Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 323: Into the Ruin Of Ashenwatch

The dense forest cleared, revealing a large clearing where a shimmering portal stood, its surface swirling with an ethereal silver light. The portal's frame was adorned with ancient runes, glowing faintly in the dim light filtering through the canopy above. The air around it buzzed with a low, resonant hum that set the students' nerves on edge, signaling that this was no ordinary place.

As the group approached, they could see the imposing figures of the Ruin guards stationed on either side of the portal, their crimson armor gleaming in the light. Thalia stepped forward, her demeanor professional and confident. She exchanged a few words with the guards, her tone steady as she provided their identification and mission details.

"Alright, you're clear to enter," one of the guards said, nodding as he stepped aside. "Stay alert in there. Silver-rank Ruins have their own tricks."

Thalia thanked the guards and turned to her group, giving them a reassuring smile. "This is it," she announced, her voice firm. "The Ruin of Ashenwatch awaits. Stay close, and be ready for anything."

With a deep breath, the group followed Thalia through the portal, the silvery light enveloping them. A moment of disorienting vertigo passed as the world around them shifted.

When the sensation faded, they found themselves standing in a grand hall of a castle, the architecture ancient and imposing. The air was thick with dust, and the dim light from flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the stone walls.

The floor beneath their feet was made of cracked marble tiles, and ahead, a massive door loomed, partially ajar, leading deeper into the ruin. Thalia gestured for the group to move forward, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any immediate danger.

"This is the first floor," she said quietly, her voice echoing slightly in the vast space. "Stay sharp. It's filled with traps and low-level skeleton monsters. We need to move cautiously."

As they proceeded, the sound of their footsteps echoed through the hall, and the tension in the air was palpable. Adrian walked slightly ahead of Nora and Lyra, his eyes constantly moving, assessing the environment. He noticed the subtle signs of pressure plates on the floor and the hidden slits in the walls where arrows or darts could be launched.

Suddenly, a loud click sounded as one of the Red Dragons guild members behind him inadvertently stepped on a pressure plate. Without hesitation, Adrian grabbed Nora and Lyra, pulling them back just as a volley of arrows shot out from the walls, narrowly missing them.

"Watch your step!" Thalia warned, her voice sharp. "Look for the traps before moving."

The one responsible nodded awkwardly, lowering his head.

They advanced more cautiously, each of them now hyper-aware of where they were stepping. Skeletons, clad in rusted armor and wielding broken weapons, began to emerge from the shadows. Their hollow eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and they moved with a jerky, unsettling gait.

Adrian drew his sword, his movements fluid and precise as he engaged the first of the skeletons. His blade flashed in the dim light, slicing through bone with ease. Nearby, Thalia observed his technique, impressed by his calm and efficient fighting style. He didn't need any instructions, handling the skeletons with a confidence that belied his age.

Nora and Lyra, although hesitant at first, followed Thalia's lead, casting spells and providing support. Despite their nervousness, they managed to hold their own, growing more confident with each passing moment.

The group cleared the first floor without much difficulty, thanks largely to Adrian's quick thinking and combat prowess. As they moved towards the staircase leading to the second floor, Thalia paused, her gaze lingering on Adrian for a moment before she addressed the group.

"The second floor is where it gets tougher," she said. "We'll be facing stone monsters—stronger, more resilient. Stick together, and don't try to take them on alone."

Adrian could tell she was speaking to him, but he didn't care. He just nodded.

The other group members nodded, steeling themselves for what lay ahead. As they ascended the staircase, the temperature dropped, and the air became colder, more oppressive. The stone walls of the stairwell were covered in a thin layer of frost, and their breath became visible in the chill air.

When they reached the second floor, the atmosphere was even more foreboding. The corridor ahead was lined with ancient statues, their features worn and weathered by time. As the group stepped forward, the ground rumbled, and the statues began to move, the stone creaking as they came to life.

"Stone monsters," Thalia muttered under her breath. "Remember, aim for the joints. They're tough, but not invincible."

The group members hesitated, unsure of how to proceed against these seemingly formidable opponents. Adrian, however, wasted no time. He darted forward, using his agility to his advantage as he targeted the monsters' joints, just as Thalia had instructed. His strikes were precise and calculated, chipping away at the stone with each hit.

Thalia watched him closely, ready to step in if needed, but Adrian's actions were surprising. He moved with an efficiency that suggested experience, making quick work of one of the stone monsters. It was clear he didn't need guidance, his instincts sharp and his strategy sound.

Experience tales at mvl

The rest of the group, inspired by Adrian's example, began to fight with renewed determination.

Nora and Lyra provided magical support, using their abilities to slow the monsters' movements and create openings for their teammates. Thalia held back, ready to intervene if necessary, but she found herself nodding in approval as everyone handled themselves well.

As the battle raged on, it became apparent that the second floor was far more challenging than the first. The stone monsters were relentless, and the group members had to work together to bring them down. Despite the struggle, they made progress, slowly but surely, pushing through with grit and determination.

By the time they reached the center of the second floor, the group members were tired, but they had managed to clear most of the stone monsters. Thalia stepped forward, signaling for a brief respite.

"Take a moment to catch your breath," she instructed, her gaze sweeping over the group. "You've all done well so far. Meanwhile, I will take care of the rest."

Adrian watched as she left, his gaze unreadable as usual. 'She's probably the type to give a chance to those under her but steps in when things get dangerous. She will probably challenge the Guardian alone...'

He could tell that she was a Stellar Tier Awakener, the base requirement to explore the Gold Ruins. She could easily take care of a Silver Ruin alone given enough time. But considering their addition to learn under the guild and the not so great skills of her three subordinates from the guild, she would have to take the current approach.

"But, it's not effective." Adrian muttered.

A few moments later, Thalia returned, her expression a mix of satisfaction and urgency. "Alright, everyone, let's move," she said, her voice brooking no argument.

The group resumed their journey through the second floor, their pace quickened. Adrian noticed the absence of stone monsters; the corridor was eerily quiet. His sharp eyes scanned the area, noting how the stillness seemed almost too calm.

As they reached the staircase leading to the third floor, Adrian couldn't help but admire Thalia's efficiency. "She must be quick," he thought, "if she managed to clear the rest of the monsters so fast."

The third floor revealed a stark contrast to the previous ones. The corridor here was darker, the air colder and more oppressive. The walls were lined with twisted carvings, and the floor was littered with debris. Before they could get their bearings, the silence was shattered by a sudden attack.

From the shadows emerged a group of mage-type and zombie-like monsters. The mages were cloaked in dark robes, their eyes glowing with a sinister light as they seemed to have finished casting their spells. The zombies, with their decaying limbs and vacant stares, shuffled forward with menacing groans, their speed fast.

"Ambush!" Thalia shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Defensive positions, now!"