Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Adrian felt the vibration of his communication device as the Vice-Principal's voice faded from the arena. He pulled it from his wrist, a small light flashing on the surface, indicating a new message. Around him, others did the same, checking their notifications as the assignment groups began to form.

"Looks like we've been assigned," Kairen said, glancing down at his own message. Adrian nodded as he scanned the message:

Group 1: Ceil (2nd Year), Ella (4th Year, Leader), Claire (3rd Year), Adrian(1st year), Aria, Ardel, Aurelius, Aurelia.

He froze for a second, his eyes locking on Aria's name. She would be with him, but the others—Kairen, Lila—weren't. He glanced over at Aria, and she met his gaze, already understanding what this meant.

"We'll be in different groups," Ardel said softly, her expression betraying a flicker of disappointment. Adrian nodded, forcing a calm expression.

"It's for the best," he replied. "We'll cover more ground."

"Stay safe guys." Kairen gave Adrian a quick pat on the shoulder, while Lila sighed.

"I'm in the same group with that 'bastard' again," she said with a slight frown.

"You too. We'll meet up once it's over," Adrian reassured them before turning to Aria and Ardel. "Let's find the others."

Together, they made their way through the thinning crowd, searching for the rest of their team. Before long, a familiar figure clad in light armor approached them—Aurelius. Behind him Aurelia followed closely.

"Looks like we're together again," Aurelius smiled in relief, though the situation seemed to temper his usual attitude. "No complaints from me."

"Let's find the rest of the group."

A short distance away, a second-year student, unmistakable with her short gleaming blue hair, stood with crossed arms. Her presence was commanding, her demeanor cool and focused—Dragon Maiden Ceil. Beside her, a tall girl with striking blue eyes and an air of quiet confidence leaned against a pillar. That must be Claire Stormrider, one of the third-years.

And finally, their leader Ella Highwind, stood at the front. Her silver hair was tied into a sleek ponytail, and her posture was firm. The fourth year held an air of authority that was difficult to ignore.

"Alright, listen up," Ella called as the group assembled. "We've been assigned to the outskirts of Eldoria. The monster waves from the Bronze, Gold, and Silver Tier are expected to strike first in that area, and it'll be our job to contain the initial attack."

Ceil nodded, her silver eyes gleaming. "Monster waves—the typical first phase of an Awakening. They'll be coming in droves, but we handle the guardians."

"We'll have to be smart about how we deal with them," Claire added, her tone measured. "Stick to your strengths, fight the monsters that match your abilities. This isn't just about surviving; it's about holding the line."

Ella continued, her voice firm. "I and Clare will be handling the guardians. You all take care of the rest. Stick together, watch each other's backs, and don't overestimate yourselves. We're the first defense, but we can't afford any mistakes."

Aurelius exchanged determined looks with Aurelia and the others. They were ready.

"Now, let's move out. The portal to the outskirts is just ahead." Ella gestured, leading them toward another glowing archway on the far side of the arena.

The group entered the portal, and in a flash of light, the landscape shifted. The sprawling city of Eldoria disappeared, replaced by the rugged outskirts. Jagged cliffs loomed in the distance, and the protective walls of the city could be seen faintly behind them.

The air was thick with tension. The ground beneath their feet felt more solid, and the wind carried a distant, ominous sound.

Then, they heard it.

The thunderous rumble of countless feet, like a storm approaching from the horizon. The earth trembled as if something massive was barreling toward them. The sky, once clear, was now filled with dark clouds that rolled and swirled unnaturally.

"They're coming," Ella said, her tone sharp as her silver eyes scanned the distance. "Get ready."

The first wave of monsters appeared, their silhouettes barely visible in the far distance, but growing larger by the second. Enormous boar-like creatures with tusks the size of spears charged toward them, their eyes glowing with unnatural fury. Behind them, smaller, faster creatures with multiple limbs skittered across the ground, their bodies low and predatory.

There were more than 10 types of monsters.

Adrian tightened his grip on his weapon, feeling the familiar weight of his sword in his hand.

Ella stepped forward, her aura commanding. "Hold... Charge."

Without hesitation, the group moved into position.

"Take your positions," Ceil ordered as she was the leader of the second group.

Adrian, Aria, Aurelius, Ardel, and Aurelia moved to the sides, taking their own positions. Ceil and the other third years also took their positions, ready to confront the more dangerous threats. The ground shook again as the monsters closed in, their numbers growing with each passing moment.

And then, with a deafening roar, the first wave crashed into them.

Ella attracted the attention of the three strongest Guardian Monsters using her wind Magic. While Claire and the other two third years engaged in combat with two Guardian monsters.

The rest of the monsters, more than 400, were left to Adrian and the others.

_____ ___ _

Ella stood tall amidst the chaos, her silver hair gleaming as the wind whipped around her. Facing down the three Guardian Monsters—each a force of nature in their own right—her eyes narrowed with cold determination.

The thunder mammoth, a towering beast with tusks crackling with electricity, stomped forward, the ground trembling beneath its weight. Beside it, the boar-like creature with molten skin and fiery eyes pawed the ground, ready to charge, while overhead, a giant winged beast circled, screeching with a high-pitched cry.

Ella wasted no time. She thrust her hands forward, flames bursting from her fingertips. A searing wall of fire erupted in front of the boar, forcing it back with a furious snarl, its molten skin sizzling as it collided with the heat. At the same time, she flicked her wrist, and the wind howled, forming a barrier that knocked the mammoth off balance as it charged.

The flying monster dove at her, wings outstretched, but Ella's response was swift. A cyclone of wind gathered around her, propelling her into the air. With a wave of her hand, she sent a spiral of fire crashing into the creature's wings. It screeched in pain, struggling to stay airborne, but it wasn't finished yet.

The mammoth roared, its tusks glowing with raw lightning. With a stomp, it sent a wave of electricity rippling through the ground. Ella leaped into the air again, barely dodging the attack, and retaliated with a blast of wind, sending debris flying toward the beast.

The boar, enraged, charged through the fire barrier, but Ella shifted her focus, blasting it back with an intense stream of flame that sent its molten body crashing into the mammoth.

In a single fluid motion, she conjured a dual attack—blades of wind to slice at the boar's legs, and a concentrated inferno aimed directly at the flying monster. The battlefield was a chaotic storm of fire and wind, her magic powerful but controlled, matching the ferocity of the three beasts.

But the Guardian Monsters were relentless. As they regrouped, preparing to strike again, Ella stood firm, unyielding. She was determined to hold them off, no matter the cost.

The same could be said for other groups.

Claire and her friends were in a stalemate against a lion and a reptilian like two Guardians.

Thankfully, the 2nd and 1st years were doing fine - they already eliminated the half of the weaker monsters.