Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"Truth of course," Rowan said looking at Adrian in the eye.

"Well then, my question is..." Just as Adrian was about to speak a voice echoed in his mind.

(Ask Rowan an easy question.)

'Getting impatient are we?' Adrian chuckled inwardly but decided to play along.

"My question is... what are you afraid of the most?" Adrian pretended to be stunned when the voice was heard and as he spoke.

Rowan's eyelids twitched for a moment. "You really caught me off guard, Junior. Giving such an easy yet difficult question... The trial, it is."

"Ok, then... You need to stay underwater for 5 minutes without using any aether or help." Adrian chose one of the trials which he couldn't do from the list.

"Alright, I accept the trial," Rowan replied, his expression unchanging. The arena shifted, revealing a large, clear tank of water at the center.

The crowd's anticipation grew as Rowan walked towards the tank. The judge stepped forward, ensuring the trial's parameters were understood by all. "Rowan must remain submerged in the water for five minutes without using any aether or assistance. If he surfaces before the time is up, Adrian will earn a point."

Rowan took a deep breath before lowering himself into the tank. The water was cold and clear, and he could feel the eyes of the entire arena on him. Once he was fully submerged, the judge signaled for the timer to start.

The crowd watched in tense silence as the seconds ticked by. Rowan remained calm and composed, his eyes closed as he focused on conserving his energy. The water distorted his image, but his determination was evident.

Adrian observed him closely, knowing this trial was not just about physical endurance but also mental fortitude. As the timer approached the five-minute mark, Rowan's face began to show signs of strain, but he held on, determined not to fail.

Finally, the timer buzzed, and Rowan emerged from the tank, gasping for air. The crowd erupted into applause, impressed by his resolve. Rowan stepped out of the tank, dripping wet but successful in his trial.

"You did well, Senior," Adrian said, a hint of 'admiration' in his voice.

Rowan nodded, catching his breath. "Your turn, junior. Truth or Trial?"

"Truth," Adrian replied, his gaze steady.

"Then, tell me... Is it true that..." Rowan paused his gaze scanning Adrian. "You expelled your sister from your family just because she had higher potential and ability than you?"

The crowd's ears perked up, murmurs spreading through the stands. The question struck a chord, and all eyes were on Adrian.

(Admit the truth.) The Dream Stalker's voice echoed in Adrian's mind again, more authorative this time.

Adrian's eyes flashed with a mixture of confusion and surprise. "Yes, it's true," he began, the crowd gasping at his admission. "I expelled my sister from our family."

The spell remained inactive, indicating he was telling the truth. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, but Adrian continued, his voice steady.

"But not for the reason you think, Senior. I didn't expel her because she had higher potential and ability than me. I did it because I wanted her to be free. Free from the constraints and responsibilities of our family. Free to pursue her own path without the burden of our family's name and legacy."

The crowd fell silent, digesting Adrian's words. The Lie Detecting Spell showed no signs of activation, confirming the sincerity of his statement.

Rowan's eyes narrowed, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. "Interesting. I didn't expect that answer, Junior. You are really a good brother, aren't you?"

"At least better than you, Senior. " Adrian nodded, the tension between them palpable. "Your turn, senior. Truth or Trial?"

"Truth," Rowan replied, his voice indifferent.

(Ask an easy question unrelated to Rowan.) The dream stalker's voice echoed again.

'Hehe, you bet I will,' Adrain smirked inwardly. "Senior... I heard there was a small incident last year among your classmates. Many saw nightmares and couldn't sleep well for months. Did you have nightmares and sleep loss too?"

"Hm... I think there was something like that." Rowan muttered thinking about his answer. "But I didn't have nightmares though I had sleep loss. I'm interested how did you even know about this."

The spell didn't react, indicating Rowan's words were all true.

"Now then, my turn. Truth or Trial?" Rowan asked.

"Truth," Adrian replied.

"What are you afraid of the most?" Rowan asked.

"I'll take the trial," Adrian replied after thinking for a moment.

"Ok, then let me choose... Hmmm..." Rowan scanned the list of Trials until he picked up one.

"Alright, Adrian," Rowan said, his eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and challenge. "Your trial is to navigate through the maze of mirrors blindfolded within ten minutes."

A maze of mirrors appeared at the center of the arena, its reflective surfaces creating a dizzying labyrinth of distorted images and confusing pathways. The crowd watched in anticipation as Adrian stepped forward, accepting the blindfold from the judge.

"Remember, no using aether or any assistance," the judge reminded, ensuring the rules were clear.

Adrian nodded, tying the blindfold securely over his eyes. He took a deep breath, centering himself before stepping into the maze. The timer started, and the crowd held its breath, eager to see how he would navigate the disorienting challenge.

As he entered the maze, Adrian relied on his heightened senses and intuition, carefully feeling his way through the narrow passages. Each step was deliberate, his movements cautious as he navigated the twists and turns. The reflections of himself and the arena around him were disorienting, but he pressed on, determined to complete the trial.

But, this trial was no joke, he hit himself nearly in three or five steps. He had to turn back after encountering deadends a few times.

Adrian's progress through the maze was slow and methodical, each step a test of his patience and resolve. The crowd watched in silence, the tension palpable as the timer ticked down. He knew he had to rely on his other senses to guide him through the labyrinth of mirrors.