《I Killed The Main Characters》 Chapter 1: A Terrible Ending [1] The air was thick and smelt of burnt corpses. Smoke filled the once vibrant environment as the crackling of burning wood continued. The Academy of Ravenwood known to be the most prestigious learning institute in all the 3 continents. Filled with the best professors and teachers with years of expertise in the magic arts, on top of that its students were insanely talented individuals. With all the perfect and powerful personnels the academy was one of the most protected and safe sanctuaries...or atleast it was. Now it was engulfed in mes, buildings demolished, dead bodies and the smell of blood mixing in with the fire. In the middle of all this a teenage boy with jet ck hair, red eyes that almost seemedvendar and a face that could be considered attractive had his face painted red. He slightly looked down and touched his chest, the red liquid painted his palm as he looked at his hand once more. His gaze shifted to his chest, a rocky spike had jurted out. That was when he realized the gravity of the situation. He couldn''t tell for how long, but he had been suspended mid air after the rocky spike pierced through his chest for a while. *Sigh... He wanted to mutter out something but his throat was dry from all the heat, on top of that the severe internal injuries couldn''t bring him to do so. He smiled a bit then looked up at the moon that was shining a light on him as if making his final moments eventful and memorable. "Crap...so this is how it ends." He finally got out his words after swallowing his saliva hard, or atleast what was left of it. All he could taste was iron in his mouth. The continuous trickling of his own blood had began getting on his nerves. It''s not like it was annoying, though it was, it was the fact that it was all he could hear since getting his body suspended. "If only they could''ve seen it from my perspective...but those bastards are too obsessed with themselves and their ways of thinking couldn''t meet or evene close to mine..." He coughed a bit then continued. "I''m so fucking pissed by myself...I saw it..." "I knew it wasing...and yet...and yet I still went ahead." His ranting was momentarily disrupted by a group of five individuals. Two males and three females. The first one to walk to him was a boy of the same age. Adorned in the same attire he was wearing, a white shirt, loose red tie and his signature look of leaving the ck academy zer over his shoulders. ''Is he allergic to fully wearing the coat?...'' the ck haired boy whose nose had been bleeding thought. ''Must be a kink for the school''s females...'' Even though his entire body had almost gonepletely numb he couldn''t help but chuckle at the absurdity of all this. The white haired boy with blue eyes had always been an over confident bastard and because of that all the girls wanted him. "I must admit you were a really stubborn mother fucker..." the white haired boy said bringing him back to the gruesome reality he was in. "I shallmend you of your unwavering fighting spirit but the fact you''re a threat to not only the Academy but the entire continent...I must put an end to you," the white haired boy concluded. "Bullshit...you just want toy the saintess...don''t you dare justify your actions in the name of glory and honour.." "Matter of fact...screw you all, if only you knew the reason behind my actions was for the greater good of this world in general..." The ck haired boy said only to be cut off by a girl with blue hair, eye of the same colour and wearing a simr uniform, only difference being she wore a very short skirt. "Oh please, greater good my ass. You call overthrowing the Archbishop of the church of the technique god a noble deed?" "You call sleeping with the King''s only daughter greater good?" "You''re a vile and disgusting human being, the word human shoudn''t even be used to address the type of life you have lived..." Before the blue haired girl could finish, a single icicle darted past her neck, leaving a small cut on her neck as part of her face froze a bit from the cold air trail left by the icicle that dissipated in the air. "That''s funnying from a slut like yourself...oh great heiress of the Bluerose House..." The ckhaired boy said smiling before coughing up blood. With thatst manifested icicle, his mana pool waspletely drained leaving him in a state of no defence whatsover. But he had already epted his fate, he was viewed as this world''s viin after all. The white haired boy moved and delivered a punch to him from the statement he had just made. But the ck-haired boy''s face was already numb andpared to therge spike protruding from his chest, the punch was nothing. "How many times are you going to keep defending this girls...you know what type of people they are.." the ck-haired boy said. Just looking at the white haired boy he could tell he had gotten to him, and he also knew what he said was true in all manner. Becausepared to him, these five individuals were maniacal bastards and the reason everything had turned out like this. And he knew after they killed him here, everything done would be med on him. "You lot are far much worse than I am...and you all know that..." The white-haired boy smiled and then broke intoughter his hand ced on his face and then stopped abruptly shifting his gaze to the ck haired boy. "And so what? You won''t even live to tell your side of the story, and even if you did noone will believe you..." "Thank you for making things easier for us...we finally got the Divine Relic, thanks to you." "But you''re currently of no use at all..." He then proceeded to draw his sword and having it inches away from the ck-haired boy. "Anyst words?..." He proceeded to say. The ck-haired boy didn''t do anything at first, he then smiled or rather widely grinning and lifted up a single middle finger that was bloody. "With all the gods and constetions watching...SCREW YOU ALL!!!" His words came to an end as his neck was met by the de severing the head as it plopped onto the ground with a sickening crunch putting an end to his life. The white haired boy proceeded to spread his arms, the moonlight shining on him as he proceeded tough. "Our age is finally here...a new dawning ERA!" The other four moved close to him all smiling along as they stood in the debris of what was once an academy of talented geniuses. *** Chapter 2: A Terrible Ending [2] "Anyst words?..." He proceeded to say. The ck-haired boy didn''t do anything at first, he then smiled or rather widely grinning and lifted up a single middle finger that was bloody. "With all the gods and constetions watching...SCREW YOU ALL!!!" His words came to an end as his neck was met by the de severing the head as it plopped onto the ground with a sickening crunch putting an end to his life. The white haired boy proceeded to spread his arms, the moonlight shining on him as he proceeded tough. "Our age is finally here...a new dawning ERA!" The other four moved close to him all smiling along as they stood in the debris of what was once an academy of talented geniuses. *** Then the screen went nk. What followed was a message that said; [You havepleted the Final Act of the story] And just as it had appeared the screen wentpletely nk for the second time. "W-what the hell?" A man in his mid twenties uttered. He had ck messy hair, brown eyes and an average looking face that wouldn''t turn any female heads his way. Average body build, not that tall and was in a room that only screamed ''bachelor and bitchless.'' The only expensive looking thing was the pc set up before him. He looked at the screen of his monitor and then moved to click the "ENTER" button on his keyboard. That didn''t work and he began clicking the mouse buttons uncontrobly before finally loosing it and smashing the mouse on the floor. "There''s no way...there''s no fucking way..." "That can''t be the ending..." He pulled back in his chair and picked up the mouse, to his surprise the mouse was still functioning. He went to the game''s official website to take a look and confirm whether he was the only that experienced that terrible ending. After 5 years, the game had finally concluded. And the shut in that he was, he was devoted topleting it no matter what. But here he was feeling like he was betrayed. He saw thepany appreciating the yers for following the story of [Draven Lockwood] up to this point as the game hade to an end. "Draven Lockwood?" The man in his room mumbled. "Wasn''t that the Game''s viin who eventually met his demise?" He finally pieced it together, though he didn''t want to think it, he knew that was what it meant. Draven Fenris had been the TRUE Protagonist and not the white-haired guy. "Then...that means the actual main characters became viins..." His frustrations led him to ess a streaming tform known as "Glitch". It was the widest and most used streaming tform and he knew there were bound to be people ying the game. He spent some time watching people''s reactions to the ending, heughed at how rtable it was at times. "Thepany must be trolling...right?" One of the streamers, the most popr at least with over 25k people watching live as of the moment said while taking off his headphones and brushing his hair back. "I mean...it kinda makes sense...I don''t know how, but it does," he said as he looked at the chat room andughed a bit. "Chat is this real?" He asked while leaning back in his chair. [Poppyyer23: I mean, what do you expect from thepany, they always leave their yers with a cliffhanger, no matter how good the game is.] [Molester58: True...but to be honest, that blue-haired girl was a baddie] [Regressed_god: Come on guys, if you really think about it...it wasn''t that bad] [Muscle_man12: @Regressed_god Shut up, your delusional] "You guys are wild..." the streamer said looking at the chat room. Kim Hajun who was the yer that hade to love the game and invested a lot of money into getting the perfect set up just to y this gamey back in his chair. He was infuriated. Other yers were taking the ending so lightly, but to him he felt almost entirely betrayed. Or was it because he had been a hardcore gamer and fully immersed himself in it? He had tried different oues, such as interacting with other Npcs irrelevant or revnt to the story, doing things differently and even going as far as exploiting unseen Acts in the game. Yet it all had the same ending. Feeling frustrated he moved and went to the Game''s website wanting to vent out all his anger. How? By leaving the worst review known to man. [Hajun_loki: First of all, screw the game developers and story writers. Secondly, this is the shittiest ending a game has ever delivered to its loyal yers. To think the TRUE Protagonist was coldly murdered like that by those sons of bitches you call ''Main Characters. If I was in control, I would make sure I killed every single main character! Thispany just lost a valuable yer] He forcefully shut off his pc and went to bed still feeling frustrated as ever. He had never felt like this in his 23 years of living. He grabbed his phone next to his pillow and saw a message with thepany''s name in it. ''Did they finally see the hate the game was receiving and are deciding to fix that shitty ending?'' He thought hoping that was the case. He opened the message and saw that it was from the Game Developer and Actual Story Writer. It was a reply to the one-star review he had made. A single text red at him. [Very well, let''s see if you can do better...] Chapter 3: Lets See If You Can Do Better A young maid probably in her early twenties had been hurrying to a specific room carrying what seemed to be aundry basket. She had striking features, ck shoulder length hair, brown bright eyes that sparkled with every exposure to light. She wore the average ck and white maid attire thatplimented her features and hugged her wide hips. She held the basket tightly and took a breath before going into the room. "Okay Alice...you''ve done this countless times...you got this." Alice who was the maid said to herself as she twisted the door knob gently. The room was spacious, neither too big nor too small, and it exuded a noble charm without being overly rich. It had a bed with a red cover and white sheets. A desk sat in one corner, adorned with books and a pen. There was a balcony with a small table and two chairs. The balcony featured small nt pots with beautiful roses and other colorful flowers. A vine wound around the circr balcony, which overlooked a town or city in the distance. The room also had arge window with red curtains. Alice proceeded to open the curtains as the room was bathed in golden sun rays, brightening everything in its path. "Hmm...the young master must be in the bath, I''ll wait here..." She knew this because she could hear the shower just the next room. In the bathroom small water streams made their way to the drainage on the ceramic floor as a figure stood in the shower. The water wetting his hair made it silky and even covered his eyes. He had a lean average build for a teenager. The boy moved his hands to push back his ck silky hair, revealing his yellow eyes. His eyes were golden, and ck eyeshes that were considered long for someone of the male gender. Overall he had striking eyes that were more feminine that masculine. He was lost in thought, almost as if he had been in the shower for more than an hour simply just thinking about something. "I didn''t want to believe it at first but this is real..." He said folding his hand in and out continuously. "I tried sleeping and waking up, taking continuous naps for thest 3 days...but each time it dawned on me more heavier than thest." "Beyond Horizons..." "An RPG game thatunched nearly 5 years ago. It was an open world type game with many different quests to take on and different stories to explore." "But as the game progressed it began to bend, its story developing more around a certain academy..." "People didn''tin, it was rare to find games based on Academies after all..." "Ravenwood Magic Academy, the best of the best... That was where the main story and plot revolved around." It was situated on the Western Continent, In a city going by the name Elderwood..." *sigh... "Looking through the window, I''m certain the city in the distance with peering buildings is definitely Elderwood." The boy said then proceeded to put a hand on his chin. "It''s obvious I am no longer in my original body..." "Was it the game''s head developer''s doing?" He pondered. "Getting transmigrated into a game isn''t a new concept, something I''ve read about in Webnovels and weics alike... But to think it would happen to me..." "It was that message..." He continued his thoughts. [Very well, let''s see if you can do better...] The message he saw on his phone''s screen before a shing light blinded him. Somehow he ended up in a bed that wasn''t his or familiar with. "Tsk...who knew a bad review could get you transmigrated into a game..." "Though if I think about it, the review was a bit harsh...my thoughts still stand, that ending was ass..." "The story writer must have gotten pissed by it...and put me inside the game." He proceeded to turn the shower knob off and put on a towel. He closed the door behind him and step foot into the room where he found a maid standing with a pile of clothes on her hand. The maid looked up and smiled warmly greeting him. "Good morning young master Ashbourne." "Oh...Alice, how are you?" "I''m doing well, thank you for asking..." Alice replied. ''Alice, the loyal maid to the family of Ashbourne...'' ''For thest 3 days, she has been in my care more times than I can count. From asking questions and getting things around the family,'' the boy thought. ''I would only ask things concerning the Ashbourne family, since I already know the outside world in and out...there was no need.'' ''This family is the only thing I ampletely new and unfamiliar with...'' "Will I be dressing you today?" Alice asked. "No, I''ll be dressing myself from now on..." The boy stated. To him he found it weird being dressed depsite being sixteen. But to Alice it was weird, at first she thought nothing of it 3 days ago when he wanted to dress himself. Even so, she respected it, the young master was growing after all. At that age he was basically considered an adult. "Okay, I''m sorry for asking again." "No worries Alice, thank you for bringing the clothes though," the boy said. "It''s nothing young master, dress up, your father and the rest of the family members will meet you downstairs." With that Alice left, shutting the door behind her. Putting on his clothes he began talking to himself trying to gather his thoughts. "Okay, now to break things down..." "I''m in the game I yed for half a decade...western continent, in the city of Elderwood..." "I''ve taken over the body of a teenage boy named Noah Ashbourne, from the family of Ashbourne..." "Hmmm...if I''m being honest, I don''t remember such a character in the game..." "So that means I''m insignificant to the plot and story..." He paused thinking for a moment as he looked at the desk a few metres from him. ''What''s that?...'' Noah moved to the desk and saw a letter with arge red stamp on it. The letter screamed of elegance and nobility. "Wait, that symbol..." He proceeded to open the letter and the address confirmed his earlier thoughts. Noah then began reading the letter aloud. --- [Magic Academy of Ravenwood] Dear Noah Ashbourne, I am thrilled to wee you as one of the first students to join the Magic Academy of Ravenwood. As we officially open our doors, we are excited to have you with us on this journey of magical discovery and learning. Your eptance into Ravenwood speaks to your exceptional potential in the arcane arts. Our courses are designed to provide aprehensive understanding of magic, and you will have the opportunity to learn from our distinguished faculty and coborate with fellow students who share your passion. We eagerly anticipate your arrival at Ravenwood in theing week. Enclosed are materials to help you prepare for your first days at the academy and the orientation schedule. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our admissions office. We are here to support you every step of the way. Once again, wee to the Magic Academy of Ravenwood. We look forward to witnessing your growth and achievements. Warm regards, Headmaster ra Windrider Magic Academy of Ravenwood After reading it finally dawned on Noah. "First to join? Official opening of the Academy?" "Wait...that means I''ve transmigrated to before everything happened..." "The beginning peaceful moments of the game when everyone was doing all they could to get in the Academy..." "When the story was fresh...and most of all... Before the Main Characters were introduced..." Chapter 4: Second Evaluation [1] "This is perfect...that damned game developer sent me here in hopes that I probably won''t survive..." "In all honestly he/she was probably right..." Noah said then sighed. "Tsk...now that I think about it, I''ve been too cocky about this whole situation." "I do know almost everything about the game''s world. But I''m new to this body I don''t know its limits, weaknesses or strengths either..." "Had the original owner even undergone an evaluation?" Evaluation. It was how the people of this world determined one''s potential and abilities. "In this world...there are certain constetions that grant the people of this world with talents." "And each constetions has their own church. They go as follows and not in any order of most powerful or any other ranking. The Church of the god of Sword. The Church of the Elemental god. The Church of the god of Technique. Its as simple as that. When individuals reach the age of 8, they undergo an evaluation. This means they have to visit the different churches each getting their aptitudes measured and affinity as well. In this churches that have branches all over the 3 continents, individuals can visit them. The curches have an oculus or a round crystal that one has to ce their hands on. If that certain constetion sees talent in them they are blessed and the crystal glows, signifying that they are talented and chosen by that specific constetion. Thus the individual has to follow that church and that certain constetion as well." Noah paused then continued as if teaching someone but in real sense he was getting the basics down and trying to remember the game world''s details. "For example, if the god of sword choses you, then you''re affinity and abilities bend more on being a talented swordsman and thus you shall follow the church and its god. If the god of Technique choses you, your abilities bend more on martial arts. Its a bit different when ites to the Elemental church. The constetion might choose you ofcourse but then you have to go through another process. The priests of the church have u stand on the church''s altar usually signified by arge magic circle with six crystals in different colours situated around it. Each crystal symbolizes a certain element. Whatever your affinity, the corresponding crystal will glow." "Now, usually the reason of following the churches is usually to worship the constetions. Worship = more blessings. One can either be gloryfying the constetions name but it''s usually mandatory to visit the churches once or twice a month to ensure your rtionship with your constetion is maintained. Noah then sat down on the desk as all the information caused a mild headache but it instantly dissipated. "As a gamer I exploited the idea of trying to learn swordsmanship, magic and even martial arts without needing to visit the churches. It worked butpared to one following the churches they are favoured and far much talented. So it''s usually best to get evaluated and get the blessing of a constetion. On top of that I tried to see if one could get all three blessings, but no matter what an individual can only be blessed by one. So it all depends on luck and innate talent. That''s why it''s important to evaluate children at a young age so as to discover and work through their talent from a young age." "Though there are certain individuals known as geniuses who are blessed by two constetions." "Be it the sword god and the Elemental god. Or the Technique god and Elemental god. Whichever way they alternate these geniuses can never get 3 blessings." "And never in my years as a gamer exploiting every possible oue was there an individual with 3 constetion blessings." Noah then proceeded to the mirror to look at himself and whether the fit he wore was befitting him. He wore a white shirt with a string ribbon on the short cors. ck pants and boots. He then tried to recall what blessings the original Noah had gotten only to find nothing. The bodies memories were distant and yet near. With the his previous life memories and the current character''s memories constantly seeking dominance over the body. He knew it would take time before both corrted. "Sigh...must be the reason why I''m meeting father..." He remembered that before transmigrating, the original Noah was about to take a second evaluation in 3 days. Which was today. Second Evaluation was solely for those joining any Academy, it was somewhat mandatory and required by the school to check whether the students innate talents had changed...which was rare. But still a possibility. Noah moved to the desk again and picked up another paper. "This is it..." A paper that was the academy''s evaluations and scores after students had taken the different tests. "Hmmm...Magic, 89% scored?" "Wow, the original Noah wasn''t that bad..." "Seems here physical tests are also taken... As expected. Mages are expected to be in great shape in both states of mind and physical. "What?...is this an error?" Noah said while looking at the next score. [Physical Test: 22.1%] "I wasn''t expecting such a score..." "So Noah is a potential and talented mage..." "Tsk...Elemental god. If there was a constetion I never liked, it was the god of elements. No particr reason, just that learning magic was always hard for me while ying [Beyond Horizons]. Well...there are personal reasons as well..." Noah thought, but he knew that wouldn''t be the current situation as this body was already blessed by the constetion of elements. "That''s a bright side atleast..." His mind then remembered the main characters from the game who would also attend the same Academy. "Each and every one of those bastards have 2 blessings and I mean there''s no one without 2. Especially him..." An image of the game''s main character yed in his mind. White hair, blue eyes and a lean build. "Of course he would get favoured..." He shook his head and abruptly remembered why he was here in the first ce. [If I were in control, I would have killed off every single Main Character...] Noah remembered the review. "Aahhh...that must be why I''m here..." "The game developer who brought me here saw it as a challenge to the characters he/she wrote...that bastard probably saw them as perfect individuals without ws..." "But I know their true natures...even at times while ying, they seemed to have minds of their own rather than just being lines of code." "Even so, its the early stages...and those bastards will lead the world to its inevitable end!" "If that''s the case, then my purpose here is simple..." "I have to kill the main characters..." Chapter 5: Second Evaluation [2] Mr and Mrs Ashbourne were sitted in the living room. It was your average noble interior despite the family not being from a noble bloodline. "Have you called Noah?" Mr. Ashbourne asked Alice who was behind Mrs.Ashbourne her demeanor looking like she was ready to be sent to fetch something or carry out a household task. "Uhhh...yes Master Ashbourne, I left him to dress himself and he should be down here in a minute." Alice said as if she had been waiting for that specific question. "To dress himself?..." Mrs Ashbourne peered up after sipping her tea. "Since when does Noah dress himself?" "The young master asked me not to dress him anymore as he would like it if he did it himself...Mistress Ashbourne." Alice said while giving a small bow. ''Was I wrong for epting the young master''s request?'' Alice thought to herself. "Hmmm...strange for Noah..." Mrs Ashbourne said. "Ohe on dear, Noah is an adult after all...if he wants to dress himself that''s okay," Mr Ashbourne stated while flipping through the newspaper. Mrs Ashbourne said nothing instead she kept on thinking that her son had been acting unusual for the past 3 days. But she dimissed it as Noah just being anxious in joining Ravenwood. Or that he was probably trying to change up a bit before moving out and going to live on his own. *Knock knock! There was a sudden knock on the door and immediately they all knew who were here as Mrs Ashbourne put her cup of tea on the saucer. "Ohhhh...they''re here..Alice dear, could you get Noah down here for me." "And if he refuses giving silly excuses smack his head for me..." Mrs Ashbourne said giving a gentle smile. "Ohh..ahh okay," Alice replied smiling nervously. Mr Ashbourne moved to open the door after folding his newspaper. *** Noah was standing in his room, one hand on his chin thinking something deeply. "A second evaluation isn''t a bad idea..." "That will just give me an edge of this body''s capabilities." He then remembered or it was as if he had wanted to do it but it kept being pushed at the back of his head. "Status window..." He said in a hushed tone. For a brief moment there was nothing as a single sweat drop rolled down his cheek. ''Does this character not have one?'' Noah or rather inner Kim Hajun thought feeling embarrassed. Then abruptly it appeared. A floating translucent screen in yellow colour and had intricate runic designs on it. "Thank the gods he had one...if he didn''t all my ns would go through a different route making things harder...or worse they would go down the drain..." He then proceeded to look at the system disying his stats. ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ðName: Noah Ashbourne ¡ðRace: Human ¡ðAge: 16 [¡öss: None] [¡öSkills: None] Attributes: ¡ðCharm: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðStrength: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðDexterity: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðIntelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ðEndurance: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðLuck: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [¡öMagic Attributes] ¡ðIce: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðLightning: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [?Constetion: The God of Elements] [¡öSummary] Noah, your stats are truly abysmal. With no ss or skills to speak of, and every attribute at the bare minimum, it''s clear that you are ill-equipped for any meaningful pursuit. In a world where strength, charm, and intelligence, you possess none of these qualities. Even with the potential of ice and lightning magic, your abilities are barely worth mentioning. Your association with the God of Elements is almostughable. Perhaps it''s time to consider whether a life of mediocrity is worth pursuing. Why not save yourself the trouble and give up now? Your potential is as limited as your stats, and the path forward seems bleak. --- [End of Status] "What the...." Noah stared at the ending of his status. "Tch...is it mocking me?" Noah had a sweat roll down his cheek as he closed his eyes and opened them again. "How did the original Noah even pass the exams with such stats..." "No worries, there''s always room for improvement and the first step is taking that second evaluation to know where I stand now and what Constetion I''ll be under." "On top of that if I get chosen again by the god of elements and undergo the affinity process I can get that rune from the church..." ''A rune that wasn''t supposed to be touched and brought a curse along with it...'' "That was the original idea of it but only I know what kind of power it holds..." "Its not an overpowered item...though it can be considered cheating..." While contemting there was a gentle knock, the door swang open and Alice walked in. "Your presence is awaited downstairs young master." "Okay, let''s go." Noah replied as they left and he closed the door behind him. Chapter 6: Second Evaluation [3] "By the way young master you''re looking stunning as ever," Aliceplimented as they went down the spiral stairs. "Haha...only cause you picked them for me," Noah said smiling nervously finding the situation awkward. ''Just keep quiet...'' Noah noticed his parents. For the past 3 days, he avoided being in the same room as them. He didn''t want to draw attention that he was a 23 year old deadbeat in their son''s body. That''s why he always came up with excuses, atleast until all of the original Noah''s memories resurfaced. "Amon Ashbourne, a few of the influential people atleast when ites to the western continent alone, he isn''t of noble blood but his power and wealth put him on the Counts House position." "Most influential houses were as follows from most powerful to least, The Royal family, Prestigious Families and the Count Houses." "Then after that there are the civilians and residents or also known as Commoners." Amon Ashbourne had ck silky short hair, a beard that was growing in and a muscr build. Yellow eyes that exined how Noah got them. "His wife and the mother to this body, Margaret Ashbourne, apart from looking pretty every chance she gets, she surprisingly owns a business..." Margaret Ashbourne had blonde hair. Blue eyes, curvature body in the right ces. Her appearance only spoke of unparalleled beauty. ''So that''s where Noah got theseshes from...'' Noah thought. Noah thought all of this getting to know almost entirely everything about this body and those around. "Moreso, the reason I decided to stay is, unlike other powerful families.... These two love Noah more than anything." "There''s my sweet baby." Margaret said while approaching Noah, her hands wide open and then hugging him. "Ow, mom not so hard." Noah called out from between the breasts peering up to find a better angle of breathing. "Okay Margaret, stop hogging the boy." Margaret let go but put one arm was around her son as they both walked to the sitting area. There Noah saw them. The lower priests of the 3 churches. Each exuding their own energies but all looked simr in a way. They stood with a calm, confident air, their robes flowing around them in the gentle breeze. Despite their medieval priestly attire, there was something distinctly modern about them, a subtle blend of old and new that Noah couldn''t quite ce. The first man, Father Eldric, wore robes of deep crimson adorned with intricate patterns of silver thread. A thick, well-groomed beard framed his stern face, and his eyes held a piercing intensity. Embroidered on the front of his robe was the symbol of the Church of the God of Sword¡ªa gleaming sword crossed with a shield, representing strength and protection. His presence wasmanding, as if he could cut through any obstacle with a single nce. Beside him stood Father Aric, whose robes were a vibrant shade of blue, reminiscent of the sky at dusk. His beard was neatly trimmed, and his expression was one of serene wisdom. On his chest was the emblem of the Church of the Elemental God¡ªa swirling vortex of wind, fire, earth, and water, symbolizing harmony with the elements. His aura was one of calm power, as if he could summon the forces of nature with a mere thought. The third priest, Father Tobin, wore robes of dark green, interwoven with golden threads that caught the sunlight. His beard was long and bushy, giving him a rugged, yet approachable appearance. The insignia of the Church of the God of Technique adorned his attire¡ªa clenched fist with a spiralling dragon around it. He exuded an air of creative ingenuity, as if he could solve any problem with a clever twist of his mind. Each priest held a round, glowing orb in their hand, the light within shifting and pulsing with a life of its own. Noah knew exactly what those orbs were. They were the fabled Orbs of Talent, used to assign an individual with a talent and to determine which constetion had chosen them. "Ahhh yes, Noah Ashbourne, great to see you again," father Aric said as the other priests bowed down. ''Normally one would have to visit the individual churches but then again, those with money can send for the lower priests to evaluate their sons and daughters from thefort of their home.'' Noah thought recalling his knowledge of the game. "Now son, you know how this goes, you did it when you were 8, ce your hands on the orbs and have the priest evaluate your attributes." Amon said urging his son. Noah moved without saying anything and ced his hands on the orb held by the priest of the technique god. The room fell silent. Then the system window popped up infront of Noah but only he could see it. [Ding!] [¡ö The god of Technique does not choose you. As expected. ] ''Tch...I can see that,'' Noah muttered to himself, feeling disdain for thest sentence. The orb didn''t glow. "Oh my, it seems you stillck talent in the martial arts, no worries, I''m sure you''ll have other great abilities," father Tobin said bowing and withdrawing himself and joining the family beside Alice. ''Expected...'' Noah thought and proceeded to Father Aric and just like before he ced his hands on the orb feeling its coolness. [Ding] [¡ö The god of elements has chosen you as one of his disciples. Still doesn''t change anything. ] Yet again the system chimed in. Noah didn''t say anything and moved to thest orb. The god of sword. He ced his hands and for some time nothing happened. Just when Noah waa about to take of his hand it glowed for a bit. Brighter than the Elemental god orb. Noah and the others had their eyes wide open. Hopes were shattered as the orb went offpletely and stopped glowing. "Hmmm...you almost got the sword god''s blessing." "But you are talented as ever young mage Noah, perhaps the constetion of elements sees something in you greater than other attributes." Father Edlric said. "My son is greatly gifted in magic..." Margaret said jumping up and down while hugging Amon who looked like he couldn''t breath from the tightening embrace his wife was giving. Amon was a sword prodigy under the constetion of swords and had mastered other weapons upto the intermediate level. He always wanted his son to receive simr blessings as him. That way there was no need in hiring teachers for Noah, as he would do so himself. Even so, Amon was happy with the oues. Whatever path, he was going to give Noah his full and utmost support. "Congrattions Noah." Amon said. "Thank you father and everyone for your humble time." Noah said giving a smile. "Well then, the church of the god of elements will be expecting your arrival 2 days from now." Father Aric said. "Thank you for your services." Amon said as the priests left. Even though he had only received the Elemental god''s blessings Noah had a seen a message from the system that had him grin inwardly. ... [Ding!] [¡ö The god of sword sees potential in you. Maybe your not hopeless after all.] Chapter 7: Medium Users Noah wasying in the swaying long grass some metres from the house. It was vast and nothing beyond for miles apart from more grass that reached his knees and the silhouette of hills that he knew crossed to the neighbouring town. To an onlooker or passerby it would appear as if the boy was staring into the cloudless blue sky. But in real sense Noah was looking at his status window. ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ðName: Noah Ashbourne ¡ðRace: Human ¡ðAge: 16 [¡öss: None] [¡öSkills: None] Attributes: ¡ðCharm: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðStrength: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðDexterity: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðIntelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ðEndurance: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðLuck: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [¡öMagic Attributes] ¡ðIce: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðLightning: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [?Constetion: The God of Elements] [¡öSystem Shop] [¡öQuests Avable: 0] [¡ö Summary] Noah, your stats are so low they''re practically subterranean. No ss, no skills¡ªjust an endless sea of one-star ratings. Even your potential in ice and lightning magic couldn''t chill a warm soda. The God of Elements must have picked you foredic relief. The Constetion of Swords sees something in you, but it''s probably just a typo. You''re slightly above average¡ªcongrattions! At least you can say you''re the best at being mediocre. Why not save us all the trouble and take up knitting?] --- [End of Status] "It''s as if this system was made by the game developer to directly target my self esteem..." "Tch...your cocky for just lines of embedded code." Noah said directing the message to the system. The system snapped back with a biting response. [Ding!] [Look who''s talking. Your talent levels are so low, they''d need a map to find rock bottom. But don''t worry, I''m sure your knack for spectacrly average will take you ces¡ªlike the couch!] The words hit Noah like a perfectly aimed zinger, leaving him feeling like he''d just lost an argument with his own reflection. The system flickered once more. [Ding!] [¡ö -20 Self Esteem] Noah almost instantly wanted tosh out but he''d just punch nothing but the air. But deep down he knew the system was right. He was just above average and he needed to do something about it. But for now he would wait till taking the affinity process in the church then acquire the rune stone. "Now that I think about it...I haven''t really used magic since arriving here," Noah said. He stretched his arm upward since he was stillying in the grass. He tried to visualise it, an icicle forming on his hand. Noah or rather Kim Hajun didn''t know how it worked, he only knew casting spells and using magic in the game by clicking buttons on his keyboard and mouse. But luckily, the basic information about magic casting was embedded in the original Noah''s memories. "Okay...so just feel it, draw out mana from the mana pool located at the centre of the chest and visualise it..." Noah tried to convince himself. He winced, sweat trickling from his forehead as his arm grew tired and he dropped it instantly plopping on the grassy ground. "Ughh..." Then he received a message from the system. [Ding!] [¡öYou cannot cast ice magic as your mana levels are low] [¡öMana: 5] [¡öConclusion: Hopeless!] ''Does it have to add ament to every assessment?'' Noah thought. [¡öYes!] The system responded. Noah didn''t want to get his esteem shattered again so he just remained quiet. He sat up looking into the far distance. "If I remember correctly, mana is located all around and those who can actually use it also known as the ''Talented'' can intake this energy into their bodies..." "Okay...so I just cross my legs and meditate..." Noah did so even bringing his fists together. But after a while of trying to draw mana into his body he couldn''t do it until he felt a strange sensation in his skin almost like small needles being drived in. [Ding!] [Mana intake: +2] [¡öMana: 5] [¡öWarning: If mana depletion reaches 2 or lower, the yer will be in a state of Mana deficiency and won''t be able to use magic until a specific period of time!] "Ohhh...so that''s how it is..." [Ding!] [¡öThough yer-Noah won''t have to worry about this. The system encourages it after all!] "Tsk..." Noah snickered. He concentrated more in the same pose but found it strange. "Howe one has to take up that specific position to intake mana?..." "Isn''t it as long as you''re in afortable and calm state able to feel your surroundings that it will work?..." He thought then stood. Noah looked up closed his eyes and took in breaths at intervals. The sun rays dancing on his facial features. Though his eyes were closed he was able to see something. Small floating specks in his dark field of vision. Though they were only in two colours. Blue and purple. "The blue must be ice mana particles and the purple must be lightning..." Noah thought. "But how do I draw them in?" He pondered and just chose to go with the flow and imagine the particles actuallying towards him. And just like that some of them were drawn to him, through his skin as he felt the pinching sensation. Noah then tried to feel the same particles making sure he didn''t lose that feeling. Because if he did, he would have to start all over again. "Almost..." He could feel it directing them to the centre. "Almost there...just a bit further..." Almost instantly he felt his chest warm up, a certain feeling that couldn''t be described. He knew it. The sensation was familiar, atleast to the original Noah. [Ding!] [¡öMana intake: +5] [¡öMana: 10] Noah moved his arms and stretched hands forward, eyes still closed. He tried imagining an icicle form on his palm as the same sensation washed over him. Though this time he was directing the mana from his core or mana pool to his fingertips as they tingled. He felt wind all around him or rather a slight breeze. Noah opened his eyes slowly and he saw it. [Ding!] [¡öSessfully used ice magic] [¡öStill average!] The wind swirled around him, carrying light blue and white energy that wrapped around his arm. He watched as the icicle spun violently in front of him, shimmering with power. Though he had sessfully formed the icicle, Noah suddenly realized he didn''t know how to release it. Panic started to set in as he struggled to figure out what to do next. "How the hell do I hurl it towards something?...." The spinning icicle began to freeze his fingers, the cold creeping slowly across his hand as he felt trapped by his own creation. Chapter 8: The Church Of The Elemental Constellation The wind swirled around him, carrying light blue and white energy that wrapped around his arm. He watched as the icicle spun violently in front of him, shimmering with power. Though he had sessfully formed the icicle, Noah suddenly realized he didn''t know how to release it. Panic started to set in as he struggled to figure out what to do next. "How the hell do I have hurl it towards something?...." The spinning icicle began to freeze his fingers, the cold creeping slowly across his hand as he felt trapped by his own creation. Noah took in breaths, fast at first but gradually slowed. His fingers were getting numb from the gradual cold and freezing. "Okay...just calm down and imagine releasing it..." Just like he thought, the icicle shot out of his arm as it hurled into the horizon. There was a high frequency sound, windy at that the icicle let out. The force from shooting it left Noah''s right arm shooting up and him skidding backwards a bit. He was sweating as he slumped into the grass breathing in and out. "I...I did it...my first real magic cast..." He felt a bit exhausted but quickly regained the energy. Since he still had his previous life''s conscious it felt oddly strange but he couldn''t dismiss the fact that he was really in the game he yed for 5 years. "Normally, magic users need a medium to cast spells..." He began muttering aloud but thinking at the same time. "Such were referred to Medium Users..." "Medium users use wands or staffs or any other item to cast magic. The reason for such was mediums were a bit more urate and easy to learn and use as all one needed to do was concentrate mana onto the item..." "But with time, people realised there was no need for them until someone tried casting with their bare hands..." "It worked but soon realised it came with a cost of exerting more effort and practice...and since noone was up for that they stuck with using mediums." ''Tch..zy bastards...'' He thought. Though there were some that used their hands. They were discriminated against for a while and still are till date. Such were called ''Non-medium Users''. "Still, I tend to only use my hands, carrying sticks and logs around sounds tedious." He knew he would get made fun off at the academy for being a non-medium user but he couldn''t care less. Lost in his thoughts the system chimed in. [Ding!] [¡öMana levels are low] [¡öMana left: 2] [¡öyer will now receive the penalty of ''Mana Deficiency''] Noah almost instantaneously felt as if his body had gone heavy as he struggled a bit to breath but soon adapted to it realizing it was just like being in his previous life body. Mana did make one''s body lighter but to him, it was like being back in the old one, so he didn''t have anything to worry about. [¡öTime until penalty will be lifted: 36 Hrs 50Mins 26 secs] "Tch...that little spell cost 8?" He remembered his initial mana levels being at 10. "Should have took in more mana before actually casting...but the damage is already done." Whileying there Noah had his mother calling. He knew she couldn''t see him in the grass so he decided to stand up. Margaret immediately saw her son under the zing sun. "Come on, did you forget you were taking the affinity process today at the church?" Margaret asked. That thought had almost gotten lost while Noah was practicing magic. "Ohhh...haha sorry mum..." "That''s okay sweetie, Alice told me you were practicing magic as usual... Now let''s head to the car, your dad is waiting." Margaret said tussling Noah''s hair, a gentle smile on her face. Noah followed his mother as they arrived at the car. ''I almost forgot cars were invented in this world...though it''s not simr to the modern ones back...'' Noah thought as he entered and his mother closed the door and went to the front. He looked at the window and noticed his father talking to Alice. When they were done he approached the car, got in and started the engine. "You ready son?" "Yeah..." Noah gave a short response but with a smile. The car that was ck with golden linings went through the small town neighbouring Elderwood. The town of Sapphire. This was where one of the branches of the church of the god of elements was located. "It''s more bigger in person than seeing it behind a monitor..." Noah mumbled. The Church of the God of Elements was an awe-inspiring sight from the outside. Its tall, spiraling towers were crafted from stone that shimmered with hues of blue, green, red, and gold, representing the four elements. The entrance was framed by a massive archway carved with intricate patterns of mes, waves, winds, and mountains. Inside, the church was equally breathtaking. The walls were adorned with murals depicting the elemental god in action¡ªfire zing, water flowing, earth quaking, and wind swirling. ''Still beats me that''s how they think the constetion of elements looks like...'' Noah thought as with the progressing Acts and scenarios in the game, the constetions would begin to show themselves and getting involved with the world in general. Even going as far as to take part in the Act IX War. The ceiling was a domed masterpiece, with a grand chandelier that seemed to float, its lights flickering like stars. In the center of the room, an altar made of crystal stood, radiating a gentle, shifting glow that echoed the power of the elements. The air was cool, yet carried a subtle warmth, as if the elements themselves were alive within the sacred space. There at the altar he saw it. Looking as vivid as it did in the game. Therge magic circle blending in with the ground. The six crystals all around signifying the different elements. It was off as he knew it only activated when a person stood in the middle. Noah was feeling like a proud yer and feeling nostalgic as ever. "Ahhh young Ashbourne...you have arrived." "Follow me this way to the altar." Father Aric said. Noah made his way and stood in the middle. One would expect it to immediately glow but something else was needed to activate it. "Blood..." Noah muttered. Aric proceeded to take hold of Noah''s arm and Noahplied. A small cut was made on his thumb as a blood drop made it''s way on the magic circle instantly activating it. The magic circle glowed white illuminating the church walls more brightly. Then the crystals began glowing one by one. Yellow - Earth Green - Air Blue - Water Red - Fire Light Blue - Ice Purple - Lightning Noah knew there were more elements but these were the founding ones the others branched from. He looked behind and saw the ss mural of the Elemental Constetion depiction. Almost staring at him as the eyes glowed white and beamed a simr light on him. Then one by one the crystals dimmed and went off. "Each crystal that goes off means youck the affinity in it." He watched as they went off until two were left. The system chimed in. [Ding!] [¡öThe Constetion of elements has blessed you!] [¡öMagic Attributes] ¡ðIce: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ðLightning: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î --- Chapter 9: New Skill Unlocked! Kim Hajun was sitted leaning back on his chair as he stared at the monitor almost lost in it. Confused he decided to open up the game''s server group chat to atleast get an insight of what had happened. --- [4ever_top: Nobody look at me, I''m just as confused as you all are...] [cutiepatootie6: Anyone know why those Arch-priests attacked the main cast team?] [Carrot_soup: I think it''s something to do with that rune stone at the corner of the church...] [Party_pooper33: Naah, it can''t be that rune stone...why would they attack because of that. Doesn''t it bring a curse to whoever touches it?] [I_bed_elves: Hmmm...you could be right, though the game gets more confusing, the more you y the more the mysteries keep on piling up] --- Kim looked at the fandom group chat and pondered for a while. "I''ve been ying that particr scenario for the past 8 days and if there''s something I havee to conclude it''s the fact that the church rune stone is far more important and powerful than what people think about it..." Kim muttered in the silence of his room. "That stone can do far much than just bring about a curse..." *** Noah sat on his bed in the silence of his room as that specific memory yed from his past life. It was a memory about the game. "After nning for 2 days...I finally got the skill I wanted from that rune." "Initially in the original game, that rune stone located at the corner of the church was used back then in the earlier magic days to strip off talents from those unworthy and those who used it for evil purposes..." "But with time, talents continued increasing in the world and the higher ups realised there was no need...all they could do was just ept the fact where light is cast there will always be shadows." "Now the runeys unused and if you were to actually touch, you will cease to progress in your talents...some say it''s a curse from the constetions themselves...so it''s forbidden to go near that side of the church." "Still beats me how they actually decided to keep it..." "Butter in the game, yers woulde to realise that rune stone granted a specific skill that was considered overpowered. They would then start to flock to that area and even killing each other for it..." "Though people realised it was a false rumour...they touched the rune yes, but...the curse part was real as they couldn''t advance in their ranks, talents and couldn''t even change sses. This just had people create new ounts, start over from scratch thinking it was a bug..." "But only I knew they right way to acquire that skill...even after that mysterious yer leaked it..." "I''m grateful to him..." Noah concluded his thoughts as he remembered to the events that had taken ce for him to acquire that skill. *** "My my, your affinities are the same as back when you were 8," father Aric said. Noah scratched his head smiling nervously. "No worries Noah, atleast you get to continue with perfecting those elements," Aric stated. While Noah was listening he looked at the corner of the church and waited for the perfect moment. When Aric was talking with Noah''s parents, he saw the opportunity presented to him. "This might be stupid...but..." Suddenly a loud boom was heard as smoke filled the air. Aricwent down even forming a protective barrier with his skill shielding Noah''s parents. "My babbyyyy...." Margaret called out as Aric lifted the barrier. Everyone''s eyes fell on where the small explosion hade from. As the debris and dust dissipated Noah arose from it. His cheeks and clothes were covered in small rocks and dust but he looked okay. Margaret moved instantly to her son. "Are you okay...are you okay?" Margaret asked touching Noah''s face all over checking for cuts or any signs of injury. But she found none. "What happened?" Aric asked. "I...I...uhhh...I tripped and my lightning magic got activated the moment I touched that rune stone..." Aric''s eyes seemed to widen in disbelief. "Y-you touched the rune????!!" The old man said in higher tone than usual. "Yeah...is it bad?" Noah asked. "Uhhh...haha, it''s not," Aric said. ''Liar...'' Noah said in his mind. "I...I think it shattered... I''m so sorry Priest Aric, I broke church property..." Noah began apologising seeming sincere as ever. ''You should be thanking me, or this ce would''ve turned into a bloody ughter house in months...'' Noah thought but didn''t say it. He then saw Aric give his parents a worried look and them showing it back. Before they left the church, Aric had been talking to Mr and Mrs Ashbourne for a while. "He''s probably telling my parents not to reveal to me the effects of touching the rune stone and its curse..." Noah thought while sitted at one of the church benches. "Atleast I did it...I''m the only one who will get that skill..." "Okay Noah, make sure to visit the church every month to strengthen your rtionship with the elemental constetion." Aric said bringing back Noah from his thoughts. *** "After that we left..." Noah mumbled recalling the events. At that moment he knew he couldn''t have used his lightning magic as the countdown of his mana deficiency was still going. It was an inconvenience but he immediately thought of something else. "The rune can only be shattered by lightning... So I had to use myst system coins in the shop and purchase something simr or atleast close to it." [¡öCoins: 650] [¡öWould you like to purchase the items?] --- [¡öItems sessfully purchased] [¡öCoins: 0] "It was an immense sacrifice but worth it...the second item especially that can only be purchased once and then its gone from the system shop." "I bought a bottle with lightning dust in it... [¡öLightning Dust: ¡ðPrice - 150 coins] Making sure it collided with the rune stone. The impact caused sparks therefore acting as a catalyst for the lightning. And in return it shattered." "That was the only way to get the skill. Not by touching but shattering the rune stone." Noah thought as he looked at the system window. ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Noah Ashbourne ¡ð Race: Human ¡ð Age: 16 [¡ö ss: None] [¡ö Skills] ¡õActive Skills:None ¡õPassive Skills: ¡ñConstetion Insight: Allows the user to view the status windows of others, revealing their attributes, skills, and more. A rare ability granted by the constetions, providing unique insight into the strengths and weaknesses of those around you. [¡öAttributes] ¡ð Charm: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Strength: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Dexterity: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Intelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Endurance: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Luck: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [¡ö Magic Attributes] ¡ð Ice: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Lightning: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [? Constetion: The God of Elements] [¡ö System Shop] [¡ö Quests Avable: 0] [¡ö Summary] Noah, you''ve unlocked a rare skill! Constetion Insight is a true gem¡ªan ability that only a few are blessed with. You can now peek into the stats of others and perhaps even learn something valuable from them. But let''s not get ahead of ourselves. With stats like yours, knowing how others seed might just make your mediocrity all the more ring. Still, good job! You''re slightly above average... in being disappointing. --- [End of Status] "One thing I forgot to mention...is that everyone in this world has a stat window avable to them..." "Knowing my average stats won''t be of help that much especially in my personal quest of killing the main characters. Constetion''s Insight just gave me an upper hand as of now..." Noah muttered then slumped back on his bed as thest item he purchased materialized in his hand. [¡ö Reset Ticket: ¡ðPrice - 500 coins] ¡ðThe Reset Ticket is a rare, single-use item with the power to reset the yer''s memories. When the ticket is ripped in two, it triggers a process that attempts to recover lost memories and integrate them with the yer''s current memories. This powerful effect can potentially restore forgotten experiences and knowledge, blending them seamlessly into the present. [¡ö Note: This Ticket is only avable once] [¡ö Warning!: You possess two body memories] [¡ö Chances of the Ticket taking effect: 1.04%] [¡ö Host might lose all memories. Do you still wish to use it?] Chapter 10: Maya Brenthall In the original game the white-haired main character was the one who had gained [Constetion''s Insight] and had given him a great advantage. "I solely think that bastard was able to rise to such extents because of it. Even using it to exploit Draven''s weaknesses..." "I wonder what rank the skill is..." Noah thought as he called out for the status window. ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Noah Ashbourne ¡ð Race: Human ¡ð Age: 16 [¡ö ss: None] [¡ö Skills: None] [¡öPassive Skills] ¡ñConstetion Insight: Allows the user to view the status windows of others, revealing their attributes, skills, and more. A rare ability granted by the constetions, providing unique insight into the strengths and weaknesses of those around you. [¡öRank: Legendary] [¡öAttributes] ¡ð Charm: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Strength: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Dexterity: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Intelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Endurance: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Luck: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [¡ö Magic Attributes] ¡ð Ice: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Lightning: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [? Constetion: The God of Elements] [¡ö System Shop] [¡ö Quests Avable: 0] "Ohhh...I thought it was a Heroic rank skill but it''s actually legendary." The skills ranking went as follows from low to highest. [Common] [Rare] [Heroic] [Legendary] [Godly] Noah heard chatting down stairs and immediately knew it wasn''t just his parents avable that evening. "Other people...?" "Atleast I get to see other individuals that aren''t NPCs." Noah went out his room through the short hallway. He reached the stairs and paused. At the bottom he saw a woman who looked no more older than 27. She had brown hair, blue eyes and a curvaceous body. Despite her age she looked stunning. Beside the woman was a girl. "She looks my age..." Noah thought. The girl had simr features as her mother just smaller befitting her age. And instead of blue eyes she had purple eyes and ck hair with a mix of a darker purple. "Okay Mrs Ashbourne, I''ll see you tomorrow at work..." The woman said as she bowed a bit and left with the girl Noah assumed was her daughter. "It''s a shame such talent might go to waste..." Amon began taking a seat. "I feel bad for Elizabeth, her daughter has been incredibly gifted..." Margaret added on. "I know, I''ve trained her since we follow the same Constetion," Amon stated shaking his head gently. "I''ll go upstairs and brainstorm on ways to help them...its the best we can do for Elizabeth." Margaret said heading up the stairs where she bumped into Noah. "Oh sweetie...is there something you wanted?" "Mum, who were you talking to just now?" Noah asked. "You don''t remember Elizabeth and her daughter?" "Maya?" ''Shit...it''s that moment where I can''t be able to recall anything because of the messed up memories...'' Noah panicked inwardly. "Ohhh...her..." Noah stammered smiling nervously. "Yeah, apparently she won''t be able to get into Ravenwood Academy since her mother isn''t able toe up with the funds..." "Your father and I were brainstorming on possible ways to help the Brenthalls...you know since Elizabeth is a single mother." ''Hmmm...'' Noah didn''t say anything. "Anyways, I''ll head into my room...see you in the morning. Goodnight sweetie." "Goodnight mum." Noah''s gaze caught his father trying to zip his pants. "Ow..." Amon called out in a hushed tone. But Noah knew what caused the wincing pain. --- In his room Noah paced all over thinking about the problem he now had. "Myck of this body''s original memories will cost me at some point..." "On top of that...that girl...Maya..." The Reset Ticket materialized on his arm. "I have no choice but to use it...I''ll be able to gain memories of the original Noah. Even though the chances are low, it''s worth taking the risk." "On top of that, I think I might have a way to help Elizabeth and her daughter..." *** Elizabeth and his daughter were sitted in their house. Maya brought a cup of tea for her mother as she stroded back to the kitchen. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. "Don''t worry Maya, I''ll go check who it is," Elizabeth said heading towards the door after cing the cup of tea on the table. She opened the door where a figure almost as tall as her stood. ck hair, yellow eyes and ckshes that leaned more on feminine than masculine. "Who is it mum?" Maya called out. Seeing her mother didn''t respond she proceeded to the door. "Oh...Noah," Maya muttered startled by the sudden visit. "Can Ie in?" Noah asked. He was wearing a long ck coat, ck pants and boots. "Of course you e in," Elizabeth responded. Noah took a seat after looking around the home, it wasn''t thatvish or below average. Maya took a seat beside her mother. "What brings you here young Ashbourne?" Maya''s mother asked. "My mom told me you were struggling with funds and Maya not being able to get into Ravenwood Academy... I think I have a way that can benefit you..." Noah said. ''This actually benefits me as well...'' Noah thought as his eyes glowed a bit yellow and then dissipating. *** The next morning Noah was at his mother''s business helping out around. It was a flower like alchemy shop that sold different magical nts and herbs. [¡öss: Divine Healer] "That''s my mother''s ss...I was able to look into her status window while testing it out..." His mind then recalled the night before where he used the Reset Ticket. Noah had ripped it and feeling like a battle between his souls and different conscious he thought he would loose all memories including all the experience he had gained with the game. But to his surprise he had gone against all odds and bypassed that [1.04%] chance. He not only retained his past life memories but also the original Noah''s memories. "Elizabeth and Maya Brenthall...She works in my mum''s shop and Mayaes to help often at times if she isn''t taking care of things at home..." "Elizabeth used to work as the Ashbourne''s maid before she became she became pregnant with Maya..." "Even so, she has been a great role in thia family." "I was able to initiate a deal yesterday and today..." Before he could finish, Elizabeth and Maya walked in as they greeted Margaret and Noah. "Uhhh...Margaret can I talk to you?" Elizabeth said as they both went back a bit. Noah and Maya were left there together. ''Ugh...this is so awkward...I''ve never talked to women in my life...'' Noah thought inwardly. ''How does one start a conversation?'' Noah was to do so but he soon realised something. ''This girl...is she afraid of me?'' ''Even back at their house she looked exactly as she is now...'' Was there something he wasn''t getting about the original Noah? ''I gained the memories so what''s the issue?'' That was when it hit Noah. After he had used the Reset Ticket the system went into another reboot and then disyed his stats again. ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Noah Ashbourne ¡ð Race: Human ¡ð Age: 16 [¡ö ss: None] [¡ö Skills] [Active Skills: None] [¡ñPassive Skills] ¡ðConstetion Insight: Allows the user to view the status windows of others, revealing their attributes, skills, and more. A rare ability granted by the constetions, providing unique insight into the strengths and weaknesses of those around you. [¡öAttributes] ¡ð Charm: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Strength: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Dexterity: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Intelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Endurance: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Luck: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [¡ö Magic Attributes] ¡ð Ice: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Lightning: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [? Constetion: The God of Elements] [¡ö Character Traits] (NEW) ¡ð Severe Sovereignty: An intense and overwhelming presence that demands respect and obedience, often without intention. It can make others wary, intimidated, or even submissive in Noah''s presence. [¡ö System Shop] [¡ö Quests Avable: 0] --- ''Right after gaining the original Noah''s memories...'' ''I gained [Character Traits]...'' ''Severe Sovereignty, it makes people afraid of me no matter the situation...'' ''That must be why Maya is like this...'' Just when Noah was thinking through all this Elizabeth and his mother returned. "Noah, honey are you sure about the proposal you made?" ''She''s talking about the deal I offered to the Brenthalls...'' "Yes, I think its a great idea. If Maya enters into the academy in a sense that she''s my personal assistant she''ll pay 50% less the money. On top of that the academy allows Noble families to bring other personnels such as a body guard, knight, maid and such. If you think about it...Maya can be under my name while getting to study with me in the Academy." Noah concluded. Elizabeth and Margaret looked at Noah for a while. ''What?...too genius for a 16 year old?'' Noah thought feeling nervous. "That''s genius! Ooooohh, wait till your father hears about it..." "Okay it''s decided, Maya will you attend the academy under the impression your Noah''s assistant?" Margaret asked Maya. "Ummm...yeah it''s a good idea, I do get to attend the academy like I wanted. So I appreciate it..." Maya said her gaze avoiding Noah''s. "Perfect...it''s decided then..." Margaret shot up as she pulled Elizabeth into the next room. "I''ll help you with the Academy uniform and other necessities..." Yet again Noah and Maya were left together at the counter. ''Sigh...it may seem disgusting, but I''ll need to take advantage of every situation within my grasp...even if it means using her...'' ''I didn''t realise at first, but this girl... She''s the girl that white-haired bastard uses, lies and even goes ahead to humiliate her in the First Act...'' ''Unlike him...I tend to use Maya for other reasons...while being nice to her...'' ''First I need to gain her trust and loyalty...'' [Ding!] [¡öConstetion''s Insight is in use!] ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Maya Brenthall ¡ð Race: Human ¡ð Age: 16 [¡ö ss: Assassin] [¡ö Skills] ¡ðzing Edge ¡ðGale sh [¡öPassive Skills] ¡ðCommune: A powerful ability that allows Maya to persuade, manipte, and influence others solely through her words. There are no limitations to the extent of her convincing power, making her a master of maniption. [¡öAttributes] ¡ð Charm: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Strength: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Dexterity: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Intelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Endurance: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Luck: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î [¡ö Magic Attributes] ¡ð Fire: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Wind: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î [? Constetions: The God of Elements, The God of Swords] [End of Status] --- Chapter 11: Ravenwood Magic Academy [1] "The introduction part of the game should be ending, which means... Act I will be taking ce after." Noah was putting on the clothes Alice had brought. What made them different was that... "This is the official uniform." "Today is the day, Ravenwood''s doors will be open to first years," Noah said as he buttoned his shirt. "I''ll need to y this safely, to ensure everything goes as nned..." "Mostly other extra characters would be spouting that they don''t want to get involved with the main characters, the plot and what not... I on the other hand tend to get involved as much as possible, get so close with the main characters that they wouldn''t suspect a thing from me..." "Oh, and the plot? I''ll squeeze myself in it as much as I can." "Because the game [Beyond Horizons] was developed in a way even the slightest change or added variant would lead to a different route but same oue..." "Though there are times some Acts and Scenarios get messed up." "I''ve yed the game more times than I count... All I have to do is y it cool and not rush things. The puzzle pieces will fall in ce on their own." And if they won''t, I''ll manipte them to my liking..." Noah concluded as he pushed back his silky ck hair. He then put on the ck academy zer after making sure the red tie looked perfect and took a nce at the mirror. A small smirk appeared on his face. "Hmph...sexy mother fucker." At that moment there was a knock on the door and he knew who it was. "Come in Alice..." The door swung open gently. "Young master, are you ready?" Alice asked as she took a look at Noah. "Stunning..." Was the perfect word to describe Noah. "As always, you are able to pull off any fit," Alicemented as she smiled. Her smile was a rare sight and Noah knew it. Alice was always in ''Serious Work Mode'' so it was hard to see her smile. "Shall we go? I already put your luggages in the car." Alice assured. "Yeah...let''s go, thank you once again Alice." Noah said as he held Alice''s hand and then letting go after shing a smile. ''A-am I getting ttered by a sixteen year old?'' Alice thought as she squeezed her face that was turning red. "Come on Alice." Noah called out from the hallway as Alice bolted out locking the door. "Coming..." They both stepped out of the house and before them was the car with all of Noah''s luggages. It wasn''t much, just two suitcases, the Academy offered more after all so there was no need in carrying the entire bedroom. ''Wait...where''s Maya?'' Noah thought. A carriage then rolled up to the house behind the car. "Are wete?" Elizabeth peered out of the window asking. "No, you''re just in time, let''s be on our way," Margaret replied as they all got in the car, the carriage with Maya and her mom following behind. The journey to Elderwood was a bittersweet one, filled with moments that would linger in his memory for years toe. The road wound through lush forests, where towering trees with emerald canopies whispered in the wind, their leaves dancing in the sunlight. asionally, they passed serene meadows dotted with wildflowers, their colors a vibrant contrast to the deep green of the surrounding woods. As the carriage behind them rolled along, the sound of horses'' hooves rhythmically hitting the cobblestone path. Noah''s parents spoke softly, their voices filled with both pride and a tinge of sadness. His mother, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, talked about how much they would miss his presence at home¡ªthe way he filled their days with his energy and curiosity. His father, trying to mask his emotions with a stern expression, mentioned how quiet the house would be without Noah''s constant chatter andughter. And as the towering gates of Elderwood came into view, Noah couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension, knowing that once he passed through them, everything would be different. "The root of everything that happened..." Noah though as he stared out the window, the Academy''s gates getting closer and closer. "The Magic Academy of Ravenwood..." They reached it and some guards approached them. "Sorry, but no vehicles beyond the gate, both horsepowered and...well, horsepowered..." The guard saidughing on his own. Hisrade just looked away and even taking a few steps away as if saying, "I don''t know him..." "Don''t mind him...just leave the luggages here with the students names and student ID and they will be delivered to their assigned dorm rooms." The otherposed guard said with a smile. "Thank you," Amon replied. "Tha administration block is just up ahead, meet with the professor incharge of the first years, you can''t miss her..." "Ginger hair and looking like she''ll explode with happiness at any moment..." Everyone looked confused but they just epted and went in. Noah was the only one not confused as he knew exactly who the guard had been referring to. They stepped foot into the Academy and took in its marvellous sight. The Academy grounds of Ravenwood were breathtaking. As Noah, his parents, Maya, and her mother walked toward the Administration Block, they passed through an expansive courtyard shaded by tall oak trees. The cobblestone path was lined with vibrant gardens, where flowers bloomed and small fountains trickled softly. Ahead, the Administration Block stood tall, its stone fa?ade adorned with carvings of mythical creatures and symbols of magic. Groups of students in the same attire with silver emblems studied under the trees or practiced spells in training areas. Noah''s parents admired the impressive surroundings, though a hint of sadness touched their expressions. Maya and her mother followed close behind, taking in the sights with determination. As they approached the grand entrance, the heavy wooden doors opened, revealing the majestic interior. "First years right?" A woman with features that fit the guards description approached the group. "Oh, hey...are you the professor in charge of the first years?" Margaret asked smiling. "Yes that''s me, allow me to introduce myself..." "My name is Professor Sharon Albright." "Nice to meet you professor Sharon," Noah''s mother replied. "I believe everything is in order...luggages left at the gate that we''ll be delivered to their rooms, the yearly tuition fees paid and everything required..." Sharon said smiling so as not to seem that she cared more about the money. "Uhhh...yes all that is done." Margaret said looking at her husband as if not sure. "The receipts were sent to the school''s address through mail," Amon replied. "And what about her?"Sharon said looking at Maya. "Oh...uhhh the school said something about bringing personal staff, atleast one..." Margaret said smiling nervously. "Oh, Noble family...I see, my apologies for not realising sooner," Sharon said bowing. ''She can''t be med, with the many Count houses growing, who would keep track of all of them,'' Noah thought inwardly. "I assume her amodations were paid for..." Sharon stated. "Yes...yes they are..." Maya''s mum said also shing a gentle smile and looking at Margaret as if screaming inwardly "Thank You so fucking much!!!" "Very well, you can take your leave after saying your good byes..." "And the two will join the other new students in that room." Sharon said pointing at the room with doors so big, the width could fit 10 people at once. "Aaaa, I''ll miss you sweetie," Margaret said hugging Noah and as always, her tight embrace had Noah looking for breathing spots above the breasts. "I''ll miss you too mum, I wish I could stay just a bit longer..." Noah said. Though part of what he said was true, he was lying, he had wanted to join the Academy as soon as possible. "Take care son...and remember allies are important in here and so is your constetion...keep that in mind if you want to seed." Amon stated ruffling Noah''s hair. "I will...thanks dad," Noah replied. "Maya, remember what I taught you..." Amon approached Maya. "Always have, Mr Ashbourne, thank you for your help and unwavering trust," Maya replied smiling. "Pursue your intended field darling, okay?" Elizabeth said giving Maya a kiss on the forehead. "I will mum,"Maya replied. With that they left after Alice rushed to Noah giving him a tight hug. "Take care of yourself Noah..." Alice said. For the first time she used Noah''s name and that made Noah feel a different sense of warmth. Such moments had him sure that his decision of killing the individuals who will bring doom upon this world was necessary and not an insane one. "Don''t worry about me, you know me better..." Noah replied to Alice smiling, his eyes closed as a ray of sunlight beamed him. ''I''m giving off main character vibes...but Alice has been a great help and I''m thankful to her.'' Noah thought as he got rid of the thought. "Now then, shall you two head into the room..." Sharon said guiding them to the room that grew noisy with each step they took. "It''s crazy how just the other day I was sitting in my room looking directly into my monitor where this magnificent world was enclosed..." "I should be thankful to whoever brought me here... But my motive still remains the same...I''ll kill everyst one of those individuals that call themselves the Blessed children of this era..." "I became a character that was never introduced in the game..." "All because of a bad review...I was transmigrated here to prove the reality of my words..." "Fine, I''ll show you what a hardcore gamer and possibly the only one who knows this world and its characters in and out... Someone who has seen the game''s multiple endings can do...and what a fucking perfect ending looks like!" Noah cursed under his breath as he pushed the doors open. Chapter 12: Ravenwood Magic Academy [2] The light from the massive windows beamed at Noah and Maya almost blinding them. Noah lifted up his hand to shield his eyes and when he finally adapted to the light in the room, the noise finally got to him. Different students were busy talking or even demonstrating their abilities. "See that, that''s how you form a perfect wind sphere," one student, of the male gender to be precise said as the wind sphere he had made rotated and then dissapearing as he clenched his hands smiling. "Hehe.." "Holy...you have to teach me that some time," another stated his eyes twinkling. "What''s your name again?..." On another corner of the room a group of students were around a guy who was floating upside down. "Hey, put me down..." The suspended guy cried out. "Rx...it''s not that deep," another guy whose hands were glowing blue said. He was the one using his ability of telekenisis. "Hey dipshit, put my brother down...if he stays upside down for too long blood will rush to his brains..." A girl said, she had the same hair and eye color as the guy upside down concluding that they were siblings. "Then aren''t I helping him, he probably needs it..." The guy using his ability was disrupted by the girl who had materialized a de made of fire. "I won''t say it again..." "Okay, okay...people can''t jokes sheesh..." The guy with the telekenisis muttered as he withdrew it walking away with the group. "Wow...that looked he cool," a female in the group said hugging his arm. "It''s the first day and people are already close...and showing off at that," Noah muttered to himself. "I wouldn''t rmend it...showcasing abilities this early. They''re forgetting they just met and don''t know each other that well." Noah concluded his thoughts as he was momentarily cut off by Maya. "Ummm...should we look for seats somewhere?" "Sure, we got nothing to do, might as well professor Sharon gets here," Noah responded. Just as Noah said that, the door swang open and professor Sharon stepped in. "Okay, I think we are a big number now..." She began. "Everyone take a seat." There wasmotion with soft murmurs that could still be heard... "Hey I was sitted there earlier..." "So what, I don''t see your name on it..." "You don''t even know my name..." "Whatever, I''m not switching seats, so move on kid..." "..." "Yoo bro...can I sit next to her?...I''ll send some coins your way..." "Hey, quiet down..." "Shshsh!!!..." But themotion soon came to an end. "Okay, we''ll start now," professor Sharon stated. "You can ask your questions once I''m done..." "Now the ce that you''re currently in is called the Weing Hall. It is where new individuals get to lounge and sit awaiting their matters to get addressed...this is also where meetings with other schools or organizations affiliated with the Academy take ce. "Now if you look to your write you''ll see the school cafeteria, teachers and students take their meals in there. Moving on to the left moving forward up to the building connecting the cafeteria, forming what looks like a box is called the Tuition Cube, sses and lectures take ce there." Professor Sharon paused as if waiting for the information to sink in. The students looked out the windows in different directions and alternating. "Wait where''s the cafeteria again?.." "To your right dummy...YOUR OTHER RIGHT!" "Ohhh...looks nice.." "..." Professor Sharon cut the chatter and continued. "After that is the school field and following is the Academy''s Town Centre... Contains shops, and other market rted activities where you can buy your stuff...foodstuffs as well if the cafeteria''s cuisines don''t fit your taste." ''Exins why the Academy covers an area that it''s even considered a town or city all on it''s own,'' Noah thought. "And nowstly, the Dormitories...located after the Town Centre...right boys, left girls..." "Still not keeping me out of the girl''s dorms...hehe." Noah had a guy whisper to someone else. "There are other buildings and as you stay in the academy, you''ll get to be familiar with them." "One more information before I take the questions. Each and every one of you will recieve devices known as the Student watches, eaches with a holographic screen simr to the status windows everyone has...It contains your information as students of Ravenwood, your ID number, full names, dorm room...and most importantly Raven coins." ''The coins that are only valid in Ravenwood Academy...'' Noah thought. "Now before you ask, Raven coins is the currency the school uses and can only be used in here, they can purchase anything within this walls and each student is granted a specific amount monthly...other additional ie will be received ording to the conduct and contributions of the students." "The opposite is true as well...receive bad conduct, you don''t get the coins the following month." ''Called it...''Noah mumbled. "Now, are there any questions?" Professor Sharon asked. Everyone looked around at each other but noone seemed to lift their hands. But then a guy lifted his hand. His body shape alone already predicted what type of question he would ask. "Uhh...excuse me Professor Sharon, but when you said cuisines, does the cafeteria have all kinds?" The guy asked scratching his head while smiling. The boy next to him, covered half his face as he looked out the window and then saying, "Your embarassing me...can someone switch seats with, please?!" Some of the students nearughed a bit then getting cut by Professor Sharon. "I haven''t had all of them, but you can''t miss a single dish native to not only this continent but the others as well," Professor Sharon replied as the boy sat down. "Thank You..." Noah on the other hand was looking around trying to look for a specific someone but soon realised. "He won''t be here until Act I is done." Noah mumbled as a character with ck hair, red eyes and a wide smile took form in his head. Just then a figure shot up her arm as she stood up. "Thank you Professor Albright for the important information, I''ll be asking a question that everyone should as well..." "When do the sses begin?" Everyone''s eyes shifted to the girl with blue eyes, blue hair and a beautiful body shape. Wearing only the white shirt, red tie and a ck skirt, Noah knew exactly who the girl was. "One of the main characters...and most of all, the key yer in Act I..." [Ding!] [Constetions Insight is in use!] --- Chapter 13: Ravenwood Magic Academy [3] Just then a figure shot up her arm as she stood up. "Thank you Professor Albright for the important information, I''ll be asking a question that everyone should as well..." "When do the sses begin?" Everyone''s eyes shifted to the girl with blue eyes, blue hair and a beautiful body shape. Wearing only the white shirt, red tie and a ck skirt, Noah knew exactly who the girl was. "One of the main characters...and most of all, the key yer in Act I..." [Ding!] [Constetions Insight is in use!] --- ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Amy Bluerose ¡ð Race: Human ¡ð Age: 15 [¡ö ss: ???] [¡ö Skills: ???] ¡öAttributes: ¡ð Charm: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Strength: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Dexterity: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Intelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Endurance: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Luck: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î [¡ö Magic Attributes: ???] [¡ö Passive Skills: ???] [¡ö Active Skills: ???] [? Constetions: The God of Elements, The God of Swords] [¡ö System Summary] Data Overload! Amy''s talents and abilities are too vast to disy here. Let''s just say she''s a prodigy in every sense¡ªaffiliated with the God of Elements and the God of Swords. Noah, if you ever dream of reaching Amy''s level, well... you might want to aim a bit lower. Like, say, waking up on time. It''s adorable that you''re trying, but really, you''re just not in the same league. Try not to embarrass yourself too much when you meet her, okay? [End of Status] --- Noah ingored thest part. ''Hmmm...seems like she has to much info to be disyed by [Constetion''s Insight].'' ''As expected of a main character... Still I''m so envious of the stars.'' Noah thought deeply. [¡öKeep Dreaming!] The system remarked. Noah closed his eyes... ''I swear the next time it...'' His thoughts were momentarily brought to a hault by the response professor Sharon was giving. "Excellent question...uhhh...what''s your name again?" ''Tch...here we go she''s going to give a long introduction noone asked of...'' Noah thought. "My name is Amy Bluerose, and Ie from a lineage of greatness. The Bluerose family is renowned for its strength, intelligence, and undeniable legacy. I carry that legacy with pride, and I intend to uphold it. You''lle to understand that the name Bluerose isn''t just a title¡ªit''s a mark of excellence. I am Amy Bluerose, and I''m here to continue that tradition." She said her head held high. ''Just your name was fine...more less she just reminded me why I hate Prestigious houses,'' Noah remarked inwardly. "Oh, it''s always nice to have prestigious houses in Ravenwood, but don''t forget within this walls, everyone is equal....from humans to elves and dwarfs...we''re all treated the same." ''She said the words I''ve been longing to hear...let it sink in...especially to Amy,'' Noah yet again remarked. Amy sat down and her expression was one that was probably saying ''Me? Treated the same as these Commoners? What a fucking joke!'' "Now answering your question, your sses will start the day after tomorrow which will be on a Wednesday..." "Your timetables will be sent to your student watches along with the Raven coins by tonight or early morning tomorrow..." "With that being said, are there any more questions before we dismiss?" Professor Sharon asked looking around. But it seemed like noone had any questions to put up. "Okay then, after here you''ll go through the different rooms designated for each department and course... There you''ll get your room number and key card to the dorms." "I assume by department you know what I mean...Department of Magic, Department of Knights and Heroes and the Martial Department..." "Now hurry e on..." Everyone began scrambling to therge doors leaving. "If you don''t get your room and key card, your on your own, find a ce to sleep in the woods till next semester..." Professor Sharon said jokingly but Noah knew every single word she said was true. ''Looks like I''m in the Magic Department...people like Maya will be taking two courses in both Magic and Knight department. I mean, they would choose one but someone with more than one course is highly rmended in the outside world fields. Then again doesn''t mean someone who has perfectly excelled in a single course wouldn''t as well. Though that''s only applicable to the top 8%. And I tend to be in it, even if I''m thest in that top 8%.'' Noah thought as he hurried along amongst the pushing students. "Uhh...Noah, will we keep in touch since we''re...uhhh..I mean, I''m taking an extra course and the times will be different?" Maya approached Noah, or rather just asked since she had been following him. To her everything was new and it was as if Noah was familiar with the school almost like he had yed a part in developing it. Is what she thought. "Ofcourse, you are my assistant after all...besides we will be meeting in magic sses after all." Noah responded shing a smile. Maya smiled back a bit something Noah hadn''t seen because of the [Severe Sovereignty]. ''I think I understand that character trait now. [Severe Sovereignty], it makes anyone who doesn''t know me that well or acquainted with me feel an immense pressure of power from me, one demanding respect and fear. I guess Maya is getting more ustomed to me. She knows I''m a nice person so she''s easily getting it. But then again, I think it depends with my mood and facial expressions. Still understanding that skill, it is passive after all. Not like I can turn it on and off at will. It''s always active. Probably why noone was near me for more than 4 seats. Just Maya and me. Notining, I actually like it.'' Noah then reached the room to get the room key card. "Wait, Maya how are you going to find yours? You are in two departments after all." Noah asked looking into Maya''s purple eyes. "Oh...Professor Sharon didn''t say anything about that..." Maya replied. "Ohh, those with two courses have to go to the main desk at the Administration office..." Another student replied who heard the question. He was behind Maya shing a smile. "...Thank you," Maya replied as she left the queue after giving Noah a nod. "I''ll meet you outside..." she said before leaving. "Wow...is she your girlfriend? Lucky..." The boy who was still eavesdropping asked Noah. Noah didn''t respond and just looked forward. The boy didn''t bother pushing it since he felt Noah wasn''t someone to be easily approached. ''What''s with this guy...its almost as if he is leaking of aura and power...'' The boy thought. It was finally Noah''s turn to step through the door and get to know where he''ll be sleeping on his stay at the academy. As he went in he bumped into a figure dropping the key card she was holding. It was Amy. "Watch where your going..." She said but Noah just stared nkly. "Why are you still looking at me....? Pick up the card you made me drop..." Chapter 14: Ravenwood Magic Academy [4] It was as if everything had stood still. Everything and everyone fading into the darkness. It was just Amy and I. The tension was heavy and my breathing got difficult each time. I was slowly beginning to sweat, as each sweat drop made contact with the void surface. Then almost instant and abrupt, I remembered that ending. The game''s ending, that I despised with everything I got. My mind reyed how Draven, the actual true protagonist was suspended mid air by a rocky spike. Blood draining from the massive hole on his chest. The revtion that was made. The ''Blessed Children of this Era'' were actually the world''s viins. Following a new constetion. A constetion that had appeared with more other. Constetions that were not like the big 3. These constetions were different. And that was how the war began. I remembered that feeling I felt when the screen went nk and that message was disyed. [You Have Completed The Final Act!] My blood was boiling and Amy just stood there staring at me emotionless. She was one of them, the betrayers. The bitches regarded as ''Main Characters.'' Now everything was truly in slow motion. I tried moving my fingers as theyplied slowly. Still sweating. My yellow eyes fixated on the blue-haired girl. There was a thought... A thought that was consuming me with each passing second. Then instantly without warning. An icicle materialized on my hand. But this time I held it, like a dagger. And my eyes still on Amy I leaped and pinned her on the ground. Noone is watching. I can just do it, right? That''s right, I''ll fucking Kill you...here and now! Maybe I''ll finally get satisfied... Amy didn''t speak, she blocked my hand that had the icicle. I was on top of her. Her shirt half unbuttoned. Neck. "Go for the NECK!" Something kept on telling me. Iplied and moved my hand that wa slowly freezing from the ice magic. I gripped the icicle, now turned dagger. With one swift motion, it made contact with something. A squelching sound. Blood sttered on my face. Did I do it? Did I finally bring an end to one of the main characters? I averted my gaze to where the icicle had made contact and driven through something meaty. Only to find Amy still breathing. It didn''t work. Instead Amy blocked the icicle with her hand and it passed through her palm. There''s no going back now. I forced my body, pushing all the strength and mana I had left to my arms, both holding the icicle. I didn''t scream, eyes soulless. And just like that I overpowered her, the icicle passed through herpletely her palm and through her neck. Blood gushed out, like a fountain. Spraying my face and even teeth. Iron. The taste of someone else blood. I stood up, Amy was lifeless. She wasn''t moving. Anyone could tell that....she was dead! ... *** "..." "Didn''t you hear me?" "Pick up my key card..." An angry Amy called out bringing back to reality from the most wild imagination I''ve ever had. It was all just an intrusive thought. I knew I couldn''t actually do it. ''Kill her here?'' If I was dumb and careless then maybe. I don''t want the Imperial Knights on my tail. That would be the end of my life, no way back to my original world. I would die here. So no. There''s no point in killing her here and now. She''s too powerful and her stats speak so. "...are you deaf?" Amy called out yet again to Noah. Noah fully returned to the current situation blinked thrice or rather multiple times. He didn''t want to draq attention as some students were looking at him. Noah picked up the card. ''First...gain her utmost trust...'' "Here you go, I genuinely apologize Miss Bluerose." Noah said then bowing. "As you should be..your amoner after all..." Amy said. Noah knew even though she would turn to a life of destruction and chaos, that waster in the game and not now. Right now, she was a nice girl, just someone who is arrogant and carries alot of pride. ''An immense one at that...'' "I''m actually from a Count House...haha." Noah replied smiling nervously. "...so just a richmoner?" Amy said. "What?..." Noah stated. "That''s what Count Houses are...just slightly richermoners..." Amy replied, one of her hands on her chin. "No?..." She tilted her head. ''This bitc- '' Noah almost said but calmed down. "Since when did Count Houses influence merchant routes in the continent?" Noah countered the question. He wasn''t in the whole discriminating thing but he had to leave Amy mad...just little. "Well...I mean...ugggh!!" "Whatever...just stay out of my way next time." Amy said leaving as her blue hair shimmered and swayed. Everyone around looked rather shocked and amused at the same time. But they didn''t dare to confront Noah. Noah proceeded in and took his key card to the dorm. The next one hour was spent inmuting from the Tuition Cube through the Town Centre and to the dormitories. Through the trip that was by a bus powered by mana. Noah had actually slept through, catching small nces until he was tge only one left in the bus. The driver came to him announcing of their arrival at the Students Dormitories. Noah looked at the Dormitories that shot up to the sky. It was tall and huge, wide at the same time. At the very tippy top was the Academy''s symbol. Noah marveled at the fact he was actually standing infront of the dorms he had seen countless times behind his monitor. Noah went in and was actually relieved his room wasn''t at the top floors. 