I CHOSE to be a VILLAIN, not a THIRD-RATE EXTRA!!-Chapter 110: Academy’s Partiality

As Ashok walked on the path of the Academy grounds, the question of Lilia's sudden appearance near the bridge lingered heavily in his thoughts.

New novel 𝓬hapters are published on ƒreewebɳovel.com.

He cycled through countless possibilities, his analytical mind dissecting every angle, yet none offered a definitive explanation. This mystery gnawed at him, deepening his unease.

'If this were the game, it might seem like a scripted encounter-type event. But things in this world are never that simple.'

His experience as a veteran player of the original game told him that any interaction involving Lilia wasn't coincidence.

Lilia wasn't just any character. She was a pivotal villain, someone with depth and complexity that went far beyond a mere obstacle.

Though not a playable character, her significance was undeniable. In the game's original setting, she was the only First Year to possess a supernatural Soul Trait—an incredibly rare and potent ability.

Her Soul Trait, known as Lady of Sin, was nothing short of extraordinary. It granted her mastery over the Seven Sins, allowing her to harness their power without requiring contracts or demonic energy.

Because of her Soul Trait, she was also the Chosen One of Hell. This status made her unique among the denizens of the Academy, as the Seven Sins themselves were inclined to guide and impart their knowledge to her, rather than act as adversaries.

'A power like that, named after the Seven Sins, is no ordinary ability,' Ashok thought.

'Her growth potential surpasses even the Daughter of the Southern Duke—a powerhouse in her own right. If the Duke's daughter is the Hidden Boss of the First Year, then Lilia is the Middle Boss of the Final Arc.

She stands directly in the path of the game's climactic battle, right before the Final Boss. How can someone like her not be powerful?'

'According to the game, at E Rank, Lilia should only have access to the power of two sins,' Ashok thought, his mind picking apart what he had just experienced.

'I've already experienced the one of them firsthand—Sin of Lust. A power designed to boost her charm to unnatural levels, producing a sweet pheromone-like scent that mesmerizes anyone who inhales it, a honeyed voice that makes rejection difficult, and enchanting eyes that chip away at the mind. Everything about it is a trap.'

'A perfect ability to subjugate most of the male race. And yet, my Charisma completely overpowered her Charm.

Forget her at this moment, Even the Succubus Queen, the very embodiment of the Sin of Lust herself, would have a hard time trying to charm me with my Charisma. There's no chance Lilia can do that.

Lilia might hone her Sin of Lust to its highest proficiency, but at the end of the day, she'll still stand beneath me when it comes to Charisma.

After all, there's a difference between Morrathis, an Ancient Goddess, and the Sin of Lust itself.' Thought Ashok as he entered the cafeteria.

The cafeteria buzzed with lively energy as Ashok made his way to the bar, stepping into the back of the line. Around him, students chatted animatedly with their friends, their voices blending with the ambient noise of clinking utensils.

As he waited, his crimson eyes scanned the glowing holographic display above the counter, showcasing Today's Menu.

Only one option stood out among the offerings that was free: Curry Rice paired with Lemon Tea.

It was the sole complimentary meal available—a pragmatic choice for students like Ashok, who had yet to receive their Academy credits.

His thoughts wandered to the nature of the currency system in the Academy.

Credits, the lifeline of every single facility here. Whether it's meals, equipment, or access to high-end facilities, credits are the only acceptable currency.

The Academy had deliberately excluded the Empire's standard currency—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—from any official exchange system.

While students were technically allowed to trade Empire currency among themselves for Academy credits, the lack of institutional support made the exchange impractical.

'It's foolish to rely on Empire currency here when credits are irreplaceable for survival in the Academy's ecosystem', Ashok reflected.

He shifted slightly as the line moved forward, 'The credits will be distributed tomorrow during class by the Homeroom Teacher, until then, this meal is my only option.'

Handing his plate to the cafeteria staff, Ashok watched as the server spooned the fragrant Curry Rice onto his tray.

Ashok rejected the Lemon Tea without hesitation. Aside from water, his tastes had always leaned heavily toward alcohol.

In his previous world, if there was free alcohol available, he would have even forego water, his addiction was so deeply rooted.

With his plate filled generously with Curry Rice, he stepped away from the bustling cafeteria, his mind fixed on a quieter spot he remembered from the game.

