Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

[ Bonus Chapter N - 1 ]

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One day after, the quarter-finals started.

Adrian's first event was the Arcane Knowledge Quiz, and he passed it without much difficulty and advanced to the semi-finals. There was one girl who posed the greatest challenge to him in this event, and from what he knew she was a reader and was always at the library.

Her theory knowledge was strong, and after he checked it, he found out she took the 7th or 8th place back in the Aetheric Theory Exam.

But, he wasn't too worried. What worried him was the current situation.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, we move on to the highly anticipated Individual Combat Event!" the male announcer's voice boomed through the arena, capturing the attention of everyone present. "The quarter-finals will consist of single-elimination matches, where contestants will be randomly assigned an opponent. Each match will be held on a different day."

The female announcer continued, her voice filled with excitement. "That's right! Today, we will see the random allocation of our quarter-finalists. Each contestant will face their opponent in the usual one-on-one duel, testing their combat skills, strategies, and determination."

Adrian stood with the other quarter-finalists, his mind racing. He knew the competition was only going to get tougher from here on out. He hoped he wouldn't end up facing his sister Aurelia, his close 'friend' Aria, or Aurelius in this round. He wanted them to advance to the next round as well.

The screen behind the announcers lit up, displaying the names of the quarter-finalists. The random allocation process began, and the names started to shuffle rapidly on the screen.

"First match," the male announcer declared, "Adrian Lighthaven versus..."

Adrian held his breath, hoping it wouldn't be someone he cared about.

The screen stopped shuffling, revealing the name of his opponent.

"...Ren Wintershade!"

A murmur went through the crowd as the names flashed on the screen. Adrian exhaled slowly, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation. Ren was a good opponent, known for his control combat style and powerful swordsmanship. This would be a challenging match, but Adrian was confident in his abilities.

"Second match," the female announcer continued, "Aurelia Lighthaven versus Irithel Silvershade!"

'Well, not a bad match-up, but it will be hard to find the victor since their strength are about equal.' Adrian commented in his mind.

"Third match, Aria Starwind versus Lyra Nightengale!"

'Childhood Friends fight, huh? Though I believe in Aria, if Lyra learned what I recommended to her, she will put up a good challenge.' Adrian though recalling how fearsome the Lyra he knew from the novel.

"And finally," the male announcer concluded, "Aurelius Avondale versus Emeric Ironheart!"

The crowd cheered and buzzed with excitement as the matchups were announced. Adrian felt a mix of emotions but mostly anticipation, knowing the road ahead would be tough for everyone involved.

"These matches promise to be thrilling displays of skill and strategy," the female announcer said. "Contestants, prepare yourselves and give it your all. The quarter-finals begin now with Adrian Lighthaven versus Ren Wintershade! Please make your way to the designated arena!"

Adrian took a deep breath, calming his racing heart. He had faced numerous challenges before, and this wasn't that different from them.

Ren was already in the arena, his presence commanding. He stood tall, his sword gleaming under the sunlight. His reputation as a formidable swordsman preceded him, and Adrian knew he couldn't underestimate his opponent. Ren's control over his combat style and his precise, powerful strikes made him a worthy adversary.

The arena buzzed with anticipation as the announcers continued their commentary. "Ladies and gentlemen, the first match of the quarter-finals is about to begin! Adrian Lighthaven, known for his strategic brilliance and adaptability, will face Ren Wintershade, a master swordsman with unparalleled control and precision. This is a battle you don't want to miss!"

The referee stepped forward, raising his hand. "Contestants, ready yourselves. The match will begin on my signal."

Adrian and Ren nodded, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of respect and determination.

"I guess I will see your family's swordsmanship technique today," Adrian commented while taking a simple yet subtle stance. It was the Unseen Stance he learned from the instructor Darius.

"Yes, if you can make me show it," Ren replied calmly. "And, don't treat this match as our usual spars. Let's go all out, I want to see who is truly stronger. You or Me."

"Ok, you said it yourself."

The judge looked at the two wanting to tell them a piece of his mind but he held back. "Get Ready. 3. 2. 1. Start!"

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Adrian felt the familiar rush of adrenaline as the match began. He had faced Ren Wintershade in friendly spars before, but this was different. This was a quarter-final match, and both of them were determined to win.

Ren moved first, his sword a blur as he launched a series of precise, powerful strikes. Adrian's eyes tracked the movements, his body responding instinctively as he parried and dodged. Ren's control over his sword was remarkable, each strike delivered with calculated force and accuracy.

Adrian countered with a swift, fluid motion, his Unseen Stance allowing him to move unpredictably. He aimed a strike at Ren's side, but Ren deflected it effortlessly, their swords clashing with a metallic ring. The crowd watched in awe as the two combatants danced across the arena, their movements a blur of speed and skill.

"Impressive," Ren said, his voice steady even as he pressed the attack. "You've improved since our last spar."

"Thanks," Adrian replied, his tone calm and focused. "But you are still the same."

"You-!"

"Clang-!"

Adrian and Ren's swords clashed with such force that a gust of wind swept through the arena, stirring the spectators into excited whispers. The metallic ring of their blades echoed, amplifying the tension in the air.

"You're still using your mind games," Ren commented, his voice steady despite the intensity of their duel.

Adrian chuckled softly, his eyes never leaving Ren's. "Mental battles are always tougher than physical ones. It's all part of the strategy."

Ren's eyes narrowed with determination. "I see. Well, let's see how you handle this. I'm starting now."