13 floors. His room was at the 6 floor. Still a bother in climbing all those stairs, but he didn''t mind. It was another way of training his body and increasing stats even if it was by one. He arrived in his room. It was spacious, each room included a shower as well. "Looks just like my room..." Noah muttered looking around. Study desk, dark blue royal like chair that leaned more on ck. A wide window with blue curtains that let in the sunset light. Beside the desk were bookshelves. At the bed he finally saw his belongings that were left at the gate. And next to it was a box with the academy''s symbol and badge. He read the letter on it. Dear Esteemed Student, Wee to Ravenwood Magic Academy. It was that brief. He opened the box, revealing the student watch. It looked modern and futuristic, even more than the life he previously lived. The game was an incredible blend of medeival and modern after all. Noah put on the watch and immediately linked with him calling out like the system. [Binding sessful!] [Transferring student''s data and information] Disyed infront of him was a holographic window he knew was visible to everyone unlike the systems. There was no info that could be considered confidential in the watch, so it was okay. Then an abrupt message came up on the watch. Noah clicked on the mail letter icon. A single message red at him. [The students Magic Power Evaluation will take ce tomorrow. To determine the ''Blessed Sage'' of this year''s first year students. See you at the Magic Department Hall, and yes, Knight department students should also be present] [Compulsory!] "Wait...Blessed Sage..." "That''s the title given to the strongest student ording to Magic power measurement..." Chapter 15: Magic Power Evaluation [1] Noah''s first night at the academy wasn''t toofy or harsh. Somewhere in the middle. He was satisfied that he atleast got a good night''s sleep despite being in a different environment. Even going as far as to rearrange the furniture to his liking so that it fits his room back at the Ashbourne House. He woke up rubbing his eyes a bit as he proceeded to the window parting the dark blue curtains. It was still a bit early for the sun to beam his eyes thought it was visible in the horizon rising steadily. Noah looked at his watch. [Tuesday, 6:43 AM] It was early so he decided to head to the shower that was connected with his room. "The evaluation won''t begin until 8AM." He thought as the cold and warm water cascaded across his back and front. "...Blessed Sage, a title given to the student with the most mana and magic output, think of it like a showcase of skills and abilities to see those talented..." "And among all the 200+ students, only one can im that title." "There are only two years of studying in the Academy..." "So the second years already have their own Blessed Sage..." As he thought all this, he finally stepped out of the shower. He put on his pants, socks, white shirt, red tie and the final ck academy zer as he buttoned it. The final touch were the shoes and student watch. Noah tapped gently as he saw the message icon glow with a one. He opened it to reveal a message. It was from Maya. "Oh, I forgot these things have an in built messaging app..." [Maya: Hey, we meeting at the bus stop?] Noah proceeded to type on the holographic keyboard that had appeared. [You: Sure, just about to leave the dorms] [Maya: okay...] [You: Also how did you find me and text me?] [Maya: uhhh...I already know your student ID number so I just searched it up...] "Ohhh...sometimes I be forgetting the tiniest of details," Noah muttered closing his eyes and then opening them again. [You: Oh, great to know...] --- Noah replied and then shutting off the watch. "I should really get going...I need to arrive early and see the students thate in...one by one maybe I can be able to find them all..." He thought as the 5 individuals images took form in his head. After descending the dorm stairs and making his way outside to the bus stop, Noah saw her from a far. Maya. She was dressed in the same attire, though being an assistant Maya wore a trouser instead of the academy''s skirt. Her dark purple hair cascaded effortlessly over her shoulders as she pushed some strands behind her ear. She noticed Noah and waved. Noah lifted a single hand up as he approached her. "Good morning Maya..." "Good morning to you too Noah.." For the next few minutes they didn''t say anything as the mana powered bus arrived. Taking their seats beside each other, Maya took out a book and began reading. Noah just gazed out the window taking in the scenery he had missed yesterday since he fell asleep. The other students in the bus just chatted getting to know each other. After what seemed like an hour, the bus arrived at the destination which was the Tuition Cube. Noah and Maya alighted and were already on their way to the magic department. "Seems like the second years already arrived earlier than I thought..." Noah mumbled looking at the different students carrying books and papers around, others getting into lecture halls and sses. Finally Noah and Maya arrived at the hall where they would get evaluated. Some students had already arrived about 20 of them. One particr figure caught Noah''s attention. "...I knew she would be early..." Noah muttered to himself whil looking at Amy. He proceeded to look at the other students as he noticed another main character. "Ariana Snow..." A female with blonde hair, brown eyes and beautiful in every way possible. Unlike the others, she didn''t have her zer on, making her standout. He looked more around and couldn''t identify the remaining main characters. So he decided to just rx as they continueding in. "I probably won''t get to see them all until the sses officially start..." Noah mumbled. After a while, they had began being too much that Noah couldn''t keep track and before long professor Sharon had arrived She had arge crystal sphere being helped by 4 students to carry it, as it was ced at the centre of the room. The room they were in was a big hall that had the chairs going upwards and in a circr motion. Professor Sharon then began. "We shall begin immediately, just showcase your most powerful skills and abilities to the best you can..." "The crystal is durable but it doesn''t mean it can''t break..." "I will follow the list ording to the best scored from top to bottom ording to your entrance exams..." "First is the magic department..." ''Best scored?... The main characters are probably the first on the list...no exception...'' ''First is probably Amy...'' Noah thought as he sat back looking at professor Sharon who had her watch open and scrolling through the holographic window. "Okay first on the stage is..." The room fell silent. "..." "Noah Ashbourne..." "Eh?..." Chapter 16: Magic Power Evaluation [2] "Eh?" "Wait...maybe she might be reading it backwards." As much as Noah wanted to believe, that wasn''t the case and he knew it. 86%. ''That was the final score the original Noah had gotten in the exams...'' ''To think he''d be the first...'' Noah closed his eyes, he didn''t know what type of abilty he was going to showcase. ''Certainly not [Constetion''s Insight], it''s not like they''d see it.'' He had no skills at that, only elemental abilities. To top it off, he was just getting used to ice magic and it was the only one he waspetent with. Lightning magic? It was almost like it was new to him, even the original Noah himself only horned his ice magic. ''This is going to be a pain in the ass...'' ''It''s not like I''m aiming to be the Blessed Sage...but I need to perform well enough to be in the top 50 atleast...'' "Status..." Noah whispered lightly as the familiar interface materialized before him. ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Noah Ashbourne ¡ð Race: Human ¡ð Age: 16 [¡ö ss: None] [¡ö Skills] ¡õActive Skills:None ¡õPassive Skills: ¡ñConstetion Insight: Allows the user to view the status windows of others, revealing their attributes, skills, and more. A rare ability granted by the constetions, providing unique insight into the strengths and weaknesses of those around you. [¡öAttributes] ¡ð Charm: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Strength: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Dexterity: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Intelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Endurance: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Luck: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [¡ö Magic Attributes] ¡ð Ice: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Lightning: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [¡öMana: 250] [? Constetion: The God of Elements] [¡ö System Shop] [¡ö Quests Avable: 0] ''250?...that should be good for an icicle, right?'' He askes himself not particrly wanting an answer but to justfort himself. "Mr.Ashbourne?" Professor Sharon called once more as she looked around. The other students were doing the same, not knowing who the person was, they just looked all over until they saw someone stand up. ''...Just go with it...'' Noahforted himself and stood up. He walked down the path that separated the desks one step at a time. Feeling the weight of the gazes on him, Noah decided to brush it off. "Noah, the tform is yours, don''t think much just do what you''ve always done with your magic and abilities..." Professor Sharon said, doing little to calm Noah who was nervous and rxed at the same time. Even he couldn''t tell what he was feeling. Noah took in deep breaths all eyes on him. He looked at the blue crystal before him, shimmering like it always did. ''She said it was difficult to break it...not like I tend to anyways...'' Noah stretched forth his hand. Slowly he began drawing the mana from the centre of his chest directing it to his palm. The space where he stood was a bit windy as cold air swirled around him. And surely enough an icicle formed on his palm. Thinking about it, the icicle began spinning. To his dismay, the spinning started increasing its speed, faster and faster. It glowed more blue. The spinning was violent that it even made his fingers hurt. His hand was getting cold. Noah clenched his teeth and supported his right arm with the left. ''Why the fuck won''t it release...'' He thought. The wind was getting intense. His palm? Slightly blue and icy. "It...it hurts..." Noah mumbled. What was he doing wrong? ''Just shoot...'' He shouted in his head. Noah felt as if his chest was getting drained. Perhaps his mana pool? ''That''s impossible, this spell only requires a mana quantity of 8...no further...'' "What''s he doing?" "I think he doesn''t know how to release the ice magic..." "That''s stupid, if he didn''t then why would he choose it in the first ce..." "I don''t know, maybe testing his limits..." "Who knows..." Students began talking and murmuring one by one. Faces of shock and concern filled the room. After what seemed like a while, Noah finally released the icicle as it shot at the crystal. Noah bent down a bit. "...shit..." His arm was blue and almostpletely frozen. Even though it was numb, it ached in a way. The room was silent. To the point someone would drop a pin and it would be heard, even the buzzing of a fly could be heard. Noah finally getting used to the pain and wincing a bit looked up. "...He, he made damaged the crystal..." One student whispered. Noah looked at the crystal and sure enough, the icicle he had shot was prated in it, letting out a chilling smoke. Atleast half of it. Still it was unexpected. Before Noah could make out what had happened, Professor Sharon interrupted him. "Wow, excellent showcase I must say..." "You even managed to pierce through the crystal..." "Okay, we move on now...to the next until we are all done..." Chapter 17: Magic Power Evaluation [3] Noah looked at the crystal and sure enough, the icicle he had shot was prated in it, letting out a chilling smoke. Atleast half of it. Still it was unexpected. Before Noah could make out what had happened, Professor Sharon interrupted him. "Wow, excellent showcase I must say..." "You even managed to pierce through the crystal..." "Okay, we move on now...to the next until we are all done..." Noah made his way back to where he had sat, eyes on him. Some were impressed while others scoffed saying it was nothing. "That''s nothing...I might even be able to break the crystal in half..." One student remarked. "Next is...Amy Bluerose..." Amy stood up and flicked her blue hair as she graced the path with her demeanor upto the tform. Amy''s body slowly began glowing in a green hue. [Ding!] [Constetion''s Insight is in use!] [Character: Amy Bluerose is using Magic Attribute - Earth] "That''s what your going for huh..." Then instantly a rocky spike shot up from the ground goingpletely through the crystal. Everyone was in awe and marvelled at the site. "She cut through the crystal in half..." "Is the crystal that weak?" The sight made Noah remember the ending once more. The person who had Draven suspended mid air was none other than - "...this bitch Amy..." "Wow another magnificent showcase..." Professor Sharon said though one could tell even she was shocked. After Amy made her way back, professor Sharon reset the crystal. Almost like the damage never urred in the first ce. Professor Sharon even went ahead to knock at the crystal with a look that said ''is this thing that weak...or are these year''s students that strong...'' The evaluation continued for a while. After Amy the other main characters made their appearances. And just like before, Noah was determined to peek at their stats. [Ding!] [Constetion''s Insight is in use!] --- ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Ariana Snow ¡ð Race: Human ¡ð Age: 16 [¡ö ss: ???] [¡ö Skills: ???] [¡öAttributes:] ¡ð Charm: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Strength: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Dexterity: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Intelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Endurance: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Luck: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î [¡ö Magic Attributes: ???] [¡ö Passive Skills: ???] [¡ö Active Skills: ???] [? Constetions: The God of Elements, The God of Technique] --- [End of Status] Ariana showcased an incredible feat by punching the crsytal so hard arge dent was visible from a far. The area of impact was even smoking. --- ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Seraphina Vale ¡ð Race: Human ¡ð Age: 17 [¡ö ss: ???] [¡ö Skills: ???] [¡öAttributes:] ¡ð Charm: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Strength: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Dexterity: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Intelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Endurance: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Luck: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î [¡ö Magic Attributes: ???] [¡ö Passive Skills: ???] [¡ö Active Skills: ???] [? Constetions: The God of Swords, The God of Elements] --- [End of Status] Next was Seraph Vale. Red hair, red eyes and beautiful as one cane. A character from a renowned family that worships the sword. Her showcase was nothing short of what a main character was capable of. shing the crystal in half. Even though that was what happened the crystal pieces still maintained their position. But if one looked closer, you could tell it was split in half. --- ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Rn Voss ¡ð Race: Human ¡ð Age: 16 [¡ö ss: ???] [¡ö Skills: ???] [¡öAttributes:] ¡ð Charm: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Strength: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Dexterity: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Intelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Endurance: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Luck: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î [¡ö Magic Attributes: ???] [¡ö Passive Skills: ???] [¡ö Active Skills: ???] [? Constetions: The God of Swords, The God of Martial Arts] --- [End of Status] Rn Voss, a character with brown hair, brown eyes and most of all the right wing man to the white-haired bastard. These two were almost inseparable, ofcourse right now they don''t know each other. Rn showcased nothing different from Seraph, only difference being, there were multiple shes. All the other students were in shock by these 4 individuals, others weren''t able to make dents of any sort even after producing immense magical power. "That''s 4 now...are they even human..." They were so marveled they had even forgotten about Noah who was the first to damage the crystal. Even so, it didn''t bother Noah. "Compared to them...my showcase was nothing..." Noah thought. His arm was still throbbing, but he shook it off, the pain lingering. "I am lost with words...some of you have demonstrated feats that weren''t even seen from the second year''s evaluation..." Professor Margaret stated as she looked back at her holographic screen ready to call the next student. "Okay next is...Xander Frost..." ''That name made my heart throb. An overwhelming presence that had me sweating. Xander Frost, with his striking white hair and piercing blue eyes, stood as a paragon of unrivaled power and prowess. His very presencemanded respect and awe. A character that fit the saying, "Throughout heaven and earth, I alone I''m the honored one..." *** [Ding!] [Constetion''s Insight cannot be used on this character!] --- Chapter 18: Their Moment To Shine [1] ''That name made my heart throb. An overwhelming presence that had me sweating. Xander Frost, with his striking white hair and piercing blue eyes, stood as a paragon of unrivaled power and prowess. His very presencemanded respect and awe. A character that fit the saying, "Throughout heaven and earth, I alone I''m the honored one..." *** [Ding!] [Constetion''s Insight cannot be used on this character!] ''As expected... Xander Frost, the game''s main character. Someone who transcends in power. Atleast when ites to the academy''s students and even professors.'' "Take your step at the paltform and give it your best..." Professor Sharon advised Xander. "Oh...uh, okay." Xander responded nervously. ''It kind of pisses me off even more... Why? Because right now, Xander is just a guy trying to find his ce in this world. In other terms, he is still the sweet, kind and helpful Xander. Unlike the other main characters, Xander isn''t from any noble house. Be it prestigious or Count. Xander is actually amoner. A small family living in the outskirts of the city, one wouldn''t say they are badly off. But just well enough to get food on their table. Xander had only gotten admission because of showing incredible magical prowess. That led him into acquiring a schrship here. With that face, ofcourse anyone would want to meet any of his needs. Right now, he and the others don''t know each other yet. Especially he and Rn. But they''ll get acquainted as the story progresses. And after fighting alongside each other and the arrival of the 4th Constetion, the other characters will corrupt Xander. At first it was hard to realise it, but thinking it all through I can actually see how it happened. Back then, all yers were busy staring at the monitor and engrossing themselves in fight scenes. Some even skipped the most important cut scenes. Even if I tried to stop all that from happening, there is no use. The game [Beyond Horizons] is built in a way that the most important and crucial Acts and Scenarios must take ce. Even if another variant is added. Well atleast upto 3 variants. Anymore than that and the story will go haywire. If that happens, it''ll be hard to predict or oversee the future as it was supposed to. My knowledge will be utterly useless. Hopefully I''m the only one who got transmigrated into this game. If there are anymore, they''ll cause unintended changes. Tsk...I never thought about this. *Sigh...I can only hope for the best and expect the worse. Even so, killing them is still the end goal. But first, I need to graduate atleast.'' While Noah was reminiscing all this Xander had taken a stance. The look on his face was saying that he didn''t know what ability to use. After thinking for a while, Xander clenched his fists. As soon as he did so, his fists were engulfed in a blue me. With a swift motion, he dashed at the crystal, almostpletely disappearing and reappearing again. *Boom! The crystal hadpletely shattered. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as of the moment. Some were lost in what just happened. Professor Sharon''s mouth was wide open, as soon as she noticed this, she shut it. She was lost for words. Xander was scratching his head, smiling nervously. "Did I overdo it?..." Xander muttered. "No..." "No,no..no not at all..." Professor Sharon was hesitant to reply. She didn''t know what to say as she ushered Xander to return to his seat. Rn took a nce at Xander as he returned. ''Ofcourse he''s taken a liking to him,'' Noah thought. It''s strange how everything is happening as per the original storyline. Sometimes I be thinking if Noah, the unnamed character who I''ve assumed was ever around in the game. If he was, maybe too insignificant to notice or rather viewed as an npc. If he didn''t, then I''m just a variant.'' Once again, the crystal was restored to its former structure. "Is that guy for real?" "What the hell..." "How does someone shatter an entire magic crystal like it''s nothing..." "The school''s crystal was probably getting old anyway..." "That exins it then..." Professor Sharon continued reading through the list as people came up, showcased their abilities and returned to their seats. But noone came close to what the 5 individuals had showcased. ''At this point, it doesn''t even matter... Because the person who will get to be the Blessed Sage is none other than...'' Noah took a nce as he thought. ''Amy Bluerose...'' Unbeknownst to her, Amy was busy looking back at Xander. Her eyes spoke of either being slightly attracted to Xander or seeing him as a rival. ''Their rivalry will be the most insane one there ever was in Ravenwood...'' Noah thought. Noah took a nce at Maya who was sitted elegantly holding a notebook. That notebook was what had Noah''s schedules and daily ns. She was his assistant after all. Atleast an undercover one. Unlike the student''s zers, Maya''s had red outlines at the cor. Indicating that she''s an assistant or any other personnel from a noble house. Now that Noah was looking at it, there were simr attires in the hall. All main characters had one except Xander. Chapter 19: Their Moment To Shine [2] ''Sadly, Maya won''t be participating in the magic power evaluation... Same goes to the other noble assistants.'' In the original story of the game, Maya had briefly appeared after the first 3 Acts. Even at that time, she was still an assistant just didn''t know she belonged to Noah. Maya got used by Xander but mostly Amy to aplish something and was then cast away.'' As Noah was busy looking at Maya, she noticed and shed a smile at Noah her eyes closed before averting her gaze back at those showcasing their magic power. Noah briefly smiled a bit and was brought back by professor Sharon who had began talking. "After hours we have finally concluded the magic power evaluation. Some of you showcased incredible feats and others not so much." ''The reason why Ravenwood is considered the most hard Academy to get into...and the most brutal...'' Noah thought. "Alot of you will get expelled if you score below 40% after this evaluation." Professor Sharon added. ''People never even get a chance to study at all... The magic power evaluations are what send people off.'' ''Reason being...the Academy tends to reduce the numbers to those worthy of essing the best of the best teachings and information on magic.'' Noah then looked up at the end of the front wall upwards and noticed what seemed like a long rectangrpartment. To others this would appear as just a design to the building. ''That''s thepartment where the other professors, evaluators and even...the school headmaster are watching from.'' Noah muttered to himself as his gaze returned to professor Sharon. "The results will be received tonight after careful plucking of those who didn''t show great or even average magic power." "If you receive anything below 40% just begin packing your belongings and say goodbye to the academy." "To add on my statements, only the one chosen to be the Blessed Sage will receive a message..." "But don''t worry, you will all get to see him/her during your first assembly tomorrow..." "The Blessed Sage will be required to make an announcement..." "Together with other 4 individuals who have shown immense results. Those 4 individuals plus the Blessed Sage will be the head students of the first years." "Also known as the ''Ravenwood''s First-year Students Council.'' Understood?..." "Very well, you''re all dismissed...enjoy your time until tomorrow before you officially begin your sses." With that Professor Sharon left with the students who helped her carry the magic crsytal. As soon as she left, the room erupted in loud chatters. Students flocked around Rn, Ariana and mostly Xander. Some approached Amy but immediately left when they realised she wasn''t up for a chatter. ''Might as well leave...it''s their shining moment and them getting recognised as they should...'' Noah thought as he stood up. "Come on Maya, let''s head out..." "Oh, where to?" "Do you have any ns for today?" Maya said taking out her notebook. "Not really...it''s the first day after all...I just don''t want to be here." Noah replied as they stepped out of the hall. "Understood." "By the way, you showed great magic power back there..." Maya stated. "Oh, it was nothing...just basic beginner magic." ''Hopefully it wasn''t too basic...I don''t want to get kicked out of the academy.'' Noah said inwardly. The rest of the day was spent with Noah and Maya going through the Town Center, getting things to add to Noah''s room. Noah offered to buy her things, but Maya would refuse. Even though Noah knew Noble Personells had more Raven coins than the students, he still offered anyway. Mostly to try and gain her trust. The day ended and Noah returned to his room. He slumped in his bed and let out a loud sigh. After Maya tidied up, she left after saying, "Goodnight Noah." Noah responded the same as she left. There were actually three dormitories. Students Dormitories that were divided into two. Each given a name. The boys dorm was called ''Silverfang Manor.'' And the girls was called ''Starlight Manor.'' Following the dormitories there was an apartment building not far from the students dorms called the Assistants dorms. Though the name given to it was ''Moonlight Hall.'' This is where the hired maids by the school who took care of the students and dormitories stayed. On top of that the noble personells also referred to as assistants stayed here as well. And that was where Maya headed. While Noah was staring at the ceiling, he suddenly had a beep on his student''s watch. "Oh crap, I forgot about the magic power evaluation results..." Noah took in deep breaths as he tapped on the watch and the familiar screen took form infront of him. The usual information was disyed. ¡ñ|Student Information Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Noah Ashbourne ¡ð Student ID: 1024-78B-RW ¡ð Dormitory: Silverfang Manor ¡ð Dorm Room: 6B [¡ö Department of Magic: Elemental Mastery] [¡ö Year: 1] [¡ö Active Courses:] ¡ð Introduction to Elemental Magic ¡ð Fundamentals of Combat Magic ¡ð History of Arcane Arts [¡ö Senior Advisor:] ¡ð Professor Sharon Albright [¡ö Extracurricr Activities:] ¡ð Elemental Duels Club [¡ö Special Notes:] ¡ð Eligible for Advanced Elemental Training (Pending) [¡öMessages]2 [¡öEmails]1 --- [End of Information] "1 email..." "Must be from the school regarding the evaluation..." Noah tapped on the emails section as it disyed his results. [¡öMagic Evaluation Score: 73%] [Final Verdict: Most Potential!] "Ohhh...I was aiming for a 50...but this is better...much much better." As soon as Noah finished reading through the message he recieved a notification. [¡öNew email!] He proceeded to see what had been sent to him. --- Dear Noah Ashbourne, Congrattions on your remarkable achievement! After careful re-evaluation by the school''s Council, you have been chosen as the ''Blessed Sage'' for showcasing immense magical prowess during the magical power evaluation. Additionally, your outstanding performance in the entrance exams has earned you the top position. We are also pleased to inform you that you have been appointed as the Head of the First Years and a member of the Ravenwood First Years Student Council. This is a testament to your exceptional abilities and leadership potential. As part of your new role, you are expected to give a speech during tomorrow''s assembly to address your fellow students. We look forward to hearing your inspiring words. Once again, congrattions on your achievements. Sincerely, Headmaster ra Windrider, Ravenwood Magic Academy. --- "Eh?..." Chapter 20: The Blessed Sage [1] As usual Maya had been waiting for me at the bus station. "Good morning Noah." Her statement and greeting was brief. As she gave off her usual smile. "Any ns for today?" Maya asked. "Hmmm...not really, though I do tend to visit the Town Centre and pick up a few items." I replied. ''I didn''t want to say much, but the items I intend to buy are artifacts that I''ll need for the First Act of the story. Up until now, I''m hoping everything goes as it should be... Me bing the Blessed Sage was not to happen. It was supposed to be Amy. Then again, I did say I''ll get involved in the storyline no matter what. I just didn''t think bing the Blessed Sage was part of it.'' "Okay, after sses we will head out." Maya stated. We got on the mana-powered bus as it made it''s way to the Tuition Cube. I had a small book out as I jotted down on it. Scratching my head and even leaning back multiple times. Maya noticed my uneasiness and asked. "Something bothering you Noah?" It had been a while since I had written speeches. Last time I did it was when I was asked to present one after finally getting a job at a techpany. But that was ages ago. Now I have toe up with one for the assembly. "Are you able to write speeches?" I asked Maya. Maya seemed lost. ''Why is he asking that all of a sudden?'' ''Unless...'' "You see...I...Uhhh..." "I was chosen as the Blessed Sage..." I said then chuckled nervously. "Eh?..." Maya gave out a single response. Moreover adding to the fact even she didn''t see iting. "Are you serious?" Maya asked. But when she looked at Noah, it bluntly proved that he wasn''t. "Oh, okay...ummm, just hand me the book I''ll know what to do." Noah justplied, he hesitated at first but put all his trust on Maya. ''I hope shees up with a good speech...not too long or short..'' "Even though I want it short...I''m not one to handle big crowds." "Especially teenagers..." The bus arrived at the Tuition Cube as everyone got off. Noah hadn''t realized it at first but there were even second years on the bus as well. "Don''t they get on earlier than second years?" "If that''s the case, then they are doomed..." Noah thought as he knew thosete to sses recieve punishments around the school. Some even end up being sent to the Ravenwood forest located in the school premises to look for items, such as crystals and herbs. On top of that they have to survive while getting them. Although there was no need to worry, the school could never send anyone past the second closing of the forest. Every single first year student had already arrived and hurriedly made their way to the assembly point. After they had gathered, they began chattering, some excited and others who were tensed after narrowly escaping the magic evaluation passmark. "Talk about almost having a stroke...I got a 41%." One stated. "We''re actually less than we started, don''t you think?" "Yeah, those who had below 40% are at the gate, didn''t you guys see them?" "Oh, wow, Ravenwood is no joke...I better study my ass off." On another side, conversations were flowing. "Who do you guys think is the Blessed Sage?" "Probably that blue-haired girl..." "Amy?" "Yeah, is that her name?" "You guys are delusional, if there''s anyone fit for that title it''s Xander, prove me otherwise." Amy was actually infront of the talking group, she almost fell embarrassed. Not because she couldn''t actually meet their expectations. Or because she felt bad recieving such praises. Sure it felt nice, but to her it hurt in a way. ''I don''t understand what happened...I showcased the best I could and yet I wasn''t chosen to be the Blessed Sage...'' Amy scolded herself. She knew if she had been chosen then it would get her deeper into the good books of her family. Most importantly her father. It was an achievement. One that seemed too easy. And yet...she hadn''t gotten it. For now, she could just wait and watch who took her spot on one of the most favoured positions in the academy. She looked at her watch disying the window as she reviewed again the email she had recieved. --- [Dear Amy Bluerose, Congrattions! We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to serve on the Ravenwood First Years Student Council at Ravenwood Magic Academy. Your exceptional abilities and strong character have not gone unnoticed, and we are confident that you will make a valuable contribution to the council. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will have on our schoolmunity. Sincerely, Headmaster ra Windrider, Ravenwood Magic Academy] --- She gritted a bit, but her mood went up again. To her it was better than nothing. Her eyes then diverted to Xander who was being swarmed by students. Especially females. "So, did you get chosen as the Blessed Sage?" "Gee...I uhh...really can''t say." Xander replied. "Come on you can tell us..." Maya stared at the students and other assistants and then looked at Noah who was infront of her. ''Hmmph...they don''t know he is actually the Blessed Sage...'' Maya thought as she closed her eyes and smirked a bit, almost feeling like a proud mom. All the chatter came to an end when Professor Sharon took the stage as other several individuals followed. "Hey isn''t that the academy''s Headmaster?" Slowly people began speaking in hushed tones. "Ssshh...all she''ll hear you..." A woman with blonde hair that leaned more on white had taken a seat. She looked old and in her youth at the same time. Her face was expressionless as the other professors took their ces standing behind her. ''ra Windrider...'' Noah mumbled. ''One of the strongest mages on this continent atleast.'' Professor Sharon then began addressing the students. "Wee, first years, to Ravenwood Magic Academy. I''m excited to officially wee you as you begin your journey here. Yesterday, you all participated in the magic evaluation test. I want to start by saying that those who scored less than 40% are already at the gate, preparing to leave. If you didn''t pass and are still here hoping to stay, I suggest you leave immediately." "Now, let me exin what the magic evaluation test was really about. Many of you showcased abilities that were explosive and chaotic, focusing mainly on damaging the crystal. However, the true purpose of the test was to measure how much mana you could output. The amount of mana you can output is directly rted to how much mana you can intake. So, while some of you chose the most shy and jaw-dropping spells, it all came down to the amount of mana they cost." "The function of the magic crystal was to measure the amount of mana dealt to it and received by it. A lot of you demonstrated great abilities, but only six individuals truly stood out. Among them, one person climbed higher than the rest." "You know who you are. Please proceed forward..." Everyone was looking around. Most eyes falling to Xander who surprisingly hadn''t began moving. Some thought he was probably shy or had stage fright. Noah on the other hand was busy pondering back to the test. The single ice spell he had cast. ''Most mana output...'' He muttered then it hit him like a brick as he quickly pulled out his status window. There he saw it. [¡öMana: 3] His mana levels had dropped immensely from 200+. Now sitting at only a 3. One more mana output and he would be facing another mana deficiency for a day or two. ''No wonder I couldn''t release the icicle... My hand got colder and began freezing. Only to think that single icicle was draining my mana pool. Sounds moreplicated than I had thought. No wonder it was more powerful than the basic one.'' He thought and paused. ''So that''s the kind of spell he had discovered and developed...'' He thought as Draven''s image shed in his mind. ''But his was different...'' "Ehem...uhhh, Noah...it''s you they''re waiting for..." Maya leaned over Noah''s shoulder to bring him back from his thoughts. "..." "Here''s the speech..." Maya said ripping a piece of paper she had written from in the small book. Noah folded it multiple times and put it in his pocket as he made his way through the crowd. Eyes fell on him, each heavier than thest. Their expressions said it all: "Him? Seriously?" Chapter 21: The Blessed Sage [2] The nces I kept receiving had me on chokehold. I made my way to the podium even though each passing second seemed to get dragged. My eyes darted through the crowd and I could see the other students silent. Others were whispering in each other''s ears. I could already tell what they were saying. "Who is he?..." "Really, they picked him?..." *sigh...I took in continuous deep breaths as I finall took out the piece of paper that Maya had written the speech for me. For some reason as I got ready to speak, my eyes nces directly at Amy. Her gaze was down but then looked up at me. Her teeth were gritted and I could already tell that she was pissed by the whole selection thing. ''Me? Under amoner like him?'' ''Uneptable!'' That was probably what was going through her head. Then I looked at Maya, she smiled at me. And that alone had me feeling warmth despite the cold nces. So I proceeded to skim through the piecw of paper so that I could atleast get an idea. It wasn''t too long or short. "Good morning, everyone... First, I want to say that it''s an honor to stand before you as the Blessed Sage and the head of the first-year student council. I know that these titlese with a lot of responsibility, and I''m ready to take them on." "I''m excited about what this year holds for all of us. We''re all here to grow, to learn, and to push the limits of our magical abilities. But let''s be real¡ªI can''t do this alone. To ensure a smooth and sessful year, I''ll need your full cooperation. That means working together, supporting each other, and staying focused on our goals." "But let me be clear¡ªanyone who thinks they can defy the rules or disrupt our progress will face consequences. I won''t hesitate to enforce what needs to be done to keep things on track. After all, a strong leader knows when to be firm." "And let''s be honest¡ªI didn''te here to be average. I intend to excel, and I expect nothing less from all of you. Together, we can make this a year to remember, but only if we all put in the effort." "Thank you, and let''s make this year one for the books." As Noah paused, a wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Some students whispered to each other, impressed by his confidence. "Did you hear that? He means business," one said. "Who does he think he is, threatening us like that?" another muttered, sounding annoyed. A few nodded in agreement, while others exchanged uneasy nces, realizing that the new head of the council wasn''t one to be taken lightly. "He''s cocky, but maybe he''s got the skills to back it up," someone remarked, half in awe, half in doubt. ''What was Maya thinking while writing this?...'' "I love it." Noah muttered under his breath as he smirked a bit. ''Did he...just grin?'' Amy thought folding her arms in frustration. Noah then continued bringing back everyone from their chatters. "And I tend to uphold the academy''s values and discipline together with my fellow colleagues and students in the First years student council as well..." "Pleasee forward..." Noah was referring to those other individuals selected to be in the students council. For a moment Noah seemed to grin. To other it looked like he was happy to get the title but only he knew the reason. The entire main cast was under an insignificant character like himself. Ofcourse he would grin. Xander Frost, Amy Bluerose, Rn Voss, Seraphina Vale and Ariana Snow made their way to the podium. The sun cast beams on them as they shone with aura clearly befitting their roles as the main characters. And among them was Noah Ashbourne, an extra that couldn''t impact the story in the slightest. --- After the First-year student council was made known to the rest of the students, the assembly ended and we were dimissed. That was after being told we could ess our timetables from the watches. First period and second period ended in an instant. And by the time it was third period,it was already afternoon. I was sitted in ss staring at the pocket watch I had. The sses had been extremely boring and it felt weird and surreal at the same time being back in my school days. One of the reasons was also because I already knew almost entirely everything to do with the sybus. Not all but most. But even if I couldn''t remember all the materials I was capable of recalling the magic concepts in general. Noah sat at the back of the ssroom, staring nkly out the window. He hadn''t been paying attention at all, lost in his own thoughts. The professor, a strict but fair woman named Professor Evelyn Thorne, had just finished exining aplex magic concept. She noticed Noah''s distant gaze and decided to call him out. Chapter 22: The Blessed Sage [3] "Noah Ashbourne," she said, her voice cutting through the quiet room. "Can you exin the principle behind mana discement in elemental fusion?" The question was tough, even for a first-year student, and the room went silent as everyone turned to look at Noah. The other students expected him to struggle, but to their surprise, Noah blinked, thought for a moment, and then calmly responded. "Mana discement in elemental fusion urs when two opposing elements¡ªlike fire and water¡ªare forced to coexist in a single spell. The mana from each element repels the other, creating a neutral zone that stabilizes the spell and prevents it from copsing." Professor Thorne raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Correct, Noah. Well done." She paused, a slight smile on her lips. "But even though you''re the Blessed Sage, I expect you to pay attention in ss." The students burst intoughter, but it was good-natured. Noah just shrugged, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. Professor Thorne waited for the room to quiet down before speaking again. "Being the Blessed Sagees with responsibilities, Noah¡ªtasks that even some of us professors find challenging. Keep that in mind as you continue your studies." With that, she ended the ss, leaving Noah to think about the weight of his new title. ''That I know...but I also know alot about not only the Academy but this world in general...'' Noah thought as he was momentarily brought back to reality by Maya. Maya had been sitted next to him and by the looks of it, she had been writing alot on today''s lesson. ''So much dedication.'' Noah thought. That was the signal for them to leave the Tuition Cube. The journey from the Tuition Cube, to the Town Centre and finally the Manors wa filled with regr nces at Noah. Those who were present at the assembly knew who he was. Although not everyone gave him the respect, most of them were nobles and prestigious family members. "Sigh...I''ll get used to this..." Noah mumbled. After Maya escorted Noah to his dorm room she couldn''t stop but wonder and asked Noah. "Why were you so phased out during the sses?" "Are you feeling okay?" "Something I can do?" Noah smiled at Maya, her beautiful purple eyes glimmering in the lit room. "No I''m okay...I''m just not a ss person" "I prefer teaching myself...don''t worry I''ll go through everything we learned today." "Oh, okay...goodnight Noah." Maya bluntly replied as she left. To Noah the same responses were robotic, he was in a game after all. But he couldn''t shake the feeling that eveb though Maya wasn''t a real character, to him she was alive in a way that he couldn''t exin. After taking a cold shower, Noah was sitted at the desk, pen in his mouth as he leaned and stared at the ceiling. By now it was night time and he couldn''t shake off a certain thought that kept crossing his mind. "Shouldn''t the first act have already began?" Just as he said that there was a sudden ear defeaning scream from across the hallways. There wasmotion as Noah opened the door and looked out. There were other people who had their doors open and were standing outside looking confused as ever. But all that confusion dissappeared in an instant. The walls were smeared with blood and infront of the guy that had let out a scream was a body that seemed lifeless. The body was also drenched in blood. People were gathering around. Faces etched with fear, others almost vomiting. "Someone seek help from outside!" "Any healers around?" "Here, though I''m just a beginner..." "Whatever just check on him and see if he can receive any sort of treatment, close the wounds if possible..." There was panic everywhere. Noah made his way through the crowd as he reached the bloody body. He kneeled and took hold of the arm. "Everyone quiet, it''s Ashbourne..." "Will he be able to heal him?..." "Do I look like I''d know that?..." Then there was silence. Noah felt the arm and finally spoke, "No pulse..." At the same time there was another scream or multiple ones to be exact. "Wait, that seems to being from the Starlight Manor..." "The girls dorm?..." "Just what the hell is happening?" Noah went into his room and came out with a bed sheet which he used to cover the body. Since it was white, it was painted in red as well. "Carry and take him outside at the entrance, the maids will be here in a few minutes." Noah instructed some students. To his surprise they listened to him and did so. "I don''t expect you all to be calm after what has just happened but it''s best to stay in your rooms and stay in until the higher authorities arrive." Noah stated to the others. ''It looks like it has started...'' Noah thought as the system''s screen flickered infront of him. [''First Act: Assassination Of Noble Blood At Ravenwood Manors'' has began!] --- Chapter 23: First Act: Bloodbound Summoning [1] The three constetions that grant blessings and talents. The god of elements The god of swords The god of technique Those were the main ones in the game. Although, there were other small constetions regarding different aspects such as greed, fear, love and such. Then there came a 4th Constetion. A constetion that grew in disciplespared to the others. One that brought misfortune and chaos along with it. The demonic church. A church dedicated to the demonic constetion. It was an organization or cult slowly rising in the shadows. But he hasn''t fully manifested into this world. Reason being there must be Pure Blood being shed. And what blood is more pure than Noble blood. This all traces back in the war between Humans and Demons long ago. The descendants of the Hero are the Noble and Prestigious Families of today. Although I never came to understand how the family tree ever worked. But in every noble house there''s atleast a trace of the Hero''s blood or Pure blood even if it''s a little. A group of students will begin assassinating and killing noble blood around Ravenwood. But that all starts with the dissappearances of students around the campus. Later the bodies will be found dead but in a different sight entirely. Blood smeared into a magic circle ready to summon the demonic god''s presence or atleast a shard of his power. And one of the targets is none other Amy Bluerose. Her cockiness will ofcourse attract attention. That''s how the first act ys out in summary. Although there''s more to it. Noah thought through while sitted in ss as he slightly gazed at Amy who was sitted at the front. "Should I just go ahead and kill the student behind all this...since I know who it is?" Noah mumbled. "No...I can''t interfere with the story''s progression in its early stages." Noah then looked out the window as he saw carriages arriving in the school grounds. ''The Noble families of the two students who were found dead... Two killings happened yesterday night, a girl from the Gregs family and the boy from Vanhordt family. I feel bad for them, but all in all they''re mob characters whose purpose is to drive the story forward. After the incidents yesterday, the maids from moonlight Hall arrived and took the bodies to the infirmary where after all the chaos were pronounced dead. It took a while for the students to return to their rooms but even so it was hard to fall asleep after. The case is still ongoing. Security has been reinforced and they''ve concluded that there are assasins in the school premises. It''s going to be hard to interrogate every student and faculty in Ravenwood so even the higher ups are in a daze and state of not knowing what to do. He watched as the different family members and school faculty members were talking and then the noble families bursting in anger although he couldn''t quite hear what they were saying from where he was. ''They''re probably cursing their lungs out and threatening to sue the school... But there is nothing they can do, there''s a statement in the school''s documents that clearly indicates death mortalities in the academy are inevitable.'' ''For now...the sses will still go on, but in the next 3 days they''ll be put off as the missing cases continue growing.'' After the day''s sses had ended, Noah made his away to a certain room dedicated for the students council members. It wasn''t Noah who had called the meeting but Xander. ''As a hero would do, try to figure out a solution or prevention method for what is happening.'' Noah thought as he sat down near a window. The rest of the members walked in with their assistants as well. "Hello everyone, I know we all just got acquainted but does anyone know what we can do as the student council?" Xander asked. "I agree, even though the case and situation is still new in a way, we should atleast try toe up with something..." Rn pitched in. Noah couldn''t help but wonder. ''I''m really in the same room as the main characters.'' Once again, his mind kept on thinking of ways to kill them all in one go here and now. But he knew all that was impossible. If he did, he''ll have to face the assistants as well. Outside there were the school''s knights. And if he was the only one that survived and came up with a story, the noble families where they came from would not have it. They would ensure his head was cut off or even tortured. Because how can someone like him even though from a count house survive such a cruelty? It wouldn''t make sense. So for now he could just make up his own fantasies. "What do you think Noah?" "You are the Blessed Sage after all..." Xander pointed out. "Tsk..." Amy scoffed then let her head drop. She then looked at Xander and spoke. "You really think he would know what to do?" The room was silent but Ariana spoke up as well. "I mean...no need to be harsh... We''re all in the same situation, unless you have something you can share?" "Even if I did, what makes you think I''d share any information?" Amy was quick to answer. ''Amy...no wonder she was the first main character to fall, her ego can''t even bepared.'' Noah thought. Even though in reality he knew methods to prevent all that was happening. But sharing information would greatly affect the story. And that shouldn''t be the case in the game''s early stages. On top of that where would be the fun in knowing the future and being advantageous? "Uhm...what about you Seraphina?" Xander asked. Seraph didn''t know what to do and just gave a nk response, "sorry, I''m stamped as well." Noah gazed at Seraph for a while and then averted his gaze. ''Liar...'' "For now, I think it''s best to have the students be wary and keen, it might bring about trust issues but there''s nothing we can do." Noah finally spoke. ''Trust issues are also the key to the first acts progression...as in the course of all the panic and chaos some students will begin to kill each other out of doubt and mistrust...'' "Okay, I agree with Noah... If anyone elsees up with something don''t hesitate to share with the others..." "For now we''ll dismiss but I''ll take a visit to the school''s faculty and ask if protection artifacts or magic can be used on the Manors..." "Protection magic?" Rn asked Xander. "Yeah, protection magic that has the Manors closed and a barrier is released after a certain time at night. No one would be able to go in or out until morning hours when the barrier is dropped automatically." "But what if the killer or killers are students in the manors as well?" Amy asked. "Don''t worry, every students room will be closed down as well, noone goes in or out." After that the meeting was dismissed and in the next two days the protection magic worked like a charm. It was almost peaceful and there were no more incidents. Everyone thought it had subsided but the school''s higher ups saw it fit to have the barriers still be used. Xander and Rn helped out especially in strengthening the security and the school took ount of them as they were slowly recognised. But what they didn''t know was that the mastermind behind the killings was aware of the protection magic. And being a student in the magic engineering department they had a way to bypass the magic. And after the second day, the missing rates rose higher and higher. Chapter 24: First Act: Bloodbound Summoning [2] ''First the protection magic will be in effect as usual. Then the act''s mid-level boss will mess with the barrier having it lift only 40%. That way they''ll be able to take more nobles for the summoning. And that''s when the main characters swoop in and try to save the day by fighting a hoard of undead summoned by the first mid-level boss. Following that Amy gets kidnapped...'' Before he continued Noah took in amounts of breath ready to see the first act fully unfold. He had yed it countless times, so why was he feeling off and uneasy. ''If the story alters a bit, I''ll be able toe up with something as we progress...'' As of the moment, Noah didn''t want to alter and mess with the storyline. Atleast the first act alone. Because if it changes even a bit, then Draven won''t appear. ''The actual true protagonist of the game...'' ''So for now, I''ll just watch from the sidelines as the main characters do their thing...only until I''m sure will I act ordingly.'' That was the reason Noah was in his room at the moment. "Where should I put these?" But he wasn''t alone. "Oh just leave them over there..." Noah replied. ''For now, Maya is here to help me... I already gave her instructions on what to doter on if something happens to me. And surprisingly she didn''t ask any questions. I mean it would be strange if someone just randomly begins to tell you what to do and it seeming like he knows what is going to happen. But still, I could tell she had her doubts about all this. But she still chose to listen to me even after she asked a few questions and I answered her. Suddenly the atmosphere and surroundings turned into a purple hue. "The barrier has been activated..." Noah mumbled. ''At the moment everyone will be going through the same routine as thest 2 days. But Unbeknownst to them tonight will be different.'' *** Professor Sharon was standing infront of a shelf returning some books and sitted a few metres from her was another Professor whose name was Jacob. And almost instantly, they all saw in the distance a bright hue of purple light envelope the atmosphere and immediately knew what it was. Professor Sharon looked at the clock on the wall and said, "looks like it''s time..." "Yeah..." Professor Jacob replied. "You think they''re going to be okay?" Professor Sharon asked. "Why do you ask? Compared to thest 2 days you seem...rather concerned and paranoid today." "I mean...there are still missing students especially the first years... Must be tough for them, their first days at Ravenwood turned out to be a nightmare filled with tension." "Wouldn''t you be concerned as well?" Professor Jacob didn''t respond, he knew all too well that was Sharon''s nature. A caring woman who put others before herself. In short, Sharon was a selfless and caring woman that almost all single males in the school faculty admired. "You''re right...but the students who I''m most worried about are the nobles..." Jacob replied. "Why do you say so?", Sharon asked. "Haven''t you noticed...the only students who keep going missing are those from noble families, especially the prestigious families." Sharon didn''t speak but pondered on what Jacob said, as it slowly weighed heavily on her. She could only stare out the window into the distance where the dormitories were located. Sharon made a cross sign with her hands and slowly looked up at the night sky as she slowly muttered. "...may the constetions protect them..." *** Back at the Silverfang Manor(Boy''s dorms) there were sudden screams not long after the protection magic had been activated. Xander was in his room as the door was kicked open forcefully making it shatter in pieces. Xander''s fists glowed a bright blue and so did his eyes. He was warry and the only thought running through his mind was, "Did they decide toe after me?" He was ready and took a stance as a figure stepped in. To his surprise it was Rn. His shirt was half unbuttoned, red tie loosely tied and clothes were dirty from all the dust and debris. "Crap, you scared..." Xander eximed. "And why the hell did you knock down my door." "No, question is...how did you break it down...isn''t the barrier up?" "Yeah it is, but it''s weak..." Xander didn''t need any rification as it was visible, the barrier did seem to glitch and waver. "But that doesn''t matter, I need your help to atleast find the missing students who were recently taken." Rn said. "So that''s what the screams were...should we get the other council members?" Xander asked. "If they''re really council members they would be out now as well..." Xander moved out the door and looked at the stairs that led upwards. He then noticed what seemed to be a blood trail leading up the stairs. "Come one this way, they were probably taken to the top floors." "What? That doesn''t make any sense...if all the missing students were at the top wouldn''t we have found them by now?" Rn asked. "We should atleast go check ,don''t you think...I mean the blood trail speaks for us." Xander stated. Xander and Rn cautiously ascended to the next floor, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit hallway. The pressure quickly shifted and was different. But it didn''t overwhelm them too much. As they reached the top, they froze. A hooded figure stood in the middle of the corridor, sses perched on his nose, hiding his eyes. It was a fellow student, but something felt off. "You should return to your room," Xander said, his voice tense. "It''s not safe here." The figure simply smiled, a cold and unsettling grin spreading across his face. Then, his eyes glowed red behind the sses. "You two won''t be going anywhere," he said, his voice dripping with malice. He pointed at Rn. "I can smell pure blood. Are you a noble?" Rn didn''t answer, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. Without a word, he dashed forward in a blur, driving his sword straight into the figure''s stomach. But instead of stopping him, the force of the attack sent both of them crashing through the nearby window. They fell, the wind rushing past them as they plummeted through the night sky. Panic began to creep into Rn''s heart as he looked at the figure beside him. The figure''s sses were shattered, revealing eyes that glowed with an eerie red light. But what terrified Rn the most was the blood flowing from the figure''s eyes, not as tears, but as something far more sinister. "What the..." Was all Rn could mutter. The figure smiled again, the crimson streaks staining his face, as they continued their descent into the darkness. Chapter 25: First Act: Bloodbound Summoning [3] "What the hell is happening outside?!" "Heyyyy! Is someone out there?.... Anyone?" "Mama never told me the academy would be like this..." "I''m not returning next semester, because this is fucked up..." "I just want to liiive!" Student were in their rooms shouting their hearts out as they looked out the windows. Atleast those on the right wing. What they saw down there was frightening and unexinable. Although it wasn''t something that wasn''t possible. "...what the hell are those..." One of the students on the right or west wing of the Silverfang Manor asked particrly to noone staring out the window. Below there were what seemed to be undead skeletons roaming around with different weapons. As the student stared outside he suddenly saw what seemed to be shes and glimmering of a de of some sort. And after the glimmer dissipated some of the skeletons shattered in pieces others skulls flying off. Then he saw the source and reason behind such incredible speed. A boy with brown hair and brown eyes that glowed like a predators under the moonlight or rather in the lc atmosphere. "Is that thest of them?" Rn asked. Xander instantly appeared next to Rn his fists letting off smoke. "I think so..." Xander replied his eyes still glowing blue. Not long ago they had encountered a student who looked like he had loose wires in his head. The student wearing sses and maintained a psychopathic look and grin on his face. Rn was able to feel the immense blood lusting from him. To top it off, his system confirmed the situation with a message. [¡öImmense Bloodlust detected!] That alone was enough to have Rn move ready to strike without needing to think. If he could do it quickly, then it wouldn''t matter in the long run. But to his dismay the force had both of them crush through the window all the way from the top. By the time they hit the ground, Rn had seen it. And came to a conclusion that this wasn''t a student but a different being entirely. His eyes were a bright bloody red and blood was flowing from his eyes. Rn acted fast and took hold of the figure to act as his cushion to the fall. With a loud thud that caused dust to rise in the air, both hadnded. But even with the figure acting as a cushion for Rn he still injured his legs a bit from the impact and by the time he was getting up the figure had already appeared infront of him. The figure had ws and was ready to attack. "Sweet noble blood...PURE BLOOD!!" "I can already taste it, it''s reeking off you!" Rn looked up and then shed a smile. "Smiling?...I guess you''ve epted your fate...join us in bringing his power upon this world..." The rogue student rejoiced. With another defeaning crush a blownded on the figure''s face and even Rn could feel bones breaking. From the debris and dust arose Xander his fists engulfed in fire. Rn had seen him burst through the window all the way from the top as he crossed his arms to shield himself from the ss. Xander went to help Rn get up. After they were both on their feet, the figure had gotten up as well seemingly unbothered by the spiralling blow he had recieved. His left side of the face was smooshed inside, jaw loose, broken teeth and the meat on the cheek bone hanging. The left side of his hair was burnt off revealing his scalp as if he had recieved a clean shave from Xander''s burning fists. The figure then snapped the jaw back in ce as he spat blood. Without saying anything he rose in the air and was engulfed in green aura that blended wlessly with the purple hue that flickered and glitched. Threerge magic circles materialized in the air and without warning beings began appearing. Skeletons also known as the undead. "A summoner?..." Rn muttered. "...pretty sure it''s necromancy..." Xander stated. But the two didn''t pay much attention as they both got closer to each other. Back to back. Xander and Rn looked at each other and then nodded. As if agreeing Xander to fight the undead and Rn to handle the rogue student. Xander smiled as if he had taken apletely different personality. He dashed forward, dodging the attacks wlessly andnded hits that were defeaning. Rn on the other hand took hold of his sword tightly and moved up ready to swing. ''I can tell he is not good atbat or close range fights...if I close in the gap I''ll be able to overpower him.'' Rn thought. "...unless-" His words were cut short as a magic circle appeared infront of him and an undead jumped out of it. "...called it, unless he summons more." He immediately shed through the skeleton as it exploded in what seemed to be green smoke that blinded his path. Without warning he was attacked through the smoke by the rogue student who continued smiling. Theynded and the rogue student grinned widely whilst pinning Rn and proceeded to lick blood off of Rn''s neck. Rn jolted. "Aaaah...Pervert!" He was ufortable and hit the rogue student with the swords handle. Chapter 26: First Act: Bloodbound Summoning [4] ''Even for a skilled summoner like him he is short on mana levels...'' Rn thought. So it was his chance to strike as he now pinned the rogue student to the ground. "Where are the missing students?" Rn chose to ask only to be left with a grin and no answer. The rogue srudent had nothing to loose so he just pointed at the top of the Starlight Manor(girl''s dorm) and said, "There''s no way the two of you are going to make it all the way there...it''s already toote..." Whilstughing, a red beam shot from the Starlight manor into the night sky. Everyone that was in the school grounds was able to see it. It was almost impossible not to notice it. Rn just clenched his teeth and ran the de through the rogue student''s neck. Its breathing was momentarily stopped. Rn was able to take a nce of a red glow from the rogue students forehead. He brushed what was left of his hair revealing a line that was designed with what seemed to be runic symbols that dissipated. The mark dissappeared like ashes in the wind as the body''s original state was reverted. Apart from not being hideous the dead body was normal although the damages remained. Ryaln didn''t feel remorse of any sort as he hurried to help Xander. But when he got there, the rest of the skeletons blew up into green smoke andpletely dissappeared. "Is that thest of them?" Rn asked. Xander instantly appeared next to Rn his fists letting off smoke. "I think so..." Xander replied his eyes still glowing blue. "Come on no time to waste we must head up to the top of the Starlight Manor..." Rn stated. "The girls dormitories?..." Xander eximed. "It doesn''t matter dipshite on..." Rn said as they rushed towards starlight manor. *** ''By now...Rn and Xander should have been done with the mid-level boss and the undead summons... If I''m correct they should be at the top now...'' Noah thought then continued. ''Meaning Xander already saved Amy and all the five of the main characters are now subjugating the final boss at the top of Starlight manor...'' Noah thought as he climbed the stairs. He and Maya who was next to him had made their way to Starlight manor. ''As the Blessed Sage and head of the First-year student council I must be present...'' ''That was what I told Maya to drive away and sort of suspicions of me leaving the Silverfang Manor...'' Noah thought. For now all that mattered was the story progressing perfectly than he had thought. He was actually impressed and taken aback. Noah and Maya took a corner where they found Xander and Rn and by the looks of it Xander was hurt. There was one more person with them... Ariana Snow. She was taking care of Xander and trying to heal him. Noah rushed forward only to find Xander''s stomach bleeding. His eyes widened. ''...why is Ariana here...she should be at the top and same goes for Xander and Rn.'' Noah then looked around and the realization hit him hard. "Where is Amy?" Noah asked. Maya had moved next to Ariana to help her heal Xander. Rn was the one to answer Noah. "By the time we got here...we found Amy being taken forcefully..." "Her guard and assistant were knocked out...and maids from Moonlight Hall weren''t able to get into Starlight Manor because of the barrier." Rn paused to make sure Noah had it all. "We tried fighting the rogue students who were taking her but Xander got caught off guard... When we got to him the rogues had taken Amy to the top..." Rn concluded. "And you didn''t go after her?" Noah snapped. He was frustrated, things were heading in apletely different route than he had expected. All because Xander got hurt, he wasn''t going to be able to save Amy. Noah then looked at the barrier leading to the top stairs. It flickered and he immediately jumped through it. The protection magic that was messed with and tweaked had the barriers go off and on at intervals and he saw the opportunity to go through. Each door and entrance including the stairs to a different floor had a barrier. And the next time the barriers would go off again was in 30 minutes. If he hadn''t jumped then they would be stuck at that floor for 30 minutes. By the time the barrier went off again it would be toote. Amy would''ve been killed and sacrificed by then. "Wait here for 30 minutes...when the barrier flickers again, jump through...all of you and head to the top..." Noah stated to the others. "And what about you...?" Ariana asked. "Since I''m the only one through the barrier to the top, I''ll have to rescue Amy myself..." Noah replied. They didn''t ask anything else as they watched Noah bolt up the remaining stairs to the top. Maya had rushed but was stopped by the barrier. All she could do was watch and hope that Noah will be okay. *** "...Shit, shit, SHIT!" Noah shouted as he bolted up the stairs taking off his ck zer. "Everything is going wrong...it''s up to me to save Amy for now..." "If Amy dies, then he won''t appear and the storyline will bepletely screwed..." "Without the TRUE PROTAGONIST...the entire game world will copse!" Chapter 27: First Act: Bloodbound Summoning [5] The beam that shot into the sky was visible from all corners of the academy. "What the-" Professor Sharon eximed. Professor Jacob who was sitted hurriedly rushed next to her as they peered through the window to fully take sight of the huge red beaming from the top of Starlight Manor. "...aren''t those the students dormitories?" Jacob asked. "It is, somethings e one." Sharon eximed as she dashed out the door of the staff offices. Jacob followed closely. "Where are the other professors and most importantly guards!?" Jacob asked. "It doesn''t matter, we should atleast be the ones to get there and deal with what''s happening!" Sharon replied clenching her teeth. Making their way out of the Tuition Cubepletely they were now running through trees and shrubs. At this rate there was no way they were going to make it to the dormitories let alone the town centre that was miles ahead. Whilst running Sharon tied her orange hair in a ponytail as a being materialized before her. Something that seemed to be arge Owl. But Jacob knew all too well what it was. Ofcourse he would, he had seen it countless times. Spirit summoning. And at the moment Sharon had summoned her most trusted one. It was orange and fiery in nature almost like a hybrid between an owl and a phoenix. The owl spirit was opaque and transparent in a way as it spread its massive wings that stretched across trees. Sharon climbed on and immediately took hold of Jacob''s cor. "Hop on...hurry." Sharon said as the owl took off to the sky. Jacob was hanging and single-handedly being held by Sharon by his shirt cor. Sharon strained. But Jacob took hold of some feathers and used wind magic to kick himself off the air and onto the owl''s back. Hey there breathing heavily. Only to notice that he was on top of Sharon. For a moment he could swear that Sharon''s face had turned red but the embarrassment drove him to quickly get off her. Both didn''t say a word. Jacob dusted some feathers off him that dissappeared into magic dust. "I don''t know what is going on, but I can tell that red beam isn''t just a party light show..." Sharon stated. Jacob adjusted his sses and pushed back his blonde hair. He squinted his eyes into the distance that after a while they widened. "...wait the aura leaking out of there?" Jacob stated. "What about it?", Sharon asked only for Jacob to keep quiet. "Do you know something?.... Jacob!" Jacon snapped back but his eyes were almost dry staring into the distance. They were making their way closer and closer to the Ravenwood manors. When the owl arrived metres from the Starlight Manor Professor Sharon was able to make out two figures at the top. One was dangling and the other was trying to hold on to the one who was about to fall. The one helping was a boy with jet ck hair that ttered in the air, his teeth were clenched. The shirt he was wearing was torn in pieces and bloody at certain ces especially the arms. The red academy tie he was wearing was surprisingly still intact, just loosely tied and pping wildly through the intense wind. The other figure dangling was wearing a ck hoodie. The hood dropped from its head and revealed long lustrous hair that ttered in the air as well. Red hair and eyes of a simr colour that glowed intensely. Sharon wasn''t able to make out who the girl was but she could tell who the boy was. Without warning, the girl plummeted down. To Sharon it seemed as if the boy had let go of the girl''s arm on purpose. Further and further down, the girl was eventually going to make her way to the ground. But they all knew it would be the end of her. What awaited was nothing but Death! "Kase...move down, we need to catch her!" Sharon instructed her spirit owl. "Roger that!" The owl responded but could only be heard by professor Sharon who was the contract holder. With one swift motion, the owl swooped downwards. Faster and faster. Jacob who seemed like it was his first time flying on a spririt animal could only hold on tightly as the hush wind pped his face. Jacob tried to hold his sses but it got swept by the wind. He looked back to see where it had fallen but couldn''t tell. All he could do was hope that at such a perilous time, he would be able to see clearly. Recing them wasn''t an issue, he would do it once everything was taken care off and peace was restored. But first, catching the falling student was top priority as of the moment. The owl swooped down and Sharon was ready to catch her. "...just a bit closer..." Inches to the ground Sharon caught her by the hoodie she was wearing but the force and momentum made her hit her head on the ground. Sharon hopped off Kase and gently held the girl. Pushing back her hair she could see blood streaming down the girls forehead and even covering her eyes. "...no...no, no, NO!" Sharon muttered. She felt the girl''s arm only to find no impulse, on top of that the girl''s body was getting colder and colder. Jacob got off Kase and hurried next to Sharon. Sharon gazed up at Jacob and slowly shook her head. He didn''t want rification it was evident. The red haired girl was dead. Professor Sharon''s gaze shifted back to the top as an explosion of immense red energy Went off. The result caused a massive wind that had them cover their eyes from the dust and debris. Suddenly the air was chill and cold with what seemed to be snowkes in the air. But it was different, the snowkes were red. Sharon looked up again and muttered under her breath. "...Noah, what have you done?..." *** [2 Minutes Earlier] "Come on everyone...just a few more steps." Ariana said as she looked back to see Rn and Noah''s assistant helping Xander up the stairs. It wasn''t too long ago that the barrierpletely went off and now they had to head up as Noah had said. They reached the door and Ariana opened it. As soon as she did, there was a sudden explosion of energy that caused a mighty wind. It had them hold on to the rails intensely. With all they had they forced their way in and stepped through the door. Ariana noticed a blue haired girl whose eyes were teared up on the floor. Her expression was one of fear and confusion. Noticing her she hurried to her side "Amy..." Rn, Maya and Xander made their way to the top as well. Theyy Xander by a wall who had passed out some minutes ago due to severe bleeding. The red beam that was still causing intense wind died down and was no longer there. It hadpletely dissipated. But what it left made all 4 quiver in fear. Ariana who couldn''t take in the pressure immediately vomited as she dropped to the ground. All 4 looked up to see a being. A being who wore the academy''s white shirt and red tie. But what caught their attention were the two holographic like red horns on his forehead. On top of that there were two wide red icy wings protruding from his back. He was suspended mid air, a massive red magic circle etched and glowing below him. The air was cold and chilly with Ariana noticing red snowkes in the air. All they could do was widen their eyes in fear whilst sweating. Then as if in sync, all 4 of their systems appeared at once disying the same message. [Ding!] [¡öHidden Act: Defeat and Subjugate the partial embodiment of the Demon Constetion!] [¡öDemonic Disciple: Noah Ashbourne!] [¡öDifficulty: ???] --- Chapter 28: Hidden Act: Subjugation Of The Final Boss [1] [30 Minutes Earlier] "No...everything is all wrong!" Noah eximed while running and making his way to the top floor where a door stared at him. He opened it and what he saw through almost entirely made him feel like throwing up. Arge magic circle was etched at the floor glowing in a vibrant red. ''There''s no doubt that they''re trying to summon the demon constetion power upon this world...atleast a part of it.'' Noah thought as his gaze shifted to a sole being levitating above the magic circle. Around him were the missing noble students but the reason that made Noah feel like throwing up was the fact that the students were headless. Worst of all they were upside down and hands stretched as blood trickled from their necks and made contact with the red magic circle. Every drop made the magic circle glow in and out. The floating dead and headless bodies that were upside down formed what looked like an upside down cross. The figure standing in the middle wore a rob and it was hard to tell it''s facial features. Noah could see that the figure was holding a book that glowed in red as well, it''s mouth moving like inciting an incarnation. ''The unspoken constetion...Demonic constetion. It''s not like it was forbidden to use the blessings recieved from him, but rather that humans weren''t capable of holding the immense power that came with being chosen by the demonic constetion. With time it was realised that people would experience uncurable diseases, premature deaths and others would go berserk solely driven by their inner desires. Unlike the other constetions, the demonic constetion cannot choose its disciples, unless summoned and a sacrifice is made that it''ll only choose you. But in return you have to say goodbye to your body and ept that you will die soon enough. Either a slow death which is usually from gaining a small potion of the demon god''s power or a sudden death from gues, cmities or going berserk and haywire. That''s the selfish nature of such a constetion. Even with such situations and despite being given warnings, there are people who still choose to follow the demon god as their constetion. Such people are those with burning desires for something that want it achieved instantly. Growth in power and blessings from the big three constetions usually takes time and needs nurturing alot. Where else with the demon god, power is given instantly without waiting, but at the cost of risking your body. That''s why it was not encouraged. The Church of the demon god exists, just in the veil of shadows, unseen and unrecognizable by the public. Soon enough it''ll grow to a point the other constetion followers won''t be able to restrict or restrain them. And that will all begin with a cult within the walls of Ravenwood Academy.'' While Noah recalled the game''s details and knowledge he knew that didn''t matter as of now. Those were future scenarios, what mattered at the moment was prevent Amy from being killed for the summoning. Noah looked around and noticed a girl with blue hair being surrounded with what seemed to be corrupted rogue students who acted as minions. He knew they were the ones instructed to kidnap the students with pure blood after stealing documents from the school faculty. The documents contained every students personal details even the house and family they were from. Noah decided to call the system to see if there was any sort of advantage he would gain. Even if he knew future scenarios, there were moments like this whereby he would have to use his raw strength, let alone magic and his wits. He looked at his mana reserve and realised that he would have to use magic spells that didn''t consume too much mana. [Mana: 567] But even so, he knew basic spells that were fed with more mana were lethal. As much as he tried to ignore the system''s remarks his eyes still drifted to the sneering message it gave. [¡öFinal Remark: Noah, let''s be honest here: if you somehow survive this, it will be nothing short of a miracle. And by miracle, I mean a stroke of your unparalleled, sky-high... oh wait, you have no real strengths. Never mind. Actually, scratch that. If you do make it through, it''ll be purely thanks to your "impressive" luck stat. You might just trip over something and dodge danger by ident. Either way, don''t get used to this feeling of hope ¡ª it''s probably a glitch] Noah sighed and almost immediately stretched his right arm. With a swift motion an icicle shot from his hand and pierced one of the rogues. Instantly they all turned their heads. "...guess I got their attention..." Noah muttered. They all began moving towards him in a coordinated motion, their red eyes glimmering in the night. Noah stood in the dim light of the night, his breath turning into a cold fog as an ice spear materialized in his hand. His eyes glowed a deep blue, matching the eerie weapon that pulsed with energy, draining arge portion of his mana. Across from him, three corrupted students sneered, their eyes filled with malice. Without wasting a second, Noahunched a barrage of icicles from his palm, aiming straight at them. The sharp shards of ice whistled through the air, but the rogue students dodged and countered with bursts of dark magic and brute force. One mmed a fist into Noah''s side, sending him staggering back, and he coughed, blood trickling from his lips. He retaliated with the spear, slicing at one of the students, but the spear missed its mark, and another student struck his arm with a fire spell, burning through his shirt and leaving his skin seared. Noah gritted his teeth, freezing the wound with his remaining mana, the blue ice crawling over his body like armor. His body was now covered in patches of cold blue ice, shimmering in the night. The battle turned in the favor of the corrupted students. Noah was bleeding, hurt, and his clothes were torn. Yet, even as blood dripped from his mouth and pain spread through his body, his appearance was hauntingly beautiful. His cold breath lingered in the air, his blue eyes glowing with a glimmer of defiance, and the icy blue covering parts of his body made him look ethereal, despite the pain he felt. He wobbled slightly, struggling to stay on his feet. