Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

(A/N: If you haven't bought privileged chapters, do buy the 1 coin plan. Help me to reach the 1K Win-Win mission. And I will continue mass releasing.)

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The crowd buzzed with excitement as the rules of the Labyrinth of the Mind were explained. Contestants would be placed in a massive labyrinth, each starting from different points. The goal was to navigate through the maze and reach the center, where four golden orbs awaited.

The first four contestants to retrieve the orb and exit the maze would advance to the semifinals. The labyrinth was filled with puzzles, traps, and mental challenges designed to test their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

"Look, Adrian already finished the first challenge of the Mind Labyrinth!"

"Yeah, but he is behind students Rowan and Ella while being followed by students Ceil and Luna."

Adrian moved swiftly but cautiously through the labyrinth, his eyes scanning for any hidden traps or puzzles. He had studied the potential challenges but knew that the actual experience would be much more intense. He encountered his first obstacle—a series of pressure plates that triggered a sequence of spears.

After a few moments of observation, he noticed the pattern and carefully navigated through them.

Rowan and Ella, both veterans of the previous year's competition, had a clear advantage. They also played this game last year, so their familiarity with the labyrinth's layout and puzzles allowed them to progress quickly. Rowan, with his sharp memory, breezed through a complex puzzle involving rotating mirrors to direct beams of light.

Ella, known for her analytical mind, solved a riddle that unlocked a hidden passageway, giving her a significant lead.

Adrian reached the second floor, where he faced a series of riddles etched into the walls. Each riddle had multiple layers, requiring deep thought and lateral thinking. Adrian paused at each one, taking his time to consider the answers. He managed to solve them, but the delay allowed Rowan and Ella to maintain their lead.

Meanwhile, Ceil was steadily making her way through the labyrinth. Her approach was methodical, carefully analyzing each challenge before proceeding. She encountered a room filled with moving platforms, requiring precise timing and coordination to cross. Ceil's calm demeanor allowed her to navigate the room without much difficulty, keeping her in the race.

As Adrian encountered the third challenge, he knew he had to increase his pace. The final challenge was the most challenging, filled with traps that could easily disorient and slow down even the best contestants. He encountered a room with shifting walls and floor tiles that triggered various mechanisms.

Adrian quickly mapped out the safest route in his mind and moved swiftly, avoiding the traps with calculated precision.

Rowan was the first to reach the center of the labyrinth, his previous experience giving him a significant advantage. He grabbed the golden orb and immediately started his journey back, his confidence and knowledge of the labyrinth allowing him to navigate efficiently.

Ella arrived at the center shortly after Rowan. She retrieved her orb and followed the path she had memorized from her previous experience. Her analytical mind kept her focused, ensuring she didn't make any mistakes on her way out.

Adrian finally reached the center, slightly winded but determined. He grabbed the golden orb, his mind already plotting the quickest route back. He knew he had to move fast to secure his place in the semifinals. As he navigated back through the labyrinth, his sharp instincts and strategic thinking kept him ahead of the traps and puzzles that had slowed him down earlier.

Ceil, the Dragon Maiden, maintaining her steady pace, arrived at the center and retrieved the last golden orb. Her methodical approach had paid off, and she began his journey back, careful not to rush and trigger any traps.

As the contestants neared the exit, the tension in the arena grew. The crowd watched intently, their excitement palpable.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our first contestant is out! Rowan Ironheart has secured his place in the semifinals!" the announcer's voice boomed, followed shortly by, "Ella Highwind is out too! She takes the second spot in the semifinals!"

Adrian pushed himself harder, his mind racing as he navigated the final obstacles. He saw the exit ahead and, with one final burst of speed, crossed the finish line.

"Adrian Lighthaven is out! He secures the third spot in the semifinals!" the announcer exclaimed.

Ceil emerged moments later, a relieved smile on her face. "And Ceil Skyborn takes the fourth and final spot! Our semifinalists are decided!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating the contestants' efforts and success. Adrian, catching his breath, looked around at his fellow semifinalists. Rowan and Ella exchanged knowing smiles, their previous experience evident in their performance. Ceil gave a nod of acknowledgment looking at three of them, her calm demeanor unshaken.

Adrian stayed indifferent, ignoring everyone.

The four semifinalists stood together, their eyes filled with plans and calculations.

The announcer's voice brought them back to the present. "Congratulations to our semifinalists! Rowan, Ella, Adrian, and Ceil! Rest well and prepare, for the next round will be even more challenging!"

As the crowd cheered, Adrian felt a sense of relief and anticipation. Many didn't know that he received orders twice from the Dream Stalker and nearly lost his spot. If not for the intervenience, he could have finished faster and even came in second.

But, that made it more challenging for him.

And his resolve to expose and crush that psycho Dream Stalker only grew stronger.

'It's not that far...'

'It might happen either in the finals of this event or the ultimate finals of the individual combat or team battle events...'

'AH... I really want to see that psycho's shocked face.'

'After all, if a person who you thought was controlling would be the one to expose you in front of everyone, that would be truly 'satisfying',' Adrian mused, a strange glint in his eye.

As the event came to an end, Adrian made his way to the secluded area of the arena where the contestants could rest and prepare for the next round.

He wanted to watch the next event since Irithel would participate in the semi-finals of the Beast Tamers Challenge. He wanted to see how much she had progressed. Was she weaker than in the novel or stronger? Or nothing has changed.

'I'm really curious...'