Not-So an Extra

Chapter 22 Ch. 22: The Academy [3]

?–Clack –Clack –Clack

His footsteps echoed as he walked.

He skimmed at the empty classrooms and he could see his reflection in the windows.

The further he entered the Academy, the fewer people he met.

Well, it was understandable since the second and third-year students were on break.

When Adrian turned a corner, his ears caught several voices of girls giggling.

His head veered to the sound and the breathtaking scenery of a lake came into view.

He could tell it was a perfect spot for a picnic or a stroll.

At the center of the lake, four girls that shared the same age as him were riding a gondola.

A split second after he turned his head away, a loud splashing sound followed by several screams rang out.

He returned his gaze, however, the sight of the lake made him pause his steps.

The gondola was seen turned upside down.

"Hel–urp!!"

"Urp–!!"

"Help!!"

The girls frantically waved their hands to keep their heads above the water.

But all of that was fruitless as they began to submerge within seconds.

Adrian cast a spell inwardly and soon a massive Magic Circle materialized above the lake.

The water beneath it began to surge upwards, forming a towering tsunami that measured 3 meters in height.

Adrian drove the wave ashore and when it receded, four girls were seen lying on the ground.

"Cough, cough!"

Their heavy coughing continued and he met with a pair of purple eyes.

After making sure they were safe and sound, Adrian resumed his stride.

He took out the map and called his brother's Tele-code as he walked.

Shortly, he was connected.

–Tuu–

// Ho, I can't believe you'd miss me so soon. //

Adrian halted his tracks and furrowed upon hearing his voice.

Not because of his narcissistic joke, but something else.

What he meant was, this was the first time he had called him, then how could Nathaniel know it was him?

Did he save his Tele-code beforehand?

He clearly remembered that his mother gave him a brand new Telesphere, so how did he find out about it?

Did he ask Aerilyn?

Or…

Was he spying on him?

// Hello? Are you there? //

Regardless of the questions that kept popping up in his head, Adrian decided to brush them off.

"Yes. By the way, I saw four girls almost drown in the lake near the library."

// What?! //

Surprise filled his sound.

"I have saved them but I think they need a physician."

// I understand, I will send someone there. Thanks for the information. //

"Alright, see you."

// See you. //

Just a moment before Adrian ended his call, Simone's voice was heard.

// Wait, where are you going? Get back here! //

// Shut up, Simone! //

// Hey!! //

–Tuut

The call ended and Adrian put the map back into his Magical Sphere.

"Even their interactions are exactly like in the novel."

With that, he restarted walking.

Later, a building with a magnificent structure entered his view.

He approached it and numerous neatly lined up books could be seen through the library window.

Upon entering, the scent of books wafted up his nostrils and his blue eyes swept the surroundings.

The library was a three-story building with towering shelves that reached the ceiling.

It had several well-lit reading areas, each with comfortable chairs and tables for studying or reading.

"Good day, how may I help you?"

Adrian turned to the voice and a woman with blonde hair wearing round glasses was seen.

She wore a brown robe and was estimated to be around her mid-twenties.

She smiled benignly at him.

Adrian moved closer to the counter and conveyed his question.

"Is there a VIP room available near the history section?"

Just like its name, it was a private room that prevented others from seeing the person inside it.

Because there was no way Adrian would want to read in an open space.

It was true he could ignore them, but he didn't like how the crowd looked at him like he was some sort of a clown.

To be honest, he wanted to dye his hair but it was against the Academy's rules, so he had no choice.

"Yes, there is one available."

"I'd like to rent it for a whole year."

The librarian was taken aback but eventually smiled, no one had rented for that much time.

She gave him a form to fill and after getting his VIP room key, he asked her to guide him to the history book section.

Catherine—the librarian, led him in the front and as they made their way through the corridor, the smell of old paper and ink thickened.

The corridor was surrounded by tall shelves on either side, filled with books of all shapes and sizes.

The books seemed to stretch endlessly, creating a maze of literature.

"We have arrived."

They stopped in front of an area with a 'history' tag hanging above.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Is there anything else?"

"Ah, yes, I want to ask if there's a book similar or related to this?"

Adrian took out a book with a purple cover and she was stoned.

Judging from her expression, he could tell how surprised she was but what made her like that?

Catherine looked left and right as if making sure that there was no one beside them, then eyed him in the eyes.

"May I know where you got this book?"

He had no idea but it felt like she was interrogating him.

"Someone gave it to me."

Adrian answered flatly and she sighed.

"I don't know how this ends up in your hands, but that's a banned book."

"?"

His forehead creased; this revelation was too sudden.

Truthfully, this was the first time he had asked the librarian about this book.

Since the Empress and Emperor's libraries were only a collection of the late monarch's favorite books, they did not have a librarian.

"That book has been prohibited for hundreds of years due to its controversial content."

Adrian read the book and he concurred with it.

"It is also rumored that those who receive the book often mysteriously disappear, some call it a cursed book. For the best, I suggest you throw the book away."

Even though it was just a rumor, he could imagine how the Empire would be turned upside down if the heir to the throne was missing.

"I see. Thank you for the suggestion, I'll think about it carefully."

Catherine smiled.

"You're welcome. Also, if you need anything else feel free to ask me."

With that, she excused herself.

Adrian looked at the book in his hand and his mind flew.

Hadn't the original Adrian also run away after receiving this book from Nathaniel back in his sights?

He ran away when he was 12 years old and was killed at the age of 13.

In the gap of a year, where did Adrian go?

And his question remained the same.

What was Nathaniel's intention in giving him the book?

Was he trying to recreate the past in this timeline?

"Tsk."

Adrian clucked his tongue in annoyance and massaged his furrowed brows.

The more the truth was revealed, the more suspicious Nathaniel appeared in his eyes.

In the end, he decided to put it aside and began to collect history books to read.

.

.

.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye and today was his first day as a student.

Adrian wiped his mouth with a napkin, he finished his breakfast.

Starting two days ago, he lived in the dormitory and luckily, he had a personal living area–thanks to his privilege as Prince.

His room was spacious and luxurious, although comparing this one to his chamber was blasphemy, his dorm wasn't really that bad.

It had a drawing room that was decorated with plush furniture and elegant decor.

The bedroom was also impressive, featuring a comfortable king-sized bed, a desk for study, a large closet, a private bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the beautiful gardens.

The common areas were equally noteworthy, featuring a grand dining hall, a library, and a training ground.

Of course, Adrian would doubtlessly not use those public facilities.

Even just now, he was eating in his bedroom.

"Any interesting news?"

Adrian got up and headed to the balcony.

"Yes, apparently, we're at war."

"It's the Kearny Kingdom, isn't it?"

Somehow, Fredinand was amazed at how unaffected the boy was by the news.

His face remained indifferent the entire time, making it hard to read his mind.

·??m "That's right. Last night, the Kearny Kingdom sent a letter of declaration of war to the Empire."

"I see."

Adrian opened the window door to the terrace.

The breeze rushed in, brushing against his face and rustling his hair.

He took a deep breath; feeling the cool air fill his lungs, and then exhaled it.

"Haa…"

His gaze swept across the horizon, the sky that was once a deep shade of black, was now painted with hues of red, signaling the start of a new day.

"So, it's here, huh?"

.

.

.

=====

A/N:

By the way, I'm thinking of doing a daily update in May. It's still a plan, and hopefully, it could be realized.