Adrian was holding a glass of what seemed like wine. He was having alcohol for sure but didn’t know if it was wine or something else.

He didn’t receive the memories of previous Adrian’s taste buds. And Lex only could afford cheap beer so yes, this was new.

In a corner he stood, wearing the three piece formal suit and trying to blend with people.

There were many students, from the four academies and the Headmasters from each academy.

They all were gathered at one place and Ariana was also among them; the only female headmaster.

The Professors were also there but they were more focused on chatting with either their students or the officials of the Tower.

For them this might be a chance to build a connection with the Tower and possibly earn a few points for their academy? Well, as far as Adrian knows a good or bad impression doesn’t affect the final results.

‘Should I also talk to someone?’ That sounded like a burdensome job. People here come from noble families or have achieved something in life which they could boast about.

But Adrian wasn’t a noble anymore nor did he have any achievement which could make him stand out.

‘I should just-‘ Adrian flinched as he felt someone approaching from behind—urging him to turn towards the person.

“Hello, Master Adrian.”

The voice belonged to a bald man, likely in his late forties, wearing the Tower’s robe with a silver star gleaming on his chest—marking him as one of the three Masters.

He extended a hand, calm and confident.

“I’m Moret.”

Adrian shook it politely and said, “An honor to meet you, Sir Moret. I read your thesis a few months ago.”

He wasn’t bluffing. He made a habit of going through the Tower’s published research, and Moret’s name had stood out.

The old man gave a small smile. “I’m glad to know some teachers still take time to read.”

Adrian returned the smile, keeping it brief.

There was a short silence before Moret continued, “Your name’s been circulating lately—especially after Albec returned from the Academy.”

Adrian’s smile thinned slightly, but he didn’t let it show.

Moret added with a knowing look, “He’s been rather vocal about your affinity evaluation method. So much so, he’s been trying to push the technical department to recreate it.”

Adrian chuckled softly. “That’s… quite the compliment. But honestly, I think he’s exaggerating. My method isn’t that groundbreaking.”

He wanted to downplay it. Drawing attention from people like Moret was never good.

“Right? I told him the same thing,” Moret said with a smirk. “If someone can’t even pass a basic test like the AET, then he’s hardly the type to invent something revolutionary.”

Adrian’s smile went stiff.

Ah.

There it was. The malice behind the mask.

“That’s right, Sir Moret,” Adrian replied, voice smooth and laced with sarcasm. “Measuring someone’s worth by a single test—truly the mark of a wise and fair mind.”

Moret’s smile cracked. His golden eyes now gleamed with open contempt.

“If you believe that, then why did you take the AET twice? And fail both times?”

Adrian blinked slowly, letting the words settle.

“You really did your digging. I took the second test under a different identity, in a different region no less… But I guess nothing stays hidden from someone who sits high enough.”

He wouldn’t lie to himself. He was a little nervous.

He had once told Albec he disliked the test’s design. But if he truly hated it, then why try again?

Because he was desperate.

Because back then, he still believed that passing the test would prove something.

But he never thought someone would trace it all the way back to him.

“When you start attracting attention with a few flashy tricks,” Moret said, tone now sharp and dismissive, “people with power tend to look into you.”

A waiter arrived and quietly poured a drink for Moret as he added, almost too casually,

“You do know I have the authority to get you thrown out of the Academy, right?”

Adrian didn’t flinch. His response came quick, steady.

“Please do try. I’d love to see how you plan to do that.”

There was no fear in his voice. No hesitation.

Because showing weakness here meant being eaten alive.

Moret leaned back, sneering. “Ah. The Prince. That’s where your arrogance comes from. Or maybe the Headmistress.”

Adrian didn’t take the bait. Instead, he said calmly, “Sir Moret… I’m confident enough in my craft that even tuning a First Degree weapon would get me recruited by any nation I choose to walk into.”

He turned his head slightly, meeting Moret’s narrowed eyes.

“And when the King asks me why I left my homeland… do you know whose name I’ll give him?”

Moret’s nostrils flared. “Are you threatening me?”

A dangerous chill passed through Adrian’s eyes as he replied, without blinking—

“Yes. I am.”

They both kept glaring at each for a few moments.

Moret was showing clear frustration while Adrian was just showing him his place.

“Forget it. You will dig your own grave soon.” Saying so, he turned and walked away.

Adrian rolled his eyes, a weary sigh seeping through his lips, “Seriously, these people are such a hassle to deal with.”

“Right?” Adrian flinched as he heard Ariana’s voice from the left.

Turning toward her he asked in a slightly panicked voice, “Did you hear that?”

Ariana chuckled, “You two weren’t particularly mindful of your surroundings and don’t forget that everyone here is an awakened. So I guess, now everyone knows that Professor Adrian has threatened a Tower Master.”

She was saying it with such a huge grin that Adrian felt she might have set things up.

But well, “I don’t regret what I said. He is an as*hole.”

“True, true. He was ogling at your favorite student earlier too.”

Adrian flinched, “Elana?” He asked as he turned his eyes toward the silverhead

Finding her looking at him as well, she flinched, her drink nearly spilling.

Adrian gave her a soft smile, as he heard his cousin, “You really are fond of her. Don’t tell me-“

“No,” Adrian interrupted her, his eyes turning serious as he said, “I only see her as my student. That’s it.”

Ariana shrugged, “Well, your choice. But remember that I won’t ban you from having a few relationships here and there with your students.”

“Coming from a headmistress, it sounds so disturbing.”

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Whose image you want next?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep