Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"Yeah. I just finished." Adrian replied looking at Aurelius and Ren who came over to his side while Aurelia, Irithel, and Lyra went to the registration area.

"Oh, which events did you sign up for?" Aurelius asked in a friendly tone. "You are participating in the team battles, right? We want to fight with your team. Hopefully, we will not meet till the finals."

"Yeah, or else you won't be able to get any rewards, right?" Adrian chuckled provocatively.

"Haha, the opposite, we don't want you guys to end up without a rank, that's all," Aurelius replied in a more challenging tone.

The tension between the two groups was palpable, but it was the friendly sort of rivalry that often spurred both parties to perform at their best. Adrian and Aurelius exchanged smirks, each confident in their own abilities and eager to prove themselves.

"I also hope to meet you in the individual combat competition." Ren joined the conversation. "I want to know how much gap there is between us."

Adrian nodded, acknowledging Ren's challenge. "Sure thing. I'm sure it'll be an interesting match."

Ren smirked, his competitive spirit evident. "Don't expect me to go easy on you. I have advanced in my family's swordsmanship technique you know."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Adrian replied with a slight grin. "But I won't reveal my cards easily like you, haha."

"Don't worry, I will be ready for any of your tricks," Ren replied with a smile then looked at Aurelius. "I will get going now, I have to register for individual events I chose."

"Oh, ok." Aurelius nodded confused why he wanted to go alone.

Adrian nodded his head at Ren's farewell while remembering why he wanted to register alone. 'He is probably gonna register for 'that' event and doesn't want others to know about it. Well, a good but flawed decision on his part. His family will eventually end up seeing it at the tournament anyway.'

Then he looked at Aurelius who seemed to talk about something, something that can't be talked in front of others.

'Sigh...'

"Let's talk outside," Adrian suggested, gesturing towards the exit of the Registration Hall. Aurelius nodded in agreement, and they both stepped out into the fresh air.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Adrian asked once they were outside, alone, away from the bustling crowd.

"Um... It's about your sister. Hear me out before saying anything, please." Aurelius asked.

"..." Adrian was silent.

"Thanks." Aurelius smiled and started talking. "She has been kind of lost lately. She thinks a lot, eats less, and doesn't think about herself, her mind is always elsewhere. I tried to find out what was troubling her, but she wouldn't open up to me. I thought maybe you would know something or tell me how can I help her."

Adrian looked at Aurelius, a small smile tugging at his lips. 'He really does care about her...'

"When did she start doing that?" Adrian then asked calmly.

"About a week ago, just from the day..."

"The rumors about me spread." Adrian finished Aurelius's words.

"...Yes." Aurelius nodded. "I initially thought she was worried about you, and when I asked her, she always tried to dodge to answer or switched the topic. But even after the truth came out, she didn't change at all. That's why I came to you."

Adrian sighed inwardly, processing Aurelius's words. It was clear his sister, Aurelia, was deeply affected by something beyond the recent rumors. His mind raced, considering the possibilities.

'...It must be that basta*d's work.' Adrian knew the biggest possibility was her being Dream Stalker's target. Since the Dream Stalker was able to know his real relationship with her because of his nightmares, he must have targeted his sister as a backup plan.

'But...'

"Don't worry, she will be fine. She will return to her usual self." Adrian reassured Aurelius who had a worried expression.

'Because of her ability and powerful light affinity, she is the most tolerant to the Dream Manipulation. She won't be controlled like other victims but might get headaches, losing focus, sleep loss, and other things.

However, even they will disappear with some time because she will gain resistance against dream manipulation.' Adrian finished his thought, knowing that Aurelia's natural resilience would eventually overcome the Dream Stalker's influence.

"Hmm, thanks, I will take my leave then, they must be waiting for me," Aurelius replied.

"Ok, see you later." Adrian nodded and turned to leave.

"Wait... I now know what master meant that day... I believe the truth will come to light and Aurelia and you will get together again. Well then, bye."

Adrian paused, taken aback by Aurelius's parting words. He turned back only to see Aurelius already far away.

"Haha, he really is a protagonist." He muttered under his breath.

"Then... Shall I visit one of his future companions?" He chuckled while slowly walking in a certain direction.

______ ___ _

Celestial Arcane Academy

The southern part of the Celestial Arcane Academy was dedicated to the third-year students, a sprawling section of the campus that reflected their advanced status. Here, the buildings were more elaborate and specialized, catering to the higher-level courses and practical training required at this stage of their education.

The third-year dormitories were elegant structures, designed to provide comfort and privacy for the older students. Each dorm was equipped with private study areas, spacious common rooms, and even small gardens where students could relax and meditate. The architecture here was a blend of classic and modern, with magical enhancements ensuring a conducive environment for study and relaxation.

Adjacent to the dormitories were the teaching buildings, each dedicated to different fields of study. These buildings were state-of-the-art, equipped with advanced magical laboratories, combat arenas, and libraries stocked with rare tomes and scrolls.

The third-year curriculum was rigorous, focusing on honing the students' skills to a professional level, preparing them for their final year and beyond.

One of the most prominent structures in this area was the Smithing Hall. A grand building with tall, smokestack chimneys constantly puffing out wisps of smoke, the Smithing Hall was where students specialized in magical crafting and weapon forging. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of molten metal and the rhythmic clanging of hammers on anvils.