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he wanted to give up. The exhaustion was unbearable, and his body screamed for rest. [Ding!] The system''s voice chimed in, mocking as always. [¡ö System Message: Your mana is below 2. You have triggered Mana Deficiency. You will be unable to use mana until a specific time period has passed. Good luck... You''re going to need it.] Noah cursed under his breath, feeling utterly vulnerable. His mana was gone, his body was falling apart, and he was defenseless. Just when he thought he couldn''t hold on any longer, something unexpected happened. The corrupted students suddenly froze, their bodies convulsing. Then, in a horrifying instant, their heads exploded, spraying blood everywhere. Noah watched in shock as the blood from their bodies was pulled into the magic circle nearby, fully activating it. And then, silence. Noah knelt feeling exhausted. He had prevented Amy from being killed but now things were going to be worse. Chapter 29: Hidden Act: Subjugation Of The Final Boss [2] Amy was knelt as well, shuddering and feeling a pang of embarassment as she muttered under her breath. "...I''ve trained inbat and magic as well, atleast I should be able to protect myself...but I couldn''t. Why? Why do I feel this way? Infront of...him, I feel so vulnerable and weak despite being ahead...why?" Amy said as she gazed at Noah whose hair was flowing wlessly in the night wind, his cold breathsing out in coordinated intervals. The spear he held shattered in pieces that glimmered as they fell, like ss shards. She watched as his head slumped and then looked up at the sky. Her eyes were blurry from the tears so her vision wasn''t clear. Noah then stood up and took in deep breaths and then rushed to the ritual and summoning ce direction. "The other main characters won''t be here soon and by the time the barrier goes off and they do get here, it might be toote...the demonic constetion''s power will already have ascended too early than expected in the game''s storyline." "In the original game, Xander and the others get in here in time just as the boss was in the process of summoning and put an end, therefore fighting without the figure even gaining any amount of demonic power..." "But if they were to do so after the summoning, it would lead to a bad ending, they''ll fail and die and the game would end at that..." "And by the looks of it, it doesn''t look like Amy is in any condition or shape to fight... which only leaves me to the work..." Noah couldn''t tell why but he was driven to do so. He would just leave at that, it did mean putting an end to the main characters like he wanted...but that would also lead to his death as well without no way of returning, heck he didn''t even know if there was actually a way to return. For now surviving was all that mattered for him. He wanted to live and he would make sure of it. Noah rushed and jumped straight at the figure pinning it on the ground. He was bloodied and vision blurry as he finally took a nce at the figure. His eyes spoke of confusion as he looked at a girl with red hair and eyes of the same colour. "...Seraph?" ''How? how is Seraph the final boss of the first act?'' ''It was supposed to be a male character, an insignificant third-rate viin that only aided in the growth of the main characters and brought them together...'' ''So why was Seraph the one doing the summoning?'' Noah thought but at the same time as he thought about it it answered his question on why during all that happened, Seraphina wasn''t around at all. "...Seraph was the one behind this all along..." Was he the one that had caused such a significant change in the storyline? It couldn''t be him, he was sure of it. So why? Seraph pushed Noah away in an attempt to recover the book and return to the summoning. The dead bodies were still feeding blood to the magic circle so in time it didn''t matter. The demon god''s power would descend. All that was needed was a vessel. Noah struggled and pinned Seraph again as they continued doing so, getting on top of the other in intervals as they finally rolled and reached the edge. Seraph slipped and was now dangling on the edge. Noah was quick to catch Seraph but only by the hand. Noah could feel her hand slipping and him loosing his grip. Seraph looked up at Noah with teared eyes before pronouncing, "I...I don''t want to die..." She sobbed for a minute or two while dangling before continuing. "This shouldn''t have happened...it was because of her...that orange haired girl..." Before she could finish Seraph was now airborne and falling. Her eyes wide open streaming with tears that hovered in the air like falling rain. Noah gazed at her...he couldn''t tell what he was feeling. Was he the one that let go? Or was she the one that did? If he was the one that let go of her shouldn''t he be feeling guilty or atleast a pang of remorse? Why then was he...smiling? Noah looked at his hands...he had led one of the main characters to her death. He rubbed his face as it was stained with blood and the smile faded. Noah then began moving backwards and before he knew it, he had stepped into the magic circle that glowed and red energy exploded. [Ding!] The system chimed again, this time with a tone Noah had never heard before¡ªalmost sinister, yet eerily calm. [¡öThe Demon Constetion has chosen you.] Noah''s heart pounded, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He could barely process what was happening. [¡ö System Message: The Hidden Act will now begin] Noah stared at the glowing text in disbelief, feeling as though the ground beneath him had just disappeared. The real nightmare was only just beginning. Noah''s body began to rise into the air, lifted by an unseen force as crimson energy swirled around him like a storm. His ragged breaths were consumed by the growing red aura, and suddenly, jagged red icicles burst from the ground, towering and glowing with a sinister light. Two wings of shimmering red ice emerged from his back, their form ethereal yet sharp. They were not stiff or heavy but light and flexible, moving with an eerie grace. The wings fluttered gently, casting a blood-red glow around him, their translucent edges razor-sharp yet beautiful in their deadly elegance. Red horns appeared above his head¡ªnot connected to his forehead but floating just above, as though suspended by the very energy enveloping him. The horns glowed faintly, mirroring the ethereal crimson of his wings. His transformation was both terrifying and mesmerizing. His pale skin contrasted sharply with the red aura, and his once blue eyes now burned with an unearthly crimson light, shimmering with power. His features remained soft yet intense, almost angelic despite the demonic transformation. Every curve, every glow, and every pulse of energy surrounding him spoke of an otherworldly beauty¡ªan intoxicating blend of grace and menace. Noah, with blood still dripping from the corner of his lips and his body encased in this radiant red energy, was a vision of haunting beauty. He looked both divine and dangerous, like a figure from a dream turned nightmare, suspended in midair with power beyondprehension. Instantly the door to the top burst open and there they stood. Noah recognized them, the game''s main characters. He knew they were here to stop the boss and put an end to the nightmare. But he couldn''t help but wonder how they were going to react to him being the final boss. It didn''t matter for now, they are supposed to grow in strength by fighting the boss and advancing further. The system then chimed in again. [Ding!] [¡öNew Quest] [¡öThe Hidden Act has began, as the Final Boss defeat those who stand in your way and fully manifest the demon god''s power upon this world!] Noah couldn''t bring himself to resist, to be honest even he didn''t know what or how he was feeling at the moment. Only thing he could do was ept the quest. "For now...I''m no longer Noah the Blessed Sage..." "I am the first act''s final boss...Demonic Disciple-Ashbourne..." Chapter 30: Hidden Act: Subjugation Of The Final Boss [3] Noah''s eyes glowed with an eerie red hue as the power of the demonic disciple surged through his veins. The air around him pulsed with a dark energy, his body encased in a red aura that flickered like mes. Across from him stood Rn Voss, sword drawn, eyes narrowed with determination. Rn charged forward, his sword gleaming under the dim light of the arena. Noah stood still, waiting. In the blink of an eye, Rn was upon him, his sword slicing through the air. But Noah sidestepped effortlessly, the de missing him by inches. Rn didn''t stop. He swung again, faster, more desperate. But each strike was met with a casual dodge, a minimal movement from Noah as though he was toying with him. A smirk crept across Noah''s face. He could feel Rn''s frustration, his desperation growing. Noah raised his hand, fingers curling in the air, and whispered, "[Constetion''s Insight]." In an instant, the system in his mind disyed Rn''s stats, weaknesses, and strengths. Noah''s smile widened as he focused on Rn''s stamina bar¡ªit was already halfway depleted. He knew Rn''s swordsmanship relied on speed and precision, but speed required energy. And Rn was running out of it. Noah raised his arm, his hand enveloped in a chilling red mist, and with a flick of his wrist, a barrage of red icicles shot toward Rn. Rn barely had time to react, raising his sword just in time to deflect the iing shards. But the force sent him stumbling back, his feet sliding across the stone floor. He gritted his teeth and lunged forward again, his de aiming for Noah''s side. Noah raised his arm again, blocking the de with his forearm, but instead of the expected sh of metal against flesh, Rn''s sword collided with something solid. Red ice. Rn''s eyes widened in shock. Noah''s entire abdomen and chest were covered in a thick te of red ice, almost like armor. Rn pushed forward, putting all his strength into his strike, and managed to crack the ice slightly. But as his sword cracked the ice, it shattered in his hands, the de splintering into pieces. Rn staggered back, breathless, staring at the broken remnants of his weapon. Noah chuckled softly, looking down at the small crack in his ice armor, then back up at Rn. Rn''s chest heaved with heavy breaths, his body trembling with exhaustion. Noah''s system activated again, showing Rn''s stamina bar¡ªit was almost empty now. Rn took a shaky step back, but his legs were weak, barely able to hold him up. Noah''s demonic power surged again, the red aura around him growing darker, more intense. His mana levels were higher than ever, his physical attributes enhanced beyond normal human limits. He could feel the power coursing through him, and it felt intoxicating. Noah lifted his hand, summoning another wave of red icicles, this time aiming directly at Rn''s chest. Rn raised his arms in a feeble attempt to shield himself, but he knew it wouldn''t be enough. The shards mmed into Rn, sending him flying backward, crashing into the stone wall behind him. He groaned in pain, slumping to the ground, his vision blurring. Noah walked toward him slowly, each step deliberate, savoring the moment. Rn struggled to push himself up, but his body refused to obey. His arms trembled, his legs felt like lead. He nced down at his hands, bloodied and trembling. His body was at its limit. Noah stopped in front of him, looking down at his broken opponent. Rn didn''t move or say anything. He just stared up at Noah, his breathing shallow, his eyes filled with a mix of defiance and defeat. Noah raised his hand onest time, the red aura swirling around his fingers, ready to deliver the final blow. But then, something flickered in Noah''s mind. The system chimed in, a message appearing in his vision. [Target''s stamina: critically low.] He already knew Rn was done. The fight had been decided the moment Noah tapped into his demonic power. Noah took a deep breath, feeling the cold fog escape his lips, the air around him chilling. His body was beautiful in this form, his skin pale, his eyes glowing with an unnatural red light. Noah knew he looked every bit the demonic disciple he had be. His appearance was terrifying yet mesmerizing. He stared down at Rn, who was barely conscious, his body broken and exhausted. Noah lowered his hand. There was no need for a final attack. Rn couldn''t fight anymore. The battle was over. Chapter 31: He Of Moral Virtues Rny there, his breath shallow, every muscle in his body aching. His vision flickered as he stared up at Noah, the demonic figure looming over him like a shadow from a nightmare. The red wings that spread behind Noah were a sharp contrast to the cold, starry night, glowing faintly with a dark, unnatural light. In the silence, Rn''s thoughts began to spiral. Memories from a life he had tried to leave behind came rushing back, one after another. He remembered the halls of the Voss estate¡ªcold, vast, and filled with the sound of shing swords. His brothers were always training, always pushing themselves harder, stronger, faster. And he was right there with them, though never quite enough in their eyes. "You''re weak," Grant, his eldest brother, had spat at him once. "Power in this world isn''t given to you. It has to be taken." Rn had heard those words so many times, they had almost lost their meaning. Almost. And yet, lying here, defeated, Noah''s overwhelming strength on full disy, those words stung him more than ever. Had his brothers been right? Had his entire belief in moral strength and hard work been wrong? His father''s image shed in his mind¡ªcold and indifferent, always watching, always distant. The man had never once shown approval, never once given Rn a nod of recognition, no matter how hard he trained. His father only acknowledged results, and to him, Rn had always been a disappointment. "Power must be taken," his father had said once, the words ringing through Rn''s mind like a bell. "Those who hesitate are left behind, passed by those hungry for it." Rn had hated those words. He had hated the idea that power was something to be stolen, something to be seized without regard for anything else. But now, here he was, broken and bleeding, his body barely able to move. And Noah, the one who should have been his ally, his peer, had tapped into something far darker and more powerful than Rn could ever have imagined. The demonic energy that surrounded Noah was suffocating, oppressive. It was a power that Rn could never hope to match¡ªnot with his own strength, not with his own ideals. "Was I wrong?" Rn whispered to himself, barely able to hear his own voice over the ringing in his ears. "Have I been a fool this whole time?" He thought of his mother. Her gentle face, her soft smile, her words of encouragement. "Hard work pays," she had always told him. "Talent and hard work, together, are unstoppable. But neverpromise your values, Rn... There are things more important than power..." Those words had been his guiding light for as long as he could remember. But now, as hey on the ground, beaten and broken, he couldn''t help but wonder if she had been wrong. "Power must be taken," his brothers had always said. He remembered the day Grant had been given the ring¡ªthe Voss family ring, the symbol of their power. It had glowed with a faint, eerie light, amplifying Grant''s abilities tenfold. Rn had watched as his brothers recieved the same magical items and became unstoppable, wielding power that Rn could only dream of. But the power came with a cost. The rings were cursed, their power drawn from the demon constetion, a forbidden force that corrupted the soul. Rn had rejected the ring when it had been offered to him, swearing to his mother''s memory that he would never use such tainted power. But now, lying here, feeling the life drain from him, he couldn''t help but wonder if he had made the wrong choice. "Maybe they were right," Rn thought bitterly, his vision growing darker. "Maybe power is all that matters in this world. And maybe... I''ve wasted my life chasing an impossible dream." He thought back to all the times his brothers had mocked him, their words cutting deeper than any sword ever could. "You''re so ipetent and foolish," Erik, his second-eldest brother, had once said, his voice dripping with disdain. "This world doesn''t care about your morals. Power is the only thing that matters. And you? You''ll never have it by taking that path...everyone knows that''s how the world works." Rn had tried to ignore them, had tried to prove them wrong through sheer determination and effort. But no matter how hard he worked, it had never been enough. His brothers had always been stronger, faster, more ruthless. And now, looking up at Noah, Rn couldn''t shake the feeling that maybe they had been right all along. He had followed the path of morality, of hard work and honor, but where had it gotten him? Lying on the floor, barely able to breathe, staring up at a former ally who had tapped into a power that Rn had sworn never to use. "Maybe I was wrong," Rn whispered, his voice cracking. "Maybe...mother was wrong." The thought was like a dagger to his heart. His mother had been the only one who had ever believed in him, the only one who had ever told him that there was another way. But now, as hey on the ground, watching Noah''s demonic aura swirl around him like a storm, Rn couldn''t help but feel that everything she had taught him had been a lie. The Voss family had thrived on power, on strength, on taking what they wanted without hesitation. His brothers had embraced the darkness, had used the cursed rings to make themselves stronger. And what had Rn done? He had clung to his morals, to his mother''s ideals, believing that hard work and talent were enough. But maybe they weren''t. Rn''s thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice calling his name. "Rn... Rn, are you okay?" He blinked, his vision clearing slightly as he turned his head to the side. Ariana was kneeling beside him, her eyes filled with concern as she pulled out the icicles embedded in Rn''s body. Rn nodded, though he knew it was a lie. His body ached as each icicle was pulled out, his head was spinning, and he could barely breathe. But he forced himself to sit up, his gaze shifting back to Noah. He didn''t want to believe what he was seeing. Noah, the Blessed Sage, had be a demonic disciple. The power that radiated from him was dark, twisted, and far beyond anything Rn couldprehend. Chapter 32: End Of The First Act [1] Ariana stood over Rn, her heart racing, her breath shallow. Hey still, his chest rising and falling in a weak rhythm. Blood matted his hair, and his face was pale. She felt her hands trembling as she gently ced them on his shoulder, shaking him. "Rn... please get up," she whispered, her voice shaking with fear. But Rn didn''t stir, his body too broken to respond. She looked up, her eyesnding on Noah. Or what had once been Noah. The Noah she had known was gone, reced by something darker, more terrifying. His red wings of ice stretched behind him like a demon from a nightmare, glowing faintly in the dim light. His once gentle eyes were now a fiery red, filled with a cold, calcted malice that chilled Ariana to her core. His beauty, though still striking, had an otherworldly, dangerous edge to it now. She swallowed hard, knowing that it was up to her now. There was no one left to protect her, no one left to stand between her and the demonic disciple Noah had be. She had trained for years, studied alchemy, mastered the art of potions and elixirs. She had even contracted with a spirit animal, a gift that was rare for someone her age. And yet, none of that felt like enough when she looked at the monstrous figure that Noah had be. "He''s not the same," she whispered to herself, trying to steady her breathing. But there was no more time to think, no more time to hesitate. Noah wasn''t waiting. He began to move toward her, slowly, methodically, as if savoring the moment. Ariana''s heart raced even faster as she fumbled for her pouch of potions. Her hands shook as she pulled out a small vial of glowing liquid, uncorking it with a trembling hand. She downed the potion in one swift motion, feeling a surge of energy flood through her body. In the game, Ariana Snow had always been more of a side-main character, someone who supported the main cast with her alchemy and healing magic. She didn''t y that much role in the storyline but was rather a support to them. She had never been much of a fighter, relying on others to protect her while she brewed her potions and healed their wounds. But she wasn''t just a simple healer. She was a prodigy. Ariana had always excelled at alchemy, even from a young age. She had been praised by her teachers for her innovative potions and quick thinking in dangerous situations. And, most importantly, she had contracted with a spirit animal¡ªa high-level one at that. With a deep breath, Arianna raised her hands, summoning the spirit animal that had been herpanion for years. A soft, glowing light began to form in front of her, slowly taking shape. From the light emerged arge, ethereal wolf with shimmering white fur and glowing blue eyes. The spirit wolf let out a low growl, its gaze fixed on Noah, as if sensing the danger he posed. "Fenris," Ariana whispered, her voice steadier now. "I need your help." The wolf nodded, its glowing eyes never leaving Noah''s form. Ariana could feel the bond between them strengthening, her own power being amplified by the presence of her spiritpanion. Noah paused for a moment, his red eyes narrowing as he watched the wolf materialize. A flicker of recognition crossed his face, though his expression remained cold and detached. In the game, Ariana''s spirit wolf, Fenris, had always been a formidable ally. It had helped the main characters countless times, its strength and agility making up for Ariana''sck ofbat skills. But even with Fenris at her side, Ariana had never been a fighter. She had always stayed behind the frontlines, letting her spiritpanion do the fighting while she provided support. But this time, there was no one else to fight for her. It was just her and Noah. Fenris lunged forward, its fangs bared as it charged at Noah with lightning speed. Noah didn''t move, his expression unchanging as the wolf closed the distance between them. At thest moment, Noah raised his hand, and with a flick of his wrist, a sharp icicle shot out of the ground, aiming straight for the wolf. Fenris dodged the attack with ease, its movements fluid and graceful as it darted to the side, circling around Noah. Ariana could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she watched, her hands still trembling. The wolf leaped again, aiming for Noah''s throat this time. But Noah was faster. With a simple motion, he summoned another sharp icicle from the ground, this onerger than thest. The icicle shot upward, catching Fenris mid-leap and knocking the wolf back with a yelp. Ariana''s heart sank as she watched her spiritpanion fall to the ground, its body flickering with faint blue light. "Fenris!" she cried out, rushing forward. But Noah wasn''t done. Before Ariana could reach herpanion, Noah raised his hand again, this time summoning a st of dark energy that shot toward Fenris like a bolt of lightning. Ariana barely had time to react. She needed to do something, and fast. "Come on, Arianna," she whispered to herself, her mind racing. "Think." She had more potions, more tricks up her sleeve. But none of them would be enough to stop Noah, not with the kind of power he was wielding. Then, an idea struck her. Arianna reached into her pouch once more, this time pulling out a small, crystal vial filled with a deep blue liquid. It was a potion she had been working on for months, one that she had never had the chance to test. She uncorked the vial, holding it up to her lips as she whispered a quiet incantation. The potion began to glow, its deep blue color shifting to a bright, ethereal white. Taking a deep breath, Ariana downed the potion in one swift motion, feeling a surge of energy flood her body. Her senses sharpened, her magic amplified. With renewed determination, she raised her hands, summoning another spiritpanion¡ªthis time, arge, majestic eagle with shimmering gold feathers. The eagle let out a piercing cry as it soared into the air, its wings glowing with radiant light. Noah''s eyes narrowed as he watched the eagle circle above him, its sharp talons gleaming in the moonlight. The eagle swooped down from above, its talons aimed directly at Noah''s head. But Noah didn''t flinch. With a simple motion, he summoned a wall of ice, blocking the eagle''s attack with ease. Fenris leaped forward, but Noah was ready, sending a wave of dark energy toward the wolf that knocked it back once more. Ariana''s heart sank as she watched her spiritpanions struggle. Noah was too powerful. And she was running out of time.But she couldn''t give up. Not yet. "Just a little longer," she whispered to herself, her hands trembling as she prepared another potion. Just a little longer. Noah stood, his cold red eyes fixed on the two summoned spirits circling him. The eagle screeched as it dived toward him again, but he raised his hand, summoning more ice to block its attack. The wolf charged, only to be knocked back by another wave of dark energy. He barely felt tired. The demonic energy coursing through him was immense, his senses heightened, his strength beyond anything he had ever imagined. Noah could feel the fight tipping further in his favor. Ariana was faltering, her spirit animals weakening with every passing moment. Victory was near. But just as he was about to strike again, Noah suddenly froze. His eyes widened. A sharp, searing pain shot through his chest. He coughed, feeling something warm and metallic rise in his throat. Blood. Noah gasped, coughing up more blood as his vision blurred. Slowly, he gazed down at his chest, and there it was ¡ª the gleaming edge of a long sword, piercing straight through him. His breath caught in his throat as he realized what had happened. The cold tip of the de glinted in the dim light, dripping with his blood. Everything around him began to fade. The ice, the dark energy ¡ª all of it slowly dissipated into ashes and dust, vanishing into the night as if they had never been there at all. With what little strength he had left, Noah turned his head, his red eyes dulling as they met the figure behind him. Maya stood there, her face calm, her eyes filled with resolve. She held the hilt of the sword tightly in her hands, her gaze locked on his. Noah''s lips parted, a faint whisper escaping his mouth. "...You stuck to the n after all..." His voice was barely audible, the words weak as his consciousness began to slip away. Everything was growing darker. Colder. As his vision dimmed, a familiar system message shed before his eyes: [Ding!] [¡öAs the final boss of the first act, you have failed!] A bitter smile tugged at Noah''s lips as the message burned into his mind. But just as everything began to fadepletely, another message appeared. [¡öBad Ending 1 has been prevented] Noah''s eyes flickered onest time before everything went nk. And then, there was nothing. Chapter 33: End Of The First Act [2] Sometimes bad endings are inevitable no matter what game you''re ying. But for someone like me who has exploited almost every route of the game those bad endings can be countered. Noahy on the bed, shirtless. His chest was bandaged tightly. The pain was still sharp, still fresh. He had been near death before. In this life, and his past one. One thing was certain¡ªhe did not like it. The scar wouldst forever. That was the curse of the Holy Sword. Even now, his mind wandered back to how it had all yed out. He remembered the original game. If the main characters reached Starlight Manor toote, the bad ending would trigger. The final boss, already infused with demonic power, would kill them all. There was no mercy in that fight. It was supposed to be impossible to win. But Noah had found a way. He remembered how he had spent hours in the game, testing every possibility. And then he discovered it¡ªa certain sword could kill the boss. It wasn''t just any sword. It was a replica of the Holy Sword used to defeat the Demon King ages ago. But crafting it wasn''t easy. Noah had to get five rare items from the system shop. Each item had a specific purpose. The first was a Common Steel Ingot. Basic, but necessary as the foundation of the de. Next was the Rare Mana-Infused Shard, which gave the sword its magical properties. Without it, the de wouldn''t even scratch the final boss. The third was the Heroic Dragon Fang. It added durability and strength, ensuring the sword wouldn''t shatter on impact. Then there was the Legendary Phoenix Feather. This feather granted the sword the ability to pierce through powerful barriers of demonic energy. And finally, thest and most important piece¡ªThe Godly Essence of Light. This was the hardest to get. It had cost Noah dearly. The system took something from him for it. Something personal. Noah still didn''t know exactly what it was, but he felt its absence. With all five items, he crafted the replica of the Holy Sword. It wasn''t as powerful as the original, but it had one use. One perfect strike. He had given the sword to Maya. Told her exactly what to do. "If anything happens," Noah had said, "make sure you kill whatever is generating the demonic red energy." He told her to stab it through the chest. One use. No second chances. If she failed, it was over. Noah knew it was a huge risk. But taking risks was how he survived. How he exploited other routes and endings in the game. To his surprise, Maya never questioned him. She just went along with the n. No hesitation. No doubt. And she did it. She actually did it. She stabbed him. Even though she hadn''t expected the final boss to be Noah, she still followed the n. Now Noah was alive, but barely. If he had gotten the full demonic blessing, his core would have exploded. It would''ve killed him instantly. He exhaled slowly, wincing at the pain in his chest. That sword. That cursed Holy Sword had saved them all. But it had also left a permanent scar on his body. He stared at the ceiling. Even though he had won, he still felt hollow. The system had warned him about the sword''s curse, but he hadn''t listened. Now, he was marked for life. The scar was a reminder. A reminder that in this world, there were no easy answers. No perfect endings. Only survival. And survival always came at a cost. "...and yet I still feel that there could be that perfect ending..." "I just know it..." "And that''s my reason for being here...to see the perfect ending I was never given to my favourite game..." Noah stretched his hand upwards as hey there. Staring at the ceiling, the events of the battle reying in his mind like a haunting melody he couldn''t shake. Being the final boss. The thought felt surreal even now. His body, though still sore, was the least of his concerns. His mind kept drifting back to that moment¡ªthe moment¡ªwhen everything changed. It wasn''t supposed to feel like that. At least, not in his head. He had imagined it a hundred different ways when he yed the game, always seeing himself in the shoes of the heroes, never the viin. And yet, when he felt the demonic energy surge through his veins, the raw power flooding every part of him, it was nothing like he had expected. It was ethereal. The red aura had surrounded him, seeping into every pore of his skin, lighting him up from the inside. His eyes had glowed with an intensity that no human should possess. Every breath had been colder than ice, every movement sharper than a de. The sheer power¡ªhe hadn''t just felt unstoppable; he had been unstoppable. For a moment, standing at the top of Starlight Manor, looking down at Rn and the others, it was like everything made sense. He wasn''t the scared extra anymore, scrambling for survival. He was the force they had to face, the viin of the story, and it felt strangely¡­ right. There was no way to resist it. There was no turning back once the demonic blessing took over, no alternative but to be the final obstacle in their path. It had to happen. The system had chosen him, the constetion had marked him, and for the first time in either life, Noah had felt like he was meant to be there. Not running. Not hiding. But standing tall in the midst of battle, watching as the very characters he once admired now saw him as the enemy. He couldn''t deny it¡ªit was intoxicating. The power. The control. The dominance. It was everything he had never thought he wanted, yet in that moment, it fit like a second skin. And he wasn''t just an ordinary boss; he was the final boss of the first act. The one they had to ovee. The one who stood between them and their path to victory. He remembered the way they looked at him. Fear. Confusion. Disbelief. It had been almost satisfying to see them struggle against him, their every attack deflected, every strategy falling apart before his eyes. Noah closed his eyes, his hand brushing against his bandaged chest. Even now, the memory of the Holy Sword piercing him lingered like a ghost. That sharp pain, the jarring realization that Maya had stuck to the n. He had told her, hadn''t he? If it came down to it, she had to strike the source of the demonic energy, no matter what form it took. And still, part of him hadn''t expected it. Not fully. Yet, it had felt inevitable. That was the truth he couldn''t escape. Being the final boss, losing to the heroes, it was written into the very fabric of the game. He had been living that story from the moment he transmigrated. It was never a matter of if, only when. Noah sighed, shifting in the bed. His entire body ached, a reminder of the sh between the demonic energy and the holy relic that now left a permanent mark on him. But beyond the physical pain, it was the experience that weighed on him. Something formidable. Something he hadn''t seening. And yet, something that felt like it had to happen. The story couldn''t progress without him ying that role. The final boss always stood in the way, always made the heroes stronger by pushing them to the brink. And now, that had been him. Despite the oue, despite being on the losing end, there was a strange satisfaction to it. He had seen it from the other side, felt the overwhelming power that had once terrified him as a yer. And in the end, as the demonic disciple, he had been formidable. He ran his fingers through his hair, remembering the surge of energy, the way it felt to have the world bend to his will. It was something no ordinary yer could ever understand. Not unless they stood where he stood. Noah''s lips curled into a faint smile, a bitter one. "Yeah," he muttered to himself. "It had to happen." There was no resisting fate. "But on to further matters..." He muttered looking at the calendar etched on the wall. Turns out Noah had been out for 2 months or so after the first act had ended. And he knew it was time for him to arrive and y his role. "Draven Lockwood..." Chapter 34: His Arrival [1] The door to Noah''s infirmary room creaked open. Noah barely lifted his head, the weight of the battle still pressing down on him like an invisible force. Before he could say anything, the person stepping in stopped him in his tracks. It was Maya. Despite her quiet, introverted nature, she moved with purpose. Slowly, cautiously, she approached the bed. Her face was flushed, cheeks rosy in a way that made her look even more delicate than usual. She didn''t say a word at first. Instead, she knelt down by his bedside, her hands resting lightly on herp as if she wasn''t sure what to do with them. Then she bowed her head. "I''m sorry," she whispered. Noah blinked, surprised to see her like this. Maya, the one who had always kept her distance, now right there, inches away from him. Blushing. Apologizing. It was cute. Too cute, even for someone like her. Noah had seen her fight, had seen her fierce determination during battle. But now, looking at her like this¡ªso small, so soft¡ªhe couldn''t help but marvel. Her cuteness was almost overwhelming, like a contradiction to the hardened warrior she had be on the battlefield. "I''m really sorry," she whispered again, her voice cracking just slightly. "I was supposed to protect you." She raised her eyes, but they didn''t meet his. "I... I failed," she added, her voice almost trembling. "I ran a de through your chest." Her words came out in a rush, but her gaze was fixated on the bandages covering Noah''s chest. Noah opened his mouth to speak, but the look on her face stopped him. She looked... lost. Ashamed. Her hands were fidgeting now, twisting the hem of her skirt as if she didn''t know how to stop herself from apologizing. "I-I''m so sorry," she repeated. "I didn''t want to¡ª" Noah reached out, his hand lightly brushing her shoulder. "Maya," he said softly. Her eyes widened, and she looked up at him. "It''s okay," Noah said, his voice calm. "You did what needed to be done." "But¡ª" "No, really. You saved everyone." Maya blinked, clearly taken aback. Her lips trembled slightly, and her blush deepened. Noah couldn''t help but smile at the sight. There was something so innocent about the way she looked at him, her usual quiet demeanor cracking under the weight of her emotions. And yet, even now, she was adorable, her cuteness almost taking his breath away. She bit her lip, still uncertain. "But... I hurt you," she whispered, her hands still fidgeting. "I... I was supposed to protect you, not... not do that." Noah chuckled, the sound low and soft. "You did exactly what I asked you to do, Maya. It''s okay." For a moment, she just stared at him, her eyes wide and her cheeks still burning red. And then, slowly, she nodded. Noah leaned back into the pillows, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over him. Maya''s cuteness, her vulnerability¡ªit was something he hadn''t expected to see, but now that he had, it was impossible to ignore. She was more than just the quiet, introverted girl he hade to know. *** As Noah walked down the long, quiet hallway, his thoughts drifted back to earlier that day when Maya had visited him in the infirmary. She''d been quiet at first, fidgeting slightly as she sat by his bedside, her hands resting gently in herp. He had asked her what had happened during the two months he was away, and with a sigh, she began to exin. The incident with the noble and prestigious families had caused quite a stir. Several students from powerful families had been brutally murdered, their bodies discovered headless, leaving their families in a state of fury. The families had demanded action, driving out a suit to the academy and writing a formalw to the king, asking him to cease the academy''s functions. Yet, despite the grim deaths and the outcry, there was little they could do. "As expected...the academy is too valuable, one of the best institutions in the entire continent, and a major source of ie..." Noah muttered. Closing it down wasn''t a realistic option, so the noble families were forced to leave with their children''s bodies in tow, their rage simmering but ultimately powerless. Noah remembered Maya mentioning that the dormitories had undergone a major change as a result. Instead of being separated by gender, they were now divided by status. One dormitory was for themoners and families of lower power, while the other housed only noble and prestigious families. Maya had said the dorms now had names to reflect their new hierarchy. Themoners'' dormitory had been renamed Ironwood Hall, symbolizing strength and resilience. The noble dormitory, on the other hand, had taken on the name Silvercrest Hall, exuding a sense of prestige and high standing. "...Maya said she had to go check what dormitory I was assigned... But then again she couldn''t be too sure. There were papers involved and other formal things. And as someone who has been out for 2 months I''ll need to visit the Administration Block." As he continued walking, Noah recalled other changes Maya had spoken about. The red beam that had shot into the sky during the Starlight Manor incident had left asting impact on the academy. Many students had perished in the aftermath of the demonic summoning, and the academy had responded by tightening its security. New magical wards had been ced around the entire campus, designed to detect any disturbances in dark magic. These wards were powered by ancient relics the academy had unearthed from its archives, relics that had once been used to defend the continent from demonic invasions centuries ago. Another significant change was the restructuring of curriculum and sses. With the growing threat of dark forces, students were now required to undergo training in anti-demonicbat and defensive magic, even those who weren''t naturally inclined towards fighting. The academy had brought in renowned demon hunters and battle-mages to train the students, focusing on practical survival skills. sses had be far more intense, and Noah knew that the carefree atmosphere of the academy he remembered was long gone. As Noah continued down the hall, the memories of Maya''s quiet voice filled his thoughts. She had told him all this with a calm and steady tone, but he could feel the weight behind her words. The academy had changed. Everything had changed. And though he hadn''t seen it firsthand, he could sense that things would never be the same again. Chapter 35: His Arrival [2] Noah stepped into the lecture hall, feeling the weight of dozens of eyes falling upon him. He could sense the stares even before he looked around. Each gaze seemed to linger, watching his every move, and he knew exactly why. Maya had already told him¡ªhis title as the Blessed Sage was gone. Stripped from him during the two months he had been away. He was no longer the leader of the first-year student council. The title had been passed on to the next student who had scored the highest in the magic power evaluation exam. And that student was none other than Amy Blue Rose. Noah didn''t care, not at first. In fact, he expected it. After all, in the original game, Amy was supposed to be the one who earned the Blessed Sage title. It had only returned to its rightful owner. But now, standing in the midst of a hall filled with whispers, he couldn''t help but feel the shift. As Noah made his way down the aisle, he spotted a seat near the window. It seemed like a quiet spot, away from the murmurs. But as he walked, he could hear the hushed voices behind his back, students whispering as he passed. "Isn''t that Noah?" one student whispered. "I heard he''s the one responsible for the demonic summoning," another muttered. "He was gone for two months after that... makes you wonder," a voice chimed in. Noah clenched his fists slightly. Some of the rumors he overheard were wild and oundish. But others... well, some of them were true. He had been responsible for the demonic summoning, even if things hadn''t gone the way he had expected. It was a mistake, one he hadn''t foreseen. And now, that mistake had painted a target on his back. Still, he kept his head down and ignored the whispers as he moved toward the window seat. He didn''t need their approval or their understanding. He just needed to survive in this twisted world, one that seemed to spiral further out of control the more he tried to influence it. Finally, reaching the seat, Noah sat down, staring out the window and trying to focus on whaty ahead. The lecture hall was filled with tension, but Noah remained quiet, lost in his thoughts. As Noah sat at the window seat, he felt the weight of stares upon him, so he looked around to find the source of his unease. Scanning the room, he noticed that none of the main characters¡ªXander, Rn, or even Ariana¡ªwere present. Curiosity pricked at him; where could they be? He had considered asking Maya, but hesitated, feeling it might intrude too much. Just then, Noah noticed two students approaching down the aisle. One of them, with striking blue hair, was unmistakably Amy. But it wasn''t Amy who caught Noah''s attention the most. It was the student behind her. His attire was a variation of the academy uniform, but something about him stood out. Noah''s eyes seemed to sparkle with recognition. The student had ck hair and intense red eyes. Anyone who had yed "Beyond Horizons" for over five years would recognize him immediately¡ªDraven Lockwood. In the game, Draven was initially portrayed as the viin but waster revealed to be a true protagonist after the bad ending. Noah admired Draven''s presence. Seeing him in person was surreal. Draven was a character he had only ever known through a screen, yet here he was, standing right before him. Amy approached Noah, her expression a mix of arrogance and reluctance. She said, "I just wanted to say thank you for what you did. It''s unfortunate that you were the vessel for the demonic power, but that''s how things turned out. Don''t expect me to be too sentimental about it..." Amy''s words, though courteous, carried a blunt edge. After delivering her thanks, she took a seat directly in front of Noah. Draven, on the other hand, settled into the seat next to Noah. Noah recalled what Maya had mentioned: the security among noble students had increased significantly. The Blue Rose House had hired top-notch protectors to ensure the safety of their members. Draven, with his formidable skills, was one of those hired. He was there to guard Amy, and now, he was positioned right next to Noah. Noah couldn''t help but continue ncing at Draven, marveling at the reality of encountering someone who had been a central figure in the game''s narrative. As students continued to murmur in the lecture hall, the door creaked open. Two stern-faced guards in polished armor entered, immediately drawing everyone''s attention. Their presencemanded silence, and the room grew tense. One of the guards stepped forward and called out, "Is there a student named Noah Ashbourne present?" Instantly, all eyes shifted to Noah, who was seated by the window. The room fell quiet, the air thick with curiosity and suspicion. Noah muttered under his breath, "Bastards. How could they all betray me like this?" Feeling trapped, Noah raised his hand in a resigned gesture. A bead of sweat rolled down his cheek as he stood up. The guards'' gaze never wavered from him. They motioned for him to follow. Noah stood and walked toward them, his heart pounding. The guards led him out of the lecture hall and down the dimly lit hallway. Each step felt heavier than thest. Maya had informed him of this moment. As soon as he woke up after two months, he would be summoned to exin the Starlight Manor incident. He knew this was essentially an interrogation, a chance for the higher-ups, professors, and possibly noble families to hear his side of the story. The incident had involved demonic summoning and chaos, making him a key figure in the scandal. Noah walked in silence, his mind racing. He wasn''t sure what awaited him¡ªwhether the academy would expel him or if he might face worse consequences from the noble families. Despite his outwardposure, a sense of dread gnawed at him. He cursed under his breath, hoping that he wouldn''t be expelled or, even worse, face death for the turmoil caused. Chapter 36: Before The Higher Ups Footsteps could be heard from the knights wearing armour as they made their way to another hall located in the Administration Block. Noah followed the knights down the long, dimly lit hallway. The nking of their armor echoed around him as they led him into arge hall. Inside, he saw a table set up in the center, surrounded by professors and important-looking figures. There were about ten of them, each dressed in formal robes. They seemed stern and serious. Noah''s stomach churned as he entered. One of the professors gestured for him to sit. Noah walked forward and took his ce in the chair they had prepared for him. The room felt cold and unweing. It looked more like a courtroom than anything else. High ceilings loomed above, and the walls were lined with old, polished wood. The faces of the school''s higher-ups were watching him carefully. Noah looked around and spotted some familiar faces. Xander was there, sitting a few seats away, looking uneasy. Rn, seated next to him, had a bitter expression on his face. Ariana sat beside them, her face hard to read. Then Noah''s gaze fell on Maya. She was sitting stiffly, eyes fixed ahead. Like him, they were all here for the same reason. Suddenly, the door opened again. Amy Blue Rose walked in, followed closely by her bodyguard, Draven Lockwood. Noah''s eyes widened as he saw him. The others in the room didn''t seem to recognize Draven, but Noah knew who he was. In the game, Draven was portrayed as the viin. Noah''s heart raced, but he kept his face neutral as Amy and Draven took their seats. The session began. One of the professors stood up and asked Amy to share her side of the story concerning the Starlight Manor Incident, which had now been renamed Silver Crest Hall Dormitory. Amy stood and faced the panel. "When I left my room to join Xander and the others, we were suddenly attacked," Amy said. "Some students had gone rogue. They ambushed us. Xander was injured, and before we knew it, I was taken by those involved in the demonic summoning. They took me to the top floor where the ritual was happening." She finished and sat back down. The room was silent, and the others were given the opportunity to speak. Rn was next. He stood with a look of bitterness on his face. "After the barrier went down, we rushed to the top floor," he began. "When we got there, we found Noah. He had transformed. He looked like a demon, and it seemed like he was the one behind the summoning." He spoke the words harshly, but Noah could hear the anger in his voice. Rn sat back down without another word. Ariana was called next. She gave a simr statement, agreeing with Rn''s version of events. She spoke calmly, but her words only added to the suspicion hanging over Noah. ''I tried...to me even though I fought Noah, I could see it in his eyes...'' Ariana began her thoughts. ''...that look he had while we were fighting, ut was almost like he knew each and every one of us, like he wanted all of that to happen...'' ''No it was almost as if, he wanted us to go through the ordeal...like it was supposed to strengthen us...'' ''And even so...his eyes spoke of someone who had a great burden weighing on his small shoulders... A burden that he couldn''t get anyone''s help with, even if he were to tell them. Like he wanted to be helped and freed from it...but still wanted it to happen.'' Ariana thought as she gazed at Noah. Her expression was that if concern and sympathy. Then it was Xander''s turn. He stood up, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Honestly, I don''t know. I was knocked out," he said bluntly. "I didn''t see anything." There was noughter in the room, only ufortable silence. Xander sat back down, hisment falling t. Finally, it was Noah''s turn. He hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he red at Amy. Why had she stopped there? Hadn''t he been the one who protected her? Why didn''t she mention that? He pushed those thoughts aside. He needed to be careful with his words. Taking a deep breath, Noah stood up and faced the panel. "The barrier was corrupted," he began. "It flickered and copsed. I jumped through it because I had to hurry and rescue Amy. At the time, I was still the Blessed Sage¡ªat least, I was. It was my duty to ensure the safety of the students and to deal with the situation before the professors or other faculty arrived." He paused, ncing around the room. "The barrier was strong enough that even the knights couldn''t get in. It was up to the first-year student council to handle it." One of the professors, Sharon Albright, stood up. Her voice was cold. "I saw you letting go of Seraphina Vale," she said. "It almost looked like you led her to her death." Noah clenched his fists. He looked at Sharon, his eyes hard. "I didn''t let go of her," he said. Noah hesitated even he wasn''t sure of what happened. But even after that, Seraphs death didn''t cause a stir in him. Or rather he didn''t care at all. It did reduce his burden after all. But there was no way he was going to say that. "Seraphina let go of me. I tried to hold on, but she¡­ she made her own choice." His voice softened as he remembered the moment. He could still feel the weight of Seraphina''s hand slipping from his grasp. The memory felt heavy in his chest. He continued, trying to stayposed. "After that, I was caught in the magic circle. My body was corrupted by the demonic power. I became a vessel, but it wasn''t by choice." The session continued, and Maya was called next. She stood up, her face pale but determined. "It couldn''t have been Noah behind the summoning," she said firmly. "I was with him the entire time." One of the nobles interrupted her, his voice sharp. "You could be lying. Maybe you were in cahoots with him." Maya''s face tightened, but she didn''t respond to the usation. Noah stepped forward again. "The person responsible for the summoning wasn''t me," he said, his voice clear. "It was Seraphina. When I got to the top, she was there, hooded, standing in the center of the magic circle." A man and a woman suddenly rose from their seats, their faces twisted with anger. "You''re lying!" the woman shouted. "Seraphina would never do such a thing!" The man red at Noah. "You dare to nder our daughter? He should be beheaded for such sphemous statements!" Chaos erupted in the room. The voices of the angry parents echoed, but they were quickly silenced by the Vice Master of the school. He was an old man with sharp, young features, his eyes glinting with authority. "Enough!" he said sternly. "Take your seats." The parents sat back down, but the tension in the room remained thick. The Vice Master turned his gaze back to Noah. "Are there any other witnesses who can support this im?" he asked, his voice cold and calcted. No one spoke. The room was silent. Noah stood alone, feeling the weight of every eye on him. Then, the charges were listed. Noah''s heart pounded as the list grew longer. The Vice Master stood from his seat, his gaze cold and unwavering as he faced Noah. His voice echoed through the hall as he began listing the charges, each one like a de cutting deeper into Noah''s soul. "First," the Vice Master said, "you are charged with the murder of Seraphina Vale, a noble from a respected family." "Not only her but other students as well..." "Second, you are used of initiating a demonic summoning within the grounds of Ravenwood Academy, a practice that vites our core principles and endangers the lives of all students and staff." "Third, you broke the academy''s rule on using forbidden dark magic, a crime punishable by immediate expulsion and imprisonment, let alone on school property." "Fourth, you have been charged with corrupting a sacred barrier, designed to protect the academy from outside threats, and twisting it for personal gain." "Fifth, you participated in unauthorized rituals, involving dark entities, in direct vition of Ravenwood''s Code of Ethics for magic use." "Sixth, you are used of the endangerment of fellow students, including members of the student council, by your reckless actions during the Silver Crest Hall incident." "Seventh, you have been identified as a vessel for demonic power, willingly or not, bringing harm to all those present at the Starlight Manor." "Eighth, you are charged with manipting the mind and will of others, a heinous act under the academy''sws, by coercing or influencing other students during the chaos." "Ninth, you are held responsible for the destruction of school property, including the dormitory and surrounding grounds, during the incident." "Lastly," the Vice Master''s voice grew harsher, "you are charged with sacrilege against the kingdom''s sacredws, aligning yourself with demonic forces to overthrow the established order of our society." Noah''s body trembled as he listened, each usation heavier than thest. His fists clenched, and the weight of his impending fate pressed down on him. There was no room for defense, no escape from the usations. "As these charges stand, Noah Ashbourne, you are hereby expelled from Ravenwood Academy and will be handed over to the authorities to face the full weight of the kingdom''sws." The room was silent. The verdict was final. Chapter 37: Final Verdict? [1] As the final verdict hung in the air, Noah felt the weight of the room crush him. His head bowed, fists clenched in frustration. Then, to his surprise, Amy stood abruptly, her voice breaking the heavy silence. "Noah isn''t guilty!" she blurted out, her face a mix of frustration and guilt. All eyes turned to her, shocked by her sudden outburst. Amy hesitated, her gaze shifting between Noah and the Vice Master. "I don''t know why I couldn''t say it sooner, but... Noah protected me. Even though he knew he couldn''t do it alone, he still fought." The room remained silent as Amy continued. "When we were attacked by those rogue students, I saw him. He held them back. He fought against them, even when he was losing. I could tell that his mana was draining, but he didn''t stop." Her voice faltered, but she pressed on. "Even if he was a vessel for the demonic power, it wasn''t meant to happen like that." The hall was still, her words hanging in the air. The Vice Master stared at her, his expression unreadable. After a tense pause, he nodded. "We will take this into consideration." He stood, his voice ringing with authority. "The session is dismissed. The final verdict will be given after further discussion." With that, the hall emptied, leaving Noah, Amy, and the others in a heavy, uncertain silence. "Why did she..." Noah wanted to mutter out something but paused. ''I should be thankful but it''s strange from her... Seeing as how we got off on the wrong foot, stealing her position of Blessed Sage, anyone would get mad and do anything in their power to drive someone like me out the academy. And yet she didn''t. But then again, that''s Amy''s weakness. She is someone who is considerate of others even when ir doesn''t look like it. Sounds strange but even a character like her feels guilt. But that side of her was the reason people would take advantage of her. From the family shees from her siblings would use her kindness to manipte her. Since she learnt of it, she developed the personality of someone arrogant ans always remains closed. Keeping to herself. Her rude and prideful nature is something she uses to mask her true feelings.'' Noah concluded and was approached by Xander. "Hey...uhhh, heard what you did during the incident at Starlight Manor. Even though you were one of the bosses at the end, you still stood your ground. That''s something anyone would admire." "Aha...anyways enough talking, hope you get better soon and get the justice you deserve." Xander said as he caught up with Rn who gave a stern look at Noah. ''Ofcourse he''s still bitter...I did beat him up pretty bad, and on top of that he lost. Anyone would be ashamed and embarrassed.'' ''...seems like their bond is getting stronger...'' Noah''s eyes then shifted to a blonde haired girl. As soon as their eyes met, the girl looked down and then at Noah again. Her face getting flushed she bolted out of the hall. "...did Ariana want to talk to me?" Noah asked himself. Brushing it off he decided to go out as well. For now he would have toy low until the final verdict was given. He greatly hoped the school doesn''t expel him as they intended to. "Noah...got a moment?" A woman called out behind Noah who was at the hallway leaving. "Oh...professor Sharon..." Noah muttered. "I wanted to apologise...I might have been a key course of you being stated as guilty. From my perspective it seemed like you were the one who let go of thete Seraph..." "May her soul rest peacefully..." Professor Sharon muttered a silent prayer under her breath. "It''s okay, perspectives on situations do tend to be different but when one gets to listen or understand from the other the storypletely changes..." "So don''t worry...I''ll head on now, have a great day..." Noah said leaving in a hurry. "...you too." Professor Sharon mumbled but wasn''t audible to Noah who had already left. For a brief moment Sharon stared at Noah who strode further and further into the long hallway before her leaving in the opposite direction as well. *** Professor Jacob stood at the front of the room, the arcane symbols floating mid-air behind him, glowing faintly as they hovered in aplex arrangement. The students in the magic ss were already mentally drained, trying to keep up with the intricacies of the spell formations. It was advanced material for first years, and the silence in the room showed how serious the lesson had be. "As you can see," Professor Jacob began, his voice steady, bining elemental attributes with spatial runes requires not just skill, but a deep understanding of mana control. You must be able to manipte both forces simultaneously, or else the spell copses, causing a bacsh." He waved his hand, and the symbols rearranged themselves into a new formation. "This," he gestured, "is a simplified version of what you''ll need for the uing cement exams." The students shifted nervously. Even Noah, sitting toward the back, could feel the rising tension. The professor had made it clear that the uing exams would be difficult, but this lesson had taken things to a new level. "Now, I don''t expect perfection from any of you," Professor Jacob continued. "But what we covered today might be tested next week. This isn''t a basic ss anymore. You are all here to be advanced mages, and that requires pushing your limits." He scanned the room, his eyes settling briefly on Noah, then moving on. "Remember, mana control is key. If you can''t stabilize the flow between the elements and the spatialponents, your magic will fail. Practice. Understand the theory. We will review this one more time before the exams." The ss sighed in unison as he dismissed them, everyone already dreading the intense week ahead. There was noise as students packed up to leave. Maya who was sitted next to Noah asked him a question. "Do you have any ns for today?" "Uhh...I do tend to spend the night studying. I''ve been in aa for 2 months, and as strict as Ravenwood is they won''t care." "By the way, you''ve been attending the sses yes? Even though you''re here as my assistant, you did pay tuition fees. So will you help me?" Noah asked. ''Even though I have the game''s knowledge there are situations where I didn''t pay much attention in. One example being are the different magic concepts being taught. While I yed the game I gained experience and knowledge of magic by doing quests and mastering attack patterns. So just like anyone else that won''t matter, I''ll need to study my butt off. That is if I''m sure the academy will still allow me in their grounds. But it''s best to stay positive. After all the power of thought can influence the way certain things y out. In other words belief and faith. *sigh...I sound like an old man.'' His thoughts were momentarily disrupted by a Maya whose face was turning red. "I will...I''ll help you study, it''s the least I can do for you." Maya responded, closing her notebook which she kept Noah''s ns ans schedule she proceeded to abruptly leave. "I''ll meet you outside..." She muttered leaving. ''Is she okay?'' Noah thought. Chapter 38: Final Verdict? [2] As the ssroom began to empty, Noah packed up his belongings, eager to leave. The lesson had been grueling, and his thoughts were scattered, still dwelling on the aftermath of the incident and the weight of everything that had transpired. Just as he slung his bag over his shoulder and made his way toward the door, a voice called out from behind him. "Noah," Professor Jacob said, his tone calm but deliberate. "A moment, if you will." Noah stopped in his tracks, turning to face the professor, his brow furrowed slightly in confusion. He hadn''t expected to be held back. Professor Jacob was still at his desk, organizing some papers, but his eyes lifted to meet Noah''s. "Are you feeling alright?" Jacob asked, a hint of concern in his voice. Noah hesitated for a second, then nodded. "Yeah, I''m fine. Just¡­ some distant pain in my chest, but nothing I can''t handle. I''ll need to take in a lot of mana to fully heal, but I''m managing for now." Jacob nodded thoughtfully. "Good to hear. You''ve been through a lot. It would make sense if you needed time to recover." There was a brief silence before Jacob leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest as if contemting something. "That incident with the demonic summoning¡­ quite the event. You wouldn''t happen to know exactly how it all worked, would you? Something asplex as that doesn''t just happen on its own." Noah stiffened slightly. Thest thing he wanted was to be dragged into more conversations about the summoning. It was a sore subject, and the memories of what had happened still weighed heavily on him. "I¡­ I''m not sure how it all worked," Noah replied, his voice a little guarded. "I only know what I saw." ''Why is he suddenly asking that?'' Noah thought. Jacob narrowed his eyes slightly but remained calm. "You were at the center of it all. If anyone would have insights into what was going on, it would be you. How did the barrier fail so suddenly? There are a lot of unanswered questions." Noah looked away, not in the mood for an interrogation, even if it was subtle. "I really don''t know. I was just trying to survive, like everyone else." Seeing that Noah wasn''t up for further chit-chat, Jacob nodded and leaned back in his chair. "Well, I won''t keep you any longer. Take care of yourself, Noah. Good evening." "Good evening, Professor," Noah replied, turning to leave, grateful for the exit. As the door closed behind Noah, the room fell into a quiet stillness. Jacob remained seated for a moment, then reached into his trench coat pocket and pulled out a small, red crystal. It glowed faintly for a second in the dim light, casting a soft crimson hue over his face. His fingers traced the edges of the stone thoughtfully. His mind drifted back to the day he had found it¡ªhidden at the top of Silvercrest Hall during the reconstruction after the incident. *** Noah stood outside the Vice Master''s office, staring at the door. His heart pounded in his chest, a knot of anxiety tightening with every second. He took a few deep breaths, steadying himself. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, but he couldn''t afford to let it show. ''If their final verdict is expulsion, if they hand me over to thew¡­ I already have ns.'' He thought bitterly. ''The Northern continent seems promising.'' He nced over at Maya, who was standing a few steps behind him. She had been insistent on apanying him to the office, but now, Noah shook his head. "Stay here," he said softly. Maya frowned but nodded. "Alright. I''ll wait." Noah gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod before turning and facing the door once more. His hand hovered over the handle for a moment before he finally pushed it open. Inside, the Vice Master sat at his desk, his gaze fixed on Noah the moment he entered. The room was spacious but felt suffocating under the Vice Master''s watchful eyes. Noah stepped in, the door closing softly behind him. He didn''t take a seat¡ªhe felt it would be presumptuous, maybe even disrespectful¡ªso he stood there, clutching his bag tightly. The Vice Master studied him for a moment, the silence growing heavier. "Noah Ashbourne," the Vice Master''s voice was calm but carried an edge of intensity. "There are a few aspects of the incident that remain unclear to me." Noah met his gaze, steady but tense. He knew this wasn''t going to be easy. The Vice Master leaned forward slightly. "First, exin to me how the barrier surrounding Silvercrest Hall was disrupted. You were one of the few inside when it happened, correct?" Noah''s jaw tightened. He recalled the flickering barrier, the oppressive atmosphere. "Yes. When the barrier failed, I was already trying to reach Amy. It wasn''t something I could control. The barrier just...flickered and copsed." The Vice Master''s eyes narrowed, but he gave a slight nod. "Second question. You im to have fought against the rogue students. Why didn''t you retreat and seek help? Surely you understood the danger posed." Noah shifted ufortably but kept his voice steady. "I stayed because I thought I could stop it. Being the Blessed Sage, or at least I was, I had to try to protect Amy and the others before things escted further." The Vice Master''s expression was unreadable. He paused before delivering the final question. "Onest thing, Noah. Were you aware that you being corrupted would happen?" "Not in the slightest it was so sudden..." Noah answered instantly. For a long moment, the Vice Master said nothing, his gaze boring into Noah''s. Then, slowly, he leaned back in his chair. "Despite everything, you won''t be expelled, Noah," the Vice Master finally said, his tone softer but still firm. "The truth is, while your actions were questionable, you acted with the intention of protecting others. That counts for something, even when things go wrong. I can tell that you weren''t aware of demonic corruption. The Academy understands that. We''re not here to ruin students but to guide them, even when they make mistakes." Noah blinked, momentarily stunned. He hadn''t expected this. "You will, however, be punished ordingly," the Vice Master added. "Your recklessness cannot go unchecked. But I will personally handle the concerns brought forward by the faculty and nobles. You have my word." Noah exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little. "Thank you," he muttered, relief washing over him. Before Noah could turn to leave, the Vice Master spoke again, his voice thoughtful. "By the way, Noah¡­ what constetion do you follow?" Noah hesitated for a moment, then replied simply, "The Elemental Constetion. Alone." The Vice Master didn''t respond, only giving a small nod as Noah left the office. Outside, Maya was waiting for him. ''It''s been a while since I checked my status window. It didn''t even cross my mind once, I was so caught up in nning ways for my survival if expelled that I forgot.'' ''Those ns won''t be executed since I''m staying but it''s always great to be steps ahead...'' He quickly opened his status window, and what he saw made his heart skip a beat. He felt a sharp pain in his chest, gnawing at him like a beast. --- ¡ñ|System Status Window|¡ñ ¡ð Name: Noah Ashbourne ¡ð Race: Human ¡ð Age: 16 [¡ö ss: None (Currently under evaluation due to demonic influence)] [¡ö Skills] ¡õ Active Skills: None ¡õ Passive Skills: ¡ñ Constetion Insight. [¡ö Attributes] ¡ð Charm: ¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Strength: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Dexterity: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Intelligence: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Endurance: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î ¡ð Luck: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î [¡ö Magic Attributes] ¡ð ice: ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î ¡ð Lightning: ¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î [¡ö Mana Pool: 5768] [? Constetions] ¡ñ Elemental Constetion ¡ñ Demonic Constetion (Pending...) [¡ö System Shop: Unlocked] [¡ö Quests Avable: 0] --- Chapter 39: Frustration And Confusion [1] Noah stood in front of Ironwood Hall, gazing up at the weathered building with a mixture of exhaustion and eptance. The stone structure was solid butcked the grandeur of Silvercrest Hall, where he had once resided. Now, with only the few belongings he carried, this would be his new home. He sighed, adjusting the weight of his bag on his shoulder. The conversation with the Vice Master still rang in his ears, the subtle relief of not being expelled overshadowed by the lingering threat of punishment. After leaving the office, he and Maya had gone straight to the front desk to inquire about his new room assignment. It hadn''te as a surprise to him when they handed him a key to Ironwood Hall. He wasn''t from a noble household, after all. This was the ce wheremoners stayed¡ªstudents without family titles or wealth. "It suits me," he had muttered under his breath at the time. Ironwood Hall was bound to be peaceful, a ce where he could focus on his studies without the distractions of status and politics. Now, as he pushed open the creaky doors and stepped inside, Maya followed behind him quietly. The hall''s interior was in but functional,cking the opulent chandeliers and decorative tapestries that lined Silvercrest''s walls. They climbed the stairs to the second floor and found his assigned room. The key turned with a soft click, and Noah stepped in, greeted by the smell of aged wood and dust. The room was¡­ simple. A bed, a desk, a small wardrobe, and a single window overlooking the courtyard below. The walls were bare, the floor creaked slightly underfoot, and the air was cold, but it was livable. No fancy amenities, no rich carpets or plush bedding, just what he needed to get by. It was normal, the kind of room fit for someone without connections or privilege. A ce to quietly exist. "Not bad," Mayamented with a small smile as she helped him unpack his few belongings, cing them neatly on the shelves and in the wardrobe. "It''s cozy." Noah hummed in agreement, though his mind was elsewhere. Once everything was in its ce, he sat down at the desk, absently pulling up his status window. The familiar glow appeared before his eyes, and he scanned the information, his gaze quickly locking onto the section disying the Demonic Constetion. [Demonic Constetion: Pending] He frowned. Pending? What did that mean? Noah muttered under his breath, "It''s probably because of the corruption¡­" But this was going to be a problem. He hadn''t wanted any affiliation with the demonic constetion, yet here it was, ring at him from his status window, unresolved and threatening toplicate things further. He closed the window with a swipe of his hand, shaking his head. The story had already been altered by Seraphina''s death. The first act had yed out in a way that didn''t align with the original narrative of [Beyond Horizons]. Now, there was no way to predict how the next events would unfold. Still, he knew one thing for sure¡ª ''The second act''s boss will be her...'' Noah thought as he looked at the girl with dark purple hair and purple eyes. Maya. Sweet, innocent Maya, who would go out of her way to help anyone who needed it. But the story would twist her, manipte her until she became a tragic viin. The thought weighed heavily on him. She was kind, far too kind to suffer such a fate. But that''s how the story yed out. Until then, I''ll prepare, he thought. For now, though, he needed to catch up on the sybus. He couldn''t afford to fall behind. Yet, something else was bothering him. His mana levels¡ªthey were higher than ever before. Far higher than they should have been. "Was this because of the corruption?" he wondered. A dull ache throbbed in his chest, reminding him that whatever had happened at Silvercrest wasn''t over. Noah''s thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Maya''s cheerful voice. "Hey, are you ready to start the study session?" He looked up from the desk, blinking as his mind shifted away from the weight of the demonic constetion and back to reality. Maya stood by the door with a bright smile, her hands holding a stack of books and notes, clearly eager to begin. Despite everything that had been going on, she was determined to help him catch up on the sybus. "Yeah," Noah said with a slight smile, though his mind was still distracted. He pushed his status window away and cleared some space on the desk for her materials. "Let''s do it." Maya moved a chair next to him and sat down,ying out the books and notes neatly. "So, today''s lesson was pretty advanced," she began, flipping through her notes. "Professor Jacob covered a topic that''s normally discussed in second-year sses, but he said we should be prepared for it because it mighte up in the cement exams next week." Noah nodded, trying to focus. The cement exams were critical. They would determine which students were assigned to advanced courses, which ones would receive special training, and which ones would be left behind. He couldn''t afford to mess this up, especially not after everything that had happened. Maya pulled out a piece of parchment with detailed diagrams and arcane symbols. "So, what Professor Jacob discussed was something called ''Elemental Harmonization.'' It''s a technique that allows you to synchronize your mana with the natural elements around you, amplifying the power of elemental spells. It''s really tricky because it requires you to not only control your own mana but also interact with the mana present in nature." Noah raised an eyebrow. "That does sound advanced. How exactly does it work?" Maya leaned forward, pointing to one of the diagrams. "Okay, so, let''s take fire magic as an example. Normally, when you cast a fire spell, you''re using your own mana to create and control the mes, right? But with Elemental Harmonization, you''re tapping into the natural fire mana that''s present in the environment. So, instead of just using your own energy, you''re drawing from a muchrger pool of power." "Wait," Noah interrupted, "are you saying we can just pull mana from nature? Like, there''s fire mana just floating around?" Maya nodded, her expression serious. "Exactly. Every element has a presence in the natural world¡ªfire, water, earth, air, and so on. When you harmonize with the element, you''re essentially connecting your mana to the elemental flow that exists all around you. But it''s not as simple as just pulling in power. You have to be in perfect sync with the element, or the spell could backfire." Noah frowned, leaning over the diagram. "So, how do you achieve this synchronization?" "Professor Jacob exined that it''s about matching the frequency of your mana with the natural mana of the element you''re working with," Maya exined. "Each element has its own unique mana signature. For fire, for instance, it''s wild and aggressive, so your mana has to reflect that kind of energy. If you can do that, you''ll harmonize with the fire mana around you and be able to cast much stronger spells." Noah absorbed this for a moment, thinking it over. "That sounds¡­ dangerous. What happens if you fail?" "Well," Maya said, grimacing slightly, "if you don''t match the frequency correctly, you could end up with a spell that''s too weak to work, or worse, a spell that''s too unstable and explodes in your face. That''s why Elemental Harmonization isn''t taught untilter years¡ªit requires a lot of control over your mana and a deep understanding of elemental magic." Noah nodded. "Makes sense. I guess that''s why it''s considered advanced." He looked over at the diagram again, his curiosity piqued. "Did he give any practical examples? Like, how do you even start practicing something like that?" "Yeah, he did," Maya replied, flipping through her notes again. "He mentioned starting with meditation exercises to get a feel for the elemental mana in the environment. For fire magic, you''d sit near a source of fire¡ªlike a candle or a bonfire¡ªand try to feel the mana in the mes. It''s a subtle energy, so it takes a lot of focus to even detect it at first. Once you can feel the elemental mana, the next step is to slowly merge your own mana with it." Noah tilted his head. "That sounds a lot like mana sensing." "It''s simr, but more advanced," Maya rified. "With mana sensing, you''re just detecting the flow of energy around you. But with Elemental Harmonization, you''re actively interacting with that energy, shaping your own mana to match it. It''s like tuning an instrument. You can''t just hear the sound¡ªyou have to produce the right note yourself." Noah smirked. "I never knew magic could be so musical." Mayaughed softly. "It''s all about bnce and precision. If you''re off by even a little bit, the whole thing falls apart." He leaned back in his chair, thinking about the implications of what she had just exined. "So, how does this apply to the cement exams? I mean, are we expected to harmonize with elements during the test?" "Professor Jacob didn''t say for sure," Maya said, her voice thoughtful. "But he did hint that the exams might include scenarios where we have to use elemental magic more effectively. I think learning Elemental Harmonization would give us an edge, even if we''re not required to do it perfectly. Just being able to enhance our spells a little could make a big difference." Noah nodded slowly. "I see. It''s definitely something worth practicing." He nced out the window, his mind wandering again, though this time with a clearer sense of purpose. The demonic corruption still loomed in the back of his mind, but right now, his focus needed to be on the uing exams. Maya must have noticed his momentary distraction, because she reached over and lightly tapped his arm. "Hey, don''t overthink it. You''ve always been great with magic, Noah. You''ll catch on to this quickly, I''m sure." He offered a small smile, appreciating her attempt to reassure him. "Thanks. I''ll give it my best shot." Noah was busy scribbling down notes in his notebook, the sound of his quill scratching against the parchment filling the quiet room. His focus was sharp, his mind locked onto the magical forms and key points from their study session. Across the table, Maya sat silently, staring at him. Her eyes traced the way his hand moved fluidly across the page, and she found herself mesmerized by how intensely he concentrated on his work. Her heart skipped a beat, and before she realized it, a soft blush crept across her cheeks. She quickly looked away, biting her lip. She hoped Noah didn''t notice. But when she dared to sneak another nce, his eyes flicked up from the parchment, meeting hers. Startled, Maya''s face turned a deeper shade of red. She quickly averted her gaze and focused on the book in front of her, trying to act as though nothing had happened. Noah gave her a curious look but shrugged it off, returning to his writing. Maya, meanwhile, couldn''t shake the strange feeling that had been bubbling inside her every time she was near him. It was a warmth that spread through her chest and down her arms, making her heart race. She didn''t know what it was, but it was bing harder to ignore. Her breathing became shallow, and she could feel her pulse quickening. It was as if just being in the same room as him made everything around her fade away. Maya ced a hand over her chest, clenching her shirt, feeling the rapid thumping of her heart. ''Why am I feeling like this?'' She thought to herself, squeezing the fabric of her skirt. Her body felt hot, almost ufortably so, and her fingers trembled slightly. ''This has been happening a lot recently, hasn''t it?'' She couldn''t exin why it felt like this around Noah¡ªwhy every nce, every moment shared in silence, seemed to ignite something inside her. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady her breath. ''It''s probably nothing. Just... nerves, maybe?'' But deep down, she knew it wasn''t that simple. There was something about him¡ªsomething about the way he carried himself, the way he spoke, the way he looked at her sometimes¡ªthat made her feel things she didn''t quite understand. Maya''s fingers dug into the fabric of her skirt as she tried to calm herself, her mind swirling with unspoken thoughts and emotions. But no matter how much she tried to push them aside, the warmth inside her only grew. Chapter 40: Frustration And Confusion [2] [A/N: I am so sorry you guys have to pay twice, but by the time I realised it was toote and couldn''t delete the chapter as it''s premium. It''s a copy of the previous one. Don''t read it and I promise this won''t happen again.] Wait," Noah interrupted, "are you saying we can just pull mana from nature? Like, there''s fire mana just floating around?" Maya nodded, her expression serious. "Exactly. Every element has a presence in the natural world¡ªfire, water, earth, air, and so on. When you harmonize with the element, you''re essentially connecting your mana to the elemental flow that exists all around you. But it''s not as simple as just pulling in power. You have to be in perfect sync with the element, or the spell could backfire." Noah frowned, leaning over the diagram. "So, how do you achieve this synchronization?" "Professor Jacob exined that it''s about matching the frequency of your mana with the natural mana of the element you''re working with," Maya exined. "Each element has its own unique mana signature. For fire, for instance, it''s wild and aggressive, so your mana has to reflect that kind of energy. If you can do that, you''ll harmonize with the fire mana around you and be able to cast much stronger spells." Noah absorbed this for a moment, thinking it over. "That sounds¡­ dangerous. What happens if you fail?" "Well," Maya said, grimacing slightly, "if you don''t match the frequency correctly, you could end up with a spell that''s too weak to work, or worse, a spell that''s too unstable and explodes in your face. That''s why Elemental Harmonization isn''t taught untilter years¡ªit requires a lot of control over your mana and a deep understanding of elemental magic." Noah nodded. "Makes sense. I guess that''s why it''s considered advanced." He looked over at the diagram again, his curiosity piqued. "Did he give any practical examples? Like, how do you even start practicing something like that?" "Yeah, he did," Maya replied, flipping through her notes again. "He mentioned starting with meditation exercises to get a feel for the elemental mana in the environment. For fire magic, you''d sit near a source of fire¡ªlike a candle or a bonfire¡ªand try to feel the mana in the mes. It''s a subtle energy, so it takes a lot of focus to even detect it at first. Once you can feel the elemental mana, the next step is to slowly merge your own mana with it." Noah tilted his head. "That sounds a lot like mana sensing." "It''s simr, but more advanced," Maya rified. "With mana sensing, you''re just detecting the flow of energy around you. But with Elemental Harmonization, you''re actively interacting with that energy, shaping your own mana to match it. It''s like tuning an instrument. You can''t just hear the sound¡ªyou have to produce the right note yourself." Noah smirked. "I never knew magic could be so musical." Mayaughed softly. "It''s all about bnce and precision. If you''re off by even a little bit, the whole thing falls apart." He leaned back in his chair, thinking about the implications of what she had just exined. "So, how does this apply to the cement exams? I mean, are we expected to harmonize with elements during the test?" "Professor Jacob didn''t say for sure," Maya said, her voice thoughtful. "But he did hint that the exams might include scenarios where we have to use elemental magic more effectively. I think learning Elemental Harmonization would give us an edge, even if we''re not required to do it perfectly. Just being able to enhance our spells a little could make a big difference." Noah nodded slowly. "I see. It''s definitely something worth practicing." He nced out the window, his mind wandering again, though this time with a clearer sense of purpose. The demonic corruption still loomed in the back of his mind, but right now, his focus needed to be on the uing exams. Maya must have noticed his momentary distraction, because she reached over and lightly tapped his arm. "Hey, don''t overthink it. You''ve always been great with magic, Noah. You''ll catch on to this quickly, I''m sure." He offered a small smile, appreciating her attempt to reassure him. "Thanks. I''ll give it my best shot." Noah was busy scribbling down notes in his notebook, the sound of his quill scratching against the parchment filling the quiet room. His focus was sharp, his mind locked onto the magical forms and key points from their study session. Across the table, Maya sat silently, staring at him. Her eyes traced the way his hand moved fluidly across the page, and she found herself mesmerized by how intensely he concentrated on his work. Her heart skipped a beat, and before she realized it, a soft blush crept across her cheeks. She quickly looked away, biting her lip. She hoped Noah didn''t notice. But when she dared to sneak another nce, his eyes flicked up from the parchment, meeting hers. Startled, Maya''s face turned a deeper shade of red. She quickly averted her gaze and focused on the book in front of her, trying to act as though nothing had happened. Noah gave her a curious look but shrugged it off, returning to his writing. Maya, meanwhile, couldn''t shake the strange feeling that had been bubbling inside her every time she was near him. It was a warmth that spread through her chest and down her arms, making her heart race. She didn''t know what it was, but it was bing harder to ignore. Her breathing became shallow, and she could feel her pulse quickening. It was as if just being in the same room as him made everything around her fade away. Maya ced a hand over her chest, clenching her shirt, feeling the rapid thumping of her heart. ''Why am I feeling like this?'' She thought to herself, squeezing the fabric of her skirt. Her body felt hot, almost ufortably so, and her fingers trembled slightly. ''This has been happening a lot recently, hasn''t it?'' She couldn''t exin why it felt like this around Noah¡ªwhy every nce, every moment shared in silence, seemed to ignite something inside her. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady her breath. ''It''s probably nothing. Just... nerves, maybe?'' But deep down, she knew it wasn''t that simple. There was something about him¡ªsomething about the way he carried himself, the way he spoke, the way he looked at her sometimes¡ªthat made her feel things she didn''t quite understand. Maya''s fingers dug into the fabric of her skirt as she tried to calm herself, her mind swirling with unspoken thoughts and emotions. But no matter how much she tried to push them aside, the warmth inside her only grew. Chapter 41: Frustration And Confusion [3] Noah and Maya sat across from each other in his new room at Ironwood Hall, the faint light from the deskmp casting soft shadows on their faces. The next topic was a much simpler concept than the advanced material Professor Jacob had gone over earlier. Noah and Maya sat in the quiet study room. Maya began, "Today, we''re covering mana flow synchronization. It''s about bncing your internal mana with the ambient mana around you." ''Uhhh...the one concept that was hard to grasp in the game...yet shockingly the easiest...'' Noah thought. Noah looked intrigued. "How do you synchronize them?" "Think of your internal mana as a stream and the external mana as an ocean," Maya exined. "To synchronize, you need to align the flow of your stream with the ocean''s current. If you force them to collide, you create turbulence." Noah nodded, processing the metaphor. "So, it''s about creating harmony?" "Exactly," Maya said with a smile. "You start by sensing both flows. Close your eyes and feel your internal mana and the ambient mana. Your internal flow will naturally adapt." Noah closed his eyes, feeling the familiar hum of his internal mana and the faint ambient flow. When he opened his eyes, he smiled. "I think I get it." "Good," Maya said, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Once you practice, it''ll be second nature." Noah noticed her blush but focused on the concept. "This will definitely help with smoother casting." Maya nodded, visibly relieved. "Exactly." As Maya exined it, she found herself ncing at Noah''s eyes more than she intended, a warmth rising in her chest each time she did. She tried to ignore it, pushing the feeling away as she focused on the lesson. Noah caught her staring a couple of times and asked, "Maya, are you okay? You seem¡­ distracted." Maya quickly shook her head, brushing it off with a soft smile. "Uhh...I-I''m fine, really. Let''s just keep going," she said, though her heart raced slightly. Noah nodded, epting her answer for now, though he couldn''t help but wonder if something was bothering her. They continued working through the concept, which was much more manageable than thest one. This time, Maya didn''t have to exin things twice. Noah grasped it quickly, jotting down notes as they went. She admired how quickly he picked it up, though her mind kept drifting back to the odd sensation bubbling up inside her. Every time their eyes met, it felt as though her skin was on fire, but she chose to stay focused. After they finished the lesson, Maya closed the book and stood up. "I think that''s enough for today," she said softly, giving him a small, almost hesitant smile. Noah looked up at her, standing by the door. "You''re leaving already?" he asked. Maya nodded, adjusting her clothes slightly. "Yeah, I''ve got some other things to do." Noah tilted his head slightly, looking curious. "By the way¡­ I just realized, I don''t even know where you''re staying. What hall are you at?" Maya hesitated for a second before answering, "I''m still at Moonlight Hall, since I''m still an assistant." "Moonlight Hall, huh? I see," Noah said, nodding to himself. Maya picked up her bag but paused as she turned toward the door. "Actually¡­ I''m not heading to Moonlight Hall right now. I have some matters to attend to first." Noah raised an eyebrow. "Matters? Like what?" Maya shifted her weight slightly, the heat returning to her cheeks. "I''m supposed to help Professor Jacob with something back at the Tuition Cube. I promised him earlier, so that''s where I''m headed now." Noah blinked. "Why didn''t you do that before we started studying?" Maya smiled sheepishly, ncing down. "It didn''t cross my mind. I promised I''d help you study first, so that''s what I did." She felt the strange, boiling sensation in her chest again, her skin prickling with heat. It was getting harder to ignore. Her breathing quickened slightly, and before she could say anything more, she hurried out of the room. "I''ll see youter, Noah. Goodbye!" she called as she bolted out the door. Noah watched her go, the door shutting softly behind her. "Goodbye," he mumbled, still puzzled by the odd behavior but brushing it off. He slumped back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, his mind drifting. "For now, it looks like the academy is peaceful," he said to himself. "With Seraphina gone¡­ I don''t know how the next act will y out. But I''ll have to make the most of this quiet while itsts." His eyes flicked to the stack of books on his desk, and he sighed. "Guess that means more studying for the cement exams," he said, deciding to dive back into his studies, at least for the moment. Noah sat at his desk, flipping through the pages of his book, but his mind wasn''t fully on the material in front of him. His thoughts drifted to the uing cement exams, the same exams he had yed through in the original game before being transported here. The cement exams in Beyond Horizons had always been a major plot point¡ªone that determined each student''s path in the academy. In the game, these exams sorted first-year students into different sses based on their scores, with the S ss being the highest tier, reserved for those who excelled the most in their academics and abilities. It wasn''t just about the prestige, though. The S-ss students received far more resources from the academy¡ªbetter teachers, personalized training, ess to advanced magic tomes, and high-quality materials. Meanwhile, those in lower sses like D or C were given fewer resources, often having to prove themselves over time to gain any kind of recognition or support. Noah tapped his pen against the desk, thinking about where he mightnd. "In the original game, the cement was pretty straightforward," he muttered to himself. "S-ss for the elite, A-ss for the strong but not top-tier, and B, C, and D for everyone else depending on how they scored." He remembered how the game made it clear that these exams weren''t just academic¡ªthey tested magical prowess,bat ability, and your capacity to think on your feet. Chapter 42: Frustration And Confusion [4] The highest-scoring students were destined for greatness, while the lower sses were often overlooked, especially at the beginning. "If younded in the S ss, the academy practically rolled out the red carpet for you," Noah continued, flipping another page. "But if you fell down to D¡­ well, you were pretty much on your own." As someone who was still catching up after missing two months of sses, Noah was unsure where he''d end up. The old Noah probably wouldn''t have cared, but now? Now, he wanted at least a fair shot. He didn''t expect tond in S ss¡ªthere was no way, not with how much he''d missed. But maybe, just maybe, he could manage B or C ss. "C ss would be fine," he muttered under his breath. "B ss would be even better, but it''s a stretch. I''ll just have to see how well I can cram before the exams." He sighed, scribbling a few notes as he thought it over. "I''ve only got a week." It wasn''t just about cement, either. Noah knew from the game that those in the higher sses were watched closely by the academy''s leadership. They were groomed for bigger things, given opportunities that the lower sses wouldn''t even know existed. It was a system that rewarded potential, but it also left behind those who couldn''t keep up. "Of course, the main character''s going to end up in S ss. That''s a given," Noah said, shaking his head. The protagonist of Beyond Horizons was always destined for greatness, and the game had made sure to emphasize that by cing them in the highest ss, right from the start. But Noah wasn''t the main character here. He was just trying to survive. "For now, I''ll aim for B ss. Or C ss, at the very least. That should give me enough breathing room without drawing too much attention," Noah decided, feeling a little more grounded. He nced at the pile of books on his desk, flipping through another one. The knowledge crammed inside these pages would determine not only his cement but his future in the academy. With Seraphina gone, and so many variables changed from the original storyline, Noah wasn''t sure how things would y out, but one thing was certain¡ªthe academy''s expectations were high. His pen scratched across the paper as he jotted down a few more notes, the soft rustle of the pages filling the quiet room. His mind churned with the weight of what wasing, but for now, all he could do was prepare as much as possible. "Just get through this," Noah told himself. "Then we''ll see where things stand." *** In the quiet elegance of her room in Silvercrest Hall, Amy Bluerose sat at her desk, surrounded by books and notes. The grandeur of her surroundings¡ªthe ornate wallpaper, the plush velvet furniture. The grandiose chandelier hanging above¡ªdid little to soothe the unease she felt. She had always been focused, disciplined, and sharp, buttely, she could barely concentrate. Her mind kept wandering, always drifting back to one thing¡ªor rather, one person. She folded her arms on the desk and rested her head on them, letting out a soft sigh. The parchment in front of her was mostly nk, save for a few scattered words. Her hand hovered over the quill, but she couldn''t bring herself to write any more. It wasn''t the study material that was the problem. She knew this. It was him. Noah Ashbourne. Her mind transported her back to the Starlight Manor Incident, where she had seen him¡ªan image that had been seared into her thoughts ever since. He had stood there, amidst the chaos, ck hair falling in messy strands over his forehead, his yellow eyes glowing in the dim light. His face had been partially covered in ice, frost forming along his cheekbones, giving him an eerie, almost ethereal appearance. She remembered how he had fought, how his entire body had radiated a strange, cold power. He had looked fragile, and yet, at that moment, he had been anything but. Amy clenched her fists, her fingers digging into the fabric of her shirt. A strange warmth spread through her body every time she thought of that night, of Noah. It was something she couldn''t quite exin, a feeling that made her chest tighten and her skin flush. Every time the memory resurfaced, it left her distracted and frustrated. She had to focus on her studies, on preparing for the uing cement exams, but she couldn''t get him out of her head. "Why... why can''t I stop thinking about him?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the quiet room. She unbuttoned the top of her shirt, trying to cool down. Her skin felt too warm, as though her body was reacting to something beyond her control. Every time she remembered his yellow eyes, his cold breath forming mist in the air, that warmth intensified, flooding her senses. "This is ridiculous," Amy muttered, shaking her head as if trying to shake off the thought of him. She nced back down at her notes, determined to regain her focus. "I need to study. I have to. S-ss is all that matters." But her resolve faltered The quill in her hand felt heavy as her mind returned to Noah once again. She hated it¡ªthis distraction, this unwee sensation that had taken root in her ever since that night. She gritted her teeth, her frustration mounting. "I can''t let this get to me. I have to be in S-ss. I have to make father proud. I can''t..." Her words felt hollow, though, as if she were trying to convince herself. No matter how many times she told herself that, the image of Noah¡ªhis cold, determined expression, the way he had stood even when it seemed impossible¡ªkept shing in her mind. Each time it did, her body grew warmer, her heart raced, and her focus shattered all over again. With another frustrated sigh, Amy leaned back in her chair, unbuttoning another button on her shirt. She didn''t understand what was happening to her, why these feelings kept creeping up whenever she thought of Noah. All she knew was that it was getting harder and harder to ignore. "I need to focus," she whispered again, but deep down, she knew that it was easier said than done. Chapter 43: Tutor [1] Professor Sharon stood at the front of the ssroom, her gaze sweeping across the students. "Today, we will be covering elemental attributes and their mathematical calctions in magic application," she announced, writing aplex equation on the board. "Now, this might seem a bit tricky, but it''s crucial for advanced spellcasting. Can anyone tell me the correct mana conversion ratio for this elemental spell if the ambient mana is 45 units and the caster''s internal mana is 120 units?" The ss erupted into murmurs. Some students, like Amy Bluerose, squinted at the board, furrowing their brows. Others leaned in closer to their desks, trying to make sense of the numbers. Noah, seated in the back of the room, stifled a yawn. He had been skimming through his old notes on mana theory, barely paying attention to the lecture. His eyelids drooped as the soft chatter of his ssmates filled the room. Professor Sharon''s sharp eyes caught the yawn. She raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Ashbourne." Noah jerked upright, eyes wide. His heart began to race. "Uh, yes, Professor?" "Why don''t youe to the front and solve the problem?" Noah''s stomach dropped. He hadn''t even been paying attention to the question. He swallowed hard and got up, walking slowly to the front of the ss. His mind scrambled for some recollection of what the problem might be. He approached the board, staring at the equation. Ambient mana: 45 units. Caster''s internal mana: 120 units. Calcte the conversion ratio for elemental spellcasting. There was a form for this somewhere in his head, but it felt just out of reach. Noah could feel the eyes of the ss on him. He heard whispers¡ªsome confident, others doubting. "He''s not going to get it," one student muttered. "Maybe he''s just pretending to be lost," said another. Noah''s palms began to sweat. He didn''t like being the center of attention like this. He took a deep breath and began writing down the basic steps. He started calcting the mana ratio, dividing the internal mana by the ambient mana, making mental notes of the steps. 