Not-So an Extra

—Claps —Claps —Claps 

The sound of applause filled the air as the students were captivated by the intense battle between Nathaniel and Simone, and Adrian joined in.

Gradually, the transparent domes that had enveloped the arena started to disappear, and the duo engaged in a conversation with the referee. 

Afterward, they descended from the stage and made their way towards the nearest medical station provided by the academy.

Just as the commotion settled, the voice of the MC rang out, instantly grabbing the attention of the students.

"Ahem! Please direct your attention to the board screen above. We are about to announce the names for the next duel."

Heeding his order, they obediently looked up.

—Whirr! —Whirr! —Whirr! 

The sound of spinning reels resounded, building up the tension among the students.

After a few seconds, the left side of the screen gradually slowed down, eventually revealing the name 'Adrian Leillucis'.

The realization hit the students like a wave, and a collective gasp escaped their lips.

"Oh, my goodness, we're fucked up."

Soon, a distinct clatter reverberated throughout the space, causing the students to erupt in a state of utter panic. 

After all, who among them did not know about the Second Imperial Prince?

The students couldn't help but feel a sense of dread at the mere thought of facing him. 

Besides Nathaniel, Adrian was the person the student least wanted to encounter during the dueling session.

It was true that there would be no winner as the fight was only meant to showcase their abilities. 

However, it was undeniable that anyone who faced Adrian would undoubtedly be defeated in no time.

—Whirr! —Whirr! —Whirr! 

As the other reels continued to roll, the student's heart raced uncontrollably, intensified their anxiety.

Finally, the reels came to a stop, revealing the name 'Felicia Veylaine', and the students immediately let out a collective sigh of relief, glad that they wouldn't have to fight with Adrian.

Adrian's cerulean eyes shifted to the left side of the front row, where he locked eyes with a girl who had striking green eyes and hair.

She offered him a warm smile and Adrian reciprocated with a nod. 

Instead of her green hair, her pointy ears were much more eye-catching. 

Yes, she was one of Nathaniel's classmates—the Elven Princess of the Ardeen Kingdom.

The Elven race was renowned for their ethereal beauty and their deep connection with nature Elementals.

Just like any other fantasy novel, the Elves had a longer lifespan, spanning approximately 500 years.

However, their physical growth differed from that of humans. 

While they grew at a similar rate during their early years, their growth gradually slowed down as they reached adulthood, allowing them to maintain a youthful appearance.

Located in the southernmost region of the Empire, the Ardeen Kingdom was nestled in the heart of a vast forest. 

It was among the numerous places that Adrian yearned to visit.

According to the book he had read, the vegetation in the Elven forest was distinct from anything humans had ever encountered. 

It vividly depicted the interior of the forest as a dreamlike and otherworldly place, which greatly intrigued Adrian.

However, reaching the Elven territory was no simple task. 

The area was guarded by a natural barrier known as the Faellusion flower.

This unique flora possessed the ability to emit powerful illusions and every human that ventured too close to the Elven lands would find themselves trapped in an endless loop, wandering aimlessly within the forest's depths.

There were two ways to enter the Elven territory: either by bringing an elf companion or by plucking the Feallusion flowers. 

In addition to emitting illusions, the faellusion flower was also invisible. 

Although one knew what it looked like, they didn't know where to find them. 

Therefore, trespassing was not an option. 

However, thanks to the novel, Adrian discovered a method to make those flowers visible; it was a piece of cake.

"Adrian Leillucis and Felicia Veylaine, please proceed to arena number 12."

The Master of the Ceremony's voice resonated through the Magic Amplifier. 

Upon hearing it, Adrian and Felicia simultaneously rose from their seats and made their way towards the entrance of the Imperial seatbox.

Pacing her steps gracefully, she positioned herself next to him, catching Adrian's attention.

Returning his gaze, Felicia greeted him with a warm smile.

"Your Highness, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm afraid we're currently at the Academy, so that kind of greeting is unnecessary."

Yet, she shrugged nonchalantly and continued.

"We're going to graduate anyway, so think of it as practicing for when we meet you outside the Academy."

"I see. Then, the pleasure is all mine."

However, Felicia couldn't suppress a chuckle in response to the boy's apathetic expression and monotonous tone.

Usually, individuals of all genders would be captivated by her ethereal elven beauty, but it seemed that both of the Imperial Princes were immune to her charms, huh?

Emerging from the arena entrance, they were promptly guided by the staff toward the armory.

"You are given 15 minutes to choose your weapon and armor."

The staff informed them and they nodded in acknowledgment.

"I understand."

Shortly, Adrian and Felicia entered the armory and were immediately greeted by the thick scents of musky leather, metal, and oil. 

Wasting no time, they quickly dispersed into the room to find their desired gear.

Adrian moved his feet and began browsing the shelves, eventually stopping at the section with swords.

He picked up a sword that caught his attention, feeling its weight and balance as he swung it left and right, familiarizing himself with the weapon.

Satisfied with his choice of sword, Adrian moved towards the armor section.

Sensing a presence, Adrian's gaze drifted sideways and found Felicia, who was engrossed in selecting a bow from the nearby shelves.

"Two minutes left."

The staff reminded them, and since Adrian had finished, he made his towardards the exit, and Felicia followed suit.

Getting out of the armory, Adrian and Felicia's eyes fell upon two familiar figures standing not too far away—it was Nathaniel and Simone.

Upon seeing them, Adrian couldn't help but notice the absence of any wounds on their faces, even Simone's previously visible cut on her cheek had vanished.

It seemed the physicians had done an excellent job of healing them.

Arriving before them, Simone and Felicia discreetly moved a bit further away to give them some privacy.

Soon, Adrian began.

"That was a good fight."

Nathaniel chuckled in satisfaction and responded.

"Thanks. By the way, be careful with her, she's a feisty one."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Nathaniel's cryptic warning. 

Before he could inquire further, the MC's voice interrupted him.

"Adrian Leillucis and Felicia Veylaine, please proceed to arena number 12."

Returning his attention to his brother, Adrian spoke.

"I have to go."

Nathaniel nodded in understanding and let out a warm smile before patting Adrian's head.

"Good luck with your fight."

Adrian nodded gratefully.

"Thanks."

With that, Adrian and Felicia ascended the grand arena and approached a stern-looking man standing in the center.

The referee glanced at them one by one, his eyes assessing their readiness, and asked.

"I believe that both of you have understood the basic rules, right?"

Adrian and Felicia, standing side by side, replied in unison.

"Yes, Sir!"

The referee then continued.

"As this fight is a special occasion, the judges have made an agreement that magic is not allowed. Only the use of the Elemental Blade is permitted. Do you have any objections?"

Ah, a respect ban, huh?

Well, Adrian understood the reasoning behind this decision. 

It seemed that the judges had already acknowledged their formidable magical abilities, and to prevent the arena from being razed to the ground, they imposed this restriction.

And so, Adrian voiced his thoughts.

"No, I don't."

Soon, turned his head to the young elf and she shook her head.

"I don't have any problem either."

The referee nodded his head in understanding and spoke.

"As all of the party has reached an agreement, I will commence with the duel shortly."

"Yes, Sir!"

The man exchanged a brief glance with his fellow officials, silently confirming their readiness.

Within moments, two transparent domes began to materialize, enveloping the entire arena.

"Adrian."

Felicia's voice pricked his ear and she offered him a warm smile.

"Good luck."

Returning the sentiment, Adrian nodded and replied.

"Thanks, good luck to you too."

The referee raised his hand, signaling the start of the battle.

"En garde!"

Adrian and Felicia assumed their guard stances.

The man eyed Adrian and Felicia in turns, ensuring that both were prepared.

"Prétz?"

Adrian and Felicia maintained their focused stances, their eyes locked on each other, ready to engage in combat.

"Allez!"

The moment the word fell, Adrian swiftly lunged forward and swung his sword. 

However, Felicia agilely jumped backward, causing Adrian to slash through empty air. 

Hovering momentarily, Felicia released her arrow towards Adrian but he deflected it effortlessly.

—Boom!

The floor shattered, sending clouds of dust and debris hurtling into the air.