The evening air was cool as I left the faculty meeting.


    My steps echoing softly in the empty hallways of Ravenwood Academy.


    I kept a smile on my face, the remnants of the meeting''s discussions ying over in my mind.


    Ah, the Academy would finally be interesting this year.


    New faces, powerful talents, and—most importantly—the princess.


    That wretched girl, finally within my reach.


    As I walked down the dimly lit path toward the academy''s entrance, memories surged, unbidden and forceful, from a time I tried so hard to bury.


    The Imperial Castle, years ago.


    The air had been thick with tension back then.


    But not enough to prepare us for the disaster that would follow.


    My brother and I had both served as sword instructors to the Royal Family.


    It was an honor, they said.


    An elevation of status that would lead to endless opportunities.


    At least, that''s what we believed.


    The truth turned out to be far darker.


    The memory of that day returned in sharp, unforgiving detail.


    It was an afternoon like any other, the first prince and princess training under his guidance.


    My brother had taken the lead with the prince and the princess in a more advanced technique.


    She was young then, but her talent was already evident.


    She wielded a sword with an unnatural precision and ferocity, her red eyes gleaming with determination.


    Bordering on malice.


    But that day, something went wrong.


    My brother returned with them, the first prince''s body motionless.


    Blood staining the pristine training floor.


    My brother was frozen, his eyes wide with disbelief and horror.


    And then, before we could even begin to understand what had happened, the usations began.


    The princess, her red eyes zing with a mix of fear and anger, pointed at my brother and said.


    "H-he killed my brother...."


    He...he took Lenard''s life... "


    Her voice was a venomous whisper that slithered through the hall like a serpent, tainting everything it touched.


    The guards, the other instructors, the castle staff—they all listened.


    All turned their eyes to my brother with a look that I could never forget.


    It was the look of betrayal, of disgust, of condemnation.


    No investigation was held, no questions asked.


    The Royal Family chose to ept the princess''s story without hesitation, disregarding my brother''s pleas.


    His desperate cries for understanding.


    They decapitated him that very evening in front of the castle staff.


    An example to anyone who might think of defying the royal lineage.


    They made sure I was there to watch it all, the image of his lifeless body imprinted in my mind for eternity.


    I''d sensed then that something about the princess''s story didn''t fit.


    But questioning a member of the Royal Family?


    Unthinkable.


    My brother''s life was gone, snuffed out without justice, without truth, because of the careless usation of a spoiled child.


    My grip tightened around my hands, the anger simmering in my chest even now, yearster.


    The Academy was supposed to be my escape, my way to rebuild the fragments of my life, but I''d never forgotten.


    I''d sworn revenge, knowing one day the chance woulde.


    And now, she wasing to Ravenwood.


    Suddenly, I remembered something even more disturbing.


    It had beente one night in the academy gardens.


    I''d been alone, preparing to leave, when a figure stepped into the shadows.


    Prince Leopold.


    I recognized him immediately, his golden hair and cold, calcting red eyes unmistakable even in the moonlight.


    He had always presented himself with a jovial air, a smile that held no warmth.


    But that night was different.


    "Professor."


    He''d greeted me, his tone as icy as the wind.


    His two guards stood behind him, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.


    "Your Highness."


    I''d replied, giving a respectful nod while wondering why in the world he''d chosen to approach me.


    Leo''s usual smile faded, reced by an expression I''d never seen before.


    His eyes narrowed, the red gleam intensifying.


    "My sister will soon be attending Ravenwood Academy."


    There was something unsettling in his gaze, a veiled threat lingering in his words.


    He continued.


    "I''m sure you remember our family''s history...


    You and ra have a past..."


    His voice was low, almost a whisper, but every word was sharp, cutting into me with a de''s precision.


    I held his gaze, refusing to show any sign of fear or anger.


    Even as he continued to speak.


    "I know what you''re thinking, Professor.


    You''ll be tempted to make her life difficult, to take out your little grudge on her."


    He smiled, but it was twisted, malicious, the faintest hint of fangs visible.


    "Let me make something very clear."


