Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"And now," the announcer continued, "the moment we've all been waiting for. I will announce the results and reveal the two contestants who have advanced to the grand final!"

A hush fell over the crowd, the anticipation palpable. Alex felt his heart race a bit, not with fear or anxiety, but with a steely anticipation. He had played his part and given his all. And now, it was time to receive rewards.

"In fourth place," the announcer proclaimed, "with nine territories conquered as the Fire Warlord avatar, we have... Emma Highwind!"

Emma's name was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause. She stepped forward, acknowledging the crowd with a nod and a tight smile, though her eyes still smoldering with disappointment and frustration.

"In third place," the announcer continued, "with ten territories under her command, we have... Ceil Skyborn!"

Ceil's name brought a roar of approval from the crowd. She gave a slight bow, despite her loss, there was a gleam of curiosity and determination in her eyes, knowing she had fought valiantly yet lost to a freshman and her rival.

The announcer then added, "We have to mention that if Emma Highwind's Twilight Thicket hadn't been destroyed, she and Ceil Skyborn would have tied for third place. Such is the nature of the game, where every strategic decision can tip the scales."

"And now," the announcer's voice crescendoed, "the two contestants who have advanced to the grand final!"

The excitement in the arena was palpable as the announcer paused for dramatic effect.

"In second place," he announced, "with fourteen territories under his control, we have... Rowan Ironheart!"

Rowan's name was met with thunderous applause, his supporters cheering wildly. He stepped forward, his eyes meeting Alex's with a mixture of respect and rivalry, a gentle and friendly smile playing on his lips. The announcer continued, "Student Rowan, maybe the luckiest contestant in this game, has navigated the challenges with remarkable skill and perseverance."

"And finally," the announcer's voice rose to a peak, "in first place, we have the strongest freshman who has been causing a ruckus and chaos in the events he has participated in. Worthy of the title 'Dark Horse,' he has earned the titles 'Silent Strategist' or 'Silent Devil' among the spectators. With zero territories but all three relics in his possession, the first place goes to...

Adrian Lighthaven!"

The arena exploded with applause and cheers, the sound almost deafening. Alex stepped forward, his expression calm and composed. He felt a sense of accomplishment but knew the journey was far from over. He acknowledged the crowd with a nod, his eyes scanning the sea of faces before him.

"Congratulations to our finalists!" the announcer declared. "The grand final promises to be an epic showdown, a clash of genius minds that will determine the ultimate champion of the 7 Star Strategy Games!"

The crowd roared in approval, the excitement building to a fever pitch. Alex and Rowan exchanged a nod, a silent acknowledgment of the battle that lay ahead.

As the cheers continued, Alex's mind was already focused on the final challenge. He knew Rowan was a formidable opponent, but he also knew he had the strength, strategy, and determination to prevail. The stage was set, and only the grand final awaited.

"Prepare yourselves, for the greatest battle of the tournament is about to begin!" the announcer proclaimed, his voice echoing through the arena. "May the best mind win!"

With that, the stage was cleared, and the anticipation for the grand final of the event reached its peak.

_____ ___ _

About half an hour the 7 Star Strategy Games event ended, and it was time for the last event Adrian would participate in today - the Team Battle Championship event.

Their opponents were the team they had a mock battle with when their team was first formed. Unfortunately, they wouldn't fight with either Aurelius or Emeric's team, who could pose a challenge to them. The matches till the semi-final have been quick and boring so far.

Even so, Adrian would never let his guard down. He remembered how Emeric had tried to use tricks to win the battle, so he had to be cautious.

The first match would be theirs, and the opponents were all in the top 30 on the entrance exam. As the match began, both teams squared off, their stances ready, eyes locked in fierce determination.

The fight was going smoothly, with Adrian's team holding their ground effectively. But suddenly, the opponents became aggressively coordinated, focusing their attacks on their backline—Lila the fire mage, and Ardel the assassin.

Adrian quickly realized this was no mere coincidence. It had Emeric's fingerprints all over it, probably an order or bribe to target their key members, a cliche move from a cliche villain.

Thankfully, he was always ready. Using the Shadow Glide movement technique, he swiftly moved across the battlefield, taking out two opponents in quick succession.

Aria noticed the abnormality and immediately joined in, using her magic and precision to help Adrian take out another two. The remaining opponent, seeing their strategy falling apart, desperately aimed a vicious strike at Lila.

Kairen, who usually held back from direct combat, saw Lila get hurt and something snapped within him. With a sudden burst of speed and strength, he lunged at the fifth opponent, taking them out with a single, powerful punch.

The crowd watched in stunned silence as the last of their opponents fell. Adrian's team stood victorious, though Lila nursed a minor wound. Adrian's eyes scanned the arena, meeting Emeric's gaze from across the way. Emeric smiled wryly, a silent but obvious sign of his failed ploy.

Then he looked at the judge waiting for him to announce the results.

The crowd's applause surged as the judge stepped forward, raising his hand for silence. "Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this round are... student Adrian and his team!"

The arena erupted with cheers and applause, the noise almost deafening. Adrian's team gathered in the center, their expressions a mix of relief and calmness. Lila winced slightly as she was helped to her feet by Kairen who returned to his usual calm and serious self, but she was in high spirits, her eyes never leaving Kairen.

Adrian who noticed the two from the corner of his eyes could only question himself in his mind, why hasn't he progressed with his own girl?

But he knew the reason well...

'...Let's think about it after I deal with all these problems...'