Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The woman from Valerian Hall wasn't present today, not to mention last week, but Aria could picture her face clearly in her mind. Soon, very soon, she would begin her investigation. The summer break would provide the perfect opportunity.

Principal's voice drew her attention back to the present: "And now, as we prepare to present the certifications to our graduating class, I am reminded of something essential about magic itself. Like the elements we bend to our will, life too is about transformation. Today, you transform from students into full-fledged Awakeners. But remember—the greatest transformations often come not from the spells we cast, but from the choices we make and the courage we show in the darkest of times..."

The ceremony continued, but in Aria's mind, plans were already forming. Two and a half months of summer break stretched ahead of her—time she would use to uncover the truth, no matter where it led her.

'Wait for me, Adrian,' she thought, her hand unconsciously touching the golden ring on her fingers. 'I'm coming.'

However, even her determined thoughts were momentarily swept away by the spectacle unfolding in the arena. Her grandfather and the Council of Academy had begun the Memory Crystallization - a sacred tradition of the graduation ceremony where the graduates' journeys were displayed through grand illusion magic.

The entire coliseum transformed into a canvas of memories. Above them, dozens of scenes played out simultaneously, yet each was crystal clear, as if painted with light itself. Aria watched, transfixed, as four years of history unfolded before her eyes.

There was Ella Highwind's first day, her hands trembling as she pushed open the grand gates of the Academy. The memory shifted to show her first successful wind manipulation, her eyes lighting up with pride as she lifted a feather into the air. Then came her defining moment - creating a tornado shield during her third year to protect an entire village from a rampaging chimera, earning her the title "Storm Guardian" which later evolved into Quadra Elemental Mage - "Elemental Virtuoso".

Beside that, Anthony Stonefist's journey played out - from the awkward boy who could barely lift a training sword to the warrior who would later be known as the "Unyielding Bastion" after defending an entire town during a crisis. The illusions showed his countless hours of practice, the failed attempts, the breakthroughs, the victories and defeats that shaped him.

Overhead, Layla Moonshadow's story unfolded - her discovery of darkness, her struggle to control it, and finally her mastery that earned her the title "Shadow Phantom." The images showed her in the library late at night, surrounded by ancient tomes, determined to understand her unique power.

The illusions shifted to show Markus Steelforge in his early days, struggling with the most basic light magic. But then came the transformation - his awakening during a critical mission when his team was ambushed by dark creatures. The moment his light magic erupted, earning him the title "Dawn Bringer," played out in brilliant detail above the audience.

Each graduate's story intertwined with others, showing how their paths had crossed, separated, and crossed again. Friends made, rivals turned allies, mentors who became friends - all captured in these floating fragments of time.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The illusions showed their shared meals in the grand hall, their joint training sessions, their celebrations after successful missions, and their moments of comfort after failures.

"These are not just memories," Principal's voice resonated through the coliseum. "They are the very foundation of who these young Awakeners have become. Each trial, each triumph, each moment of doubt and determination - all of it has led to this day."

The illusions began to intensify, growing brighter and more detailed. Now they showed the recent crisis - graduates fighting side by side to protect their city. Their faces showed fear, yes, but also unwavering resolve. Some scenes were triumphant, others heartbreaking - showing those who had given their lives to protect others.

Ilma Feave's last stand played out in silvery light - her ice magic creating barriers to protect fleeing civilians, even as the abominations crept closer. James Set's sacrifice was shown in golden hues - his earth magic holding together a collapsing building long enough for his fellow students and citizen to escape. Each fallen hero's final moments were displayed not in darkness or defeat, but in the light of their courage.

The audience watched in respectful silence, many with tears streaming down their faces. Parents who had lost children held each other tightly, while surviving students reached out to comfort one another. Even the usually stoic Council members showed visible emotion at the display.

Just as the display reached its crescendo, showing the combined might of the graduating class defending their home, Aria felt it - a disturbance in the magical atmosphere that made her skin prickle. The illusions wavered, like ripples in a disturbed pond. Above them, where the magical barrier protected the coliseum, the academy, the sky began to darken.

Principal Arwen's warning from the emergency council meeting echoed ominously through her mind: "After the domain incident, the dimensional barriers have weakened. We must be prepared for the possibility of a Dimensional Crack appearing anywhere, at any time."

The beautiful memory illusions shattered like glass as space itself began to fracture. The falling fragments of memories - snapshots of laughter, triumph, and sacrifice - dissolved into motes of light as reality twisted into impossible geometries above them.

"Everyone, maintain calm!" Principal;s voice cut through the rising panic. "Instructors, prepare containment barriers! Fourth-years, protect the civilians! Third-years and below, begin evacuation procedures!"

The crack expanded to about ten meters in diameter, its edges more defined than the chaotic tears from the domain incident. This one seemed different - more controlled, almost purposeful. The magical energy radiating from it didn't feel hostile or corrupted like the previous incursions.

Aria's ability triggered on its own, but the visions it showed were chaos, fragments that refused to form a coherent picture. Something was coming through, something that made her power fluctuate wildly. Each time she tried to focus on what was emerging, her visions blurred and shifted, as if something was intentionally disrupting her ability.

Then it happened.