Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

[Volume 3: Extra Rises.]

______ ____ __

The next week.

The vacation ded all too soon, and the academy gs buzzed with the return of studts. The crisp winter air and the lingering excitemt of the holiday break were quickly overshadowed by an announcemt that st shockwaves through the halls.

"Atttion, all studts," a voice crackled over the academy's communication system. "Exams will commce immediately this week. Each instructor will announce the specifics for their respective classes. Good luck."

A collective groan echoed through the corridors as studts exchanged panicked glances. Many had spt the break relaxing, completely unprepared for the sudd onset of exams. The academy, it seemed, had a knack for catching everyone off guard.

Our first class of the day was Elemtal Manipulation. As we filed into the classroom, the atmosphere was tse. Instructor Lyr stood at the front, his expression as stern as ever.

"Take your seats," he commanded, his voice brooking no argumt. "Today's lesson will be brief. We will proceed directly to the theory test."

A chorus of dismayed whispers filled the room. I exchanged a glance with Aria, who looked just as surprised as the rest of the studts. Thankfully, we had anticipated some review sessions, and perhaps a bit of practical work to ease back into the routine. But a theory test on the first day back was brutal for others.

"Silce," Lyr said sharply, silcing the murmurs. "You have fifte minutes to review your notes. The test will begin immediately after."

I quickly pulled out my notebook, scanning through the key concepts of elemtal manipulation. Aether flow dynamics, elemtal affinities, -star spells — it all blurred together in my mind. I took a deep breath, trying to focus. There was no point in panicking now.

I just need to take the first place which means I need to be faster than three people - the first one obviously Aria, the second my sister, and the last Lyra, the person I have be keeping an eye on from time to time.

The fifte minutes passed in a blur, and soon we were handed the test papers. The questions were challging but fair, covering everything we had learned up to this point. I did my best to recall the lectures and practical sessions, my p moving swiftly across the paper.

By the time I finished, my hand was cramped from writing non-stop and fast, but I felt a sse of satisfaction. I glanced over at Aria, who was still writing furiously. She caught my eye and gave a small nod, a silt reassurance that she was managing just fine.

"Time's up," Lyr announced. "Ps down. Pass your papers to the front."

We obeyed, and she collected the tests with her usual efficicy using her wind affinity. "You will receive your results next week. Now, proceed to your next class."

The second class was Aetheric Theory with Instructor Lyle. As we tered the classroom, the atmosphere was no less tse. Lyle, however, greeted us with a more subdued demeanor compared to Ela.

"Good morning, studts," he said, adjusting his glasses. "As you have likely heard, exams will be taking place this week. Today's session will be dedicated to the theory test."

There were more groans and muttered complaints, but Lyle continued undeterred. "You have t minutes to prepare. Use your time wisely."

I pulled out my notes once more, skimming through the dse information. Aetheric principles, historical applications, theoretical constructs—it was a lot to take in. I focused on the key points since it would be ough. (I already prepared for the exams after the date.)

The test began promptly, and I found the questions to be ev more challging than the ones in Elemtal Manipulation. Lyle's test demanded not only knowledge but deep understanding and critical thinking. I tackled each question methodically, drawing on everything I had learned.

By the d of the test, I felt mtally exhausted. I glanced a the room and saw similar expressions of weariness on my classmates' faces. It reminded me of the time wh we had to sit for three hours straight to ter a university.

Unconsciously my gaze wt toward Aria, she looked particularly focused, her brow furrowed in conctration. Wh she finally finished, she let out a small sigh of relief.

"Ps down," Lyle said. "Pass your papers to the front. You will receive your results in due course."

We handed in our tests, and Lyle gave us a rare smile. "Good effort, everyone. You are dismissed."

Our third class of the day was Combat Training with Instructor Valerie. As we gathered in the training hall, the air was thick with anticipation. Valerie was known for her rigorous training sessions and her no-nonsse attitude, so everyone expected another grueling workout or intsive duels as the test.

"Line up," Valerie commanded, her voice echoing through the hall. We quickly fell into formation, standing at atttion as she surveyed us with her sharp eyes.

"I have an important announcemt to make," she began, her tone serious. "There will be no exam for Combat Training."

A wave of relieved murmurs swept through the ranks, but Valerie's stern expression quickly silced them.

"Instead," she continued, "you will be participating in the academy's annual championship tournamt. This year, there will be a special 5-on-5 team competition. Your performance in this evt will determine your marks for this term."

The room buzzed with excitemt and anxiety. The championship tournamt was a prestigious evt, drawing atttion from studts, instructors, and ev some outside the academy. It was a chance for everyone to prove their skills and earn recognition, but it also meant facing some of the toughest competitors in the school, meaning me and my team.

Valerie raised a hand for silce. "This is not just an opportunity for glory. Your results and performance in the tournamt will directly affect your grades. I expect each and every one of you to give your best. Your teamwork, strategy, and individual skills will all be put to the test."

I exchanged glances with Aria and the other three teammates. We all had the same idea - winning the evt and taking the first place.

"To help you prepare," Valerie announced, "we will hold a mini-tournamt today. This will give you a taste of what to expect and allow you to idtify areas for improvemt. Form your teams and get ready."

The room erupted into a flurry of activity as studts quickly got together with their teams.

Soon the mini-tournamt started.