Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 352: Calm before the storm

Two weeks had passed in a blur, and the final week of the semester had arrived. The atmosphere around Celestial Arcane Academy was tense yet brimming with excitement as students prepared for their exams. Just like the first semester, the instructors wasted no time in putting their students to the test, starting with Elemental Manipulation II.

Adrian sat at his desk, reviewing his results from the practical part of the exam.

A slight smile played on his lips—he had passed in 5th place.

'Well, I am at least in the top 5...'

This wasn't exactly his best performance, but it wasn't surprising given the level of competition in his class filled with the main cast, and his lack of affinity.

Aria had taken the top spot, her mastery over her elements impressive as always. Guess, breaking through to Lunar Tier earlier than anyone helped her to best Aurelius who came in second. Aurelia closely followed in third, and Irithel in fourth. All in all, it was a strong showing from his friends and main cast.

Adrian glanced around the classroom as students discussed their results in hushed voices. He could see Aurelius casually leaning against the wall, arms crossed, a small grin on his face.

Aria was more composed, though there was a hint of worry in her eyes as she talked with Irithel while stealing glances at him. Aurelia, ever focused, was already flipping through notes, preparing for the theory exam.

'She doesn't want to lose huh...' Adrian muttered inwardly.

"Fifth place, huh?" Aurelius called out to Adrian with a slight teasing tone. "You've been slacking off, haven't you?"

Adrian smiled, shrugging. "I was just letting you guys feel good about yourselves."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying into his banter. "You do know that the Combat Training exam is next, right? We haven't settled the scores since the finals. I have a feeling I will win this time."

'That's an improvement on his personality...'

"I'll take my chances," Adrian replied with a wink, but his mind was already shifting to the upcoming exam. The Combat Training.

This exam was divided into two parts, and the first part was happening today—a mini-combat tournament to assess their combat skills.

Adrian knew that this was where he would shine, where strategy, experience, and skill would matter far more than raw elemental power.

He was already planning how he'd approach each potential opponent. Aria's organized fighting style, Aurelius's aggressive style, and Aurelia's support and control—all were threats, but not for the current him. Maybe after they advanced to the next stage of Lunar Tier, they could beat him, but it was another thing...

The bell rang, signaling the end of the Elemental Manipulation class. The students filed out, making their way to the training grounds for the next part of their day—the tournament.

---

The training grounds were buzzing with energy as students gathered around the large combat rings. The tournament brackets had been posted, and Adrian scanned the list for his name. His first opponent was a mid-rank student, someone skilled but not a major threat. It was a good way to ease into the tournament before the tougher matches began.

The same couldn't be said for his opponent who was probably cursing his luck.

Adrian stepped into the ring, the cool breeze ruffling his hair as he faced his opponent. The instructor Valerie the match raised his hand, and the tournament began.

The fight was swift.

Adrian's movements were fluid and precise, dodging his opponent's strikes with ease. A quick feint, followed by a spinning kick, sent his opponent tumbling out of the ring. The match was over in seconds, and Adrian stood victorious, his body barely breaking a sweat.

One win down.

As the tournament progressed, Adrian watched closely as his friends took their turns in the ring. Aurelius dominated his matches with his usual OP style, overpowering his opponents with raw strength and speed.

Aria, on the other hand, danced around her opponents, using her agility and quick reflexes to land precise, critical blows. Irithel was a bit more strategic, relying on defensive tactics and waiting for openings to strike. Thankfully, Instructor Valeria allowed her to use her pet, Ignis in battle. Though Irithel seemed to be keeping it for difficult opponents.

Ren, Lyra, and Emeric were doing just fine too.

Aurelia's fights were a masterclass in control. Every movement was calculated, and every strike was efficient. She did her best not to waste aether, but each attack was delivered with accuracy.

It was clear that she was aiming for the top.

It seems Adrian's teachings worked out well.

As for Adrian's next matches, they were tougher, but he managed to secure his spot in the final rounds of the mini-tournament. His eyes shifted to his potential opponents—Aurelius and Aria were on opposite sides of the bracket, meaning he could end up facing one of them soon.

---

By the time the combat tournament ended for the day, Adrian was still in the running, ready for the final rounds tomorrow. But there was no time to rest. 'The Awakeners' Training' class exam was looming, and it required a different set of skills entirely.

Unlike the physical demands of combat training, the Awakeners' exam was theoretical for now, designed to test their knowledge of everything related and has been talked. It wasn't the kind of challenge most students relished, but Adrian didn't mind it.

The theory exam took place in one of the academy's lecture halls.

The room was filled with the sound of quills scratching on parchment as students answered complex questions about awakening sequences, elemental resonance, and Awakener's duties.

Adrian breezed through it, his mind focused and clear. He had spent two weeks(nights) reviewing the materials, and it showed. When the exam ended, he felt confident he had aced it.

And he was right. By the end of the day, the results were in, and Adrian had passed the theoretical portion of the Awakeners' Training in the first place. His strategy for the practical portion, which was scheduled for Saturday, was already forming in his mind. This was his strongest subject, and he planned to maintain his lead.

Even if he were to leave, he would leave after leaving his mark, not being expelled shamefully...

---

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the academy grounds, Adrian found a quiet spot to sit and reflect on the day. He had passed two major exams—one in the top five and one in first place. The rest of the week would be grueling for most, but he was worried about what was coming after instead.

The current situation perfectly matched the famous phrase - The Calm before the Storm.