Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Since the attack was too sudden and they were unprepared, Sezar and his kin took over the outer part of the city quickly with the help of the abominations the Mastermind provided.

However, it took a lot more time to find their way into the middle part of the city, even then it was with the help of Sezar, the monster maybe only principal Arwen could beat.

And, since the city was large, more than five thousand army was scattered thoroughly.

Sezar's sights were set on the Academy—the city's most fortified defense and a beacon of hope. But it wouldn't be for long.

The Academy was one of the city's primary core defenses, and Sezar knew that if it fell, so too would the rest of the city. His two thousand-strong weremonkey army was enough to overpower the students and instructors within.

As for the rest of the city?

The Mastermind would handle it. Or so she said.

Sezar grinned as his army tore through the city, his gaze drifting toward the Academy's towering spires in the distance. He relished the thought of breaking through their defenses and unleashing his forces upon the young, promising otherworlders who thought they were safe behind its walls.

"Let them think they can hide," Sezar growled, his voice a low rumble. "Their precious 'Academy' will fall, and with it, this entire city."

With a final command, Sezar's forces surged forward, making their way toward the Academy.

The battle for the city's heart had only just begun.

______ ___ _

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, the original main character, Aurelius sprinted through the narrow, cobbled streets with Rhea at his side. The two of them were covered in sweat and grime, their bodies aching from the strain of constant running and battle. Behind them, the heavy and loud thuds of abominations' footsteps echoed ominously through the alleyways.

"Faster!" Aurelius urged, his voice sharp with anxiety and exhaustion.

Rhea's breaths came in ragged gasps, her legs burning as they pushed through the streets, weaving between the shattered remains of outside shops and overturned carts. The city was falling apart around them—fires raged uncontrollably, thick black smoke blotting out the sky, and the distant screams of the citizens filled their ears.

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They had been heading toward Veda's mansion for safety, hoping to regroup with Adrian and the others. But now, the abominations had caught their scent, and they were being relentlessly pursued.

"I can't—" Rhea gasped, stumbling slightly as she glanced over her shoulder. "They're getting closer!"

Aurelius cursed under his breath. The abominations—twisted, hulking creatures with misshapen limbs and glowing, soulless eyes—were faster than he had anticipated. Their grotesque forms moved with terrifying speed, smashing through walls and rubble with ease as they gained on the two fleeing students.

"We just have to reach Lady Veda's mansion," Aurelius muttered, gritting his teeth. "We're almost there."

Behind them, the abominations roared in hunger, their monstrous voices reverberating through the narrow streets. They were relentless, driven by an insatiable desire to hunt and destroy.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Aurelius pushed harder, grabbing Rhea's arm to help her keep pace. His heart pounded in his chest, and his mind raced with thoughts of how they would survive this. He knew they were running out of time. One misstep, one moment of hesitation, and the abominations would be upon them.

"We're close, just a little further!" Aurelius shouted, his voice strained with desperation.

Aurelius could hear the abominations closing in behind them, their monstrous growls echoing in the narrow alleyway. His pulse quickened. Just a little further. They could make it. They had to.

But suddenly, a sharp gasp tore through the air.

Rhea stumbled, her foot catching on a piece of broken stone, and she crashed to the ground. Aurelius's heart dropped as he turned, seeing an abomination lunging toward her from the back.

Without thinking, Aurelius flung himself between Rhea and the approaching creature. His body moved on instinct, a fierce surge of wind magic bursting from his hands, pushing the abomination back. With a swift motion, he kicked the grotesque creature in its misshapen face, sending it skidding across the cobblestones.

"Stand up!" Aurelius shouted, his voice strained with panic. His hands were already moving again, conjuring up a wall of earth to block the remaining abominations from advancing.

Rhea didn't move.

Aurelius turned, his breath ragged. "Rhea!"

She was still on the ground, looking up at him. But something about her expression made him falter. Her eyes, cold and emotionless, stared at his back as he defended her. It wasn't fear he saw—no, it was something far more chilling. A strange glint passed through her gaze. Hesitation, perhaps.

Guilt. Or was it... ruthlessness? Killing intent?

For a moment, Aurelius felt a shiver run down his spine, but the next second, Rhea's expression shifted back. She winced, her face twisting into a look of pain.

"I... I can't stand up," she whimpered, her voice small, vulnerable.

Aurelius clenched his jaw, forcing down the rising dread. There was no time to question anything right now. He rushed to her side, crouching down. "Hold on," he muttered.

With a swift motion, he scooped her up into a princess carry, her body surprisingly light in his arms. Rhea's face flushed a deep red, her previous expression of discomfort seemingly replaced by genuine embarrassment.

"Aurelius..." she stammered, but he didn't respond. His focus was ahead, scanning the road for any sign of the mansion.

"We're almost there," he muttered through gritted teeth, pushing his body harder. The weight of her in his arms didn't slow him down, but the constant pressure of the abominations behind them made every second feel heavier.

But as Aurelius charged forward, Rhea's expression began to change once more. The blush faded from her cheeks, and her eyes slowly turned cold again. Her gaze sharpened, watching his every movement. Her hand slipped into the folds of her cloak, and when it reemerged, a small vial of liquid was clenched tightly in her palm.

Without hesitation, she brought the vial to her lips, downing its contents in a single gulp. Her gaze flickered with something dark and unreadable.

"A-Aurelius..."