Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra
Chapter 147 - 147: The Late Mid Term Exams

[Volume 3: Extra Rises.]

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The next week.

The vacation ended all too soon, and the academy grounds buzzed with the return of students. The crisp winter air and the lingering excitement of the holiday break were quickly overshadowed by an announcement that sent shockwaves through the halls.

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

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

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

"Take your seats," he commanded, his voice brooking no argument. "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 students. 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.

"Silence," Lyr said sharply, silencing the murmurs. "You have fifteen minutes to review your notes. The test will begin immediately after."

I quickly pulled out my notebook, scanning through the key concepts of elemental manipulation. Aether flow dynamics, elemental affinities, 1-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 been keeping an eye on from time to time.

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

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

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

We obeyed, and she collected the tests with her usual efficiency 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 entered the classroom, the atmosphere was no less tense. Lyle, however, greeted us with a more subdued demeanor compared to Elena.

"Good morning, students," 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 ten minutes to prepare. Use your time wisely."

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

The test began promptly, and I found the questions to be even more challenging than the ones in Elemental 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 end of the test, I felt mentally exhausted. I glanced around the room and saw similar expressions of weariness on my classmates' faces. It reminded me of the time when we had to sit for three hours straight to enter a university.

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

"Pens 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-nonsense attitude, so everyone expected another grueling workout or intensive duels as the test.

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

"I have an important announcement 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 silenced them.

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

The room buzzed with excitement and anxiety. The championship tournament was a prestigious event, drawing attention from students, instructors, and even 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 silence. "This is not just an opportunity for glory. Your results and performance in the tournament 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 event and taking the first place.

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

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

Soon the mini-tournament started.