Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 159: Preliminary Rounds [2]

"Let the match begin."

As soon as the judge started the match, Eluna cast a firewall spell around her, hoping she could somehow gain an advantage. The towering flames created an intense heat, blocking her from view and masking her next move. She believed this would give her the element of surprise.

However, her own line of sight was also blocked by the flames. Meanwhile, Adrian simply stood and waited for the firewalls to diminish. He watched the flickering flames with a calm demeanor, his mind racing as he considered the best way to end the battle.

Adrian knew Eluna's strategy was flawed. While the firewall provided a temporary shield, it also isolated her, cutting off her vision and making her predictable. He could sense the nervous energy behind the flames, her hesitation palpable.

After a moment of contemplation, Adrian decided on his course of action.

He slowly started to walk toward the fire which was already diminishing. While arriving in front of these firewalls, he used the 2-star 'Aetheric Resonance Barrier' spell and directly passed through the fire.

Eluna who was waiting for Adrian to make his move noticed the approaching shadow behind the firewalls, and she clutched her staff tightly.

However, as she saw the shadow growing darker and finally coming out of the fire revealing Adrian, her eyes widened in surprise and fear. She hadn't expected him to so easily traverse the firewall she believed would keep him at bay. MVLeMpYr-the-story-platform

Adrian emerged from the diminishing flames, his form shielded by the shimmering barrier of the Aetheric Resonance Barrier spell. The protective aura not only absorbed the heat but also nullified the remaining embers that licked at his clothes. With calm determination, he approached Eluna, his eyes locked onto hers.

Eluna tried to regain her composure and quickly began casting another spell. Flames coalesced around her, forming into round, hot fireballs. She directed them towards Adrian, hoping to hit him. But Adrian did another unexpected.

He managed to dodge each fireball by a hair's breadth with minimum effort and action. His movements were fluid and precise, displaying a level of skill and control that further unnerved Eluna.

As Adrian continued walking toward her, his gaze remained cold and unyielding. Eluna's hesitation grew more pronounced with each step he took. The fear in her eyes became evident as she realized her spells were ineffective against him.

Finally, the pressure became too much for her to bear. Overwhelmed by a sense of impending defeat, she dropped her staff and raised her hands in surrender. "I... I forfeit," she stammered, her voice trembling.

The judge acknowledged her surrender, and the crowd fell silent for a moment, processing the abrupt end to the match. Then, whispers and murmurs spread through the audience, many expressing surprise at the unexpected turn of events.

Eluna left the arena in tears, unable to hide her embarrassment and disappointment. Adrian, who had stopped in his tracks as soon as she surrendered, felt a pang of awkwardness. He had hoped for a more challenging fight, and seeing his opponent so distressed left him feeling awkward.

'But, I at least managed to get back at her.' He muttered inwardly. He knew that sometimes mental warfare could be even more daunting than physical combat.

The next match, Emeric Ironheart versus Sophie Brightshield, was about to begin.

The judge's voice rang out, "Let the match begin!"

Emeric wasted no time, launching a barrage of lightning bolts towards Sophie. She countered with a radiant shield of light, shattering the bolts upon contact. Their duel was a dance of power and finesse, with Emeric's relentless assaults clashing against Sophie's agile defenses.

Despite her best efforts, Sophie struggled to keep up with Emeric's overwhelming force. He unleashed a seismic wave that shattered her defenses, sending her sprawling to the ground. The judge declared Emeric the winner, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Adrian watched calmly, noting Emeric's raw power and technical prowess. He knew that facing Emeric in the quarter-finals wouldn't be possible now. Because...

The first announcer's voice boomed through the arena, "Congratulations to Adrian Lighthaven and Emeric Ironheart! Both will advance to the quarter-finals. Let's hear it for all our participants who fought bravely today!"

The crowd cheered loudly, celebrating the impressive performances they had witnessed. Adrian and Emeric shared a brief, respectful nod as they left the arenas, aware that their paths might cross in the upcoming rounds.

As the preliminary matches for the first years concluded, the second year students began to prepare for their turn in the Individual Combat Competition. The atmosphere became more hyped with excitement and anticipation.

The matches for the second years proceeded similarly, with intense one-on-one battles showcasing the students' skills and strategies. Each year's preliminary rounds followed, with the top two from each day advancing to the quarter-finals.

By the end of the day, the Colosseum was filled with an electric energy, the spectators eager for the next event. The announcers took to the center stage once again.

"What a day of exhilarating matches!" the first announcer declared, his voice resonating through the Colosseum. "Congratulations to all our quarter-finalists. Now, as we promised, we have more exciting events lined up for you today. So, without further ado, let's move on to the next challenge!"

The crowd buzzed with excitement, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the next event. The magical screen above the arena lit up, displaying the name of the upcoming event in bold, shimmering letters.

"The Team Battle Event!" the first announcer proclaimed, his voice filled with anticipation. "In this event, students will form five-member teams and compete in intense battles to determine the championship team."

"In this competition," the second announcer continued, "strategy, teamwork, and individual skills will be crucial. Teams will face off in a series of matches, with the winners advancing to the next rounds. The goal is to defeat the opposing team and secure your place in the finals."

The crowd erupted in cheers once more, the prospect of large-scale battles captivating the audience. The students, too, seemed eager, their expressions filled with determination and readiness.

"Teams, please prepare for your matches," the first announcer instructed. "The team battles will begin shortly. Let's see which team has what it takes to become the ultimate champions of the Celestial Arcane Academy!"