Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

As the Principal appeared at the center of the arena, standing mid-air, my gaze subconsciously turned toward Aria. I knew a bit about her relationship with her grandfather from the novel. Although it wasn't bad, it wasn't exactly good either.

Sir Arwen had little time to spend with Aria since she was a child because of his work and many responsibilities. While Aria adored him and aspired to live up to the family legacy, the emotional distance between them created an unspoken tension.

Despite his towering presence and unmatched power, Sir Arwen struggled to connect with his granddaughter on a personal level, often prioritizing the greater good over familial bond time.

Though I am sure she knows why he does it and always protects her. But that understanding didn't completely erase the loneliness she felt growing up. I could see the flicker of emotion in her eyes as she looked up at him. Her expression was a mix of admiration, longing, and a hint of sadness.

Right, now that I remember it, he was the only family member she has, and there was no mention of her parents or other relatives even in the novel.

"Now, I announce the beginning of this year's Championship Tournament!" Principal Arwen's voice echoed through the arena, carrying with it a weight of authority and anticipation.

The crowd erupted into applause, cheers filling the Grand Magus Colosseum as the students and spectators celebrated the official start of the tournament. The energy was electric, a palpable sense of excitement coursing through everyone present.

As the applause began to die down, the announcers took over, their voices infused with enthusiasm. "Thank you, Principal Arwen, for that inspiring opening!" the first announcer exclaimed. "Now, let's get down to the events that will kick off today's tournament!"

"Indeed!" the second announcer chimed in. "We have three thrilling events lined up for you today, each designed to test our students' skills, strategies, and teamwork. Let's dive into the details, shall we?"

The first announcer continued, "Our first event is the Elemental Relay!"

Gasps and murmurs of excitement rippled through the crowd. The Elemental Relay was a favorite among spectators, known for its fast pace and the way it showcased the students' elemental mastery.

"This bonus event will challenge our students' agility, coordination, and control over their elemental magic," the second announcer elaborated. "Teams of four will race through an obstacle course filled with various elemental challenges. Each team member must use their unique abilities to overcome obstacles and pass the baton to the next teammate. The first team to cross the finish line wins!"

"As for the rules, four students will be randomly chosen from each year and will be mixed into four teams of four from each year. Since this is a one-time bonus event, the students don't have to worry about their pre-registered 5 events."

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, eager to see the students in action. The announcer's voice boomed through the arena, explaining the rules and the stakes. "This year's prize for the Elemental Relay includes a set of rare enchanted artifacts that enhance elemental magic, donated by our very own alumni.

In addition, the winning team will receive a special training session with one of the academy's top professors."

"The Elemental Relay promises to be a thrilling start to the tournament," the first announcer said, his excitement evident. "Now, let's choose the individuals that will be competing in our first event!"

As the excitement in the arena reached a fever pitch, the announcers prepared to announce the randomly selected students for the Elemental Relay. A large magical screen appeared above the arena, displaying the names of the students from each year.

The first announcer's voice boomed through the Colosseum, "Let's start with the first-year students! The magical screen will now select four random names. Let's see who the lucky students are."

The screen flashed with the names of all the first-year students, and after a few seconds, four names with the images emerged:

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Aurelius Avondale

Kale Case

Ren Wintershade

Sophie Brightshield

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Well, if luck is mentioned, the protagonist should be there, right?

The crowd cheered as the names were announced, and the chosen first-year students stepped forward, their expressions a mix of surprise and anxiety.

"Next, we have the second-year students!" the second announcer continued, as the screen displayed the names of the second years before settling on four:

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Ciel Skyborn

Rowan Ironheart

Elise Starfire

Nola Frostwind

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And here comes our two strongest second-year seniors.

The cheers grew louder as the second-year students were selected, particularly for Ciel and Rowan, whose reputations preceded them.

"Now, onto the third-year students!" the first announcer proclaimed. The screen flashed once more, revealing the names of four third-years:

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Cedric Lightbringer

Claire Stormrider

Hugo Blackthorn

Selene Silverleaf

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The crowd's enthusiasm didn't wane, as the third-year students took their places, each looking eager to prove themselves. Heck, just like the second years, their two strongest members ended up being chosen.

"And finally, our fourth-year students!" the second announcer declared, as the screen displayed the final set of names:

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Isabella Flameheart

Markus Steelforge

Yelena Windstrider

Chad Tobias

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(Un)fortunately, none of the famous trio of the fourth year were chosen. Guess, they aren't as lucky as many expected them to be, haha.

With all the names announced, the announcers moved on to the next part. "Now, we will mix the students into four teams, each team consisting of one student from each year," the first announcer explained. "This random selection will ensure a balanced and exciting competition!"

The screen flashed once more, and after a brief moment, the teams were formed:

Team A:

First Year: Kale Case

Second Year: Nola Frostwind

Third Year: Claire Stormrider

Fourth Year: Chad Tobias

Team B:

First Year: Aurelius Avondale

Second Year: Ciel Skyborn

Third Year: Hugo Blackthorn

Fourth Year: Isabella Flameheart

Team C:

First Year: Sophie Brightshield

Second Year: Elise Starfire

Third Year: Cedric Lightbringer

Fourth Year: Yelena Windstrider

Team D:

First Year: Ren Wintershade

Second Year: Rowan Ironheart

Third Year: Selene Silverleaf

Fourth Year: Marcus Steelforge

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