Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

'Has it already started?' Adrian thought as he saw the statues coming to life. 'Guess, it's time to go all out then.'

"All of you, try to get the artifact as soon as possible. As long as you get it, those statues will lose their life." He shouted loudly. "I will keep this monster at bay. Remember to be careful of the lightning!"

"Clang-!"

Just then, he blocked the monster's deadly claws aimed at his back.

"OK, please don't get hurt," Aurelius replied loudly and started instructing others what to do.

"Let's fight," Adrian said to the monster with a cold smile. "And use all your strength."

The creature smiled excitedly as if it understood his words. And suddenly, its eyes glowed intensely, its claws turning black and growing in length.

'Damn, it really understood me!' Adrian cursed inwardly for speaking those words. But he didn't plan to back down.

He stored away the daggers and took out his sword. He also took out the orb artifact they got yesterday. One would increase his physical resistance while the other would increase his strength and speed. He also didn't forget to eat three of the Lightning Resistance Pills he got recently. With this, he was now ready to fight.

"HRR-!"

Noticing he was done, the creature didn't wait a moment and just slashed both of its claws in the air. In an instant, eight black lightning bolts shot out from its claws, aiming straight at Adrian.

Adrian swiftly dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding them as they lashed out at him with deadly precision.

'Have a taste of my improved swordsmanship!'

He countered with a flurry of strikes from his sword, each blow aimed at the creature's vulnerable spots.

The Guardian roared in pain as Adrian's attacks found their mark, but it didn't falter. Instead, it launched itself at Adrian with renewed ferocity, its claws slashing through the air with blinding speed.

"Urgh-!" Its left-hand claws sliced through his chest, tearing away his clothes and leaving three long bloodied lines. It still hurt even though his resistance was now high.

Adrian ignored the pain and kicked away its following right claw. Without losing momentum, he performed a quick footwork technique and thrust his sword at its abdomen.

The monster managed to get his abdomen away from his attack thanks to its flexibility. But Adrian only smirked as he closed the distance between them with one step and swung his sword upwardly.

His actions were too fast and unpredictable for the monster, therefore, the sword managed to leave a deep cut on its chin.

"HARR-!" Maybe it was really painful, the monster roared in pain, instantly taking several steps back.

'Haha, arrogance will only backfire on you!' Adrian smirked inwardly at his successful try.

However, as the fight went on, Adrian gritted his teeth, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he continued to press the attack. The Guardian, now employing hit-and-retreat tactics, darted in and out of range, its claws lashing out with deadly precision.

Each strike was a test of Adrian's reflexes and endurance, as he dodged and countered with all his skill, even then some of the black lightning bolts managed to hit him, leaving him electrified. And now the monster was cautious, never giving him an opening to land a decisive blow.

Despite his best efforts, Adrian couldn't help but feel the strain of the battle taking its toll. The lightning bolts from the Guardian's claws grazed him, leaving painful burns in their wake. But he pushed through the pain, his determination unwavering as he focused on cornering the creature.

Suddenly, as Adrian was about to strike again, the Guardian disappeared from his view, leaving him momentarily disoriented.

"Damn it!" Adrian cursed, realizing too late that the monster had chosen to attack the students' backline while they were busy fighting the statues.

He sprinted toward them, his heart pounding with dread as he saw the Guardian's claws descending upon the unsuspecting students.

"No!" Adrian shouted, desperation gripping him as he threw himself in front of the nearest student, Irithel, raising his sword to block the incoming attack.

But it was then that he noticed the cold smirk on the creature's face, and he realized with horror that he had been played.

Swish-!

"Argh-!"

Before he could react, a large black lightning ball struck him squarely in the back, sending him crashing to the ground with a cry of pain.

The monster wasted no time, its claws slashing toward him with deadly intent. With a desperate surge of adrenaline, Adrian managed to roll out of the way just in time, narrowly avoiding being skewered by the creature's deadly claws. Even then, his left hand was sliced deep by its claws.

And he wasn't out of danger yet. Gripping his sword barely with his right hand, he lunged forward, aiming for the Guardian's vulnerable spot with all his remaining strength.

"Earth Bind!" Aria's voice rang out, her eyes flashing with coldness as she unleashed her spell. The ground beneath the Guardian's feet erupted, thick tendrils of earth shooting up to entangle the creature's legs, effectively immobilizing it for a moment.

Adrian seized the opportunity, his sword gleaming in the dim light as he lunged forward with all his remaining strength. With a silent roar, he drove the blade deep into the monster's chest, the steel sinking into its flesh with a sickening crunch.

Spurt-!

"Hrr-!"

Blood spurted from the wound, painting the ground in dark crimson as the Guardian let out a deafening roar of pain and rage.

"..."

But Adrian wasn't done yet. Ignoring the searing pain in his hand and back, he twisted the sword, tearing open the wound even further before yanking it out with a savage motion.

"H..Rrr.."

The Guardian staggered backward, its eyes wide with shock as it clutched at the gaping wound in its chest. It seemed to realize, for the first time, that victory was no longer assured.

The next moment, both Adrian and the monster started collapsing to the ground at a fast speed.

"Thud-!"

"A-Adrian-!"

"B-Brother-!"