Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 225: Beating The Villain In His Own Game

"You must give us the name." Adrian repeated again.

"Sigh... Junior... you don't know how dangerous and powerful 'He' is," Rowan stared at Adrian helplessly. "I advice you not to mess with him. Or else he will make you regret it."

"But Senior," Adrian stared back at Rowan. "He was the first one to mess with me."

"I started to have nightmares after the joint match between us and you, second years. I also started to hear a voice ordering me to do a few things in my dreams. That's when I realized it was someone else who was manipulating my dreams thus decided to play along with them, the Dream Stalker. Honestly, it was difficult, really."

"I was certain that the Dream Stalker was not only a psycho who tormented others and enjoyed their suffering but also a nasty manipulator capable of influencing even the most skilled students. Yet, despite the uncertainty, I knew I had to uncover the truth and expose the Dream Stalker."

"And just not normally. But beating him in his own game."

"And I think I've been doing a good job beating him till now, don't you agree?"

Adrian smiled in satisfaction as he spoke.

He then took a deep breath, steadying himself before continuing. "You know, Senior, the Dream Stalker thought he had me under his control all this time, what a fool. He believed he was manipulating me, trying to use me as his pawn. But he underestimated me. Even that day when Eluna accused me, I knew it was his doing.

He wanted to test me, see if I was really under his control, what a cautious and coward fellow. And it was tough, really tough. I had to say things I wouldn't even think of saying. But I played along, for the bigger picture. Thankfully my classmate Aria and professor was there to find out the truth."

"Anyway," He smirked, his gaze never leaving Rowan. "The Dream Stalker intervened in my actions, even in the events of the tournament. Maybe he was afraid I'd beat him. What a cowardly person... A psycho who torments others, enjoys their suffering, but can't handle a fair challenge. It's really pathetic..."

Rowan's expression began to shift, irritation slowly creeping in. His fists clenched at his sides, veins bulging with suppressed anger.

Adrian continued, his voice growing bolder. "And to think that such a manipulative coward believes he's powerful. The Dream Stalker is nothing but a spineless puppet master, hiding behind his victims, too scared to face the consequences of his actions. What a sad excuse for a person."

Adrian noticed Rowan's mounting rage, the air around him growing tense. He pressed on, his words cutting deeper. "It's almost laughable how the Dream Stalker thinks he's invincible, yet he's just a weak, scared little bully who can't stand up to anyone face to face. A true coward, through and through."

Rowan's eyes blazed with fury, his body trembling.

"That's enough!" he roared, his aura erupting with raw power. The sheer force of it caused a gasp to ripple through the crowd, everyone taking a step back in shock.

Adrian stood his ground, a triumphant smile playing on his lips.

"Hit a nerve, did I, Senior? Or should I call you..."

"...Dream Stalker?"

"..."

"Y-You!"

In a flash, Rowan disappeared and reappeared right in front of Adrian, his spear inches away from Adrian's throat. But before Rowan could strike, a powerful force descended upon him, pressing his body to the floor with a loud crash. The impact was so intense that the ground beneath him cracked, sending shockwaves through the arena.

The next second, Adrian felt a different pressure descend upon him, forcing him to his knees. The weight was immense, as if an invisible pressure was pinning him down. He struggled to breathe, the force suffocating.

The next moment, several figures appeared in the arena. Instructor Darius, with a commanding presence, stood protectively in front of the slowly rising Adrian thanks to him shielding the pressure, his eyes blazing with authority.

A powerful and grand figure appeared behind Rowan, shielding him from further harm. Several other instructors surrounded the scene, their expressions a mix of shock and determination.

The Vice Principal stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Enough! This chaos ends now!"

The entire arena fell into a deadly silence, the air thick with anticipation.

Instructor Darius spoke first, his voice steady and slightly worried. "Adrian, are you alright?"

Adrian nodded, struggling to catch his breath. "Y-Yes, Instructor... I'm... fine."

The Vice Principal's voice boomed across the arena, filled with authority. "Student Rowan has committed a grave offense. His actions have endangered the lives of his fellow students and brought disgrace to our academy. I ask you to hand him over."

The man who was standing in front of Rowan defending him looked at the Vice Principal, his eyes devoid of emotion. "I can' just allow you to take my son under my watch."

The Vice Principal's gaze hardened as he stared at the man defending Rowan. "Your son has committed acts that jeopardize the safety and integrity of this institution. Regardless of your position or his, justice must be served."

The man, Rowan's father, remained impassive, his voice cold. "My son will face consequences, but not under your jurisdiction. We will handle this matter within our family."

The crowd's murmurs grew louder, a mixture of shock and curiosity. Adrian, still catching his breath, watched the exchange with keen focus. He didn't want all of his hard work go to waste after all.

Instructor Darius stepped forward, his voice cold and firm. "This is not just a family matter, Bernard. Your son's actions affected many lives here. He must answer to the academy and its rules. If you try to go against it..."

"Be ready to face the consequences."

"Are you threatening me Darius?" Bernard Ironheart, Rowan's father, looked at Darius, his gaze cold.

"Think however you want, I won't shy away from a fight." Darius coldly replied. "But of course, the results are clear even if we don't fight."

"You dare-!"

"Silence."

Just then a deep voice echoed through the arena causing everyone to freeze.

The Prinicipal has made his appearance.

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(A/N: How do you think the last arc was executed? This type of arc was a first for me but I tried my best. Drop a comment if you have any opinions.)