120 divided by 45¡­ that gives you the baseline conversion factor. Noah continued writing,pleting the steps as the ss watched in silence. After what felt like an eternity, he arrived at an answer. Professor Sharon stepped closer, inspecting his work. "The final answer is correct, Mr. Ashbourne," she said, her voice neutral. "But your method is wrong." Noah blinked at the board, confused. He double-checked his steps. "I don''t think it''s wrong," he muttered, almost to himself. "It''s supposed to be like that." Professor Sharon frowned but didn''t argue. She moved to the other side of the board and began solving the problem her way. The ss watched intently as she worked through the equation using a different method. After a few minutes, she arrived at the same final answer. The ss murmured again, some students nodding in agreement while others remained confused. Noah stepped forward, eyes on the board. "Actually, Professor," he began hesitantly, "you made a small mistake in the third step." He pointed to a section in her work. "You overlooked the ambient mana fluctuation. It''s subtle, but it affects the output. That''s why my method works." Professor Sharon paused, looking at the section Noah pointed out. "I hadn''t considered that," she admitted, her tone thoughtful. "Interesting approach." Noah nodded, gaining confidence. "There are probably other ways to reach the same answer, too. The academy''s purpose isn''t just to teach us one method of doing things, right? We''re here to be creative, to find different ways of solving problems." The ss buzzed with murmurs again, this time louder. A few students seemed impressed, while others whispered among themselves, incredulous that Noah had corrected a professor. "Did he just correct Professor Sharon?" one student whispered. "How did he even see that?" Professor Sharon smiled faintly, nodding at Noah''s words. "You make a fair point, Mr. Ashbourne. Creativity is key in magic. It seems like you won''t struggle much with the uing cement exams." Noah chuckled nervously. "It would be nothing short of a miracle if I passed," he said, brushing thepliment off. As the ss murmured and chuckled lightly at his humility, Professor Sharon nced at the clock. "Alright, everyone. That''s it for today. Be sure to review this material¡ªit may show up in your exams." Noah let out a quiet sigh of relief as he returned to his seat. His pulse had finally slowed down. "Thay was unnecessary spotlight...d it''s over..." He mumbled. As he sat back down, he could still hear some of the students murmuring about his sudden turn at the board. When the ss finally ended, Noah gathered his things, grateful the moment was over. Noah stepped out of the ssroom, a slight frown creasing his forehead. He nced around the hallway, half-expecting to see Maya waiting for him at the usual spot. But she wasn''t there. She hadn''t evene by the dorm this morning to get him, which was unlike her. "Where is she?" he muttered to himself, starting down the hall. As he walked, his mind still preupied with thoughts of Maya, a sudden jolt knocked him out of his thoughts. He collided with someone, books scattering to the ground. "Ah, sorry, I didn''t see¡ª" Noah began, but his words trailed off when he realized who it was. Amy Bluerose. Her cheeks were flushed, and she avoided his gaze as she knelt down to retrieve her fallen books. Noah instinctively crouched down to help, but Amy immediately stopped him, her hands trembling. "I''ll do it!" she blurted, her voice a little too loud. She fumbled with the books, nearly dropping them again. Her head remained lowered, and before Noah could say anything else, she stood abruptly, clutching the books to her chest. Amy then bolted down the hall, her pace hurried. Noah stood there, confused. That was definitely strange. Amy was usuallyposed and sharp-tongued, especially in the ssroom. But today, it was as if she couldn''t even look at him. "...what''s up with her..." Just as Noah turned to leave, Draven appeared behind him, cing a heavy hand on his shoulder. "Don''t worry about her," Draven said, a knowing look in his eyes. "Amy''s been stressing out about the cement exams. It''s been getting to her. She''ll be fine." Noah nodded, though he still found her behavior odd. Draven gave him a final pat on the shoulder before walking off, leaving Noah to ponder what just happened. As he started to walk away, another voice called out to him, soft and hesitant. "Noah?" He turned to see a girl with blonde hair and bright blue eyes approaching him. It was Ariana Snow, one of the quieter students in ss and a minor main characterpared to the others. She fidgeted with her fingers as she stepped closer. "H-Hi," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I¡­ um¡­ I was just wondering¡­ about today''s ss. The question Professor Sharon asked¡­" Noah blinked, not sure where this was going. "Yeah?" "I couldn''t figure out how you got that answer," Ariana admitted, her cheeks flushing pink. "I''ve been trying to wrap my head around it, but it didn''t make sense to me. I mean, not even Amy or Rn got it, and they''re always top of the ss¡­ but you¡­" Her words trailed off as she bit her lip, ncing at the floor. Noah scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit awkward. "I don''t know¡­ I just thought about the problem from a different angle. Maybe I went too advanced or something." Ariana shook her head quickly. "No! I mean¡­ you were right, and it made sense, I think¡­ I just couldn''t follow your method. Would you¡­ maybe¡­ um¡­ be willing to tutor me? In this course, I mean." Her voice was so soft now, Noah had to strain to hear her. Noah blinked, taken aback. "Tutor you? But¡ªwhat course are you talking about?" "Elemental Attributes and Mana Calctions," she said, her voice still trembling slightly. "You seem to understand it better than anyone else in ss." Noah''s eyes widened. Had he overdone the solution? He hadn''t thought his approach was anything special. Maybe it was too advanced after all, but it just seemed right in the moment. He nced at Ariana, unsure of what to say. Chapter 44: Tutor [2] The mana-powered school bus hummed softly as it made its way through the sprawling grounds of Ravenwood Academy, heading toward the student halls. Noah sat by the window, staring absentmindedly at the blur of trees and buildings that zipped by. Next to him sat Ariana Snow, her blonde hair catching thete afternoon sun filtering through the bus windows. Noah had agreed to tutor Ariana on some of the moreplex material from Professor Sharon''s course. She had been struggling with it for a while, and since Noah had managed to figure it out, despite not being the most focused in ss, he thought it would be helpful to share what he knew. ''Sigh...I''m not even sure why I agreed to tutor her...I myself I''m not caught up with my studies. We''ll just figure out something along the way...'' The bus came to a halt at the Town Center, a lively area just outside the academy grounds where students often came to shop, eat, and unwind. Noah stood up, stretching his arms. "Let''s get off here," he said, turning to Ariana. "Why?" she asked, curious but also willing to follow. "I want to grab something from a shop I know. It''ll just take a minute." Without much exnation, Noah led the way off the bus, Ariana trailing a few steps behind. As they walked through the crowded streets of the Town Center, Noah seemed to move with a clear destination in mind. They passed by a number of high-end bakeries and caf¨¦s, ces where most of the wealthy noble students from Ravenwood liked to frequent. However, Noah ignored those, leading them down a quieter, less traveled side street. At the end of the street stood a small, humble bakery with a wooden sign that read "Sweet Delights". The paint on the sign was peeling, and the windows looked a little dusty, but Noah''s face lit up the moment he saw it. This shop, hidden away from the fancier establishments, was his little secret. "This is it," Noah said with a grin, pushing open the door. Ariana followed, the smell of freshly baked goods filling the air as they entered. Inside, the bakery was cozy, with wooden shelves lined with all sorts of pastries and sweets. The scent of sugar and warm dough immediately hit them. The shop owner, an elderly woman with a warm smile, stood behind the counter, arranging a tray of cupcakes with delicate blue icing. "Well, if it isn''t my favorite customer," the shop owner said, her eyes twinkling as she noticed Noah. "How''ve you been, dear? Been a while since you came by." Noah nodded, his usual quiet self, but there was a trace of a smile on his face. "Yeah, been busy with sses. How''s everything with you, Mrs. Eldra?" "Oh, you know, the usual," Mrs. Eldra replied, wiping her hands on her apron. "Busy, but that''s a good thing. Keeps me young. And who''s this youngdy with you today?" She asked, ncing at Ariana and raising an eyebrow teasingly. "Your girlfriend?" Ariana jumped, her face flushing a deep shade of red. "Oh, no, no!" she stammered, shaking her head quickly. "I''m just his coursemate. We''re just studying together." Mrs. Eldra chuckled. "Of course, of course," she said, not entirely convinced but clearly amused. Noah, ignoring the teasing, stepped up to the counter. "I''ll have a box of the Blue Star cupcakes," he said, pointing to the cupcakes with the light blue icing. They were his favorite¡ªa treat he allowed himself whenever he visited this shop. The delicate sweetness of the icing,bined with the fluffy cake, made him feel like he was floating on air. Mrs. Eldra grabbed a small box and carefully packed six of the cupcakes inside. "Here you go, same as always. These will have you floating out the door," she said with a smile. Noah picked up one of the cupcakes, peeling back the paper wrapper and taking a bite. Immediately, his eyes fluttered closed, the taste as perfect as he remembered. The sweet, cool icing and soft cake were a perfectbination. For a brief moment, all the stress of exams, assignments, and tutoring melted away. He opened up his student watch, tapping it to pay Mrs. Eldra the required amount in Raven coins. The watch beeped, and a small notification popped up, confirming the transfer. "Thanks, Noah," Mrs. Eldra said, giving him a warm smile. "You keep doing well in those sses, okay? Don''t let them stress you out too much." Noah nodded, but before they left, he turned to Ariana. "Do you want to get something?" he asked. "It''s on me." Ariana stammered, clearly not expecting the offer. "Oh, no, thank you. Maybe some other time," she said, her voice a little flustered. "I don''t really have much of a sweet tooth." ''...Liar, you love lollipops...'' Noah thought but didn''t say it out loud. Noah shrugged and closed the box of cupcakes, carrying it under his arm as they left the shop. The streets were still busy, with students and townspeople bustling about, but the little detour had put Noah in a better mood. It was nice to escape the academy''s pressures for a bit, even if it was just for a quick visit to his favorite shop. As they walked back toward the bus stop, Ariana broke the silence. "You really like that ce, don''t you?" she asked, ncing at the box of cupcakes he carried. "Yeah," Noah admitted. "It''s one of the few ces that doesn''t feel like it''s trying too hard, you know? Plus, those cupcakes are the best. Better than anything you''ll find at those fancy noble shops." Ariana smiled softly, though her thoughts seemed to be elsewhere. "I''ll have to try them next time," she said, though she wasn''t sure when that would be. She wasn''t exactly used to these kinds of ces, but seeing how much Noah enjoyed it made her curious. They reached the bus stop just as the next mana-powered bus arrived. Noah boarded first, and Ariana followed, finding seats near the back as they continued their journey to the halls. The hum of the bus was steady, and the view of the academy''s grand buildings returned as they headed back toward their destination. As the bus moved along, Noah nced over at Ariana, who seemed lost in thought. "You still worried about Professor Sharon''s course?" he asked, breaking the silence. Ariana looked up, startled by the question. "A little," she admitted. "I just¡­ I don''t want to fall behind. And after seeing how easily you solved that problem in ss, I figured I could learn something from you." Noah raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn''t say it was easy." ''To be honest I just slithered my way into an answer...then again it was as if it came naturally,'' he said to himself inwardly. "Well, you made it look easy," Ariana replied, fidgeting with her hands. "I''ve never been good at those kinds of calctions, and I really don''t want to struggle in the cement exams." Noah leaned back in his seat, thinking. "We''ll figure it out," he said. "We can go over the material together. It''s not asplicated as it looks, once you get the hang of it." Ariana nodded, though there was still a hint of doubt in her eyes. The cement exams were looming, and even with Noah''s help, she wasn''t sure if she could match up to the standards expected of her. Chapter 45: Tutor [3] In Professor Jacob''s office, the atmosphere was unusually rxed for ate afternoon meeting. The small room was cluttered with books, scrolls, and odd magical artifacts strewn across the shelves. But it had a cozy air to it. Professor Jacob leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his long blonde hair fallingzily over his shoulders. To his left sat Professor Sharon, her arms resting on a thick book, and to his right, Professor Dahlia Crestwood¡ªa woman known for her sharp wit and an uncanny ability to make any conversation lighthearted. "This year''s first-years," Dahlia said, brushing a strand of her auburn hair behind her ear, "what a talented bunch. A few standouts, sure, but most of them¡­" She leaned forward and dramatically whispered, "are ckers. Complete leeches." Jacob smirked, ncing at Sharon. "That bad, huh?" "Oh, please," Sharon said, chuckling. "Not all of them. Some are just using their wits to survive. Isn''t that a form of talent?" Dahliaughed, waving her hand dismissively. "Using their wits to copy the work of others! Honestly, I half expect to see some of them asking the ss pets to do their assignments." Sharon rolled her eyes, smiling. "Well, if they''re that smart, maybe we should give them more credit." Dahlia made a face and then cracked a grin. "I suppose. But you know what they say, ''If you can''t do, cheat!''" Jacob couldn''t help butugh, shaking his head. "Good to know the standards are high as always, Dahlia." "Oh, don''t act like you don''t agree," Dahlia teased, giving him a yful nudge. "Some of these students will probably sleep through half the year and still manage to pass. It''s an art, really." The three professors shared a moment ofughter, the weight of their academic responsibilities momentarily forgotten in their light-hearted banter. Dahlia leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms above her head. "So," she said, still smiling, "what''s the deal with that Noah kid? Heard he was almost expelled but somehow got to stay. What happened after the interrogation?" Sharon''s expression tightened. "The Vice Master reviewed his case. After some consideration, they decided he wasn''t expelled." Dahlia''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, what? They let him stay? After everything?" Sharon nodded. "Yep. He''s still here." "Unbelievable," Dahlia muttered, shaking her head. "I''ve heard all sorts of rumors about that kid. Some say he''s the demon prince, others say he''s actually the seconding of the Demon King." She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Apparently, he can summon darkness with a single thought. Creepy stuff." Sharon''s face darkened, her tone immediately sharp. "That''s absolute nonsense. Noah isn''t like that at all. Those rumors are just baseless gossip." Dahlia put her hands up defensively, though her grin remained. "Whoa, calm down, Sharon. I was just repeating what I''d heard. Don''t get all worked up over a student." Sharon huffed, clearly irritated. "It''s just ridiculous how these rumors spread. People don''t know him, yet they make up these wild stories." Dahlia smirked, her voice dripping with mock apology. "I''m sorry, I''m sorry. I''ll keep my wild demon-prince theories to myself from now on." Sharon shot her a look but said nothing, knowing full well that Dahlia enjoyed getting under her skin. "Anyway," Dahlia turned to Jacob, "what do you think of him, Jacob? You''re always quiet about your opinions. Do you think there''s any truth to those rumors?" Jacob, who had been quietly listening, uncrossed his arms and looked up, his expression unreadable. "Genius," he said simply. Both Sharon and Dahlia stared at him. "A genius?" Dahlia repeated, incredulously. "That''s¡­ unexpected." Jacob nodded slowly. "He''s something this academy hasn''t seen in a long time. And just what we need to spice things up around here." Dahlia blinked, still processing the statement. "Spice things up? Are you saying he''s going to shake up the academy?" "Maybe," Jacob replied, leaning forward slightly. "Or maybe he''ll just be the change we need." The room fell silent for a moment as both Sharon and Dahlia considered his words. Dahlia, always one to lighten the mood, finally broke the tension with a lightugh. "Well, if Noah really is that much of a genius, maybe I''ll give him some ck," she said, shaking her head. "But only if he doesn''t turn out to be the seconding of a Demon King." Sharon sighed, rolling her eyes but couldn''t help but smile. Jacob, as usual, remained quiet, his thoughts already miles ahead. "Genius or not," Dahlia said as she stood up, "I''ll be watching him closely. This year might just be more interesting than I thought." And with that, the professors moved on to other matters, though the lingering curiosity about Noah hung in the air, adding a spark of intrigue to the academy''s halls. *** In Noah''s room at Ironwood Hall, the air was filled with a quiet warmth. Ariana sat behind a desk, her eyes wandering across the simplicity of the space. Unlike the grand, sprawling rooms of Silvercrest Hall, which were unnecessarilyrge and often felt cold and impersonal, this room had a coziness to it. The small desk, the neatly stacked books, the absence ofvish decorations¡ªit all made her feel surprisingly at ease. It was simple but inviting, much like Noah himself. She shifted her gaze to the books spread out in front of her. After hours of tutoring, she finally understood the concepts she had struggled with in Professor Sharon''s course. A sense of satisfaction washed over her as she nced over her notes. It was all clear now, thanks to Noah. Her eyes then fell on the box of half-eaten cupcakes sitting on the desk. She smiled, remembering how Noah had insisted on visiting the small sweets shop earlier. Without thinking, she reached for one of the cupcakes and took a small bite, savoring the soft cake and the sweet blue icing. It was ridiculously good. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Ariana froze mid-bite. Maya stood in the doorway, her eyes wide and her breath catching. She clutched her bag tightly, her books and disorganized papers spilling out of it. Her heart sank as her gaze locked onto Ariana, who was sitting there, blue icing smeared at the corner of her lips, looking like she belonged in Noah''s room. Maya''s eyes shifted to Noah, who was fast asleep at the desk, his head resting on a pile of notes. The academy''s ck zer was draped over him like a nket, a small gesture that left an ache in her chest. Maya didn''t say a word. She just stood there, frozen, as an unspoken tension filled the room. Chapter 46: Exhaustion [1] The hallway of the academy was dimly lit, the only source of lighting from the silver moonlight filtering through the tall arched windows. The faint glow illuminated three students, each leaking an immense, almost suffocating magical aura. Their eyes glowed eerily, corrupted by an unknown force, and the air around them crackled with unbridled energy. They stood facing a single figure, her features shrouded in darkness. The moonlight caught the outline of her form¡ªa female figure, slender yet imposing. She wore a ck skirt, ck leggings, a white shirt, and a red tie. Over it all was a ck hoodie, more of a crop top cloak that added to her shadowy appearance. Her hood was drawn low, hiding most of her face, but beneath the veil, her eyes glowed a brilliant red, piercing through the night like embers. Without warning, one of the students unleashed a st of elemental magic. A swirling vortex of fire erupted from a glowing magic circle at his feet, spiraling toward the hooded figure with violent intent. The figure didn''t move until thest moment, dodging the attack in a blur of motion as mes licked the stone walls behind her. Another student followed up, summoning a storm of jagged ice spears, their tips gleaming in the moonlight. The magic circle beneath him shed bright blue, and the spears shot toward the figure, aiming to pin her to the ground. But with a flick of her wrist, she created her own magic circle, a dark red aura emanating from it. In an instant, the spears shattered mid-air, disintegrating into harmless snowkes. The third student roared in frustration, his corrupted aura ring violently as he brought both hands together, summoning tendrils of lightning from a glowing purple circle at his feet. The bolts snaked toward the figure, arcing across the hallway with deafening cracks. The figure leaped into the air, flipping gracefully over the deadly tendrils, her hood remaining fixed as shended silently on the stone floor. The students, unrelenting, pooled their magic together. Fire, ice, and lightning converged into a massive, chaotic spell, their magic circles glowing brighter than ever before. The hallway shook as thebined force hurtled toward the figure like a tidal wave of destruction. With a fluid motion, the figure raised her hand and summoned her own magic circle, this timerger and moreplex. The red glow intensified, and from the center of the circle erupted a shield of shadowy energy that absorbed thebined spell. The impact was deafening, the magic shing against her defense in a fiery explosion, but the figure remained standing, unmoved. Her eyes shed under her hood, now glowing a deeper, more sinister red. Suddenly an artifact or item materialized in her hand glowing in yellow before fully taking a physical form. It glowed with an otherworldly golden yellow and white light, casting eerie shadows along the walls. It was sleek, unlike any traditional weapon seen in the academy, its surface etched with runes that pulsed faintly. She raised it, and in the blink of an eye, projectiles shot out of the artifact¡ªso fast they were nearly invisible, beams of light as swift as lightning. The projectiles hit the students before they could even react. Blood sttered across the floor as their bodies copsed, unconscious or worse¡ªdead. Their corrupted auras flickered and dissipated into the cold night air. The hooded figure stood still, exhaling slowly as the artifact dimmed in her hand. Just as she turned to leave, the sound of nking armor filled the hallway. The academy''s guard knights, on their nightly patrol, rushed in. Their eyes widened as they saw the carnage¡ªthe students lying on the ground, the figure standing amidst the chaos. "Stop right there!" one of the knights shouted, pointing his spear at her. The figure didn''t respond. Instead, she turned on her heel and darted down the hallway, her movements fluid and fast. The knights gave chase, their heavy armor nking loudly as they rounded the corner. But when they reached the end of the hallway, she was gone¡ªvanished into the night like a wisp of smoke. The guards stopped, panting heavily. "Damn it, she''s gone!" one of them grunted, scanning the area in vain. Another guard leaned over, catching his breath. "She moves faster than my wife when I forget her birthday." The others groaned. "Shut up, idiot," the lead knight barked, pping the back of his helmet. "We''ve got bigger problems right now." With onest nce down the empty hallway, the guards turned and hurried back, their footsteps echoing through the night as they prepared to report the mysterious figure''s escape. *** The afternoon sun beat down mercilessly, casting a harsh light across the academy grounds. Inside Professor Jacob''s office, the temperature was stifling, even with the curtains drawn halfway to shield them from the zing heat. Professor Sharon sat across from him, fanning herself with a stack of papers, the weight of recent events in the academy heavy in the air between them. "I''ve gone through several reports this morning," Sharon said, ncing at the parchments spread out on the desk. "It''s not just one or two isted incidents anymore. This is affecting students across all years." Jacob leaned back in his chair, his eyes half-lidded, seemingly disinterested. Sharon nced at him but continued, her tone growing more concerned. "First, there''s Alex Redthorn from the second year. He reported being unable to cast even a basic fireball spell during his duel practice yesterday. He said it was like his magic was drained the moment he tried." She flipped to another parchment. "Then there''s Liara Mendel, a first-year. She said her water maniption spell was amplified to such a degree that the wave she created nearly destroyed one of the practice grounds. It was like her magic acted on its own, out of control." "And finally, Thomas Vareen," Sharon said, her voice tight with worry. "He attempted a simple teleportation spell, but instead, he ended up shifting halfway across the campus. The discement spell nearly tore his body apart." Sharon sighed and dropped the parchments onto the table. "It''s happening more frequently, Jacob. Magic isn''t behaving the way it should. It''s being distorted, amplified or suppressed unpredictably. Students are getting hurt. Something is seriously wrong." Jacob remained silent, his gaze wandering around the room, clearly uninterested in engaging deeply in the conversation. Sharon''s eyes flickered with frustration. "Are you even listening?" she asked, leaning forward slightly. Jacob raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "I''m listening. It''s just... magic is unpredictable sometimes. We''ve always had issues with students messing up their spells. Could be nerves, could be stress. It doesn''t sound all that mysterious to me." Sharon red at him. "Nerves don''t amplify spells to destructive levels. And they don''t stop students from casting altogether." Chapter 47: Exhaustion [2] Jacob waved a hand dismissively. "Maybe it''s a temporary fluctuation in the academy''s mana fields. We''ve had those before." Sharon pressed her lips together, unconvinced. "It''s more than that, Jacob. This feels different." Jacob finally turned his head, looking past Sharon toward a corner of the room. Maya sat there, head lowered, staring nkly at the papers on the desk. She hadn''t spoken the entire time. "Maya," Jacob called out, his tone soft but curious. "You''ve been quiet. Are you alright?" Maya flinched, snapping out of her trance. She looked up and forced a small smile. "I''m fine, Professor. Just... exhausted, I guess." Jacob nodded, his expression more thoughtful than concerned. "You''ve been doing a lot of work for metely. I appreciate it. You can head out for the day if you need to rest." Maya stood up slowly, collecting her scattered papers and shoving them into her bag. "Thank you, Professor. I think I will." But as she moved toward the door, something tugged at her thoughts¡ªsomething she didn''t want to think about but couldn''t fully shake. The memory of finding Ariana in Noah''s room the other night resurfaced. The sight of her there, sofortable, with Noah sound asleep beside her... it gnawed at her. Maya didn''t want to admit it, but something about it bothered her. It wasn''t just jealousy¡ªit was something deeper. A feeling she couldn''t quite define. She dismissed it, shaking her head slightly as if to clear the thoughts away. Before she could leave the office, Professor Jacob''s voice stopped her. "Oh, Maya," he said, his tone casual but probing. "What about the incident from the other night? Did you manage to look into it?" Maya turned back, standing in the doorway. She hesitated for a moment before answering. "There wasn''t much to go on, Professor. Three students were found¡ªone dead, two unconscious. The dead student''s mana core exploded from overexertion. The other two had their cores shattered by some kind of magic." Jacob nodded slowly, his face unreadable. "Alien magic?" "That''s what the doctors at the infirmary said," Maya replied, her voice more measured now. "They couldn''t identify the spell. It was precise, like the attacker knew exactly what they were doing. The students'' cores were destroyed in a way that seemed almost... intentional." Jacob didn''t respond for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. Then he simply said, "Thank you, Maya. You''ve done well. Keep me updated." Maya nodded and left the office, her footsteps echoing down the long hallway. As she walked, her mind drifted back to something the infirmary doctors had told her. All three students had runic marks tattooed down their spines¡ªmarks that seemed more like a brand than a natural part of their magic. She couldn''t shake the image from her mind. She reached into her bag as she walked and pulled out a small, glowing object. It was the artifact the guards had found near the scene of the attack¡ªa strange, alien device she had never seen before. It didn''t look like any magical tool or weapon she recognized. The runes carved into it were unfamiliar, and the way it pulsed with a faint golden light unsettled her. She stopped in her tracks, staring at the object. "What is this thing?" she muttered to herself. For a brief moment, the thought crossed her mind¡ªNoah. He had a strange knack for understanding things that were out of the ordinary. Maybe he could help her figure out what this artifact was. Maybe he''d seen something like it before. With a sigh, she tucked the artifact back into her bag and continued walking, her mind wandering to Noah once again. "He probably knows what this strange artifact is¡­" she said quietly to herself, her voice barely a whisper. *** Noah sat by the window, the sunlight streaming in, casting a golden hue on the pages of his book. His elbow rested on the desk, his cheek proppedzily on his hand as his eyes scanned the pages with a bored expression. He let out a long sigh, his gaze drifting momentarily out the window before muttering to himself. "Can''t believe I''m back in school again..." The monotony of the moment was interrupted when a shadow fell across his desk. His eyes flicked upward, mildly annoyed, to see someone standing in front of him. It was Ariana, hugging two or three books to her chest, looking slightly nervous but managing a small, awkward smile. "Hey¡­" she started, her voice soft as she hesitated for a moment. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, clearly struggling to get her words out. "I just... I wanted to thank you, Noah. For helping me with Professor Sharon''s course. I''ve been meaning to say it earlier, but you''ve been so busy¡­" Noah''s eyebrows raised slightly. His thoughts shifted. ''Has she been following me around?'' But he quickly dismissed it. It wasn''t the first time students observed others at a distance. Especially since he''d been spending a lot of time studying in the library and, when not there, training at the grounds. Ariana''s voice broke through his musings. "I didn''t want to bother you," she continued, "you looked really exhausted, and¡ª" She suddenly froze, her eyes widening as if she had just remembered something important. "Oh, right!" she blurted, slightly panicked. Noah blinked in surprise, wondering what had gotten into her. Before he could ask, Ariana stepped aside, revealing another girl standing behind her. "I almost forgot¡ªthis is my friend." Noah hadn''t noticed the girl at all, which was odd. He prided himself on being observant, but then again, he had a habit of blocking out anyone who wasn''t important to him. In his mind, those who didn''t y a major or minor role in the game world he once knew were just like NPCs¡ªunimportant and easily ignored. He nced at the girl now. She certainly didn''t blend into the background. Her hair was an eye-catching shade of orange, leaning more toward red, and her red eyes gleamed with curiosity. Pink lips curved into a confident smile, and she had a curvaceous figure that was hard to ignore, especially with the way her ck skirt hugged her hips. The girl stepped forward, her movements graceful and deliberate. "You must be Noah," she said with a smile, extending her hand toward him. Her voice was smooth, self-assured, and her gaze held steady, showing no sign of nervousness like Ariana''s. Noah nced at her hand, hesitating for just a moment before he reached out to shake it. Chapter 48: Exhaustion [3] The sun hung high in the sky, casting a scorching heat over the training grounds. Sweat glistened on Xander''s and Rn''s shirtless bodies, trickling down their skin as they stood face to face. Rn gripped a sword in his hands, his posture steady and calm. Xander, on the other hand, stood with fists clenched, his stance firm, ready to strike with nothing but his bare hands and legs. The air around them was thick with tension. Both of them had been sparring for quite some time, their muscles aching but their determination unwavering. Xander moved first. He charged forward, his fists flying in quick session, aiming straight for Rn''s chest. Rn raised his sword, blocking the blows with practiced precision. His feet shifted in the dirt, barely managing to keep up with Xander''s relentless attacks. The sh of fist against steel echoed through the grounds. Xander''s movements were fast and unpredictable, his strikesing from different angles. Rn deflected each one, but he could feel the force behind every punch. He wasn''t just defending himself from an ordinary fighter; Xander''s strength was formidable. Xander swung his leg, aiming for Rn''s side, but Rn ducked just in time, his swording up to block again. The impact jarred him, the force of Xander''s kick sending vibrations through the de. They continued like this, the sparring session a dance of strikes, blocks, and counters. Rn''s sword flicked out every so often, but Xander dodged or deflected the attacks with his arms, using his fists to push the sword away. Neither seemed to have the upper hand, though Rn''s skill with the sword kept him on the defensive. Xander''s sheer physical prowess was hard tobat, even with a weapon in hand. Finally, they both stepped back, panting heavily, drenched in sweat from the exertion. Their chests rose and fell rapidly, muscles taut from the strain. Xander walked over to the side of the training grounds, grabbing a bottle of water. He twisted the cap off and poured the cool liquid over his head, letting it cascade down his body. The water glistened on his skin in the sunlight, his hair sticking to his forehead. He wiped his face, blinking the water out of his blue eyes, which seemed to glow under the sun''s rays. With a nervous smile, Xander turned to Rn. "How''d I do this time?" he asked, breathing heavily. "Hope I wasn''t too rough." Rn chuckled, catching his breath, his sword resting at his side. "As always, Xander, you did great," Rn replied, still winded. "Though, I wonder... why not try swordsmanship?" Xander shook his head, running a hand through his wet hair. "I wasn''t blessed by the god of swords, so it''s unlikely." He said, his tone light, but the words carried weight. Rn frowned slightly, studying Xander. "Even so, you resonate well with swords. You just don''t realize it yet." Xander looked thoughtful but didn''t reply. Rn, meanwhile, couldn''t help but think of another who resonated with swords yet didn''t follow that path. His mind drifted back to Noah. That time at the Starlight Manor Incident when he had to face off Noah. Even without using a sword, Noah''s body had somehow synced with Rn''s movements. Rn remembered the way Noah had absorbed the kic impact of his strikes, his body naturally adapting to the rhythm of the fight. It was almost supernatural, and eventually, Noah had shattered Rn''s sword, not through brute force but through sheer precision. Rn clenched his fist around the hilt of his sword. If Noah had chosen to wield a sword, the oue would have been entirely different. It was that raw potential that drove Rn to push himself harder. If Noah could reach those heights, then surely Rn could, too. His dream of bing the best magic swordsman wasn''t impossible. It was just within reach¡ªif he trained harder. Xander broke the silence, snapping Rn out of his thoughts. "Why haven''t you been studying for the cement exams, Rn?" he asked, his tone curious. "All you''ve been doing is training nonstop." Rn shrugged, wiping sweat from his brow. "I study in the dead of night when it''s quiet." Xander raised an eyebrow. "Isn''t that just over-exhausting your body?" Rn knew Xander was right. Deep down, he felt the strain on his body. Thete-night study sessions and grueling training regimens were taking their toll. But he didn''t care. His goal was what mattered most. If he let himself rx for even a moment, it would all be for nothing. He couldn''t afford to slow down, not when he was so close to reaching his dream. Xander looked at him, concern flickering across his face, but he didn''t push the matter further. They both knew how stubborn Rn could be when it came to his goals. After a moment of silence, Xander sat down on the ground, leaning back on his hands, his breathing finally steadying. Rn did the same, cing his sword beside him as they stared out at the training grounds, the sun still zing overhead. Neither spoke for a while, the sounds of their own breaths and the distant chatter of other students filling the air. Despite the silence, an unspoken understanding passed between them. They both had their own paths to walk, their own battles to fight. But in that moment, under the scorching sun, with sweat dripping from their bodies, they were just two friends, resting after a hard-fought sparring session. Xander let out a tired sigh, closing his eyes as he felt the warmth of the sun on his skin. Rn, on the other hand, stared down at his sword, the weight of his ambitions heavy on his mind. He would keep pushing. He had to. Because one day, he would stand at the top as the greatest magic swordsman the academy had ever seen. And no amount of exhaustion would stop him from getting there. *** Ariana cleared her throat, a little embarrassed as she nced at Noah. "This is my friend," she said, gesturing to the orange-haired girl beside her. The girl beamed, stepping forward with an energetic smile. "Hi! I''m Livia!" she chirped, extending her hand eagerly. Noah hesitated for a second before taking her hand in a quick shake. "Nice to meet you," he replied, trying to sound polite. Livia didn''t seem to notice hisck of enthusiasm and immediately tried to strike up a conversation. "So, Noah, Ariana''s been talking nonstop about youtely." Noah didn''t reply, simply nodding slightly, his attention already shifting back to his books. Livia leaned in a little closer, her happy expression unwavering. "She said you''re really smart, and that you helped her understand Professor Sharon''s lessons." Noah nodded again, just enough to appear friendly, though his thoughts were elsewhere. ''Why is she faking her expressions?'' Noah wondered, narrowing his eyes slightly. He''d learned to recognize fake smiles and forced friendliness, especially after years of ying nice with others. ''Does she think I can''t tell?'' he thought, but decided it wasn''t worth addressing. Livia kept talking, undeterred by Noah''sck of response. "She also said you''re always studying or training and that you barely get any sleep. Isn''t that cute?" Ariana''s face immediately turned red, her hands flying up to her cheeks. "L-Livia, stop it!" she squeaked, clearly mortified. Liviaughed, clearly enjoying Ariana''s reaction. "She even said you were her ''study hero''¡ª" "LIVIA!" Ariana grabbed Livia''s arm, trying to stop her from talking. Livia grinned wider, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she continued. "And she said¡ª" Suddenly, a small, white-and-yellow bear spirit materialized next to Ariana. It looked at Livia, then at Ariana, and seemed to understand what was happening. Without hesitation, the bear grabbed Livia by the cor of her shirt, lifting her slightly off the ground. "Hey, wait¡ªwhat''s going on?" Livia yelped, struggling as the bear dragged her backward. A few students in the room looked up from their own conversations. Some of them, those who could see spirits, stared with wide eyes as Livia was pulled away. One student leaned over to their friend, whispering, "Don''t get involved." Livia iled her arms, trying to break free from the bear''s grasp. "Come on, it was just a joke! I wasn''t going to say anything else embarrassing!" she protested. Ariana''s face was still red, but she stammered an apology to Noah. "Uh, I-I''m really sorry, Noah! I''ll¡­ I''ll go now! I''m going to the cafeteria to get some chocte ice pops!" Noah, watching the chaos unfold, nodded slightly. "Goodbye," he said, his voice t but polite. Ariana hurried toward the door, following the bear and Livia as they made their way out. Before she exited, Ariana smacked the back of Livia''s head. "Ow! What was that for?!" Livia shrieked, still being dragged along by the spirit bear. "For saying too much!" Ariana snapped, her voice filled with embarrassment. As the two disappeared down the hallway, Livia''s voice echoed back into the room. "But it''s true! He''s your ''study hero!'' Admit it!" "LIVIA!" Ariana''s voice faded as she chased after her friend. Noah, left alone, couldn''t help but smile a little. ''What a mess,'' he thought. Chapter 49: Preparations For The Placement Exams [1] The student council room was unusually quiet today, a stark contrast to the usual flurry of activity. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting soft shadows on the polished wooden floor. Amy, the head of the student council, sat at the end of the long table, her arms crossed in thought. Xander and Rn sat on either side of the table, while Ariana was perched near the window, enjoying a chocte ice pop, much to the bewilderment of the others. Amy broke the silence first. "So, let''s get down to business," she said, her voice steady. "There are a few things we need to address today, but the most urgent is the matter of the students affected by that unknown energy." Xander leaned back in his chair, nodding. "Yeah, it''s been getting worse. A lot of people have been reporting strange behavior. Their magic feels off, almost corrupted." Rn, who had been silent for most of the meeting, finally spoke up. "I''ve noticed it too. Some of them can''t even control their own spells anymore. It''s like the energy is warping their magic." Amy sighed, ncing at the stack of reports in front of her. "These reports say the same thing. More and more students are being affected. It''s almost like a virus spreading through the academy." Ariana, barely paying attention, licked her ice pop, seemingly lost in her own world. Xander raised an eyebrow at her but didn''tment¡ªyet. Rn furrowed his brows, deep in thought. "I have a hunch¡­" he said slowly, his voice trailing off. Amy looked up, waiting for him to continue. Rn hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I have a feeling Noah might be involved in all of this." Before Rn could finish his thought, both Amy and Ariana shouted at the same time, "No!" The room fell into stunned silence. Xander and Rn stared,pletely speechless. Ariana''s eyes were wide, her ice pop frozen halfway to her mouth. Amy, on the other hand, had an icy calm to her expression, though her voice held a firm edge. "Noah can''t be involved in this," Amy said resolutely. Rn blinked, trying to process the sudden outburst. "Wait, why are you both so sure?" Ariana quickly shoved the ice pop back in her mouth, clearly not wanting to answer. Amy, however, took control of the conversation. "Because if Noah was involved," she began, her tone cool but serious, "it would be hisst straw. The academy has already been watching him closely after¡­ well, you know. If anything suspiciouses up involving him, they might not even give him a second chance. He could be banished from the halls. Expelled from the Ravenwood, even." Xander crossed his arms, a frown on his face. "Banishment? Like, kicked out of the dormitories entirely?" Amy nodded, her expression grim. "If the academy finds him guilty of being involved in something dangerous like this, yes. He could end up living in the woods, while still taking up sses or worse, being cklisted by every magical institution. He''d have nowhere to go." Rn leaned back in his chair, clearly unsettled. He had his suspicions, but now he was starting to wonder if it was worth digging deeper. Amy''s warning was enough to make him reconsider. Noah might be a mystery, but throwing him under the bus like that could have serious consequences. Ariana, meanwhile, was quietly munching on her ice pop, seemingly oblivious to the weight of the conversation. Xander nced at her, his eyes narrowing. "When did you start eating sweets, Ariana?" Ariana nearly choked on her ice pop, her eyes darting nervously from Xander to Amy and back to Xander. "Uh¡­ I don''t¡ª I mean, I''ve always liked sweets¡­" She stammered, clearly struggling toe up with a believable excuse. Xander raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "I''ve never seen you eat anything like that before. You''ve always been more of a health freak." Ariana''s face flushed as she scrambled for an excuse. "Well, it''s just¡­ you know¡­ sometimes people change!" She said, her voice rising slightly in panic. "And chocte''s good for¡­ um, energy?" Xander crossed his arms, not buying it for a second. "You''re really bad at lying, Ariana." Ariana fumbled with the ice pop, clearly flustered. Deep down, she knew exactly why she had developed a sudden love for sweets. It was all Noah''s fault. Ever since she''d followed him to that sweets shop, she''d been hooked on chocte ice cream. But there was no way she was going to admit that to the others. Amy watched the exchange with mild amusement before steering the conversation back to their original topic. "Anyway," she said, cutting through the awkwardness, "we need to focus on this issue with the corrupted students. Xander, any ideas?" Xander shook his head. "Not much. It''s hard to pin down what''s causing the corruption. It could be an external force, or it could be some kind of curse. But it''s spreading fast, whatever it is." Rn, now more cautious about throwing out usations, spoke up again. "I think we should start investigating the students who''ve been affected. There has to be amon link. Something connecting them." Amy nodded. "That''s a good idea. We''ll need to handle it carefully, though. If the academy catches wind that we''re investigating this on our own, it could cause problems. They''re already on edge." Ariana, still licking her ice pop, nced around the room nervously. She hadn''t contributed much to the conversation, but it was clear the seriousness of the situation was starting to sink in. Xander looked over at her again. "So, Ariana," he said casually, "what do you think?" Ariana blinked, clearly not expecting to be put on the spot. "I think¡­ um, I think we should definitely investigate!" she said, trying to sound confident. Xander smirked. "Good answer. Now finish your ice pop before it melts all over the floor." Ariana nced down at her half-eaten ice pop, suddenly realizing it was dripping. "Oh, shoot!" she muttered, quickly stuffing the rest of it into her mouth. Chapter 50: Preparations For The Placement Exams [2] Rn and Xander exchanged amused looks, while Amy sighed, clearly used to dealing with Ariana''s antics. After a moment, Amy stood up, signaling that the meeting wasing to an end. "Alright, let''s keep our ears to the ground and figure out what''s going on with the corrupted students. We''ll meet again in a few days to discuss what we''ve found." As the student council meeting wasing to a close, the conversation naturally drifted towards the uing cement Exams. It was an unavoidable topic; the exams were looming closer with each passing day, and tension was in the air for everyone at the academy. Amy, sitting confidently at the head of the table, was the first to bring it up. "Well, we all know the cement Exams areing up soon," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. "It''s going to be the real test of everything we''ve been working on this semester." Xander nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, it''s a big deal. I''ve been hearing a lot of people stressing out about it already." Rn, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, smirked slightly. "I''m not too worried," he said, tapping his fingers on the table. "I just need to polish up on a few things, but overall, I think I''ve got it under control." Amy raised an eyebrow at him. "Confident, as always." Rn shrugged. "Well, I''ve been training a lot. My practical skills are solid, but I still need to brush up on the theoretical stuff. I don''t want to leave any room for error." Xander chuckled. "Knowing you, you''ll be fine. You''ve always been good at bncing both. As for me, I''m feeling pretty confident too. Just need to make sure I don''t ck off." Amy smiled at that, clearly pleased with the general mood of confidence. "I''m not too worried either," she said. "I''ve been preparing for this for months, so I''m feeling good about it. If anything, I''m just looking forward to getting it over with." As Amy spoke, they all noticed Ariana had grown quiet, her eyes fixed on the floor. She wasn''t the type to boast, and her nervous energy was palpable. She shifted ufortably in her seat, nibbling on what was left of her chocte ice pop. Amy nced at her and then asked gently, "Ariana, how are you feeling about the exams?" Ariana hesitated before answering, her voice soft and unsure. "I''m¡­ I''m not sure," she admitted. "I''m nervous, to be honest. I''ve been studying a lot, but I don''t know if it''s enough. What if I mess up? What if I don''t pass?" There was a brief pause as the room digested her words. Ariana wasn''t usually one to show her insecurities, but the looming exams seemed to have gotten to her. Xander, who had always been supportive of his friends, smiled warmly at her. "Ariana, you''re smart," he said, his tone reassuring. "You''ve been working hard, and you''ve got a good head on your shoulders. I''m sure you''ll do just fine. Don''t let the nerves get to you." Ariana smiled weakly but still looked a little unsure. "Thanks, Xander. I just¡­ I don''t know. It feels like there''s so much pressure, and everyone expects me to do well." Rn, sensing her worry, chimed in as well. "You''re going to be fine, Ariana," he said, his tone calm and confident. "You''ve got the talent. Just trust in yourself and the work you''ve put in. We''ve all seen how much effort you''ve been putting in." Ariana gave a small nod, though the nervousness didn''tpletely leave her face. Ariana let out a small sigh, grateful for their words of encouragement but still feeling the weight of the uing challenge. "I''ll try," she said quietly. Rn, ever the realist, grinned slightly. "Hey, if all else fails, just think of it this way¡ªat least it''ll be over soon. Then you can stop worrying and just enjoy life again." That actually managed to get a smallugh out of Ariana. "Yeah, I guess you''re right." Xander leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he gave Ariana a knowing look. "And hey, if you need anyst-minute help, we''re all here for you. We can cram together if it makes you feel better." Ariana smiled a little brighter at that. "Thanks, Xander. I appreciate it." But deep down Ariana knew there was no studyfort better than one with Noah. There was just something about it all. And it made her body warm up everytime. Amy tapped the table lightly, signaling that the conversation was nearing its end. "Just a little more time, and we''ll get through these exams." Everyone nodded in agreement, though Ariana still looked like she had some butterflies in her stomach. Ariana, now a little more rxed, watched them banter and then quietly mumbled, "Well, I guess I better start reviewing again tonight¡­" As they left the room and started heading down the hallway, Amy turned back to the group with a final remark. "Remember, guys, cement Exams are just one part of the journey. We''ve all got our strengths, so let''s trust in that. And Ariana," she added with a grin, "save the ice pops for after the exams, okay?" As they were walking down the hallway, Amy couldn''t resist throwing in one morement, her voice carrying a tone of yful arrogance. She nced at Ariana and smirked. "Honestly, Ariana," Amy said, flicking her hair back over her shoulder with confidence. "If you just followed my study routine, you wouldn''t even have to worry about the exams. I''ve already got this in the bag. You know how it is when you''re at the top." Ariana blinked, unsure how to respond, her cheeks flushing slightly. She felt a mix of admiration and intimidation from Amy''s bold statement, but before she could even try to formte a reply, Xander spoke up. "Amy,e on," Xander said with a chuckle, lightly nudging Ariana''s shoulder. "Don''t let her get to you. She''s always like this. Full of herself one minute, and stressing the next." Amy gasped dramatically, cing a hand over her heart in mock offense. "Full of myself? Please, Xander, I''m just confident. There''s a difference!" Xander just grinned, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, Ariana, don''t worry about it. Just focus on doing your best, and ignore this one when she gets like that." Ariana smiled weakly, feeling a little better. Amy, still holding onto her pride, gave a yful roll of her eyes. "Well, we''ll see who''s stressing on exam day." She said, though her tone had softened a bit. "But for now, I''ll let you off easy." Xanderughed, ruffling Ariana''s hair. "See? Nothing to worry about." Chapter 51: Theres That Feeling Again! Ariana and Livia sat in a quaint little sweet shop located in the heart of the Town Centre, the aroma of freshly baked shortcakes and biscuits filling the air. The ce was bustling with customers, but the cozy atmosphere around their small table made it feel like their own private corner. Ariana sipped her tea delicately, nibbling on a shortcake with chocte drizzle. Livia, on the other hand, had already gone through a few biscuits and waszily stirring her tea, clearly enjoying the rxed mood. "This ce is so cute," Liviamented, looking around the shop. "I can''t believe we didn''te here sooner. The cakes are divine." Ariana nodded, her mouth full of shortcake, trying not to talk while eating. "Yeah, it''s really nice." They continued chatting about random things¡ªsses, uing exams, and a little gossip here and there. The light-hearted conversation made Ariana forget about her usual nervousness. Then, out of nowhere, Livia changed the topic. "So¡­ what''s up with you and Noah?" Livia''s tone was yful, her eyes twinkling mischievously. Ariana froze mid-sip. She looked at Livia, wide-eyed, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. "W-What? Me and Noah? There''s nothing!" She stammered, shaking her head, her voice squeaking slightly. Livia smirked, clearly not buying it. "Oh,e on, Ariana. You''ve been talking about him non-stop since we sat down. ''Noah helped me with this,'' ''Noah exined that to me,'' ''Noah''s so smart.'' It''s kind of cute, really." Ariana blushed even deeper, sinking into her chair. "I-I didn''t realize¡­ I was just¡­ he''s been helping me study, that''s all!" "Sure, that''s all," Livia teased. "You''re not blushing like that just because he helped you study, are you?" Ariana''s hands clutched her skirt under the table, her fingers nervously squeezing the fabric. She looked down at her feet, brushing her legs together, trying to control the fluttering feeling in her chest. The question lingered in her mind¡ªDo I really like him? Her heart raced as she thought about it. ''There''s that feeling again,'' she told herself. ''My body feels heavy and light at the same time. And I feel like I''m burning up from the inside. An intense heat but¡­ oddly soothing.'' She shook her head quickly, trying to snap herself out of her thoughts. She grabbed a piece of chocte cake and shoved it into her mouth, hoping to avoid any more teasing from Livia. But Livia could tell just by looking at Ariana''s flushed face that something was going on. Livia sighed, putting a hand on her cheek. "Alright, alright. I won''t force you to say it, Ariana. But I can tell you''re confused about how you''re feeling." Ariana nced up, still chewing the cake, her face red and flustered. "Look," Livia began, her tone turning more serious. "Liking someone isplicated, especially when it''s your first time. Your feelings can be all over the ce, and sometimes it''s hard to know what''s real and what''s just admiration or friendship. But one thing''s for sure¡ªwhen someone''s on your mind constantly, it means something." Ariana listened quietly, her fingers still gripping the edge of her skirt. "I''m not saying it''s love," Livia continued, "but it could be. And love is¡­ tricky. It''s amazing, but it can also lead to a lot of heartache if you''re not careful. You have to be prepared for all kinds of oues." Ariana stared down at herp, her mind swirling with thoughts. She had never been in a rtionship before, so everything Livia was saying sounded new and overwhelming. "For instance," Livia went on, "what will you do if you confess that you like him, but he doesn''t feel the same way? Are you ready for that possibility?" Ariana''s heart sank a little at the thought. She didn''t know how she''d handle that kind of rejection. Would it hurt too much? Would it change everything between them? Livia could see the worry in Ariana''s eyes and softened her tone. "I''m not trying to scare you. I just want you to be sure about your feelings before you dive in. You''ve never been in a rtionship, right?" Ariana nodded slowly. "No, never¡­" Livia smiled warmly. "That''s okay. Everyone''s new at this at some point. Just take your time to figure out what you want. There''s no rush. And if it turns out you really do like Noah, well, then that''s something you''ll have to deal with when the timees." Ariana''s mind drifted back to her family, the House of Snow. She remembered the time when her parents introduced her to a guy from another noble family, someone she was expected to marry after her studies at Ravenwood. He had everything her family could want¡ªa prestigious background, wealth, and status. But Ariana had never liked him. She had tried, for the sake of her family, to see if she could love him, but it never worked. The guy was arrogant and shallow, always talking about himself and his family''s aplishments. He barely cared about Ariana''s interests or dreams. To him, she was just a trophy, another step toward solidifying his power. That wasn''t what Ariana wanted. The reason she hade to Ravenwood was to study magic and make a name for herself. She wanted to graduate as one of the top students, someone who could stand on her own and make decisions for her future. The only way she could reject the arranged marriage was if she became powerful enough to be independent of her family''s influence. Ariana dreamed of starting her own prestigious house one day, where she could marry someone she truly loved¡ªsomeone she chose for herself. Livia had finished her tea by now and was watching Ariana with a thoughtful expression. She rested her chin on her hand, her gaze distant. "Noah¡­" Livia said quietly, almost to herself. Ariana snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Livia. "What about Noah?" Livia smiled softly but didn''t answer right away. Instead, she simply leaned back in her chair, lost in her own thoughts about the mysterious boy who had somehow managed to get under everyone''s skin without even trying. Chapter 52: The Placement Exams [1] The entire academy¡ªor at least the first years¡ªwas on edge as the cement Exams approached fast. It was like a thick fog of tension had settled over the students, making every conversation clipped, every movement hurried. Interactions between people were reduced to quick greetings or terse nods. No one had the time to chat anymore. Even trips to the town centers were bing rare. It was as if the entire world had shrunk down to study rooms, practice grounds, and dormitories. The library, for one, was filled to the brim. There were barely any free seats, and students practically fought for thest remaining textbooks. The air inside was stifling with the scent of old parchment and fresh sweat. Every now and then, you could hear a book m shut in frustration or the scribbling of quills as people furiously took notes. I was there more often than not, trying to cram as much information into my brain as possible. Even though I knew the basicyout of how things were supposed to go¡ªthanks to the game I''d been thrown into¡ªeverything was different now. My involvement had disrupted the storyline in ways I hadn''t anticipated. As I sat in the library, surrounded by stacks of books, I found myself thinking more about the game''s progression. Or rather, how it wasn''t progressing as it originally should have. Some parts were still following the general path toward the second act, but others had taken a wild detour. The cult, for instance, was evolving in ways I didn''t remember. They were slowly building power behind the scenes, and unknown magical energies were emerging from the shadows. Even worse, someone was conducting experiments on students¡ªcorrupting them, ording to the rumors. The corrupted students weren''t just random, though. They were those who thought they''d gain power through shortcuts, through dangerous and illegal means. One thing inmon is that they had rune tattoos engraved on their spines. A distinctive marker that ran from the nape of their necks down their backs. But because these tattoos were hidden, the academy couldn''t just strip students down to check for them. The whole investigation had been slow, relying on guesswork and cautious probing. Yet, despite all the disruptions, the magic within the academy had finally stabilized after several chaotic fluctuations. That meant one thing¡ªthe cement Exams would go on as scheduled. There was no dying them, no extra time to prepare. I sighed, staring at the open pages of a spell theory book but not really seeing the words. The more I thought about it, the more certain I became¡ªthere was another variable in this game besides me. I wasn''t the only one messing with the original timeline. It made sense. The storyline had shifted far too much for it to be just my doing. And then I remembered Seraph, one of the main characters who had met her unfortunate death, crying out in confusion about a girl with orange hair. She had disrupted the first act, and her interference had sent everything spiraling in a different direction. The problem, though, was finding this girl. The academy was filled with students, many of whom had orange hair. Tracking her down would be a challenge. For now, I had to focus on my own goals. Killing the other main characters was a priority, but it was easier said than done. I couldn''t just walk up to them and end things. I needed to let the original storylines y out and then push them into situations where their lives were at risk. The second act was fast approaching, and my next target was Amy. I had to make sure she didn''t make it past this part of the story. nning aside, I''d spent a lot of my time on the training grounds and in deep meditation. Even though my mana reserves were already insanely high¡ªprobably on par with the main characters¡ªI still needed to increase them. I wasn''t going to leave anything to chance. If I wanted to survive and thrive in this twisted world, I had to be stronger, faster, and smarter. Of course, there was that one night where I hit rock bottom. Exhausted beyond belief, I caved and shamelessly browsed the system shop for some sort of cheat artifact to help me with the exams. I figured it wouldn''t hurt to see if there was anything useful. But the system, as always, had a way of humbling me. --- [System Notification] [Ah, the mighty Noah Ashbourne, reduced to begging for cheats? How utterly predictable. Truly, you are a master strategist¡­ looking for shortcuts at the first sign of trouble] --- I rolled my eyes at the sarcastic tone, but the system wasn''t done. --- [System Notification] Did you really think I''d have some magical artifact just lying around for you? Oh, I know¡ªmaybe you want a "pass the exams without effort" button. Or better yet, how about a "defeat all main characters without lifting a finger" coupon?] --- I groaned. This was going nowhere fast. But the system wasn''t finished mocking me yet. --- [System Notification] [In all seriousness, Noah, try studying like everyone else. Who knows? Maybe using your brain for once will actually help. Though, if you''re desperate, I''m sure there''s a discount on courage potions¡ªlord knows you''ll need it for the exams] --- Needless to say, after that verbal beating, I ended up studying like everyone else. No shortcuts. No cheats. Just hard, grueling work. --- When I wasn''t studying or training, I''d been spending time upgrading my room. I added some furniture to make the space feel more like home¡ªtwo new couches, one maroon and the other a mix of light blue and grey. It was my little haven offort amidst the chaos of academy life. But then something unexpected happened. I thought I''d be left alone to enjoy my newly furnished room, but apparently, my solitude wasn''t meant tost. Ariana and Maya started showing up. A lot. Sometimes they even stayed overnight, iming they were too tired to go back to their own dorms. Ariana, for some reason, always wanted to make sure I was doing okay. She''d pop in with food, check on my health, or fuss over my study habits. Maya, though exhausted from her own training and helping the school faculty, would also check in on me, though she had a different approach. She wasn''t as nurturing as Ariana, but she made her presence known. At first, I had no idea why they kepting over. It wasn''t like I needed a babysitter, and yet here they were¡ªalmost like they werepeting for something. Not that I could figure out what. They never spoke to each other unless it was to argue, and those arguments were¡­ confusing. --- One night, while I was sprawled out on the maroon couch, the two of them started bickering again. It was about something ridiculous, though I didn''t catch all the details at first. The next thing I knew, Ariana was shouting about who should get the st piece," and Maya was countering with something about fairness and equality. I looked between them, bewildered. "Uh¡­st piece of what?" I asked, trying to make sense of the situation. Neither of them answered me directly. Instead, their argument escted into some strangepetition of who deserved more time in the room, with both of them ring at each other like they were ready to duel. I just sat there,pletely lost. Whatever they were fighting about clearly made sense to them, but I was out of the loop. It felt like I was missing some hidden meaning in their words, something that wasn''t being said out loud. Eventually, they stormed off in separate directions, leaving me with more questions than answers. --- As the days passed, I got used to the two of them hanging around. It was almost like the room was for the three of us now. Ariana and Maya would show up whenever they pleased, often at the same time, and I just¡­ let it happen. Outside, the academy had grown eerily quiet. No one roamed the halls unless absolutely necessary, and it seemed like everyone had gone into hiding, preparing for the cement Exams. The air was thick with anticipation, and before any of us realized it, the day of the exams had arrived. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the stack of books and notes I hadpiled over the past few weeks. Despite all the training, the nning, and the scheming, my heart was pounding in my chest. The exams were here. And everything was about to change. Chapter 53: The Placement Exams [2] Xandery on his bed in Ironwood Hall, staring nkly at the ceiling above him. The dark, silent night weighed heavily on his chest, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t shake off the suffocating emptiness gnawing at his insides. His body felt heavy, depleted, as though every ounce of energy had been drained from him. He hadn''t moved in hours, except to shift slightly in his bed, his mind too overwhelmed to focus on anything else. On the desk beside him sat a crumpled letter, the wax seal broken, its once neat folds now carelessly undone. Xander''s eyes flickered toward the letter, though he wasn''t sure why he kept it in sight. It was as if its very presence taunted him, reminding him of the words he couldn''t escape. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. Despite his efforts to avoid it, his thoughts inevitably drifted back to the contents of the letter. It had arrived only that morning, delivered by one of the academy''s messengers. He knew right away it wasn''t good news. The handwriting was shaky, unlike the neat script his mother usually used. His stomach had twisted even before he read the words. --- Dearest Xander, I hope this letter finds you in good health, though I wish I could say the same for your father. His condition has worsened beyond what we feared. The doctors... they don''t know how long he can hold on. They''ve discovered that his body is slowly deteriorating from within. It seems his exposure to corrupted mana¡ªyears ago now¡ªhas done irreversible damage. The corruption is attacking his internal organs, and he bleeds more often these days. Even the simplest tasks leave him exhausted. He tries to stay strong for us, but we all see the toll it''s taking on him. We have consulted every healer, doctor, and alchemist across the continent. They all say the same thing¡ªthere is no cure. This disease, they tell us, is spreading. Many have begun to fall ill from simr symptoms, and no one knows how to stop it. Your father asked me not to write to you about this, not wanting to distract you from your studies. But you deserve to know the truth. Please, don''t let this burden weigh too heavily on you. Focus on your future at Ravenwood. Your father would want that more than anything. With all my love, Mother --- The words reyed over and over in Xander''s mind, no matter how hard he tried to push them away. His father¡ªthe strong, stoic man who had always seemed indestructible¡ªwas now wasting away. Corrupted mana had invaded his body years ago, back when he had fought to protect theirnd. Xander remembered that time vividly, remembered his father standing tall despite the odds. But now, that strength was slipping away. His father was dying. The realization had hit Xander like a blow to the gut. There was no cure. There was nothing anyone could do. The finest healers and alchemists on the continent were baffled by the disease. The corrupted mana ate away at the body slowly, painfully, until there was nothing left. Xander squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the images that flooded his mind. He remembered thest time he had seen his father, before he left for the academy. He had seemed tired, yes, but he had still been his father¡ªstill full of life and resolve. Now, that image was crumbling, reced by the thought of a man struggling to hold on, his body betraying him more with each passing day. He wished he could go back. He wished he could do something. But here he was, stuck at Ravenwood, trying to focus on exams and studies while his father''s life slipped away hundreds of miles from him. ''Why didn''t I notice it before?'' Xander thought, frustration bubbling up inside him. His mother had kept it from him, of course. His father, too, had probably hidden his suffering. They didn''t want to distract him from his studies. They didn''t want him to worry. But how could he not worry now? His mind kept circling back to the thought of the disease. A rising sickness with no cure¡ªspreading across the continent. How many others were suffering from the same affliction? How many more would fall ill before a cure was found, if one was even possible? Xander had always known the dangers of corrupted mana, but he had never imagined it woulde for his family like this. His heart ached with helplessness. There was nothing he could do from here. Nothing at all. Xander opened his eyes again and stared up at the dark ceiling, his body numb from the weight of his thoughts. The room felt colder now, or maybe it was just his imagination. He hadn''t lit a fire in the hearth, not bothering to stave off the evening chill. The letter seemed to glow in the moonlight streaming in through the window, a silent reminder of everything he couldn''t fix. He wanted to crumple it up, to throw it away, but he couldn''t bring himself to. The words would still be there, burned into his mind. You deserve to know the truth. His mother''s words echoed in his head. It wasn''t just about his father anymore. It was about the future of their family, their household. If his father died... what would happen then? He wasn''t even sure he wanted it. But that wouldn''t matter if the time came. The thought made him feel sick. He had always assumed there would be more time. Time to finish his studies. Time to grow stronger. Time to prepare. But now, it seemed like time was slipping away faster than he could keep up with. Xander''s eyelids grew heavier as exhaustion finally began to im him. His mind was too tired to fight anymore. The weight of the world was pressing down on him, but there was nothing he could do to lift it. His chest ached with a hollow sense of loss, even though nothing had happened yet. But he knew it would. It was only a matter of time. He let out a slow, shuddering breath, his eyes closing as sleep began to overtake him. The darkness swallowed him whole, but even in the stillness of the night, the ache remained. His father''s face lingered in his mind, fading into the shadows. And just like that, Xander drifted off into a restless, dreamless sleep, the letter still lying untouched on the desk. *** Chapter 54: The Placement Exams [3] The day of the cement exams had finally arrived, and the atmosphere at Ravenwood Academy was nothing short of electric. A sea of first-year students gathered at the assembly point, their expressions ranging from nervous to cautiously optimistic. The morning sun shone brightly overhead, but the tension in the air was palpable, wrapping around the students like a thick fog. Groups of students clustered together, whispering anxiously to one another. Conversations hummed all around, most of them nervous but sprinkled with a few voices of confidence. "I can''t believe it''s already here," one boy muttered, his fingers tapping anxiously against his watch. "I didn''t sleep at allst night. My mind kept racing about all the things I didn''t study." "Same here," replied another student. "I swear I forgot everything the moment I woke up. I might as well walk in there with a nk piece of paper." A girl standing nearby crossed her arms, looking moreposed than the rest. "You two worry too much. It''s not like they expect us to be perfect. Just do your best, and you''ll get by." "Easy for you to say," the boy shot back, his voice dripping with envy. "Not all of us have perfect recall." The girl shrugged, a small smirk ying on her lips. "Well, it''s not my fault I''m a genius." Some students chuckled nervously at her boldness, but most others continued to murmur about their own insecurities. For many, this was the most important day of their lives at Ravenwood Academy. The results of the cement exams would determine their future¡ªwhether they would rise to the top or be relegated to the lower sses. In the distance, a tall figure made their way toward the podium. The chattering students fell silent almost instantly, their attention drawn to Professor Sharon Albright, who stood with her hands sped before her, her expression stern but not unkind. The professor''s presencemanded respect, and even the most talkative students straightened up as she prepared to speak. "Good morning, first years," Professor Sharon''s voice echoed through the assembly point, calm and steady. "Today marks the beginning of your cement exams, a critical moment in your journey here at Ravenwood Academy." She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. "As you all know, these exams will determine your ss ranking for the remainder of your time at this academy. sses range from S, which is the highest, to D, the lowest." A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd again, but Professor Sharon raised a hand to silence them. "Each of you received your exam timetablesst night via your academy watches. These watches will guide you through the next two days. If you haven''t checked yours yet, I strongly advise you to do so now." Many students fumbled with their watches, tapping at the holographic disys as they double-checked their schedules. Xander, standing at the back of the crowd, quickly skimmed his own timetable before turning it off. "The cement exams will take ce over two days," Professor Sharon continued. "Today will focus on written exams, covering the theoretical knowledge you have acquired in your respective departments. These will vary depending on your course of study, so some of you may finish earlier than others." A few students exchanged hopeful nces, clearly d they wouldn''t be bogged down with extra exams. "Tomorrow, however," she said, her tone growing slightly more serious, "will be thebat exams. And I must remind you,bat exams are mandatory for everyone¡ªno matter what course or department you belong to." There was a brief ripple of shock and disbelief among the students. Some of them, especially those in nonbat-oriented departments like healing or support magic, looked particrly unsettled by this announcement. "Wait, even healers have to fight?" one boy whispered frantically to his friend. "I''ve never even held a sword before!" "It''s not like they''re going to throw you into an actual battle," his friend whispered back, though he didn''t sound too sure of himself. "It''s probably just a test of your magical capabilities. Right?" Despite the reassurances, a few more murmurs of concern spread through the crowd. Thebat exams were notorious for testing not just physical strength, but magical prowess, strategy, and adaptability. It wasn''t enough to just be strong or knowledgeable¡ªyou had to be able to apply it under pressure. Professor Sharon cleared her throat, and the crowd quickly quieted down again. "As of today, your focus will be on the written exams. These exams will assess your knowledge in various subjects, depending on the courses you''ve been taking. Some of you may find them challenging, while others may breeze through." She scanned the crowd, her sharp gaze lingering on a few students who were already sweating bullets. "I advise you all to take today seriously. Do not rush, do not panic, and most importantly¡ªgive it your best effort. The results of these exams will shape your time here at Ravenwood." The weight of her words settled over the students, the reality of the situation sinking in. It was one thing to talk about the exams; it was another to face them head-on. With a final nod, Professor Sharon concluded, "You are dismissed. Good luck to you all." The crowd began to disperse, students slowly making their way toward their respective exam halls. The tension was thick in the air, but beneath it all, there was an undeniable buzz of excitement. This was their chance to prove themselves, to rise through the ranks¡ªor to fall. As the students shuffled toward the exam halls, conversations broke out again, some filled with nervous energy, others trying to lighten the mood. "I''m so doomed," one boy groaned, dragging his feet. "I barely studied for the history section." His friend patted him on the back sympathetically. "Hey, at least you''re not in the advanced magic theory ss. Those guys are going to be grilled." "I heard they''re testing battle tactics today," another girl chimed in. "I''m just hoping I can remember what I studiedst night." "I''ve got potions and alchemy right after," someone added. "That stuff''s like a ticking time bomb. One wrong answer, and you''ve got an explosion on your hands." Meanwhile, a few students who looked more confident strode ahead with their heads held high, exchanging banter that came across as a little too rxed for the rest of the group. "This''ll be a breeze," one particrly cocky student bragged. "I''ve aced every test so far, and I don''t n on stopping now." "Good for you," someone muttered sarcastically. "I''m just trying to survive." The tension was undeniable, but there were enough jokes andints to break the intensity now and then. Still, the weight of what was at stake loomed over every conversation. Everyone knew that these exams would determine their standing for the rest of their time at Ravenwood. Would they be among the privileged, ced in the elite S-ss, with ess to the best resources and training? Or would they be cast into the lower sses, like D, where survival meant relying on your wits and fending for yourself? There was no in-between. As the students filed into their exam halls, the buzz of conversation quieted down. The first exam¡ªa written test¡ªwas about to begin, and no one wanted to be caught unprepared. The future was in their hands now. Chapter 55: The Placement Exams [4] Noah sat in the middle of the ssroom, staring at the exam paper in front of him. The room was eerily quiet, save for the asional scribbling of pens and the soft shuffling of parchment. Sunlight streamed in from the tall windows, but it did nothing to lift the oppressive atmosphere that hung over the room. Every student was deep in concentration, their faces pale with anxiety. The silence was suffocating, and Noah felt the weight of it pressing down on him. He tapped his pen on the desk, trying to keep his cool. ''Focus, focus, focus,'' he thought, but it wasn''t working. Frustration bubbled up inside him, and he clenched his jaw, ncing around the room. Everyone seemed to be doing just fine, their heads bent over their papers. Meanwhile, Noah''s mind was aplete mess. "This exam isn''t as easy as I thought it''d be," Noah muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing at the questions on the paper. He''d expected the written exams to be a breeze¡ªhe knew the material, more or less, and had spent plenty of time studying. But now, looking at the questions in front of him, he realized he''d underestimated the challenge. They weren''t asking for simple definitions or exnations. No, these questions required a deeper understanding of magic, the kind that required real thinking. He exhaled and read the first question aloud, whispering to himself as he tried to make sense of it. "In a duel between a Pyromancer and a Hydromancer, the Pyromancer''s mes have reached temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees. The Hydromancer has formed a water barrier, but it''s starting to evaporate. What spell should the Hydromancer use to maintain the barrier and counter the mes? Justify your answer." Noah blinked at the page. ''Seriously?'' He rubbed his temples, feeling a headache forming. This wasn''t just a simple ''water beats fire'' scenario. He needed to consider the mechanics of the spells, the interaction between the elements, and the limits of each mage''s abilities. "Okay, okay," he muttered, biting the end of his pen. "Hydromancer''s water barrier is evaporating... So, more water? No, wait¡­ the mes are too hot. More water would just evaporate faster. What if¡­" He scribbled something down. ''The Hydromancer should use an Ice Transmutation spell to lower the temperature of the water, converting it to ice. This would both reinforce the barrier and absorb some of the heat from the mes. Additionally, the Hydromancer could channel cooling magic into the ice to prevent rapid melting, maintaining the barrier for longer.'' He read over his answer and sighed. "That¡­ better work." Moving on to the next question, he hoped it would be easier. It wasn''t. "A group of mages has been trapped in a cave where the air is thin, and oxygen levels are dropping. One mage is a Windcaster, and another is an Earth Shaper. What spellbination would best preserve oxygen while helping the group escape the cave? Exin your reasoning." Noah groaned. ''Of course it''s not simple.'' His brain was already fried from the first question, and now they were throwing survival magic scenarios at him. "Preserve oxygen¡­ okay, Windcaster¡­ can''t just st air in. That''d probably make it worse. Earth Shaper could open the cave, but... copse risk?" He scratched his head. "Come on, brain, work with me here." He thought for a moment, chewing on his pen. What if¡­ the Windcaster creates a controlled air bubble? That way, they could regte the oxygen levels¡­ Noah scribbled again. ''The Windcaster should create an airtight wind bubble to seal off a small area around the group, preserving the remaining oxygen. Meanwhile, the Earth Shaper can reinforce the structure of the cave using earthpression magic to prevent copse, and then use Earth Sensing to locate a safe path out.'' He leaned back in his chair, staring at the paper with a mix of frustration and resignation. This was way harder than he''d imagined. Why is everything a life-or-death situation? The sound of rustling paper snapped him out of his thoughts. One of the students finished their exam and stood up to turn it in. Noah nced at the clock¡ªhe was running out of time. "Damn it," he muttered. He forced himself to focus and quickly scribbled down answers to the remaining questions, even if some were rushed or barely made sense. Guess I''ll wing it. As the clock struck the hour, the professor announced the end of the exam. Noah stood up, feeling like his brain had been put through a meat grinder. And this was just the first exam. --- After a short break, Noah shuffled into the next exam room. This one was smaller and more cramped, but the tension was just as high. He sat down, eyeing the new exam paper with dread. The questions weren''t any easier. "You are tasked with creating a multiyered defensive barrier using Light Magic. Describe how you wouldyer the spells to maximize protection against both physical and magical attacks. Include at least threeyers of defense and exin the properties of each." Noah groaned. ''I am so screwed.'' He hadn''t studied Light Magic defenses in detail. He''d focused more on offensive spells, thinking that''d be the tough part of the exam. But here he was, being asked about barriers. "Alright," he whispered to himself. "Threeyers. Firstyer¡­ Light Reflection? Bounces back weak attacks¡­ okay, secondyer¡­ uh¡­ maybe a Light Absorption spell? So it takes in magical attacks, nullifying them¡­ and thirdyer¡­" He tapped his pen against the desk, trying to think of something clever. What''s a strong defense spell with Light Magic? "Oh, right!" he said aloud, earning a re from the student beside him. "Finalyer, Light Fortification. Strengthens the barrier against physical force. Okay, done. Moving on." By the time the afternoon exams rolled around, Noah was running on fumes. He shuffled from one room to the next, feeling his sanity slowly slip away. The questions blurred together, and his brain felt like it was melting. At one point, he found himself muttering nonsensically. "So¡­ if I summon a¡­ no, wait, that''s wrong. Fireball¡­ no, ice ball? Ice is cold. Cold is good. Wait, what''s the question again?" --- When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the written exams, Noah slumped in his chair. His hands were cramped from writing so much, and his brain felt like it had been fried in a magical explosion. As he dragged himself out of the exam hall, he muttered. "I''m fucked." The exams had been brutal. He''d barely survived the written portion, and his answers ranged from decent to outright nonsense. There was no way he''d make it to ss B or C based on that alone. "Guess my only hope is thebat exams tomorrow," Noah groaned, rubbing his temples. "If I don''t pull something amazing out of my ass, I''m done for." Chapter 56: The Placement Exams [5] Noah copsed onto his bed, face first, groaning into his pillow. His entire body ached from sitting through hours of grueling exams, and his brain felt like it had been beaten with a bat. He rolled over, staring up at the ceiling of his dorm room. The dark wood beams above feeling like they were closing in on him. "Fuck this. Fuck all of this," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "I don''t remember the cement exams being this difficult in the damn game. What the hell?" He sat up, rubbing the back of his neck and ring at the pile of papers on his desk. In the game, you could just skip through scenes with a button. Press, skip, done. Easy. But here? He scoffed. "Nah, now I''m living it. Now I''m actually here, and it''s impossible. It''s like they made the exams ten times harder just to mess with me. Fucking ridiculous." Noah stood up and started pacing the room, running his hands through his messy hair. "I''ve screwed up bad. Real bad. There''s no way I passed those written exams. Not after missing two months of sses because I was in aa. But does the academy care? Nope. They couldn''t care less. They''re probably hoping I''ll fail so they can dump me in ss D and forget about me." He kicked at the corner of his bed, stubbing his toe in the process. "Shit!" He hopped on one foot for a moment, cursing under his breath before flopping back onto the bed. "Thebat exams tomorrow¡­ they''re my only chance now. Myst hope. If I fuck that up, I''m done. And let''s face it, I''m not exactly athletic. I''m not even remotely close to being athletic." Noah groaned, covering his face with his hands. Sure, he had immense mana reserves, probably enough to match one of the main characters. But physicalbat? That wasn''t exactly his thing. He hoped his magic would be enough to carry him through thebat exams, but he wasn''t feeling too confident. After a few moments of lying there, he scoffed, the hint of a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe I should ask the system if it''s got something to boost my strength. Or anything, really. Hell, at this point, I''d take a cheat code." Without much thought, he opened the system interface, his fingers flicking through the familiar screens. "Hey, system," he said aloud, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "you got anything to boost my stats? You know, for a hard-working student like me?" The system responded immediately, a message appearing in big, bold letters on the screen: [¡öAre you really that shameless?] Noah blinked. ''What the hell?'' Before he could even react, the message flickered, and the system screen changed, showing the system shop with various items for sale, each with a price tag attached. Noah scrolled through the options, feeling a glimmer of hope as he scanned the items. "Finally, something useful," he muttered. But as he kept scrolling, he realized that most of the items were way out of his price range. He hadn''t exactly been doing the system quests or scenarios. In fact, he''d avoided them altogether, figuring he''d get to them after he dealt with the main characters. He wasn''t expecting the system to throw exams at him this early. He scrolled down until he saw something that caught his eye: [¡öBooster: Increases Physical Stats by 20% for 24 hours.] "Now we''re talking," Noah said, sitting up a little straighter. The price tag showed 1000 system coins, which was exactly how much he had left after surviving the first act. That little sess had rewarded him with the coins, and he hadn''t spent any of them yet. "This better work," he muttered, selecting the item and pressing the purchase button. The screen shed, and the item appeared in his inventory. Noah grinned, feeling a bit of his frustration lift. Maybe, just maybe, this would give him the edge he needed for thebat exams. He tapped the item to use it, watching as it materialized in front of him¡ªa small vial of glowing red liquid. He hesitated for a moment, then shrugged and downed the potion in one gulp. Immediately, the system shed another message on the screen: [¡öCongrattions on purchasing ''Strength Booster''! Hope you enjoy your 24-hour¡­ hair growth.] Noah froze, the vial slipping from his fingers and rolling onto the floor. "Wait. What?" Before he could process it, he felt an odd tingling sensation at the top of his head. Then, like some sort of bad joke, he watched in horror as his hair began to grow¡ªrapidly. Within seconds, his hair cascaded down past his shoulders, down his back, and eventually pooled around him on the bed. "Are you fucking kidding me?!" Noah yelled, grabbing fistfuls of his now ridiculously long hair. "Hair growth? This isn''t a strength booster! What the hell is this shit?!" As if to mock him further, the system screen disyed aughing emoji: [:D] "Oh, fuck you!" Noah shouted at the system, his face turning red with frustration. "You scammed me! I''m supposed to be prepping forbat exams, not starring in some shampoomercial!" The system''s response was immediate. A pixted middle finger appeared on the screen, followed by a snarky message: [Good luck with that. ;)] And then the system screen went dark, leaving Noah sitting there with what felt like five pounds of extra hair. He red at the now nk screen, his face a mixture of disbelief and rage. "You''ve got to be fucking kidding me," he muttered, tugging at his new mane of hair. "This has to be some kind of joke. I''m going to fail these exams because I''ve been scammed by a system with a sick sense of humor." He slumped back onto the bed, his hair fanning out like some sort of absurd nket. Noahy there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, his anger slowly draining into a deep sense of defeat. "I''m done for," he muttered, closing his eyes. With a sigh, he pulled his pillow over his face, hoping that maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªthings would go better tomorrow. But deep down, he wasn''t feeling too optimistic. Chapter 57: Combat Exams [1] The sun had barely risen, but the courtyard outside Ravenwood Academy was already buzzing with nervous energy. Today was the final day of the cement exams¡ªthe day of thebat exams. Students milled about, all dressed in the standard attire for physical education sses. The outfits were aplete departure from the usual academy uniforms: fitted shirts and pants designed for flexibility and movement, in various shades of navy and grey. Most of the students looked ufortable, tugging at their clothes or fidgeting nervously. Noah stood among them, yawning as he stretched his arms. His body felt tense from yesterday''s grueling written exams, and his mood wasn''t much better. Around him, the chatter of students filled the air. "I swear I''m screwed," one student groaned nearby. "Those written exams were impossible. Did you see thatst question on magical convergence theory?" "Don''t remind me!" another whined, clutching his head. "I feel like my brain melted halfway through it. What even is a temporal rift copse?" "Sounds like you''re both dead meat," a girl chimed in, her voice smug. "The exams were easy. I''m confident I''ll pass with flying colors." "You would say that," the first student grumbled. "Bet you were studying all semester while the rest of us were actually living." As Noah listened to the back-and-forth, he couldn''t help but smirk. At least he wasn''t the only one feeling like those exams had been crafted by a sadistic genius. But then, his smirk faded as he remembered what was at stake today. Thebat exams. Hisst shot at making it into ss B or C. He rubbed the back of his neck, still feeling the phantom weight of the ridiculously long hair the system had cursed him with. After a solid hour of cutting, trimming, and yelling at the mirror, he had finally managed to get it back to its normal length. But the memory still irritated him. As he stood there, deep in thought, amotion broke out to his left. Noah turned just in time to see a student sway dangerously on his feet before copsing to the ground. "Bro, wake up!" his friend yelled, kneeling beside him. "He''s dead!" Another student rushed over and, in a dramatic voice, wailed, "No! He can''t be dead! He still had so much to live for! He never even¡ª" The student paused, looking upward as if pleading to the heavens. "¡ªHe never even lost his virginity!" A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, and a few students stifledughter. The guy''s other friend rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You idiot, he''s not dead. Just passed out from nerves." He crouched down, a spark of electricity crackling at his fingertips. "A little jolt should do the trick." With a quick zap of lightning magic, the fallen student jolted awake, his body spasming for a moment before he sat up with a groan. "What the hell just happened?" "You fainted," his friend said solemnly. "And this moron over here wasmenting that you died a virgin." The now-conscious student''s eyes widened in horror. He shot up and smacked his friend over the head. "You idiot! The girls heard that!" "Ah, my bad!" the friendughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess that''s one way to get attention, huh?" Noah couldn''t help but chuckle under his breath at the absurdity of it all. But as his gaze wandered, itnded on a section of the courtyard where a group of girls had gathered. The atmosphere there was entirely different. A bunch of them had formed a circle around Xander, who lookedpletely out of his element as the girls fawned over him. In his physical education attire, Xander''s muscr frame was on full disy, his well-defined arms and chest clearly visible under the tight-fitting shirt. The girls giggled, some whispering to each other, others blushing as they asked him questions he clearly didn''t want to answer. Xander, for his part, seemed to be frozen in ce, his eyes darting around as if looking for an escape route. One of the girls stepped closer, her eyes wide with admiration. "Wow, Xander, I didn''t realize you were so strong! Do you train often?" He opened his mouth to reply, but no words came out. Instead, his face turned a deep shade of red as he scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh¡­ yeah, I guess." Noah snorted, amused by Xander''s predicament, but his attention quickly shifted to another part of the courtyard. Over near the shaded trees, a group of noble girls were gathered around Amy. Unlike Xander, Amy wasn''t even pretending to be interested in the conversation happening around her. She stood there, arms crossed, her expression neutral as the noble girls fawned over her. "Your hair is so beautiful, Lady Amy," one girl said in awe. "The way it glistens in the sunlight is just¡­ breathtaking!" Amy nced at the girl, clearly disinterested, but she forced a small smile. "Thank you," she said politely, though her eyes were clearly elsewhere. Noah''s eyes scanned the courtyard again until theynded on a familiar face¡ªAriana. She was standing with Livia, her eyes moving around as if searching for someone. It wasn''t long before she spotted him. Noah