Villain: I Must NTR All The Hidden Bosses!-Chapter 25: Academy Choices.

James paced through the winding hallways of the Voss family mansion, his footsteps echoing faintly against the marble floors.

His face was set in a deep frown, and his lips twitched every now and then as he muttered under his breath.

This place was still a labyrinth. Massive, overly decorated, and unnecessarily complicated, the mansion seemed more like a maze built to trap unwary souls than an actual home.

The corridors twisted and turned with no apparent logic, each one lined with towering portraits of stoic ancestors, towering suits of armour, and polished wooden doors that all looked exactly the same.

James paused at yet another intersection of identical hallways, glancing left, then right, then straight ahead.

He clenched his jaw. He was sure he'd passed that vase with the dragon motif at least three times already.

"Why would anyone design a house like this?" he grumbled, scratching the back of his head.

It wasn't the first time he'd gotten lost in this overly extravagant mansion since transmigrating into this world.

But right now, getting lost wasn't his biggest problem. No, the real issue—and the reason for his deep frown—was the summons he'd just received.

His father, Caylus Voss, had called for him.

In the study.

James swallowed hard, his thoughts swirling. Ever since he'd woken up in this strange, unfamiliar world inside the body of Kaelan Voss, he'd done everything he could to avoid this kind of face-to-face conversation with his father.

It wasn't just because the man was intimidating—though he definitely was. No, it was because James had no memories of this body's previous owner. Not a single one.

And Caylus Voss was no ordinary man. As the head of the powerful Voss trading empire and Head Of Merchants of this state, he was sharp, observant, and far too intelligent for James's liking.

If they spoke for too long, James knew there was a very real chance he might slip up, say something out of character, and expose the fact that he wasn't really this James Voss at all.

He shook his head, steeling himself. "Keep it short. Say as little as possible. Get out fast," he muttered, taking a deep breath.

After what felt like an eternity of wandering, James finally arrived at the massive oak doors leading to his father's study.

The doors were enormous, their dark wood carved with intricate patterns of vines and animals.

They loomed over him like the gates to some ancient temple, making him feel small in comparison.

He raised his hand, hesitated for a moment, then knocked firmly.

"Come in," came the deep, commanding voice from the other side.

James pushed the doors open and stepped inside. The room was vast, with high ceilings and walls lined with bookshelves that stretched almost to the top.

To the right, a massive glass cabinet displayed an array of treasures—antique swords, rare gemstones, strange artifacts, and other trinkets Caylus had collected during his travels across the world.

Each item seemed to whisper stories of far-off lands and adventures James could only imagine.

At the center of the room was a grand desk made of polished mahogany. Behind it sat Caylus Voss, a man who seemed to radiate authority.

He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that screamed wealth and power. His sharp green eyes locked onto James the moment he entered, and James felt as though they could see straight through him.

"Father," James greeted, bowing slightly to show respect. "You called for me?"

Caylus nodded, gesturing for him to sit. "Yes. How have you been feeling these days?"

James hesitated for the briefest moment before replying with a practiced smile, "Full of energy."

Caylus gave a small, approving nod. "Good. That's to be expected now that you've awakened your Soul Weapon. The next step is for you to prepare for the academy entrance exams."

James blinked, trying to keep his expression neutral. 'Academy? Entrance exams?' His mind raced. He barely knew anything about this world, let alone its academies.

"What academy do you have in mind?" his father asked, his gaze sharp and probing.

James's stomach flipped. He couldn't let his ignorance show. "I was actually wondering what you think, Father," he said smoothly, forcing himself to maintain eye contact.

Caylus's lips curved into a faint smile, and for a moment, James wasn't sure if the man was amused or suspicious.

"Well," Caylus began, leaning back in his chair, "there are three good options for someone of your potential."

James straightened, listening carefully.

"The first is the Imperial Academy," Caylus said. "It's the most prestigious academy in the entire Northern Domain, with branches in every other domain as well.

"They produce the best warriors, scholars, and leaders. Graduating from there guarantees success, no matter what path you choose."

James nodded, filing the information away. 'Imperial Academy. Sounds like the fancy, high-pressure type.'

"The second option," Caylus continued, "is the Vanguard Academy. It's for those who want to join the Vanguard Force and fight against the Primordials.

"The training is grueling, and the mortality rate is the highest of all the academies—35%. But those who survive are highly respected and hold positions of great authority across the continent."

James's mouth went dry at the mention of the mortality rate. 'Yeah, maybe not that one,' he thought grimly.

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He was no longer interested in the prospect of sacrificing himself for others. That dream died beneath the red sports car.

"And finally," Caylus said, a knowing glint in his eye, "there's the School of Dawn. It's less traditional and more... unconventional. They focus on students with special-grade elemental Soul Weapons.

"Their research into such weapons is unmatched, and they're known for producing some of the most innovative fighters and strategists in the world."

He paused, then added with a sly smile, "They also have the highest number of female students. By far."

James almost choked. 'Of course,' he thought, struggling to maintain his composure. His recent escapades hadn't escaped his father's notice.

Caylus leaned forward, his piercing gaze fixed on James. "So, which one will you choose?"

James's mind raced. He needed to stall—just for a little while. He forced a smile, his voice calm despite the panic bubbling inside.

"I'll need some time to think, Father. I wouldn't want to make such an important decision lightly."

Caylus studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. But don't take too long. The entrance exams are in two months."

James exhaled quietly, relief washing over him. "Of course, Father."

_____

Power stone Goal!

20 PS - 1 Bonus Chapter

50 PS - 2 Bonus Chapter

100 PS (Quite an achievement as of now) - 3 Bonus Chapters.

Castle - 10 Bonus Chapters!