    The air around us seemed to grow heavier, the temperature plummeting.


    His eyes were no longer simply red.


    They glowed, almost burning, a warning sign as unmistakable as fire.


    "Only I am allowed to give my sister a hard time, to make her life hell.


    She may be an insufferable brat, but if anyone else daresy a finger on her…


    I will personally see to it that your life ends in pain.


    Do you understand me?"


    The darkness in his gaze, the ruthlessness, was palpable, and for a moment I felt the very same fear that I''d seen in my brother''s eyes before his death.


    But I managed a calm nod, gritting my teeth, suppressing the anger that boiled inside me.


    "Understood, Your Highness."


    "Good."


    His smile returned, but it was no longer one of charm or diplomacy.


    It was predatory, like a wolf eyeing a trapped rabbit.


    He took a step back, the guards following him.


    And with onest cold look, he turned and disappeared into the night.


    The memory ended as quickly as it hade, snapping me back to the present.


    My hands were trembling slightly, my fingernails digging into my palms, but I forced myself to take a steady breath.


    Yes, the prince had threatened me, made his stance very clear.


    But if he thought his threats were enough to frighten me into submission, he had no idea who he was dealing with.


    The rage within me surged, consuming every other thought.


    The princess would be here soon, and I wasn''t about to waste this opportunity.


    I didn''t care if she was under her brother''s protection.


    Nothing, no one, was going to stop me from avenging my brother.


    My lips twisted into a bitter smile as I muttered to myself.


    My voice barely above a whisper, yetced with every ounce of venom I felt.


    "Fuck the prince. If ites to it, I''ll take his life too.


    Along with that smug, treacherous sister of his."


    The words hung in the air, a quiet but deadly promise.


    I''d been patient, biding my time, hiding behind a respectable facade as a professor.


    But now, with both siblings at Ravenwood, the perfect storm was forming.


    The stage was set.


    I could almost see her face in my mind.


    The way she''d looked at my brother before condemning him with her lies.


    I''d remember that expression until the end, let it fuel me, guide me as I tore down the walls around her life, piece by piece.


    ***


    It''s been a whirlwind of a week.


    Honestly, I thought bncing school and survival would be enough.


    But somehow I''ve ended up juggling potential business ventures.


    Watching my reputation disintegrate even further to rack up these so-called "False Evil Points," and preparing for exams.


    I can barely remember thest time I had a quiet moment to myself.


    The shop investment was a stroke of genius, though.


    I''d secured shares in that little supply store on the edge of town, the one no one would''ve even given a second nce.


    Thanks to my "persuasive" approach and a bit of well-timed arrogance, I''d managed to get the owner to agree without much upfront cost.


    If you don''t count the damage to my pride from having to act more obnoxious than usual.


    That shop, ording to my future knowledge, would soon be indispensable to students looking for rare supplies, potions, and ingredients.


    An overlooked goldmine.


    The risk of it flopping is still there, of course, and if it does fail, I''m out on a limb.


    But if it doesn''t, I''ll have a steady ie stream even while studying.


    One problem solved.


    As for the False Evil Points, I''ve been steadily building up to my goal.


    Every insult, every calcted dig, and the asional scare tactic—all have done wonders for my bnce.


    Almost at a thousand points now, just a few more carefully nned "misdeeds," and I''ll be able to afford the Killing Intent Detection skill.


    A must-have if I n on surviving here, where students and staff alike seem to have it out for me.


    The system''s method of rewarding my nastier actions might be twisted.


    But I can''t deny it''s effective.


    It''s like the worse people think I am, the better my chances of making it through this mess.


    Meanwhile, the academy hasn''t slowed down in the slightest.


    The air was buzzing with the same oldpetitive energy.


    I can already feel the tension creeping in, people scurrying around in their attempts to "prepare."


    And yet, here I am, trying to y my part—keeping up my act.


    Staying ahead in sses, nning for this test that''s supposed to be the year''s benchmark.


    I have no choice but to top the exams.


    It''s the expectation, the standard I''ve already set for myself, and anything less will have people questioning my worth.


    And before everyone knew it the exams were already here.