Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

While Guardian's attention was shifted to the other group, Bane soared swiftly across the battlefield, carrying Adrian, Ardel, and Dorian back toward the rear lines where the first and second-year students were doing their best to hold their ground. Below them, the new wave of monsters, although weaker than the ones Ceil and third years were fighting, they were still monsters from a Gold Tier Ruin.

They were beginning to overwhelm Aria, Aurelius, Aurelia, and the second years.

"Hold on!" Adrian called out as they closed in on the group. He motioned to Dorian, who nodded, commanding Bane to unleash another blast of frost.
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The frost breath shot forward in a torrent of icy wind, freezing several of the nearest monsters in their tracks. Adrian wasted no time. Without waiting for Bane to land, he leaped from the creature's back, descending with precision onto the head of one of the larger monsters. His sword sliced clean through its skull, and the beast fell instantly.

"Adrian!"

"Brother!"

"Everyone, full attack mode!" Adrian shouted, his voice firm as he joined the fray.

"Alright!" Aurelius, Aria, and Aurelia, relieved by his arrival, immediately rallied. Under his order, they pushed forward, launching an all-out assault on the remaining monsters. The second years were a bit hesitant but after witnessing what he was capable of, they also chose to follow his order.

In under a minute, the tide of battle shifted completely. With Adrian and Aurelius leading the charge, and Bane's frost providing support from above, they quickly dispatched the remaining monsters. The battlefield was soon cleared, leaving only the still forms of defeated enemies scattered across the ground.

"Nicely done, everyone," Adrian said as they caught their breath. He turned to Aurelia, who was already stepping forward to provide healing.

A soft, golden glow emanated from her hands as she moved through the group, healing their injuries and restoring their strength. "That should do it," she said, her eyes meeting Adrian's. "You're good to go."

"Thanks," Adrian replied, feeling the warmth of her magic seep into his muscles. He looked over at Aurelius, who was catching his breath. "You're with me. We're going to help Ceil's group."

Aurelius smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "I was going to ask it if you didn't say it."

Adrian then turned to the others. "The rest of you, go with Dorian and Bane. We're not the only ones fighting. Some of the other groups might need backup."

Dorian gave a nod and began organizing the other students onto Bane's back and Ardel helped him from above. Aria, Aurelia, and the others followed his lead, mounting the massive creature as it prepared to take off once again.

"Be careful out there," Aria said quietly, her gaze lingering on Adrian.

"Take care of yourselves," Aurelia added.

Adrian gave them a quick nod before turning to Aurelius. "Let's move."

With that, the two of them dashed forward, heading toward the area where Ceil and the third years were still engaged in combat.

"You go help Senior Ceil, I will pick off the ones that are easy to target or alone," Adrian said to Aurelius as he changed his direction. However, his real intention was not to steal Aurelius's opportunity to get close to Ceil.

And...

Although he hated to admit it, the current Aurelius was definitely stronger than him. However, it didn't mean he would lose to Aurelius if they fought one-on-one. He still had the relic's power.

'But... I have a suspicious feeling whether it will affect him...'

______ ___ _

Ceil, the Dragon Maiden, gritted her teeth as her blade cut through the air, striking down three hyena-like monsters in rapid succession. Their grotesque forms crumpled to the ground, twitching as the last flickers of life left their bodies. Her short blue hair, damp with sweat and blood, clung to her forehead as she scanned the battlefield, sharp eyes searching for the next threat.

The battlefield was chaotic, filled with the roars of beasts and the shouts of her senior third years. But Ceil was calm, her mind focused as her blade danced through the air, a blur of motion and power. She had earned her reputation as the strongest second-year for a reason.

Then, a slight shiver ran down her spine—a familiar feeling. An attack was coming from behind.

She turned instinctively, ready to counter, when a streak of lightning flashed in her peripheral vision. The monster sneaking up on her was struck down before it could get close, collapsing in a heap of charred fur and flesh.

Ceil blinked, her grip on her weapon loosening just slightly. She turned toward the source of the lightning and found a familiar figure, a handsome silver-haired young man standing 10 or so meters away with his sword still crackling with residual electricity. His face broke into a small smile as their eyes met.

"I'll give you a hand, Senior" Aurelius said, his voice calm but with a hint of respect.

Ceil, always composed, allowed a subtle smile to grace her lips. She nodded in response, then turned her attention back to the front lines without missing a beat. "Just don't put yourself in danger."

Aurelius nodded, slightly dazzled by the brief flash of her smile. But he quickly regained his composure. Now wasn't the time to lose focus.

He moved swiftly into position beside her, launching elemental attacks to support her and the two-third years. His strikes were precise— all the 7 elements swirling around his blade as he cut down anything that came close to Ceil or the others.

He switched from one element to another based on the monsters he faced which made his style efficient. He really improved.

'...She's really something else.' Despite the intensity of the battle, Aurelius couldn't help but admire Ceil's strength. The way she fought—elegant yet fierce—was unlike anyone else. Her swordsmanship was flawless, her command of magic even more impressive. 'She fights like a dragon, no doubt.'

Her nickname, Dragon Maiden, was more than deserved.

And together, they formed a seamless unit, their attacks complementing each other as they fended off the relentless wave of monsters. Aurelius's elemental strikes, Hugo's barriers, and Sara, the third-year's buffs gave Ceil the space she needed to unleash her raw power, and she in turn defended the frontline with lethal precision.

In the midst of the chaos, Ceil glanced at Aurelius from the corner of her eye, acknowledging the support he was providing. He wasn't just holding his own—he was keeping up with her, Hugo, and Sara. One had to note he was just a first year.

It was no wonder that guy called him a monster.

'Speaking of that guy...'

Ceil's focus shifted to a figure darting around the battlefield, agile and relentless, picking off the monsters that were scattered or attempting to flee.

Adrian.

His brown hair whipped behind him as he dashed through the battlefield, his sword flashing as he dispatched the weaker enemies with lethal efficiency. Unlike Aurelius, who stayed close to provide backup for the third years, Adrian was moving independently, targeting the stragglers and ensuring none of the monsters could regroup or escape.

There was something different about him. He wasn't just cleaning up the battlefield—he was calculating, precise, as if he was aware of every movement around him. Ceil watched him for a brief moment longer than she intended, wondering who he really was.

'Is he really a first-year?'

But the battlefield didn't allow time for contemplation.

"Focus," she reminded herself quietly, turning back to the horde in front of her.

Aurelius had also noticed Adrian's actions. Although a part of him felt the competitive spirit rise within him, he kept his head cool. He had a job to do here, and that meant helping Ceil. Besides, they were already finished.

And so were the seniors who were fighting with the golem guardian.