Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 48: After Duel

As the applause from the audience continued to fill the arena, Kevin's minions couldn't hide their disappointment. Their faces wore expressions of defeat as they followed their leader out of the arena, their footsteps heavy with dejection.

Meanwhile, Adrian and his friends emerged from the virtual reality capsules, where Noah enthusiastically greeted him with a warm smile and hearty congratulations.

"You did it, Adrian! I knew you had it in you," Noah exclaimed, patting Adrian on the back with genuine pride.

Adrian smiled in response to Noah's words, appreciating the support of his friends. He had a brief exchange with Kevin, reminding him of the bet they had made and the possibility of discussing the winner's prize later.

With that settled, Kevin and his followers left the arena, their spirits subdued but accepting of the outcome.

As Adrian reunited with Noah, Emma, and Lyra, they shared in his victory, congratulating him on the impressive duel.

Noah playfully mentioned his own experience of losing to Adrian in a battle, which elicited a chuckle from the hero-class student.

However, as they left the arena together, Adrian couldn't help but notice that not everyone in the crowd was pleased with the duel's result. Some spectators were upset, while others celebrated their successful bets.

Amidst the audience, Tony, a tall and handsome figure, stood with an unmistakable air of disappointment.

After the last clash between Tony and Adrian, Tony knows that he can't make an unnecessary move.

After all, Adrian gets back up behind him.

It was clear that Adrian's victory had not pleased him, and Adrian remained unaware of the brewing tensions and the enigmatic figure's presence in the arena.

As the excitement of the duel settled down and the spectators began to disperse, Lucas found himself standing next to Evelyn.

Sunny, who had been with them earlier, had already left to join the rest of the crowd. Lucas and Evelyn stood side by side, silently watching the remaining events unfold.

Lucas stole a glance at Evelyn, who was focused on the arena. Her presence still affected him deeply, even though he had been separated from her for a long time. He couldn't help but feel the weight of their past relationship hanging over him.

He cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "So, uh, Evelyn...What do you think of a match?"

Evelyn turned her head to look at Lucas "It was a fine duel, I know that Adrian is going to win the duel so it's nothing new."

Yeah she is right, everyone in the arena knows that whatever happens in the end Adrian going to win.

Why is that?

Well, he is the protagonist of this story he is going to win no matter what in the end.

"you are right," I said to her.

Evelyn's change in behaviour didn't go unnoticed by Lucas. It was a welcome shift from the constant hostility they had once shared. As she mentioned the upcoming Travelling Crew, Lucas couldn't help but be intrigued by the fact that they were on the same team.

"How did you know that I'm also in the same crew?" Lucas asked with a hint of curiosity.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, her tone a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Well, we all received notifications on our Smart bracelets. It's not exactly a secret, you know."

Lucas chuckled at his oversight. "Oh yeah, I guess we did. I must've missed that email."

As they continued walking, Lucas couldn't help but sense the tension that still lingered between them. Evelyn's cold and threatening tone when she mentioned the Travelling Crew was a stark reminder that their history was not easily forgotten.

"Sigh... sure," Lucas responded, a touch of resignation in his voice. He knew that despite the changes, Evelyn still harboured deep resentment towards him.

But he couldn't help but reflect on his actions. He had done things that he couldn't take back, and it weighed on him. As they walked further away from each other, Lucas couldn't help but hope that their shared experiences in the Travelling Crew might help them both move forward in some way.

***

Sunday, the next day after the duel between Adrian and Kevin.

In a quiet corner of the cafe in Academy City, Adrian and Kevin sat down, their faces marked with a sense of seriousness. The tension in the air was palpable as they prepared to have a candid conversation.

Adrian, leaning forward, broke the silence, his eyes locked onto Kevin's. "Now talk," he urged, his voice firm.

Kevin took a deep breath before beginning to reveal some critical information about Tony Stark. "Tony Stark," he started, "was born into the prestigious Stark family, which held immense wealth and influence. His family's fortune was worth over a trillion C, making them one of the most influential families in the city."

As Kevin continued to speak, he detailed Tony's early life, explaining how he had grown up in a world where admirers flocked to him due to his family's wealth and standing. "Every girl he ever approached seemed to fall for him," Kevin noted, emphasizing Tony's natural charm.

However, Kevin didn't hide the darker side of Tony's character. "Tony is known for his exclusivity. He despises those of lower status and surrounds himself only with individuals of high standing. In pursuit of his ambitions, he established what he calls a 'Noble Crew,' a group reserved for the elite of the Academy."

Adrian listened intently, piecing together the puzzle of Tony's character and influence. He understood that Tony Stark was not just a typical student but a powerful figure with a significant following.

Kevin finally concluded, "I'm one of those working for Tony behind the scenes, alongside others, including some first-year students. That's all I know," he finished, a sense of relief washing over him as he disclosed this information to Adrian.

Adrian, deep in thought, absorbed the details Kevin had shared. It was clear that Tony Stark's background and his influential network would prove to be significant challenges to overcome.

Adrian, processing the information about Tony Stark's formidable presence, leaned forward slightly and asked Kevin, "Do you know who the other first-year students working for Tony are?"

Kevin's expression grew solemn as he replied, "I'm afraid not. They are incredibly secretive about their identities. I've never met any of them personally, and they go to great lengths to conceal their involvement with Tony."

Adrian's brows furrowed slightly at the realization that Tony's operation was even more covert than he had initially thought. It would be challenging to identify and deal with these hidden allies, especially if they were skilled at operating in the shadows.

Nevertheless, he couldn't afford to back down. Adrian had set his sights on dismantling Tony's influence and bringing justice to the Academy. This revelation only strengthened his resolve to uncover the truth and confront Tony Stark head-on.

"You know It's not going to be easy," Kevin said after some time.

Adrian's expression hardened at the mention of that. "Thank you for the warning. I'll be careful," he said, extending his hand.

Kevin shook it, "Sure thing. But remember, I already said this now but it won't be easy. Changing the status quo never is easy."

"I know. But it's worth it," Adrian said before turning and walking away.

After a brief conversation with Kevin, Adrian made his way out of the cafe, feeling somewhat puzzled by Ben's behaviour.

"Why did he agree so easily? It's not like him," Adrian mused. "But I suppose it's a good thing he agreed. Hopefully, the bullying will come to an end now."

However, Adrian was also aware that his thinking was flawed. As Kevin had warned him, this was just the beginning, and things were unlikely to end here.

Adrian's bracelet vibrated, indicating an incoming call. He quickly glanced at the display and saw that it was Emma calling. With a swift motion, he accepted the call and brought his wrist up to his ear.

"Hey, Emma," he greeted her.

"Adrian!" Emma's voice came through the bracelet's speaker. "I just wanted to check when you're planning to arrive at the Academy City Station for the Traveling Crew orientation."

Adrian adjusted his pace, making sure he was heading in the right direction. "I'm on my way there right now. Should be there in about fifteen minutes or so."

Emma sounded relieved. "That's great! We're already here with Noah and Isabella. Evelyn is giving us her usual 'I'm always on time' speech."

Adrian chuckled. Evelyn's punctuality was well-known among their group. "Tell her I'll be fashionably late, as usual."

"I will," Emma replied with a laugh. "See you soon, Adrian."

"See you soon, Emma." Adrian ended the call and continued his journey to the Academy City Station, looking forward to reuniting with his friends for the Traveling Crew orientation.

Adrian took a runner's pose, he bed down his knees a little and closed his eyes.

He focused on his mana as he guided to them his feet.

With that, Adrian burst into a sprint toward Academy Station.

"With this, I will be able to reach there in 10 minutes."