Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey-Chapter 35: The dark side began.

The same night when Adrian beat those two students.

In a roomy apartment hall, four individuals occupied the space.

A frightening yet striking black-haired guy sprawled on the couch, letting out a bored yawn.

In the centre of the room, two trembling boys stood apprehensively as an imposing man loomed before them.

He possessed a well-built physique, and his dark orchid hair flowed down to his shoulders. His attire was immaculate, free from any stains or creases.

His fiery eyes remained fixed on the two boys.

Both of their name is Jay and Viru

As he massaged his temples, as if attempting to regain his composure, his patience eventually ran thin.

Channelling mana into his right leg, he...

Thwack—!!

Delivered a potent, mana-infused kick to one of the Jays's stomachs, causing him to double over in pain.

"You had one job!" the man who kicked Jay raged furiously.

Thwack—!!

"Khuaa!"

He struck again, causing Jay to collapse to the ground, retching and letting out a piercing cry of agony.

After Adrian's brutal beating, these two students now faced another merciless assailant: Tony Stark, a third-year Hero Course student.

Thwack—!!

"Tony, you'll kill him!" The first boy the name Viru expressed his concern as he witnessed his friend's brutal punishment.

Tony Stark turned his attention to the Viru who had spoken. "And you were there too, right? How could a second-year student be bested by a first-year?" he demanded before launching into another round of blows against the first boy.

After five gruelling minutes, Tony clicked his tongue in frustration, running his fingers through his shoulder-length dark hair and securing it in a bun. He repeated himself, this time with a bit more composure, "Now, tell me what happened."

The first boy began to explain, "It was Adrian from the first year. He intervened, and when we tried to confront him, he overpowered us."

"The guy's incredibly strong for a first-year," the second Viru chimed in.

"Enough excuses!" Tony barked at them, clearly unimpressed.

The second boy observed the scene, with a desire to intervene warring with the realization that it would lead to his demise. He couldn't alter the outcome, given Adrian's overwhelming strength.

"Why?" he pondered, trembling at the memory of Adrian's display of power.

"What are our orders, Tony?" the Jay boy asked cautiously.

"For now, do nothing. I don't want the student council on my back; I already have enough problems," Tony replied. He paused briefly before continuing, "And remember, the Crew event is just a day after tomorrow. Try to recruit new members, but keep in mind that only students from high backgrounds or noble families can join my crew, The Noble Crew."

"Understood," the second boy, Jay acknowledged with trepidation.

"Now, get going," Tony ordered, and the two terrified students hurriedly exited.

Alone in the spacious apartment hall, Tony muttered to himself, "I don't need those clowns following me everywhere, I just have to wait that all" He then broke into laughter.

"Hahahaha Hahahaha."

***

Within the Boys' dormitory, a young man perched on a chair, while another man, Gorge, faced him. Gorge had been involved in the altercation with Lucas in the changing room.

"So, you failed, huh?" The seated young man scrutinized Gorge, his gaze unwavering.

"I'm sorry, Hora Breck, but he's incredibly strong," Gorge replied, his head hanging low in shame.

Before Gorge stood Hora Breck, one of Aric's henchmen. His expression was stern, his disappointment palpable.

"Your rank is 705, and yet you lost to a student who ranks at the bottom of the class," Hora Breck pointed out, his tone laced with disapproval.

"I'm sorry," Gorge repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

After this exchange, Hora Breck's disappointment turned into anger. He couldn't tolerate failure. He unleashed a harsh beating on Gorge as a form of punishment for his defeat. Gorge's cries of pain echoed within the dormitory as Hora Breck's relentless blows rained down upon him.

After the brutal punishment by Hora Breck, Gorge was left battered and bruised on the floor of the dormitory. Hora Breck stood over him, his anger subsiding but his stern expression unwavering.

After 30 minutes of beating, Hora Brack stopped. He looks at the lying figure of Gorge.

"You are a disgrace," Hora Breck spat out the words with disdain. "How can you Join yourself as a member of Lord Aric's team when you can't even handle a first-year student?"

Gorge could only offer a feeble apology, his body trembling with pain and humiliation. He knew the consequences of his failure would be severe.

"Get up," Hora Breck ordered, kicking Gorge's side. "Clean yourself up and get ready for our next mission. You better not fail again, or there will be even harsher consequences."

Gorge nodded, struggling to his feet with great effort. He knew he had to redeem himself, and the fear of Hora Breck's wrath was a powerful motivator.

With painful movements, he began to clean up the mess he had become, all while dreading the challenges that lay ahead.

His thought drifted to Lucas.

Hora Breck had made it his mission to make Lucas's life at Nova Academy a living nightmare. He believed that Lucas was an interloper, a usurper of his rightful place in the Hero Class, and he was determined to ensure that Lucas paid for it.

He knew that Lucas had humiliated Gorge in front of their classmates, and that was something Hora Breck couldn't simply let slide. Lucas had to pay for his arrogance, and Hora Breck was determined to do so.

As Lucas went about his daily routine, Hora Breck and his gang of loyal followers watched him from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Trusted rumours about Lucas, painting him as a troublemaker and a cheater who didn't belong in the Hero Class.

They would whisper insults and taunts as he walked by, making sure that he did not hear any of their words.

Hora Breck knew that Lucas was Just lucky that he made it to hero class, but he was confident that with enough pressure and humiliation, he could break him.

He was determined to prove that Lucas didn't deserve to be in the Hero Class, and he would stop at nothing to make sure that happened.

Without knowing, Lucas had already made enemies among the freshmen, particularly Aric, who had a strong influence over the First-year student body.

Who had thought just one encounter with Aric would lead Lucas to this mess?

"You should blame your Luck, Lucas." Hora Breck muttered to himself.

***

The next day began early at the Academy. Despite the early hours, the campus buzzed with activity. As the sun rose, students left their dormitories and headed to their classrooms. Some walked in groups, chatting and laughing, while others strolled alone or in pairs. The academy grounds were alive with the sounds of conversation and laughter, creating a lively atmosphere that filled the air.

Everyone appeared to be in high spirits, relishing the start of a new day. As students made their way to class, a familiar figure passed by, catching the attention of those around him.

"Hey, isn't that Adrian?" one student asked his friend.

"Yeah, it is. But why is he heading to the office instead of class?" his friend replied.

Adrian was known not only for his handsome face but also for his remarkable achievement of securing first place in the Hero course as a freshman.

Adrian's day had started early as he headed to Professor Lilian's office. Unlike the students of the past, Adrian didn't carry a backpack; instead, all his study materials were stored in his AI bracelet. The corridors echoed with the sounds of chattering students and the clicking of heels as he made his way to the professor's office area.

His mind raced with thoughts about the previous night's incident. He needed to clarify some doubts about what had occurred. Passing by giggling freshmen and a vending machine, he finally arrived at the professor's door. Adrian took a deep breath before knocking.

He was determined to get answers about the incident and to prepare for any future ones. As he waited for a response, nervousness churned inside him. But he knew it was essential to confront his fears and gather information to protect himself and his friends.

*Knock*

*Knock*

"May I come in?" Adrian asked.

"Yes," came the reply from behind the door.

Adrian opened the door and entered Professor Lilian's office, a spacious room slightly larger than an average classroom. The walls were painted a calming shade of cream, creating a soothing atmosphere. The office was impeccably tidy, devoid of clutter or unnecessary items.

A sturdy wooden desk occupied the centre of the room, accompanied by a high-back leather chair. The desk itself was impeccably arranged, with a computer, stacks of papers, and a neat pen holder. A few books rested on the desk's surface.

Against one wall stood a tall bookshelf, packed with various books, from thick to thin.

The books were meticulously organized, with different sections for textbooks, novels, and reference materials.

Decorative items adorned the shelves, including framed certificates and awards.

The office was flooded with natural light from a large window, creating a warm and inviting ambience.

As Adrian continued to take in the office's details, Professor Lilian signalled for him to speak. She had been patiently waiting for him to state his purpose.

"So, why are you here?" Professor Lilian inquired.

"Miss Lilian, there is something I want to talk about with you."

"What is it?" as she seeps her coffee.

"It's just that there was trouble yesterday-"

"Stop there, Don't tell me did you also beat someone like Lucas did yesterday?"

"No! I did not" Adrian shook his frantically as he waved his hand in no gesture.

"Then what is it?"

"Well you see yesterday-"

Adrian hesitated for a moment, then began to recount the previous night's events.

He detailed the bullying he had witnessed and expressed his concerns about the student's safety.

Professor Lilian listened attentively, her expression showing occasional signs of concern.

"So, you're telling me that there's bullying at the Academy?" Professor Lilian asked, her tone measured.

Adrian nodded firmly. "Yes."

She sighed. "Adrian, as the student who claimed first place in the Freshman year Hero course, let me be clear. This is not a new issue at Nova Academy. It happens every year. Arrogant or strong students often come and bully others."

Adrian was taken aback, struggling to process what he was hearing. "Every year? This can't be true," he exclaimed.

She nodded solemnly. "Unfortunately, it's true. I'm not fabricating this. Many students like you have reported similar stories in the past."

Adrian's mind raced with questions. "Then what did Nova Academy do about it?" he asked, bewildered.

Professor Lilian went on to share a revelation that would profoundly change Adrian's perspective.