Navigating the stone path that connected the cafeteria to the expansive grounds behind the Academy, Ashok caught sight of the towering statue at the heart of the field—a striking depiction of an elderly man, his cane held firmly in one hand, his presence regal even in stone.

'First Dean of the Academy,' Ashok thought, his crimson eyes briefly admiring the monument as he continued his walk. The setting felt serene, the lush grounds sprawling far beyond the cafeteria walls.

As the cafeteria receded behind him, the scenery transformed. Rows of trees lined the exterior walls in an unbroken single file, their leafy canopies providing a cool and inviting shade.

Beneath the trees were benches placed at intervals, their wooden frames mostly vacant as the majority of students preferred the company and convenience of the cafeteria.

The ground extended further, buzzing with activity as students sparred, trained, or simply enjoyed games with their peers—a lively tableau that contrasted sharply with Ashok's calm stride.

Selecting one of the empty benches tucked neatly under a tree, Ashok eased into the seat.

The shade above him offered relief from the gentle warmth of the afternoon sun, and the distant hum of students on the field created a soothing backdrop.

Taking a moment to center himself, Ashok began his meal, the curry's rich spices complementing the tranquility of his surroundings.

The shade of the tree above offered a tranquil reprieve as Ashok polished off his plate, though the faint pang of regret lingered in his thoughts.

'I should have asked for another bottle of Spirit Wine and kept it for lunch,' he thought, the absence of alcohol in every bite sharpening his sense of longing. Still, he resolved not to call the Duke—after all, the Duke had already promised to send a package of Spirit Wine by nightfall.

For now, Ashok managed without it, savoring his meal in quiet solitude despite his inner craving.

Rising from the bench, Ashok carried his plate back to the cafeteria, placing it neatly in the return area before making his way toward the dormitory.

Instead of following the winding paths, he opted for a shortcut across the Academy's expansive grounds.

The dorms lay on the eastern side of the Academy, directly opposite the cafeteria, and the route offered him a chance to enjoy the open space one last time before reaching the dormitories.

As Ashok approached the dorm building, the first visible sign of the Academy's systematic differentiation came into view.

The Aether Class dormitories stood divided from the Wyrd Class dormitories by a single, towering wall, its polished surface marking a clear line of separation.

The Aether Dormitory stood as a testament to the Academy's hierarchy and its celebration of excellence. Its four pristine white buildings gleamed under the sun, their surfaces flawless as if they had just been painted moments ago.

Not a single stain marred the towering structures, which seemed to exude an air of modern luxury.

Connecting all five floors of the buildings were suspended bridges that led to spacious common areas, creating an intricate design that resembled a high-end residential complex rather than a typical dormitory.

Each detail of the Aether Dormitory's architecture spoke of prestige and refinement, a silent reminder of the privileges enjoyed by those belonging to the Academy's elite class.

Ashok's gaze shifted to the stark contrast before him—the Wyrd Dormitory.

Unlike the Aether Dormitory, the Wyrd Dormitory consisted of only two buildings, entirely black and visibly worn with age. Though both dormitories boasted five floors, the disparity in upkeep was glaringly obvious.

The faded black paint clung to the walls like a relic of the past, cracks and signs of weathering prominently visible.

Ashok's crimson eyes narrowed as they took in the bold red lettering scrawled across both buildings: "Aether's will be killed upon trespassing."

Ashok smirked and thoughts 'The work of the senior years in the Wyrd Class. Even the teachers don't bother removing this message—they leave it as a way to encourage competition among classes.'

He dismissed the warning sign without further thought and turned toward the entrance of the Aether Dormitory.

Beside the entrance of each of the four buildings hung banners denoting their occupants: First Year, Second Year, Third Year, Fourth Year. Ashok entered the First Year building, his movements deliberate yet unhurried.

Inside, the structure's polished interior matched the pristine exterior, and he quickly located the levitating disc situated beside the staircase. Taking out his Identity Card, he stepped onto the disc.

The tracking magic embedded within the disc hummed softly as it scanned the card and transported him directly to the fourth floor.

Upon arriving, Ashok's gaze shifted only briefly to orient himself. His room, 444, was conveniently close to the elevator. With ease, Ashok placed his Identity Card against the handle of the door, and the lock clicked open with a faint sound.

...

Please Support me with Power Stones and Tickets