Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

'A friend, huh...' Adrian chuckled inwardly at Aurelius's words.

"Aria is done, I need to get going, see you later," Then he stood up and started leaving. "...friend."

"!" Aurelius's eyes widened in surprise at Adrian's parting words. He watched as Adrian walked away, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. For a long time, he had felt isolated and misunderstood, but Adrian's acknowledgment, albeit brief, gave him a sense of hope and belonging he hadn't felt in years.

Aurelius stood there for a moment, processing everything. The events of the day, the intense matches, and the conversation had left him with much to think about. He glanced once more at the VIP seats where his family sat, then back at the arena where Aurelia was leaving after the announcement of their advance to the next round.

'That's right... I still have many unfinished things left to do... I can't leave this world yet...'

______ ___ _

The day passed without much to mention.

Adrian and his team participated in the Team Battle preliminary rounds matches, advancing to the quarter-finals easily.

He also participated in the Arcane Knowledge Quiz and secured the first spot in advancing to the next round.

The next day dawned bright and early, the academy buzzing with activity. Students and visitors alike were excited for one of the most prestigious events of the tournament: the 7 Star Strategy Games. This event was renowned for testing not only strategy and leadership skills but also adaptability and foresight, drawing the interest of many VIPs and visitors who valued these qualities.

Adrian, already a standout in the previous day's events, was now preparing himself mentally for the challenge ahead. He knew the 7 Star Strategy Games would be a true test of his abilities, especially since it was open to all years, meaning he would be competing against not just his peers but also seniors and juniors.

As he made his way to the event arena, he could feel the excitement in the air. The arena was packed with spectators, eager to see the sharpest minds at the academy compete. Among the crowd, Adrian spotted some familiar faces—his friends, his sister, and even some of the VIPs who had been observing him closely throughout the tournament.

The announcers' voices boomed over the loudspeakers, drawing everyone's attention to the center of the arena. The first announcer, a distinguished-looking man in a formal suit, began to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 7 Star Strategy Games! This event is a true test of strategic thinking, leadership, and adaptability. Our participants will face a series of challenges designed to push their skills to the limit. Please give a warm welcome to all our contestants!" only-found-at-MVLeMpYr

The crowd erupted in applause as the contestants entered the arena. Adrian walked silently to his designated spot, his eyes scanning the crowd and the other competitors. He recognized a few of them—some were well-known for their strategic prowess, while others were dark horses, new faces with unknown potential.

The second announcer, a woman with a commanding presence, took over the words. "The first round of the 7 Star Strategy Games will be a game randomly chosen between 1 Star Games to 4 Star Games. So, let's spin the wheel and see what our contestants will be facing!"

A large, magical wheel appeared in the center of the arena, divided into segments representing various games. The wheel began to spin rapidly, colors blurring together until it finally slowed and landed on a segment labeled...

"The wheel landed on a segment labeled 'Enchanted Fortress Siege'."

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, while the announcer continued, "Enchanted Fortress Siege is a 3-star game that tests the participants' ability to devise and execute a strategy to defend a fortress while managing limited resources and responding to unpredictable enemy tactics."

"Right. Each contestant will be given control over an enchanted fortress and must hold off waves of attackers for as long as possible. Points will be awarded based on the duration of defense, the resources conserved, and the innovative tactics used." The man continued.

'Isn't this a copy Tower Defense game?'

Adrian felt a surge of adrenaline as the rules were explained. He had played Tower Defense style games many times before, but playing it in a high-stakes competition was a different challenge altogether. Still, he wasn't too nervous since he considered himself a decent player of this type of game.

He glanced around at the other contestants, noting their expressions—some confident, others nervous. This game required a blend of quick thinking, resource management, and strategic foresight.

"Contestants, please proceed to the designated area where you'll be transported into the simulation space," the second announcer instructed, her voice resonating through the arena.

Adrian, along with the other participants, made his way to the platform. As he stepped onto it, he felt a tingle of magic enveloping him, and his surroundings began to blur. Moments later, he found himself standing in a vast, realistic fortress.

The simulation was so immersive that he could feel the rough stone walls under his fingertips, hear the distant sounds of nature, and even smell the faint scent of the forest surrounding the fortress.

'This is incredible,' Adrian thought, his awe momentarily distracting him. 'Magic really is awesome.' The simulation felt like one of those VR games he had read about in novels, but even more realistic.

"Every contestant's fortress has two towers, one gate, and a large courtyard," the announcer explained. "You will also have access to a limited number of key resources, buildings, and staff. It's crucial to understand and utilize these effectively to withstand the attacks."

Adrian took a deep breath, his mind already racing with strategies. He knew the initial assessment of his fortress would be critical. As the announcer continued, he listened intently.

"The key resources available to you include wood, stone, and mana crystals," the announcer detailed. "Wood and stone are essential for repairing structures and creating new defenses. Mana crystals are used to power enchantments and summon additional defenses. Use these resources wisely."

"In addition, you will receive rewards after each wave clears. However, only the top three contestants who cleared the wave fastest will receive those rewards, so it is recommended that you balance speed and efficiency in your strategy."