Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Aria nodded understandingly, her expression softening. "I understand. But know that I'm here to support you, whatever you decide."

"Thank you," Adrian said sincerely, touched by her unwavering support. "I promise, once everything is settled, we'll go on that date."

Before Aria could respond, Adrian's communication bracelet vibrated, signaling an incoming call. He glanced at it apologetically. "Sorry, Aria. I need to take this."

He stepped a slight distance away to answer the call, activating the holographic display of Aurelius that appeared above his bracelet.

"Good morning, Aurelius." Adrian calmly greeted Aurelius.

"Good morning, and sorry to disturb you in the morning Adrian but the instructor Doome is calling for us. He told us to gather at the entrance of the arena in 10 minutes."

"Did he mention the reason?" Adrian asked though he had a guess.

"Not specific but he told me he needed to train us for the Trial of Illusions event. Even though there are only 2 hours left for it to start."

"Hmm... Alright, I will be there in 5 minutes,"

Adrian ended the call and turned back to Aria, his expression apologetic yet determined. "Aria, I need to go. Instructor Doome is calling us for last-minute training before the Trial of Illusions event."

Aria nodded, her eyes reflecting both understanding and concern. "I understand. I will be watching the event. Good luck in winning this one."

"Haha, thanks," Adrian chuckled and the two cleaned up their impromptu breakfast setup.

With a final nod, Adrian turned and headed toward the arena entrance. When he arrived, he found Aurelius, Emeric, and Ren already gathered, waiting for Instructor Doome. Since the relationships between him and Emeric; Emeric and Aurelius weren't exactly friendly, the atmosphere was rather awkward.

Thankfully, Instructor Doome soon appeared, his solemn expression indicating the seriousness of the upcoming trial. "I have already trained you four for this event, but this is the last training you will receive this semester. Come on, follow me."

Adrian, Aurelius, Emeric, and Ren exchanged suspicious glances but obediently followed the old man, hoping he wouldn't subject them to something absurd again. As they walked, the anticipation of the Trial of Illusions grew within them.

____ ___ _

Two hours later, the scene shifted to the arena where the Trial of Illusions event was about to begin. The participants had already gathered at the designated location—the entrance to the silver-tier ruin— 'Ruin of Illusions', while the event was being broadcasted in the arena for spectators to watch. However, there was no sign of the first-year students yet.

The instructors present at the scene exchanged puzzled glances. Just then, a flying ship descended from the sky and landed nearby. Instructor Doome stepped off the ship alone, a bemused expression on his face.

One of the instructors approached him. "Instructor Doome, where are your students for the event?"

Doome chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "They should be here soon."

Moments later, four figures appeared in the distance, walking through the snow. As they drew closer, the crowd in the arena gasped in surprise and recognition. It was Adrian, Aurelius, Ren, and Emeric, all of them bundled up with snow in the cold, their breath visible in the frigid air.

Emeric, in particular, was visibly trembling, but they continued to walk with determination to reach the ruin's entrance.

The trio's arrival elicited a mix of reactions from the spectators—admiration for their perseverance and amusement mixed with pity at their bedraggled appearance. The instructors at the scene exchanged impressed and wry glances, realizing that Doome had once again put his students through an unexpected yet absurd challenge to test their mettle.

As Adrian, Aurelius, and Emeric reached the entrance, Instructor Doome nodded approvingly. "Well done, all of you. Now, with my final training finished, you are ready to win this event."

The four looked at the old man Doome, the detest and hatred visible in their eyes. After all, he made them run all the way till here in this cold and snow. They were cold to the bone.

"How do you expect us to win in this condition?" Emeric muttered, his teeth chattering from the cold.

Adrian, Aurelius, and Ren nodded in agreement, their faces etched with fatigue.

Doome's expression softened slightly. "The Trial of Illusions is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical strength. Consider this your final test of resolve."

Despite their frustration, Adrian, Aurelius, Emeric, and Ren knew they had no choice but to press on.

Since every participant was here, the instructors began to open the ruin's entrance, the ancient stone doors creaking open to reveal the shadowy interior.

The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the contestants lined up to enter the ruin. One by one, they stepped into the portal, each carrying their own hopes and fears. Adrian glanced back at his teammates, giving them a silent nod before stepping into the unknown. Aurelius, Emeric, and Ren followed suit, their expressions set with determination.

Soon, all the students entered the Ruin of Illusions leaving the instructors at the entrance.

The Trial Of Illusions Event has officially begun.

_____ ___ __

Adrian stepped into the darkness of the Ruin of Illusions, the ancient stone doors closing behind him with a resonant thud. The air inside was cooler, almost biting, and it carried a faint scent of age and mystery. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he noticed the eerie glow of runes etched into the walls, casting faint blue luminescence that flickered like ghostly flames.

Adrian's heart pounded in his chest as he took a deep breath, trying to steady and heat his body. The Trial of Illusions was unlike anything he had faced before. It wasn't just about strength or skill; it was about survival, wit, and mental resilience. Doome's words echoed in his mind: "The Ruin will create illusions based on your power and rank. No two experiences will be the same."

He glanced around, trying to spot any sign of Aurelius, Emeric, or Ren, but the darkness swallowed everything. They had been together just moments ago, but now it seemed the Ruin had separated them, each to face their own trials.

"Focus," Adrian muttered to himself in his mind. "This is just another challenge you need to overcome..."