.)

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