Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

After the individual combat event ended for all years, it was already time for lunch.

So, there was an hour's break for everyone.

The break soon came to its end and the arena became lively once more.

"Before the ultimate finals of certain events, we will hold the 7 Star Strategy Games event's final round." The announcer's voice echoed through the arena, reigniting the excitement among the audience. The 7 Star Strategy Games had been a highlight of the tournament, showcasing the participants' mental acuity and strategic prowess.

"Let's welcome our finalists for the 7 Star Strategy Games event!" The announcer's voice boomed as the crowd erupted into cheers.

Adrian stepped forward, his mind already shifting gears from the intense combat earlier. Games were his forte, and he knew he had to be at his best to secure another victory. His opponent, Rowan Ironheart, was known for his sharp intellect and difficult strategies. He was already waiting at the opposite end of the stage, his eyes gleaming with mystery.

"Now, let us spin the wheel and see which game they will compete in!" The announcer's voice echoed across the arena as the large wheel on the screen began to spin. The colorful sections of the wheel blurred together, each one representing a different game ranging from 4-star to 7-star difficulties.

The crowd watched in anticipation, their excitement palpable as the wheel gradually slowed down. The sections became distinguishable again, and the tension grew with each passing second.

Finally, the wheel came to a stop on a section labeled "Truth or Trial" with a 5-star rating.

The crowd erupted in applause, intrigued by the selection. The announcer continued, "Our finalists will now face off in the 5-star game of Truth or Trial!"

"Let me give info about the game and the rules."

The game's objective was to players taking turns challenging each other with questions (Truth) or tasks (Trial) to uncover secrets or test their skills.

Setup:

Players: Two players.

Materials: The "Truth" questions that the players ask and a predefined set of limited "Trial" tasks.

Rules were like this:

Starting the Game:

Decide who goes first (Player 1 and Player 2) by rolling a die or another method.

Turn Structure:

Player 1 asks, "Truth or Trial?"Player 2 chooses either "Truth" or "Trial."

Truth:

- Player 1 asks a question from the list of "Truth" questions.

- Player 2 must answer honestly.

- If Player 2 refuses to answer, Player 1 can assign a "Trial" instead.

Trial:

Player 1 chooses a "Trial" task from the limited set and presents it to Player 2.

Player 2 must complete the task.

If Player 2 fails to complete the task, Player 1 earns a point.

Switch Turns:

After completing the "Truth" or "Trial," players switch roles.

Winning the Game:

The game continues until a predetermined number of rounds are completed or until one player reaches a set number of points.

The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Both players will be under a 6-star Lie Detecting Spell, in case they want to cheat.

And one player can have only 5 Trials ensuring they won't abuse this.

The announcer's explanation drew cheers from the crowd, who were eager to see how the competitors would navigate the challenges of "Truth or Trial." Adrian and Rowan took their places at the center of the stage, their expressions serious and focused.

The judge, standing between them, raised a hand for silence. "We will begin with Adrian as Player 1 and Rowan as Player 2. Let the game commence!"

"How will you decide who will go first?"

"Senior can start first," Adrian replied.

"No, Junior should start first," Rowan said. "This is the least I can do as a senior."

"No, as a junior I should respect you and give you this chance."

"No, don't think too much, just start by yourself."

"No-"

"Ok, we will decide by a simple coin toss," the judge intervened, holding up a shiny gold coin. "Heads or tails, Adrian?"

"Heads," Adrian replied.

"Tails it is then," Rowan said.

The judge flipped the coin into the air, and it spun before landing in his palm. He opened his hand to reveal the result.

"Heads it is. Adrian will start as Player 1."

The crowd cheered as Adrian and Rowan took their positions at the table set up in the center of the stage. The tension was palpable as the first round of "Truth or Trial" was about to begin.

Adrian looked at Rowan, his mind racing with potential questions and tasks. He knew he had to start strong to gain an early advantage.

Adrian nodded, taking a deep breath as he prepared to ask the first question. "Truth or Trial?" he asked, his eyes locked onto Rowan.

Rowan considered for a moment, then smiled confidently. "Truth."

Adrian thought carefully, his mind racing to devise a plan to turn this game into his. "Senior Rowan, do you.. hate me or dislike me?"

"!"

The crowd was taken aback by Adrian's question, murmurs of surprise and curiosity rippling through the stands. Rowan's eyebrows shot up in shock, clearly not expecting such a direct and personal question. He quickly composed himself and chuckled, trying to mask any discomfort.

"What are you talking about, Adrian?" Rowan said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You're my good junior. I like you."

As soon as the words left Rowan's mouth, the 6-star Lie Detecting Spell activated, casting a faint red glow over him. The glow intensified briefly, indicating that Rowan was lying. The crowd gasped, and a ripple of astonishment spread through the arena.

Adrian's expression remained calm, though inwardly he felt a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. He had anticipated a more strategic question, but his gut had told him to start with something personal, and it had paid off.

Rowan's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Alright, Adrian," he said, his tone more serious now. "Your turn. Truth or Trial?"

"...You haven't told the truth yet, Senior." However, Adrian wouldn't let him easily go. "Or do you refuse to answer the Truth and do the Trial?"

Rowan's smile slowly disappeared, replaced by a solemn expression. "You are indeed a smart one, huh? Ok, I will tell the truth..."

"I don't like you."