scratched his cheek nervously, oblivious to Ariana''s stare. He was still brooding over the disaster that had been his written exams. If today didn''t go well, he was done for. But even as he ruminated, Ariana''s eyes twinkled when she noticed how the physical education uniform fit Noah. Unlike Xander, Noah wasn''t overly muscr, but to her, he looked¡­ well, just fine. "Ooh, when did Noah get a cut?" Livia teased, nudging Ariana with a grin. Ariana''s eyes widened in panic, and she quickly shoved Livia away, whispering harshly. "Shut up! He''ll hear you!" She pushed Livia toward another part of the courtyard, trying to escape before Noah could notice her staring. Noah, still oblivious, sighed heavily. The hair situation yesterday had been a nightmare, and even though he''d managed to fix it, he was still furious at the system for scamming him. Now, all that frustration was focused on the exams ahead. He had to make it through thebat trials. He had no choice. "This is it," Noah muttered to himself, clenching his fists. "Myst shot. I''ll have to make it count." The conversations andughter around him faded into the background as Noah mentally prepared himself for what was toe. Thebat exams were his final chance. He didn''t need to be the best; he just needed to be good enough to survive. And with any luck, that might be enough to get him into ss B or C. But deep down, he knew the odds were stacked against him. ''No pressure,'' he thought dryly. ''No pressure at all.'' Chapter 58: Combat Exams [2] The atmosphere around the training grounds was tense, with students nervously pacing or stretching to loosen their muscles. Today was the day that truly mattered¡ªthe day of thebat exams. This was where Ravenwood Academy sorted the weak from the strong, the mediocre from the exceptional. Noah stood among the other students, feeling a tight knot of anxiety in his stomach. He had barely managed to scrape through the written exams, and now, he had to face the physical tests. "Great," he muttered under his breath, staring at the first course in front of him. The first test was focused entirely on physical strength, endurance, and agility. Spread out across the massive training field were various stations designed to push students to their limits. There was a long track for sprinting. A course filled with heavy weights that needed to be lifted and moved. A climbing wall with magically shifting handholds. A nd a bnce beam suspended high off the ground that seemed far too wobbly forfort. Points would be awarded for each task, based on how well students performed. Noah looked to his right and saw Xander stretching, his muscles flexing under the training gear. A group of girls nearby watched him with awe, but Xander seemedpletely focused, ignoring their whispers. To Noah''s left, Amy was adjusting her gloves, her expression calm and collected. Further ahead, Rn was cracking his knuckles, a confident smirk on his face. They all looked ready¡ªtoo ready. ''Of course, they''re doing fine.'' Noah thought bitterly. ''They''re the main characters.'' A loud horn blew, signaling the start of the first test. Noah''s heart pounded in his chest as the students were instructed to begin at different stations. He was assigned to the bnce beam first¡ªlucky him. With a deep breath, he climbed up onto the beam, which swayed slightly as he steadied himself. The goal was simple: make it across without falling off. But the beam was narrower than it looked, and each step sent it wobbling. Noah''s arms iled slightly as he tried to maintain his bnce. Around him, other students moved with varying degrees of sess¡ªsome zipped across the beam like it was second nature, while others stumbled, nearly falling off. "Come on,e on," Noah muttered to himself, carefully cing one foot in front of the other. To his dismay, Xander had already finished, moving on to the next station with ease. Behind him, Noah could hear students muttering in frustration. One of them slipped off the beam entirely,nding in the soft grass below with a defeated groan. "This is ridiculous!" the student shouted. "How is anyone supposed to keep their bnce on this thing?" "You''re just clumsy!" Someone yelled back, earning augh from nearby students. Despite theints, Noah pushed forward, his face scrunched in concentration. He was almost at the end when the beam shifted abruptly. His foot slipped, and for a brief moment, he iled, arms windmilling to keep from falling. "Ah, damn it¡ª!" he cursed, but managed to right himself at thest second. With a final leap, he jumped off the beam andnded on the other side. Panting slightly, he straightened up, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. His performance had been shaky, but at least he hadn''t fallen. A small crowd of students stood nearby, waiting their turn, and Noah could hear their nervous whispers. "This is harder than it looks¡­" "I thought the physical test would be easier." "Xander''s already finished! Did you see him on the climbing wall?" Noah didn''t need to hear that. He wiped the sweat from his brow and moved on to the next station: the sprint. He wasn''t much of a runner, but he could at least give it his best shot. He crouched at the starting line, waiting for the signal. His legs felt heavy, and his stamina wasn''t exactly impressivepared to some of the more athletic students, but he wasn''t going to back down. The signal came, and Noahunched himself forward. The ground flew by beneath him, but it was immediately clear that he wasn''t the fastest. Xander and Rn were already halfway down the track by the time Noah had reached the quarter mark. Ariana, to his surprise, wasn''t far behind them, moving with surprising agility. Noah''s breath came in ragged gasps as he pushed himself harder. His lungs burned, and his legs felt like lead, but he forced himself to keep running. As he neared the finish line, he could hear some of the other students groaning. "How are they doing this so easily?" one studentined, his voice strained from the effort. "Man, I barely made it halfway before they were done," another muttered, copsing on the ground. Noah crossed the finish line, panting and bent over with his hands on his knees. His time wasn''t great, but he hadn''tpletely embarrassed himself, either. He earned a few points¡ªnot enough to put him at the top, but enough to stay in the middle of the pack. Next came the weight station. Large, magical stones of various sizes were scattered around, and the goal was simple: lift as many as possible and carry them to a marked spot. Points were awarded based on the weight and number of stones lifted. Noah eyed the smallest stone, wondering if it was worth it to try one of the bigger ones. He watched as Xander effortlessly hoisted a heavy stone onto his shoulder, carrying it across the field with ease. Amy wasn''t far behind, moving at a steady pace with a medium-sized stone in her arms. Rn grinned as he lifted arge stone, showing off a bit as he tossed it into the marked area. Noah sighed. He wasn''t going to show off¡ªhe just wanted to pass. He grabbed a smaller stone and lifted it, struggling slightly under the weight. It wasn''t nearly as heavy as what the others were carrying, but it was still enough to strain his arms. As he trudged across the field, he heard moreints from the struggling students. "How do they expect us to lift these? They''re massive!" "Some of us aren''t muscleheads, you know!" "Maybe we should''ve trained more¡­" one student groaned, clearly regretting theirck of preparation. By the time Noah reached the marked spot, his arms were shaking. "Fuck..." He dropped the stone and took a moment to catch his breath. He nced at the scoreboard and saw his name hovering around the middle. Not great, but not terrible, either. The first test finally came to an end after what felt like an eternity. The students gathered in small groups, chatting about their performances while waiting for the second test to begin. "That was brutal," one student muttered, sitting on the ground with a defeated expression. "I didn''t realize it would be this hard," another agreed, wiping sweat from his brow. "I''mpletely wiped." "You think that was bad?" a third student chimed in. "Wait until the second test. It''s supposed to be way harder." Noah''s stomach twisted at the reminder. The second test was notorious for being the toughest part of thebat exams. It was a test of close and mid-rangebat,bined with the use of magical skills and strategy. Unlike the first test, which was mostly about physical ability, this one required brains as much as brawn. Mages had to use their intellect, tactical thinking, and magical prowess to seed. "Great," Noah muttered sarcastically to himself. "The hardest part. Just what I needed." He wasn''t the only one feeling the pressure. As he looked around, he could see the tension in the air. Some students fidgeted nervously, while others whispered to each other, trying to psych themselves up for what was toe. A few of the more confident students, however, looked calm andposed, clearly ready to take on the challenge. "I heard Xander''s going to breeze through the second test." One student said, ncing over at the tall, muscr figure standing with his arms crossed. "Of course he is," another replied. "He''s probably been training for this his whole life." "And Amy''s a shoo-in too," someone else added. "She''s been killing it so far." Noah overheard their conversation and sighed. It was no surprise that Xander and Amy were doing perfectly well. They were the stars of this whole thing. But what about him? He wasn''t exactly the most athletic or skilled student here, and his performance in the first test had been¡­average, at best. His stamina had almost run out halfway through, and he''d barely made it past the finish line in the sprint. He tried not to dwell on it, but it was hard to ignore the sinking feeling in his chest. The second test was hisst chance to prove himself. If he failed here, there was no way he''d make it into ss B or C. "Well, at least it can''t get any worse," Noah muttered, trying to reassure himself. As the students were called to the next training ground for the second test, Noah took a deep breath. Thebat exams weren''t just about physical strength. They were about brains, tactics, and how well you could use your magic in the heat of battle. And with any luck, maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªhe could scrape through this one, too. The test began, and Noah found himself face-to-face with his opponent in thebat arena. He squared his shoulders, feeling the weight of the moment settle on him. There was no room for mistakes now. This was it¡ªthe final hurdle. All he had to do was survive. Chapter 59: Combat Exams [3] The training ground was a sea of nervous energy as students lined up in front of their assigned dummies. But these weren''t ordinary training dummies. The professor in charge of the physical tests, a grizzled man who looked like he had been born on a battlefield, stood before the students, his face hardened with years of military service. His voice cut through the murmur of the crowd like a de. "Listen up!" he bellowed. "These dummies ain''t like the ones you''re used to. You won''t just be hitting them and expecting them to stand there like a bag of flour. These dummies fight back." He let that statement hang in the air for a moment as students shifted uneasily. "They''re equipped with a magic called Reflection Mimicry," the professor exined, pacing slowly in front of the rows of students. "This magic allows the dummy to analyze your movements, your attacks, and your magic. It will mirror everything you do. But it gets worse. The dummies don''t just copy your movements¡ªthey think like you. They''ll adapt and fight you as if you were fighting yourself." Noah swallowed hard. ''Fight myself?'' He thought, feeling a cold dread settle in his stomach. That sounded awful. A student in front of him raised his hand, his voice wavering. "So¡­we''re fighting ourselves?" "Exactly." The professor''s grim smile didn''t help matters. "You thought Ravenwood was just a cruise? You''re in for a wild ride, kid." Panic rippled through the crowd as the reality of the situation sank in. Noah heard a group of students next to him muttering and cursing under their breath. "Are you kidding me? Fighting yourself?" one student groaned, his face pale. "I''m barely holding it together fighting my own demons, and now I gotta fight a magic clone of myself? This is fucking ridiculous." "Man, what kind of twisted school is this?" another student chimed in. "I mean, I knew it was gonna be hard, but this? This is some next-level bullshit." The third in their groupughed nervously, rubbing his temples. "I''m not gonna make it, guys. I''m already seeing myself screwing this up. I''m about to get my ass handed to me¡ªby myself!" Despite theints, there was no backing out. The professor''s voice echoed again. "No whining, no excuses. Your test begins now. Step up!" The students reluctantly moved forward to face their dummies. Noah could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves, but his thoughts were racing. He had been struggling with his physical performance all day, and now he had to fight a dummy that was literally going to mirror everything he did. ''Great,''he thought bitterly. ''This just keeps getting better.'' His dummy stood motionless in front of him, its wooden surface covered in strange, glowing runes. Noah stared at it for a moment, feeling like he was about to face a monster rather than a simple training dummy. The moment he summoned his mana, the dummy''s eyes lit up, and it mirrored his stance perfectly. Noah began with a simple strike, throwing a punch at the dummy''s torso. But as expected, the dummy blocked his attack with a perfectly timed counter, its movements an exact replica of his own. Noah grimaced. This was going to be tough. He switched to magic, summoning an ice shard in his palm and hurling it at the dummy. To his dismay, the dummy conjured an identical ice shard,unching it back at him. He dodged, barely avoiding the icy projectile. "Come on!" Noah growled, his frustration growing. No matter what he did, the dummy did the same thing. It was like fighting in a mirror, every move he made being copied to perfection. The battle dragged on, with Noah using every trick he could think of, but the dummy matched him at every turn. His stamina was draining fast, his movements bing sluggish, while the dummy showed no signs of tiring. "How the hell am I supposed to beat this thing?" he muttered under his breath. Sweat dripped down his face as he dodged another ice attack from the dummy. That''s when a thought struck him. These dummies can only copy what they''ve seen. They couldn''t anticipate new moves¡ªmoves that had never been used before. Noah hadn''t used all of his magic yet. He had one element left: lightning. "Alright, let''s see how you handle this," Noah said to himself, focusing his mana. He gathered electricity in his palm, sparks crackling in the air. With a swift motion, he unleashed a bolt of lightning toward the dummy''s chest. The lightning struck the dummy squarely, sending a jolt through its wooden body. For a brief moment, the dummy faltered, clearly not expecting the new attack. But to Noah''s dismay, the strike missed the core¡ªthe critical point that would shut it down. Damn it, Noah cursed inwardly. It was his first time using his second elemental magic, so the uracy was faulty. Now the dummy knew he could use lightning, and it quickly adapted, summoning its own lightning bolt in response. The dummy''s palm crackled with electricity, and Noah barely had time to brace himself before it fired the bolt toward him. He dodged to the side, the lightning sizzling past him. ''Of course it can copy that now,'' he thought bitterly. But Noah wasn''t finished yet. He had another idea¡ªsomething the dummy wouldn''t be able to predict. Summoning his mana again, Noah formed a glowing blue magic circle in his palm. The circle spun slowly, gathering energy, as arge ice shard began to take shape within it. But this time, Noah had something different in mind. The dummy took a stance, preparing to mirror his next move. Noah knew what it was thinking¡ªit was nning to counter the ice shard with its own. After all, it was him, wasn''t it? "Gotcha," Noah muttered under his breath. At thest second, he altered the spell. The magic circle disappeared, and therge ice shard shrank down to the size of a bullet. Noah raised his hand, his fingers forming the shape of a gun. With a quick, precise motion, he fired the ice bullet straight at the dummy''s core. The small projectile struck the dummy in its abdomen, hitting the core dead-on. Almost instantly, the dummy''s movements stopped, and its glowing eyes dimmed. The test was over. Noah let out a long, relieved sigh, wiping the sweat from his brow. His body ached from the exertion, but at least he had made it through. He stood there for a moment, catching his breath, when a flicker of light caught his attention. The system screen appeared before him, disying a message: [Ding!] [¡öNew Runic Ability Unlocked: Ice Bullet] In another section of the training grounds Amy stood. Her eyes wandered across the training grounds. She had already finished her own test. As Amy looked around, her eyes fell on Noah. She stood a short distance away, watching him. But her expression wasn''t the usual calm and collected one. Her eyes were wide, and she seemed to be staring at something on his neck. "What the¡­?" Amy muttered under her breath, her gaze locked on the faint blue glow that pulsed from beneath Noah''s back. His uniform was torn from the battle test, revealing a bit of the top part of his back. It was only for a brief second, but she saw it¡ªa strange, intricate marking running down from his neck. It glowed softly, its design unmistakable. "A demonic tattoo¡­" Amy whispered, her voice barely audible. Her hands clenched at her sides as realization dawned on her. "He''s one of them..." Chapter 60: After Party [1] It was a cool, breezy night in the town center of Ravenwood. The streets were bathed in the soft glow ofnterns hanging from posts, casting warm yellow pools of light onto the cobblestone roads. The sounds of the town filled the air: distant chatter, clinking sses, and the asional bark ofughter. In the corner of the square was an outdoor drinking area, a charming mix of garden and bar. Potted nts lined the space, their leaves rustling gently in the wind. Fairy lights were strung between the trees, giving the ce a whimsical, rxed feel. Wooden tables and chairs were scattered around, some upied by groups of students and townsfolk enjoying their drinks. Under one of therger trees, five second-year students sat around a table, sipping cocktails. The outdoor bar beside them was lively, with patrons leaning on the counter, ordering their favorite drinks. The bartender moved with the efficiency of someone used to dealing with rowdy students and tired locals alike. The second-years were deep in conversation, talking about the event of the night: the first-years'' after-party. One of the second-years, a tall guy with messy brown hair and aid-back grin, leaned back in his chair and chuckled. "So, the first-years are throwing an after-party, huh? After those exams? Can''t say I me them. They''ve been through some serious shit." A girl with short red hair took a sip of her cocktail and nodded. "Yeah, they deserve it. I heard some of the physical tests this year were insane. Fighting dummies that mimic your every move? I would''ve lost my mind if I had to do that in my first year." The guy sitting across from her, wearing a leather jacket and a smug expression, smirked. "I heard some of them even tried using other magic spells from their primary ones for the first time just to win a fight against their dummy. Pretty ballsy move for first-years." Another second-year, a girl with curly hair and sses,ughed softly. "Well, they''re first-years. They don''t know any better yet. But yeah, after what they went through, an after-party seems reasonable. Let them enjoy themselves while they can. They''ve had a rough start, especially with those crazy exams." The guy with the messy hair leaned forward, his grin fading slightly as he spoke with more seriousness. "It''s good they''re having fun, though. For once, they''re actually smiling. It won''tst¡ªRavenwood never gives us too much time to rx¡ªbut for now, I think they deserve it. I mean, between the crazy tests, the stress, and just surviving their first semester here, they''ve earned a night off." The others murmured in agreement, raising their sses in a silent toast. They sipped their drinks, watching the night unfold around them, their thoughts briefly with the first-years who were, for the moment, carefree. --- Meanwhile, at one of the grand halls in Ravenwood, the first-year after-party was in full swing. The hall was decorated like a ballroom, with high ceilings and chandeliers casting a soft, elegant light over the room. The floors were polished to a shine, and the tables along the edges were piled with food and drinks. But the elegance of the room was at odds with the chaos that was unfolding. First-year students were everywhere,ughing, shouting, and generally letting loose now that the stress of exams had finally passed. At one corner of the hall, a group of students stood together, clearly relieved the exams were over. One of them threw his hands in the air, yelling. "Finally! Those damn exams are over! I thought I was gonna fucking lose it if I had to write one more essay about magical theory!" Another studentughed, shaking his head. "Dude, I know, right? I swear, if I have to see another spell form, I''ll gouge my own eyes out." "Fuck those exams!" another student chimed in, a big grin on his face. "We survived, and now we get to drink!" The group burst into loud, vulgarughter, their voices echoing through the hall. They weren''t the only ones celebrating with such enthusiasm. All around the hall, simr conversations were happening, with students cursing andughing in equal measure, their worries forgotten for the night. In another section of the room, a group of boys were attempting to flirt with a few girls who were clearly not interested. The girls, all from noble families, stood together, looking unimpressed as the boys tried to strike up conversation. "So,dies," one of the boys said with a cocky grin, "what brings you to a party like this? I thought nobility had better ces to be." One of the girls, a tall blonde with an icy expression, raised an eyebrow. "We''re here because it''s a school event. Not that it''s any of your business." The boy, undeterred, leaned closer. "Well, maybe after this party, we could¡ª" "I have a fianc¨¦," the blonde said tly, cutting him off. The boy blinked, taken aback. "Oh, uh¡­right. Well, maybe your friends¡ª" Another girl, shorter with dark hair, rolled her eyes. "I also have a fianc¨¦. And even if I didn''t, I''m not interested." The third girl, who hadn''t spoken yet, simply shook her head and walked away without saying a word. The boys stood there, awkwardly, not knowing how to recover from the brutal rejections. "Well," one of the boys muttered, "that went well¡­" At another table, a group of students had started a drinkingpetition. They were chugging down cocktails as quickly as they could, betting money on who could finish their drinks the fastest. The rules were simple: first one to finish wins, and everyone else has to pay up. "Alright, round three!" one of the students called out, mming his ss down on the table. "Let''s see who''s got the guts to go again!" Several students tapped their watches, transferring Raven coins to each others watches, the stakes rising with each round. "Come on, who''s gonna win this one?" Someone shouted, the excitement growing as more students gathered to watch. The participants each grabbed their sses, ready to chug. "On three," one of them said. "One¡­two¡­three!" They all raised their sses, gulping down the cocktails as fast as they could. The crowd cheered them on,ughing and jeering as some of thepetitors choked or spilled their drinks One guy mmed his ss down first, raising his arms in victory as the others groaned. "Pay up!" he grinned, holding out his hand as the losers transferred their coins to him. "Looks like I''m buying drinks next round!" Thepetition went on for several rounds, the stakes getting higher each time. Some students had already lost a significant amount of Raven coins, but the excitement of gambling kept theming back for more. In another corner of the room, a different group had started a magical game. It was a mix of skill and luck, where students used their mana to manipte objects in front of them. The goal was to use mana to keep a glowing orb in the air for as long as possible. If the orb touched the ground, you lost. Two students were locked in a heated match, their hands glowing with mana as they sent the orb flying back and forth between them. The crowd around them cheered, cing bets on who would win. "Come on, don''t drop it!" someone yelled. One of the yers, struggling to keep the orb afloat, identally summoned too much mana and sent the orb soaring into the ceiling. It hit one of the chandeliers, causing a loud crash as the chandelier wobbled dangerously. The crowd erupted intoughter as the yer blushed furiously. "Alright, alright," the other yer said, stillughing. "You win this one. But next time, try not to destroy the room, yeah?" The night raged on, with students drinking,ughing, and ying games. For the first-years, it was a night of celebration and relief There were no worries about tomorrow, no stress about the exams¡ªthey were finally free, if only for a little while. And as the drinks flowed and theughter echoed through the halls, Ravenwood felt a little less intimidating, if just for one night. Chapter 61: After Party [2] The ballroom was alive with celebrationughter, music, and the clinking of sses filled the air as the first-years reveled in their newfound freedom. But unlike most of her peers, Amy sat quietly at a round table near the edge of the hall, her posture graceful and reserved. Surrounding her were a group of girls from noble families. Their conversation flowed easily, mostly about status, their families, and the power they held as noblewomen. One of the girls, a tall brte with a confident air, looked over at Amy with a curious smile. "So, Amy, you''re the Blessed Sage now. I imagine you''ll be taking on a lot of responsibility soon. Tell me, what''s it like to have such an important role? How do you manage?" Amy barely registered the question, her thoughts miles away. She turned her head slightly toward the girl and dismissed the inquiry without a second thought. "It''s nothing worth discussing." The other girls exchanged nces, unsure whether to press further. They had all grown ustomed to Amy''s somewhat cold demeanor, but tonight she seemed even more distant than usual. Sensing her disinterest, they quickly moved on, talking amongst themselves about thetest trends in court fashion, magical artifacts their families had collected, and which influential nobles they would soon be meeting. Amy, however, wasn''t listening. Her mind was elsewhere, drifting back to thebat exams, to the moment she thought she had seen something unusual on Noah. It wasn''t clear, but she was almost certain she had spotted a mark on his neck¡ªa mark that matched the descriptions of the corrupted students the school faculty had warned about. They had been investigating cases of corruption recently, saying that some students showed signs of a mysterious, dark magic¡ªa magic that manifested in strange tattoos on their bodies. Amy couldn''t shake the image from her mind. That faint blue glow, barely visible, but there. What if Noah really was one of the corrupted? What if that tattoo was a sign? The thought gnawed at her, but she couldn''t simply walk up to him and ask to examine his body. What if she was wrong? It would be awkward, and worse, it would make her look like some kind of pervert. Her cheeks flushed slightly at the idea. She sighed inwardly. Being the Blessed Sage, she thought to herself, I could just issue a restrain order on Noah. She had the authority to do so, but that would raise even more questions. The school would demand a reason, and she had none beyond a suspicion. It was so much easier said than done. And what if her instincts were wrong? She rested her chin on her hand, staring absentmindedly at the room, her eyes unfocused. "Even if it is just a suspicion..." she thought. "...my senses are never wrong." She had always trusted her instincts, especially now that her status as the Blessed Sage had heightened her awareness. But this felt...different. Less certain. Amy''s gaze wandered across the ballroom,nding on a group of students near the buffet table. One of them had clearly overdone it on the drinks, his face red and his movements clumsy. Suddenly, the boy raised his ss to chug another round, only to have the liquid shoot back out through his nose like a pair of tiny, sputtering streams. Amy blinked, her grim thoughts momentarily interrupted. The sight was ridiculous, and for a brief second, she almost smiled. Almost. The other girls at the table, oblivious to Amy''s inner turmoil,ughed softly at the disy. "Well, that''s one way to drink," one of them said, amused. Amy forced herself to focus back on the conversation for a moment, but her mind quickly wandered again. She couldn''t let this go. If Noah really was corrupted, it could spell disaster for the entire academy. But what if she was wrong? She shook her head slightly, trying to clear her thoughts. Thest thing she wanted was to cause a scene based on nothing more than a glimpse of what might not even be there. It had been a brief sh, and she hadn''t had time to confirm. But that blue glow¡ªit was unmistakable. Her fingers tapped idly on the edge of the table as she considered her options. She could keep quiet and monitor Noah, but that came with risks. If he really was corrupted, there was no telling how long it would take before something happened. On the other hand, confronting him directly could backfire spectacrly, especially if she was wrong. As the girls at the table continued their conversation, talking now about an uing ball in the capital, Amy found herself zoning out again. She reyed the moment from the exams over and over in her mind, trying to recall every detail. The glow, the cement of the mark¡ªit all fit the description. But it was just a glimpse, nothing more. ''What am I supposed to do?'' she thought, growing increasingly frustrated. A part of her wanted to confront Noah immediately, but the rational part of her knew she needed to be cautious. If Noah was indeed one of the corrupted, she couldn''t risk alerting him. He might flee, or worse, go on the offensive. But the idea of just sitting back and waiting made her restless. Her fingers stopped tapping as her thoughts slowed to a decision. She would have to investigate further, carefully. Maybe she could observe Noah more closely, look for other signs, other moments when the mark might appear. She wasn''t willing to jump to conclusions just yet, but her instincts told her not to ignore this. Not when so much was at stake. The sound of the studentsughing at the boy with drink running out of his nose faded into the background as Amy''s mind returned to the exams. "Whatever that mark was, it''s connected to something dangerous," she muttered. "And if Noah is involved, I''ll find out soon enough." Her gaze settled back on the room, watching as the first-years continued their revelry. Chapter 62: After Party [3] Noah sat in the quiet of his room in Ironwood Hall, away from the celebrations and noise that filled the rest of Ravenwood. Word had spread fast about the after-party, and most first-years were likely having the time of their lives, finally able to cut loose after the grueling cement exams. But to Noah, it was all just a gathering of NPCs, mindlessly following their preordained roles. He had no desire to partake. Tired and drained, he had just gotten out of the shower, beads of water still glistening on his skin. Shirtless, he stood in front of the mirror, his damp hair sticking to his forehead. As steam rose from his freshly scrubbed body, he opened the system interface. ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ|System Interface|¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ ¡óName: Noah Ashbourne ¡óAge: 16 ¡óss: [The Runeweaver of Fate] ¡óStats: |Luck: 35 |Intelligence: 48 |Dexterity: 25 |Strength: 20 ¡óMagic Attributes: |Lightning (¡ï) |Ice (¡ï¡ï¡ï) ¡óSkills: (View) ¡óBlessings: |Constetion of Elements |Demonic Constetion "Did the system undergo an update?" He muttered looking at apletely different interface than the one he was used to. A new section caught his eye, one that hadn''t been there before: [Runic Abilities]. "Runic Abilities?" Noah muttered, rubbing his chin. He had unlocked this feature after receiving the Demonic Constetion blessing, but hadn''t taken a closer look until now. He tapped the section, and a brief description filled his vision. [¡óRunic Abilities: Abilities granted by the Demonic Constetion.] [These powers are fueled by runes that etch themselves into the user''s body upon acquisition. The more the user experiencesbat and challenges, the stronger the runes be. Each rune manifests on the body as a tattoo, invisible unless activated. The runes enhance physical and magical prowess, allowing the user to create new magic or adapt existing ones] [¡öCurrent Runic Abilities Unlocked: ¡óAdaptive Mind ¨C Heightens intellect and sharpens reactions based on the user''s surroundings andbat. Allows for quick adaptation to enemy strategies. ¡óIce Bullet ¨C A self-created magic skill that condenses an ice shard into a bullet-sized projectile, capable of precise, high-velocity damage. "Create new magic?... No wonder my ss is suddenly Runeweaver..." Noah frowned as he read the descriptions. The tattoos formed from these runes would etch themselves on his back, starting from the neck. He nced at the mirror, running a hand down the back of his neck where the first faint marks had already appeared. These runes would remain invisible, only bing visible when used. So far, he only had two. "Adaptive Mind and Ice Bullet... Huh," he mused. This was something new. Even in the game, when the main characters followed the Demonic Constetion at the end, nothing like this had ever been mentioned. Was this some kind of hidden mechanic, or was it rted to the fact that he was now inhabiting this world for real? He slumped into the chair by the desk, his muscles aching from the stress of the exams. As he leaned back, something hard dug into his spine, making him wince and curse under his breath. "Shit¡ªwhat the hell?" He stood up, rubbing his back and ring at the offending object. A bag had been left on the chair. It didn''t take him long to realize it was Amy''s. She must have left it there when she had stopped by earlier. With a tired sigh, Noah picked up the bag, curiosity getting the better of him. He rummaged through it, expecting to find nothing more than books or papers. Instead, what he found made his heart skip a beat. It was a metallic object, cold and heavy in his hand. Noah''s eyes widened as he stared at it, not fully believing what he was seeing. "A...deagle?" He muttered, almost trembling. There was no mistaking it. The weight, the shape¡ªthis was a gun. A desert eagle to be exact. But how was this even possible? This world had no knowledge of firearms. In all his time ying the game, guns never existed, not even in the lore. The game had a mix of medieval and modern aesthetics, sure, but technology like this? It had no ce here. The sheer presence of the gun made his skin crawl with unease. Sweat began to form on Noah''s forehead as his mind raced. "Why does Amy have this?" "No, more importantly, why does this exist here at all?" He turned the gun over in his hands, inspecting it closely. But the closer he looked, the more he realized that this wasn''t just any ordinary deagle. The grip was lined with intricate runic symbols, glowing faintly. "Magic." "No way," he muttered, flipping the gun around and checking for the magazine. There wasn''t one. In fact, there was no slot for a magazine or bullets at all. Instead, the runes seemed to pulse with energy, like they were the source of the gun''s power. He noticed a specific rune symbol in the shape of a star with 9 condensed and thin points. "Light magic¡­" he whispered in disbelief. "It uses light magic to function." He had heard of mages using magical weapons before, but this was on apletely different level. But something didn''t add up. "Maya doesn''t use light magic¡­ She''s never even been a part of the magic engineering department." Noah''s mind swirled with confusion. "If Maya wasn''t the one who made this, then who did?" "Who in this world even had the knowledge to create a gun, let alone infuse it with magic?" The answer was simple¡ªand terrifying. Whoever created this gun must havee from the same ce as Noah. "This confirms that there''s another variable in the game..." Suddenly, a high-pitched ringing filled Noah''s ears. His head throbbed violently, and he dropped the gun, clutching the sides of his head. The ringing grew louder, drowning out all other sounds. He stumbled, his vision blurring as an intense pain spread through his skull. "What...what the hell?" He gasped, feeling something cold and wet sliding down the side of his face. Noah pulled his hand away and stared in horror. Blood. Dark red smeared across his fingers. His heart pounded as he reached up again, his fingers probing the source of the pain. His breath hitched as his fingers found a small, round hole on the side of his head. It was as if something had pierced through his skull. He staggered toward the mirror, blinking rapidly as his vision faded in and out. His reflection swam before him, but the gruesome sight was unmistakable. A hole on the side of his head, blood trickling down past his ear. And the hole was on both sides, as if something had shot straight through. "Huh¡­ But I didn''t...use the gun¡­" His words slurred as the pain intensified. His knees buckled, and he copsed to the floor, the cold wooden surface pressing against his skin. The deagle he had dropped rolled under the nearby cab, out of sight. Noah''s breathing grew shallow as darkness crept in at the edges of his vision. His body felt heavy, the room spinning around him as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Noah''s vision grew more blurry and lifeless as he stared at the deagle under the cab Before everything went ck, he heard footsteps. Slow, deliberate footsteps entering the room. Thest thing Noah saw was the shadow of someone approaching. Then, everything faded to darkness. --- Chapter 63: Variables [1] In one of the dorm rooms of Ironwood Hall, a lone figure sat at a desk, the soft scratching of a pen filling the silent space. The flickering light from the chandelier nearby cast a soft glow over the parchment. Her silhouette was unmistakably feminine, though her face remained shadowed, hidden in the dim light. Her movements were methodical as she wrote, her thoughts racing. "They messed up everything," she muttered under her breath. "How did they ruin it so badly?" The figure paused, her hand freezing mid-stroke. She leaned back in the wooden chair, staring at the paper, frustration flickering across her features. "This world¡­this game," she said bitterly, "is nothing like what I created. It''s spiraling out of control." She tossed the pen onto the desk, her fingers rubbing her temples as if to stave off an impending headache. "This was supposed to follow the path I wrote. My vision. And now¡­ now I''m stuck here. Trapped in my own world. No, something like it." The game world she now found herself in was simr to the one she had created¡ªa world that had begun as a novel, one she had painstakingly built from the ground up. It had been perfect, aplex tale with intertwined plots, deep characters, and apelling story. She had poured her soul into it. That novel, "The White Demon Of The Academy," had captured the attention of many. But then, the game adaptation had happened. [Beyond Horizons], they had called it. A massive project, and to her, it seemed like a dreame true. Until it wasn''t. Her hand clenched into a fist on the table, her knuckles turning white. "Those bastards at thepany," she hissed. "They ruined everything. My characters, my story¡­ they changed it all." She leaned forward, her fingers drumming against the desk. "How did I let them scam me? They took control of everything after I signed the contract. I didn''t realize until it was toote. They had the rights to alter whatever they wanted. And they did." Her voice dropped to a low growl. "The ending¡­ it wasn''t supposed to be like that." The gamepany had twisted her beloved work. They had altered the storyline, introduced new characters, and most egregiously, they had butchered the ending. The conclusion of the game was a far cry from the ending she had painstakingly crafted in her novel. What had been a nuanced, intricate ending had turned into a rushed, hollow mess. Characters had been ttened, events simplified, and the heart of her story torn apart. Fury bubbled inside her as she remembered the yers'' reactions¡ªconfusion, disappointment, and even anger at the game''s ending. She had shared their feelings. It had all gone wrong. "I had no choice," she muttered. "I had to sue them. They vited my creative rights. They desecrated my work." Thewsuit had been based on solid ground, or so she had thought. She argued that they had altered the story beyond recognition, and though she had signed the contract, there were still uses about respecting the core narrative She believed she had a valid case¡ªwho wouldn''t when their life''s work was butchered like that? But now¡­ now, none of that mattered. She was here, inside the game, or a world very simr to it. Her surroundings felt real, not some digital illusion. The air, the textures, the people¡ªit all had weight and presence. Yet, despite how real it was, it was wrong. Her purpose was clear. "I need to put the story back on track," she said quietly. "It''s the only way. I have to fix this." She nced down at the papers in front of her, lists of characters, events, timelines. Everything had veered off course. "But to get things back on track¡­ I need to eliminate the variables." Her mind immediately jumped to Draven Lockwood, but she quickly dismissed the thought. Draven wasn''t a problem. He was a key character in her original narrative. He still had his role to y, even if the game had altered it somewhat. "No, Draven could stay." But there were others. Thepany had introduced characters and elements that never existed in her novel. And one of those characters stood out like a sore thumb. A character who didn''t belong. A character who could ruin everything. "Noah Ashbourne," she spat, her voice dripping with disdain. "Who the hell is he?" Noah had no ce in her world. He wasn''t in the novel. He wasn''t even in the game until recently. She couldn''t remember creating anyone like him, and she certainly didn''t remember writing a character like Noah. "He''s¡­ nothing," she whispered, narrowing her eyes. "A third-rate character, if even that. How is an NPC like him taking up so much space in the storyline? Why does everything seem to revolve around him?" She rubbed her temples again, trying to suppress the headache forming in her skull. She had tried to understand his role, why he was so prominent in the current events. But Noah''s presence was warping the plot in ways she couldn''t control. Worse yet, it wasn''t just the game storyline. Even the remnants of the novel''s plot were being bent and twisted. And at the center of it all was him. "If he stays," she muttered, "the story will either continue down the game''s path, or worse, it''ll deviate entirely from both the game and the novel. I can''t allow that. I won''t allow that." Her thoughts darkened. Variables like Noah couldn''t be allowed to stay. He had to be removed. Eliminated. With that, she stood, the chair scraping softly against the floor She pulled a ck academy hoodie over her head, the fabric obscuring much of her face in the dim room As she moved, a weapon materialized in her hand. A sleek, ck object, unfamiliar to the world of magic and swords. She looked down at it¡ªher custom-made deagle, its surface engraved with intricate runic designs. She slipped the gun into her waistband, hidden beneath the folds of her hoodie. "Noah Ashbourne¡­" she whispered his name again, venomous and bitter. "You were never meant to exist. And I''m going to fix that." She took a step toward the door, her mind already coldly calcting her next moves. There was no room for error. Noah had to be dealt with, and fast, before his presence derailed everything she had worked so hard to build. With a flick of her wrist, the door to her room clicked shut behind her. A faint hum of security magic activated around the handle, locking the room in her absence. She didn''t look back. The hallways of Ironwood Hall were dim, the only sound her soft footsteps echoing off the stone walls. There was no hesitation in her movements, no doubt in her mind. She would take back control of this world, no matter what it took. "This is my story," she whispered to herself as she disappeared into the darkness of the corridor, "and no one will change it but me." Chapter 64: Variables [2] Mayay sprawled on the ck couch with golden linings. Her body slightly curled, enveloped by the quiet stillness of Professor Jacob''s office. The wide-open window cast the moonlight over her, illuminating her body in soft silver. She wore a crisp white shirt tucked into a ck skirt that barely reached her knees, her legs covered by ck leggings. Her delicate features, usually calm, were now marred by beads of sweat trickling down her forehead and cheeks, betraying the turmoil within her mind. Her fingers twitched, her breath quickened, and her body jerked in involuntary movements. She was trapped in a nightmare. Maya stood in a room eerily simr to one of the faculty offices in Ravenwood Academy. Except this room was ruined. Shelves that once held pristine books were splintered and shattered. ssy broken on the floor, reflecting the distorted chaos around her. Torn papers fluttered in the air like desperate, dying things, while the walls, which should have stood solid, now felt like they were bending inward, closing in on her. An ominous energy permeated the space, swirling in the air like an oppressive storm. It was dark, ck with streaks of purple, the kind of energy that twisted reality into something terrifying and wrong. Maya''s breath hitched as she realized the energy was giving birth to something. Creatures¡ªmonsters¡ªformed out of the smoky, viscous darkness. They had grotesque limbs, their bodies twisted as though they had been torn from nightmares and pulled into the real world. Their eyes glowed red, burning with hunger, and their snarls reverberated through the room. She wanted to scream, but her voice wouldn''te. Her feet felt as if they were rooted to the ground, her body paralyzed with fear. Outside, through the broken window, the sky churned. Clouds, dark and menacing, circled the academy like vultures waiting for something to die. The air smelled of rain and decay. A storm was brewing, but the rain was not water; it was like the very sky itself was weeping blood, purple and ck, a reflection of the horrors inside the building. Worse still, creatures¡ªwinged, demonic things¡ªhovered around the academy, their forms barely visible against the dark storm clouds. They circled the building as if waiting to descend and tear apart anything that tried to escape. Maya''s heart raced, her breathing in short gasps. ''Why can''t I move?'' She thought frantically. The dark energy continued to writhe, its tendrils crawling toward her. Then, from the center of the swirling mass, something emerged. A figure. No, an arm¡ªskeletal, thin, and terrifying¡ªreached out toward her. Its ws gleamed with a cold, metallic edge, and before she could react, the arm was upon her. It mped over her mouth, silencing her thoughts, her breath, everything. The ws were icy, sending chills through her entire body, paralyzing her even more. She tried to scream, but it was as if the air itself had been taken from her lungs. She could feel the darkness creeping into her mind, invading her thoughts, filling her with a deep, gut-wrenching terror. Her vision blurred, and the nightmare began to copse in on itself. Her body convulsed. And then she woke. Gasping for air, Maya shot up from the couch, her body drenched in sweat. Her chest heaved as she tried to steady her breathing. For a moment, she couldn''t remember where she was, the remnants of the nightmare still wing at her consciousness. "What kind of dream was that?" She muttered shakily, wiping the sweat from her brow. Her hands trembled, the memory of that cold, wed hand still lingering on her skin. She blinked, looking around, realizing she was in Professor Jacob''s office. The familiar ck couch with its golden edges, the papers scattered on the desk, therge window letting in the gentle moonlight¡ªit all came rushing back. She was alone. The office was quiet, nothing out of ce. But the nightmare still clung to her, making the room feel suffocating. She sighed and stood, her legs weak from the terror she had just experienced. She walked to the window and drew the curtains, blocking out the moonlight that had once feltforting but now only served as a reminder of the eerie glow in her dream. Maya nced at the desk where a stack of papers awaited her. She had been working tirelessly ever since she started assisting Professor Jacob. Of course, her main duty was being Noah''s assistant, but she needed the extra money that came with working for the academy faculty. The paycheck was good, but the workload was heavier than she had anticipated. She always saw herself as strong, capable of handling anything, but this was pushing her limits. Compared to the other assistants, she looked more worn out. They at least had time to socialize, to enjoy their evenings. But Maya? She barely had any time for herself. She picked up the papers she had left on the desk and began stacking them neatly, preparing to leave for the night. Her hands still shook slightly, the memory of that dream gnawing at her. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the lingering fear. ''Maybe if I hurry, I''ll catch Noah before he goes to sleep,'' she thought to herself. She hadn''t seen him in days, not really. Whenever she got to his dormte at night, he was already asleep, probably exhausted from training and studying. In the mornings, he was always gone before she even had a chance to speak to him, heading to the library or somewhere else. She missed him. She missed talking to him, spending time with him. And tonight, after that nightmare, she wanted nothing more than to see him. Being around Noah always made her feel safe, like everything was okay, no matter how chaotic her life got. She nced at the clock on the wall. It wasn''t toote, and she didn''t have any pressing tasks left for the evening. She grabbed her bag, slung it over her shoulder, and headed toward the door. Chapter 65: Variables [3] Ironwood Hall was almost haunting in its emptiness, the vast corridors and once bustling rooms now eerily silent. Everyone was at the after-party, celebrating,ughing, and enjoying themselves. The echoes of their joy were far off, distant from the deste halls that nowy quiet under the dim lights. But one girl was still walking through them. Livia. Her orange hair fell loosely down her back, the strands catching what little light shone from the windows andmps. Her red eyes, usually fierce with confidence, were instead narrowed in contemtion. She walked with purpose, her heels clicking softly against the stone floor, her mind far removed from the excitement of the festivities. As she made her way down the hall, her lips curved into a bitter smile. She thought back to that moment¡ªthe moment when everything changed. After giving that scathing review of the game Beyond Horizons, she had never expected her life to be flipped upside down. But it had. The memory of it still festered like an open wound, raw and painful. "Stupid game," she muttered to herself, her voice echoing slightly off the walls. "What a load of trash. What kind of idiots would leave that character untouched?" Her words dripped with venom as she recalled the terrible ending. She had written a review that could only be described as a tirade of anger and frustration. She had poured every ounce of her hatred into it, especially when it came to the game''s failure to eliminate Seraphina Vale. Livia clenched her fists just thinking about it. "That ending," she spat, "was a joke. How could anyone think that was a good conclusion?" Her review had been brutal. She remembered typing furiously, her fingers pounding the keyboard, every sentence seething with disgust. She didn''t hold back. She had written paragraphs about how the game had ruined the story, how they had allowed Seraphina to manipte the plot into a disaster, how it was all her fault. ["The worst part of this garbage fire of a game is Seraphina Vale."] She had written. ["Who the hell thought it was a good idea to keep her alive? She''s the reason the story turns into a nightmare. Without her, the game could have been decent. But no, they let her ruin everything, dragging everyone down into that pitiful, terrible ending. I don''t care about her tragic backstory or her emotional scars. She''s poison. She''s the reason the whole game copses. What a waste."] Livia shook her head, her blood still boiling as she remembered her rage. She had thought it was cathartic to write it all out, to pour her frustrations into the review. But then, the screen of her tablet had gone white, blinding herpletely. She hadn''t been able to see orprehend what had happened, and before she knew it, she had been sucked into the game itself. Inside the game. The game she had spent hours criticizing. Her goal had been clear the moment she arrived. There was only one person who needed to be removed to prevent that terrible ending: Seraphina Vale. Livia had yed Beyond Horizons countless times, exploring every route, every possibility. No matter what path she took, Seraphina always managed to ruin everything. Seraphina Vale. The name left a sour taste in Livia''s mouth. She couldn''t help but remember the horrible backstory the developers had created for her. Seraphina had been born into a noble family, her mother obsessed with perfection and prestige. Seraphina had been her mother''s project, a tool for social standing, nothing more. Her mother had sent her to the academy, expecting her daughter to be something great, something that would elevate their family name. But Seraphina had struggled. She wasn''t the prodigy her mother had hoped for, and her failures were met with wrath. Livia could still recall the scenes in the game that showed Seraphina''s mother visiting the academy to check on her progress, her voice cold and cutting as she demanded to see exam results. When they were alone, away from prying eyes, Seraphina''s mother would unleash her fury. The ps rang through the small room, her words filled with venom. ["You''re a disgrace to our name!"] Her mother would hiss, the sharp sound of her hand striking Seraphina''s face following soon after. ["How could you let yourself be defeated bymoners? By that white-haired boy? You''re pathetic. A failure. You''ll never be worthy of our family''s name."] The abuse wasn''t just physical; it was psychological. Seraphina was constantly berated, insulted, and humiliated. Every visit from her mother left her more broken, more filled with self-loathing and rage. It was no wonder she had turned into a viin. Seraphina had influenced the other main characters in the game, slowly leading them down darker paths. Her bitterness, her maniption, her hatred¡ªthey spread like a disease, infecting everyone around her. And no matter what Livia had done in the game, no matter what route she took, Seraphina always managed to be the catalyst for the terrible ending. It was inevitable. But the worst part, the thing that made Livia despise her more than anything, was the fact that Seraphina had be the final boss in Act One of the game. In every route, every single one, Seraphina stood at the center of the conflict, dragging the other characters down with her. Except this time, something had been different. This time, Seraphina hadn''t taken the role of the final boss. Instead, Noah Ashbourne had. "That boy¡ªNoah¡ªhe hadn''t existed in the original game." Livia had known the game inside and out, and Noah Ashbourne was not part of it. He was aplete anomaly, a variable she hadn''t expected. But somehow, he had taken Seraphina''s ce, bing the antagonist at the end of Act One. And Seraphina? She had died. Livia had watched it happen, watched as Noah took on the role of the final boss and somehow survived the encounter, while Seraphina had fallen. She had died, just like Livia had wanted. It should have been a relief. It should have been a sign that the game was finally deviating from that terrible ending. But it wasn''t. Something still felt wrong. The game might have been veering off course, but it wasn''t necessarily heading in a better direction. And Noah¡ªNoah was still an unknown. He wasn''t supposed to be here. What made it worse was how one of the main characters, Ariana, seemed to be falling for him. It was strange, unsettling. Ariana had never been involved with anyone like Noah in the original game. "Why is she so drawn to him?" "Why is he even here at all?" As Livia turned a sharp corner, lost in her thoughts, she stopped in her tracks. There, standing in the distance, was a figure. The hall was dim, but she could see the outline of a person, motionless and waiting. The figure''s hand stretched out, and Livia noticed the object in their hand. It was small, metallic, and glinting slightly under the faint light. Before she could fully process what it was, a deafening sound tore through the quiet of the hall. A loud bang, sudden and shocking. Livia''s ears rang painfully, and her bnce faltered as her legs gave out beneath her. She copsed to the floor, her body hitting the ground with a heavy thud. Warm, thick liquid streamed down her face, and her vision blurred as her strength ebbed away. The ringing in her ears drowned out everything else, the world around her fading into nothingness. She couldn''t hear, couldn''t think, couldn''t move. As the darkness swallowed her whole, thest thing she saw was the figure approaching her, their silhouette sharp against the dim, flickering light. Then, everything went ck. Chapter 66: Turn Of Events [1] Maya walked briskly through the quiet paths leading to the dormitories. The cool night air doing little to calm the storm brewing inside her mind. The faint sound of music andughter from the first-year party still echoed in the distance. Word had gotten out about the celebration, and of course, she was aware. "Would Noah be there...?" The thought floated in her head briefly, but she immediately dismissed it. Noah wasn''t the type to indulge in parties or social gatherings. He preferred quiet study sessions, maybe even training alone. It just didn''t seem like his kind of event. But then another thought intruded, sharp and bitter. "It would be that bitch''s doing... dragging Noah to the party with her." Maya muttered under her breath, clenching her fists for a moment before she forced herself to regainposure. She couldn''t let herself get caught up in those feelings, not right now. She needed to check on Noah. For a fleeting second, she considered heading to the hall where the party was happening. But the thought of navigating through the crowd was enough to push her in another direction. It would be too noisy, too chaotic to find him there. She tapped her watch and opened the messaging app, quickly typing a short message to Noah. [You at the dorm?] She waited for the familiar ding of his response, but it didn''te. Frowning, she nced at her watch again. Nothing. "That''s weird... he normally replies fast," she murmured. Noah was usually so quick to respond, especially to her. "It''s unlike him." The unsettling feeling in her gut tightened as she continued walking. She had left her bag in Noah''s room earlier, and stopping by to get it seemed like the perfect excuse to check up on him. Maybe he was just busy or asleep. Either way, she could grab her stuff and catch up with him. As she made her way to Ironwood Hall, the empty corridors echoed with the sound of her footsteps. It waste, and most of the students were either at the party or tucked away in their rooms. The hallways were dimly lit, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly as she climbed the stairs to Noah''s floor. The usual sense of calm that washed over her whenever she approached his room was absent tonight. Instead, an unsettling feeling gnawed at her insides, growing with every step she took. She reached his door, expecting it to be unlocked as usual. Noah never locked his door when he knew she wasing by. But today, the door was wide open. "Huh... that''s strange," Maya muttered, her brows knitting together in confusion. The light from the room spilled into the hallway, illuminating the ground in the shape of the open door. She stood at the threshold, her heart hammering in her chest as she peeked inside. The first thing she saw was a figure kneeling on the floor, the soft glow from the room casting long shadows over her. Blue hair, unmistakable even in the dim light, and blue eyes that sparkled unnervingly. Amy Bluerose. Maya''s eyes widened in disbelief. Amy was kneeling before a motionless body, one she instantly recognized. It was Noah. His shirtless bodyy sprawled on the ground, still, like a puppet with its strings cut. Shards of broken ss glistened on the floor around him, reflecting the dim light. Another figure stood in the room, a tall man with ck hair and piercing red eyes. Draven, Amy''s bodyguard. The scene hit her like a tidal wave, crashing against her, knocking the air from her lungs. Fear wed at her throat, and she rushed into the room, her legs trembling beneath her as she fell to her knees beside Noah. "Noah¡­" Her voice trembled, but the word barely escaped her lips as she looked down at him. His face was pale, far too pale. He looked so¡­ fragile. Her hands shook as she reached out, gently lifting his head and cing it on her thighs. The cold, lifeless weight of him in her arms sent shivers through her body. She brushed his hair back from his face, her fingers wet. A sinking realization hit her as she looked down. Her hands were slick with something warm and sticky. Blood. It stained her fingers, soaked through her skirt, and smeared across the floor beneath Noah''s head. "No¡­" Her voice broke, but no sound came from her lips. Her throat felt tight, as if the very act of speaking would shatter herpletely. Noah wasn''t breathing. The blood was smeared across the side of his mouth, and a thin trickle continued to seep from his head, pooling beneath him. The world around Maya seemed to blur, her vision narrowing to just the boy in her arms. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over and streaming down her cheeks in silent, unrelenting sobs. She held him tighter, as if her very touch could bring him back, as if holding on would stop him from slipping away. Her tears dripped onto his lifeless body, mixing with the blood that covered them both. The air in the room shifted. The mana around her stirred, a dangerous, overwhelming pressure building in the small space. A dark purple hue enveloped her, swirling with an intensity that matched the storm inside her heart. Her breath hitched, and she slowly looked up, her eyes wide and glistening with tears. Amy had stood up, her face a mask of shock and fear, but Maya''s focus was razor-sharp. "What did you do?" Maya''s voice was low, a chilling whisper that seemed to suck the warmth from the room. Her eyes were dark, burning with fury and pain. Tears still streaming down her face. Amy took a step back, her lips trembling, but no words escaped. Maya''s mana pulsed violently, the purple energy swirling around her, threatening to consume everything in its path. Her chest heaved with every breath, her heart pounding so loudly she could barely hear anything else. She didn''t care about the broken ss, the blood on the floor, or even the figure of Draven standing by. All that mattered was Noah. The lifeless body in her arms. The boy who had always been there for her, the boy who made her feel safe and warm. And now¡­ he was gone. The gnawing pain inside her swelled to an unbearable level, a deep, hollow ache that threatened to tear her apart from the inside out. She couldn''t stop the tears. She couldn''t stop the fury. She couldn''t stop the overwhelming, all-consuming agony that gripped her soul. Amy took another step back, panic shing in her eyes as Maya''s mana spiked dangerously, the purple energy ring brighter. But Maya didn''t move. She didn''t speak. All she could do was hold Noah, her hands trembling, her heart breaking. Her world had crumbled, and there was nothing left but the unbearable weight of loss. She turned her head slightly, looking over her shoulder at Amy. Her voice was cold, devoid of emotion, but the fury beneath it was unmistakable. "What did you do¡­?" Chapter 67: Turn Of Events [2] [Earlier] The party was buzzing withughter, chatter, and clinking sses, but Amy Bluerose felt a growing sense of unease. She had been trying to distract herself all night, but her mind kept drifting back to Noah and the mark she had noticed on the back of his neck during thebat exams. It was unusual¡ªsomething she couldn''t quite ce. The mark seemed ominous, foreign, and it unsettled her in a way she hadn''t expected. Sitting at a table draped in red velvet, she drummed her fingers, her eyes scanning the crowd but not really seeing anyone. Her thoughts consumed her. She couldn''t shake the feeling that something was wrong. And if there was one thing Amy Bluerose hated, it was uncertainty. "Maybe confronting him is my best option right now." She muttered to herself. "This party is boring anyway." She nced over at Draven, her ever-present bodyguard, who was leaning against the bar and charming a small group of girls. His dark hair and sharp red eyes made him stand out, and his easygoing demeanor drew people in like moths to a me. Dravenughed, his voice carrying across the room. "So,dies, what do you call a noble knight with a heart as pure as gold?" The girls giggled, leaning closer. "You call him unworthy... because he hasn''t met you yet." Draven said, shing them a grin. The girls erupted in a chorus of giggles, their cheeks flushed as they hung on to his every word. Draven winked at one of them before standing up to join Amy, his ck coat draped loosely over his shoulders. "Until we meet again, my sweet flowers." He said with a bow, leaving the girls blushing and whispering amongst themselves. Amy rolled her eyes, standing abruptly from her seat. Draven, noticing her sudden movement, quickly followed behind her. "Leaving already?" Draven asked, a yful smile on his lips. "You didn''t enjoy the party?" Amy''s expression remained cold. "No, I didn''t." Draven raised an eyebrow, falling into step beside her as they made their way toward the exit. "Then why did youe?" Amy sighed, irritated. "I''m the Blessed Sage. Monitoring the party was my responsibility, of course." Draven chuckled under his breath but didn''t push the subject further As they stepped out into the cool night air, the lively sounds of the party fading behind them, he noticed Amy was walking with a purpose. "So, where are we headed?" He asked, hands tucked into his pockets. "Ironwood Hall," Amy said curtly. Draven stopped in his tracks, a look of surprise flickering across his face. "Ironwood Hall? Themoners'' dormitory?" Amy kept walking, not looking back. Draven hurried to catch up, a sly grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Isn''t that the ce you said you''d never step foot in? You did call it the moners'' lounge'' once, if I remember correctly." Amy shot him a cold nce over her shoulder, her blue eyes sharp and unamused. Draven immediately knew better than to press further. She wasn''t in the mood for his banter. "Right. Not the time for jokes," he muttered under his breath. They walked in silence after that, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the dimly lit campus. Ironwood Hall loomed ahead, a structure Amy had always avoided. It was a far cry from the elegant and pristine halls she was used to, but tonight, none of that mattered. When they reached the building, Amy recalled one of her meetings with Rn, where he had mentioned what room Noah was assigned. She ascended the stairs, her footsteps quick but deliberate, her mind racing The nagging feeling in her gut had intensified, and the closer she got to Noah''s room, the heavier it weighed on her. Finally, she stood in front of his door. It was slightly ajar, and the dim light from inside cast eerie shadows on the hallway floor. "Huh¡­ that''s strange." Amy whispered, her hand hesitating at the doorknob. She gently pushed the door open and stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the low light. The room was a mess. Books and papers were strewn across the floor, and broken ss glittered ominously near the window. But her attention was quickly drawn to a figure lying motionless on the ground. Her heart skipped a beat. She rushed forward, kneeling beside the body, her breath catching in her throat. With trembling hands, she turned the figure over, revealing Noah''s pale face. His shirt had been torn off, and blood stained his skin. "Noah?" She whispered, her voice breaking as her fingers gently touched his cold cheek. She could feel the sticky warmth of blood pooling on the floor beneath him, its metallic scent filling the air. Her heart raced as she pressed her fingers to his neck, desperately searching for a pulse. Nothing. Her hands shook as she moved to his chest, pressing down to check for any sign of life. But there was none. A wave of nausea rolled through her as the truth settled in¡ªNoah wasn''t breathing. Blood trickled from the side of his head, staining the floor beneath him. She stared at the crimson liquid, her mind struggling to process what she was seeing. What was going on? Behind her, Draven stood frozen in the doorway, his usual carefree demeanor reced with shock. His red eyes scanned the scene, and he stepped forward cautiously. "Amy¡­" Draven''s voice was soft, uncharacteristically gentle, but Amy didn''t respond. *** [Present] Her focus was entirely on Noah. The weight of his lifeless body pressed against her, grounding her in the harsh reality of the moment. The air in the room shifted suddenly, the atmosphere growing tense and thick with energy. A strange purple hue began to envelop her, and Amy''s sharp instincts kicked in. She could feel the surge of mana radiating from Maya, who was kneeling beside Noah. Amy stood up, rmed, her eyes wide as she took a step back. The look in Maya''s eyes was dark, her usual warm gaze now cold and distant. Her voice, when she spoke, was icy and filled with barely-contained fury. "What did you do?" Maya''s question cut through the air like a de, and the weight of her usation sent a chill down Amy''s spine. Amy opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. For the first time in her life, she had no idea what to say. Chapter 68: Turn Of Events [3] Noah floated in an endless expanse of white. It stretched out in every direction, vast and infinite, with no horizon in sight. The floor beneath his feet shimmered like liquid mercury, soft and rippling underfoot, yet somehow solid enough for him to walk on. There was no sound, no wind, no echo¡ªjust the silence of an empty, timeless void. For a moment, he wondered if this was death. If the bullet had ended him, and this was whaty beyond. But then, a sharp chime broke the silence. [Ding!] [¡öRunic ability unlocked: Ethereal Requiem!] [Activated after death encounter] Noah blinked. Runic ability? He didn''t understand, but it wasn''t the first time the system had spoken to him in that t, mechanical tone. The words lingered in his mind, though. Ethereal Requiem. He could feel the meaning behind it. The ability had activated in response to his death, or near-death. He had been shot, and yet¡­ somehow, here he was, standing in this strange ce. He looked around, wondering if there was anything here besides the white. He wasn''t in the academy¡ªthat much was certain But where was he? The stillness of the ce made his skin crawl, and his thoughts raced. Was this the afterlife? Some sort of limbo? Then, in the distance, something shifted. A figure was approaching him. Slowly at first, then with increasing rity. Noah tensed, his mind already trying to assess the situation. The figure was human¡ªor at least appeared to be. As it drew closer, he recognized her, even though they had barely exchanged more than a few words before. Orange hair and red eyes. Livia. She was friends with Ariana, another student in the academy. Noah had always seen her around, but she never struck him as particrly important. Now, though, she was here, and he couldn''t help but wonder if this was just anotheryer of the game. Was she a part of the narrative? Or something more? Noah kept his silence, watching her carefully. He didn''t know where he was, and he certainly didn''t want to reveal too much. Information, in a world like this, was a weapon. He needed to figure out what was going on first. Livia stopped a few meters in front of him, her expression calm, almost amused. "Who could''ve known you were a variable?" She said, her smile widening as if she''d just uncovered some great secret. Noah''s thoughts raced. Variable? He knew what that term meant in games¡ªa variable was something that could change the course of events, something outside the script. The fact that she was using the word so casually implied that she wasn''t just a regr student, either. But instead of panicking, Noah kept his expression neutral. "The fact you''re saying that makes you one as well." Livia chuckled. "Very observant." She shifted her stance, crossing her arms over her chest. "Yes, I''m a variable in this world, too. And it seems like we''re not the only ones." Noah''s mind clicked into ce. So she''s like me. A yer, trapped in this game. But even with that realization, he still couldn''t trust her. "How did you get here?" he asked, keeping his voice steady. Livia shrugged casually, her red eyes gleaming with amusement. "Bad review," she said. "You know how it goes. I yed the game, thought it was a mess, and left a scathing review online. Next thing I knew, I woke up here. Guess I annoyed the wrong god, huh?" Noah nodded, his suspicion growing. "Same for me," he replied vaguely, unwilling to give her more details. He wasn''t about to trust anyone here, not yet. "So you''re the one who led Seraph into being the boss of Act I?" Livia''s grin widened, almost smug. "It had to be done. Seraph was the perfect catalyst. After all, the only character that could corrupt this world so thoroughly was her." Noah narrowed his eyes. Seraph. The first major antagonist of the game and one of the main characters. But even so she wasn''t supposed to be the boss of Act one. Noah had spent thest few months trying to avoid the worst oues, but Seraph''s role in the story was pivotal. Without her, things wouldn''t have escted as they did. "And you thought that was the right move?" he asked, incredulous. "Because of you, everything went haywire." "Everything was supposed to go haywire," Livia replied smoothly. "Seraph had to be the key to break this world." Noah frowned. "Break it? Why?" Livia took a step closer, her voice lowering as if revealing some hidden truth. "Because this world is doomed no matter what we do. The main characters¡ªare destined to fall into darkness. With or without Seraph. They''re broken by design, Noah. Corrupted from the inside. Seraph was just the one to pull the trigger." He couldn''t argue with that. The game''s narrative was dark, filled with tragic turns and unavoidable betrayals. Even before Seraph''s corruption, Noah knew the main characters had their own ws that would lead them down dark paths. But something about Livia''s reasoning still didn''t sit right with him. "You think removing Seraph would fix things?" Livia pressed. "It wouldn''t. This world was designed to fall apart. Here, let me show you." Livia raised her hand, and the empty white space around them shimmered. Scenes flickered into existence, like ghostly projections. The first one showed the academy, but it was different¡ªtwisted, darker. The students wore grim expressions, and the once bright halls were shrouded in shadow. "In this route," Livia exined, "Seraph pushes Rn¡ªthe noble hero¡ªinto a position of power. But instead of leading, Rn bes obsessed with controlling the academy. He starts purging anyone who opposes him, even his closest friends. It turns into a bloody reign of terror." Noah watched as the projection shifted, showing Rn, cold and unfeeling, as he ordered executions with a single flick of his hand. It was a chilling sight. The scene dissolved, and another appeared. This one focused on Ariana. She stood at the center of a ruined courtyard, her eyes hollow and her hands stained with blood. "In another route," Livia continued, her voice almost detached, "Seraph maniptes Ariana''s insecurities, turning her into a puppet for his schemes. She bes the viin, betraying everyone she cares about to seize power. Her thirst for validation drives her to destroy everything in her path. The academy falls under her rule, and it''s¡­ ugly." Noah knew that much. Ariana was a character that wanted to stand on her two feet without needing the help of her noble family. The projection shifted again, and this time it showed a grand manor¡ªSeraph''s family estate. Nobles gathered around a long table, their faces twisted with malice and greed. "But the darkest route," Livia said softly, "is when Seraph returns to her family. The Vale House. The family was already corrupt¡ªdeeply involved in the underworld, dealing in illegal magic, ckmail, and even murder. Seraph takes control, and the entire noble hierarchy is upended. Anyone who opposes them is eliminated. Noble houses fall one by one, and the power vacuum leads to civil war." Noah felt a chill run down his spine as the image of the manor flickered. Names of noble families danced in his mind¡ªHouse Everwinter, House Caldir, and House Halloway¡ªeach of them falling under Seraph''s maniption, their leaders betrayed and killed by their own kin. Bloodlines were extinguished, and the once-glorious capital was reduced to rubble. But...this route. It was a route Noah hadn''t yed. Were there more oues he hadn''t seen? "This isn''t just a game, Noah," Livia said, her voice cutting through the silence. "These people¡ªthey''re doomed, no matter what choices we make. Seraph was just one of the many key figures pushing them toward destruction. It was designed this way. They''ll fall into darkness, with or without her." Noah clenched his fists. The weight of Livia''s words sank in. He knew the game''s story was filled with tragedy and despair, but hearing itid out like this made it feel¡­ inevitable. Noah didn''t speak and neither did Livia. There was silence. "Then I''ll kill them all..." Noah muttered with a cold look in his eyes. Chapter 69: Turn Of Events [4] Noah stood tall, the fire of frustration flickering in his eyes. "Fine then," he muttered, his voice gaining strength with each word. "I''ll kill them. I''ll kill every single one of the main characters, and that way the story will be forced to move forward without them." There was a brief pause after his deration. Then Livia, standing a few feet away, suddenly burst intoughter. It wasn''t just a small chuckle or a sly giggle¡ªit was an uncontroble, uproariousugh that had her clutching her stomach. "Y-You?" she managed to say through gasps. "Killing all the main characters? Oh, Noah, you''re killing *me*!" Noah huffed, crossing his arms. He was serious, dead serious. And yet, here was Livia, acting like he had just told the funniest joke in the world. Still giggling, she walked over and, to his surprise, ruffled his hair. "Oh, Noah. You''re too much," she said, rubbing his scalp like he was a little kid. "The resolve! The courage! I admire it. Seriously, taking on the plot single-handedly, wiping out the heroes? That''s a new one. Very bold." Noah stiffened, feeling his dignity slip away as Livia mussed up his hair even more, her hands tousling it with a bit too much enthusiasm. But Livia ignored him, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She looked at him like a kid about to embark on an impossible task with all the na?ve confidence in the world. "Seriously, Noah. You''ve got guts. And honestly, I''ve never heard someone suggest such a direct solution. Just murder your way through the plot!" She beamed, giving his hair one final scrub before stepping back. Noah shot her a re, quickly trying to smooth his hair back into ce. "I wasn''t joking," he muttered, slightly annoyed. But Livia wasn''tughing anymore. As her hands fell to her sides, the lively mood drained from her face, reced by something more serious. Her red eyes narrowed in thought, her mind clearly racing. "But¡­ maybe you''re on to something," she murmured, almost to herself. Noah froze, catching the sudden shift in her tone. The yful atmosphere had vanished, and now Livia was watching him with a different kind of intensity. "What?" he asked, confused. Livia took a step back, rubbing her chin as if piecing together a puzzle. "I somehow envy you¡­" she said, her voice quieter now, more distant. Noah frowned, his hand still fixing the mess she''d made of his hair. "Envy me? For what?" She nodded toward the liquid-like surface below them. "Unlike me¡­ you''ll actually get to return." "Return?" Noah''s brow furrowed. He nced down at his reflection in the water beneath them, catching sight of something strange. There, on his forehead, was an intricate rune¡ªa design he immediately recognized from the game. It was the [Mark of Failure], a symbol given to characters who died after failing a crucial event. The mark branded those who fell to bad endings¡ªan unavoidable part of the game''s cruel design. He hadn''t noticed it before, but now, with Livia''s words hanging in the air, he felt a chill run through him. "This mark¡­" he muttered, touching his forehead. Livia''s gaze was distant as she exined. "It''s a mark given to those who are meant to die here. In the game, when a character fails a pivotal moment¡ªlike dying at the hands of a boss or missing a crucial choice¡ªthat mark appears. But Noah¡­ I don''t have it." Noah looked at her, confusion and dread mingling in his chest. "You don''t?" She shook her head, her voice soft. "No. Someone shot me. There''s no point of return for me." The memory of his own shooting shed in Noah''s mind. He had been shot too. He''d died¡ªor at least, he thought he had. But now he stood here, alive. "Who shot you?" he asked, his voice low, tense. Livia looked away for a moment, as if remembering something painful. "I don''t know. But I assume you were killed as well." She nced back at him, her expression somber. "There''s another variable at y, someone killing characters like us. Whether they''re trying to push the game down a different route or just cleaning house, I don''t know. But you¡­ you have a chance to go back." Noah clenched his fists. Livia gave him a long, hard look. "Your n might work, but you have to act fast. If the main characters make it past the second act, there''s no turning back. They''ll be consumed by their own needs, their insecurities. Their weaknesses are already eating away at them." She stopped for a moment, biting her lip as if debating whether to say more. "Have you yed the hidden act?" she asked suddenly. Noah blinked, thrown off by the question. "Hidden act? What hidden act?" ''There were alot of hidden acts in the game...which one could she be referring to...'' Noah thought. He had yed alot of the hidden acts and basically cruised through them all. Livia''s eyes shed with something he couldn''t quite ce. "It''s called [Shattered Wings]," she said slowly. "It''s a special route in the game. Hidden deep. It shows how each of the main characters falls into darkness without the need for others. It''s the ultimate butterfly effect." Noah''s stomach tightened. He hadn''t heard of that act. He thought he knew the game inside and out, but this¡­ this was new. "The game doesn''t show it unless certain criteria are met," Livia continued. "In [Shattered Wings], killing even one main character sets off a chain reaction. The moment they''re gone, the others unravel." She paused, then began listing off the consequences. "Take Rn, for instance," she said, her voice calm but her words sharp. "If you kill everyone else but leave him alive, he tries to gain power the right way, the ''moral'' way. But while he''s doing everything by the book, the corrupt nobles and those gaining power illegally surpass him. In the end, he can''t keep up. He bes desperate and, eventually, he falls. He starts using the same illegal tactics he swore to fight against." Noah could see it. Rn''s weakness had always been his rigid morality¡ªhis belief that the world could be saved by ying fair. But in a world like this? That was a recipe for disaster. "And Amy¡­" Livia''s expression darkened. "Her weakness is her need for recognition. She wants to redeem herself to her father, to reim her status as heir to the House of Bluerose. But after being disced by her younger sister, that desire bes an obsession. If she''s left alone, she''ll stop at nothing to prove herself¡ªburning alliances, breaking bonds, corrupting herself until there''s nothing left." Noah shivered. Amy was another tragic case. Her drive to prove her worth to her family would lead her down a destructive path, one that ended in blood and betrayal. Livia hesitated, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "And Xander¡­ well, Xander''s weakness is time. But let''s not go into that just yet." Noah frowned, but before he could press her further, Livia continued. "The point is, Noah, each of these characters has a dark path. And if you kill the others, thest one standing will only spiral further into their weakness. It''s inevitable." He swallowed, feeling the weight of her words. It was more than he''d bargained for. He had thought that by eliminating the main characters, he could change the story, reset the world. But Livia''s exnation shattered that illusion. "Even if you kill them all," she said, her voice soft but firm, "there will be consequences the game hasn''t ounted for. This world is vast¡ªdeeper than even the developers know. It''s still a mystery." Noah stared at her, questions swirling in his mind. Who was she? How did she know all of this? Before he could ask, Livia stepped closer, her gaze softening. "My name''s Eun-Ji," she said quietly, her Korean ent slipping through for the first time. "That''s my real name, back on Earth." Noah''s breath hitched. He hadn''t expected that. For the first time, the reality of the situation hit him hard. They weren''t just yers in some twisted game¡ªthey were real people, trapped in a world that wasn''t supposed to exist. Before he could respond, the white expanse around them began to shimmer. He felt himself¡­ dissolving. His body was crumbling into fragments of light, being pulled away from this ce. Livia¡ªor Eun-Ji¡ªlooked at him, her expression sad but epting. "You''re going back," she said softly, watching him fade. "But I''m not." Noah wanted to say something, to protest, but the light was overwhelming now. His vision blurred, and thest thing he heard before everything went dark was Eun-Ji''s final words. "There will always be more than one main character¡­ and it will always be that way." Chapter 70: For Now [1] Maya rested quietly against Noah''s chest, her breathing slow and steady. She had been keeping vigil for hours, worrying endlessly, until her body could no longer fight the exhaustion. She had fallen asleep without even realizing it. The night passed in silence, the infirmary dimly lit by a singlemp in the corner. The doctor had long since left, leaving her alone with the body of Noah¡ªthe boy she had promised to protect. Yet, there hey. No pulse. No breath. No mana flow detectable. Even the doctor confirmed it¡ªhe was gone. As she slept, tears stained her cheeks, her subconscious unable to let go of the guilt. She had been so determined, so sure she could protect him. Now, she faced the unbearable task of exining to Noah''s father how she had failed. How the boy entrusted to her care had slipped through her fingers. Suddenly, in the stillness of the night, Noah coughed. His eyes fluttered open, the weight of his return from the expanse hitting him slowly. He blinked, adjusting to the dim light, and gingerly touched the sides of his head where there had once been gaping holes. The light bullet that had tunneled through his skull had vanished. He was whole again. The pain was gone, though an echo of it remained, lingering in the distance like a faint migraine. His eyes drifted down, and he froze at the sight before him. There, on his chest, was Maya, her purple hair spilling over his shirt, her soft breaths brushing against his skin as she slept. Noah''s lips curved into a small smile. He didn''t want to wake her¡ªnot yet. Slowly, carefully, he sat up, making sure not to disturb her too much. His hand found its way to her hair, gently brushing it as though calming a small, delicate creature. She reminded him of a kitten, curled up so peacefully on him. Despite everything she had been through, despite her exhaustion and being overworked, she was still here. By his side. "She didn''t leave," Noah murmured to himself, his hand moving through her soft strands. "Even after everything¡­" He looked down at her, feeling a pang of guilt. She had worked so hard, pushed herself beyond her limits to take care of him. And yet here she was, resting like a child, her worries forgotten for just a moment. He smiled again, a bittersweet warmth blooming in his chest. Things were going to change. That much he knew. The moment with Livia shed through his mind, that vast white expanse where he had learned so much. But it didn''t matter now. Not in this moment. Right now, it was just him and Maya. His fingers continued to brush through her hair, careful not to wake her. She was, after all, the boss of Act 2, a vital piece in the grand puzzle. He didn''t want to prevent it¡ªit had to happen. It needed to happen. And yet, watching her sleep so peacefully, Noah couldn''t help but feel bad. How long would she get to rest like this? How long before the weight of everything crushed her too? Suddenly, Maya stirred. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, hazy with sleep, and she blinked up at him, her voice soft and groggy. "N-Noah¡­" "It''s okay," Noah said gently, his voice low and soothing. "All is well." Maya tried to sit up, her body sluggish from exhaustion, but Noah stopped her, cing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It''s alright, Maya. You can go back to resting." She looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes as the reality of the situation hit her. He was back. He was alive. "You''re¡­ you''re okay," she whispered, her voice trembling with relief. "I didn''t¡­ I didn''t know what I would''ve done if you had left this world." Noah''s heart ached at her words, but he smiled softly, leaning down to press his forehead against hers. "I''m here, Maya. I''m not going anywhere." Maya''s tears fell silently, and she smiled, though her exhaustion was evident. Her body was heavy, her mind clouded, but now that Noah was awake, she could finally let herself rx. "Good¡­" she whispered, letting out a shaky breath. "That''s good¡­" Slowly, Maya gave in to her sleepiness again,ying back down on Noah''s chest, her breathing evening out once more as she drifted off into peaceful slumber. Noah continued to stroke her hair, watching her sleep, the weight of the moment heavy in his chest. