An Extra’s POV
chapter-803

"You can also check your devices for the groupings of the other Classes and Stages." The moment Instructor Isra'il said this, Rey picked up his tablet.

The device was very similar to what Rey was familiar with on Earth, though there were a few differences. Still, he was able to get completely accustomed to it within a week, so he could navigate his way through practically every facet of the interface.

He already had a name and face in mind, and he didn't hesitate to begin his search on the group listings.

'What group are you in… Adrien?'

After spending just a few seconds scouring the General Roster, he found Adrien's name printed among the others. It was easy to find his name in particular, since it was the only one written and pronounced differently.

Regardless, Rey was relieved once he saw it.

'You're in my Group. This is perfect!' He smiled, satisfied with at least one thing about the groupings.

'I'm still a little concerned about Lucielle, but I'll just make sure I remain in constant communication with her throughout the next ten days.'

He also planned to keep a very close eye on Adrien.

'Then… as for him…' He cast his eyes on Adonis, who was busy facing the Instructor, giving the class his full attention.

Rey and Adonis hadn't really spoken since the very first day, and even the few times they exchanged words, it was with the context that they were both Dragon Students in the Imperial Academy.

Lucielle still had no idea about Adonis' real identity, and Rey didn't have any intention of telling her. 'I should be able to trust Adonis to make sure Lucielle is safe, at the very least.'

While Adonis had indeed changed a great deal, his Alignment still read "Lawful Good" which meant he was still a trustworthy guy.

That was more than enough for Rey.

'Then, down to the most pertinent issue… it's about time I acted.'

Throughout the week he spent in the Academy, Rey made sure to properly observe Adrien. With his satisfaction finally met, he decided it was finally time for him to make his move.

'The Excursion is tomorrow. I suppose our reunion is long overdue. Don't you think so?'

~Yeah!~

Rey smiled as he heard Emil's voice in his thoughts.

~This should be fun!~

*******************

"Haaa…"

Adrien sighed as he rose to his feet after another long day in class, happy that the lectures for the day were finally over.

He looked to his right and left, finding the immediate seats beside him empty. Even the one directly behind him was unoccupied.

This caused a wry smile to play on his face.

'I guess the space is good…' With that thought in mind, he decided to say his usual general farewell to his classmates.

As expected, they blatantly ignored him.

Some of them sent him hateful, disgusted stares—behind his back, of course. No one would ever dare to show any sign of animosity to someone who had been personally handpicked by a Dragon Lord.

'It seems Vai'zel really made all the arrangements for my transfer. I can only imagine the lengths he had to go through to get approval from Frey'ja and the Emperor so that I would be accepted here…'

He was definitely a Lord of means.

'He's played his part and brought me here. It's up to me to excel and earn my place by his side through merit. So far, I've managed to retain his attention, and I still intend to impress him as time goes on. The problem is… the Dragons around me.'

And no, not the students. Those were impotent in much of anything regarding his affairs within the Academy, and were mostly inconsequential to his progress.

The issue was the staff—particularly the Instructors.

It wasn't lost to Adrien that the Dragons despised him, and constantly berated him. The Storm Dragon Lord had already warned him of the hardships he would face here, and he had already braced himself for the worst.

With the students, their display of hatred was something he could always ignore.

… But he couldn't do that with the staff.

'They hold my points in the palm of their hands, which means I am somewhat at their mercy.' He told himself.

Of course, they couldn't arbitrarily remove his points, or unjustifiably fail him when he passed something. However, they were on the constant lookout for any slip-up that would warrant a reduction in points.

And since they could apply discretion to a lot of these point reductions, most of the Instructors were bound to apply the harshest measures reasonably accepted within the system to him—all to make him lose merit and get him expelled.

'The Dragon Lord can't intervene in this, because it's not his domain. Plus, I'm sure he'd be more impressed with me if I managed to excel despite all the prejudice against me.'

That was Adrien's rationale as he continued his life in the Academy.

He made sure to constantly study, preparing for any and all negative possibilities. So far, he had managed to prevent any faults on his part.

'The main issue is that I'm also being denied opportunities to earn points. He was never chosen to answer questions in class, and he was constantly given the short end of the stick in activities. At this rate, my performance will be stunted.'

He already knew how to deal with the problem, though, but that would be until after the Excursion.

Adrien left his classroom, hearing all the whispers made about him.

None of them concerned him.

He walked to his dorm, hearing the murmurs, and feeling the piercing stares of every Dragon who saw him. Once again, he didn't really care.

At long last, after walking for what felt like an eternity, he finally reached his room.

He entered, locking the door instantly as he made for his bed and shut his eyes while releasing his heaviest sigh yet.

"Haaa…" Exhaling deeply, he closed his eyes and smiled.

Finally… he could relax.

"Hello, Adrien." Before he could spend even a second in his bliss, he heard a very familiar voice, instantly feeling the familiar presence in his room.

He turned to his side, witnessing the presence seated on his chair as he stared at him.

It was Rey.