Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Adrian and his subordinates spent about 1,5 hours raiding different places. Adrian's shadow troops also grew in number as he kept summoning them to meet the amount needed for his plan.

His current status was like this:

_____ __ _

Contestant: Adrian Lighthaven

Warlord: Aelion the Shadowbinder

Ability: Shadow Summoner

Current Progress: Controlling 8 Locations.

Shadow Crystals: 50

Subordinates:

- Shadow Blade (1)

- Umbra Golems (5 units)

- Dark Archers (10 units)

- Shadow Wraiths (10 units)

- Shadow Guardians (10 units)

- Nightstalkers (25 units)

- Shade Hounds (30 units)

Relics: 0/3 acquired

Territories Controlled:

Twilight Thicket: A grove known for its forest spirits and resources.

Echoing Hollows: A series of caves inhabited by earth elementals.

Darkwood Grove: A dense forest filled with shadow-infused wildlife.

Gloomy Marshes: A swampy area teeming with poisonous plants and shadow creatures.

Spectral Fields: An open field haunted by the spirits of fallen warriors.

Obsidian Caverns: A network of underground tunnels rich with dark minerals.

Cursed Meadow: An eerie meadow known for its cursed flora and fauna.

Phantom Peaks: A mountain range with high-altitude caves inhabited by ghostly beings.

______ ____ __

Having secured eight strategic locations, Adrian decided it was time to return to the Twilight Thicket to gather information and collect the shadow crystals accumulated during his absence along the way. As he approached the grove, the ethereal glow of the trees and the soft whispers of nature welcomed him back.

Eldrin, the elder forest spirit and guardian of the Twilight Thicket, awaited him at the entrance. "Warlord Aelion, welcome back. We have gathered the crystals as you requested and have been monitoring the surrounding areas for any unusual activity."

Adrian nodded. "Excellent. What have you found?"

Eldrin extended a branch-like arm, revealing a collection of shadow crystals. "We have gathered these crystals from the depths of the forest and around. Additionally, our scouts have reported the presence of another warlord not far from our territories. This warlord is said to be a fire-type warlord, and they are a woman."

Adrian's eyes narrowed as he processed this information. "A fire-type warlord, you say? Interesting. Have your scouts provided any details about her forces or her current location?"

Eldrin nodded. "Yes, Warlord. She has been seen to the southeast of our position, near the Emberstone Plains. Her forces consist of flame-wielding creatures and fire-infused elementals. It appears she is also expanding her territory and may pose a significant threat to your plans."

Adrian considered the implications. A fire elemental warlord would be a formidable opponent, and their paths were likely to cross if they continued to expand their territories. He needed to prepare for a potential confrontation and ensure that his forces were ready to face this inevitable threat.

"Good work, Eldrin. Continue to monitor her movements and report any changes immediately," Adrian ordered. He turned to his subordinates. "Gather everyone near the temple, we will start raiding it soon."

Though hesitant, the 5 chiefs who were now serving under him nodded and left the scene.

While Adrian slowly made his way over as well. He pondered who the fire warlord might be, Ella Highwind or Ceil Skyborn? Whoever she was, they would undoubtedly pose a threat to him. Because both of them were highly intelligent and smart women. Both in the academy and their peers.

Even if he might not be as intelligent as they were, he had one advantage over them - he knew a lot of things about them while they had no info about him.

He also didn't forget the threat of Rowan Ironheart. He wasn't known as Ceil's rival for nothing.

'But, my top priority right now is to get that relic, so I can be relieved not to fail the semi-finals...' Adrian's reason was clear. As long as he had one relic, his pass to the finals would be almost certain. If another contestant collected the other 2 relics then his success would be 100%. If two contestants got 1 each other like him, then they would probably fight over it.

'However, I shouldn't forget the worst possibility - none of us getting a relic, or only me getting a relic.' Adrian muttered inwardly. If they didn't get a relic, the winners would probably be chosen by the territories they acquired.

Since he didn't know the others' situation, he couldn't be certain of his success. They might have even only focused on conquering territories giving up on relics. So, his chance of success would drop considerably. And he didn't want that.

Well, if only he got a relic, the others would probably know about it and might search for it to steal it from him. If all three of them gang on him, his only choice would be to run or hide until the time runs out.

"Sigh... my head is hurting just from thinking about it," Adrian muttered out loud. "Let's raid the temple first. Well, I hope we can raid it..."

Right, he first had to get the relic and think about other things later.

As Adrian approached the entrance of the ancient temple ruins, the atmosphere grew heavy with a sense of foreboding. The temple loomed before them, its weathered stone walls covered in dark moss and arcane runes. Shadows seemed to dance along its surface, adding to the ominous aura that surrounded the place.

He took a moment to glance at his assembled forces. The five chiefs stood ready, each accompanied by their minions, loyal and prepared for battle. Brakkar and Gnarl were at the forefront, their expressions determined. The other three chiefs, each commanding their own unique troops, awaited his command.

Adrian raised his hand, and a dark aura began to emanate from him. "Prepare yourselves. This fight will be unlike any other. The treasure within this temple is crucial to your safety and freedom, so failure is not an option."

He closed his eyes briefly, focusing his energy. When he opened them again, he summoned half of his shadow troops. Shade Hounds, Nightstalkers, Dark Archers, Shadow Wraiths, materialized around him, their dark forms a stark contrast to the dim light of the temple entrance.

"Let's go in."