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head, his lips brushing against her soft purple strands. "Sweet dreams," he whispered, his voice barely audible. He knew¡ªdeep down¡ªthat this would be thest time she would sleep like this. So peacefully. So free of worry. He could feel the storm brewing on the horizon, the inevitable trials they would both face. But for now, just for this moment, he let her rest, safe and warm in his arms. *** Amy leaned against the cold stone wall just outside the infirmary, her arms crossed as she quietly listened to the muffled voicesing from within the room. She wasn''t supposed to be there, but she needed to know if Noah had pulled through. Relief washed over her as she overheard the gentle exchanges between Maya and Noah. He''s alive. For now, that was enough. But Maya''s words had haunted her. Maya, despite her normally gentle demeanor, had refused to let her enter the room, her eyes cold and unyielding. And Amy couldn''t shake the image of Maya''s rage from earlier when she had been caught inside Noah''s room. The memory reyed vividly in Amy''s mind. When Maya had found her, her reaction had been instant and violent. She had lunged at Amy, assuming she was the one responsible for Noah''s condition, her eyes filled with something far darker than anger. If it weren''t for Draven''s intervention, Amy was certain Maya would''ve killed her on the spot. Amy shivered at the thought, unconsciously rubbing her arms to ward off the chill creeping into her bones. Chapter 71: For Now [2] There had been something soulless in Maya''s gaze, as though the girl had lost everything, and in that moment, nothing mattered but vengeance. What if that girl truly became a threat to the Academy? Amy thought with a grimace. She didn''t want to imagine the damage Maya could cause if pushed too far. Shaking the thoughts from her mind, she straightened up and pushed herself off the wall. There was nothing more she could do here. It was time to leave. As she made her way down the dimly lit corridors, Amy''s thoughts churned. There was so much at y, so many questions unanswered. And above all, the looming shadow of whoever¡ªor whatever¡ªwas responsible for the attack. After some time, she found herself outside the doctor''s office. Pausing for a moment, Amy knocked lightly on the door. "Come in," a calm,posed voice called from within. Amy opened the door and stepped inside, the familiar scent of herbs and antiseptic filling her senses. The doctor, a tall man with sharp features and an air of quiet authority, sat behind his desk. His white coat was immactely clean, and his hair, streaked with silver at the temples, was neatlybed. He held the poise of someone ustomed to the formalities of royalty, yet there was an air of warmth to him¡ªa rare trait among the upper echelons of the Academy. "Did you do as I asked?" Amy asked, not bothering with pleasantries as she closed the door behind her. The doctor nodded, his steely gaze softening ever so slightly. "As you requested, Miss Bluerose," he said in his deep, steady voice. "I''ve gone over Noah''s medical records and his current condition following the incident." He reached for a folder on his desk and slid it toward her, though he didn''t seem to expect her to read it. "I must say, it''s quite peculiar. The boy was brought to me bleeding, and yet, after my examination, there were no external injuries to speak of. Not a single wound remained. His body, by all ounts, should''ve been gravely injured, but what I found was¡­ strange." Amy''s brow furrowed as she listened. "Strange how?" The doctor leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him. "His mana flow hadpletely stopped for several hours, and yet, there was no sign of internal damage or disruption in the harmony between his magic and physical body. Normally, when someone''s mana flow is disrupted so severely, there''ssting damage¡ªsometimes even permanent scarring within the magical veins." He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "But in Noah''s case, there was no evidence of such damage. It was as though his body had simply shut down and then rebooted itself. His magic is¡­ intact, perhaps even stronger than before. It''s almost as if his body harmonized with his magic in a way I''ve never seen." Amy''s mind raced. She had expected abnormalities¡ªNoah was, after all, a mystery in more ways than one¡ªbut what the doctor was describing was something beyond her understanding. "And the tattoo?" She asked, her voice quieter now, unsure of what answer she even wanted. The doctor''s expression remained impassive. "There was no tattoo, Miss Bluerose. I checked thoroughly. No demonic markings, no signs of dark magic, nothing to indicate he''s tied to a cult or anything of the sort." His words hung heavy in the air. Amy clenched her jaw, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "No tattoo?" That couldn''t be right. She had seen it. She was certain of it. Or had the stress from thebat exams clouded her mind? Had exhaustion yed tricks on her? The doctor, sensing her internal conflict, spoke again. "His body doesn''t emit any demonic energy either. In fact, it''s remarkably pure for someone who went through such an ordeal. It''s as if whatever happened to him, it didn''t leave a trace." Amy felt a lump forming in her throat, a rare feeling of defeat settling in her chest. Her instincts had never failed her before¡ªuntil now. She had been so sure, but the facts didn''t lie. Noah, by all ounts, was just a regr student, albeit one with an unusual magical constitution. "Thank you," she said quietly, her voice betraying her frustration as she stood up and made for the door. The doctor inclined his head in acknowledgment. "If you need anything further, Miss Bluerose, don''t hesitate to reach out." She nodded absently and left the office, her thoughts swirling with confusion. As the door clicked shut behind her, she let out a heavy sigh, her mind spinning. What am I missing? The image of the tattoo was burned into her memory, but now¡­ Now she was second-guessing herself. Had it been a hallucination brought on by exhaustion? Stress? But there were bigger problems at hand. As student council president, she had responsibilities, and the threat of an unknown assant still lurked within the Academy walls. There''s a killer out there, she reminded herself. Whether it was an individual or a group, someone was hunting down students, and she needed to be vignt. For now, things were calm, but Amy knew it was only a matter of time before another attack happened. Until then, she had to keep the peace. She had to prevent a panic from spreading through the Academy. The students were already on edge, and any sign of an internal threat could cause an uproar that would be impossible to control. For now, she thought as she walked away, her resolve hardening. I''ll keep this quiet. But the truth wille out soon enough. *** Ariana stood on the balcony of her luxurious room in Silvercrest Hall, her blonde hair catching in the cold night breeze. Her gaze was distant, lost in the sprawling view of the academy grounds below. Beside her, a green sparrow spirit bird hovered, its tiny wings pping rhythmically in the stillness of the evening. The bird chirped softly, its voice a delicate whisper only she could hear. Its message was clear, but Ariana remained silent, her fingers resting lightly on the balcony railing. She listened patiently, her expression unreadable as the sparrow''s words filled the quiet air. After what felt like an eternity, Ariana''s lips parted, her voice barely above a whisper. "What... Noah was attacked?" The sparrow continued pping, its message delivered, but Ariana''s heart had already skipped a beat. Chapter 72: Recover Ariana stood by the balcony, her thoughts tangled in the news Augustus, her spirit sparrow, had just delivered. The cold night air did little to soothe the unsettling feeling building in her chest. Noah had been attacked. She ran her fingers through her blonde hair, letting the cold wind whip through it as she mulled over the implications. "Augustus," she finally said, breaking the silence between them, her voice steady butced with concern. "Keep watch around the academy. Report any happenings, especially anything tied to the attack on Noah. If possible, try to find out who was responsible." The orange sparrow chirped softly in acknowledgment before darting into the night sky, its wings a blur of orange light fading into the darkness. Ariana watched it disappear, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. There was too much happening in Ravenwood Academy, and if someone was targeting Noah, the stakes were far higher than she''d realized. --- [Noah''s POV] After the incident, when I got attacked, the academy scrambled to restore order. Ironwood Hall, where I stayed, had always been slightly less securepared to Silvercrest Hall, where students from nobler families resided. But after what happened to me, the school decided to upgrade security across the board. Now, Ironwood Hall was as fortified as Silvercrest. Mana-infused barriers were installed, and there were patrols of professors and magic knights more frequently than ever. Not that any of it really mattered¡ªthe damage had already been done. And then there was Livia. Her body was found on the top floor of Ironwood Hall not long after I was attacked. Dead. Just like that. Another tragedy, another blow to the academy''s already faltering reputation. The news spread like wildfire, and soon,moner families began pulling their children from Ravenwood. The academy, once a prestigious institution known for producing the finest magic users, was now bing infamous for something far darker: death. The country''s papers ran the story for days, and it didn''t take long for Ravenwood''s once sterling image to tarnish. Despite having some of the most experienced staff, this year had seen more casualties than any previous year on record. It was unnerving. A ce that had once been my ticket to survival and sess was now a shadow of its former self. Other incidents followed, adding fuel to the fire. A first-year student was found in the dungeons, lost after a forbidden duel that resulted in a devastating ident. No one knew what had triggered the duel, but whispers hinted at a feud gone wrong. Then there was a disappearance of a faculty member¡ªProfessor Behring, a seasoned magic instructor, vanished without a trace during his routine inspection of the magicbs. To make matters worse, a dark mana rift was discovered in the west wing, slowly growing unchecked. Today was Sunday, and I had been requested to give a report to the Vice Master. He wanted details, probably regarding the attack and the aftermath. My room had already been inspected, though they hadn''t found anything unusual, or so they told me. I was cleaning up, trying to get my head straight, when there was a knock at the door. My body tensed involuntarily, a sh of the attack reying in my mind I shook it off, swallowing the lump in my throat, and opened the door cautiously. Before I could react, a figure leapt at me. I instinctively braced myself, managing to retain my bnce just before we went tumbling down. I blinked, looking down to see a familiar face¡ªAriana. She looked up at me, worry etched across her delicate features. "I heard what happened," she said quickly, still holding on to me. "They wouldn''t let me into the infirmary to see you!" I remembered back to a day in the infirmary, just before I was discharged. There had been some kind ofmotion in the hallway. I had been half-awake, still groggy from the recovery process, but I distinctly recalled hearing a crash. When I turned to look, a medical assistant was lying crumpled against the wall, groaning in pain. My door had been left open, and through it, I saw a student¡ªa girl¡ªstorming off in rage, her aura practically crackling with fury. A nurse had rushed into my room, visibly shaken. When I asked what was going on, she told me that a student had caused a disturbance, demanding to see me. I didn''t ask any more questions, but now it all made sense. That girl¡­ was Ariana. Back in the present, I looked down at her again, watching as her cheeks flushed slightly. ''So that was her¡­'' I thought to myself. "I was really worried," Ariana continued, her voice softer now, almost shy. Content from m-vl|emp,yr "I-I thought something terrible had happened." I smiled, feeling something warm in my chest despite myself. "I''m okay now. Really." Ariana fidgeted nervously, ncing away for a moment before turning back to me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Just... be more careful, okay? I don''t want anything bad happening to you." Her voice trembled as she spoke, her hands clutching the fabric of my shirt as if she feared letting go. "I will," I said, my voice calm as I reached up to ruffle her hair. "You don''t need to worry." She shed a small smile, wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye before nodding. "Good." With onest look, she turned and hurried off, leaving me alone in my room once more. I nced around. Maya and a maid had already helped clean up most of the bloodstains and broken ss from that day. The ce felt empty now, but at least it was peaceful. As I continued organizing things, a piece of paper fluttered from the desk, sliding under the cab. Bending down to pick it up, my hand brushed against something cold. My breath hitched as I pulled out the object¡ªa sleek, ck deagle. I stared at it for a moment, the memories of being shot shing through my mind. The pain, the confusion, and then... nothing. "Did the cleaning maid not see this?" I muttered under my breath, wiping the cold sweat from my forehead. Even if they had found it, they probably wouldn''t have known what it was or what to do with it. They''d likely have handed it over to the professors in the magic engineering department. I held it in my hands, feeling the weight of it, the faint glow along its surface giving me chills. Chapter 73: An Offer [1] Noah strolled through the park, weaving between the tall, arching trees that lined the pathways. It was peaceful here, the rustling of leaves and the gentle swaying of the branches bringing a sense of calm he hade to appreciate. But today, he was not here for leisure. He was looking for someone, though he wasn''t entirely sure where to start. As he stopped to nce around, scanning the greenery for any familiar faces, a voice came from behind him. "Ashbourne..." Noah turned quickly, his heart skipping a beat. Standing there, calm and poised, was none other than the Vice Master of Ravenwood Academy, his sharp eyes watching Noah with interest. "Good afternoon, Vice Master," Noah greeted respectfully, bowing slightly in acknowledgment. The Vice Master gave a nod of approval. "Good afternoon, Ashbourne. Shall we take a stroll?" Noah straightened, nodding in agreement, and the two began walking down the tree-lined path. The Vice Master moved with a regal grace, his robes flowing elegantly with each step, while Noah struggled to keep his nerves at bay. "So," the Vice Master began, his voice calm but probing, "how are you finding Ravenwood Academy, Ashbourne? You''ve been here for some time now. Has it met your expectations?" Noah smiled, though he felt a slight twinge of anxiety. "It''s... it''s been good, sir. The academy is impressive, the curriculum is challenging, and the staff are among the most knowledgeable I''ve ever encountered. The students are talented as well, and there''s always something new to learn. It''s an honor to be here." The Vice Master raised an eyebrow, ncing sidelong at Noah. "Is that so?" There was a pause before he spoke again, his tone dipping into something more serious. "Why are you lying, Ashbourne?" Noah''s smile faltered. The words hit harder than expected, and for a moment, he wasn''t sure how to respond. "I''m not¡ª" he started but was quickly cut off. "You''ve faced more ordeals in your short time here than most students will in their entire academic career," the Vice Master continued, his voice smooth but pointed. "Attempted murder, strange incidents in your dorm, and let''s not forget the demonic corruption. And yet, you praise the academy as if nothing has happened. That''s not truth; that''s evasion." Noah swallowed, searching for the right words. He knew the Vice Master wasn''t wrong. "Some things can''t be prevented," Noah finally said, rubbing the back of his neck. "It''s just my... shitty luck, I guess." The Vice Master chuckled, the sound surprising in its warmth. "Luck, indeed." A group of students passed by, their conversation fading into whispers as they noticed the Vice Master. They stopped briefly, offering him deep bows of respect. Join us at m_v le mpyr "Vice Master," one of them called, "good afternoon! How has your day been?" The Vice Master smiled warmly, giving them a courteous nod. "Quite eventful, thank you. I hope you''re all having a productive day as well." The students exchanged excited nces before offering their farewells and hurrying off, whispering amongst themselves about the unexpected encounter. As the two continued their walk, the Vice Master''s tone grew serious again. "Ashbourne, did you see who tried to kill you?" Noah felt a chill run down his spine. He hadn''t expected the question toe so directly. He opened his mouth but hesitated. The memory of being shot shed before his eyes¡ªthe cold metal of the deagle, the piercing pain in his chest¡ªbut how could he exin that to the Vice Master? "No," Noah said, shaking his head. "I didn''t see anyone. I... I just copsed in my room and cked out." The Vice Master regarded him for a moment, as if weighing his words. "And you''re certain? Nothing unusual stood out?" Noah bit his lip, trying to keep hisposure. "No, sir. I didn''t see anything." The Vice Master''s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn''t press further. Instead, he asked, "And how are you adjusting to everything here? Are you managing with your studies despite... these interruptions?" Noah shifted ufortably. "It''s been... challenging, but I''m keeping up," he said cautiously. The Vice Master nodded slowly. "I see. Onest question, then." He stopped walking and turned to face Noah directly. "Do you feel safe here?" Noah looked down at his feet, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. He had nearly died, and Ravenwood was clearly far more dangerous than anyone let on. But to admit that would feel like a weakness¡ªa vulnerability he wasn''t ready to share. "I..." He hesitated, then forced a smile. "I feel safe enough, sir." The Vice Master studied him for a moment longer before giving a small, thoughtful nod. "On behalf of the academy, I apologize for all that you''ve gone through, Ashbourne. It''s unfortunate that you''ve been at the center of so many... incidents." He paused, his expression softening. "You will bepensated for your troubles, of course." Noah quickly shook his head, waving his hands in front of him. "Oh no, sir, that''s not necessary. Really, I¡ª" "Nonsense," the Vice Master interrupted, a mischievous glint in his eye. "It''s the least we can do. How about a schrship? Free tuition for the rest of your time here?" "Really, sir, I¡ª" "Or perhaps a room upgrade? I could arrange for a move to Silvercrest Hall, where the rooms are far more luxurious." "That''s really not¡ª" "Or how about an increase in your stipend? You could use it to buy more study materials. Or something else, perhaps." Noah felt his face grow warm as he desperately tried to refuse. "I-I really don''t need¡ª" "Come now, Ashbourne," the Vice Master said with a smirk. "I won''t force anything upon you... but I do have a proposal. Later today, meet with Miss Bluerose. She has something she''d like to discuss with you. It could be mutually beneficial, I assure you." Noah blinked, surprised. "Amy Bluerose? The First-Year Council President?" "Indeed. She''ll exin everything." With that, the Vice Master started walking again, this time at a more leisurely pace. They continued their conversation, though it shifted away from the academy and into more personal matters. Noah found the Vice Master surprisingly easy to talk to. The older man had a dry sense of humor, and as they spoke, Noah found himselfughing at stories about the Vice Master''s early days as a professor¡ªtales of students who identally turned their hair purple during transmutation lessons or summoned stray cats instead of familiars. Before long, they arrived at the entrance of the park, where a carriage awaited the Vice Master. "Well, Ashbourne," the Vice Master said, stepping up into the carriage. "I must say, you''ve caused quite a stir in your short time here. It seems you''re at the heart of every major event." Noah chuckled nervously, not sure how to respond. The Vice Master looked at him onest time, his expression thoughtful. "You''re a curious one, Ashbourne. I''ll be keeping an eye on you." With that, he waved goodbye, and Noah returned the gesture, watching as the carriage disappeared down the cobblestone path. Chapter 74: An Offer [2] After parting ways with the Vice Master, Noah decided to head toward the training grounds. He knew that, unlike most students who spent their Sundays rxing or enjoying the day off, the main characters of Ravenwood Academy trained rigorously. They pushed their bodies and honed their magical abilities with a dedication that seemed almost inhuman. As he approached the training grounds, the building loomed before him¡ªarge, circr structure topped with a clear, ss dome that allowed the afternoon sun to pour in. The sunlight illuminated the inside of the building, casting a soft glow over the students training below. Inside, the scene was a flurry of activity. Students swung wooden swords at practice dummies with loud thuds, while others were focused on hitting distant targets with precise bursts of magic. The air was filled with the sound of grunts, the crackling of mana being harnessed, and the rhythmic thwacks of wooden weapons striking their intended marks. It was a constant hum of effort and concentration. Noah''s eyes scanned the crowd. He noticed that two of the usual faces¡ªXander and Rn¡ªwere absent today. But standing out in the midst of all the chaos was Amy Bluerose. She was not wielding a sword like the others but was engaged in intense physical exercises, her body moving with a strength and grace that Noah hade to expect from her. Amy was dressed in a ck, fitted shirt tucked into a pair of skinny trousers that hugged her figure. The tightness of the fabric emphasized her athletic physique, showing off her well-toned legs and the curve of her waist. Her blue hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, allowing her face to remain free of distractions as she worked out. Beads of sweat clung to her forehead and neck, glistening under the sunlight. Even in the midst of her workout, she carried an air of elegance, her features sharp but undeniably beautiful. She was striking, her natural beauty enhanced by her strength and determination. She caught sight of Noah standing in the distance, watching her. Without missing a beat, she grabbed a towel, wiped her face, and began walking toward him. "Follow me," she said, her voice brisk but not unkind, hanging the towel over her shoulders. Noah nodded and followed her across the training grounds, his eyes briefly ncing back at the students still hard at work. Amy led him down a quieter corridor to a room with an old wooden door. She opened it, flipping on a dim light inside. The room wasn''t much to look at¡ªa storage area for training equipment. Wooden racks held swords, spears, and other worn-out weapons, while shelves were cluttered with old scrolls and dusty, forgotten items. Amy moved behind arge wooden table, resting her hands on its surface as she regarded Noah. "Uhh... so the Vice Master asked me to meet up with you," Noah began, breaking the silence. He was relieved to have found her here. If he hadn''t, he wasn''t sure he would''ve had the energy to search all over the academy for her. He would''ve just waited until the next day during sses or left it up to Amy toe find him herself. Amy didn''t seem surprised by this. Instead, she grabbed a small nt pot from one of the shelves and began examining it as she spoke. "Ravenwood has be a breeding ground for criminal activities," she said bluntly. "Things have been getting worsetely. There''s a cult operating in the shadows, smuggling forbidden items and dangerous artifacts into the academy. We''ve also had reports of students being drugged and, worse, turned into something... demonic." Noah raised an eyebrow, his attention piqued. Amy continued, her tone growing more serious. "These students¡ªthose who''ve been corrupted¡ªgain dangerous, unstable powers. Their mana cores be twisted, and their bodies¡­ well, they don''t hold up for long. It''s like their magic eats them from the inside out." She plucked a leaf from the small nt in her hand, examining it briefly before tossing it aside. "And yet," she sighed, "we''ve been unable to catch anyone responsible. Whoever''s leading this... they''re clever. They''ve been covering their tracks too well." Noah shifted, unsure of how to respond. He had heard whispers about strange urrences around the academy but never anything as serious as what Amy was describing. Enjoy more stories on m-vlem|p-yr Amy''s expression darkened as she ced the nt pot back on the table. "It''s like trying to root out crime from an empire," she said, her voice lowering. "No matter how hard you try, you''ll neverpletely eradicate it. There will always be corruption, always be those who thrive in the dark corners." Noah nodded, understanding her point. "Evil can''t be eradicated, no matter how hard people try. There will always be someone or something willing to fill the void." Amy met his gaze, her eyes sharp. "Exactly. But..." she paused, plucking another leaf from the nt, "there is a way to regte it. In an empire, if the emperor gains control over the underworld¡ªor appoints someone to do so¡ªhe can keep it in check. Not wipe it out entirely, but regte it. Make sure it doesn''t get out of hand." Noah blinked, surprised by her words. He had never thought of it that way. "Regting crime..." he muttered under his breath, still wrapping his head around the concept. It was a bold strategy, but it made sense in a twisted sort of way. If you couldn''t stop evil, at least control it. Amy set the nt aside and looked at him seriously. "Which brings me to why I''m here. We need people who can help keep this academy from falling apart. The student council has a... special team. You could call it a disciplinarymittee, but we call it the Vanguard. Our job is to enforce the academy''s rules, punish those involved in criminal activities, and keep the peace within Ravenwood." She crossed her arms, watching Noah''s reaction carefully. "I want you to join us." Noah felt his breath catch in his throat. The Vanguard? He hadn''t expected this at all. His mind raced as he considered the weight of what Amy was asking. Being part of the Vanguard meant stepping into a world he had been trying to avoid. But at the same time, it was a chance to protect himself, to gain influence in a ce where the shadows seemed to be growing longer by the day. "Are you serious?" he asked, still trying to process everything. Amy nodded, her expression unwavering. "Very. I know you''ve had your share of trouble here at Ravenwood. But I also know that you''re capable, and that''s what we need right now. People who won''t just stand by and let this ce fall into ruin." Noah hesitated, his mind racing. He nced around the room, at the old weapons and relics that lined the shelves. Could he really do this? Amy''s voice cut through his thoughts. "What do you say? Will you join us?" Noah took a deep breath, meeting her gaze. "I''ll... think about it," he said finally, his voice steady despite the storm of uncertainty inside him. Amy smiled slightly, as if that was the answer she had expected. "Good. Let me know when you''ve made your decision." Chapter 75: An Offer [3] The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the grounds of Ravenwood Academy. Beyond the bustling town center, nestled within a small grove of towering trees, stood an elegant, mansion-like house. It was modestpared to the grandeur of other noble estates, but it held a quiet dignity, its pale stone walls bathed in the amber glow of the setting sun. Tall windows adorned the front of the house, their frames dark and sleek, reflecting the fading light. Ivy crept along the corners of the building, giving it an air of timelessness and seclusion. The rooftop, lined with decorative finials, crowned the house in perfect symmetry. Visit our site at m-vl-em-pyr At the front door, a figure stood. The man knocked, the sound echoing faintly into the evening air. For a moment, there was silence, the trees swaying softly in the gentle breeze. Then, the door creaked open, revealing a maid with delicate features¡ªpale skin, dark hair tied back into a neat bun, and sharp, attentive eyes. Her uniform was simple but pristine, a white apron over a dark blue dress. "The master will be down shortly. Please, make yourselffortable," she said with a polite bow. The man, Professor Jacob, gave a brief nod and stepped inside, his eyes immediately drawn to the room''s decor. The entrance hall and sitting room beyond it exuded nobility without being overly ostentatious. The walls were painted a crisp white,plementing the soft gold ents of the furniture and d¨¦cor. Arge firece sat at the center of one wall, its mantel adorned with finely crafted vases and ornate clocks. Above it hung arge painting, a pastoral scene of a field under a blue sky, calm and serene. The furniture, upholstered in rich burgundy fabric, contrasted tastefully with the white walls, and the marble floors gleamed under the evening light filtering through the windows. Jacob took a seat on one of the couches, his posture rxed as he surveyed the room. There was an elegance to the simplicity, an orderliness that spoke of the Vice Master''s disciplined nature. A momentter, the maid reappeared, carrying a silver tray with a single cup of steaming tea. She set it down on the table before him. "Thank you," Jacob said, his tone polite, though his mind seemed far away. The maid bowed again. "The master will be with you shortly." Jacob took a sip of the tea just as the sound of footsteps approached. The Vice Master, an imposing figure with silver-gray hair and a tall, lean frame, entered the room. His sharp, intelligent eyes scanned Jacob with a knowing smile. "Mr. Jacob," the Vice Master greeted, his voice deep and smooth. "How are you this fine evening?" "Vice Master," Jacob replied, standing up briefly to shake his hand before sitting back down. "I''m well, thank you. And yourself?" "Busy, as always," the Vice Master said, taking a seat across from him. "But I suspect you didn''te all this way to discuss the pleasantries of the evening." Jacob chuckled. "No, you''re right. There''s much to discuss¡ªespecially regarding the academy and... recent events." The Vice Master''s eyes narrowed slightly, and he leaned back in his chair. "Noah Ashbourne." Jacob nodded. "And Livia. The investigation into Livia''s death has led us to believe that the same individual who attacked Noah was also responsible for her murder." The Vice Master''s face darkened. "It''s troubling. Two incidents, both involving students. What makes it worse is theck of any clear motive, at least on the surface." "Indeed," Jacob agreed, setting down his cup. "Noah survived his ordeal, but Livia wasn''t so fortunate. Her body was found in one of the floors in Ironwood Hall, and we suspect demonic influence may have been involved." The Vice Master frowned. "Demonic influence... The corruption of mana in cases like these is insidious, and difficult to detect without the right means. Do we know if Noah has any leads?" "He hasn''t said much about the attack, but he seems reluctant to delve into the details. He''s cautious, perhaps unsure of who he can trust." The Vice Master nodded slowly, deep in thought. "And the other cases? You mentioned in yourst report that there were a few students showing signs of... irregr behavior." Jacob reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a small stack of reports. "Three more students, each case more disturbing than thest. One of them, a girl named Elise, was caught trying to smuggle a cursed artifact into the academy. She''s been taken into custody, but we believe she wasn''t working alone." He handed the report to the Vice Master, who skimmed it, his brow furrowing. "The second case," Jacob continued, "involves a boy named Marcus. He was found unconscious in the dormitories, his mana core severely destabilized. We suspect he''s been tampered with, possibly drugged with some form of demonic concoction." "And the third?" Jacob hesitated before speaking. "A student named Garen. He''s been missing for over a week. His friends say he wasst seen speaking to someone in the shadows of the East Wing, though no one has been able to identify this individual. We fear Garen may have been recruited into something darker." The Vice Master leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his fingers steepled in thought. "It''s as I feared. The cult is bing bolder, and their reach is extending deeper into the academy. We need to act swiftly before more students are lost to this... corruption." "Agreed," Jacob said, his voice low. "But we need more than just investigations. We need specialized resources. Which brings me to another matter." The Vice Master looked at him curiously. "Go on." Jacob took a deep breath. "I want to suggest reopening the Demonic Research Department." The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the suggestion hanging in the air. The Vice Master''s expression grew hard, his eyes piercing. "The Demonic Research Department has been closed for decades. What exactly are you hoping to aplish by reopening it?" Jacob held his gaze. "With the number of demonic incidents rising, we need a dedicated facility to study these urrences¡ªespecially with the drugs being used and the incident with Noah. We need to understand the source of this corruption, and how to counter it." The Vice Master leaned back, his fingers tapping the arm of the chair. He was silent for a long while before he spoke again. "Reopening that department would attract unwanted attention, not just from within the academy but from outside as well." "I understand the risks," Jacob replied. "But if we don''t take action, more students will die. We need knowledge to fight this, and that department could provide the means." The Vice Master considered Jacob''s words carefully. After what felt like an eternity, he sighed. "Very well. I will authorize the reopening of the Demonic Research Department. But I want strict oversight. You are to report directly to me." Jacob smiled, bowing his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Vice Master. You won''t regret it." The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 76: Heartfelt Ariana stood in the quiet parlor of the academy''s guest house, her hands sped tightly in front of her as she faced Livia''s parents. The room was modestly furnished, with soft candlelight flickering in the corner, casting warm shadows across the walls. It was meant to be afortable space for visitors, but today, the air was thick with sorrow. Mr. and Mrs. Calloway sat on a small loveseat, their hands intertwined, as though clinging to each other for support. Their eyes were red and puffy from crying, and their expressions, thoughposed, were full of pain. They were simple folk¡ªhumble, gentle people from a rural town who had sent their beloved daughter to Ravenwood Academy in hopes of giving her a better future. And now, they were leaving with nothing but grief. Ariana swallowed hard, her throat tight, unsure of what words could possibly soothe the deep ache in their hearts. Livia had been her close friend, herughter a constant source of joy, her kindness a balm to anyone who crossed her path. Losing her had been like losing a part of herself. But standing here in front of Livia''s parents, Ariana felt a guilt that weighed heavy in her chest¡ªguilt that she was still here, and Livia was gone. "I''m so, so sorry," Ariana whispered, her voice barely audible, but full of emotion. "I... I wish I could do more. I wish I could bring her back." Mrs. Calloway, a woman with graying hair and gentle eyes that mirrored Livia''s, shook her head slowly. "Oh, dear," she said softly, her voice trembling but kind, "you don''t need to apologize. None of this was your fault." Her husband, a quiet, stout man who had barely spoken since their arrival, nodded in agreement. Ariana blinked rapidly, her vision blurring with tears she had been fighting to hold back. "She was the best of us," she choked out, her hand gripping the edge of her dress tightly. "I''ll never forget her. None of us will." Mrs. Calloway reached out, cing a warm, trembling hand on Ariana''s arm. "You were her family here, Ariana. You gave her so much joy. Thank you for being her friend." Ariana couldn''t hold it in any longer. A tear slipped down her cheek, quickly followed by another, as she knelt down in front of the grieving parents. "I should''ve been there for her," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I should''ve¡ª" "Hush now," Mr. Calloway interrupted gently, his voice steady despite the grief in his eyes. "No one could have known. No one could have stopped it. We... we have to believe she''s at peace now, as hard as that is." Ariana closed her eyes, pressing her lips together to keep from sobbing. She knew they were right. She knew nothing could change what had happened. But it didn''t make the pain any easier to bear. Discover tales on m_vl_em_p_yr Mrs. Calloway gave Ariana a sad smile, brushing a strand of Ariana''s golden hair behind her ear like a mother would for her own child. "You''ve done more than you realize, child. Just being here with us, sharing this moment... it means the world." Ariana bit her lip, nodding, even as her heart ached. She wished her presence could take away their pain, wished she could shoulder their grief, but all she could do was offer them her sincerity, her love for Livia, and herpanionship in this difficult time. "We''ll never forget her," Ariana said softly, her voice trembling with conviction. "And... if there''s anything you ever need¡ªanything at all¡ªyou can count on me. I''ll make sure her memory is honored here at Ravenwood." The Calloways smiled through their tears, their expressions humble and grateful. "Thank you," Mrs. Calloway whispered, her voice barely a breath. "Thank you for everything." For a few moments, there was silence, the three of them sitting together, united in their shared grief. The world outside continued to turn, the academy continued its routines, but in this quiet room, time seemed to stop as they remembered the bright, beautiful life that had been lost too soon. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Mr. Calloway cleared his throat. "We should be going. We... we have a long journey home." Ariana stood slowly, wiping the tears from her eyes and offering them both a small, sad smile. "I''ll walk you to the gate," she offered softly. Mrs. Calloway hesitated for a moment before nodding. "We''d like that." As they made their way to the academy''s entrance, the evening sun had begun to set, casting a golden light over the grounds. The warm hues of the sunset seemed almost too beautiful, too serene for the sorrow that weighed on Ariana''s heart. Ariana stood by as the carriage pulled up, her hands folded in front of her once again. Mr. and Mrs. Calloway stepped inside, offering her onest, grateful look before the door shut. As the carriage began to move, Ariana whispered, "Goodbye, Livia. I''ll miss you." And though the Calloways couldn''t hear her, the wind seemed to carry her words, the gentle rustle of the trees offering a small,forting reply. *** Rn exited the faculty building, feeling the cool evening breeze brush against his face as he adjusted the strap of his gym bag. He''d just finished a meeting with one of his professors, discussing the uing assessments and strategies for improving his magical output. The sky above Ravenwood Academy was transitioning into a deep indigo as thest remnants of sunlight faded beyond the horizon. It was a perfect time for a night workout before hitting the showers. As he approached the gate leading to the academy''s training grounds, a sh of blonde hair caught his attention. Standing near the gate, watching a carriage disappear into the distance as the wrought iron gates slowly creaked shut, was Ariana. Rn recognized her immediately. She was hard to miss¡ªher golden locks, loose and flowing down her back, and her presence, though usually filled with an infectious energy, seemed subdued. The softness of the fading sunlight highlighted her features, casting her in a gentle glow. Rn''s footsteps faltered, his gaze narrowing in concern. She looked distracted, almost lost in thought. As the carriage disappeared around the corner, she stood there staring at the gate, her arms loosely folded around her middle as though she was trying to hold herself together. Rn cleared his throat softly as he approached, unsure of what exactly to say. "Ariana," he greeted, giving her a warm smile, hoping to lift her spirits a bit. She turned, offering him a small, tired smile in return. "Hey, Rn." There was that familiar warmth that Rn always felt whenever Ariana smiled. But today, that warmth was tinged with a sadness he couldn''t quite shake. Chapter 77: Not The Sweets! Her blue eyes, usually sparkling with mischief or some grand n, seemed duller, weighed down by something far heavier than the usual troubles of student life. "Are you okay?" Rn asked, his voice tinged with concern. Ariana hesitated, then sighed softly. "Not really, no. I just finished talking with Livia''s parents. I was seeing them off." She nodded toward the gate where the carriage had disappeared. "It was¡­ hard." Rn''s brow furrowed. He didn''t know too much about Livia, just that she''d been close to Ariana. From what little he had heard, Livia had been a kind-hearted student, but her tragic death had sent waves of grief through the academy. Rn wasn''t good atforting people¡ªhe never had been. But he had to try. "I''m sorry," Rn muttered awkwardly, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "I know I''m not the best at this, but... if you need anything, you know you can talk to me, right? Or we can... uh, punch some training dummies or something." Ariana chuckled softly, the sound warm and mncholic. "Thanks, Rn. That actually helps more than you think." She sighed, her expression still heavy. "I''ll be fine. We''ll see each other around." As Ariana started to turn away, Rn called out, "Hey, wait. You really need to attend the student council meetings." Ariana groaned, her posture slumping dramatically. "Whyyyy?" Rn raised an eyebrow, his arms crossing over his chest. "You know why. We need you there to make decisions. Everyone has to be present so we can discuss what''s important. You''re part of the council too, Ariana." "But it''s soooo boring," Ariana drawled, her lips pouting as she dragged her feet back towards him. "Do I really have to go? Can''t you just tell me what happened after the meeting?" Continue exploring at m|vl-em,py-r "No!" Rn eximed, exasperated. "That''s not how this works! You need to be there, in person, and actually participate! You can''t just sit in the corner while the rest of us make decisions." Ariana groaned again, this time letting her head fall back as though the weight of the world were pressing down on her shoulders. "I don''t want tooooo." Rn, losing patience, grabbed her by the neck, yfully ruffling her hair. "You''re going to the meetings, whether you like it or not!" "Rn! My hair!" Ariana squealed, trying to push his hands away, her once perfectly groomed hair now a mess. Rn continued to ruffle her hair, grinning like a madman. "You''re going, or I''ll make you!" Her mood lightened, Ariana swatted at his arms with a pout but couldn''t hide her amusement. "Fine, fine!" she said. "I''ll try... but no promises." Rn narrowed his eyes at her. "You better do more than ''try.'' If you skip again, I''m shutting down your favorite sweet shop." Ariana''s entire body seemed to dete as she dropped to the ground, clutching his legs in an over-the-top fashion. "Noooooo!" she cried dramatically, wrapping her arms around his calves. "You can''t do that! That''s pure evil!" Rn sighed and began walking, dragging Ariana behind him. "Let go, Ariana." "I won''t let you take my sweets away!" she whimpered, pretending to cry as she held on tighter. Rn rolled his eyes, still dragging her across the dirt as he walked. "You''re being ridiculous." "I need my sweets!" Ariana protested, her voice muffled as she clung to his legs. "You control the ie and goods at the academy''s Town Centre! You have the power to ruin me, and I''m begging you not to!" Rn nced down at her, thoroughly unimpressed. "If you don''t attend the next meeting, I will." Ariana let out an exaggerated groan, pushing herself up to her feet. "Fiiiine. I''ll attend." She crossed her arms, huffing as if the weight of the world had just been ced on her shoulders. Rn smirked, reaching out to pat her head. "Good girl." "Don''t patronize me," Ariana muttered, swatting his hand away, though the grin on her face betrayed her irritation. As Rn turned to leave, Ariana waved him off with azy salute. "See you around." Beside her, her spirit bear, arge but docile creature with fur like spun gold, stood holding a wooden bat in its paw. Ariana nced up at it and smiled. "Not today, buddy." The bear seemed to droop in disappointment, its round ears lowering as it nced at the bat, clearly hoping for a little action. Ariana ruffled the fur between its ears. "Don''t worry. If Rn actually tries to mess with my sweet shops, then you''ll get your chance to smack him." The bear huffed, satisfied with the promise, though it still looked longingly at the bat. Just then, a boy walked by, struggling to bnce arge box of choctes in his arms. Ariana''s eyes narrowed as she immediately recognized the brand¡ªher favorite. "Hey!" she called out, her voice rising in suspicion. "Eric, what do you have there?" Eric froze, ncing nervously at the box in his arms. "Uh... choctes?" Ariana''s eyes widened as she stepped closer. "That better not be thest batch." Eric blinked, his expression turning from nervous to terrified in a split second. Without another word, he bolted, the box clutched tightly to his chest as he made a mad dash down the pathway. "Oh, no, you don''t!" Ariana shouted, hopping onto her spirit bear''s back. "Let''s go, buddy!" The bear roared with determination, and in an instant, the two were charging after Eric, Ariana swinging her fist in the air while the bear galloped full force. "ERIC!" she bellowed as they gained on him. "Give me those choctes!" Eric, ncing over his shoulder, screamed in panic. "No...I''m the one who bought them!" "You''re gonna be more sorry if I don''t get my choctes!" Ariana yelled, her voice filled with righteous fury. As she swung a yful fist in the air, the scene was almostical¡ªa small girl riding a massive bear, chasing after a terrified student over a box of sweets. She let out a battle cry, the bear''s paws thudding rhythmically on the ground beneath them, as they closed in on their prey. And for the entire academy to hear, she shouted, "Those better not be thest choctes!" The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 78: Regulation Noah walked through the halls of Ravenwood Academy, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. The afternoon light filtered in through the tall arched windows, casting golden beams on the students as they hurried past him, engrossed in their own affairs. Laughter, snippets of conversation, the rustling of books¡ªall of it seemed distant to him. His mind was elsewhere, lost in the memory of his earlier conversation with Amy. Her words lingered in his head, intertwining with his thoughts like a shadow that refused to be shaken off. There was something about the way she had spoken¡ªher calm yet unsettling voice, her steady gaze, and the delicate way she plucked leaves from the small potted nt in front of her as she talked. It was as though every word she uttered carried a hidden weight, a gravity that he had only begun to grasp. As Noah reyed the conversation in his mind, Amy''s voice echoed, clear and haunting. "Crimes aren''t eradicated, Noah," she had said, her fingers deftly picking a leaf from the nt, holding it delicately before letting it fall to the floor. "No empire has ever been able to truly rid itself of its criminals. They''re like weeds, sprouting in every corner, no matter how hard you try to pull them out. They survive, adapt, and thrive in the shadows. And in those shadows, they''re controlled¡ªnot destroyed." She paused, her fingers hovering over the nt once more. "The emperor, any ruler really, knows this. There is no world where you can live without evil. It exists, Noah, in the same way the empire exists. It''s part of the order, a necessary evil that must be managed. That''s why the emperor doesn''t spend his time trying to cleanse his empire of thieves, murderers, and syndicates. Instead, he allows it to breathe, to exist¡ªunder supervision. To regte it. Control the chaos rather than obliterate it." Amy had plucked another leaf, slowly twirling it between her fingers, her expression serene. "The underworld... it''s more organized than you might think. It has its leaders, its rules. And as long as it doesn''t overstep its bounds, the empire thrives. Those in power understand this. After all, a ruler can''t be everywhere at once. And sometimes, it''s easier to let the criminals police themselves." The way she had spoken, the way her voice had softened just so¡ªit had made Noah feel as though she wasn''t just discussing a theoretical empire, but something far more immediate. Far more personal. He hadn''t said anything then, only nodded, letting her continue. "And here, at Ravenwood," Amy had continued, her gaze steady on him, "we aren''t so different from the empire, are we? The student council, the professors¡ªthey try to maintain order. They issue punishments, enforce rules, create the illusion of control. But the truth is... there are always things happening beneath the surface. Things they can''t see. Can''t reach. It''s a breeding ground for chaos. And unless someone steps in to regte it, it will spiral." She had leaned forward then, her voice dropping to almost a whisper. "The cult, the gangs, the crimes you''ve heard about¡ªthey''re symptoms, not the disease. They thrive because no one''s controlling the undercurrent, Noah. No one''s leading in the shadows." Noah''s steps slowed as he remembered how she had looked at him, her blue eyes glinting with a strange intensity. The way she had plucked another leaf, as if plucking away an unseen threat, and how her voice had deepened, almost predatory. There had been something about her in that moment¡ªsomething both sweet and terrifying. "People think they can stop crime," Amy had said, her tone almost amused. "But what they don''t understand is that you can''t eradicate what''s already embedded into the foundation of society. You can only take control. If you catch the leader of the cult, another will rise to take their ce. Unless, of course, you take the seat of power for yourself." Her fingers had released thest leaf, and it had fluttered to the ground, joining the others in a silent heap. "We could catch them, Noah. We could dismantle them. But even that won''t be enough. The only way to ensuresting peace... is to rule the darkness. To pull the strings from the shadows." There had been a moment of silence then, the air in the room heavy with unspoken implications. Noah had felt a chill run down his spine, his mind whirling with the weight of her words. It was as if Amy was suggesting something vile, something that blurred the lines between justice and corruption. But the way she spoke¡ªso calm, soposed¡ªit was difficult to tell where her intentions trulyy. Was she merely speaking theoretically? Or was she revealing something deeper, something about herself? "Even in the shadows, there must be a leader," she had said finally, her voice soft but firm. "Someone who can control the chaos, regte the evil. Without a leader, the darkness consumes everything. But with the right hand guiding it, even the underworld can serve a greater purpose." Noah had remained silent, unsure of how to respond. The way Amy had spoken, it was almost as if she was hinting at herself. And yet, her words were cloaked in such ambiguity that it was impossible to fully grasp her intentions. She had smiled then, sweet and gentle, like the Amy he had always known. But in that moment, there had been a darkness in her eyes¡ªa glint of something sharp, something dangerous. "Think about it, Noah," she had said before standing and brushing off her hands, as if the conversation had been nothing more than casual banter. "Sometimes, to maintain peace, you have to embrace the chaos." As Noah walked through the academy halls now, her words echoed in his mind, unsettling and cryptic. What had she meant, really? Had she been speaking in hypotheticals, or was there something more to her words? The way she had plucked those leaves, as if symbolically removing threats one by one, had felt intentional. Calcted. Noah couldn''t shake the feeling that Amy had been offering him a glimpse into a world far darker than he had imagined. A world where peace was bought not by eliminating evil, but by controlling it. A world where she, perhaps, already held the reins. The halls bustled with students, but Noah walked in silence, his mind a storm of questions. *Sigh... "Looks like Eun-Ji was right..." Chapter 79: My Treat! The night had settled over Ravenwood Academy, casting shadows over the once-busy halls. Noah walked in the cool evening air, his footsteps echoing lightly on the stone floor. The sun had already set, leaving behind a deep indigo sky scattered with stars. The faint hum of crickets could be heard outside, but inside the academy, everything was quiet. He had a destination in mind, a ce he had been meaning to visit for a while now. Professor Jacob''s office. Noah turned a corner, passing a few wooden doors, until he finally stopped at the one that read [Prof. Jacob] He hesitated for a moment before knocking. He waited, but there was no answer. ncing around the empty hallway, Noah noticed that the door was slightly ajar. He pushed it open carefully and peeked inside. The office wasrge and impressive, with towering shelves filled with books lining the walls. A grand, vertical window stretched from the floor to the ceiling, letting in the soft glow of the moonlight. Warm lighting illuminated the room, casting a cozy atmosphere, despite the overwhelming number of papers and documents strewn across the desk. Various trinkets and magical artifacts were scattered around, each telling a story of countless hours of research. As Noah stepped inside, he marveled at the space. It was clear Professor Jacob spent much of his time here. Noah turned around, only to see a figure walking towards him, obscured by a towering stack of papers. He barely had time to react before they were about to collide, but Noah quickly reached out, steadying the figure before they bumped into each other. The stack of papers wobbled, and from behind them peeked a familiar face¡ªMaya. "Noah?" she said, startled, as she regained her bnce. "What are you doing here?" Noah gave a small smile. "You should be more careful, you almost toppled over with those papers." Maya sighed in relief, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I¡ªI didn''t expect anyone to be here thiste." Without thinking, Noah picked up some of the papers from her arms, lightening her load. "Let me help." Maya blinked in surprise but didn''t protest as he followed her to a nearby table. Theyid the papers down, and she exhaled, rubbing her forehead in exhaustion. Then, she looked up at Noah, her eyes narrowing. "Bend down," she instructed, stepping closer. "Eh?" Noah blinked, a little confused. "I didn''t mean like that!" Maya quickly rified, her face heating up. "Just lower your head¡­" "Your hair¡­ it''s a mess," Maya said, noticing the dirt and cobwebs tangled in his dark locks. Noah crouched a little, tilting his head toward her. Maya rummaged through her bag on the couch and pulled out a small brush. She began brushing the dust and cobwebs from his hair, her hands moving gently. Noah winced a little at the tugging but didn''tin. "Were you out training or something?" she asked, frowning as more dust came out of his hair. "Why do you ask?" "Because you look like you''ve been rolling around in dirt." Noah remembered how he and Amy had been in the weapon storage room earlier that day. That exined the mess. He didn''t borate, and Maya didn''t press him. Once most of the dirt was gone, Maya sat down on the floor and patted herp. "Here, lie down. I can''t fix this properly unless you''re still." Noah hesitated, staring at her in surprise. "On yourp?" "Don''t worry," Maya said with a small smile. "I cleaned the floor." With a sigh of surrender, Noah lowered himself onto herp. Maya''s hands gentlybed through his hair, pulling out thest bits of cobwebs and smoothing it down. He looked up at her, noticing for the first time how delicate her features were in the soft light of the room. Her purple eyes were focused, yet calm, and her expression was soft, almost caring. Noah found himself rxing, even as his mind wandered. Maya continued to fix his hair in silence, her hands working through the strands with care. She didn''t say much, but there was somethingforting about the quiet moment they shared. After a while, Maya finally finished and helped him sit up. "There," she said, brushing her hands off. "You look like a proper human again." "Thanks," Noah said, his lips curling into a small smile. He stood up, stretching a little before turning to Maya. "Hey¡­ how about we go get something to eat in the town center?" Maya blinked, caught off guard by the sudden invitation. She opened her mouth to refuse, panic shing in her eyes. "I-I can''t. I still have work to do here¡­" Noah tilted his head. "But¡­ you''re MY assistant." Maya stared at him, momentarily confused. Noah smiled innocently, cing a hand on his cheek as if to emphasize the point. Maya sighed in defeat. "Fine¡­ I''ll go," she muttered. But before she could fully agree, Noah grabbed her hand, pulling her along before she could change her mind. They bolted out of the office, leaving the stack of papers behind. A short whileter, they arrived at the bustling town center. The lively atmosphere was a stark contrast to the quiet halls of the academy. They headed to a small restaurant that wasn''t too fancy, just simple enough for a rxing meal. "Don''t worry, it''s my treat," Noah said as they sat down. "You''ve been working hardtely, so this is the least I can do." Maya looked down at the menu, still feeling a bit flustered from the sudden turn of events. She ordered something light, nothing too expensive, and Noah did the same. Their meal was simple¡ªa couple of sandwiches and drinks¡ªbut it was enough to lift some of the weight off their shoulders. They chatted lightly, breaking the usual silence between them. Noah talked about how the recent cement exams had caught him off guard, and Maya nodded along, chiming in asionally. It wasn''t a deep conversation, but it was enough to make the night feel less heavy. After a while, Maya hesitated, clutching the fabric of her skirt under the table. Her eyes flickered with uncertainty as she looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "Noah¡­ can I ask you something?" "Sure," Noah said, leaning forward slightly. Maya bit her lip before looking up, her eyes tearing up slightly as she tried to smile. "Promise me¡­ Promise me that you''ll stay alive. At least for me." Noah''s eyes widened in surprise, but as he saw the sincerity in her expression, his own features softened. He leaned back in his chair, letting the weight of her words sink in. After a brief pause, he smiled gently and nodded. "I promise," he said quietly. Maya''s shoulders rxed, and she wiped away a stray tear before smiling back. It wasn''t much, but in that moment, it felt like a small weight had lifted from them both. *** Near the restaurant, hidden behind arge oak tree, a figure stood silently, her blonde hair catching the faintest glimmer of the streetlights. Her lips curved into a smile, but the expression was tight, almost forced, as if it took all her strength to hold it in ce. She watched the scene at the restaurant unfold from a distance, her eyes lingering on the figures of Noah and Maya. After a moment, she closed her eyes, wiped her face and let out a quiet sigh, her fingers clenching at her sides. "Let''s go, Augustus..." she whispered softly. With that, she turned away from the streetlights, stepping into the shadowed path where the darkness swallowed her whole. As she disappeared into the night, a small green sparrow spirit bird flitted through the air, zipping after her, its wings glowing faintly in the dark as it followed her. Chapter 80: Vanguard [1] The sun was already high on the horizon, casting a golden hue across the vast open grounds of Ravenwood Academy. Discover hidden tales at m vl-em-py-r Hundreds of first-year students, dressed in their freshly pressed uniforms, stood in neat rows, murmuring softly among themselves as they waited for the morning''s assembly to begin. It was a Monday, the start of a new week, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Professor Sharon Albright, the senior advisor to the academy, stepped forward onto the elevated tform in front of the students. Her presencemanded attention, and the students quieted down, their eyes fixed on her. Sharon''s long, orange hair shimmered in the morning light, a striking contrast to her dark professor''s robes. She had a reputation for being firm but fair, and today, there was a sense of gravity about her as she approached the podium. "Good morning, students," Professor Sharon began, her voice clear and strong, reaching across the wide parade grounds. "I know many of you are eager to hear about your performance in the recent cement exams. I''m here to inform you that the results will be finalized by the end of tomorrow." A murmur spread through the students, excitement and nervousness evident in their expressions. The cement exams had been challenging, with tests not only on magical aptitude but also physical prowess, strategy, and discipline. Everyone was waiting to find out which sses they''d be assigned to, as the results would determine their future paths within the academy. "The cement exams," Sharon continued, "were designed to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Based on these results, you will be ced into different sses, each tailored to maximize your potential. Whether you''ve excelled in elemental magic, physicalbat, or strategy, rest assured, you will be ced in the ss that best suits your abilities and performance." She paused, letting her words sink in. "I know many of you are anxious. You''ve worked hard, and the thought of being ced in a lower ss might worry some of you. But I want you to remember, your cement now does not define your future. It is merely a starting point¡ªa foundation upon which you can build. Growth and progress are what matter most. Whether you start in the highest-ranked ss or not, what you do from here will determine your sess. Perseverance, dedication, and character¡ªthose will be your keys to excellence." The students nodded, absorbing her words. There was a sense of reassurance in her tone, but also a challenge. No one would be left behind, but no one would be spared the effort required to seed either. Sharon''s expression grew more serious as she shifted the topic. "Now, onto a more pressing matter¡ªyour safety." A ripple of tension moved through the crowd. The first year at Ravenwood had been rough for many students, with rumors of attacks, missing items, and other unsettling incidents. Everyone knew that things were happening beneath the surface, even if they hadn''t been directly affected. "I''m aware," Sharon continued, her gaze sweeping over the students, "that the past few months have been difficult. There have been... disturbances, to say the least. The faculty is working tirelessly to ensure that each and every one of you is safe within these walls. However," she paused, "there are limits to what we can do. This academy isrge, and there are dangers both seen and unseen. We are doing everything within our power, but your safety also depends on you." The crowd of students listened closely now, realizing the weight of what she was saying. "As students of Ravenwood Academy, you must take it upon yourselves to look out for one another. It is not enough to rely solely on the professors and staff for protection. You must be vignt. Watch over your ssmates, your friends, your dorm mates. If you see something suspicious, say something. If you notice someone acting out of character, offer them your help. We must create amunity of trust and care among ourselves." There was a moment of silence as her words settled in. She wasn''t just talking about physical safety¡ªshe was speaking about a sense of solidarity, of shared responsibility. In a ce as vast and dangerous as Ravenwood, everyone had a role to y. "There have been," Sharon continued, her tone lowering, "incidents of theft, bullying, and even attacks. These acts are uneptable and will not be tolerated within these walls. Our rules are clear, and they are in ce to protect all of you. Those who seek to undermine the order and safety of this academy will face consequences." She raised her voice again, looking each student in the eye as if to drive her point home. "And so, to reinforce the importance of maintaining order and discipline, we are taking further steps. The academy has decided to form a new faculty under the student council¡ªa team responsible for upholding discipline and order among the student body." A murmur of curiosity spread through the students. "We are calling this new team ''The Vanguard.'' The Vanguard will consist of students from all years, chosen for their leadership, integrity, and dedication to the academy''s rules. Their role will be to ensure that students themselves are helping to maintain the peace. The Vanguard will have the authority to investigate incidents, issue warnings, and, when necessary, deliver punishments in ordance with the academy''sws." Sharon paused for a moment, letting the idea sink in. The students seemed intrigued but also apprehensive. The concept of students policing each other was new, and it was clear that this was going to be a serious responsibility. "In thest few weeks alone," Sharon went on, "we have identified three major crimes that have beenmitted within our walls. First, there have been cases of illegal dueling¡ªstudents challenging each other outside the designatedbat areas, leading to serious injuries. Secondly, there have been several instances of theft¡ªpersonal belongings, rare magical items, and even money have been reported stolen. Andstly, there have been reports of harassment, particrly targeting weaker or newer students. Let me be clear: all of these acts go against the rules andws of Ravenwood Academy." The crowd was quiet now, listening intently. The reality of what was happening at the academy was setting in. "The Vanguard will be tasked with investigating these incidents and ensuring that justice is served. But remember, they are students like you. Their role is not to punish, but to maintain order, to prevent harm, and to foster a safe environment where we all can learn and grow. They will be your peers, but they will have the responsibility to lead by example." Professor Sharon''s eyes swept over the students once more. "As we prepare for the results of the cement exams, I ask all of you to think not only about your own sess but about the well-being of those around you. The challenges you face here are not just academic or physical. They are challenges of character. Your time at Ravenwood is about bing the best version of yourselves, and part of that is how you treat others, how you contribute to themunity, and how you respond to the dangers that may arise." There was a heavy silence for a moment, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Chapter 81: Vanguard [2] As Professor Sharon finished her speech, the students remained silent, waiting to see what was next. She looked out over the sea of faces, her expression serious yet calm, before nodding slightly and stepping back from the podium. "Now," she said, her voice carrying across the assembly, "I will hand the floor over to the student council heads. They will speak more on the formation of the Vanguard and their role in upholding the academy''s values and discipline." Murmurs spread through the crowd as anticipation grew. The student council was a powerful force within Ravenwood Academy, and the heads of the council were among the most respected¡ªand sometimes feared¡ªstudents in the school. These were not just ordinary students, but those who had earned their positions through merit, talent, and leadership. The first to step forward was the head of the third-year student council, the Blessed Sage, and arguably one of the most respected figures among the student body. He had brown hair that fell messily over his forehead, and dark, tired eyes that gave the impression that he hadn''t slept in days. The faint bags under his eyes only added to the mysterious charm that many of the female students admired. Despite his worn appearance, there was something undeniably attractive about him, a maism that made him stand out even more. "That''s Lucian Harth," one of the girls whispered excitedly to her friend as he approached the podium. "Even with those eye bags, he''s still so handsome. There''s just something about him¡­" Lucian stood in front of the students, his tired eyes scanning the crowd. He took a moment before speaking, his voice calm and even, yet somehow carrying weight. "Good morning," Lucian began, his voice low but steady. "I won''t take up too much of your time. Most of you already know me, but for those who don''t, I''m Lucian Harth, head of the student council and Blessed Sage of the third-year students. It''s been my job to oversee the student body and ensure that everything runs smoothly¡­ or at least as smoothly as possible." A soft chuckle spread through the crowd. Despite his serious demeanor, Lucian had a reputation for being approachable and down-to-earth, even though he carried the immense burden of leadership. "I know that this year has been difficult," Lucian continued. "There have been a lot of issues, and many of you are probably feeling uncertain about your ce in the academy and your safety here. That''s understandable. But I want to assure you that we are working on it." He nced down for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then looked up again. "The formation of the Vanguard is an important step in maintaining discipline and safety within the academy. This team will be made up of students from all years, selected for their leadership, integrity, and dedication to upholding the academy''s values. These students will be trained to act as your peers but also as enforcers of the rules. It''s a difficult job, but it''s necessary to ensure that everyone here can learn and grow in a safe environment." Lucian''s gaze swept over the students, his expression somber. "I''ve seen firsthand some of the issues we''ve been facing. Theft, harassment, illegal dueling¡­ These are serious problems that can''t be ignored. And while we, the student council, are doing our best to address these issues, it''s not enough for just a few of us to act. It takes all of us. Each of you has a role to y in making this academy a better ce." He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle over the crowd. "The Vanguard members will be announced after my other colleagues speak, and they''ll be responsible for helping to maintain order. But I want to remind you all that this academy is amunity, andmunities only thrive when everyone contributes. So, be mindful of your actions. Look out for one another. And if you see something wrong, don''t be afraid to speak up." With that, Lucian stepped back from the podium, giving the students a brief, tired smile before retreating to his ce on the tform. The students murmured amongst themselves, taking in his words, but their attention quickly shifted as the next student council head approached the podium. The second-year head of the student council stepped forward, his presencemanding immediate attention. He was tall, with golden yellow hair that seemed to shimmer under the sunlight, and striking red eyes that seemed to pierce through the crowd. His features were almost too perfect¡ªhis chiseled jawline, sharp nose, and the way he carried himself made him stand out from the rest. He was none other than Leopold von Velden, the third son of the Emperor. The moment he took the stage, the female students in the crowd began to whisper amongst themselves. "Leopold von Velden," one girl gushed, her eyes wide with admiration. "He''s so handsome. They say he''s as refined as the Emperor himself." "I heard he''s absolutely brilliant, too," another chimed in. "Top of his ss in everything¡ªmagic,bat, strategy. He''s the perfect guy." "I also heard that he''s super kind," a third girl added dreamily. "Imagine having him protect you. He''s the type to sweep you off your feet." But not everyone in the crowd was as enamored. "Yeah, but don''t cross him," one of the male students muttered to his friend. "I heard that once, someone insulted his family, and Leopold had them expelled from the academy by the end of the day." "Of course after beating them to a pulp." "Pfft, that''s nothing," another male student interjected. "I heard a guy tried to cheat during a duel with him, and Leopold broke his hand¡­ and then healed it, just so he could break it again." The stories ranged from absurd to terrifying, but they all shared one thing inmon: Leopold von Velden was not someone to mess with. Leopold''s voice cut through the murmurs as he began to speak. His tone was smooth, yet carried a subtle edge. "Good morning, fellow students," Leopold said, his voice carrying authority. "As Lucian mentioned, the Vanguard will y a crucial role in maintaining order within the academy. And as the head of the second-year council, I will be taking on the responsibility of overseeing this team." His red eyes glinted as he continued. "This academy is a ce for growth, learning, and excellence. But it is also a ce that requires discipline. Respecting each other is paramount¡ªwhether you are a first-year student or a fourth-year, the same rules apply. We are all part of the same institution, and with thates the responsibility to respect one another." Leopold paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Respect, however, is not something that is given freely. It must be earned, and it must be maintained. Those who seek to undermine the order of this academy¡ªwhether through theft, violence, or disrespect¡ªwill face consequences." His tone shifted, growing colder. "As head of the Vanguard, I will ensure that those who break the rules are dealt with appropriately. I will not hesitate to issue punishments if necessary. And let me be clear¡ªif the situation calls for it, I will not shy away from enforcing harsher measures. Even if blood must be spilled." The students went silent, his words hanging in the air like a dark cloud. Leopold''s eyes, sharp and unforgiving, made it clear that he wasn''t making idle threats. "And remember," Leopold added, his voice returning to its calm, measured tone, "the purpose of the Vanguard is not just to punish, but to prevent. We are here to ensure that this academy remains a ce where each of you can reach your full potential. So long as you follow the rules, you have nothing to fear." With that, Leopold stepped back from the podium, his presence still loomingrge even after he returned to his ce beside Lucian. The crowd remained silent, the weight of his words heavy in the air. Chapter 82: Vanguard [3] As the assembly continued, the students murmured in anticipation, waiting for the next speaker. Professor Sharon gave a small nod, signaling the next council head to take the stage. The crowd stilled as a figure stepped forward, drawing immediate attention. It was Amy Bluerose, the head of the first-year students and the first female Blessed Sage in the history of Ravenwood Academy. Her light blue hair shimmered in the sunlight, cascading down her back in soft waves. She wore a crisp Ravenwood uniform, and her blue eyes, sharp and intelligent, scanned the crowd. There was an undeniable elegance to her presence, one that immediately demanded respect. Her beauty was delicate, yet there was something firm about the way she held herself. Amy moved to the podium with graceful steps, and the crowd fell silent, awaiting her words. Though she was known for her noble upbringing and high standing, it was her status as Blessed Sage that carried the most weight. "Good morning, everyone," Amy began, her voice soft but clear. She didn''t need to raise her voice tomand attention; the students were already listening intently. "Most of what needs to be said has already been addressed by my fellow council heads, so I won''t take up too much of your time." She paused, her gaze drifting over the students. There was something calcting in her eyes, as if she were assessing them all individually. "However, there is one thing I want to talk about. A principle that I believe is often overlooked." The students leaned in, curious. "Discipline is a necessary part of growth," Amy said, her voice gaining a certain firmness. "We often think of rules and regtions as something that limits us. But the truth is, discipline doesn''t hold us back¡ªit frees us. It is only through the strictest adherence to order that we can truly grow and evolve." Her words hung in the air for a moment, and some students exchanged nervous nces. Amy''s tone was calm, almost gentle, but there was an edge to her words that made her seem¡­ different. There was something unsettling about the way she spoke, as if she believed in her principle so deeply that it didn''t leave room for any other viewpoint. "You see," Amy continued, her gaze now cold and prating, "without rules, without consequences, we fall into chaos. The academy is a ce for the elite, for those destined for greatness. But greatness cannot be achieved without control. Control over others. Control over ourselves." Some of the students shifted ufortably, unsure of what to make of her words. Was she merely talking about discipline, or was there something more beneath the surface? Amy''s voice softened again, almost deceptively sweet. "It''s important to remember that the purpose of discipline is not to punish, but to protect. To protect the future we are all working so hard for. To protect this academy, and everything it stands for." She smiled, though it didn''t quite reach her eyes. "And with that, I''ll call Leopold back to the stage to introduce the members of the Vanguard. These are the students who will help uphold the very principles we''ve been talking about today." There was a brief pause before Leopold von Velden, the second-year Blessed Sage, stepped forward once more, hismanding presence drawing the attention of every student present. "Thank you, Amy," Leopold said, his voice smooth and authoritative. The crowd quieted again, eager to see who had been chosen for this prestigious role. Leopold gestured toward the side of the tform, and one by one, the Vanguard members stepped forward, each wearing the distinct red zers of their office. The zers were adorned with yellow linings and tassels, with the golden Ravenwood Academy badge shining brightly on their chests. Their uniforms were immacte, their posture impable. These were the students entrusted with keeping the academy in line. "The first member," Leopold began, "is Darius Hale, a third-year student." Darius, a tall, broad-shouldered young man with dark brown hair and intense green eyes, stepped forward. He wore the Vanguard uniform with pride, his expression serious and focused. There was no mistaking his strength; he looked like the kind of person who couldmand a room without saying a word. His presence alone was enough to make some of the students straighten their posture. Next, Leopold continued, "Hannah Greaves, a third-year student as well." Hannah, a girl with short ck hair and sharp gray eyes, took her ce beside Darius. She was smaller in stature but carried herself with a quiet confidence. Her demeanor was calm, but there was an air of authority about her that suggested she was not someone to be underestimated. "The third member," Leopold said, "is William Cornd, a second-year student." William, anky boy with sandy blonde hair and bright blue eyes, moved forward with a rxed grin. Despite his slightlyid-back appearance, there was a glint of mischief in his eyes that made it clear he was quick on his feet¡ªboth in mind and body. Leopold then moved to the first-year students. "Our next member is Elise Thornwood, a first-year student." Elise, a petite girl with raven-ck hair and piercing violet eyes, stepped forward. Despite her young age, her expression was one of determination, and the way she carried herself spoke of someone wise beyond her years. She took her ce next to the others, her gaze forward, never wavering. The crowd buzzed slightly with excitement as the next member stepped forward. "From the second year, we have Liliana Everheart," Leopold said, introducing a girl with bright pink hair and sparkling green eyes. Liliana smiled brightly, waving cheerfully to the students as she took her spot. She radiated warmth and friendliness, a stark contrast to the more stoic members of the Vanguard. Her flower-like demeanor made her seem approachable, and it was easy to see why she had been chosen. Her charm was undeniable, and many students instantly took a liking to her. But it was the final member that drew the most attention. "Andst, but certainly not least," Leopold announced with a slight smile, "we have someone who has stood out quite a lot recently." The crowd watched as a boy with dark hair and striking golden eyes stepped forward. His eyes were delicate, almost feminine, and his appearance immediately captured the attention of many. He wore the Vanguard uniform like the others, but there was something different about him. Something that made him both alluring and mysterious. "This is Noah Ashbourne, first year," Leopold said, his smile lingering. Noah slowly took his ce next to Liliana, his golden eyes scanning the crowd with an unreadable expression. The students whispered amongst themselves, many of them intrigued by his presence. Noah had been a name whispered frequently in recent weeks, and his rise to prominence had not gone unnoticed. As the six Vanguard members stood in line, the crowd couldn''t help but feel the weight of their responsibility. These were the students chosen to uphold the order of the academy. And with them in charge, things were bound to change. Chapter 83: Concept Of Self-Healing [1] The lecture hall was filled with quiet energy as students settled into their seats, the low murmur of conversation filling the space. The room wasrge, with rows of wooden benches and desks arranged in a semi-circle around the central podium where the professor would soon begin his lesson. The soft rustling of parchment and the scratching of quills filled the air, mixing with the asional whispers of students. Noah sat in the middle row, leaning slightly back in his chair. His red zer, with its yellow linings and the golden Ravenwood Academy badge, caught the attention of several students nearby. He could feel their eyes on him, their whispers just barely above a murmur. The red zer wasn''t just a sign of his position in the Vanguard; it was a reminder that he was different from the others. At first, Noah ignored the stares, keeping his eyes ahead, but the whispers started growing louder. "Isn''t that Noah Ashbourne?" one student muttered to another, their voice barely audible but sharp enough to reach Noah''s ears. "Yeah, wasn''t he the Blessed Sage once?" another replied. "He was, but didn''t they strip him of the title after the Starlight Manor Incident?" the first one asked, ncing sideways at Noah. A third voice joined in, dripping with skepticism. "I heard he only got into the Vanguard by sheer luck. Probably bribed his way in, just like how he was chosen as the Blessed Sage. Everyone knows it wasn''t real talent." Noah''s jaw clenched, his grip tightening on the quill he held. He tried to focus on the lecture, but their voices persisted. "Yeah, I saw him with the vice master the other day. Can you believe it? He must have wormed his way into this position. Makes sense, doesn''t it?" "Shut up," a quieter voice said, nudging the group. "You''re going to get us all in trouble. We''re supposed to be listening to the professor." Noah sighed, turning his gaze toward the window. Outside, the sky was overcast, casting a dull gray light into the hall. The murmurs continued around him, but he pretended not to hear them. Deep down, though, every word stung, every usation like a tiny de cutting into him. "Bastards," Noah muttered under his breath, loud enough for the whispering students to hear but quiet enough not to cause a scene. "I can hear you." There was a brief pause in the whispers, and the students quickly averted their gazes, but the damage was already done. Noah turned his attention back to the lecture, but his mind was elsewhere. The reason he had epted the Vanguard invitation wasn''t for status or power¡ªit was strategic. In the original game, apart from the S-ss students, the Vanguard members also had ess to an exclusive training room, one that was equipped with thetest magical technology. The room could simte real-world scenarios and environments, putting students through intense battles against monsters and other challenges. It was a rare opportunity, and Noah knew he needed it. His stats were too low, and with the Second Act approaching, every minute counted. The hidden events within the game were unforgiving, and one mistake could lead to his death¡ªor worse. "Looks like I''ll be busy for the next few days," Noah muttered to himself, his golden eyes flickering with determination. His gaze shifted back to the front of the room, where the professor had finally begun the lecture. The professor, a tall man with short ck hairbed back and streaked with white, stood behind the podium. His neatly trimmed mustache had the same strands of white, and he had a stern but approachable air about him. His name was Professor Margrave, a well-known expert in herbology and healing magic. "Today''s lesson will focus on magic herbs and their various applications," Professor Margrave began, his voice steady andmanding. "Herbs, as you all know, are an essential part of potion-making, healing, and evenbat. But each herb has its own properties and uses, depending on how it is prepared and which part of the nt is utilized." The students were quick to take notes, the scratching of quills intensifying as the professor spoke. "The first herb we''ll discuss is the Lumina Blossom," he continued, raising a hand as a small, glowing flower appeared in a projection above his palm. The petals were a bright white with a soft blue glow at the edges. "The Lumina Blossom is mostmonly found in the Hignds and is known for its healing properties. The petals, when brewed into a tea, can soothe burns and minor cuts. However, the leaves of the nt have a different use¡ªthey are often ground into a fine powder that can enhance a person''s magical resistance for a short time. The roots, on the other hand, are toxic when ingested, but they can be used to create a potent sleeping draught." The students murmured in appreciation, scribbling down every detail. Noah watched intently, his mind already turning over how these herbs might be useful in the future. "The second herb," Professor Margrave continued, "is the Nightshade Bloom." A darker flower appeared in his projection, its deep violet petals almost shimmering. "This nt is highly dangerous if not handled correctly. The petals can be crushed into a paste that, when applied to weapons, can paralyze an opponent. However, the leaves are where its true value lies¡ªthey can be used to create antidotes for manymon poisons." Noah listened closely. This was vital information, not just for his studies but for survival. He needed to know everything he could about healing and potions. "Finally, we have the Bloodroot," Professor Margrave said, conjuring an image of a twisted, crimson-colored root. "This nt is rare, and its uses are¡­ controversial. The roots can be used to create a powerful elixir that enhances physical strength and speed for a short time, but the side effects are severe. The petals of its flower, however, are known for their ability to clot blood quickly, making it a valuable herb for healing deep wounds." As Professor Margrave spoke, Noah''s eyes drifted toward the other students, who were now fully engrossed in the lesson. The professor''s knowledge was impressive, but it was what he said next that truly caught everyone''s attention. "Now," Professor Margrave said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "there is a way to heal oneself without the need for a healer or an experienced mage. This method is advanced, but it can be learned through practice." The room went silent. Every student''s eyes were now fixed on the professor, including Noah''s. "It involves abination of magical focus and the use of specific herbs to trigger the body''s natural healing process. With the right amount of magical energy and concentration, one can heal small to moderate wounds without needing external help." The students exchanged shocked nces. Healing without a healer? That was unheard of for most. Healing magic was a specialized field, reserved for those who were blessed with it or had trained extensively in its practice. "This method isn''t for the faint of heart," Professor Margrave warned, his eyes scanning the room. "But for those of you who are willing to push your limits, it could mean the difference between life and death." Noah''s interest was piqued. If there was a way to heal himself without relying on others, it could be invaluable. In the game, moments of istion were frequent, and relying on healers wasn''t always an option. This knowledge could give him the edge he desperately needed. As the professor continued exining the process, Noah''s mind raced. The Second Act was approaching fast, and he knew he didn''t have much time. If he could master this technique, it could make all the difference in the trials toe. "Looks like I''ll need to find some Lumina Blossoms," Noah muttered under his breath, already nning his next steps. The lesson continued, but Noah''s mind was already thinking ahead. He would need every advantage he could get if he wanted to survive what wasing. "Even though I might not get into S-ss, at least I will still have ess to the special training room..." Chapter 84: Concept Of Self-Healing [2] The lecture hall was quiet as the professor moved to the front of the room, picking up a piece of chalk with one hand while adjusting his sses with the other. Noah leaned back in his chair, trying to ignore the whispers that had been swirling around him moments earlier. The tension from his peers'' judgments still lingered, but now, his focus shifted to the professor, who was about to dive into a subject that had caught the attention of every student present. The professor, a man with short, neatlybed ck hair streaked with white strands, stood tall before the ss. His thin moustache twitched as he began writing on the chalkboard. As the chalk scratched across the board, the students'' eyes followed his movements intently. The words "Self-Healing" and "Vitality" appeared inrge letters, setting the tone for the topic at hand. "Today, we are going to discuss a method that could change your approach to healing entirely," the professor announced, his voice firm yet patient. "A method that doesn''t require the use of mana, but instead taps into a different form of energy¡ªan energy source that can be found in nature, in magical nts and herbs. This energy is known as ''Vitality.''" Noah sat up straight, intrigued. The idea of self-healing without using mana was something he had encountered before in the game but never bothered to delve deeper into it. ''This method takes time and uracy...which sometimes can be a pain in the ass.'' ''That''s why I never bothered to learn it...'' Noah thought to himself. The prospect of such a method could be a game changer, especially for someone like him, who was focused on improving his own abilities without relying on others. The professor continued, pacing slowly as he exined. "Now, before we delve into the specifics, I want you to understand one thing: this method of healing is not fast. It''s slowerpared to what a seasoned healer or healing magic can provide. But it''s reliable, sustainable, and¡ªmost importantly¡ªessible to anyone who has the knowledge and the patience to master it." He turned back to the chalkboard, underlining the word ''Vitality.'' "Vitality is a magic substance found in specific nts and herbs, and while it is magical in nature, it is not the same as mana. Think of it as the life force that these nts carry within them, something that can be ingested, absorbed, and utilized by the body to regenerate and heal. And now, we will break this concept into three crucial sub-topics: Extraction, Integration, and Activation." The students murmured softly, intrigued by the new terminology. Noah noticed the glint of curiosity in their eyes. Even the ones who had been gossiping earlier were now fully engaged. The professor drew three sections on the board, writing the first sub-topic: ''Extraction.'' "The first step," he exined, "is learning how to extract the Vitality from these magic nts and herbs. Unlike potions, which require borate preparation and the use of mana to activate their properties, Vitality must be drawn out in its purest form. This is done through a meticulous process that involves identifying the right part of the nt. Some nts contain Vitality in their roots, others in their leaves or petals." He paused for effect, letting the ss absorb the information. "For instance, the Dewdrop Lily, a nt you may have encountered in the academy gardens, stores its Vitality in the petals. These petals must be dried and ground into a fine powder before their Vitality can be consumed. On the other hand, the Ironvine Root stores its Vitality in its roots, and these must be boiled and the essence extracted into a broth. Different nts require different methods, and understanding how to properly extract their Vitality is crucial." A hand shot up from the back of the room. "But professor, how can we be sure we''re extracting the right amount of Vitality from the nt?" "Excellent question," the professor said, nodding approvingly. "The key is to pay attention to the nt''s color and scent during the process. If you overheat the Ironvine Root, for example, the broth will turn dark brown instead of its usual pale green, indicating that the Vitality has been damaged. Simrly, if the Dewdrop Lily powder smells too sweet, it means the Vitality has evaporated." The lecture hall was silent for a brief moment, the information sinking in. Then, from the back of the room, a voice piped up, louder than intended, "So basically, if it smells like candy, we''re doomed?" The entire ss erupted intoughter. Even those who had been struggling to focus or who had felt overwhelmed by theplexity of the lesson couldn''t help but snicker. The professor paused, blinking at the unexpected outburst. A small, reluctant smile tugged at the corner of his lips, though he quickly regained his usualposure. He tapped the chalk against the board lightly, waiting for theughter to die down. "As entertaining as that may sound," the professor said with a raised eyebrow, "I would rmend not testing that theory." Another wave of chuckles rippled through the room. As theughter in the ssroom began to quiet down, the same student, emboldened by the sess of his first joke, piped up again. "But Professor, what if it''s tempting?" he said, feigning an innocent expression. "I mean, if it smells that sweet, I''d rather taste the powder. Could be worth the risk!" The room burst intoughter once more, this time even louder. Some students were doubled over in their seats, while others yfully nudged the student who had spoken, shaking their heads with amused disbelief. The professor, clearly trying to maintain hisposure, couldn''t suppress a chuckle. He folded his arms and leaned against his desk, shaking his head slightly. "Ah, I see we have a brave soul in our midst," the professor said dryly, his eyes narrowing humorously at the student. "But I''d caution you against eating mysterious powders just because they smell nice. The consequences might not be as sweet as you hope." Moreughter followed, some students mimicking exaggerated reactions of tasting magical powders and dropping dramatically in their seats. Even Noah, who had been somewhat lost in his own thoughts, found himself smiling at the ridiculousness of it all. The professor tapped his chalk against the board again. "Now, let''s get back to the lesson before we have to call in a healer for someone''s curious taste buds." Noah noted this down. This was not the simple type of magic he had learned in his earlier years; this was precise, methodical work, requiring patience and care. The professor moved to the next section of the board, writing down the second sub-topic: Integration. "Once the Vitality has been extracted, the next challenge is to integrate it into your body. This is where many students struggle. You see, the body isn''t naturally attuned to absorbing Vitality the way it does with mana. Vitality must be introduced to your system slowly, over time, for your body to adapt and use it effectively." He gestured toward the ss, his tone serious. "The integration process is delicate. Too much Vitality consumed too quickly can overwhelm your system, leading to severe nausea, headaches, and in extreme cases, Vitality poisoning. Therefore, it''s rmended to start with small doses¡ªperhaps a single spoonful of Ironvine broth or a pinch of Dewdrop Lily powder¡ªbefore gradually increasing the intake." A student near Noah whispered to their ssmate, "I had no idea it could be dangerous." The professor overheard and smiled grimly. "Indeed, it is dangerous if mishandled. But for those who are patient, the rewards are great. Once your body begins to adapt to the Vitality, it will start to regenerate slowly, repairing minor injuries like cuts, bruises, and even internal damage. This healing is not instantaneous, but over the course of hours or days, your body will recover without the need for a healer''s intervention." Noah''s mind was racing. The idea of integrating Vitality into his body was both fascinating and daunting. But if it meant he could heal himself without relying on others, it was worth considering. Finally, the professor wrote thest sub-topic: Activation. "Now, the final step in this process is activation," he said. "Once the Vitality has been integrated into your body, you must learn how to activate it when needed. This requires concentration and focus, simr to how you would activate mana for spellcasting. But instead of drawing on your internal mana reserves, you are pulling on the stored Vitality in your system." He crossed his arms, looking over the ss. "The activation process involves a specific mental technique, one that requires you to focus on the injured part of your body. You must envision the Vitality flowing to that area, mending the tissue and repairing the damage. This may sound simple, but it requires a great deal of mental discipline." Another student raised their hand. "What happens if we can''t activate it? Will the Vitality just stay in our bodies?" The professor nodded. "Yes, the Vitality will remain in your body, but without activation, it will eventually dissipate, leaving