Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 223: Truth Or Trial [4]

He focused on the subtle clues—the faint sound of his footsteps, the feel of the air currents, and the sense of space around him. His hands brushed against the smooth surfaces of the mirrors, carefully tracing his path.

With each turn, he encountered more dead ends, forcing him to backtrack and find a new route. The disorienting environment made it difficult to keep track of time, but he remained determined. He visualized the layout of the maze in his mind, piecing together the puzzle with each step.

As the timer approached the ten-minute mark, Adrian's movements became more urgent. He could feel the pressure mounting, but he refused to give up. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he stumbled upon the exit, emerging from the maze.

However, he was about 10 seconds late, meaning he lost the Trial.

"Student Rowan gains 1 point," the judge announced, his voice echoing through the arena.

The crowd erupted into mixed reactions, some cheering for Rowan's victory while others murmured in disappointment for Adrian. Adrian took a deep breath, accepting the outcome with silence. He knew that things were going as planned.

Rowan, though victorious in this round, maintained a friendly demeanor. "You did well, junior. That maze was no easy task. But alas you failed at the end."

Adrian nodded, his expression indifferent. "Thank you, senior. Your turn, truth or trial?"

Rowan replied as usual. "Truth."

(Ask a stupid question.)

Adrian's gaze steadied as he asked his next question. "Do you know what kind of people I don't want to get involved the most?"

"Eh? Are you sure you want to waste your chance with this question?" Rowan looked at Adrian confused. "If you want the truth, I obviously don't know. Care to enlighten me?"

"I... don't like and want to get involved with psychopaths," Adrian said, his eyes locked onto Rowan's. "Psychopaths who try to appear normal and friendly, yet hate everyone around them and delight in their suffering. Psychopaths who feel justified to live according to their own rules, and think that the laws don't apply to them...

And I hate a Psychopath who loves to manipulate others for his joy and benefit."

"..."

The arena fell into an uneasy silence at Adrian's words, the tension palpable. The spectators were unsure why Adrian had brought up such a topic, but they could sense the underlying hostility between the two competitors. Rowan chuckled, breaking the silence. "I wish you good luck not meeting that kind of person, Junior."

Adrian's expression remained calm as he responded, "But I already met one."

Rowan's eyes narrowed slightly, trying to read Adrian's intentions. After a brief pause, he decided to change the topic. "Truth or Trial, Adrian?"

"Truth," Adrian replied, his gaze steady and unwavering.

Rowan's smile was calculating as he asked, "Then tell me, Junior, the last time I visited your classroom, I saw and heard some things. So, was it true you cheated on Aria who you are pursuing, and committed adultery with your other classmate called Eluna?"

"!"

"Adultery-!"

"Cheating?!"

The crowd's gasp echoed through the arena, a mix of shock and curiosity spreading like wildfire. Adrian's composure wavered for a brief moment, but he quickly regained his resolve. He knew this question was a trap, meant to tarnish his reputation and destabilize him.

He already half anticipated this.

(Take a tri-)

Just as Dream stalker was about to order him again, Adrian already started talking.

"No, I have never done that. And that was cleared up by the Vice Principal and Atheric Theory Class Instructor the very same day. As for the girl you mentioned, she was punished as well. However, I noticed something that day."

(Sto-)

"She looked really desperate that she believed what she was saying. So, had I thought. Maybe she was ordered by someone, or controlled. That means she was sort of a victim too... And I already have a clue who the culprit behind that incident is..."

The crowd's murmurs grew louder, a mix of intrigue and shock at Adrian's revelation. Rowan's expression remained composed, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—perhaps surprise or irritation.

The audience's reaction was a cacophony of whispers and gasps. Adrian's statement had turned the focus from his supposed misconduct to a potential conspiracy, adding an unexpected twist to the event.

The judge stepped forward, ensuring the crowd's attention. "The spell remains inactive. Adrian is telling the truth. And student Rowan. Please refrain from asking such questions. You are potentially ruining innocent people's reputations.

If you do this again, I will take away a point from you."

"Yes, sorry about that." Rowan forced a smile, though his eyes held a glint of frustration as he turned to Adrian. "Interesting, junior. Very interesting. It seems you always have a way of turning things around."

Adrian met his gaze evenly. "It's my turn to ask now, senior. Truth or Trial?"

Rowan took a moment before responding, "Truth."

"...Senior... Tell me, you only love yourself but hate everyone, right?" Adrian asked empathizing with certain words.

The arena fell into a hushed silence, the weight of Adrian's question hanging heavily in the air. Rowan's expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of something—perhaps unease—in his eyes.

After all, wasn't Adrian saying Rowan was the same as the psychopaths he just said?

"That's quite an accusation, junior," Rowan said, his voice steady. "But I understand your curiosity. No, I do not love only myself and nor I hate everyone. My feelings are more complex than that."

However, the spell started to activate, and a faint red glow enveloped Rowan, revealing his lie to the entire arena. The crowd gasped, their murmurs rising in volume as they processed the revelation.

The judge stepped forward, his voice stern. "Student Rowan, the spell has detected falsehood in your statement. You either take a trial or as per the rules, you will lose a point."

Rowan's composed facade cracked for a moment, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. He quickly regained his composure, though his eyes were colder than before. "Very well, junior. You've managed to turn the tables this time. I will lose point."