Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 154: Tournament Opening Ceremony [1]

On the day Adrian and the other first years returned from the ruin, the academy made an announcement that today, the 10th of January, would be the Championship Tournament's opening ceremony.

Since this event was open to the public, the academy decided to use its largest arena, famous for its size and modern, magical architecture. The arena, known as the Grand Magus Colosseum, was an architectural marvel. Its towering spires and intricate designs blended seamlessly with powerful enchantments that allowed for dynamic battlegrounds and advanced spectator accommodations.

Now, the Grand Magus Colosseum was filled with visitors from many places, the air buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Colorful banners and flags from various regions fluttered in the wind, and the seats were packed with eager spectators who had come to witness the tournament's opening ceremony.

As the clock struck noon, epic sounds echoed through the arena, signaling the beginning of the event. The massive gates at the arena's entrance slowly creaked open, and the students began to enter, one year at a time.

First, the senior students - the fourth years who would graduate this year marched in, their uniforms adorned with the academy's unique emblem. Their confident strides and composed expressions commanded respect and admiration from the crowd.

"Look, it's the famous trio!" an excited voice from the announcer exclaimed as the fourth-year students made their grand entrance.

Leading the group were three well-known figures, instantly recognizable by the spectators.

At the forefront was Ella Highwind, the top student and a prodigy in elemental magic. Her striking silver hair and calm demeanor drew the eyes of everyone present.

"Look at our Quadra-Elemental Mage, Student Ella, known as the 'Elemental Virtuoso'!" the announcer exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration.

Beside her walked Anthony Stonefist, a towering figure with a reputation for his unmatched strength and mastery of earth magic. His powerful build and confident strides exuded an aura of invincibility.

"Next to her is student Anthony, the 'Unyielding Bastion'—a master of earth magic whose strength is second to none," the announcer continued.

Flanking them was Layla Moonshadow, a graceful and deadly assassin specializing in the darkness element. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd with a mixture of curiosity and assessment.

"The third of the trio is the student Layla, the 'Shadow Phantom'—a charming yet dangerous assassin whose mastery of the darkness element is unparalleled among her peers," the announcer declared, his voice echoing through the colosseum.

"Ella, Anthony, and Layla—together, they're unstoppable," a spectator murmured, awe evident in their voice.

"Though the other students are going to have a hard time measuring up to them, they are still geniuses who will soon graduate the academy." another spectator added, nodding in agreement as the fourth-year students took their places in the arena, their presence commanding the respect and admiration of all in attendance.

Next, the third-year students began to enter. Although slightly fewer in number compared to the seniors, they were no less impressive. Leading this group were two standout figures who had already made names for themselves not only within the academy but also in Eldora City and in many more places.

"Now entering, we have Cedric Lightbringer and Claire Stormrider, two of our most talented third-year students!" the announcer proclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.

Cedric Lightbringer, known for his exceptional skills in light magic, walked with a confident stride. His bright, golden hair and radiant smile captured the attention of everyone around him.

"There's Cedric, our 'Radiant Guardian'—a master of light element whose brilliance shines through in every battle," the announcer continued, the crowd cheering enthusiastically.

Beside him walked Claire Stormrider, a fierce and determined mage with a talent for wind and water elements. Her fiery red hair and intense gaze spoke of her unwavering dedication and formidable power.

"And beside him, Claire, the 'Tempest Empress'—a prodigy in wind manipulation who can create and control typhoons and tornados with unparalleled skill," the announcer declared, the excitement in his voice mirroring that of the crowd.

"Wait, why is our famous 'Cutest Smith,' student Anya, not among her peers?" the announcer suddenly questioned, a note of concern in his voice.

The other announcer quickly stepped in to explain, "Student Anya is on the verge of breaking through to a 4-star Smith and is currently engaged in intensive, final preparations. She couldn't attend today's ceremony, but her contributions and talent have not gone unnoticed."

As he spoke, a large holographic image of Anya appeared on the screens around the colosseum. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, recognizing the petite, bright-eyed girl who, despite not being tall or powerful in combat, had become the best smith the academy had seen in the last five decades.

"Anya, the 'Smithing Prodigy,' has been a crucial figure in our academy, crafting weapons and armor of unparalleled quality. Her dedication and skill have set new standards, and we eagerly await her return after her breakthrough," the announcer continued, the admiration in his voice clear.

The image of Anya lingered for a moment before the focus returned to the students entering the arena.

Next up were the second-year students, a group often referred to as the golden generation of the decade. The crowd's anticipation grew palpable as the Seven Elites led the procession, their reputations already well-established despite their relative youth.

"Now entering, the second-year students, led by the Seven Elites!" the announcer's voice boomed, the excitement in the arena reaching a new high.

"We have the famous Dragon Maiden, student Ciel, leading her classmates. She might be the strongest Talent Academy has ever seen in the last hundred years. You all know everything about her if you have seen the last year's Championship. If you haven't, then you will get to see this year."

"Yeah, that's why she is also the leader of the Seven Elites."

"Right, and following beside her is none other than the Grey Serpent, student Rowan, the one with the potential to surpass his father, The Thunder Serpent."

"Yeah, he is also the one with the most possibility of rivaling the Dragon Maiden. Though he doesn't openly show it, he is known to be competitive against the Dragon Maiden."

"Haha, truly a good rival. Moving on we have the..."

The announcers continued introducing the rest of the second-year Seven Elites.

"Now, finally, let's welcome the first-year students!" the announcer's voice resonated throughout the colosseum, drawing a mix of curious murmurs and encouraging applause from the spectators.