Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"Let's fight for real," Adrian said, his gaze locked onto Rowan's.

A flicker of surprise and amusement flashed across Rowan's eyes. He then took out his grey spear, its polished surface reflecting the arena's lights. With a fluid motion, he twirled it, the spear humming with power.

"Very well," Rowan replied, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of excitement. "I want to see what makes you so confident."

Adrian's team stood ready behind him, their expressions a mix of determination and anxiousness. Aria, the 'Princess,' drew her slender sword, its blade glinting ominously. Kairen, a brawny first-year known for his good defense took his position silently, while Ardel, the team's agile and shy assassin, adjusted his grip on his twin daggers. Lila stood at the further back, already casting her spells.

"Plan A," Adrian commanded softly, his eyes never leaving Rowan.

Rowan's team was equally prepared. Reina, her pride wounded but her spirit unbroken, positioned herself on Rowan's left, her eyes fixed on Adrian with renewed determination and hatred. Kane, the 'Golem Mage,' began casting his own signature spell, his hands glowing with a faint brown light. The other two, a girl with a bow and a boy with a staff, took their positions with practiced precision.

The air crackled with tension as both teams stared each other down, the crowd's whispers dying down to a hushed silence.

Everyone was waiting who would be the first to make a move.

The arena was electric with anticipation, the silence amplifying every breath and heartbeat. Both teams moved with synchronized precision, their movements almost a dance choreographed by countless hours of training.

"Whoosh!"

Reina and Adrian were the first to clash, their blades ringing out as they met in mid-air. Reina's eyes blazed with fury and determination, but Adrian's calm, focused demeanor never wavered. With a fluid motion, he parried her strike and countered with a swift kick, forcing her back.

"Thud!"

Before Reina could recover, Aria stepped in, her sword glowing with enchanted aether. She swung her blade in a wide arc, forcing Reina to leap back. Aria pressed the attack, her movements a seamless blend of swordplay and magic. Earth Spikes and Wine Blades interwoven with her strikes, keeping Reina on the defensive.

"Swoosh! Crack!"

Kairen and Ardel, meanwhile, had engaged the other members of Rowan's team. Kairen used his shield to deflect incoming arrows and spells, his sturdy frame a bulwark against their attacks. Ardel moved like a shadow, his twin daggers flashing as he weaved through the battlefield, waiting for the right moment to attack the mages and the archer.

"Thud! Clang! Swish!"

Kane, the Golem Mage, was busy summoning earth constructs to shield his team and disrupt the first-year students' formations. Lila, from the first years, countered with her own spells, her hands glowing with red aether as she launched a barrage of fireballs at her opponents.

"Boom! Crackle!"

Amidst the chaos, Adrian noticed Kane preparing a powerful spell, his hands glowing brighter, probably his signature move. Without hesitation, Adrian dashed forward, his body a blur as he launched himself on Kane. Kane was forced to stop casting, his staff met Adrian's daggers, sparks flying as their weapons clashed.

"Clang! Swoosh!"

Rowan saw his opportunity and lunged at Adrian from behind, his spear aimed with lethal precision. But Adrian already anticipated the move. He sidestepped just in time, Rowan's spear grazing his side. Adrian spun around, his daggers slicing through the air as he engaged Rowan directly.

"Clang! Clang!"

Their weapons collided with a flurry of sparks, each strike met with equal force. Adrian's speed and agility matched Rowan's strength and precision, their duel a mesmerizing display of skill and tenacity.

"Swish! Clang! Thud!"

Adrian's team maintained their positions, fighting with synchronized movements. Aria and Reina's battle intensified, their swords and spells intertwining in a deadly dance. Kairen held the line, protecting Lila and Ardel as they continued their assault on Kane and the other second years.

"Crack! Boom!"

Rowan and Adrian's fight took center stage. Adrian's daggers were a blur, striking with pinpoint accuracy, parrying at the last moments. Rowan's spear moved like a serpent, each thrust and sweep countered with a fluidity that spoke of countless battles.

"Thud! Clang! Swish!"

Rowan thrust his spear forward, aiming for Adrian's chest. Adrian sidestepped, his dagger slicing across Rowan's arm. Rowan grunted but didn't falter. He spun his spear, aiming low. Adrian leaped over the attack, landing lightly and immediately launching a counterstrike.

"Clang! Swish! Thud!"

The crowd watched in rapt silence, the tension in the air almost palpable. Every movement, every strike, and parry was a testament to the skills and determination of both fighters.

Adrian's eyes were locked on Rowan's, his focus unwavering. He knew Rowan hadn't gone all out yet since he didn't use their family technique. But so was he.

"Thud! Swish! Clang!"

The battle raged on, neither side giving an inch. The arena echoed with the sounds of weapons clashing and spells exploding, the intensity of the fight captivating everyone present.

Just like this, five minutes passed in the blink of an eye.

Sensing it would be more disadvantageous for them the more time passed, Adrian leaped back and shouted. "Plan B."

The arena buzzed with an undercurrent of tension as Adrian's shout echoed through the space. "Plan B."

His team responded instantly, their movements fluid and practiced. Adrian's command signaled a shift in their strategy, one they had meticulously planned and rehearsed for moments just like this.

"Swish!"

Aria disengaged from her fierce duel with Reina, trapped her with the Earth Bind, and dashed towards Kane, her sword glowing with a renewed intensity. Ardel, always quick on his feet, moved to flank Kane, his twin daggers gleaming with lethal intent. Kairen stepped forward, his shield disappearing into his storage ring, a long greatsword appeared on his hands.

All three of them targeted Kane, intending to eliminate him in one move.

"Thud! Clang! Swish!"

Rowan's eyes narrowed, sensing the change in their tactics. But he did nothing to stop them, only a cold smirk appearing on his face.

"Crumble-! Crumble-!" Just then, something unexpected occured.

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(A/N: What do you think about the new Cover?

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