Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Meanwhile, back in the cave.

"What is Adrian doing?!" Aurelius cursed out loud as he watched the snout-faced monster chase after Adrian, who had taken Rhea with him.

Aria's eyes were cold, tinged with a trace of sadness. "He took the biggest threat away with him."

Aurelius's eyes cleared as he realized the strategic move. He shook his head, noting his own emotional response. He then turned to the tall monster, his voice steely and wry. "So, this is our opponent."

Irithel, having recovered from her shock, hurriedly moved to Ardel's unconscious body. She carefully lifted him and brought him to Aurelia for healing.

The tall monster watched them, its lizardlike tongue now flicking out, its gaze predatory. An eerie silence fell over the group as goosebumps prickled their skin. It looked like the monster was seeing them as its food not as its opponents.

"Let's start with easy food, ha ha!"

"Oh, no!" Aurelius's body moved as he realized the monster's intention, however, the monster was faster than him, already inches away from the first victim. Experience magic at m v le mpyr

The tall monster's massive hands closed around one of the herbalists, lifting him effortlessly into the air. The helpless victim's scream was cut short as the monster prepared to devour him.

Before the creature could finish its gruesome feast, a massive block of ice materialized, wrapping around its legs and restraining its movements. At the same time, a powerful kick flew toward the monster, striking its chest. The kick barely registered on the beast's tough hide as it caught the attack mid-air and flung Adrian away like a ragdoll.

The monster's maw opened once more, ready to continue its meal, but a barrage of fireballs and earth shards hit its face and sides. The creature growled not in pain but in irritation, the attacks leaving no mark on its impenetrable hide.

"Damn food!" it roared, its voice filled with anger as it hurled the herbalist it had been about to eat into a group of other herbalists, sending them crashing to the ground in a tangled heap.

With a roar, the monster shattered the ice imprisoning its legs and began to march toward Aria and Lila, the sources of the recent attacks. Its eyes were locked on them, its rage evident in every step.

Aria and Lila continued their relentless assault, hurling fireballs and shards of earth at the towering beast. Each spell collided with its tough hide, but none seemed to leave a mark. The monster's skin was impervious to their magic, its indifference to their attacks only fueling its rage.

With each spell that failed to penetrate the beast's defenses, Aria's frustration grew. Her eyes were cold, calculating, as she tried to find a way through the creature's formidable armor.

Aurelius stepped forward, his voice laced with wry concern. "Are you sure this one isn't a bigger threat?" he muttered, his gaze never leaving the monster.

Aria's eyes remained fixed on the beast, her focus unyielding. "Why did you even try to kick it?" she asked, her tone sharp with frustration.

Aurelius chuckled awkwardly, a hint of embarrassment coloring his face. "I thought it would work," he admitted.

Without waiting for a response, Aurelius sheathed his sword and launched himself into the fray. "Support from the back!" he called out, engaging the monster with his swordsmanship.

He moved with precision, his blade flashing as he aimed for the monster's joints and weak points. But the creature's strikes were powerful and brutal, easily parrying Aurelius's attacks. The monster's resistance was formidable; each swing of Aurelius's sword seemed to bounce off the beast's tough hide, leaving him increasingly frustrated.

"Just what are you made of, damnit!"

"Hehe, you are just weak, you damn food! Hah!" The monster laughed mockingly before punching him with its two fists straight to his abdomen.

Aurelius managed to put his sword to defend in time but he understimated the power of these fists.

Dang-!

Poof-!

Aurelius was flung through the air, blood spraying from his mouth as he collided with the ground. He tumbled past Aria and Lila, who watched in horror as he landed with a sickening thud. Kairen, who had just finished helping the herbalists, managed to catch Aurelius's limp body before it hit the ground again.

"Damn it!" Aurelius cursed weakly, his voice pained as he looked at his lop-sided sword, now useless in his grasp.

"It hurts." His face twisted with both pain and frustration.

"A-Aurelius!" Aurelia, who had just completed healing Ardel, rushed to Aurelius. She began casting a spell, her hands moving swiftly as she chanted incantations. A soft glow enveloped Aurelius as she worked to mend his injuries.

"N-No, I can still fight!" Aurelius tried to stand up but Aurelius put her hands on his chest. "No! "D-Don't move!"

Aurelius was dumbstruck but realized it would be better if he healed himself before fighting.

"Sorry, but can you hurry, Aurelia." He whispered staring at the monster who was already near the other girls.

Meanwhile, Kairen stood up and glanced between Aurelius and Lila, who was trembling in fear, and then at the still-unconscious Ardel, blood visible on his clothes.

He stood still for a moment, hesitating what to do.

"..."

He then took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he prepared himself for what was to come.

"Sorry, Mother..." he whispered, his voice filled with determination.

'Tempest Fury'

Kairen's eyes slowly glowed with a bright green light and his body began to levitate, the air around him spinning violently as energy crackled around him.

"!"

The others who noticed this odd phenomenon watched in stunned silence, their expressions a mix of confusion and awe. Kairen's transformation was nothing short of breathtaking, his body a blur of green light as he shot towards the towering monster.

The tall monster locked onto Kairen, its smile widening with sadistic pleasure. "Come, strong food!" it roared, its voice filled with anticipation. It readied itself for the coming clash, its eyes glittering with malevolent joy.

"You must taste delicious!"