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Villain Simulator-Chapter 136: Veena Rathi
The battle for authority over the future often unfolds in silence, and within Lumina Academy—a crucible where the pillars of humanity’s future were forged—this struggle was no exception.
Silent currents of power always surged beneath the surface as Lumina drew the attention of those with hidden agendas vying for control.
It was a clandestine war for authority over the nation’s very future.
Certainly, Lumina Academy had its own resilience and governmental support.
Nonetheless, it had suffered a gradual erosion of its authority due to the influx of elite students from influential families over the past few years.
Lumina Academy needed someone to suppress the escalating influence of these powerful families—a fresh voice to lead among the students, independent from any existing factions.
Someone they could pull into their own faction.
Given these circumstances, I was the lucky break they needed, and they didn’t think twice about taking me in.
I was certain that they had already uncovered information about my past and family history, particularly the tragic massacre of my family by the Cypras, as well as the recent assassination attempt on both me and Nancy, whom I regarded as my most trusted confidante.
Followed by Nancy’s inexplicable absence.
It was certain that learning about my life-or-death feud with Cypras only made me more appealing to them, considering how they accepted me without even waiting for the completion of the entrance exams.
I was a complete orphan, so the academy even waived my tuition, took care of all the paperwork, admitted me right away, and moved me into the S-tier dorm a week before the official start date because of my financial situation.
Moreover, I was granted access to amenities that would have cost a fortune for an average person, all provided for free under the condition that I maintained my top position.
Every effort was made to create a favorable impression on me and secure my allegiance before others could lay claim to me.
This was also how I ended up here, in front of my dorm room, on the same day as my entrance exam.
"So this is the S-tier dorm room."
I mused as I stepped inside, taking in the lavish ambiance.
Expensive artwork decorated the walls, and the balcony’s stunning view was unobstructed by floor-to-ceiling windows.
Soft carpets cushioned my steps, welcoming me to the living room with luxurious furnishings and then to the bedroom with a king-size bed as if made for royalty.
In the corner, there was also a sleek kitchenette with state-of-the-art appliances, while the bathroom included a luxurious Jacuzzi.
It didn’t look like a typical dorm room at all—more like a luxury apartment converted for one person.
"S-tier are truly treated like nobility here."
I remarked to myself with a sense of satisfaction.
Collapsing onto the plush bed, I enjoyed the comfort it provided after months of sleeping on that makeshift bed in the cabin in the woods.
"Now I have to stay in the academy for at least a week or two before I can meet Nancy again."
Since the news of my first-place finish would undoubtedly draw unwanted attention and possibly put me in danger, I had been told not to leave the campus for the time being.
Fortunately, when I finished the exam, I had already informed Nancy about the situation and instructed her to spend the money she had set aside for me on herself because the academy gave me a scholarship.
On top of that, I had given her some extra funds from my own resources, explaining that it was part of the reward for excelling in the entrance exams.
Although Nancy initially refused the money, she eventually accepted it and had already secured a new home for herself under a false identity on the outskirts.
"She should be safe there for the time being, as long as she doesn’t draw any unnecessary attention."
I wasn’t concerned about Nancy attracting trouble, as I knew she wasn’t one to seek it out.
Speaking of Nancy, I suddenly recalled how she congratulated me and burst into tears, praising how my hard work paid off, and despite my setback in academics, I scored 100/100.
"Heh..."
A chuckle escaped my lips involuntarily.
"My dear Nancy, I owe you some quality time together next time we meet."
To be honest, for me, scoring 100/100 was a no-go.
First, I was a graduate back on Earth. I had written countless novels and also read this world’s storyline to learn about the know-how of the power structure, history, and general knowledge.
Second, I had the system, which had one of the best Artificial Intelligence in existence.
Sure, using its features required UC (Universal Coins), but merely recalling the information I had inputted was cost-free.
So, I meticulously fed it with data from online study materials and seamlessly copied it into the exams.
I mean, even the poorest of the poorest devices comes with a free notepad that saves the day sometimes, isn’t it?
"Hahahaha."
Laughing heartily, I decided to take a bath to freshen up before my hunger took over.
Once I was ready, I stepped out of the dormitory to grab some food for my hungry stomach and take a leisurely stroll to familiarize myself with the campus surroundings.
’It really gives me a college feeling?’
Despite being on a much grander scale, Lumina Academy’s overall atmosphere reminded me of a modern university.
It was a pretty big university, too.
Buildings were divided by faculty, and training rooms and sports facilities were well equipped.
’The facilities are nice too.’
In particular, the Faculty of Magic Sword, where I belonged, stood out as one of the largest departments, aimed at those who specialized in combat.
Lost in thought, I was about to make my way to the dining area when a peculiar sight caught my attention.
"Huh?"
Hidden behind a tree, someone was crouched down, quietly and secretly smoking a cigarette.
Bleached bob-cut hair, that punk-style look, and those big breasts, the sight of which makes one want to suck them like a baby, immediately brought a particular character to mind.
’Veena?’
Veena Rathi, Rosalie’s rival in the storyline—a supporting character and perhaps also the only decent girl in the novel if we didn’t include Nancy, who died early on.
’What is she doing here?’
Since the academy hadn’t started at this point, her presence seemed suspicious.
However, when I recalled her storyline, it kind of made sense.
It was as if she felt my gaze. Quickly, she hid the cigarette and leaned back against the tree, as if simply enjoying the evening sunset.
Then she turned her head, and my golden eyes met her pink ones.
She tilted her head and blinked her eyes, whispering quietly.
"Yes?"
Her voice was inaudible, but I understood the movements of her lips.
For her, I was simply a stranger, and knowing that she could potentially be useful to me in the future, I also didn’t push further, like confront or tease about her smoking.
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"You know where’s the restaurant?"
Instead, I asked loudly but politely, to which she simply nodded, pointed behind her, and gestured to go straight and then left.
"Thanks!"
"... Okay."
She murmured softly, then shifted her gaze back to the sunset.