Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"Haha," Rowan sneered. "Coincidences. You can't prove I did anything."

Instructor Farris, a calm and analytical figure, interjected. "The lie detection spell will determine the truth. Answer our questions honestly, and the spell will reveal your innocence or guilt."

Darius nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Rowan, were you involved in causing the nightmares and manipulating the actions of your fellow students?"

Rowan's eyes flickered with a mix of fear and defiance. "No," he spat out. 'They are just trash.'

'Hmph, you can't do sh*t!'

The spell remained inactive, indicating that Rowan was telling the truth. The crowd murmured in confusion, some doubting the accusations while others wondered what was happening.

"Instructor, please let me." Adrian stepped forward, his voice steady. He looked at Rowan in the eye and asked. "Did you use your ability to cause nightmares and control others?"

"Y-You!" Rowan's eyes widened in anger.

"Answer. Did you or did you not."

"I-I didn't..." 'kill them!'

The spell remained inactive.

'Hmm... I guess the spell isn't as reliable as I thought.' Adrian muttered inwardly but it wasn't that much of a problem.

"You aren't answering fully," Adrian said coldly. "Say, I'm not the one who caused others to have nightmares or control them. Don't leave a single word behind."

"Y-You!"

Rowan glared at Adrian, his expression a mix of fury and desperation. The entire arena seemed to hold its breath, waiting for his response.

"I..." Rowan hesitated, the words sticking in his throat. "I'm not the one who caused others to have nightmares or control them..."

'!'

The spell immediately activated, its magic flaring brightly. The air crackled with energy, and a murmur of shock rippled through the crowd. The spell's undeniable power left no room for doubt — Rowan was lying.

The Vice Principal stepped forward, his voice resonating with authority. "Rowan Ironheart, you have been found guilty of causing nightmares and manipulating the actions of your fellow students. Your actions have endangered the lives and well-being of many, and you have shown a complete disregard for the rules and values of this academy."

Rowan's father, Bernard Ironheart, stepped forward, his face a mask of fury and helplessness. "You can't do this! He's my son!"

The Vice Principal's gaze was unyielding. "Regardless of his lineage, Rowan's actions have severe consequences. As the Vice Principal, I hereby announce that Rowan Ironheart is to be expelled from the academy immediately. Furthermore, he will be handed over to the authorities for further investigation and punishment.

This is not only to ensure justice but also to protect the safety and integrity of our institution."

Rowan's eyes widened in disbelief, his body trembling with rage. "You can't do this to me! I'm the one who will be the strongest! Not all of this trash!"

The Vice Principal's expression remained stern. "Your actions were not those of a leader but of a manipulative coward. This academy will not tolerate such behavior."

As Rowan was escorted away by the instructors, the crowd remained silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Adrian stood tall, his eyes locked on Rowan's retreating figure. He had exposed the Dream Stalker and ensured that justice was served.

The Vice Principal turned to the crowd, his voice carrying a message of hope and caution. "Let this be a reminder to all of us. Our actions have consequences, and it is our duty to uphold the values of integrity, respect, and justice. We will not allow anyone to undermine the principles of this academy."

The crowd erupted into applause, their respect for the Vice Principal and the academy's values reaffirmed. Adrian felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that the villain had been taken care of and he was free to do anything he wanted.

However, there was still some resentment and dissatisfaction left within him for not taking an act of complete revenge on Rowan. But it could wait. Rowan would receive his suffering in the worst prison.

With the trial concluded, the event continued, Adrian was announced as the winner of the 7 Star Strategy Games Event and was promised to receive a big reward for exposing Rowan and his crimes.

Even though the tournament was continued, the atmosphere had changed. But it returned to its lively and cheerful state as the ultimate finals started.

However, Adrian decided not to participate as it seemed he received an internal injury due to the sudden pressure from Rowan's father Bernard, and his resistance. He was sent to the infirmary.

Adrian lay on the infirmary bed, feeling the ache from his internal injuries. Thankfully instructor Darius protected him on time, or else he would have to stay in the infirmary for at least a week. The room was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos of the arena. He closed his eyes, trying to rest, when suddenly, the door burst open.

In rushed Kairen, Ardel, Lila, Aurelius, Aurelia, Ren, and Irithel, all moving with such urgency that they stumbled over each other. Kairen tripped on Ardel's foot, causing him to bump into Lila, who nearly collided with Aurelius. Aurelia, Ren, and Irithel managed to avoid the pile-up but still looked flustered.

"Whoa, whoa! Careful!" Adrian chuckled, the sight of his friends' clumsy entrance lifting his spirits.

Ardel rubbed the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry, Adrian. We were just so worried about you!"

Lila nodded, her eyes wide with concern. "Yeah, we heard you were injured by that damn old man. Are you alright?"

Kairen stepped forward, his usual composed demeanor shaken. "You really scared us all, Adrian."

Ren crossed his arms, a small smile playing on his lips. "Leave it to you to expose a villain in the middle of a tournament. But I really didn't expect Rowan to be such a person."

Aurelia moved closer, her expression softening. "A-Are you feeling well, b-brother?"

Irithel, usually reserved, gave an amazed smile. "You really were amazing back there Sir Adrian. You were so brave, even in front of so many people."

Ignis, sitting at her nodded its head, clearly impressed by this human.

'I should have pretended to be asleep...' Adrian muttered inwardly as he looked at them who were talking simultaneously, making hard it for him to understand everyone. 'But it's not a bad feeling either...'