Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The event continued with a steady rhythm, and Adrian found himself approached by one guest after another. Nobles, scholars, and military officials each took their turn to exchange words with him, offering their congratulations or subtly probing his views on the latest developments.

With each conversation, Adrian maintained an air of calm politeness, showing genuine interest without letting any single person feel more important than the others. His responses were measured, crafted with the skill of someone who had mastered social etiquette—a skill that took years to cultivate, yet Adrian wielded it effortlessly. It was as if he'd lived through decades of such interactions, even though he was still young.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

He listened attentively, his expressions shifting subtly to match the tone of each conversation, whether he was speaking with an eager young noble or a seasoned veteran.

And all the while, he kept himself just below the radar, careful not to draw too much attention away from Princess Isabella. His humility didn't go unnoticed; several older nobles exchanged approving nods, quietly impressed by his sense of propriety. To those with a keen eye, his ability to command attention while remaining unobtrusive was almost a marvel of social grace.

As the lunch concluded and people began dispersing, an announcer stepped forward, his voice carrying easily over the low murmur of conversation. "Honored guests, we thank you for your presence at this splendid banquet. Now, please allow us to escort you to the Royal Arena, where the next part of our event awaits."

Adrian caught the subtle glances exchanged between Princes Morgan and Cedric, who shot him sidelong glances as they began moving with the crowd. A faint smirk passed over Adrian's lips as he observed the brothers-in-arms, their eyes betraying a mixture of irritation and perhaps a tinge of jealousy.

"So, it's starting," he murmured to himself before following the throng of guests toward the arena, glad that he wouldn't be walking alongside the princesses.

Their absence spared him from the lingering glowers of those who disliked his closeness with the royals, allowing him a moment of peace as he blended with the flow of attendees.

The Royal Arena was grand, with towering walls and intricately carved columns, the stonework polished to a shine under the midday light. Banners in the colors of the royal family adorned the stands, and rows of seats filled quickly as the guests settled, buzzing with anticipation.

Adrian took a seat near the front, ensuring a clear view of the arena floor. He scanned the crowd, taking in the excited expressions of those around him, from young nobles eager for action to veteran knights who stood with arms crossed, their eyes keenly observing the setup below.

Once everyone was seated, the announcer's voice filled the arena, rich with ceremony. "Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the royal family, we are honored to present to you a display of strength from one of our kingdom's greatest defenders. Please welcome Lord Alami Storrid, the Thunderblade of Galador!"

A hushed awe fell over the crowd as Lord Alami entered the arena, a tall and formidable figure clad in armor that gleamed with an almost ethereal shimmer. Known for his prowess in lightning magic, he was a renowned figure, a seasoned warrior whose title, "Thunderblade," came from his unmatched control over the electric arts.

His aura was intense, commanding respect and silence as he strode to the center of the arena. Adrian felt a subtle thrill at the sight; Alami was a legend, even among seasoned warriors. Stay updated through empire

With a graceful wave of his hand, Alami summoned bolts of lightning that crackled to life in the air around him. The crowd gasped as he shaped the electric arcs, forming a massive, glimmering spear of energy that seemed to pulse with life.

He raised the spear high above his head, then with a smooth motion, launched it skyward. It soared high, splitting the air with a crackling intensity, then exploded into a shower of blue and silver sparks that cascaded down like a brilliant storm.

Applause erupted as Alami continued his display, conjuring thunderclouds and weaving them into awe-inspiring patterns, his mastery over lightning leaving everyone enthralled.

As the sparks faded, Alami gave a respectful bow to the royal family, and the announcer's voice boomed once more. "A magnificent display! Truly, the strength of our kingdom is a gift beyond compare. Now, in the spirit of camaraderie and challenge, we invite the younger generation to step forward. The royal family will host a small competition among our kingdom and the others' youth, a test to find the strongest among them. And as a token of appreciation, our Princess Isabella has prepared a special gift for the winner."

Excited murmurs rose among the crowd as young nobles and knights shifted eagerly in their seats, each one glancing at their peers with anticipation.

Adrian leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. He was 99% sure he would be challenged, not only by those two princes but also by the others. There might be even a King or Queen's men in it.

Or, those Black Hand mercenaries who might not have given up yet since he came back from the dead. Or the people behind the bounty on his head - that lunatic senior student's father and those two who... well want to see him dead.

"Without further ado, let me explain the rules of the tournament."

As the announcer's voice filled the arena once again, he laid out the structure of the competition, his words carrying an air of excitement that stirred the crowd.

"All participants under the age of 20, please make your way to the arena floor!" the announcer called, prompting a wave of young nobles, soldiers, knights, and students to step forward.

Adrian rose along with them, joining the other contenders as they made their way down to the open arena stage. He could feel the excited energy buzzing through the crowd, fueled by anticipation for the young talent set to display their prowess.

Once everyone had assembled, the announcer continued. "To begin, we will have a battle royale! The objective is to narrow down the competitors until only thirty remain. Remember, only those capable of holding their ground will advance to the next stage."

A ripple of murmurs passed through the participants, some glancing at each other with a newfound determination, while others seemed already calculating their best strategy for survival.

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