Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"Contestants, are you ready?" the announcer's voice boomed across the arena. Both teams nodded, their eyes locked on their opponents.

"Begin!"

The battlefield buzzed with energy as both teams sprang into action. Adrian's team, having agreed on a counterplay strategy, moved fluidly but not aggressively. They aimed to control the battlefield without revealing their true intentions.

Lila sent a series of controlled fireballs towards Aurelius's team, forcing them to spread out. Meanwhile, Aria combined her earth and wind magic to create barriers and gusts of wind, strategically disrupting the enemy's formation. Ardel silently darted around the battlefield, using the chaos to his advantage while remaining unseen.

Kairen positioned himself defensively, ready to intercept any attacks aimed at his teammates.

Aurelius's team responded with their own strategy. Ren dashed forward with incredible speed, his blade a blur as he targeted Adrian. Lyra, being an ice mage and scythe user, created a frosty barrier to protect their healer, Aurelia, who stood at the back, ready to mend any injuries. Irithel, proficient in wind and water magic, cast supportive spells to enhance her team's agility and defense.

Adrian met Ren's charge head-on, his daggers flashing as they clashed with Ren's sword. The two moved with precision, their blades a blur of motion. Adrian's affinity-less nature didn't hinder him; his expertise in close combat made him a formidable opponent. He anticipated Ren's wind-infused strikes, countering with quick, decisive movements.

"Stay focused!" Adrian called out to his team, his eyes never leaving Ren.

Aria and Lila worked in tandem, their combined magic creating a tempest of flames and wind that disrupted the battlefield. Lila's fire magic intensified Aria's wind, creating a powerful vortex that forced Aurelius's team to adapt quickly.

Aurelius, with his affinity for all seven elements, countered their onslaught with a combination of earth and water magic, creating a protective barrier while dousing the flames. He then launched a barrage of elemental attacks, testing Adrian's team's defenses.

Ardel, the assassin, took advantage of the chaos, moving swiftly and silently towards Lyra. He aimed to disrupt their formation by targeting their ice mage. However, Lyra was prepared. With a swift motion, she spun her scythe, creating a barrier of ice shards that deflected Ardel's approach.

Kairen, still reluctant to hit others, focused on defense. He intercepted Aurelius's attacks, using his tanking abilities to shield his teammates. His solid presence on the battlefield provided a crucial anchor for Adrian's strategy.

Irithel, seeing the need for a shift in tactics, cast a two star water spell, creating a wave that surged towards Adrian's team. Aria responded with an earth wall, blocking the wave, while Lila countered with a burst of fire that evaporated the water.

The battlefield became a dance of elements and strategies, each team adapting and countering the other's moves. The crowd watched in awe as the two teams showcased their skills and teamwork.

Adrian, aware of the time limit, knew they needed to push for a decisive move. "Lila, Aria, create an opening!" he shouted.

Lila and Aria nodded, focusing their magic to create a concentrated burst of fire and wind aimed directly at Aurelius. The combined attack forced Aurelius to divert his attention, using his elemental mastery to counter the onslaught.

"Now, Ardel!" Adrian signaled.

Ardel, taking advantage of the distraction, moved swiftly towards Aurelia. He aimed to disrupt their healer, knowing it would give his team an edge. However, Lyra was ready, her scythe spinning to intercept Ardel's approach.

Kairen, seeing the opportunity, stepped forward. Despite his reluctance to hit others, he created a protective wind barrier around Ardel, allowing him to get close to Aurelia. Ardel's swift movements bypassed Lyra's defenses, his dagger poised to strike.

Aurelius, realizing the danger, redirected his focus. "Ren, cover Aurelia!" he commanded.

Ren, understanding the urgency, disengaged from Adrian and dashed towards Ardel. But Adrian was ready. He intercepted Ren's path, their blades clashing once more.

The intensity of the battle reached its peak as the five-minute timer approached its end. Both teams fought with everything they had, their strategies and skills pushing them to their limits.

In the end, Adrian and Ardel managed to take out Irithel and Aurelia one after another, though their teammate Kairen was also lost in the process. But that marked who would be the winner in this match.

Taking advantage of Kairen's absence, Aurelius and Ren moved to take out their back line, however, Adrian was a bit faster than them, with Ardel disabled Lyra and quickly arrived to help Lila and Aria who held on against Ren and Aurelius using defensive spells.

Just as Adrian and Aurelius were about to engage in a battle, the loud voice of the timer ending echoed through the arena.

Soon after, the announcer's voice was heard as well. "Time's up!"

The battlefield fell silent as both teams stopped, catching their breath. The judges deliberated, their eyes scanning the battlefield and the condition of the contestants.

After a tense moment, the head judge stood and raised his hand. "The winner of the Team Battle Event is... Adrian Lighthaven's team!"

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers as Adrian's team stood victorious. The strategic counterplay, combined with their teamwork and adaptability, had earned them the win.

Adrian turned to his teammates, a proud smile on his face. "We did it. Great job, everyone."

Aria, Lila, Ardel, and Kairen nodded, their expressions filled with satisfaction and relief. They had faced a formidable opponent and emerged victorious.

Aurelius's team, despite their defeat, showed respect towards their opponents. Aurelius approached Adrian, extending his hand. "Well fought, Adrian. You and your team were exceptional."

Adrian shook his hand, appreciating the gesture. "You too, Aurelius. It was good to compete against you."

"Thanks, but it will be us who takes the victory next time." Aurelius smiled as they descended the fighting arena.

"Haha, we'll see about that." Adrian chuckled while wondering if he would be here in the next tournament.

"Let's give another round of applause for both teams! What an incredible display of skill and teamwork!"

Adrian's team gathered near the edge of the arena, catching their breath and relishing the moment of victory.

"You should rest Adrian," Aria said looking at him. "You are gonna fight in individual battle competition soon. And I think you will have a hard time. Because-"

"Because Aurelius is strong, right?" Adrian chuckled already expecting this from her.

"..."

"Don't worry, I know how strong he is. But he might not know about me." Adrian smiled recalling the surprise he prepared for his fight with Aurelius. "It will be fun."