Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Their fist connected with Eltheris's face with a resounding crack, the impact reverberating through the battlefield.

BANG-!

Eltheris's eyes widened in shock as the force of the punch sent him flying like a ragdoll, blood spraying from his mouth. He crashed into the ground with a thunderous thud, rolling to a halt in a broken heap.

Adrian's cold gaze followed the fallen figure, his killing intent palpable. His voice was a low growl, laced with menace. "How dare you... touch my sister."

The temperature seemed to drop as Adrian turned, his focus shifting to the other direction. His hand shot up just in time to stop a draconic fist aimed directly at his face. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, but Adrian stood firm, his grip strong.

The draconic boy, his golden scales glinting in the dim light, froze as Adrian's eyes locked onto his.

A shiver ran down his spine, his arrogance faltering for just a moment. The cold, piercing stare sent goosebumps racing across his skin, but he gritted his teeth, his pride as a dragonborn refusing to let him back down.

"You... think you can stop me?" the dragon boy growled, his voice wavering despite his bravado.

Adrian's expression didn't change, his voice like ice. "You're not worth my time."

Adrian then released his grip, sending the dragon boy staggering several steps back in shock. The draconic boy had prided himself on his physical strength, considering himself almost invincible amongst his peers. Yet, Adrian had effortlessly stopped him with a single hand, a feat that left him reeling.The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by Eltheris's pained groans as he struggled to get to his feet. Adrian turned his gaze back to his fallen opponent, his eyes filled with a chilling indifference."You..."

"BOOM-!"

A deafening boom echoed from the other side as two of the Top Hunters were knocked out cold—by their own comrades. The betrayers stood over them, weapons drawn and face twisted with coldness.

"What—" Aurelius staggered back, his eyes darting between the chaos. His mind was in disarray, the betrayal of Eltheris, the infighting among the Top Hunters, and Adrian's terrifying composure all too much to process.

"What is happening?!"

Adrian appeared beside Aurelius in a flash, his movement so swift it was as if he had materialized out of thin air. His cold gaze was fixed on one of the Top Hunters—a beatiful woman wielding a long chainblade, her face devoid of emotion. The gleaming chainblade dangled loosely in her hand, its serrated edges catching the faint light like a predator's grin.

Adrian's voice was calm, yet the weight of his words was crushing. "So, you've finally shown your true colors, huh?" Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire

Aurelius turned to him, his expression a mix of confusion and desperation. "W-What do you mean? Adrian, what's going on?"

Without looking at Aurelius, Adrian answered, his tone as composed as ever. "The Avengers… They've betrayed us."

"Or more like... They were never our comrades."

"Uh-h? B-But they are..." Aurelius couldn't find the right words.

"You need to grow up, Aurelius." Adrian's gaze didn't waver, nor did his voice falter. "Loyalty can be bought and Ideals can be twisted. And some people… they've been waiting for the right moment to strike."

"Eh..."

Aurelius muttered as he saw the remaining members of the Avengers closing in, their weapons gleaming with menacing intent.

Adrian's sharp eyes quickly scanned the situation—Eltheris and the dragon boy were at the forefront, their presence exuding authority. The others, though silent, radiated the same malice, their formation precise, leaving no escape route for Adrian, Aurelius, Ren, Lyra, Aria, Meric, or the unconscious Aurelia.

Aurelius gulped inwardly, feeling the crushing weight of the betrayal. His trembling hands clenched into fists, his mind racing to process everything. But then, as if a switch had been flipped, a chilling calm washed over him.

His snowy white hair began to darken, strands turning black as though ink spilled across them. His once wide, frantic eyes sharpened, their icy blue hue hardening into an unyielding gaze.

He exhaled deeply, his breath visible in the cold air that seemed to gather around him. When he spoke, his voice was steady, cold, and resolute. "Alright, Adrian. I'll leave the leading to you."

Adrian glanced at him, startled by the sudden transformation.

His sharp eyes flicked to the twin swords that materialized in Aurelius's hands—a blade of pure, radiant light and another of swirling, ominous darkness. The contrast between them was stark, almost otherworldly, as if the blades themselves represented two opposing forces barely contained by their wielder.

His hair was the same - equally divided between white and black.

Adrian hesitated for a moment, then let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. 'Guess he has grown up already.'

His tone returned to its usual calm. "Alright then, let's start the fight."

The Avengers didn't wait. Eltheris sneered, wiping the blood from his mouth. "You think you can win? Against us? This is your grave, humans."

The dragon boy growled, his golden-scaled fists lighting up with a fiery aura. "You'll regret underestimating me, human. I'll show you what true power looks like!"

Adrian didn't reply.

He stepped forward, his cold gaze silencing Eltheris's taunts before they even fully left his lips.

"I guess we need to get serious..." Ren stood beside Aurelius, a katana-like sword appearing in his hands, its blade shimmering with an ethereal light. He looked like a guardian knight, his expression grim but resolute.

"..." Lyra stood beside Ren, her eyes gleaming with an icy coldness, her scythe held at her side, ready to reap the lives of the betrayers. Her cute face, usually adorned with a playful smile, was now contorted into a chilling mask, her pink hair seemingly absorbing the darkness around them.

"I don't know what's happening... But I trust you... My friend." Meric muttered as he stood beside Adrian, his gaze clear and focused, his spear held at the ready, poised to assist his friends.

"I will help you, Adrian." Aria positioned herself on Adrian's other side, her hands outstretched, four elements swirling around her palms – fire, water, earth, and air. Lightning crackled between her fingers, illuminating her face with an eerie glow.

They formed a protective circle around the unconscious Aurelia, their presence radiating an aura of unwavering determination.

As they prepared to face the onslaught of the Avengers, Ren's voice cut through the tense silence.

"Uh, guys… where's Irithel?"