Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Back in the arena, the announcer's voice echoed through the coliseum as a figure emerged from the ruin's portal.

"And now, our first contestant is out. He is a second-year, Kellan Thorne!"

The crowd murmured in anticipation, but the cheers were subdued. Kellan's expression was one of defeat; his shoulders slumped, and his eyes avoided the crowd.

"It seems Kellan Thorne has failed to conquer the Ruin of Illusions," the announcer continued. "A valiant effort, but the trials have proven too much for him."

As Kellan made his way to the stands, the portal shimmered again. Another figure stepped out, this time a young woman with fiery red hair and a determined look. The crowd held its breath.

"Here comes Samia Ashburn, a formidable competitor known for her tenacity. Let's see if she has succeeded!"

Selene's determined expression faltered as she walked forward. The announcer's voice carried the disappointing news. "Unfortunately, Selene has also failed to conquer the Ruin of Illusions."

One by one, more contestants emerged from the portal, each bearing the marks of their struggles within the ruins. Their faces reflected frustration, exhaustion, and in some cases, despair. The trials had tested them all to their limits, and none had succeeded.

"And now, our next contestant," the announcer's voice echoed, "Emeric Ironheart."

Emeric's appearance was greeted with silence. His usually confident and arrogant demeanor was replaced with a look of utter defeat.

"It appears Emeric Ironheart has also been bested by the trials. The Ruin of Illusions has claimed yet another challenger."

The atmosphere in the coliseum grew tense as the crowd waited, hoping for someone to emerge victorious. The portal shimmered again, and this time, a figure stepped out with a different aura. It was Adrian.

"And here we have Adrian Lighthaven, a rising star among the contenders. Could he be the one to conquer the Ruin of Illusions?"

"Wait, there is something on his hand, an artifact?"

"Then..."

"He has conquered the Ruin! He is the first one!" the announcer exclaimed.

The coliseum roared with applause and cheers. Adrian stood tall at the entrance of the ruin. The trials had tested him in ways he could never have imagined, but he had emerged victorious.

After about 5 minutes, Ceil Skyborn came out, conquering the ruin and taking second place.

The third place was taken by the fourth-year Layla Moonshadow who finished after 4 minutes Ceil.

The fourth place went to the third-year Claire Stormrider, and the fifth to Aurelius Avondale.

After about an hour, all the contestants got out of the Ruin. The most surprising thing was more than 80% of them failed at conquering the Ruin, showing how difficult the Ruin was. Even Ren failed at it.

After the event concluded Adrian returned to the dorm. He wanted to have a nice rest since tomorrow would surely be the busiest day he might have in a while.

However, just as he returned to his room, his communication bracelet started vibrating.

Then the holographic image of a young girl appeared above the bracelet.

"Hello, Senior Anya," Adrian quickly greeted the caller, Anya.

"Hello, Adrian," Anya greeted back, her voice rather urgent. "Congratulations on conquering the Ruin of Illusions and getting the first place."

"You saw it? Thank you," Adrian replied, smiling. "Perhaps, my weapon is ready?"

Anya nodded but then added, "It is, but I'd like you to come to my smithy. There's something I'd like to discuss with you in person."

Adrian considered for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, I'm free now. I'll head over."

"Great. See you soon," Anya said before the call ended.

With a sigh, Adrian left the dorm and headed to the third-years' area. He wanted to see what kind of weapon the future Smithing Sage created for him.

______ ____ _

January 21.

Today was the day all the events would come to an end - The Finals Day.

The whole Eldora City, the Celestial Arcane Academy, and the tournament grounds were buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation for the final showdown.

A few events have already started early in the morning. Such as the PotionCrafting and Beast Tamers Challenge events.

Adrian's Arcane Knowledge Quiz was also going on at the same time. His opponent was none other than the bookworm girl who reached the finals through her deep knowledge. However, the finals included demonstrations as well, not just theory knowledge, and that worked in Adrian's favor since he improved nearly the most in this area.

Even then, he had to give his respect for the girl; she didn't give up.

Adrian and his opponent were given a set of complex arcane symbols and magical artifacts to identify and explain their functions. The elf girl, Ena Heilamin, showed impressive knowledge, rattling off detailed explanations with confidence. Adrian matched her pace, his demonstrations precise and insightful.

The final challenge was a practical application of arcane knowledge. They were tasked with creating a functional magical construct from a set of components. Adrian worked methodically, his experience in practical magic giving him an edge. Ena struggled with the assembly, her theoretical knowledge not translating as smoothly into the practical task.

In the end, Adrian's construct was completed first and functioned well enough not to be called a failure. The judges announced him as the winner of the Arcane Knowledge Quiz, and the crowd erupted in applause. Adrian smiled at Ena, offering her a respectful nod. She returned the gesture, acknowledging his victory with grace.

The Beast Tamers ended in Irithel's victory while the Potioncrafting in Aurelia's win by a slight margin. Which meant this part of the plot didn't change.

The next events were element-oriented or weapon-focused such as Aurelius and Ren's swordsmanship challenge event. Ren managed to win Aurelius by a slight margin, admitting Aurelius's talent in swords.

Then, finally, the time for the Team Battle Event has arrived.

Adrian's team versus Aurelius's team.

The winner will be decided in 5-minute battle, rules where each team must strategize and fight within a limited space, utilizing their skills and teamwork to outmaneuver and overpower the opposing team.

The crowd's excitement was palpable as the two teams took their positions on the battlefield. Adrian's team, consisting of Aria, Lila, Ardel, and Kairen, stood ready, their expressions focused and determined. Across from them, Aurelius's team, featuring Ren, Lyra, Aurelia, and Irithel, mirrored their intensity.

"Contestants, are you ready?" the announcer's voice boomed across the arena. Both teams nodded, their eyes locked on their opponents.

"Begin!"

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