Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Aurelius's outstretched hand crackled with power as he summoned several bolts of lightning, each one more intense than the last. The arena was bathed in a blinding light as the bolts arced through the air, creating an electrifying spectacle that left the audience in awe. The sheer magnitude of the attack was overwhelming, the air humming with the force of the energy being unleashed.

"Take this!" Aurelius shouted, his voice echoing through the arena as the lightning surged towards Adrian.

Adrian's eyes narrowed as he activated Phantom Step, his body becoming a blur of movement as he dodged the incoming bolts. The first strike missed him by a hair's breadth, the air around him sizzling with residual energy. He continued to move with incredible speed, his form almost disappearing from sight as he weaved through the storm of lightning.

But the onslaught was relentless. Aurelius's control over the lightning was formidable, and they seemed to pursue Adrian with a mind of their own. Despite his best efforts, Adrian couldn't avoid every strike. A bolt grazed his shoulder, sending a jolt of pain through his body. Another struck his leg, causing him to stumble briefly before regaining his balance.

The arena was a dazzling display of power and agility, the air filled with the crackle of lightning and the blur of Adrian's movements. The crowd watched in rapt silence, unable to tear their eyes away from the incredible battle unfolding before them.

Adrian pushed through the pain, his focus unwavering. He knew he had to find an opening, a moment when Aurelius's concentration wavered. With each strike, he calculated the pattern of the lightning, looking for a weakness.

As he dodged another bolt, Adrian's gaze locked onto Aurelius. He could see the strain on his opponent's face, the intensity of maintaining such a powerful attack taking its toll. This was his chance.

With a burst of speed, Adrian closed the distance between them, his body a blur as he moved through the storm of lightning. He felt another bolt graze his side, but he pushed through the pain, his determination driving him forward.

Aurelius's eyes widened in surprise as Adrian appeared before him, his dagger glinting in the light of the lightning. With a swift, fluid motion, Adrian struck, aiming for a critical point.

He instinctively tried to summon an earth wall to block Adrian's strike, but to his shock, the spell fizzled out. His affinity for the all elements had faltered in the crucial moment, leaving him defenseless.

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Taking advantage of Aurelius's confusion, Adrian moved with lightning speed. Instead of using his dagger, he used his right leg to perform a powerful kick, landing a precise blow that sent Aurelius's body flying across the arena. The force of the impact left the prodigy momentarily stunned, crashing into the ground with a thud.

Adrian didn't let up. He sprinted after Aurelius, closing the distance in an instant. Before Aurelius could recover, Adrian was already standing over him, his dagger pointed directly at his opponent's throat.

The audience held its collective breath, the tension in the arena palpable.

The judge quickly intervened, stepping between the two combatants. "That's enough!" he declared, his voice firm and authoritative. "The match is over."

Adrian lowered his dagger, stepping back to give Aurelius space. The crowd erupted into cheers, the excitement and awe at the battle's conclusion washing over them in waves.

"The winner of the Individual Combat finals is Adrian Lighthaven!" the judge announced, raising Adrian's hand in victory.

Adrian helped Aurelius to his feet, their eyes meeting in a moment of mutual respect. Despite the intensity of the battle, there was no animosity between them.

"You fought well," Adrian said, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Haha, thank you," Aurelius muttered still not recovered from the intensity of the battle. "You were incredible too."

Then they descended the arena together, heading to the preparation area.

Neither of them talked, both immersed in their own thoughts.

Adrian knew Aurelius was probably thinking about why he couldn't use earth element just now. And he knew the answer very well. It was the only flow Aurelius's ability had. While it allowed him to have great control over the element he chose, he couldn't use other elements in that state.

Just like now, he switched his aether core to full lightning using the first effect of his ability Primordial Arcane Nexus.

But that disabled him from using his other affinities. And he just discovered it, making it easier for Adrian to end the battle. Had he known beforehand, he would've used lightning to defend himself instead of earth, prolonging the battle.

Even then, Adrian was certain he wouldn't lose. Not to the current Aurelius.

'Nothing is flawless in this world, isn't it?' Adrian muttered inwardly, recalling another reason why the novel was well-received among the readers. Who would like a perfect protagonist? Well, not him at least. Flaws made the characters relatable. Adrian knew that firsthand.

As they reached the preparation area, Adrian noticed the intensity of the battle had left him with several bruises and burns. He winced slightly as he moved, but the adrenaline still coursing through his veins dulled the pain. Aurelius, though visibly exhausted, seemed relatively unharmed, a testament to the mercy Adrian had shown to him at the last moment.

The two parted their ways, each one heading to their own groups. Aurelia quickly started healing Aurelius while taking a glance at her brother, a flicker of worry flashing through them.

But, she didn't have to worry that much, as it seemed, Aria had already called for healers and brought several high-tier healing potions.

Meanwhile, the next match, Ceil Skyborn versus Rowan Ironheart has already begun on the stage.

Adrian and his teammates decided to watch their senior matches since it would serve as an experience, not to mention they would be fighting in the ultimate finals against them. So, getting to know their strength and weaknesses might increase their chance of not losing too soon.

Right, Adrian had no hope of winning against seniors, for he knew the difference in their strength very well.

He would prefer to be realistic in this situation.

But that wouldn't mean he would just give up without trying.