your system after a few days. That''s why it''s important to practice this technique regrly, so that when you do need to heal, you can activate the Vitality without hesitation." Noah leaned back, absorbing everything. This was more than just a healing method¡ªit was aplex art form, one that required dedication and skill. The idea of using Vitality instead of mana for healing was something he had never considered, but now that he knew about it, he couldn''t help but feel a flicker of excitement. The professor turned back to the ss, his eyes gleaming. "Now, I want you all to think carefully about this method. It''s not for everyone, but for those willing to put in the time and effort, it could be a valuable tool in your arsenal. Healing isn''t always about speed¡ªit''s about endurance, resilience, and preparation." Noah nodded to himself, his resolve hardening. This was exactly what he needed. Chapter 85: A Brew Of Humiliation [1] The professor cleared his throat, bringing the ss to attention. "Alright, ss. Now that we''ve discussed the theory behind vitality extraction, I believe it''s time for a practical challenge." He reached into his bag and pulled out several herbs with purple flowers, cing them on the table at the front of the room. Beside each herb, he arranged an array of tools and equipment meant for extracting vitality. He stepped back and surveyed the ss with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Who here feels confident enough to put their newfound knowledge to the test? Let''s see how well you''ve been paying attention." His gaze swept across the sea of students, most of whom suddenly found their desks and notebooks to be very interesting. Silence stretched on as students exchanged nervous nces, none daring to raise their hand. The professor sighed dramatically. "Two volunteers," he said, louder this time, "or shall I have to start choosing?" Still, no one moved. Then, a hand shot up from the center of the room. "As expected," the professor said with a small smile. It was Amy Bluerose. She stood gracefully, her light blue hair cascading down her shoulders as she made her way to one side of the table. All eyes were on her, as always, her presencemanding attention. She positioned herself in front of one of the herbs, her expression calm and confident. The professor folded his arms, scanning the room again. "Now, as for the second volunteer... some of you aren''t even paying attention... ...Ah yes." His eyes settled on Noah, who was seated by the window, wearing the red Vanguard zer. Noah was diligently scribbling notes, entirely unaware of the sudden attention. "You, in the dashing red zer, by the window. Come and give it a try." Noah looked up, startled, as the entire ss turned to stare at him. ''But I was just writing down what he taught... Isn''t that paying attention?'' he thought, his mind racing. Reluctantly, he closed his notebook and stood up, making his way to the other end of the table, directly across from Amy. As he approached, Amy gave him a nce that was hard to read, as if she was silently saying, ''You have no chance.'' Noah, however, stayed focused, ignoring the weight of her gaze. The professor pped his hands together. "Now, a little motivation. The winner of this challenge will receive ten meal tickets to the S-ss section of the cafeteria." Gasps of excitement filled the room, and suddenly, the air became lively with murmurs. "Meal tickets to the S-ss section? If I''d known that, I would''ve volunteered!" a student whispered loudly, drawingughter from his ssmates. "Yeah, me too! I would''ve extracted vitality like my life depended on it!" another added. "Figures, Amy''s probably going to win those tickets. She''s wless at everything," one student murmured. "Don''t forget that Noah''s a genius too, though. It might be closer than you think," another student countered. The professor chuckled at the chatter, then raised his hand to quiet the room. "Alright, let''s see who''s been paying attention. Begin!" The room fell into silence as Noah and Amy both turned their attention to the strange herb in front of them. It had long, slender leaves and deep purple flowers that gave off a faint, sweet scent. Unlike the herbs they had discussed in ss, this one seemed different ¡ª unfamiliar. Noah examined the nt, carefully recalling what the professor had said about vitality being present in different parts of nts. ''Roots, stems, leaves, petals...'' he thought. But none of those parts seemed to hold the vitality in this particr herb. He furrowed his brow, thinking harder. There was something he was missing. The nt was tricky, almost as if it was designed to test them. Meanwhile, Amy was already hard at work, methodically cutting and preparing the petals and stems. She seemed confident in her approach, and some of the students exchanged approving nods, certain that she had it all figured out. Noah, however, hesitated for a moment, staring at the nt. Minutes passed, and the room remained tense and quiet. Finally, the professor stepped forward, signaling the end of the challenge. "Time''s up!" he dered. He walked over to Amy first, examining the liquid she had extracted, which was a soft, lightvender color. He swirled the liquid in the vial and took a cautious sip. The professor nodded thoughtfully. "Not bad," he said, giving her an approving nce. The students began murmuring again, most of them expecting Amy to win. "Of course Amy nailed it," one student whispered. "She always does." The professor moved over to Noah, eyeing the vial in front of him. The liquid was a deep, rich purple, much darker than Amy''s. He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. Lifting the vial, he took a sip. His eyes widened, and he stared at Noah for a moment before speaking. "How did you know?" the professor asked, his tone one of genuine surprise. "How did you know to extract the vitality from the sap nodes? That''s not something we covered in ss." Noah remembered that a thought had struck him ¡ª a memory from the original game. There had been a scenario where this exact herb was crucial, but it wasn''t its visible parts that contained vitality. It wasn''t in the roots, the leaves, or the petals. It was in this delicate area, tucked between the stem and flower, something most would miss unless they knew exactly where to look. The vitality was hidden deeper, in a part of the nt most would overlook. The sap nodes ¡ª a small, nearly invisible part of the nt that stored a unique form of vitality. Noah cleared his throat. "Well," he began, his voice calm but confident, "I figured that this herb is different from the others, and its vitality wouldn''t be found in the usual ces. The sap nodes are where the nt stores its most concentrated energy. It''s a delicate extraction, but if done right, it yields a much more potent result." The professor blinked, impressed. "Indeed. Most would never think to check the sap nodes. Well done, Noah." Noah smiled slightly as the students pped, some still in disbelief that he had pulled it off. "Looks like Noah''s a genius after all," one student murmured. "I guess it''s not always about who''s the most confident," another added. The professor turned to Amy. "Your extraction had some vitality, but not enough to heal even a small bruise," he said kindly. "Still, good effort." Amy''s face remained calm, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes ¡ª frustration, perhaps even humiliation. She gave a small, polite nod, though it was clear the oue had caught her off guard. The professor handed Noah the stack of meal tickets, smiling. "Well done, Noah. You''ve earned these." Noah took them, offering a polite smile as the ss erupted into apuse. Amy, however, remained silent, her expression unreadable as she stepped back from the table. She nced at Noah, and for a brief moment, something cold shed in her eyes before she looked away. Chapter 86: A Brew Of Humiliation [2] The cafeteria of Ravenwood Academy was a sight to behold, a luxurious expanse with high-arched ceilings and grand chandeliers that illuminated the space with a soft golden glow. The walls were lined with intricate tapestries depicting the history of Ravenwood, each thread telling tales of great battles and legendary feats of magic. The floor was polished marble, reflecting the light from the grand windows that looked out onto the academy''s lush gardens. Long tables, each carved from rich mahogany wood, filled the room, providing space for the academy''s elite students to gather for meals. At one particr table near the center of the hall, a small crowd of students gathered around Noah. He had draped his red Vanguard zer over the back of his chair, leaving his crisp white shirt and yellow tie perfectly disyed. The tie hung wlessly, as if tailored to perfection, and his dark hair was a little more disheveled than usual, a sign that he was at ease despite the attention on him. He held a cup of tea in one hand, ncing at the lively group around him. Noah had decided to invite some of his ssmates for a treat, using the five of the ten S-ss meal tickets he had won during the vitality extraction challenge. "There''s no way I''m eating all these meals myself," he had said earlier with a smile, much to the disbelief of his ssmates. And now, they were all there, ready to indulge in the rare luxury of the S-ss meals. Maids and cooks bustled around them, carrying traysden with delicacies. Stay tuned for stories on m-vl-em,py-r One of the maids, dressed in the academy''s signature dark uniform with white frills, brought in a tray piled with golden-baked pastries. Another, a tall cook with broad shoulders, set down a tter filled with roasted meats, steam still rising from the perfectly cooked cuts. The dishes were as extravagant as the setting: Elven Starfruit Sd - A refreshing dish made from a mixture of rare, star-shaped fruits that were said to grow only in enchanted forests. The fruits sparkled under the light, their sweetness bnced with a slight tang, apanied by edible flowers. Stormcrest Lobster - A massive, armored lobster served on a bed of glowing blue seaweed. The lobster''s shell had been cracked open, revealing juicy white meat drizzled with a creamy sauce infused with lightning essence, giving it a slight electric kick. Volcanic Steak - A sizzling b of meat cooked over enchanted mes from the academy''s fire elementals. The meat had a charred exterior, but inside, it was juicy and bursting with vor, seasoned with molten salt from the volcanic ranges. Moonlight Souffl¨¦ - A dessert that shimmered under the lights, as if kissed by the moon itself. It was a soft, airy souffl¨¦ with a sweet, creamy filling that melted in the mouth, leaving a faint glow on the lips. The table was piled high with these dishes and more. tes and bowls of every kind were scattered across, making the feast a truly decadent one. The boys around Noah were already digging in,ughing loudly and talking over one another in excitement. One student with messy brown hair leaned back in his chair, a chunk of roast on his fork. "This is insane! I''ve never tasted anything like it!" "I can''t believe we''re eating S-ss meals!" another chimed in, grabbing a slice of the glowing lobster with wide eyes. "Five tickets, Noah? Where did you even get that many?" "Yeah, no one ever gets their hands on more than one ticket, let alone five!" a taller boy added, his eyes filled with admiration and disbelief. "What are you, some sort of meal ticket master?" The group burst intoughter as one of them, mouth full of Volcanic Steak, nearly choked fromughing too hard. Noah smiled, watching them all, pleased with the lively atmosphere. The noise from their table was drawing attention from across the cafeteria, students from different years ncing over curiously. At the entrance, a pair of second-year students walked in, their eyes widening at the sight of the feast. "What''s going on over there?" one of them asked, nudging his friend. The other student, a shorter boy with sses, shook his head in disbelief. "Apparently, one of them decided to treat everyone with five S-ss meal tickets." "Five tickets?!" the first student eximed, almost stumbling in shock. "Where the hell would anyone get that many? You could practically buy a mansion with those!" As word spread, more students began ncing over, whispers filling the room about Noah''s unexpected generosity. Some students from the upper years, wearing their own distinctive zers, looked on with amusement. They''d heard of Noah, the former Blessed Sage of the first years, and now one of the newest members of the Vanguard. There were murmurs of admiration, but also a few envious res. Back at the table, one of Noah''s friends, a blonde boy with a mischievous grin, leaned in. "You know, Noah, you might have just be the most popr guy in the academy with this little stunt." Noahughed lightly, shaking his head. "I''m not doing it for poprity," he said, his voice calm but warm. "I just didn''t want to waste the meal tickets. Plus, you all deserved a treat after thatst round of exams." One of the boys, still chewing, added between bites, "Man, if you keep this up, I''m going to start expecting daily S-ss meals." "I wouldn''t get too used to it," Noah chuckled. The lively chatter continued, filling the cafeteria with an infectious energy. Some students couldn''t help but gravitate closer to see what was going on, though most didn''t dare interrupt the exclusive gathering at the S-ss table. The clinking of silverware, theughter, and the smell of the exquisite dishesbined to make it an unforgettable meal. As the maids continued bringing in more trays of food, one of the cooks passed by Noah, giving him a respectful nod. "You''ve got good taste, young master. Enjoy the feast." Noah nodded in return, still smiling, as he nced at his ssmates, grateful for thepany and the brief moment of rxation. ''I honestly had so much tickets I didn''t know what to do with them...'' Noah thought smiling nervously. In another section of the cafeteria, Amy satpletely lost in her thoughts and at the same time feeling like the walls were closing in on her. Chapter 87: A Brew Of Humiliation [3] The mansion was grand, towering with high ceilings and sparkling chandeliers that hung like stars above. Marble floors stretched out in every direction, reflecting the warm golden light of the evening. The air smelled of polished wood and fresh flowers, and the soft hum of conversation filled the halls. Servants moved gracefully through the crowd¡ªmaids in their ck and white uniforms, butlers in tailored suits¡ªall part of the noble household that served the Bluerose family. At the center of it all stood a girl, no more than twelve years old, her blue hair cascading in soft waves down her back. Her eyes, a striking shade of blue like the ocean, gleamed with happiness. Experience the best from m|v|l|e|mp|y|r She wore a pure white dress, intricately embroidered with silver threads, the fabric shimmering with each movement she made. A delicate silver tiara sat atop her head, amplifying her beauty and grace. Amy Bluerose stood tall, her smile wide and proud as she awaited the crowd approaching her. The people moved slowly towards her, a small group of nobles and servants. Among them, she spotted her mother, but her face wasn''t clear. It was blurry, as if covered by a fog. In fact, none of the figures had clear faces¡ªjust vague, shadowy outlines of people she knew should care for her, people she thought loved her. Yet, even without their features, she could feel their warmth, their presence. And so, she smiled wider, excitement filling her chest as they neared. But then something strange happened. The crowd didn''t stop in front of her. They didn''t acknowledge her at all. Instead, they walked right past her, as if she were invisible. The butlers, the maids, the noblemen¡ªall of them moved forward, ignoring her entirely. Amy''s smile faltered, confusion spreading across her face. Her blue eyes, once bright with anticipation, began to dim. "Mother?" she muttered softly, reaching out towards the figure she believed to be her mother. Her small hand clutched at the woman''s gown, but instead of theforting embrace she had hoped for, the fabric tore. She was left standing there, clutching nothing but a torn piece of cloth in her trembling hand. Her mother didn''t even turn to look at her. The confusion turned into a hollow ache in her chest. Her expression went nk, and she nced down at the torn piece of her mother''s dress. She felt abandoned, discarded. Slowly, Amy looked up, her eyes searching for the reason they had passed her by. The crowd was heading towards another girl, a younger one¡ªperhaps only eleven years old¡ªstanding just a few steps away. Her hair was ck as night, but her eyes were the same piercing blue as Amy''s. The girl wore a sleek ck dress, adorned with glittering jewels that caught the light. Her tiara, brighter and more extravagant than Amy''s, gleamed like a crown of stars. The crowd had gathered around her, praising her with words that stung Amy''s ears. "Such grace¡­" "Her talents are unmatched!" "A true genius, one destined for greatness!" Amy''s chest tightened, her throat burning as she swallowed back the bitter taste of jealousy and sorrow. She sank to her knees, the piece of cloth slipping from her fingers as her hands rested limply in herp. Her mind raced, trying to understand how this had happened. How had ''she'' been forgotten? How had her younger sister, the girl she had always seen as just a child, be the center of attention? The chosen one? ''That''s how it turned out,'' Amy thought bitterly to herself, her voice quiet and cold in her mind. ''My sister... She stole my spotlight, my future, my birthright.'' She had always believed she was special. People had told her she was a genius, a saintess, someone born only once in a thousand years. The empire itself had sung her praises, calling her the future of the Bluerose family, the one who would carry their prestigious name to even greater heights. But then her sister hade along. Her younger sister had shown a level of magical prowess that eclipsed even Amy''s, her talents undeniable. The family elders whispered that her sister was the ''true'' heir, the one with abilities beyond measure. It was as if Amy''s aplishments meant nothing inparison. The more her sister grew, the more Amy''s own light dimmed. The family chose her sister to be the next head of the Bluerose House, and suddenly, all the attention, all the love, all the admiration shifted away from Amy and towards her younger sibling. It didn''t matter that Amy had worked hard, trained tirelessly, and carried the weight of those expectations for so long. In the eyes of the family, she had been reced. But it wasn''t just her sister''s magic that had sealed her fate. The family believed her sister was purer, more suited to lead. While Amy had been bold, confident, and sometimes a little too ambitious, her sister yed the part of the perfect daughter. Quiet, graceful, obedient. She was everything the Bluerose family admired in a future leader. And Amy? Amy was too fierce, too stubborn. Too much. It was dark and twisted how it all made sense. She had been cast aside not because she wasn''t good enough, but because her sister had been ''perfect.'' Too perfect to ignore. And now, Amy was nothing but a shadow. Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar scent¡ªher father''s cologne. It was rich andforting, a scent that always reminded her of safety and love. She looked up, wiping at the tears that had begun to blur her vision. Her father, tall and dignified with his proud blue hair, was walking towards her. Relief washed over her. ''Father¡­ Father loves me. He always has. He wouldn''t leave me behind like this.'' She smiled, her hands lifting toward him, ready to feel the warmth of his embrace. But, to her horror, he walked right past her. She caught a glimpse of his face¡ªunclear, like the others¡ªbut the scent of his cologne lingered as he joined the crowd surrounding her sister. "No¡­ No, Father, wait!" Amy whispered, her voice trembling as she reached out toward him, but her fingers grasped nothing but air. Her tiara slipped from her head, falling to the floor with a sharp clink. The delicate silver shattered into glimmering pieces, scattering across the floor like broken ss. Each fragment caught the light, and for a brief moment, Amy saw reflections in them¡ªmemories of her father telling her he loved her, of him smiling at her, of him holding her close. All those moments she had cherished now felt like lies. Her vision blurred again, but this time it wasn''t just from tears. Her father, her sister, the crowd¡ªthey all turned into silhouettes, shadowy figures with no faces, no features. Her world was crumbling. Amy''s dress, once pristine and elegant, now felt heavy and torn, like it was weighing her down. She nced back at her sister, the figure who had stolen everything from her. Her younger sister stood tall, her tiara held high, her dark dress unblemished. The grin that spread across her sister''s face was wide and cruel, and it made Amy''s heart stop. Her sister had won, and she reveled in Amy''s defeat. Suddenly, everything went dark. The walls of the mansion disappeared, the chandeliers faded into nothing, and the silhouettes dissolved into the ck void around her. A single red spotlight beamed down from above, casting its harsh light on Amy, making her feel exposed and vulnerable. Her once-beautiful face looked soulless in the light. Dark bags hung under her eyes, her once-clear blue eyes now empty, lifeless. ck mascara ran down her cheeks, mixing with her tears, pooling onto the floor beneath her. She tried to wipe it away, but no matter how much she rubbed her eyes, the ckness continued to flow, staining her fingers, her skin, her dress. It blinded her, suffocating her in her own sadness. The world had crumbled around her, and she felt as though she would drown in the darkness. But then, with a sudden jolt, she was back. The dim light of the Ravenwood cafeteria reced the void, and the sound of ttering dishes andughter filled the air. Amy blinked, her vision clearing. She looked down and saw her hand gripping the edge of the table, the wood beneath her fingers cracked and splintered from the force of her grip. The emotions that had overwhelmed her in that dark dream still lingered in her chest, burning hot with anger. She nced up and saw Noah sitting across from her, his presence calm andposed. The sight of him made her stomach twist. ''¡­ He''s stealing my spotlight too. Just like my sister did.'' The realization hit her like a wave of ice. Noah. She had always thought she was the only one who could carry the weight of a legacy. But Noah¡­ he was taking it all from her, just like her sister had. He was the one getting praised, the one who was winning the attention she thought was hers by right. Amy stood up abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. The noise drew the attention of the students around her, but she didn''t care. She couldn''t stay there. She couldn''t sit there and watch herself once again forgotten in favor of someone else. Without a word, Amy stormed out of the cafeteria, her head held high despite the storm of emotions tearing at her insides. Behind her, she heard the concerned whispers of her ssmates. Some of the noble girls followed her, calling after her, asking if she was alright. But Amy didn''t respond. She couldn''t. Because deep down, she wasn''t alright. She wasn''t sure if she ever would be again. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 88: Patrol [1] Noah stood in front of the wide, marble reception desk, feeling the chill of the air in the Special Training Room Hall. It was a massive building, with high ceilings and walls lined with intricate designs, giving off an aura of prestige and importance. His heart beat steadily in his chest as he approached the woman behind the desk. She was middle-aged, with her hair tied into a tight bun, her eyes fixed on the clipboard in front of her as she scribbled down notes with quick, efficient strokes. "Name?" she asked, her voice clipped and professional. "Noah Ashbourne," he answered, his tone steady. The woman didn''t look up as she jotted down the details. "Year?" Noah hesitated for a moment. "First year." "Age?" "Sixteen." She continued writing, her hand moving quickly across the paper, still not sparing him a nce. There was a long pause before she asked, "ss?" Noah swallowed. This was the part he wasn''t sure how to answer. "I haven''t been ced yet," he said cautiously. The woman stopped writing. There was a brief moment of silence before she responded, her tone slightly sterner this time. "This is the gate to the Special Training Rooms. Only S-ss students are allowed ess." As she spoke, she finally looked up from her notes. The moment her eyes met Noah, they widened in surprise. She noticed his red zer, the unmistakable symbol of the elite students at Ravenwood Academy. More specifically, she saw the yellow tie he wore¡ªmarking him as one of the newly formed Vanguard cadets, the academy''s top-tier program reserved for only the most exceptional students. Her expression shifted immediately, and her posture stiffened. "Oh, I¡­ I''m terribly sorry, sir. I didn''t realize you were from the Vanguard," she stammered, clearly flustered by her earlier mistake. "Please, go right ahead. You have full ess." Noah smiled politely, raising a hand to show it was no big deal. "It''s fine. Don''t worry about it." He walked past the reception desk, making his way down the hall towards the heavy doors that led to the Special Training Rooms. These rooms were the reason he had epted his ce in the Vanguard. There were many privileges granted to those in the program, but these training facilities were by far the most valuable. For now, he didn''t have a specific goal in mind¡ªhe just wanted to get a feel for the room, maybe practice some magic, and if he was lucky, start acquiring more runic abilities. After entering the training room, Noah exhaled deeply. The space was vast, with high walls designed to absorb the strongest magical attacks, and the floors were padded to soften the inevitable falls that came with intense physical training. The air felt different in here¡ªheavier, charged with the magical energy that permeated the academy. Noah took off his red zer and loosened his yellow tie, folding them neatly before cing them on a nearby bench. He was wearing a simple ck undershirt now, and as he rolled up his sleeves, he felt a sense of anticipation bubbling up inside him. He dropped to the floor and started warming up, going through his usual routine of pushups, situps, and stretches. His muscles tensed and released with each movement, the familiar rhythm helping him clear his mind as he thought through the recent events. Why had the vice-master chosen him for the Vanguard? He hadn''t expected it. When they announced his cement, Noah had felt a mix of confusion and unease. There were so many other students more talented, more experienced¡ªstudents from noble families with powerful connections. And yet, here he was, wearing the red zer of the Vanguard. He didn''t know why, but he wasn''t going to question it, at least not openly. The Special Training Rooms alone were enough to make the decision worth it. As he continued with his exercises, Noah''s mind wandered to the mechanics of runic abilities. He''d been thinking about them ever since he found out he could use them. In the original game, runic abilities were powerful skills tied to the very essence of magic. Some could be learned through study, like reading a grimoire and memorizing the spells inside, but others¡ªNoah remembered¡ªwere acquired in much more unconventional ways. Runic abilities could be formed in moments of intense pressure. It wasn''t just about learning magic from books or practicing spells in safe environments. No, the most powerful runic abilities came from situations that forced the caster to push their body and mind to the limit. It was like unlocking a hidden part of themselves, a part that only revealed itself when their very survival depended on it. Noah muttered to himself as he moved through the exercises, "In the game, there was a type of runic ability tied to illusion magic. But to acquire it, you had to crush a rune stone, absorb its energy, and integrate it into your own magical core. Like reading a grimoire, but faster¡­ more dangerous." The problem was, such runes were rare, and even when one was found, they didn''t always activate easily. The body had to be ready, the mind sharp. Most importantly, there had to be a trigger¡ªsome event or circumstance that pushed the individual past their usual limits. "And there''s always a downside," Noah muttered, standing up as he prepared for the next part of his training. "Runic abilities can''t be activated without cost. Every time you use one, it draws on your life force, your energy. Use it too much, and you''ll burn yourself out." It was a high-risk, high-reward system. Acquiring more runic abilities would make him more powerful, but it would also mean walking a razor''s edge between strength and copse. Noah stretched his arms and legs, feeling the tension leave his muscles. He wasn''t nning to push himself to that level today, but he did want to try something different. His magic was growing, bit by bit, and he could feel that he was on the verge of unlocking new abilities. He raised his hand and focused his magic. Slowly, an icy spear began to form in the air, materializing in front of him The shaft was pure white, the tip razor-sharp, glinting in the soft light of the training room. Noah grasped the spear tightly. He wasn''t blessed by the God of Swords, which meant that he had no inherent advantage in weaponry. But that didn''t matter. Anyone could wield a weapon; it was just a matter of skill and determination. Wielding the ice spear required intense concentration. The air around him grew colder, and as he started to swing the spear, he could feel his body reacting to the freezing temperature. His breaths became visible, misting in the cold, and with each exhale, icy clouds formed around his mouth. At the same time, his body grew warmer, his internal magic heating up to counter the cold of the spear. Noah''s movements were slow at first, careful and deliberate as he swung the spear in a wide arc. But soon, he began to pick up speed, his body moving with increasing intensity. His eyes started to glow faintly, a cool blue light radiating from them as the magic inside him surged. The cold burned through his veins, but it was a familiar feeling by now. ''Perfecting one weapon, one path,'' he thought to himself, ''is more advantageous than being naturally talented.'' He knew that some students¡ªthose blessed by the gods¡ªhad an easier time mastering their magic. Their talent came naturally, effortlessly. But Noah didn''t care. He would make up for it with persistence and practice. He would master this weapon, this magic, and push past his limits, even if it took every ounce of strength he had. Noah''s mind drifted toward the second Act, which was set to unfold theing week. Maya, who was the Boss of that Act, was already being pushed to her absolute limit. His thoughts shed back to the game, where the entire academy was consumed in a gloomy atmosphere, purple and dark skies looming overhead as monstrous beings circled like vultures. A sudden shiver ran down his spine, the idea of Maya bing the final boss unsettled him deeply. Shaking the thought away, he tightened his grip on the spear and resumed his swings, repeating the coordinated path over and over again. Suddenly, a voice broke through the rhythm of his movements. "Why do you keep repeating the same move over and over?" Startled, Noah lost his grip on the ice spear, and it ttered to the floor, shattering into pieces. His feet stumbled as he fell and turned toward the voice, blinking in surprise. There, standing just a few feet away from him, was a girl. She stood in the light, her pink hair glowing softly in the dim room, her green eyes sparkling with a yful smile. She tilted her head to the side, watching him with curiosity. Noah recognized her instantly. She was a second-year student, another member of the Vanguard. ''Liliana was it?...'' He thought, her name ringing in his head. Her bright smile widened as she looked down at him, clearly amused by his reaction. "Don''t mind me," she said, her voice soft but teasing. "I just wanted to see how the first-year cadet was doing." Noah stared at her, still catching his breath, his mind racing with thoughts. "Ready for today''s patrol?" Lilian asked her green eyes glimmering. Chapter 89: Patrol [2] "Are you ready for patrol?" Liliana''s voice cut through the silence, pulling Noah from his thoughts. He blinked, slightly startled, and looked up at her. "Patrol? It starts now?" he asked, stoked but surprised. Liliana chuckled, her green eyes twinkling. "Yep, no time to waste. Don''t worry though, I''m your partner." She gave him a reassuring smile, her pink hair bouncing as she adjusted the cuffs of her uniform. Noah stood up, brushing off his pants and re-adjusting his shirt and tie. "So, how are we divided up? What''s our area? I thought there''d be some sort of briefing before we got thrown into this." Liliana exined as they walked towards the exit. "There are six cadets in the Vanguard right now, split into teams of two. Each team gets a specific area to patrol. One team is assigned to Ironwood Hall, another to Silvercrest Hall, and thest patrols around the Tuition Cube. Since there are already school guards and knights stationed around the town center, we don''t need to patrol that area. But, we still have to keep an eye on the academy grounds and the nearby halls." They were supposed to maintain order within the academy, but Noah knew better than to take things at face value. Beneath the surface, danger lurked, and the cult tied to the Second Act was something he couldn''t ignore. They''d decided earlier that the knights would handle the town center, ensuring no trouble would breach the academy from that side. But Noah couldn''t shake the nagging thought that had been wing at his mind for days now. ''Knights aren''t all trustworthy...'' He knew enough about how this world operated. The game''s storyline was steeped in betrayal, hidden agendas, and people working for factions that were anything but noble. The cult that was tied to the Second Act had their ws in everything, and it wouldn''t be surprising if some of the knights stationed in the town center were already under their control. ''The cult has a way of infiltrating high ces, using positions of power to move unseen,'' Noah thought, his eyes narrowing as he nced around. The academy wasn''t just a school; it was a hub of influence, drawing the attention of powerful families, politicians, and, of course, hidden enemies. Smuggling, illegal items, secretive meetings¡ªany of it could be happening right under their noses, and the knights wouldn''t even need to bat an eye if they wereplicit. He didn''t voice his concerns, though. Liliana wouldn''t understand, at least not fully. She was bright and full of energy, but she didn''t think inyers the way Noah did. Everything she saw was straightforward, clear-cut¡ªpatrol the grounds, catch the troublemakers, and call it a night. But Noah knew better. The enemy wasn''t always out in the open. ''If I can weaken the cult before the Second Act happens, he mused, ''it''ll give us an advantage. Maybe even stop the worst from happening.'' He clenched his fist, feeling the weight of that thought settle heavily on his chest. The game''s Second Act wasn''t just any storyline¡ªit was where everything started going wrong. The problem was, he had no way of knowing who was involved. ''If the cult really has its hands in the knights, they could be smuggling all kinds of things¡ªrune stones, forbidden books, maybe even items that enhance dark magic.'' Noah''s mind raced through the possibilities. The academy had strict rules on what could be brought inside, but that didn''t mean people followed them. There were always cracks in the system, and the cult was good at slipping through unnoticed. Illegal items could easily find their way into the academy under the guise of legitimate shipments or through secret routes only a knight or guard would know about. Noah couldn''t stop them on his own, but if he stayed vignt¡ªif he could uncover even a hint of their operations¡ªhe might be able to turn the tide before the Second Act unfolded in full force. He had to be subtle, though. One wrong move and the cult could disappear again, retreating into the shadows only to strike when the academy was most vulnerable. Worse, they might catch onto him. Thest thing he needed was for them to realize he was aware of their ns. He wasn''t ready for that kind of confrontation yet. ''I''ll have to y this carefully,'' Noah thought. ''Stay on guard, observe everything, and see if I can find any cracks in their operations.'' It was risky, but if he could chip away at their strength, weaken their influence bit by bit, the cult might not have the same power they did in the game''s original storyline. His mind reyed moments from the game, where the protagonists fought desperately against the cult''s influence. The academy had fallen into disarray, students turning on one another, trust eroding, all while the dark skies loomed overhead. It was a nightmare scenario, one that led to Maya bing the final boss. Noah''s pace slowed slightly as the weight of his thoughts pressed down on him. ''If I can weaken them now¡­ before they strike¡­ maybe the Second Act won''t be as devastating. Maybe there''s still a chance to turn things around.'' The cult''s ties to the Second Act were crucial. They weren''t just another faction¡ªthey were the catalyst for everything that went wrong. If he could dismantle their ns, it would change the course of events. But it had to be done in a way that didn''t draw too much attention. He couldn''t be reckless. ''Stay sharp, stay vignt,'' he reminded himself. Every knight, every guard, every shipment that came through the town center could be a piece of the puzzle. If the cult was smuggling items into the academy, there had to be evidence¡ªsomething he could use to expose their operations. But he couldn''t rely on anyone else to see it. It would be up to him to gather the pieces and put them together. Noah took a deep breath, steadying his mind. ''I''ll weaken them,'' he resolved. ''Bit by bit, I''ll chip away at their power. And by the time the Second Act rolls around, they won''t be strong enough to cause the same destruction.'' It was a gamble, but it was the only chance he had. He couldn''t afford to wait for someone else to handle it. The cult''s influence was like a disease, spreading through the academy''s ranks, and if he didn''t act soon, the infection would take hold, just like in the game. Noah nodded, listening closely. "What exactly do we do on patrol? Like, what''s our job?" "Well," Liliana began, "our job is to maintain order. We''re basically the academy''s internal security. If wee across any suspicious individuals or students causing trouble, our first step is to assess the situation. If they pose a threat, we''re allowed to engage them, but we have to be careful. We have special cuffs that can restrain people by stopping their mana flow and locking their mana core. It''s a failsafe in case anyone tries to use magic against us." She pulled out a pair of sleek, silver cuffs from her belt pouch, showing them to Noah. "These are specially designed. Once they''re locked on, no one can ess their magic unless someone with the right authority releases them. It''s all about neutralizing the threat without causing unnecessary harm." Noah raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what if we face enemies? Actual enemies, not just rowdy students?" "If we do, we fight. We''re expected to subdue any hostiles, but only as much as necessary. We''re not knights, Noah, but we do need to know how to protect ourselves and the students. If things get too dangerous or out of hand, we signal for backup. There''s always a team on standby for emergencies, and we''re equipped withmunication crystals. It links us directly to the other Vanguard teams and faculty in case something goes really wrong." She paused for a moment and then continued, "In case of emergencies, we can also evacuate students if needed. The first priority is always their safety, not winning a fight." As they continued walking, Noah mulled over the information. Patrolling halls, keeping students safe, possibly encountering threats¡ªit was moreplicated than he''d thought. Liliana broke his train of thought. "By the way, you and I are patrolling Silvercrest Hall tonight." Noah stopped in his tracks. "Silvercrest?" His face shifted, and he let out a small sigh. "Yeah," Liliana said, smiling, "That''s where the nobles stay." Noah''s thoughts drifted for a moment. Silvercrest Hall meant one thing: Ariana. She had been ignoring himtely, and he couldn''t figure out why. Did he do something wrong? He hadn''t even had a chance to talk to her. The idea of seeing her tonight made him feel uneasy, but he pushed the thought aside. He had a job to do. Chapter 90: Patrol [3] "Alright," Noah said, adjusting his zer as they approached the doors. "Let''s get to it." As they stepped outside, the cool evening air hit them. The moon was already out, casting a pale glow over the academy grounds. There wasn''t a cloud in sight, and the stars twinkled overhead, painting the sky with shimmering light. Noah slipped his red zer back on as they made their way across the courtyard, Liliana leading the way. Her usual lively demeanor filled the quiet air as she talked about their route, the best spots to patrol, and how they should handle various situations. Noah found himself quietly nodding along. Liliana was nice¡ªtoo nice. She was sweet and bubbly, her voice full of excitement. But to Noah, it felt out of ce. "It''s detrimental¡­" Noah thought to himself. "How did someone so sugary get into the Vanguard?" He nced over at her as she continued talking. She was a good partner, sure, but if they faced enemies, real enemies, how useful could she actually be? "It would be such a drag if I had to cover for her," Noah mused inwardly. They approached the tall, elegant building of Silvercrest Hall, the home of the academy''s most prestigious noble students. The stone structure was illuminated bynterns, giving it an almost regal glow in the night. The entrance was grand, with polished wooden doors and detailed carvings decorating the facade. Liliana pulled out hermunication crystal and activated it, signaling their arrival. "Silvercrest Hall, reporting in for patrol," she said into the crystal. The soft hum of magic confirmed the transmission, and she pocketed it with a satisfied grin. "Ready, Noah?" she asked, turning to him with that same bright smile. Noah gave a small nod, his mind still partially on the task at hand and partially on the nobles he''d inevitably encounter inside. The hallways of Silvercrest would be filled with students who thought they were better than everyone else. And Ariana¡­she would be there, somewhere. Pushing the thought of her aside again, Noah focused on his duties. This was just patrol. If he did his job right, there would be noplications. Still, he couldn''t shake the feeling that tonight might turn out differently. *** The hallway was dimly lit, shadows crawling up the stone walls as A maid silently approached the door. Her footsteps were measured, delicate, as if she were walking on air. She stopped in front of a door, the number on it barely visible in the faint light. Raising her hand, she knocked three times, each tap echoing in the corridor. Silence followed. No response. After waiting for a moment, she turned the brass knob and pushed the door open. Inside, the room was drenched in a murky darkness, broken only by the soft glow of a few scattered candles. "You called for me, Master Leopold?" her voice was soft, unwavering. Across the room, Leopold stood, towering over a boy slumped against the wall. The boy was unrecognizable, his academy uniform torn, his face swollen and bleeding. His nose had caved in, his lips split open, blood trickling down his chin. Leopold''s fist connected with the boy''s face again, a dull thud that made the maid''s heart skip a beat, though her expression remained calm. Blood sttered through the air, a stray dropletnding on the maid''s face. She wiped it away with her white glove, not flinching, before resuming her posture, her hands sped neatly behind her back. Leo finally stopped, his knuckles red and slick with blood, dropping the boy with a lifeless thud to the ground. The boy groaned weakly, blood pooling beneath him as his breath rattled in his chest. "Fucking piece of shit... can''t do anything right..." Leo muttered under his breath, standing over the crumpled body like a predator who had tired of ying with its prey. He turned around to face the maid, his expression suddenly shifting, as if a mask had fallen over his face. A bright, disarming smile broke across his lips, the light catching his sharp, handsome features. His blonde hair, once known for its brilliance, seemed dulled, almost as if it had absorbed the darkness of the room. But his eyes¡ªthose striking red eyes¡ªgleamed with a strange vibrancy, contrasting the blood smeared across his face. "Ah, ire," Leo said softly, his voice warm and inviting, like the violence moments ago hadn''t urred at all. "Could you fetch me some towels? I''m afraid I made quite the mess." The maid, ire, bowed her head slightly, keeping her tone neutral. "Of course, Master Leo." She pivoted on her heel and left the room, the door clicking shut behind her. As she walked down the hallway, she was unfazed by what she had just witnessed. She had been in the service of Leopold for years now. This wasn''t the first time she had seen him like this¡ªcold, brutal, vicious. And it wouldn''t be thest. Behind that charming, princely facade, there was a different Leo. Back inside the room, Leopold wiped the blood from his knuckles, his smile fading as he looked down at the boy''s limp body. "Tch," he clicked his tongue, more annoyed than remorseful. A figure stirred near the corner of the room. Three other students stood against the wall, watching everything with a mixture of fear and nervous anticipation. Their postures were stiff, each one carefully avoiding making eye contact with Leopold. "Make sure you don''t mess up like this bastard," Leo said, his voice sharp, filled with warning. He nced back at the broken boy on the floor before turning to the three. "We can''t afford any mistakes. Ensure the route is clear. I don''t want any problems." The three students exchanged uneasy nces. One of them, anky boy with dark circles under his eyes, nodded hurriedly. "Y-yes, Leo. We''ll make sure everything''s in order." "Good," Leo said, his smile returning, but this time it didn''t reach his eyes. "I trust you won''t disappoint me." The tension in the room was palpable as the three students quickly scurried out, their footsteps hasty as if they couldn''t leave fast enough. The door creaked slightly as it shut behind them, leaving Leopold alone once more. For a brief moment before the door closed, a glimpse of Leo''s fluttering blonde hair and his red eyes glowing ominously was visible. He calmly adjusted the cufflinks on his blood-streaked shirt, a casual act that belied the violence that had just unfolded. And then, with a soft click, the door closed shut, sealing the darkness and the blood-soaked silence behind it. Chapter 91: Contraband [1] The halls of Silvercrest Hall were eerily quiet as Noah and Liliana made their way through the grand dormitory. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, and the scent of polished wood and expensive perfumes filled the air. Silvercrest Hall was known for housing the students from the empire''s most prestigious noble families, a ce where wealth and power were as abundant as the arrogance that seemed toe with it. Liliana walked beside Noah, her cheerful nature radiating through the silence as she bombarded him with questions. "So, Noah, I''ve been curious," she said with a light tone, "What really happened back in the first semester? You know, with that whole demonic corruption incident? There are so many rumors, and I mean, a lot of students still talk about it." Noah sighed, feeling the weight of the question. He had expected this topic toe up eventually, but it still bothered him to talk about it. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, and he walked a bit slower, his mind drifting back to that time. "It wasn''t really my doing," he began, his voice low but steady. "I was corrupted, you know, the typical final boss type of thing. My body was possessed, and I didn''t have control over what was happening. It''s not like I orchestrated the deaths or anything." His words came out almost mechanically, as if he had exined this a hundred times before. Liliana tilted her head, her expression soft but inquisitive. "That''s not what the students are saying, though. They talk about it like¡­ well, like you nned it all." Noah rolled his eyes, clearly fed up. He didn''t feel like justifying himself to people who barely understood what had happened. "Yeah, well, rumors have a way of twisting the truth. It''s easier for people to hate something they don''t understand." The conversation could''ve ended there, but Liliana, being her lively and talkative self, continued to ask him more questions, most of which Noah either brushed off or answered curtly. She was kind, no doubt, but her energy was a bit overwhelming for him at times. At one point, Liliana got a bit too close, nearly brushing up against him. "Hey¡­ personal space, please," Noah snapped, a bit harsher than he intended. His words were sharp, and he saw the emotion flicker in her eyes for a brief second before she quickly turned away. "I''m sorry," Liliana mumbled, her cheerful demeanor dimming as she moved forward, no longer talking. She focused on the task at hand, walking ahead of Noah without a word. Noah sighed, rubbing his hand across his face in frustration. He didn''t mean to upset her, but being around so many peopletely had drained his patience. He quickened his pace,ing up next to her. "Let''s just get this patrol done, alright? No need to make it moreplicated than it is." Liliana nodded but remained silent, her bright energy subdued for the rest of the walk. As they continued through the hall, the moonlight streaming through the windows cast long shadows on the floor. The night was quiet, and the only sound was the soft echo of their footsteps. Just as they reached a junction in the hallway, a group of noble students stepped out of one of the rooms,ughing loudly. Their fancy robes and smug expressions made it clear they were used to getting what they wanted. They spotted Liliana and immediately turned their attention toward her, theirughter turning into sneers. "Well, well, what do we have here?" one of them, a tall boy with sharp features, said as he sauntered toward them. "What''s amoner like you doing in Silvercrest Hall?" His words dripped with disdain as he looked Liliana up and down. Liliana straightened up, trying to maintain herposure. "We''re here on official duty as members of the Vanguard," she replied firmly. "We''re tasked with maintaining order and¡ª" "Order?" another noble boy cut her off with a mockingugh. "What does a Vanguard cadet know about order? Especially one without status, wealth, or even a family name worth mentioning?" The other nobles snickered, their eyes filled with contempt as they looked at Liliana like she was something beneath them. Noah, standing silently behind her, could feel the tension rising. Liliana didn''t back down. "It doesn''t matter where Ie from. My duty as a Vanguard cadet is to ensure that everyone follows the rules, and that includes you." "Rules?" The first noble smirked. "We don''t give a shit about your so-called rules. And who let amoner like you into the Vanguard anyway? Must be scraping the bottom of the barrel if someone like you made the cut." Liliana clenched her fists but didn''t respond to the insult. Instead, her eyes narrowed slightly as she caught the scent of something familiar. "That wine you''re drinking¡­" she said, her voice cutting through the arrogance of the nobles. "Where did you get it?" Read thetest fiction on M-VL-em|p,yr The nobles exchanged quick nces, their smirks fading. "Why does it matter?" one of them asked, sounding defensive. "It''s wine fit for nobility." Liliana''s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "It''s illegal to have that kind of wine within academy grounds. Only nobles think they can get away with smuggling it in. But I can smell it from here. I''ve been trained to detect these things." The nobles'' faces darkened. They had clearly been drinking, and their attempts to cover it up weren''t going to fool her. Liliana continued, her tone authoritative. "As members of the Vanguard, we''re authorized to conduct an investigation. Smuggling contraband into the academy is a serious offense." One of the boys, now visibly nervous, tried to deflect. "You can''t prove anything." Liliana didn''t waver. She pulled out a pair of mana suppression cuffs, holding them up. "We can take this to the disciplinarymittee if you prefer. Or, you cane quietly, and we can handle this with a simple report." The nobles'' faces twisted in anger. "You think you can cuff us?" the tall boy spat. "Do you know who our families are? Do you know what they would do to you if you even tried?" The arrogance and entitlement were palpable in the air. The nobles, confident in their status, reached for their wands, the magic within them beginning to hum as their eyes glinted with danger. Noah, who had been watching all this with a nk face, finally stepped forward. "This is such a clich¨¦ scene," he muttered to himself. "How does it go again? Uhh¡­ I protect the girl, we fight the cocky nobles, and then... yeah, something like that." But Noah didn''t have time for this nonsense. He stepped in front of Liliana, his expression unreadable. "You know," he began, addressing the nobles, "for a bunch of kids who rely on your family names so much, you sure know how to embarrass them." He shed a small, almost condescending smile. "What would your parents think? I mean, they sent you to this academy to be respectable, didn''t they?" The nobles red at him. "Just because you''re from a count family doesn''t give you the right to act high and mighty," one spat, his voice dripping with disdain. His eyes narrowed as he stepped closer to Noah, a dangerous glint shing in them. "You''re still just a fuckingmoner staying in that piss-poor excuse of a dorm, Ironwood Hall," the other sneered, venom in his words. "You think you can tarnish our names and get away with it? We''ll make sure you regret every second you spend breathing the same air as us." Noah''s smile widened slightly, but his eyes remained cold, unaffected by their bravado. "Actually, I''m only in Ironwood Hall because there weren''t any rooms left in Silvercrest." He paused for a second, then added, his voice sharpening, "But honestly? I''d rather stay there than with a bunch of entitled idiots who think with their asses just because they have money and status." Both nobles'' faces flushed with rage at Noah''s words, their hands twitching as they reached for their wands. The taller one''s eyes wavered with fury as he growled, "You piece of shit! You have no idea who you''re dealing with. You think your pitiful count family will save you after this? You''re not even fit to lick the boots of someone like me. I''ll make your life a living hell!" His wand sparked to life in his hand, glowing with the beginnings of a spell. Before they could even cast a single spell, Noah moved. In one swift motion, he struck the pressure points at the sides of their necks, knocking both nobles unconscious. They crumpled to the ground, limp and powerless. Noah stood over them, holding both by their cors before casually dropping them onto the floor. "I wasn''t going to deal with that," he muttered, brushing off his hands. Thanks to his [Constetion''s Insight], he knew they were nothing more than third-rate crooks in noble clothing. Chapter 92: Contraband [2] The sun was high in the sky, casting long golden beams through the windows of the Disciplinary Committee office. The room was dimly lit, with dust motes floatingzily in the warm sunlight. Behind arge mahogany desk sat Professor Marcellus, the patron of the Disciplinary Committee. His sharp, intelligent eyes flickered from the stack of papers on his desk to the two noble students standing before him. Their expressions were twisted with contempt, their eyes asionally darting to Noah and Liliana, who stood silently behind them. The nobles, still bruised from the encounter the previous night, kept their hands clenched at their sides. Their uniforms were pristine, but there was no mistaking the tension that lingered in the air. Every now and then, they cast venomous nces at Noah, who stood calmly with his arms crossed, seemingly unbothered by the situation. Professor Marcellus cleared his throat and adjusted his spectacles before ncing down at the papers in front of him. His voice was steady butced with disappointment. "Tristan Welford of the Welford family, and Cedric Reeve of House Reeve... two noble houses known for their prestige and contributions to the empire. How utterly shameful that such students, from such families, would conduct themselves in this way. I expected better." He focused his attention on Tristan, the boy with brown hair, whose face flushed with embarrassment. "Your father is a respected man, Tristan," the professor said, his tone softening slightly as he spoke. "A man of integrity and honor. How is it that his son hase to disgrace the Welford name so easily?" Tristan opened his mouth to defend himself, his cheeks burning. "None of it is true, sir!" he eximed, his voice tinged with desperation. "It was that bastard. He attacked us without provocation!" Noah raised an eyebrow, though he remained silent. His expression didn''t change, but internally, he couldn''t help but think, ''Expected...'' The two nobles eagerly pointed to the bruises on their necks. "Look at what that maniac did to us! We were just minding our own business, and heshed out," Cedric added, his voice shaking, whether from fear or anger, it wasn''t clear. Professor Marcellus sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair. "Is this true, Mr. Ashbourne? Did you attack these two unprovoked?" Before Noah could speak, Tristan interrupted, his voice rising in an attempt to seize control of the narrative. "We were following academy rules, sir, and this...this thing just came at us! There are strict regtions on how nobles are to be treated, and hepletely disregarded that! We''re nobles! There''s a hierarchy at y here, and you of all people should know that. The way we were treated was uneptable!" Tristan''s words were sharp and calcted, ying into the very structure that defined Silvercrest Hall and the academy''s unspoken rules. His arguments were smart, rooted in the hierarchy that governed the students'' social order. Noah could see the smirk forming at the corner of Cedric''s lips as he stood beside his friend, clearly thinking they had the upper hand. Cedric, emboldened by Tristan''s performance, snickered under his breath, the faintest gleam of malice shing in his eyes. ''I''ll teach this bastard a lesson,'' he thought, a silent vow forming in his mind. ''No one disrespects the Reeve name. I''ll make his life hell for this.'' The professor turned his attention back to Noah. "Mr. Ashbourne," he said, his voice measured, "Is what they say true?" Noah''s eyes remained calm andposed, a stark contrast to the two nobles who now stared at him, waiting for him to stumble. He took a deep breath and handed Professor Marcellus a report he had written. "None of what they said is true," Noah replied simply. "Here''s a detailed ount of everything that happenedst night." Professor Marcellus took the report, adjusting his sses as he began to read. The nobles stood impatiently, their eyes flitting between each other and Noah. Cedric''s grin faltered slightly as the professor''s face grew more serious with each passing second. "Smuggling contraband," the professor read aloud. "Possession of illegal substances. Selling harmful goods to other students. These are serious usations." He nced up at the nobles, who now looked much less confident than they had moments ago. "And let''s not forget harassment. Your behavior toward Cadet Everheartst night waspletely uneptable." The room went still, save for the rustling of paper as the professor continued to read. "You see, Mr. Welford, Mr. Reeve," Marcellus said, his voice growing stern, "what you may not have expected is that Mr. Ashbourne''s report contains verifiable details. The contraband you smuggled, the wine you were drinking¡ªillegal within the academy grounds¡ªand your attempts to distribute it to other students have all been noted." The color drained from Tristan and Cedric''s faces as the professor rattled off their crimes one by one. "Countrabanding, gambling goods, selling harmful substances... and let''s add a few more infractions, shall we? Vition of academy codes of conduct, disrespecting Vanguard officers during official patrols, and tant disregard for academy rules and regtions." Marcellus paused, letting the weight of their actions sink in. "You will both be suspended for one week," the professor dered, his voice like iron. "When you return, you will bring the required apology letters to the dean in charge of the first years, the headmaster, the vice headmaster, the student council, myself as the patron of the Vanguard, and Cadet Noah Ashbourne and Cadet Liliana Everheart, whom you harassed." Tristan clenched his fists, his jaw tight as he fought back his frustration. Cedric''s face twisted in anger, but he knew better than to speak out now. Noah nced at the two nobles, catching a glimpse of their barely contained rage as they gritted their teeth, their minds likely racing with thoughts of revenge. ''I actually added the harassment bit on Liliana....but serves such characters right...'' Noah thought inwardly. "Now, leave," Marcellus said firmly, dismissing them with a wave of his hand. "And get your things ready at the gate." The two nobles stormed out of the office, their faces red with humiliation and fury. As they passed Noah and Liliana, Tristan shot Noah one final re. "This isn''t over," he muttered under his breath, before disappearing down the hallway. Noah remained calm, his face nk as usual, but internally, he felt a small flicker of satisfaction. It was always amusing to see nobles squirm when their sense of entitlement was challenged. He turned his attention back to Professor Marcellus, who gave him a brief nod of approval before speaking. "You and Cadet Everheart may leave as well," the professor said. "And thank you for handling this situation responsibly." As Noah and Liliana exited the office, Liliana let out a long sigh of relief. "That was intense," she said, running a hand through her hair. "I''m d it''s over, but I can''t believe they had the nerve to lie like that." Noah shrugged. "Nobles like them think they''re untouchable. It was predictable." Liliana smiled at him, her previous tension melting away. "You handled that really well, Noah. You''re a good partner." Noah nced at her, not used to hearingpliments like that. "Partner, huh?" Liliana nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! We''re a team, right? You''ve got my back, and I''ve got yours." Before Noah could respond, Liliana''s eyes widened, and she gasped. "Oh no! I''mte for ss!" She turned to Noah with a panicked look. "If I don''t make it, it''ll really mess up my grades!" She hurried down the hallway, her footsteps echoing as her long hair swayed behind her. "You did great today!" she called back, shing him a bright smile before disappearing around the corner. Noah stood there for a moment, watching her go. He let out a deep sigh, rubbing his hand across his face. "That girl''s way too energetic¡­" Just then, his student watch let out a soft beep, alerting him to a new message. He nced down at the screen, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw the title of the message: [1st Year Students cement Exam Results] Noah''s breath caught in his throat as he opened the message, feeling the weight of what it could mean for his life in Ravenwood. Chapter 93: Results [1] Noah sat quietly in the corner of the hallway, looking down at his student watch as it buzzed with a notification. His eyes flicked down to the small glowing screen. [1st Year Students cement Exams Results...] [Results are now posted on the Notice Board in Amaryllis Hall] Noah stared at the message for a moment, his mind nking before he blinked. He had known this day wasing, but seeing the results notification made everything suddenly real. His breath caught for a second. He hadn''t thought much about his cement before, but now... now, with the results actually here, a knot started to form in his stomach. "Alright," he muttered to himself. "I should head over." His steps quickened as he made his way through the corridors of the academy toward Amaryllis Hall. The sound of his shoes echoing off the polished stone floor almost felt like a countdown, each step bringing him closer to the board that held his fate. His thoughts began to spin as he walked, ying out different scenarios in his head. What if I didn''t make it? What if the gap from being in aa ruined my chances? Despite himself, Noah felt his palms growing mmy. He knew he had done well in the exams¡ªwell enough, at least¡ªbut was it enough to rank him anywhere notable? He wasn''t aiming for the S-ss, that was for sure. That was the domain of the elites, the cream of the crop, and people like him¡ªsomeone who had been unconscious for months and tangled in a mess of demonic corruption¡ªprobably didn''t make the cut for that. Still, being ced in one of the lower sses would be humiliating. He couldn''t afford to lose more ground after what had happened. As he approached Amaryllis Hall, he could already hear the noise of students gathering around the notice board. The hum of voices filled the air, a mixture of excitement, disappointment, and everything in between. He stepped inside the hall, and the sight before him was exactly what he expected: a crowd of students huddled around the notice board, some looking overjoyed, others... not so much. "YES! I made it to A-ss!" one student shouted, jumping up and down while their friends pped them on the back. "Middle ss, huh? Could be worse," muttered another student who was clearly relieved. Over by the far corner of the room, Noah spotted two boys bawling their eyes out, tears streaming down their faces. "I''m gonna be a goddamn peasant after I graduate!" one of them wailed dramatically, his face buried in his hands. "I can''t believe this is happening! I''m gonna end up working in a barn somewhere shoveling dirt!" His friend next to him groaned, rubbing his temples. "We''ll never live this down¡­ My dad''s gonna kill me. I can already hear him now: ''A member of the Mireille family, ced in D-ss? Unforgivable!''" He mocked his father''s voice with exaggerated indignation. Further ahead, another group of noble students, with haughty expressions on their faces, stood with their noses in the air. One of them, a tall, brown-haired boy with a smug grin, spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. "D-ss or not, it doesn''t matter. My family''s got connections. I''m just here for the certificate. In the end, I''ll be fine." He nced at the notice board dismissively. "We all know that." Noah shook his head slightly. The arrogance of some nobles never ceased to amaze him. As he moved closer to the board, his eyes caught a glimpse of Xander, who was practically surrounded by a small fan club of students. He was grinning as people swarmed him, praising his cement. "ss S! Xander, you''re amazing! We saw yourbat exam, you were like a beast out there!" one student eximed with wide eyes. "Yeah, you deserve it!" another added. Noah could see Amy nearby, her arms folded as she scanned the board, her usual confident smirk ying on her lips. She, too, was taking inpliments from students who had noticed her name in the S-ss. "I knew you''d be at the top, Amy!" someone called out. Amy nced over the names on the list for ss S, a smug look in her eyes. But then, something caught her attention¡ªher smirk deepened. She muttered to herself, "Noah Ashbourne isn''t on the S-ss list. He must''ve done pretty badly after being out for so long." She smiled triumphantly, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. "There''s no way he could be anywhere near the top. At best, C-ss, if not the lowest." She was clearly enjoying the thought when she overheard a group of students nearby whispering. "Can you believe it? He was in aa for months and missed so much, yet he still made it up there..." "Yeah, I heard he was suspended for a semester after that incident, but look at this... How the hell did he manage that?" Amy''s smug expression faltered. She scanned the S-ss list again just to be sure, but Noah''s name wasn''t there. "What are they talking about?" she muttered under her breath. Curious, she nced down to the A-ss list, and her eyes widened when she saw it. "¡­ Noah Ashbourne." She stared at the name for a long moment, her lips twitching slightly. "How...?" Meanwhile, Noah made his way through the crowd, oblivious to Amy''s reaction. He approached the board and scanned through the lists. First, he checked the D-ss list. His name wasn''t there. "Good, I didn''t fail that badly," he thought, exhaling in relief. Next, he looked at the C-ss. Still nothing. "...Wait, what?" His brows furrowed slightly as he moved up to the B-ss list. Surely, he was there. After all, he hadn''t expected to do ''great'' after missing so much time. But his name wasn''t in B-ss either. "...This is bad," Noah muttered to himself, feeling a small pit form in his stomach. "If I''m not even in B-ss, does that mean I failed so badly that I didn''t even make the list? Am I... screwed?" He sighed deeply, deciding to look at the S-ss list just for the heck of it. As expected, Amy was at the top, followed by Xander, Ariana, and Rn, along with ten other students who clearly belonged there. Noah''s name was nowhere in sight, which didn''t surprise him. "Of course, I wasn''t expecting to be in S-ss. That''d be ridiculous." He was about to turn away when something caught his eye¡ªsomething lower down, in A-ss. His name. [Noah Ashbourne] "...Eh?" Noah blinked, staring at his name in disbelief. "What''s my name doing in A-ss?" Chapter 94: Results [2] Noah stared at the notice board, his mind a mess of confusion and disbelief. His name was listed in A-ss. Not B, not C¡ªA-ss. "...Is this real?" he whispered to himself, his eyes scanning the list again to make sure he wasn''t imagining things. But no matter how many times he looked, there it was: [A-ss] 1.Noah Ashbourne He took a step back, still trying to process what this meant. He had been in aa for months, missing half of the semester. How could he have ranked this high? While he knew he hadn''t done terribly in the exams, making it to A-ss was beyond anything he had expected. As he stood there, stunned, students around him began to take notice. One by one, they saw his name on the list and started crowding around, pointing and murmuring. "Hey, isn''t that Noah Ashbourne?" "Wait, he made it into A-ss? How? Didn''t he miss like half the semester?" "This guy was suspended for a semester, wasn''t he? And he still ranked above so many others¡­" The whispers grew louder as more students began to gather, their curiosity piqued. Noah could feel the weight of their eyes on him, their voices buzzing in his ears. Some were impressed, others were confused, and a few were clearly suspicious. "Hey, Noah!" someone called out. "How''d you manage that? Didn''t think you were the studious type." "Did you really ace the exams after everything? What''s your secret?" More questions followed, students pushing closer, their voices ovepping as they tried to get his attention. Noah felt the pressure building, his heart racing. He didn''t want this. He wasn''t someone who enjoyed the spotlight, especially after everything that had happened in the past few months. His instinct was to flee¡ªto avoid the attention, to avoid their prying eyes. "I need some air," he muttered under his breath. Without another word, he turned on his heel and pushed through the crowd, not bothering to answer their questions. He could hear them calling after him, but he kept his head down and moved quickly, wanting nothing more than to escape the stifling atmosphere around the notice board. In one corner of the room, leaning against a pir and watching everything unfold, a figure stood silently, his gaze fixed on Noah with cold, burning eyes. A noble with long, sleek brown hair that fell past his shoulders and an expression twisted in disgust. He wasn''t just watching Noah¡ªhe was ring at him, his lips curled into a sneer. Caleb''s hands clenched into fists at his sides, his knuckles turning white as he seethed inwardly. Noah Ashbourne. "That bastard." He had ranked higher than him, a noble from the prestigious Drayton family. Caleb''s name was further down the list, somewhere in the middle of A-ss, but it didn''t matter. The fact that Noah had somehow ced above him was an insult¡ªa stain on his reputation. His mind drifted back to the previous night, to the moment he heard that his friends, Tristan and Cedric, had been suspended. And for what? Because of Noah. Noah had reported them, exposed their dealings, and humiliated them in front of the Disciplinary Committee. And now, to add to the insult, Noah was ranked higher in the ss cement. "This is uneptable," Caleb thought to himself, his blood boiling with rage. ''Who does he think he is?'' Caleb''s thoughts were venomous as he red daggers at Noah from across the room. ''That bastard thinks he can rise above his station just because he got lucky in some exams?'' The image of Noah standing before the board, surrounded by students praising and questioning him, only fueled Caleb''s anger. ''I bet he''s loving this, basking in the attention. Disgustingmoner.'' Caleb''s sneer deepened as he clenched his jaw. ''He''ll pay for this. I''ll show him what it means to disrespect those higher than him in power.'' His thoughts grew darker as he envisioned all the ways he could make Noah''s life miserable. ''I''ll break him, ruin his reputation, and crush whatever hope he has of climbing higher. He''s nothingpared to me.'' Without a word, Noah turned and slipped out of the crowd, making his way down the corridor. He could hear the students behind him still talking, still whispering his name, but he shut them out. The air felt heavy in his lungs as he walked, his mind clouded with thoughts of what this cement meant. As he rounded a corner, Noah''s steps slowed. His mind was buzzing, but he couldn''t help but notice something odd. Out of the corner of his eye, a small green blur zipped past. His eyes darted to the side, and there it was¡ªa small green sparrow-like bird fluttering just above his shoulder, watching him. A normal person wouldn''t notice, but the original Noah had always had a sharp sense for spirits. Even though his physical and magical stats were nothing to brag about, his spirit detection skill¡ª[irthymia], as it was called¡ªwas oddly heightened. It was a useless skill, most people said. What good was detecting low-level spirits in the grand scheme of things? But Noah hade to appreciate its subtle value. You could never underestimate what a little unnoticed spirit might reveal. The green sparrow flitted around him, chirping softly as it hovered in midair. Noah raised an eyebrow, recognizing it for what it was. A low-ranking spirit. It wasn''t doing much¡ªjust following him, almost as if it were keeping an eye on him. "Alright, let''s see what you''re up to..." Noah whispered to himself. With a flick of his wrist, a small, intricate cage of ice formed in the air, surrounding the sparrow. The ice shimmered faintly, its delicate structure infused with anti-spirit magic, which would prevent the bird from phasing through the bars. The green sparrow fluttered around inside the cage, clearly startled, as Noah leaned against the wall, examining it. He didn''t have to wait long to find out who it belonged to. "Augustus!" a voice hissed from down the hall. Ariana, one of the top students in S-ss, came into view, her eyes scanning the corridor in search of something¡ªor rather, someone. When she turned the corner and saw Noah standing there, leaning against the wall with her spirit in an ice cage, she stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide with surprise. "Ariana," Noah said calmly, his gaze shifting from the sparrow to her. "Why have you been following me?" Ariana blinked, clearly caught off guard. She opened her mouth, then closed it again, fidgeting nervously. She nced at Augustus, who was pping helplessly inside the cage, and then back at Noah. The ice cage dissolved in an instant, releasing the green sparrow. Augustus chirped angrily and flew back to Ariana,nding on her shoulder with a huff. Ariana stroked the bird''s head gently, looking flustered but still unwilling to meet Noah''s gaze. "Are you going to answer my question?" Noah asked, his tone calm but a hint of irritation creeping in. "I don''t care much for being followed without my consent." Ariana fidgeted some more, her fingers clutching Augustus tightly as the small spirit struggled in her grasp. She bit her lip, clearly debating whether to speak or not. After a few long seconds, she finally let out a small sigh. "I... I had Augustus watch over you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ever since that night when you were attacked. I didn''t want anything like that to happen again." Noah blinked, taken aback by her confession. "You''ve been spying on me?" "No!" Ariana quickly corrected herself, shaking her head. "Not spying. I just... I just wanted to make sure you were safe. Augustus is a low-ranking spirit, so I thought you wouldn''t notice him, but I didn''t realize your spirit detection skill was so sharp." Noah stared at her for a moment, then let out a small sigh. "It''s not good to follow people around without their knowledge, Ariana. If you''re concerned, you could''ve just... I don''t know, asked?" Ariana''s face flushed slightly, and she clutched Augustus tighter, her spirit squawking in protest. She pouted, ncing away. "Fine. I''ll stop. I didn''t mean to cause trouble." Noah smiled faintly and reached out to pat her on the head. "Good. That''s all I''m asking." Ariana stood there, frozen for a moment as Noah''s hand rested on her head. Her heart raced, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink as he ruffled her hair lightly. When he finally pulled his hand away and turned to leave, Ariana found herself staring at his retreating figure, a strange warmth spreading through her chest. As she watched Noah walk away, her thoughts drifted to the night she had seen him with Maya at the restaurant. The memory of their closeness still stung, her chest tightening with an ufortable feeling she didn''t quite understand. "...He doesn''t even realize..." she muttered softly to herself, clenching her fists tightly at her sides. Augustus chirped quietly on her shoulder, sensing her unease. Ariana stood there, her gaze lingering on Noah''s back as he disappeared around the corner, her emotions swirling inside her. "Why does it feel like... I''m the one being left behind?" Chapter 95: Rewards [1] The special training room was dimly lit, a perfect environment for concentration. The walls were lined with mirrors that reflected Noah''s movements, allowing him to monitor every swing of his ice spear. He focused, the spear held firmly in his hands, its icy tip glinting with a faint, bluish aura as he channeled his magic through it. Each swing was deliberate, following a precise flow, as if every motion had been rehearsed a thousand times over. His body moved in sync with his magic, the spear slicing through the air with a sharp whistle, leaving a trail of icy mist in its wake. Noah''s brow furrowed with concentration as he maintained the rhythm: swing, pivot, thrust, retreat. Over and over again. He was building momentum, training not only his physical stamina but also his magic control, refining his skills down to every muscle twitch. Between swings, Noah mumbled to himself, "System''s finally doing something useful for once¡­ Opened up a whole new section of the shop. Runic abilities. Pretty fancy stuff." He paused to gather his breath, his eyes narrowing as he recalled hisst conversation with the system. The smug, ever-present entity that had helped¡ªand irritated¡ªhim since the beginning. "Then again," Noah muttered, swinging his spear with a sharper edge, "it''s probably going to mock me again for even thinking I deserve it." The system had been surprisingly generoustely. After the cement exams, it unlocked a new section of the shop for him: runic abilities. These abilities weren''t just passive enhancements or shy spells. They were potent skills tied directly to his magical core, abilities that could shift the tide of a battle. But of course, the system had delivered the news in the most condescending way possible. [System Notification: Congrattions! You have somehow managed to notpletely embarrass yourself during the exams] [ess to Runic Abilities Shop has been unlocked! ] Noah had gritted his teeth at the time, feeling the sting of its words. "Somehow managed? I ranked in A-ss, you piece of¡ª" The system, as usual, hadn''t given him any room to argue. It had simply chimed in with its own brand of ''support.'' [System Notification: Ah, Noah¡­ it''s so cute when you think you''ve aplished something] [-10 Self-esteem] Noah had snorted, knowing better than to argue with the system. "Yeah, well, I still got farther than you ever thought I would. I''m in A-ss, practically in a position of power. So suck it." The system had, of course, gotten thest word as usual. [System Notification: Oh, look at you! You went from being a nobody to slightly less of a nobody] [-50 Self-Esteem] --- Noah grimaced as he swung his ice spear again, focusing on the motion. He might have lost that argument, but the system, for once, had acknowledged his growth. Maybe not directly, but it had opened the door to something much more significant than simple skills. "Runic abilities, huh¡­" Noah muttered to himself, switching the grip on his spear as he spun it behind his back. The ice spear cut through the air again, perfectly aligned with his movements. The system had actually praised him in its own roundabout way, recognizing his improvements in both strength and magic proficiency. For that reason, it had unlocked a part of the shop where he could purchase abilities tied to ancient runes, abilities that transcended the normal limitations of magic. But they didn''te cheap. He needed points¡ªlots of them. Noah took a quick break, his chest heaving from the strain of training. He grabbed a water bottle from his bag and gulped it down, his mind already calcting how many points he had earned. The system rewarded him with points every time he trained, and the longer he trained, the more points he received. [System Notification: Training for 20 minutes¡­ Reward: 50 points] [Training for 30 minutes¡­ Reward: 100 points] [Training for 1 hour¡­ Reward: 250 points] Noah wiped the sweat from his forehead and checked his current points. He was sitting at 875. "Almost there¡­" he muttered. The ability he had his eye on required 1000 points, and he was determined to get it today. He stood up, stretching his limbs and rolling his neck. He needed to keep going, just a bit longer. Gripping the ice spear tightly again, he resumed his training. This time, his movements were more forceful, the spear whistling louder through the air as he pushed himself harder. His strikes were sharper, his footwork faster, as he poured every ounce of concentration into his training. He visualized an opponent before him, ducking, dodging, and retaliating with rapid stabs of his ice spear. His magic flowed effortlessly, enhancing each strike with bursts of icy wind. The room grew colder as frost spread across the floor, crackling under his feet with each movement. Noah''s muscles burned with fatigue, but he ignored the pain. He could feel the system watching, keeping track of his progress, waiting to reward him. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the system chimed again. [System Notification: Training time increased!] [875 + 125 = 1000 points earned] [Reward granted!] Noah stopped mid-swing, panting heavily as he let the spear rest on the ground. He had done it. He had reached 1000 points. But before he could celebrate, the system chimed in again, this time with its usual snark. [System Notification: Well, well¡­ look at you, actually achieving something. I''m almost impressed!] Noah rolled his eyes. "You''re really testing me today, you know that?" [System Notification: Aww, poor Noah] Ignoring the insult, Noah wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel and muttered, "Status window." At hismand, a translucent window appeared before him, disying a variety of magical abilities avable for purchase. The runic abilities section glowed faintly, highlighting the new options now avable. He scrolled through the list, reading them aloud as he considered his choices. "[Icebound Fury]: Enhances all ice-based attacks, doubling their damage for a limited time. Duration: 5 minutes. Cooldown: 1 hour." "[Runic Echo]: Allows the caster to leave a magical imprint of a spell that activates after a dyed time. Perfect for setting traps or confusing opponents." Noah''s eyes lingered on thest one, his curiosity piqued. "[Eyes of the Abyss]: Grants the user the ability to see demonic energy and measure the corruption levels of individuals. The more corrupted a person is, the clearer the reading." He leaned back, considering the implications of that ability. It wasn''t just a tool for seeing spirits, which the original Noah had already been able to do¡ªit went much deeper. It allowed him to see the very essence of corruption in someone''s soul. With this ability, he would be able to detect hidden threats, people who were tainted by demonic influence. But there was a downside. The ability consumed arge amount of mana, draining him significantly after each use. Worse, it only allowed for three uses per day, and it could only be applied to one individual at a time. Still, it was a game-changer. Something like this could be invaluable in an academy like Ravenwood, where corruption lurked in unexpected ces. Noah nodded to himself. "This is it." Without hesitation, he selected the ability and confirmed the purchase. [System Notification: [Eyes of the Abyss] purchased] [Current level: 1] As soon as the transactionpleted, Noah felt a slight shift in his vision, a faint glow at the edges of his sight, as if the world around him had be sharper, clearer. The system''s interface vanished, and he stood there, gripping his ice spear, feeling the weight of his new power. Noah smiled, wiping thest of the sweat from his forehead with the towel. "Not bad¡­" he muttered to himself, ncing around the room. He could already feel the difference, the subtle enhancement in his magic. As he exhaled deeply, the satisfaction of his hard work settling in, the system chimed onest time. [System Notification: Congrattions, Noah! You have sessfully made a semi-decent choice!] Noah snorted, flipping his middle finger again toward the empty air. "You really don''t know when to quit, do you?" He tossed the towel over his shoulder, a sense of aplishment filling him. Chapter 96: Rewards [2] The evening glow of the town center was fading, reced by the dim lights of the streetmps and the soft hum of activity from various establishments. Among them, a small, dimly lit tavern bustled with theughter and conversation of noble students from Ravenwood Academy, their refined robes and zers contrasting sharply with their uncouth behavior. The ce smelled of ale and the clinking of sses and mugs a constant backdrop to the low hum of voices. Seated around arge table in the corner, a group of young nobles were indulging in the pleasures of the evening. Their faces flushed with drink, they leaned in close to each other, theirughter punctuated by the asional crudement. "Did you see that girl in the town square today?" one of them, a broad-shouldered boy with slicked-back hair, slurred, grinning widely. "Amoner, but gods, she was prettier than my fianc¨¦e. Think her name was... what, Mira? I swear, some of thesemoners are wasted in their little hovels." Another noble, thinner and with a smirk permanently etched on his face, leaned in closer. "Mira, huh? Sounds like fun. Honestly, who needs their noble fianc¨¦es when themoners are willing to do anything for a few gold coins? Their parents practically throw them at you if you offer enough." They allughed, the kind ofughter that dripped with malice and entitlement. The subject shifted between their ns to seduce¡ªor more urately, to purchase¡ªthe affections of variousmoner girls they had encountered. "Tell me about it!" one noble eximed, raising his mug. "You offer a few coins, and their fathers are lining up to sell their daughters. A few nights of fun, and then you can just move on to the next one. They know their ce." The group erupted into another round of vileughter, several of them exchanging stories of the women they had seen, objectifying every detail. Their conversations grew more lewd, more disgusting with every passing moment. At that very moment, the door to the tavern creaked open, and a figure stepped inside, her presence causing the conversation at the nobles'' table to falter briefly. Amy entered the room, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Dressed in her Blessed Sage uniform, she exuded an aura of authority and power, and it was clear that she did not belong in a ce like this. The nobles quicklyposed themselves as she made her way over to the table. One of them, Caleb, noticed her first. His dark hair fellzily over his forehead as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming with drunken amusement. He nudged the noble next to him and smirked. "Well, well, if it isn''t the blessed hottie herself," Caleb drawled, his words slow and mocking. He looked Amy up and down in a way that made her skin crawl. "What brings you to grace us with your presence, huh?" Amy stood tall, her arms crossed over her chest. Her face remained unreadable, though she couldn''t hide the disdain that flickered in her eyes. "Caleb," she greeted curtly, ignoring the way he had addressed her. She could smell the alcohol on him even from where she stood. "Congrattions on making it into S-ss," Caleb sneered, his grin widening. "Living the dream at Ravenwood, aren''t you? Must be nice, being the top dog now." Amy felt a wave of disgust roll through her at his tone and the way he stared at her, as if she were nothing more than a prize. His eyes lingered far too long, and it took all her restraint not to unleash her magic and wipe that smirk off his face. "Where''s your bodyguard?" Caleb asked with a mocking snicker. "Not the wisest choice, walking into a ce like this all alone, is it?" His gaze grew hungrier, his voice dripping with suggestion. "Not that I''mining, of course." Amy''s blood boiled, her fists tightening at her sides as her eyes narrowed on Caleb. The air around her seemed to chill, her magic stirring as her anger rose. "Watch your tongue, Caleb," she said coldly. "Or I might remove it for you." Caleb chuckled, though hisughter wavered slightly at the edge of Amy''s bloodlust. He raised his hands in mock surrender, still grinning, though his tone became more guarded. "Whoa there, no need for that. Lower the bloodlust, sweetheart. I can feel it from over here." He leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. "So, why did youe over here, huh? Clearly, you need something if you''re willing toe into this little den of sin. What''s a girl like you need from a guy like me?" ''I hate men like him...but I have no choice, he does owe me a favour...'' Amy thought. Amy''s re didn''t waver as she spoke, her voice as cold as ice. "I need your help." Caleb''s grin faltered. "Help with what?" Amy took a breath before answering, her tone measured. "Getting rid of Noah Ashbourne." At the mention of Noah''s name, Caleb''s face darkened, his expression twisting with anger. He sat up straight, the casual drunken air around him disappearing as his eyes narrowed. "Noah¡­ that bastard," he muttered. His voice dripped with venom. "He''s the one who got my mates, Tristan and Cedric, suspended. All because of him." Amy didn''t respond to his anger. Instead, she watched him, knowing she had struck a chord. "I saw the way you were looking at him in the hall during the results," she said calmly. "You hate him. And for good reason..." Caleb clenched his jaw, his fingers digging into the table as memories of the results hall shed through his mind. Seeing Noah standing there, so smug in that red zer, had made his blood boil. How could someone like Noah, someone so beneath him, be ced in A-ss? Caleb had been in the academy longer, had more connections, more power, yet there Noah stood, overshadowing him. "Yeah, I hate him," Caleb muttered darkly. "He thinks he''s better than us, better than me. But he''ll pay for it. I swear, I''ll make sure of that." Amy raised an eyebrow, a small smile ying at the corner of her lips. "Then we have something inmon...atleast for now" Caleb blinked, caught off guard by her statement. "What''s your angle, Amy? What do you get out of this?" Amy''s expression hardened, her smile fading. "Nothing much," she replied. "Just getting rid of unnecessary attention...." Caleb eyed her suspiciously, his mind racing. He knew Amy wasn''t someone who yed games lightly. If she wanted Noah gone, there had to be something more to it. But for now, all he cared about was the opportunity to get back at Noah. Chapter 97: Uncertain [1] Noah stood in the middle of the dimly lit special training room, his grip tight around the ice spear in his hand. The sharp cold of the weapon radiated through his fingers, but he barely noticed it anymore. His movements were fluid and precise as he swung the spear in wide arcs, the weapon cutting through the air with a satisfying hiss. Each strike, each motion was deliberate, part of a rhythm he''d been honing for hours. Yet, despite his focus on training, his mind was racing with thoughts that he couldn''t shake off. "Am I really stuck here?" he whispered to himself, the words carried away by the emptiness of the room. Noah had longe to terms with the fact that he had been dragged into the world of a game, a world he hadn''t created but now had to survive in. However, it wasn''t just survival that was on his mind anymore. He was realizing, day by day, that being a bystander in this world wasn''t enough. Not if he wanted to live. Not if he wanted to avoid the inevitable fate of being cast aside by the game''s mechanics, doomed to perish without so much as a second thought from the narrative. "Kill the main characters¡­ or die trying, huh?" he muttered, tightening his grip on the spear as he resumed his training. The spear followed a set path, each strike identical to thest, his focus unwavering. But his thoughts were far from clear. He could feel it¡ªthe pressure of the story forcing him into a corner. He wasn''t like Xander, Amy, or the other major yers. They were destined for greatness, locked in the path to be heroes, viins, or whatever role the game demanded of them. But Noah? He was insignificant, an anomaly that shouldn''t have been part of this world to begin with. "After the second act...the game will take the [Hell Mode] route... And that''s where Draven begins to y his part..." In Hell Mode, the world itself wouldn''t hesitate to throw him away like a piece of discarded trash. "Surviving in Hell Mode..." Noah repeated bitterly as he struck again with the spear, each swing carrying more force than thest. "It''s not even about living anymore. The game won''t care. Hell Mode doesn''t care." Noah knew that in this mode, death wasn''t just an option¡ªit was an inevitability. Every time he felt like he had gained some ground, something would happen to remind him of just how dangerous this world was. The corrupt forces, the looming apocalypse, the factions battling for control¡ªall of it made the game''s mechanics seem irrelevant. And Noah? He was caught in the middle of it all, bncing on a razor''s edge. "But if I don''t act," he muttered, his breathing in short gasps from the exertion of his training, "if I don''t kill them, the world is done for." This was the crux of his dilemma. On the one hand, he knew that the main characters held the power to either save or destroy the world. And with the way the narrative was progressing, it was bing more and more likely that they would end up destroying everything. It was the ssic descent into darkness, where even the brightest heroes fell, consumed by their own ambitions or tragic ws. He''d seen it before in games, read it in books, watched it unfold in movies. Hell, he knew this was how the game was supposed to y out. "Should I really be the one to stop them?" Noah asked aloud, stabbing the spear into the ground and leaning against it for support. "What happens if I kill them? Will the world even make sense after that?" Noah had no idea. It wasn''t like this was some sandbox game where he could just take out whoever he wanted and the world would adjust ordingly. There was no guarantee that things would be better if the main characters were gone. For all he knew, taking them out could lead to an even worse disaster, or the game might copse on itself, dragging him down with it. And yet, doing nothing was not an option either. "I''m not important to this world. I was never supposed to be here in the first ce," Noah muttered to himself, his voice tinged with frustration. "If I die, the game won''t even flinch. I''ll be forgotten. But them?" He thought of Amy, Xander, Ariana, and the others. "They''re central to the story. They matter. The game cares about them, but not about me." He could feel his frustration boiling over. How was it fair that his life hinged on the whims of characters that were never supposed to meet him in the first ce? It wasn''t fair. None of this was. The system chimed in suddenly, snapping him out of his thoughts. [System Notice: "Are you sulking, yer? Because it sounds like you''re sulking."] Noah rolled his eyes, groaning inwardly. "Can''t you just stay quiet for once?" [System Response: "I could. But that would be boring, and we both know I exist to make your life more interesting."] Noah swung the spear again, this time with more force than necessary, imagining it was the system''s smug interface he was slicing through. "Interesting for you, maybe. I''m the one stuck here, remember?" [System Notice: "Correction: You''re the one failing here. Don''t get ahead of yourself. You did well in the exams, yes, but you still have a long way to go. Let''s not pretend you''re some sort of genius now."] "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," Noah muttered sarcastically. [System Notice: "Oh, don''t get all pouty now. On the bright side, you''ve actually improved your strength and magic proficiency significantly. I have to say, I''m almost impressed. Almost."] Noah blinked in surprise. "Wait... was that apliment?" [System Response: "Don''t push it, yer."] He couldn''t help but chuckle despite himself. The system was always infuriating, but at least it kept him on his toes. "Whatever. You can keep mocking me all you want, but I''m doing what I can to survive in this world. I''m still here, aren''t I?" [System Notice: "Barely. But yes, you''re still here.] Suddenly, the sound of the heavy door creaking open echoed through the chamber. Noah''s senses immediately sharpened, and he turned his head slightly, peering through the dim light to see who had entered. Xander. The so-called main character of the game, with his striking white hair and piercing blue eyes, casually stepped into the room. He moved with a grace that belied his power, his tall figure casting a long shadow across the training floor. Noah tensed immediately. Of all people, Xander was thest person he wanted to see right now. Xander barely nced around the room before his gaze fell on Noah, as if sensing his presence immediately. There was no acknowledgment, no greeting, just the quiet, palpable tension between them as Xander crossed the space with an air of confidence. Noah could feel the weight of his presence like a storm gathering on the horizon. Without a word, Xander made his way over to the collection of weapons disyed on the wall. His hand hovered over the des, fingers lightly grazing the handles, before he finally settled on a long, silver-edged sword. He unsheathed it with a fluid motion, the sharp ring of the de filling the room as he held it up to inspect it. In the distance, Noah watched, his grip tightening around the ice spear. His breathing wasbored, his muscles aching from the intense practice, but he didn''t take his eyes off Xander. There was something unsettling about him¡ªsomething that made Noah''s instincts scream to be on guard. Xander took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling steadily as he adjusted his grip on the sword. He exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable as he prepared himself. Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he turned his head slightly and locked eyes with Noah. For a moment, the room seemed to freeze. The tension between them became tangible, almost suffocating. Noah''s re was sharp, his eyes filled with a mixture of wariness and hostility. He didn''t know what Xander wanted, but every fiber of his being told him to be ready for anything. Xander, however, remained calm. Discover more stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin His blue eyes were focused, cool, and calcting. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, revealing the lean, muscr arms beneath, the small movement deliberate and measured. He unbuttoned the top of his shirt, as if preparing himself for something more serious. And then, without a word, Xander raised the sword. He straightened his arm, pointing the de directly at Noah. Noah clenched his ice spear harder, his knuckles whitening as his breath came out in sharp, cold puffs. His body was exhausted, but the adrenaline surging through him now kept him on edge, ready to react. His breaths were a strange mix of hot and cold, the result of the icy magic he had been channeling throughout his training. The two of them stood there, neither saying a word, the atmosphere between them thick with unspoken challenge. Xander''s sword remained steady, pointed directly at Noah. Chapter 98: Uncertain [2] The room was silent, save for the subtle hum of mana in the air. Noah remained still, his eyes darting around, trying to anticipate Xander''s next move. One moment he had been there, and the next, he was gone¡ªvanished, as if he''d dissolved into thin air. Noah''s senses screamed danger. ''Where the hell did he go?'' Noah''s mind raced, his body instinctively moving on its own, driven by survival instincts honed through constant training. He quickly angled his ice spear diagonally in front of him, bracing for impact. A split secondter, Xander reappeared¡ªhis eyes glowing a dangerous shade of blue, the intensity in them almost murderous. The sound of steel meeting ice echoed through the room as Xander''s sword collided with Noah''s spear, sending a powerful shockwave of air rippling outward. The force of the impact sent a groan through Noah''s body as he gritted his teeth, his fingers trembling under the weight of the attack. "Shit," Noah muttered under his breath, his hands stinging from the blow. ''This guy''s insane!'' He could feel the ice spear cracking under the force, threatening to shatter. But he wasn''t about to let that happen. Reacting quickly, Noah funneled mana into his weapon, reinforcing the ice and creating a secondyer that spread over the shaft, darkening it into a deep, almost ck-blue hue. Even his hands were covered in the thick frost, serving both to protect them and to enhance his grip on the spear. The chill seeped into his bones, but he weed it. Anything was better than having his fingers broken under Xander''s assault. "What the hell are you trying to do?" Noah growled, ring at Xander, who stood across from him with that same eerie glow in his eyes. His sword, steady as ever, didn''t so much as tremble. Xander was serious. His blows weren''t the kind that you walked away from unscathed. Xander didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he smiled¡ªa calm, almost innocent smile, like he hadn''t just tried to take Noah''s head off. He jumped back, distancing himself from Noah, his bodynguage now rxed, as if the killing intent that had just filled the room never existed in the first ce. "Do you want to spar?" Xander asked, his smile widening. He tilted his head slightly, like a child who''d just asked to y a game. Noah blinked, his mind struggling to process the sudden shift in Xander''s demeanor. "Wait, what?" He narrowed his eyes, still on guard. Just moments ago, Xander''s bloodlust had been palpable, and now¡­now he was just smiling? Was this guy bipr or something? ''This bastard just tried to kill me a second ago, and now he wants to spar?'' Noah thought, his disbelief almost audible in the still air of the room. He knew the type of person Xander was...and that particr trait is what made Xander unpredicatble. He could instantly switch emotions and the mood without effort whatsoever. "You''re joking, right?" Noah asked, still gripping his spear tightly. He didn''t drop his guard for a second. Xander chuckled lightly, his blue eyes no longer glowing with the same intensity as before. He stretched his arms out and rolled his shoulders, then straightened himself and adjusted his sword, spinning itzily in his hand. "Come on," Xander said. "I just figured you might be up for it. You''re in the special training room, after all." He shrugged as if his logic waspletely sound. "You''ve got ess to this ce, and so do I. I got ced in S-ss, so I thought I''d check it out." Noah let out an exasperated sigh, already tired of the conversation. He could feel a headache forming at the base of his skull. "There are literally dozens of other training cubes avable," Noah said, waving Xander off. "Go bother someone else, alright? I''m not in the mood." Xander squatted down, resting his sword across his shoulders as he pouted slightly. "Aw, don''t be like that," he said, his voice dropping into a childlike whine. "Come on, spar with meeee¡­" Noah shot him a t look, turning to leave as he mumbled to himself, "Why do I always attract the crazies?" His body was still tense, his muscles sore from hours of practice, and thest thing he needed was to get into a fight with a battle junkie like Xander. Because that''s exactly what Xander was. Noah knew his type¡ªhe''d seen it on the screen a hundred times. Xander lived forbat, for the thrill of a good fight. He could turn a friendly sparring match into a full-blown war zone without even realizing it, and that kind of recklessness was dangerous. Noah could already picture himself in a freaking wheelchair if he indulged this guy''s whims. Hell, it''d be over for him if he got injured now. There were too many variables in y, too many people who would love to take advantage of his weakened state. "No thanks," Noah said, cutting off any further protest from Xander. "Find someone else to indulge your battle fetish. I''m not interested." Xander, still squatting with the sword over his shoulders, gave him a forlorn look like a kid whose toy had just been taken away. "Come on¡­just a quick one. You''ve got some skill with that ice spear, right? It could be fun¡­" ''Yeah, fun for you, maybe.'' Noah nced over his shoulder at Xander, who still hadn''t budged. His posture was rxed, but Noah could sense the tension behind his movements, the energy he was holding back. Xander wanted to fight¡ª''needed'' to fight, even. It was written all over his face. But Noah wasn''t stupid enough to take that bait. "Look, just go find someone in the other cubes," Noah said, pointing toward the door. "There are plenty of people around here who''d love to spar with you. I''m sure they''ll line up just to say they fought the great Xander from S-ss. Knock yourself out." Xander''s shoulders slumped dramatically, and he let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "You''re no fun," he muttered, standing up and sheathing his sword. For a moment, Noah thought he might actually leave. But instead, Xander lingered, watching Noah with an unreadable expression. Chapter 99: Uncertain [3] Xander let out a dramatic "boo" as Noah waved him off, but his teasing quickly turned into a more respectful nod. "Alright, alright," Xander said, shrugging. "I respect your decision. But you know, Noah¡­" He paused, his expression softening into something more contemtive. "I actually envy you." Noah, halfway toward the exit, stopped in his tracks and raised an eyebrow. "Envy? Me? Why?" Xander leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his sword still hanging loosely at his side. "Despite being in aa for an entire semester, you still managed to get into A-ss. On top of that, you''ve been in more scandals and fatal situations than I can count, and now you''re part of the vanguard." He shook his head, a smirk ying on his lips. "It''s almost like you have the entire world''s time in your hands." Noah blinked, a little taken aback by Xander''s words. He hadn''t thought of it that way before. Sure, his life had been a chaotic mess since he''d transmigrated into this world, but he''d never felt like he had control¡ªleast of all over time. For a moment, there was silence between them, the weight of Xander''s words lingering in the air. Xander looked up at the ceiling, his eyes clouded with thoughts that seemed distant, almost wistful. Then, as if it had been gnawing at him for a while, he asked, "Noah¡­ what do you want more than anything in this world?" Noah stood frozen for a moment. What kind of question was that? He didn''t know how to answer. There were so many things he wanted¡ªsurvival, a way out of this game, to avoid bing another viin in the grand scheme of the storyline. But¡­ more than anything? "I¡­ don''t know," Noah finally admitted, his voice low. "There''s a lot I want to aplish. But if you''re asking me to pick just one thing¡­" He trailed off, unsure how to finish that sentence. Xander chuckled softly, nodding as if he understood. "I respect that," he said. "A man of many deeds is worth more than someone who''s constant¡ªsomeone who isn''t moving forward in life." Noah nced at Xander, trying to gauge his mood. There was something heavier in his tone now, something more personal. Xander straightened up, his smile gone, reced with a more serious expression. "Let me ask you something else, then. What would you do if you had the concept of time in your hands? If you could bend it, shape it however you wanted?" The question hung in the air, heavy and profound. Noah blinked again, trying to process the depth of what Xander had just asked. ''Time?'' Noah thought. Controlling time was something no one¡ªnot even the professors at Ravenwood¡ªhad ever fully understood. It was one of those abstract concepts, something that felt too big for any one person to grasp. "I don''t need an answer," Xander said, cutting through Noah''s thoughts. "But think about it. Time holds everything. Every second that passes carries the weight of our lives, our decisions, the people we love, the responsibilities we have." He let out a breath, as if the very thought of it was exhausting. "And yet, despite everything I do¡ªtraining, studying, carrying out my duties as a student council member, fulfilling tasks from the academy, helping out with family matters¡ªit feels like it''s never enough. Time slips away, and no matter how much I push myself, I always feel like I''m running out." Noah''s eyes narrowed slightly. Xander was baring more than just his thoughts¡ªhe was sharing a vulnerability, something people didn''t usually see in the confident and battle-hungry figure whomanded respect in Ravenwood. Xander paused, as if debating whether to continue. His voice dropped, barely above a whisper. "...there''s always more to do, more to take care of." Noah''s chest tightened. He knew exactly what Xander was thinking or rather talking about....his sick and bedridden father whose health had been declining for some time. Xander, despite his youthful energy, carried a lot more weight on his shoulders than most people realized. Xander looked away, his eyes distant again. "Sometimes I wish I could control time. Not to go back or change anything, but just¡­ to slow it down. To make it stop, just for a moment, so I could breathe. So I could enjoy something¡ªanything¡ªwithout feeling like I''m losing precious seconds." He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "But time doesn''t work like that. It keeps moving, dragging you along whether you''re ready or not. And no matter how hard you try, you can''t escape it." Noah listened quietly, feeling the weight of Xander''s words settle deep in his chest. He hadn''t expected this conversation to turn so serious, but now that it had, he couldn''t help but think about his own situation. He had been thrown into this world without warning, forced to live someone else''s life. Time felt like a ticking bomb for him too, each second bringing him closer to an inevitable end he was desperate to avoid. Xander let out a nervousugh, scratching the back of his head. "Ah, listen to me, rambling on like this. I sound like an old man." He smiled, but there was a hollowness to it. "Anyway, thanks for humoring me, Noah. You should probably get back to your training." With that, Xander turned and walked toward the exit, his footsteps echoing in the now-silent room. He stopped at the door, ncing back over his shoulder with a small smile. "Take care of yourself, alright?" And then he was gone. Noah stood there for a moment, processing everything that had just happened. Then, almost instinctively, he activated his runic ability. The unfamiliar chill of the [Eyes of the Abyss] settled over him as the system responded. [Analyzing Target: Xander Frost¡­] A string of information shed before his eyes, and the system''s conclusion was chilling. [Corruption Rate: 37%] Noah''s stomach dropped. ''It''s happening,'' he thought, just like Eun-ji had warned him. Xander was falling into the trap¡ªinto the darkness that sought to corrupt him. And his weakness? Time. Or rather, theck of it. The weight of responsibilities, the constant pressure, the feeling of being pulled in a thousand directions¡ªit was starting to wear on him, chipping away at his sanity little by little. Noah knew what this meant. Xander, with all his strength, with all his potential, was vulnerable. Sooner orter, he would seek out the one thing he couldn''t have: control over time. And if that desire grew strong enough¡­ it would lead him down a dark, dangerous path. Time was a concept no one had mastered, not even the greatest professors at Ravenwood. It was elusive, powerful, and dangerous. But for someone like Xander, who felt its pressure more than most, it could be an obsession¡ªone that could destroy him. Noah let out a long, frustrated sigh as he copsed onto the bench. He rubbed his temples, the tension in his body finally catching up to him. "This is so fucking frustrating¡­" he muttered under his breath. As if surviving wasn''t hard enough, now he had to worry about the main character spiraling into madness. Great. Just great. Chapter 100: Burden [1] Maya stood in Professor Jacob''s office, catching her breath as she wiped the sweat from her brow. The room was a mess¡ªpapers strewn across the floor, books stacked precariously, and the professor''s scattered notes covering every avable surface. Her hands trembled slightly from exhaustion, but she powered through, determined to finish the task. "Just a little more," she muttered under her breath, her fingers crumpling a stray page as she sorted through the chaotic piles. As she neatly organized the professor''s desk, she nced out the window and sighed. "I hope Noah''s eaten¡­ He forgets sometimes." Noah was always running off, getting lost in his own world of training and responsibilities. Maya couldn''t help but worry about him. He might have been sharp and capable in many ways, but his tendency to neglect basic things¡ªlike food¡ªwas one of his worst habits. Her thoughts lingered on him for a moment, her heart tugging gently. Shaking her head, she forced herself back into focus. She couldn''t afford distractions, not with so much work left. Soon, she reminded herself, she''d be done being a professor''s assistant. Just a few more weeks of hard work, and she''d earn the final bit of ie to cover her tuition for the next semester. From there, she could focus on acquiring a schrship. She was so close, so painfully close to the future she had been working toward. As she sorted through thest pile of papers, something strange began to happen. A sudden shift¡ªso subtle at first¡ªgripped her senses. Her head felt as if it was shaking, but not of her own ord. It wasn''t like dizziness or fatigue; it felt as though her mind was being twisted, like reality was warping around her. She blinked, trying to steady herself, but the office she was so familiar with suddenly turned into a dark, gloomy room. The walls around her cracked and decayed before her very eyes, peeling to reveal smeared bloodstains and the grotesque sight of broken furniture. Bodies¡ªdistorted and facelessy scattered across the floor, their limbs unnaturally twisted. The pungent smell of rot filled her nose, causing her stomach to churn. Maya stumbled backward, gasping, her body trembling uncontrobly. "What... what is this?" she whispered, clutching her chest. Her heart raced, thudding against her ribcage. This wasn''t real, it couldn''t be real. But it felt so vivid. Every detail¡ªthe rancid air, the horrifying scene in front of her¡ªit felt as real as anything she''d ever known. Just as quickly as it hade, the vision snapped away. The office returned to its usual state: the familiar dimly lit room, the professor''s desk untouched, the papers and books scattered as they always were. The chandelier above her swayed slightly, catching her attention. She blinked, focusing on it. It was shaking. Was she going insane? Her legs gave way, and she fell to the floor, pulling down a stack of papers and books with her. She scrambled to her feet, her breath shallow and panicked, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Her eyes darted to the window. The wind was blowing fiercely, causing the chandelier to swing and shake violently. Maya''s chest tightened with a mix of relief and confusion. "It was just the wind¡­" she whispered. Just the wind." But deep down, she knew it hadn''t been ''just'' the wind. She had seen something¡ªsomething terrifying, something real in its own way. Was she truly losing her mind? Her mother''s voice echoed faintly in her mind. "You must always keep your mind strong, Maya. You have a weak mental fortitude, but that''s why you must pray to the gods. You need their protection more than others." Maya clenched her fists, steadying her breathing. Her mother had always told her that. Even as a child, Maya had experienced strange shifts in reality¡ªmoments where she couldn''t tell what was real and what wasn''t. Her mother had always encouraged her to pray, to seek guidance from the gods, but even then, it hadn''t been enough. Was it catching up to her now? She wasn''t a child anymore, but the lines between reality and illusion were blurring more than ever before. And she feared it was only getting worse. "That''s why I''m working so hard," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling with frustration. "That''s why I need this schrship, this education. I need to find a way to cure this¡­ this illness." It was a secret she had carried with her all her life. She had never told anyone at not even Noah, who she trusted more than anyone. But the truth was, Maya had always been afraid that one day she would lose her grip on reality entirely. She stood up, shaking her head to clear the lingering doubt. ''You''re not crazy,'' she told herself. ''You''re just tired. Exhausted.'' That''s when it happened. The window she had left open earlier suddenly mmed shut, and the wind that had been blowing through the room was cut off in an instant. The silence that followed felt deafening. Maya closed the window quickly, hoping to regain some semnce of normalcy. She took a deep breath and turned back to the mess on the floor, kneeling to pick up the fallen books and papers. But as she reached for them, she heard the door to the office creak open behind her. "Oh¡­ Professor Jacob, I just fin¡ª" she began, turning her head. Her words froze in her throat. A hooded figure stood in the doorway, their face obscured by shadow. Before Maya could react, the figure moved with lightning speed, crossing the room in an instant. Panic surged through her, but it was toote. The figure grabbed her and pinned her down forcefully, and with a swift motion, injected something into her neck. Maya gasped as the cold liquid from the syringe seeped into her veins. Her vision blurred immediately, the world around her bing distorted and dark once more. Her legs gave out, and she copsed to the floor, her head striking the hard ground with a painful thud. Thest thing she saw before her vision fadedpletely was the faint outline of the hooded figure standing over her, their presence ominous and overwhelming. And then, everything went ck. Chapter 101: Burden [2] In the dimly lit room, shadows clung to every corner, rendering the space undefined and ethereal. The only thing glinting in the scarce moonlight was a pocket watch¡ªa delicate, polished piece¡ªdangling loosely from Professor Jacob''s hand as he stood near a tall, narrow window. His figure seemed worn, his once-slick blonde hair now messy, falling loosely over his forehead. His shirt, usually buttoned to the cor, was undone, his tie half-draped around his neck, hanging like a forgotten remnant of a more put-together version of himself. Jacob''s sharp gaze was distant as he stared out into the vastness beyond the window, though the world outside was dark and concealed in shadows. His grip tightened slightly around the pocket watch as memories he had long tried to suppress began to resurface, ying vividly in his mind. His heart tugged at the thought of Sarah. She was always a vision of brightness in his life. He remembered the first time he saw her at Ravenwood, her auburn hair catching the sunlight like fire as she walked through the grand halls, holding a stack of books. Even then, she had a way of smiling at the smallest things¡ªa knowing smile, like she understood a joke the world hadn''t yet told. Jacob''s lips twitched, almost smiling at the memory of her teasingughter. The two of them had been professors at Ravenwood together, crossing paths frequently in the corridors, in the library, and in the staff meetings that Jacob often found dull. Sarah, on the other hand, loved every second of it¡ªat least, that''s how it appeared to him. Every time she found something amusing orugh-worthy, she''d make sure he knew it. He could still hear her voice in his mind as if it were happening again, the way she''d tease him. "You look like you''ve just endured the longest lecture of your life," she''d say,ughing gently. "I was the one giving it." Jacob would respond, with his usual dry, nonchnt tone, though he could never suppress the slight smirk that would form at the corner of his lips whenever he saw her light up like that. She always found a way to get him to smile, even when he didn''t want to. One afternoon stood out in particr. They''d been sitting on one of the stone benches in Ravenwood''s lush garden after a long day of sses. The sun was low in the sky, casting an amber glow over the academy grounds. Sarah had leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder, herughter still ringing in his ears from something funny she had said earlier¡ªsomething he''d forgotten but still remembered how it made him feel. "Do you think the students know how terrifying you are when you teach?" she teased, yfully nudging him. "They do," he replied dryly, raising an eyebrow. "It''s a survival tactic, you see. The less they know about me being remotely human, the better." Sarah had burst intoughter, her head thrown back in that carefree, joyful way she always did. And he, like a fool smitten with love, had watched her with silent admiration. Every time sheughed, something in him stirred¡ªa warmth he rarely acknowledged but always felt around her. He had loved her in ways he couldn''t always show. Jacob had never been the most expressive person, not with words. But Sarah had always understood. They found theirnguage in moments like those, in the quiet touches, in the stolen nces, in the way she''d take his hand while they walked through Ravenwood''s hallste at night, long after the students had gone. But then, like all things precious in life, that happiness had been ripped from him. The ident¡ªJacob winced as the memory darkened, the image of Sarah slipping from his grasp. He wasn''t there when it happened, and that haunted him more than anything. It had been a clear night, much like this one, when she had gone up to one of the towers to clear her mind. The details were never fully clear to him, and no one at Ravenwood had given him a satisfactory answer. She had fallen from one of the highest towers. Her body was found on the cold stone courtyard below, lying in a pool of blood, her limbs twisted unnaturally. They told him she died instantly, that she hadn''t suffered, but he wasn''t sure whether to believe them. All he remembered was running, hearing themotion and feeling the dread rise in his throat, and when he saw her¡ªwhen he saw what had be of the love of his life¡ªhis world shattered. Everything after that was a blur. Jacob closed his eyes, squeezing the pocket watch tightly, forcing back the raw ache that gnawed at his chest. He rarely let himself think about it, about her. But tonight, the memories had broken through, and he couldn''t stop them. He lifted the pocket watch and flicked open the smallpartment at the back. Inside was a portrait of Sarah, smiling softly, her auburn hair cascading in waves over her shoulders. Her eyes were bright, full of life, and her lips curved into that sweet, knowing smile that he''d fallen in love with. It was the only picture he carried with him, the only one that felt like her. Her beauty had always been effortless, radiant. The kind of beauty that didn''t juste from her appearance but from the way she moved, the way she cared about others, the way she saw the world with such boundless optimism. She had been everything Jacob wasn''t¡ªwarm, open, endlesslypassionate¡ªand that was exactly why he had loved her. He pulled off his sses and wiped his eyes, not caring if anyone saw his moment of weakness. Not that anyone would. He was alone, after all. He reced his sses and stared out the window, his vision blurring as his mind drifted back to Sarah, to herughter, to her smile. "I should have told you more often," he whispered, his voice rough from the emotion he usually suppressed. "I should have shown you more. But I did love you¡­ I still do." Chapter 102: Burden [3] The moonlight glinted off the ss of the pocket watch as he closed it gently, slipping it back into his pocket. His gaze lingered on the night sky, the stars barely visible through the clouds. He pressed his hand against the cold ss of the window, his heart heavy with the weight of time and loss. "It''s only a matter of time now, my love," Jacob murmured quietly, his breath fogging the window slightly as he spoke. "Wait for me¡­" He let the silence hang in the air for a moment, then turned away from the window, his expression once again calm,posed. But inside, the storm of memories continued to rage, and the clock kept ticking. *** Outside the Constetion Church, the sun had just begun to set, casting a warm glow over the stone steps leading up to the grand structure. The church itself stood tall, its spire reaching towards the sky as if trying to touch the stars themselves. Vines of ivy curled around the edges of the stone walls, and the stained-ss windows gleamed faintly in the fading light. Inside, the atmosphere was quiet and reverent. The air carried the faint scent of incense, and the gentle flickering of candlelight bathed the room in a soft, ethereal glow. Threerge stained-ss windows dominated the far wall, each one made of intricately shaped pieces of ss in a myriad of colors. They came together to depict the three constetions that granted blessings¡ªthe Constetion of the Sword, the Constetion of Elements, and the Constetion of Technique. At the altar, a figure knelt, head bowed. Ariana Snow. Her long blonde hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her pale blue eyes were fixed on the ground in solemn prayer. Her voice was quiet but steady as she spoke, the ancientnguage of the old prayers falling softly from her lips. "Almighty stars, grant me strength, I beseech thee." Her hands were sped tightly together in herp, fingers woven in a silent plea. "Shower thy blessings upon thy humble servant." Her heart pounded in her chest, and she closed her eyes, her breath shallow as she prayed for guidance. "Guide me, O celestial beings, for I am lost without thy light." There was a stillness in the room, a silence that felt bothforting and oppressive. Ariana paused in her prayer, her thoughts drifting, unbidden, to him. The boy with ck hair and golden eyes. His eyes always seemed to glow, bright and sharp, whenever he looked her way. A small blush crept up her cheeks, and she pressed her palms against her face, trying topose herself. "Foolish," she whispered to herself, pushing her cheeks together as if the pressure could somehow shake away the thoughts. But as quickly as the warmth spread across her face, it faded into something more serious, something that tugged at her heart. She lifted her gaze to the stained-ss windows before her, the vibrant colors of the gods depicted in their celestial forms. "Why doesn''t he notice me?" she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. The question hung in the air, a painful thought that gnawed at her soul. Was there something she was missing? Some form, some secret she had yet to discover? Her chest tightened as the frustration welled up inside of her. It wasn''t supposed to feel this way. She tried so hard. She prayed, she hoped, she waited. But it was never enough. Her mind shed to the day she had seen him with Maya. The way her heart had dropped, as if the ground had been pulled out from under her feet. She could barely breathe. Ariana clenched her fists, pressing them against herp as if to steady herself, to force back the tears threatening to spill. "Why does it hurt so much?" she asked herself, but no answer came. She pushed her cheeks together again, a nervous habit she had picked up when she was younger, trying to stifle the emotion rising in her throat. If Livia were here... Herte friend''s face appeared in her mind, kind and warm, always ready to scold her whenever she felt this way. "Livia would hit me right now," Ariana muttered, shaking her head with a small, bitter smile. "She''d tell me not to be sad. She''d tell me to do better." But it was impossible. It felt impossible to stop the sadness from creeping in. Her thoughts circled back to him¡ªthe boy with golden eyes. It wasn''t just his eyes or the way he carried himself that had drawn her to him. No, it was more than that. It was the way he listened, truly listened, when others spoke. The way he stood tall in the face of danger, never backing down. It was the quiet strength he held, the sense of responsibility that weighed on his shoulders yet never broke him. Every time she saw him, it was like he was slipping further and further from her grasp. Even if they weren''t together, it felt like he was moving away, slowly but surely. And it hurt. Love, she thought, should be simpler. Shouldn''t it? But the more she thought about it, the more tangled the idea of love became in her mind. What was love, really? Was it this desperate yearning? This constant ache in her chest? Or was it something darker? A desire to possess, to hold on to something¡ªor someone¡ªthat might never be hers? The thought terrified her. Ariana''s fingers trembled as she looked up again, her eyes fixated on the mural of the gods. "I don''t want to feel like this anymore," she whispered. Her voice wavered, but there was a strength behind it, a resolve that hadn''t been there before. The gods remained silent, their celestial forms unmoved, yet their presence felt overwhelming in the small, sacred space. Ariana swallowed hard, her lips trembling as she forced herself to ask the one thing she hadn''t yet dared. "Please," she whispered, "bring him my way." It wasn''t a demand, not a selfish plea, but a quiet, desperate prayer. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared up at the constetions, her heart heavy with hope and fear. She didn''t know if they would answer her. She didn''t know if her words would be heard. But in that moment, in the quiet loneliness of the church, all she could do was pray. Chapter 103: Stepping Stones [1] The moon cast a pale glow over the Magic Engineering Department Tower, illuminating the shadowy figures moving quietly near the entrance. Crates filled with dark crystals, forbidden magical artifacts, and ancient scrollsy scattered around, each confiscated and carefully stacked by a group of students wearing red zers. The night was thick with tension, the silence only broken by the asional tter of tools or the scuffle of shoes against the stone courtyard. Leopold, the son of the emperor, stood at the center of the group, his imposing figure casting a long shadow. His blonde hair, slicked back, shone under the faint light, while his red eyes gleamed with a quiet intensity. He wore a crisp white shirt and a yellow tie, neatly tied under the open red zer that hung loosely over his shoulders. His fists were bloodied, the knuckles bruised and smeared with the aftermath of a violent altercation. Before him, five studentsy sprawled on the ground, unconscious and battered. Their faces were swollen, bodies covered in bruises, and the signs of their defeat were evident in the way theyy motionless on the cobblestone ground. They had been caught, and more importantly, they had been punished. Leopold adjusted his sleeves calmly, his movements meticulous as if the scene before him didn''t faze him in the slightest. He nced at the notepad handed to him by the girl standing to his right, her posture stiff and professional as she scribbled down notes. She, along with the other boy who was arranging the confiscated items into neat stacks, worked diligently under hismand. Scanning the notes, Leopold''s mind whirred, piecing together the puzzle before him. He began speaking softly to himself, his voice low and calcting. "Dark crystals, used for siphoning mana directly from a caster... smuggling these into Ravenwood isn''t just reckless¡ªit''s deliberate sabotage. The kind of sabotage only a cult would orchestrate. These artifacts," he paused, lifting an ancient scroll with worn, demonic runes etched into its surface, "are cursed. They manipte the user''s soul, bending them toward the demonic arts. Only a fool would dare to use such things¡­ or someone deeply entrenched in the cult''s schemes." His eyes narrowed as he examined each item further. "Forbidden tools for breaking magical seals, summoning scrolls for lesser demons, and¡­" He picked up a vial of dark liquid that shimmered unnaturally in the moonlight. "Corrupted blood. The cult uses this in their rituals. It weakens the barriers between worlds, allowing demonic entities to slip through unnoticed." He set the vial down and looked at the crates, filled to the brim with these illicit goods. "And the Magic Engineering Department¡ªof all ces¡ªwas where they were storing this filth. These crates, these artifacts... they were hidden within the department itself, right under the academy''s nose. So, the real question is, how did these items bypass Ravenwood''s security?" Leopold''s red eyes flickered with suspicion as his mind raced. "Ravenwood''s security is some of the tightest on the continent. That means someone on the inside... guards, knights¡­ they''re eitherplicit or they''re part of the cult." He clenched his fist, his knuckles white against the blood already staining his hands. "Bribery, ckmail, or worse¡ªideological allegiance. Whoever it is, they''ve infiltrated deeper than we anticipated." The girl beside him shifted ufortably, ncing at the beaten figures on the ground. Two of them, in particr, caught Leopold''s attention. His gaze hardened as he looked at their unconscious forms, bruised and bloodied, but alive¡ªfor now. Leopold''s mind wandered back to how he had first discovered these two were members of the demonic cult. It had taken him only a few days of careful nning, a game of shadows and whispers. He had spotted the demonic tattoos hidden, marks that only someone with knowledge of the cult''s inner workings would recognize But he hadn''t exposed them right away. No, that would have been too simple, too easy. Instead, he had put them on a leash. He''d threatened them, beaten them into submission, forced them to work for him while pretending to remain loyal to the cult. Through them, he had uncovered more members, slowly leading him to the higher-ups who were orchestrating these atrocities. But even with all his efforts, each time they got closer, the cult would slip further into the shadows, their leaders hidden behindyers of secrecy. It was a dangerous game, one that required him to constantly beat these two into submission to ensure they never revealed his involvement. A single slip, a single word whispered to the wrong person, and his entire n would fall apart. But it was a risk he had to take. "They''ll lead us to the top eventually," Leopold muttered, his voice cold and detached. "Or they''ll die trying." But they weren''t the endgame. The cult operated inyers, with every member being just another pawn. The trick wasn''t to take down the pawns¡ªit was to follow them, up thedder, until you reached the top. Leo had no doubt that the higher-ups were hidden in in sight, masquerading as students, professors, and even knights. The academy''s security had been bypassed far too easily, which meant one thing: there were people on the inside, people with power, protecting the cult. His lips curled slightly into a dark smile. He had a way to deal with that. Leo''s mind turned toward the students who held influence within Ravenwood. They were stepping stones, each one crucial in leading him to the truth, and they didn''t even know it yet. If some of them could bepromised, bribed, or coerced, then the doors to unraveling the cult''s structure would swing wide open. But it couldn''t be direct. His approach had to be subtle, like poison slipping into the bloodstream unnoticed until it was toote. He needed to exploit the academy''s hierarchy, and that meant manipting the right individuals, the ones with the most potential to be stepping stones. People with ambition, fear, or desperation were the easiest to manipte. People who wouldn''t notice that they were being used until it was toote. One student in particr came to mind: a boy who had been rising through the ranks at an rming rate. The girl spoke up, her voice hesitant but clear. "We¡­ we might have a suspect. Someone who could be one of the higher-ups within the demonic cult." Leopold''s gaze flicked toward her, his red eyes sharp. "Who?" She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "I don''t have a name yet. But it''s someone in the first year." Leopold grunted, dissatisfied but not surprised. He flipped through the notepad in his hands, scanning the names of all the Magic Engineering students that had been listed. It was a long list, filled with students of varying skill levels and backgrounds. But one name stopped him cold. His eyes narrowed as he read it again, just to be sure. A boy with ck hair and yellow eyes. Leopold''s voice was low, his toneced with suspicion. "Since when has he been a part of the Magic Engineering Department?" The girl nced over, then answered quietly. "Since recently." Leopold didn''t respond, but his mind was already whirring with possibilities. Something wasn''t adding up, and he was determined to find out what. Chapter 104: Stepping Stones [2] I knew this week was going to be a disaster. Every sign pointed to it, every move I''d made had been preparing for the fallout. But there was one thing I didn''t seeing... I''d known about the breach before anyone else did. I saw it, days before Xander and Rn had to go clean it up. The eastern forest ins had always been a weak point in Ravenwood''s defense. Most students didn''t know about it¡ªhell, even most professors didn''t. But I did. I''d spent countless hours studying theyout of the grounds, tracing the flow of mana through the academy''s barriers, noticing the cracks that no one else seemed to see. So when the monsters came pouring in, I wasn''t surprised. Goblins, hobgoblins, and worse¡ªcreatures I''d only read about in old texts and remembered from the game. They broke through the weak point, swarming the grounds like a gue. Xander, Rn, and a handful of second-years dealt with it. Barely. They fought hard, and in the end, they managed to seal the breach, but I already knew what caused it. It wasn''t some freak ident or natural urrence. No, someone let them in. Someone powerful enough to control a horde of monsters, to manipte the flow of mana and tear open the academy''s defenses from the inside. But that was just the beginning. The breach was a distraction, something to keep us busy while the real chaos unfolded elsewhere. There was a field studyst week¡ªone I was supposed to be part of. But I sent Maya instead. She needed the break more than I did. I could see it in her eyes, the way she moved like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. I told myself it was for her own good, that getting her out of the academy for a bit might clear her head. But deep down, I knew the truth. I couldn''t afford to be distracted by a field study. Not when the second act was about to begin, and Maya was destined to be the final boss. I''ve spent months preparing for it, mapping out every possible scenario, every twist and turn the narrative could take. I know the story better than anyone, even the people who wrote it. But knowing doesn''t make it any easier. Am I ready for what''sing? Maybe. Maybe not. But I''ve prepared as best as I can. Most of my time this past week has been spent in the special training room, pushing myself to my limits. Magic flows through my veins, but I need more than raw power to survive what''sing. I need control, precision, strategy. And I need to understand the hidden acts¡ªthe ones that will trigger Hell Mode if I make the wrong move. That''s why I enrolled in the magic engineering department. It wasn''t an impulsive decision. I needed to learn how their devices worked, how the enchanted items, runes, and machines tied into therger scheme of things. There''s a hidden act that involves those technologies, one that leads directly into the third act after Hell Mode is triggered. I can''t afford to be caught off guard when it happens. But the deeper I dug into the engineering department, the more dirt I found. Ravenwood is supposed to be a ce of learning, a sanctuary for magic, but it''s built on secrets. Dark ones. Take the smuggling, for example. Cursed artifacts, dark crystals, forbidden items¡ªthey''ve been making their way into the academy for months, maybe years. No one knows how, but I had my suspicions. The security at Ravenwood is tight, but whoever''s behind this has connections. It wasn''t just students sneaking things in; there had to be professors involved, maybe even people higher up. And then there were the human trafficking rumors. At first, I thought it was just gossip. Students disappearing, only to return broken, their spirits crushed. But the rumors were true. Nobles¡ªpowerful ones¡ªhad been using their influence to trafficmoners, even lower nobles. Girls, mostly. Promising them a future at Ravenwood, only to turn them intomodities. It made me sick to my core. I didn''t stop there, though. I kept digging. And the more I learned, the darker it got. Embezzlement, ckmail, even blood magic. There were students¡ªones I knew¡ªperforming rituals in hidden chambers, using forbidden magic to summon demonic entities. They sacrificed their peers, using their blood to fuel their twisted spells. And the worst part? The administration knew. They had to know, but they did nothing. Or maybe they couldn''t do anything. The cult had its ws deep in Ravenwood, and it wasn''t letting go. I knew all of this. I saw iting. I had been preparing for it, nning every move, every response. But what I didn''t seeing was my own expulsion. Among all the names of those expelled or suspended for their involvement in these crimes, mine was listed. Not because I had done anything wrong¡ªno, I had been careful, more careful than anyone else. But I had gotten too close to the truth. I had seen too much. Someone in power must have decided I was too much of a threat, and they acted before I could. And that''s how I ended up here. Outside the gates of Ravenwood, standing in the dirt with my belongings scattered around me like trash. The maid didn''t even look at me when she tossed them out. My books, my clothes, even my pendant¡ªall of ity in the dust, meaningless. The head of the disciplinarymittee, a man whose face I had seen a hundred times, stood just inside the gates. He didn''t bother with pleasantries. He no longer cared who I was or what I had done. "You''ve been expelled, Ashbourne," he said, his voice cold and detached. "Until further notice." I didn''t say anything. What was there to say? Your adventure continues at m v|l-e''-NovelBin I had seen thising¡ªjust not for myself. The gates swung shut behind me with a finality that sent a chill down my spine. The sound echoed in the silence, like the closing of a chapter. I stood there for a long time, staring at the iron gates of Ravenwood. It should have felt like the end. But it wasn''t. Chapter 105: Bad Ending NO.1 [1] The room was suffocatingly quiet, the air thick with a sense of impending judgment. Noah Ashbourne stood in the center, bound and furious, his hair wild and tangled, his shirt a rumpled mess barely hanging onto his shoulders. His eyes, bloodshot from fatigue and frustration, darted from face to face, searching for any sign of support, any shred of understanding. But there was none. The weight of the usation bore down on him, pressing like a physical force against his chest. The heavy, silver-chained manacles binding his wrists weren''t ordinary¡ªthis was the [Mercurial Seal], a cursed restraint created to neutralize a mage''s power. It didn''t just suppress his magic; it tampered with the very flow of his mana, distorting the essence of his spells. It was as if his veins were filled with ice, every pulse of magic twisted and sluggish. Worse, the seal''s secondary effect made him feel as if his entire body were three times heavier than normal, forcing him to stagger with each step as if carrying an invisible boulder. The device''s dampening effect had left himpletely drained and exposed, blocking his natural mana reserves and locking crucial energy points in his body, making him a prisoner within his own skin. Across the room, Leopold, his formerrade and a fellow member of the Vanguard, stood with an air of cold professionalism. Gone was the colleague Noah once knew, reced by a man of duty, now thoroughly convinced of Noah''s guilt. His eyes were distant, and his posture rigid, as if every shred of emotion had been locked away behind an iron fa?ade. "I still don''t understand," Noah had said that afternoon when he was first cornered. He had been halfway out of the training room, exhausted but satisfied with his recent progress when the Vanguard members and a few academy knights surrounded him. The usations hade like a hammer blow¡ªillegal activities, possession of dark artifacts, smuggling, and even murder. He remembered the third-year student, Hannah Greaves, reading out the charges with barely concealed contempt, her voice shaking with anger. His protests had fallen on deaf ears, and when he tried to walk away, they had taken him down. Even exhausted, he had fought back, knocking out three guards in quick session. He hadn''t meant to kill anyone, but the restraint device had distorted his magic, causing him to rely on the ancient runic abilities carved into his flesh. He hadn''t even seen the knighting when he fired that fatal red icicle, aiming for a shoulder and hitting a neck instead. The moment his ice turned crimson, Noah knew he was doomed. The blood had sprayed across his face. Now, he stood facing a tribunal, a panel of judges presiding over the hearing. Behind them, the looming banners of the academy hung, a silent testament to the institution''s authority. The assembled students, knights, and faculty members formed a semi-circle around the proceedings, their faces a mix of curiosity, disgust, and glee. Some, particrly those who had been linked to the cult, watched him with barely concealed smirks. Among them was Caleb, a noble and self-confessed cult member, sittingfortably in his own seat of judgment, smirking like the cat who caught the canary. "Noah Ashbourne," the head judge, a stern woman with iron-grey hair and a steely gaze, spoke with the weight of finality. "You are used of viting the sacredws of the academy, endangering students, andmitting acts that threaten the very foundation of this institution. What say do you have to these charges?" Noah''s breath came in harsh, ragged gasps as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. He was furious, confused, humiliated¡ªall at once. "I''m innocent!" he managed to say, his voice raw with desperation. "I never meant to harm anyone! You have to believe me! The evidence has been tampered with, the charges¡ª" "Enough," Leo''s voice cut through like a knife. "All the evidence we have points directly to you, Noah. Stop lying to yourself and to everyone here." Noah''s eyes widened. "How can you stand there and use me without any doubt?" he shouted. The judge''s gavel struck the wooden block with a harsh crack. "The used will keep his emotions in check," she warned. "This is not the ce for personal vendettas." Noah''s hands shook as he bit down on his retort. The head judge nodded to one of the witnesses, a female knight who stepped forward, clutching a notepad. Her voice was steady, clear, as if she had rehearsed this moment a hundred times. "I, Vanessa Targale, testify that I witnessed Noah Ashbourne channel a forbidden form of magic on the day of his arrest," she said, her gaze not wavering. "The magic was tainted, corrupt, and dangerous. The knight who died was a friend of mine, and I saw Noah''s spell strike true. The icicle wasn''t just aimed¡ªit was meant to kill." A murmur of agreement swept through the crowd, and Noah felt his insides twist. He had tried to disarm the man, not kill him, but the runic power had a mind of its own. It was the only way he could defend himself with his mana blocked. The judge motioned to a second witness, and a holographic screen blinked to life, showing records of Noah''s recent activities within the Magic Engineering Department. Each transaction wasid out in painstaking detail¡ªthe purchase of forbidden artifacts, rare runic materials, and even demonic relics, all signed off with his signature. "These purchases," the judge said slowly, "are all tied directly to your ount. Can you exin that, Mr. Ashbourne?" "I... I made those purchases," Noah stammered, "but not for what you think. I was investigating the cult, trying to trace its influence in the academy. ''Someone has tampered with the records, twisted my transactions to make me look guilty!'' Noah thought. Somehow he couldn''t help but think that the game had taken a bad ending. "That''s a convenient excuse," Leo said, his voice colder than ever. "But it doesn''t change the fact that your signature is on every document. You were the only one with ess." Noah''s heart pounded in his chest as the walls of the room seemed to close in on him. "I was set up," he said through gritted teeth. "You have to see that! Someone''s been framing me from the start!" The judge''s eyes were unmoved. "Do you deny the murder of the academy knight?" Noah hesitated, his mind racing. "I don''t deny it," he said finally, his voice cracking. Chapter 106: Bad Ending NO.1 [2] The judge''s eyes were unmoved. "Do you deny the murder of the academy knight?" Noah hesitated, his mind racing. "I don''t deny it," he said finally, his voice cracking. "But it was self-defense! I was attacked, cornered, and my magic was being disrupted. I didn''t mean to kill him¡ªI aimed to disable¡ª" "I have heard enough!" the judge''s gavel struck again, silencing him. "You admit to the killing, which only adds to the charges. And the demonic power you wielded that night is irrefutable." Noah''s desperation turned to rage. "You''re not listening!" he shouted, his voice hoarse. "This whole trial is a farce! You don''t care about the truth¡ªyou''ve already decided I''m guilty!" "Watch your tone," the judge warned, her gaze icy. "We have multiple testimonies, witnesses who have seen you consorting with members of the cult, students who have reported feeling threatened or coerced by you." "They''re lying!" Noah''s voice cracked, his fury barely contained. ''This is all coordinated...too well nned for it to be a coincidence...'' In that moment of despair, something within him flickered¡ªa spark of recognition, a chilling realization that sent shivers down his spine. He remembered the game. A specific route, one that yers had discussed fervently, surfaced in his mind. The route that ended poorly, marking a swift decline into chaos. And then it hit him. Noah recalled the discussions among yers about a character who had been expelled¡ªa nameless student swept into the shadows, coerced intopliance with the cult that operated within the academy''s walls. This student, never truly developed in the narrative, had been the pawn sacrificed to shield the true culprits. yers had warned that this character''s expulsion triggered a cascade of events, igniting a series of unfortunate happenings. It was a pivotal moment that changed everything. This was not just some background detail¡ªit was a critical juncture in the storyline. That character had been tied directly to Maya Brenthall, the so-called Reality Distorter, the viiness poised to be the Final Boss in the second act of the game. The implications of this were staggering. As the pieces fell into ce, Noah''s heart raced. ording to those who had experienced that bad ending, Maya''s emotional stability had hinged on this student''s presence. With the expulsion of her only love which led to his death not long after, her emotional turmoil would swell uncontrobly. The curse woven into her being would awaken, leading to catastrophic consequences. The game''s mechanics had ensured that the moment her love was ripped away, she would lose control. Noah felt the panic rise within him, a bitter taste of dread spreading through his veins. He remembered the harrowing details recounted by yers¡ªhow Maya descended into madness, how her powers spiraled out of control, distorting reality and unleashing a torrent of demons from within her. The echoes of her rage and sorrow had made the game''s yers shudder with fear. They spoke of her as a force of nature, a creature who could reshape the world, making it twisted and dark. In that bad ending, Maya had gone on a brutal rampage, killing indiscriminately, reshaping the very fabric of reality as she sought vengeance for her loss. The game had created a fail-safe, a condition that if too many main characters were lost or killed, the yer would face a game over. The developers had devised a clever workaround, allowing the yers to keep Maya''s emotions in check by manipting the other main characters, particrly Amy, who was designed to connect with Maya and support her emotionally. This method was intended to dy Maya''s transformation into the final boss, allowing time for the story to progress without plunging into chaos. Noah''s breath hitched as the significance of this revtion dawned on him. How had he missed it before? "Noah Ashbourne..." he murmured to himself, the name heavy on his tongue. The realization crashed over him like a wave. It was as if the world had conspired to trap him in a cycle of despair, one that he had unwittingly be a part of. He was living a nightmare he could not escape. He was in the body of the very character who had suffered the same fate. Noah Ashbourne¡ªthe third-rate character, the nameless pawn in a narrative that had been all but forgotten. ''That''s why I couldn''t recognize this character the moment I possessed his body...'' The game had cast him aside, a character doomed to die early and unknowingly shape the world around him into something dark and twisted. And right now, he was following that very same path. The expulsion had sealed his fate; it was as if the game had reset itself, pushing him toward that inevitable bad ending once more. His heart raced with a mixture of dread and anger. How could the system, the game, allow such a tragic course of events to unfold again? He felt the weight of the inevitability pressing down on him, a relentless reminder that history was poised to repeat itself. "This is...[BAD ENDING NO. 1]" He muttered. The courtroom, filled with a mixture of spectators and users, faded into the background as Noah''s mind raced ahead, plotting a course for the future. He had to escape this fate, to rewrite the narrative that had already been penned for him. The stakes were too high, the consequences too dire. In that moment of rity amidst the chaos, he realized that the real battle was not just against the usationsid before him or the expulsion that loomed over his head. It was a battle against destiny itself, against a world that sought to trap him within a predetermined ending. A low chuckle echoed from the side of the room, and Noah''s eyes snapped to Caleb, who sat with a malicious grin, his fingers tapping against the armrest. "Oh, but it''s true, Ashbourne," Caleb sneered, his voice dripping with false sympathy. "You were always so sure of yourself, always so untouchable. Look at you now¡ªcaught in your own web." Leo met his eyes, and for a moment, Noah thought he saw a flicker of doubt. But then it was gone, reced by the same unyielding determination that had condemned him from the start. Chapter 107: Bad Ending NO.1 [3] The courtroom was heavy with the suffocating tension of judgment. Noah''s mind was a whirlwind of rage, confusion, and betrayal as the young female Vanguard member stood up, taking a deep breath before addressing the court. She was no older than him¡ªthird year, if he remembered correctly. Her uniform was pristine, her posture rigid, a picture of conviction in stark contrast to Noah''s disheveled state. She held a notepad in her hand, eyes narrowing as she began to read. "On the day of Noah Ashbourne''s arrest, which was today, it was noted that despite his mana reserves being blocked by the [Mercurial Seal], he was able to tap into another energy source." She said firmly, her voice ringing with an authority she clearly believed in. "Our investigation confirmed that this energy did not originate from his natural reserves. The tattoos visible on his back, which glowed red during the confrontation, strongly suggest the use of demonic magic. This was further supported by residual traces of corrupted mana in the air at the scene." There was a low murmur from the gallery as she continued. Her gaze darted towards the judge, who gave a slight nod, signaling another attendant to step forward. In his hands was a sleek, ck device¡ªa cylindrical object with glowing blue runes. He moved toward Noah, who instinctively took a step back, but the manacles around his wrists tightened, forcing him in ce. "Bring it here," the judge ordered, his voice cold and final. The device was held up to Noah''s chest, and a light whirring sound filled the room. The crystal at its core began to glow a deep, malevolent red¡ªsignaling demonic energy. The courtroom gasped. It was irrefutable proof, undeniable to anyone present. Noah''s eyes narrowed, his mind racing. He felt the weight of the device''s implications, a confirmation that struck him like a physical blow. It wasn''t his mana, it wasn''t his power¡ªit was something else, something tied to those damnable runes. "Demonic energy detected," the attendant announced grimly, holding the device high for all to see. Noah''s chest tightened. He felt like he was being crushed from the inside, the room suddenly closing in around him. The judge motioned for silence, his gavel tapping lightly against the wooden stand. "This only adds to the severity of the charges," he said. His tone was even, detached, as if the situation were a mere formality¡ªa process that had already run its course long before Noah set foot in the room. One by one, witnesses were called to testify. The judge began to read their statements, each report a de that cut deeper into Noah''s defense. "First, we have a statement from Alina Greaves, a second-year student who saw Noah speaking with known cult members on several asions," the judge said, his voice echoing through the chamber. A holographic screen flickered to life beside him. "She testifies that she witnessed several exchanges of artifacts in darkened corners of the academy, exchanges that seemed secretive and suspicious." Noah''s heart sank. That was true; he remembered each encounter vividly. But those meetings were part of his investigation, trying to uncover the cult''s influence from the inside. Alina didn''t have the full picture, and now her testimony was a nail in his coffin. "Next," the judge continued, "a report from Tarwin Elst, a member of the Academy''s Rune Study Group. He ims that he witnessed Noah tampering with the academy''s barrier enchantments, causing disruptions that allowed unregistered individuals to slip through security. These enchantments are sacred and tampering with them is a direct vition of the academy''s rules." The screen shifted. He had been following a lead that night, searching for the weak points the cult had exploited, trying to strengthen them. But now, it was being twisted to fit a narrative he couldn''t fight. Each statement made his hands clench tighter, fury and helplessness growing inside him. He was drowning in a flood of usations that all bore the weight of truth, but each was stripped of the context that could have exonerated him. "Third," the judge read, "we have a report from Lorna Vex, a first-year student who testifies that Noah manipted other students into acquiring rare and illegal artifacts for him, using his influence as a Vanguard member to coerce them." The screen shed again, this time showing transaction records linked directly to his ount. There it was¡ªevery interaction he had made, the purchase of rare magical items, the acquisition of forbidden texts. They were all for his research, his desperate attempts to find out who was manipting the academy from within. Now, the documents had been altered, the dates changed, the context erased to paint a damning picture. "Fourth," the judge said, "from Master Fabian Croll, a senior professor in the Magic Engineering Department. He discovered that Noah had manipted his ess to restricted files in the department''s archive, stealing sensitive blueprints for magical devices." Again, the screen shed This time, the documents were unmistakable¡ªblueprints for devices Noah had indeed looked at, but only in the hope of understanding the cult''s hidden machinations. How had they known? How had they known which files to nt, which records to alter? The thought made his skin crawl. "And finally," the judge concluded, "a statement from Garth Hollister, an academy groundskeeper, who caught Noah in the restricted section of the woods surrounding the academy grounds. Hollister reports seeing Noah near a summoning circle, attempting to activate it with a dark artifact in his hand." The screen then flickered yet again showing the portrait photos of the individuals who had testified against him. He remembered that night clearly¡ªthe desperate search for answers, the ritual he had found halfpleted, trying to dismantle it before it could be used. But the guard might have caught the moment when his hand hovered over the glowing sigils, the incriminating angle that spoke of intention rather than investigation. The judge''s voice was solemn, unyielding. "With these five statements, the charges against Noah Ashbourne are clear. Let them be read for the record." Chapter 108: Bad Ending NO.1 [4] The judge cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping the room to ensure he had everyone''s attention. His voice was solemn, heavy with the weight of the decision about to be made. "Noah Ashbourne," he began, "you stand used of multiple, severe breaches of Ravenwood Academy''sws. These offenses are not only grave but also directly undermine the trust and security of this institution. I will list eachw you have broken, and the prescribed punishment ording to the Academy''s regtions." Noah''s eyes were locked on the judge, his breathing shallow. He felt as if the room itself were pressing in on him, each breath harder to draw than thest. "Offense One," the judge announced, "[Possession of Forbidden Artifacts]. You were found in possession of illegal and dangerous items within the Academy grounds, artifacts linked to dark and demonic magic. The prescribed punishment for this crime is confiscation of all illicit items and a one-month suspension from magical activities. However, given the nature of the artifacts, the punishment is extended to the permanent confiscation of your spellcasting license within Ravenwood." Noah''s shoulders slumped, the severity of each word striking like a hammer. He had never anticipated losing his right to use magic altogether. He swallowed hard, feeling the judgment bear down on him. "Offense Two: [Tampering with Academy Barrier Enchantments.] You were seen interfering with the magical defenses of the Academy, causing potential threats to the safety of all students and faculty. The standard punishment is solitary confinement for a week and the stripping of all titles and privileges associated with magical security. Given your role as a member of the Vanguard, this includes an immediate and permanent demotion from any security-rted duties." The words stung, but Noah remained silent, his jaw clenched tight. They weren''t finished yet, and he knew it was only going to get worse. "Offense Three: [Coercion and Maniption of Students.] Evidence and testimony indicate you used your influence to pressure others into acquiring dangerous items on your behalf. The standard punishment is a public apology, restitution to the affected parties, and a loss of Academy standing. Given the scale of your actions, your punishment includes a public denouncement before the entire student body, with the revocation of any honors you may have earned." Noah''s fists tightened. His reputation¡ªhis hard-earned respect¡ªwas being stripped away piece by piece. The humiliation alone was a death sentence to someone like him, who had struggled so hard to prove himself. "Offense Four: [Illegal ess to Restricted Academy Records.] You broke into confidential files, viting the trust and sanctity of the Academy''s archives. The punishment for this is a formal reprimand, suspension of library privileges, and probation. However, considering the sensitive nature of the records, your ess to any restricted sections of the Academy is now permanently banned." He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of the charges deepen. They were systematically dismantling every privilege, every advantage he had built over the past month. "Offense Five: [Association with Known Cult Members.] The evidence clearly connects you to individuals tied to a dangerous cult, undermining the Academy''s safety and trust. This offense typically warrants probation, but given the extent of your involvement, it carries an immediate and indefinite ban from all Academy gatherings and social events." "Offense Six: [Channeling and Use of Demonic Magic.] This is one of the most severe charges levied against you. You were witnessed using magic tainted by dark, demonic energies, a clear vition of the Academy''s sacred oaths. The standard punishment for such an offense is a lifetime prohibition from participating in any Academy-rted magical ceremonies. For you, the punishment is extended to a total ban on all Academy grounds¡ªeffective immediately after your trial." Stay connected via m-v l|e''-NovelBin Noah''s breath hitched. He couldn''t believe it. A total ban? It was like being erased, like he was never supposed to be there in the first ce. "Offense Seven: [Forgery and Tampering with Official Academy Documents.] You were found to have altered official records, falsifying documentation to cover illegal activities. The punishment for forgery is expulsion from any academic programs. Due to the scale of the forgery, your academic credits are hereby nullified." Noah''s eyes widened. His education¡ªthe foundation he had fought so hard to secure¡ªwas being invalidated in a matter of seconds. The realization hit him with a crushing sense of finality. "Offense Eight: [Endangerment of Academy Security.] By weakening the Academy''s protective barriers and assisting unauthorized persons, you endangered the lives of students and staff. This vition carries the punishment of solitary confinement for an extended period and the stripping of any Academy security clearances. For you, this includes a full removal of your privileges as a Vanguard member and a lifetime ban from anybat-rted duties." Another piece of his identity was severed. Noah''s face was a mask of fury and despair, his teeth clenched so hard they ached. He could barely keep himself from shouting out his frustration, the urge tosh out wing at his insides. "Offense Nine: [Theft of Magical Blueprints and Sensitive Information.] You were seen essing and taking blueprints for dangerous magical devices without authorization. The punishment includes expulsion from the Magic Engineering Department and a formal record of theft on your permanent academic profile." "Offense Ten: [Murder of an Academy Knight.] You killed a knight who was only attempting to restrain you during your arrest. The penalty for such a grave crime is immediate expulsion and the turning over of the offender to the Academy''s disciplinary council for further judgment. This is the most severe offense and carries the weight of expulsion." Noah''s eyes burned with unshed tears, his rage bubbling over the surface. It wasn''t murder. It had been self-defense, an act of desperation when everything else was taken from him, but they didn''t care. They wouldn''t listen. The judge''s eyes were unrelenting, his tone void of mercy. "Noah Ashbourne, these ten charges are not just breaches of our Academy''s rules¡ªthey are betrayals of everything we stand for. Each punishment exceeds the standard disciplinary measures, and in ordance with our regtions, when the maximum penalty is surpassed for multiple offenses, there is only one suitable conclusion." Noah knew what wasing. His knuckles were white as he tried to contain his boiling emotions. He had no power here. He was already condemned. "By the authority vested in me, and in adherence to the regtions of Ravenwood Academy, I hereby dere that Noah Ashbourne is expelled from this institution, effective immediately. All academic ties are severed, all privileges revoked, and you are hereby banned from these grounds indefinitely." The gavel struck the stand, a sharp crack that echoed through the courtroom like a death knell. Noah''s breath caught in his throat, and he looked up at the cold faces staring back at him¡ªjudges, witnesses, users. There was nopassion there, no understanding, only judgment and condemnation. He was no longer Noah Ashbourne, Vanguard member and rising student. He was a criminal, a scapegoat, expelled and cast aside. It was over. Chapter 109: Oh Him? Hes Gone... [1] Ariana slumped against the cushioned seat of the mana-powered bus, the hum of the engine a soothing backdrop as they trundled down the cobblestone roads of the academy grounds. She leaned her forehead against the cool ss of the window, her breath fogging the surface as she stared out into the fading light of the evening. Distant stars began to twinkle overhead, their faint light barely visible against the warm glow of the streemps lining the way. Her reflection stared back at her¡ªa pale, tired face framed by loose strands of auburn hair, cheeks slightly flushed with the memory of the long day behind her. They had spent the entire day at the northern grounds of the academy, where the first-year students had embarked on a field study under the guidance of Professor Elwin. He was a tall, severe-looking man with a reputation for his patience and keen eye for detail. The lessons had focused on three core elements: the maniption of elemental energy, the application of basic defensive wards, and the practice of channeling mana through nature. Professor Elwin had moved methodically through each topic, his voice calm yet firm, guiding them through the steps with the careful precision of a master craftsman. She remembered the crisp sensation of earth magic flowing through her fingers. The way the defensive wards shimmered like pale blue bubbles in the air before settling around them, and the electric thrill of drawing mana directly from the ground beneath her feet. She could still feel the remnants of that energy humming under her skin, a quiet buzz that made her fingertips tingle as she pressed them to the cool ss. But now, that excitement had faded, leaving only a heavy, hollow feeling in her chest. The bus rolled smoothly past the academy''s central za, the town''s shops and eateries casting warm, weing light onto the cobblestone streets. She sighed and pulled back from the window, her reflection blurring into the passing scenery. The rest of the students on the bus chattered away,ughing and sharing stories of the day''s events, but she felt oddly detached, lost in her own thoughts. Suddenly, a soft flutter of wings caught her attention, and she looked up to see a small green sparrow materialize in the seat beside her. His translucent feathers shimmered in the dim light, and his eyes, a deep emerald green, sparkled with a yful curiosity. "Augustus," she said softly, a hint of surprise in her voice. The spirit bird tilted his head, his beak opening in a knowing smile. "You look troubled, Ariana," he chirped gently, hopping closer and perching on the windowsill next to her. "It''s not like you to be this quiet... Are you... thinking of him again?" Ariana''s lips twisted into a pout, and she pressed her palms to her face, peeking at Augustus through her fingers before letting her hands fall. "Of course I am," she admitted, a note of frustration in her voice. "How could I not?" Augustus ruffled his ethereal feathers, casting her a look that was both affectionate and mildly exasperated. He clicked his beak softly, as if mulling over her response, then sighed. "You know, Ariana," he said, almost to himself, "your situation with him... it''s getting worse. If you don''t find a way to resolve these feelings soon, I''m afraid things might take a turn you don''t intend." Ariana''s eyes narrowed slightly, and she crossed her arms defensively. "I can''t help it, Augustus. He''s... he''s different from everyone else. He''s the first person who''s ever tried to see the real me." Augustus''s feathers settled, his gaze turning soft. "Go on," he encouraged, his voice gentle but insistent. "What is it about him that makes you care so much? You''ve had suitors before, and none of them made you feel this way." Ariana hesitated, her fingers tracing an idle pattern on the cold ss, as if searching for the right words. "He... he''s the only one who actually sees me," she said finally, her voice trembling slightly. "Ie from a noble family, you know that. Most people, when they talk to me, they''re only interested in themselves. They''re obsessed with status, with bragging about their aplishments, about politics and business deals that I don''t care about. They don''t see me, not really." She took a deep breath, her eyes softening as she remembered. "But he''s different. He didn''t treat me like some kind of trophy or a means to an end. He''s... genuine. He took the time to get to know me, to ask me about my interests, my hobbies, my fears. And if I''m being honest...it was always like he knew me in and out. Like he had known me for years. He''s the only person I''ve ever liked on my own terms, not because of some ridiculous family arrangement or political expectation... That''s why... that''s why I can''t stop thinking about him." Readtest stories on m_v-l''e|-NovelBin Augustus was silent for a moment, his small green form shimmering faintly in the fading light. He let out a soft coo and fluttered closer, resting on Ariana''s shoulder. "Ariana," he began, his voice serious yet kind, "love isn''t just about how someone makes you feel in the moment. It''s about the long, hard road of getting to know each other''s strengths and ws, of standing together even when the world seems to pull you apart. It''s about trust, honesty, and being able to let go when the time is right." He paused, and his tone softened even further. "You have to ask yourself¡ªis this love, or is it just admiration because he''s different? Is it real, or is it just your way of finding a way out of the cage your family and status have ced you in?" Ariana''s eyes widened, and she swallowed hard, pressing her fingertips to her flushed cheeks. The words hit her like a physical blow, the truth of them sinking deep into her heart. "I... I don''t know," she said, her voice barely a whisper. But the uncertainty in her eyes hardened into determination, and she lifted her chin, a fierce light gleaming in her gaze. "No, I do know. It''s real. It has to be. And I''m going to tell him. I can''t keep hiding these feelings anymore. They''re tearing me apart." Augustus sighed, but there was a hint of pride in his expression. "If you''re sure, then do it, Ariana. Don''t wait until it''s toote." The bus slowed to a halt, the hiss of the brakes pulling her from the intensity of the moment. She stood abruptly, her bag slung over her shoulder, and gave Augustus a quick nod. "I''ll do it," she said firmly. "I''ll tell him tonight." She stepped off the bus, her boots cking against the stone pavement as she made her way toward the towering silhouette of Ironwood Hall. The building loomed over her, its dark, ivy-covered walls nearly blending into the shadowy evening sky. She hurried up the steps, her breath quickening with each step, until she reached the familiar door of the student dormitory. Her feet moved of their own ord, carrying her down the hall to the room she knew so well. It was 6:48 PM. She had been gone since early that morning, leaving the academy grounds at dawn for the field study. The day had been long, exhausting, and now, it was finallying to a head. She stopped in front of Noah''s door, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. This was it. She knocked, her knuckles rapping sharply against the wooden door. Silence. She waited, the seconds dragging on like hours. She knocked again, harder this time. Still no response. "Noah?" she called softly, pressing her ear to the door. There was nothing¡ªno sound, no movement, only the heavy, oppressive silence of the empty corridor. Her brow furrowed, a knot of anxiety twisting in her stomach. She reached for the doorknob, hesitating for a moment before turning it. To her surprise, it was unlocked. Slowly, she pushed the door open, her eyes widening as she stepped inside. The room was empty. Completely, utterly empty. There was no furniture, no books, no papers scattered across the desk¡ªnothing. It was as if no one had ever lived there. The walls were bare, stripped of any decoration or personal touch. The bed was gone, the desk vanished, and the shelves that had once held stacks of notes and magical devices were bare. Ariana''s heart sank, a wave of confusion and disbelief washing over her. She took a hesitant step forward, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Noah¡­?" The echo of her voice was the only reply, bouncing back at her from the empty walls. Ariana stood frozen at the empty doorway, her breath hitching as she tried toprehend the scene before her. The emptiness felt heavy, like a weight pressing down on her chest, and she couldn''t tear her gaze away from the barren walls. A soft clearing of a throat broke the silence, and Ariana spun around, her eyes widening as she recognized the figure standing just a few feet away. It was one of the academy''s head maids, Miss Ghiine, dressed impably in a long maroon dress with a neat ck apron tied around her waist. On her head was the traditional white maid''s cap, itsce trim framing her stern yet kind face. "Miss Ghiine," Ariana said, her voice shaky with a mix of surprise and relief. She offered a polite nod, feeling the familiarity of the woman''s presence like a grounding force amidst the confusion. "Good evening." Miss Ghiine''s expression softened, a small smile ying at the corners of her lips as she returned the greeting with a gentle incline of her head. "Good evening, Miss Snow. Is there something I can help you with?" Ariana hesitated, ncing back at the empty room before meeting the maid''s gaze again. "Miss Ghiine, why... why is this room empty? What happened to the student who was staying here?" The maid''s brows furrowed slightly, and she lifted a slender finger to her chin, her expression thoughtful as if trying to recall a detail that eluded her. "The student¡­?" "Yes, Noah Ashbourne," Ariana rified, her voice a little more desperate than she intended. "He''s a first-year student. This was his room." Miss Ghiine''s eyes flickered with recognition, and she sped her hands neatly behind her back. Her face settled into a calm, almost serene expression, and she closed her eyes for a brief moment. When she opened them, her gaze was steady, unyielding. "Oh, him," she said slowly, her tone carrying a hint of finality. "I''m sorry, Miss Snow... but he''s gone." Chapter 110: Oh Him? Hes Gone... [2] Ariana''s eyes went wide as the maid''s words sank in like a cold de. "What?" she whispered, her voice almost lost in the quiet of the empty corridor. "Yes," Ghiine repeated, with a calm finality that made Ariana''s stomach churn. "The student... Noah Ashbourne... he was expelled." She gave a slight, formal bow, her posture perfect and controlled, then turned on her heel and walked down the hallway, the gentle swish of her long maroon dress echoing against the walls. Ariana slumped back against the wall, her legs buckling as the shock overtook her. She slid down until she was sitting, knees bent, her skirt pooling around her legs in a mess. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt a strange numbness creeping over her. Had she heard Ghiine correctly? Expelled? Noah, expelled? No¡ªno, it had to be a mistake, or maybe he was moved, reassigned to a different dormitory. It couldn''t be true. ''It just couldn''t.'' She tried to focus, tried to breathe, but her thoughts were jumbled, colliding into one another like waves in a storm. Why had he been expelled? What could he have done? She remembered seeing him so many times in this room, always hunched over his desk with papers scattered everywhere, a serious look on his face, his eyes distant like he was seeing something no one else could. She had visited him so often here, sharing quiet moments between their duties, his rare, tired smile afort in the long, exhausting days at Ravenwood. And now¡­ he was gone? The sound of footsteps pulled her out of her daze. Two students, a boy and a girl, rounded the corner, chatting animatedly about something. When they noticed her, they stopped abruptly, their expressions shifting to one of recognition and respect. They gave her a small, respectful bow¡ªa gesturemoners reserved for those from prestigious families, acknowledging her status. Ariana barely registered the gesture, still staring nkly ahead, her mind trapped in a whirlwind. "Good evening, Lady Snow," the boy said, his tone deferential, careful. "What brings you to Ironwood Hall? I thought you were at Silvercrest." Ariana blinked, her gaze snapping to the students as if seeing them for the first time. "I... I came to see a student. Noah Ashbourne. I''ve visited him here before, but now... now it''s empty." Her voice trembled, raw with confusion. The two exchanged a quick nce before the girl spoke up, her tone dropping to a more serious note. "Oh... you don''t know?" she said, almost hesitantly. "He was expelled. Just this afternoon. Everyone''s talking about it. He broke Ravenwood''s rules¡ªserious ones, involving the Demonic Humans Cult." "What...?" The words felt like a hollow echo in Ariana''s mouth, but the boy nodded solemnly, picking up where hispanion had left off. "There was a trial," he said, speaking carefully, as if unsure of how much to share with someone of Ariana''s status. "The Vanguard arrested him. They said he was using demonic magic... that he was involved in some cult activities. Apparently, they found evidence¡ªtransactions in the academy''s records, strange activities in the Magic Engineering Department. It all pointed to him." He shook his head as if in disbelief. "They said he even attacked some of the Vanguard members during the arrest." Ariana listened, barely breathing. The usations sounded... too horrible to be true, and yet... Her mind shed back to the Silverfang Manor, to the way Noah had looked that night¡ªthe twisted, almost unrecognizable form he had taken, the demonic power that had crackled around him like ck lightning. Explore stories on m,v l''e-NovelBin It was a memory she had buried deep, something she had wanted to forget, but it wed its way back to the surface now with a vengeance. Had she known all along? No, she had refused to believe it, had forced herself to look away from the shadows that clung to him, to the questions she didn''t dare ask. But now, with every word they said, the doubts, those tiny whispers in the back of her mind, were growing louder. She wanted to deny it, to stand up and shout that it was all lies, that they didn''t know Noah like she did, that there was no way he could be guilty. But the cracks in her certainty were widening, splitting her conviction down the middle. And in those cracks, the cold tendrils of doubt began to take root. The girl shrugged, a hint of pity in her eyes as she looked at Ariana''s stunned face. "It''s such a shame," she said softly. "He was... well, he seemed different. But Ravenwood doesn''t take these things lightly, especially when someone''s tied to a dangerous cult. I heard one of the emperor''s sons was involved in the investigation, too. If the emperor catches wind of what happened, it could be a serious threat for the entire empire¡ªmaybe even the whole continent." The boy nodded grimly. "He should''ve known better. There''s no mercy here, not with the stakes so high. He must have been reckless, or maybe... maybe he was just desperate." Ariana''s mouth felt dry. She wanted to argue, to scream that they were wrong, but the words wouldn''te. She just sat there, motionless, staring at the polished floor as the students gave her onest sympathetic look before bowing again. "Goodnight, Lady Snow," they said in unison, their voices a dull roar in her ears, before walking down the corridor, their footsteps fading into the distance. The silence that followed was suffocating. Ariana didn''t move, her body frozen, her mind a nk void that refused to focus. Was it true? Could it be true? All of it? She felt a tightness in her chest, her heart aching with an emotion she couldn''t quite name¡ªpain, betrayal, sorrow... and something else, something darker, something she didn''t want to acknowledge. A faint flutter of wings made her look up, and Augustus, her translucent sparrowpanion, materialized in front of her, his emerald-green feathers shimmering faintly in the dim light. "Ariana," he said softly, his voice gentle, full of concern. "I..." But she didn''t respond. She didn''t look up. Her gaze was fixed on the floor, empty and cold, her body hunched over like a fragile doll about to break. Her hair fell in loose, tangled strands around her face, hiding her expression, and her shoulders trembled with the weight of her silent despair. "Arian- Miss Snow..." Augustus said again, his voice breaking with a helplessness he rarely showed. He had known this girl since she was five, had seen her smile andugh and grow into the young woman she was now. And now, he could do nothing but watch her shatter, the pain he couldn''t ease tearing at his very soul. Ariana said nothing. She didn''t move, didn''t blink, didn''t acknowledge him. She just sat there, motionless, as if the world had ceased to exist around her, as if the cold, empty floor of the hallway was all that remained. And Augustus, unable to do anything more, could only stay by her side, a silent, loyal witness to the broken girl before him. Chapter 111: Chain Reaction [1] Xander sat hunched over the wooden desk, his eyes bloodshot and rimmed with exhaustion, flipping through ancient books with brittle, yellowed pages. Around him, the tower room was cluttered with scraps of parchment¡ªsome crumpled into tight balls, others folded messily in half¡ªeach one bearing intricate drawings ofplex magic circles, some half-finished, others rubbed away in frustration. A thinyer of dust danced in the candlelight, stirred up as he feverishly sketched, muttering calctions to himself under his breath. Several booksy open, pages fluttering in the cool draft that seeped through the narrow stone window. The room was a chaotic mess, papers strewn across the floor like discarded leaves, and the air was thick with the smell of ink, old parchment, and the faint metallic scent of magical residue. He paused for a moment, his fingers hovering above the page as he scrutinized histest attempt, a hastily drawn sequence of glyphs within a circr diagram that was meant to stabilize a temporal anchor¡ªan attempt to delve deeper into the forbidden and elusive magic of time. But something wasn''t right. The lines were wrong, the sigils misaligned. With a growl of frustration, he swiped his arm across the desk, sending the sheet spinning to the floor and scattering ink bottles, quills, and fragments of broken crystals. Suddenly, the heavy oak door to the study tower creaked open, and a figure stepped inside. Xander''s eyes snapped up, momentarily startled, then rxed as he recognized the intruder. It was Professor Loran, the one person in the academy who had believed in him from the very beginning. Professor Loran was a man in histe fifties, his thinning hair a mix of gray and white, his beard neatly trimmed, though streaked with silver. He wore a heavy, dark-blue robe lined with gold that shimmered faintly in the dim light, and around his neck hung a simple silver chain with a single, faintly glowing crystal. His eyes, however, were sharp, intelligent, and full of warmth¡ªthe kind of eyes that saw potential in ces where others saw only failure. "Well," Loran said, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. His gaze swept over the chaotic room, taking in the scattered papers, the ink-stained desk, and the weary figure of Xander in the dimly lit tower. "Still at it, are we?" Xander nodded, not looking up from the torn and ink-sttered page he had just unfolded. "Yes," he replied, his voice hoarse with fatigue. "I have to be. There''s no time to rest, not now." Professor Loran stepped closer, his footsteps light and unhurried, though he swayed slightly, the faint smell of alcohol wafting off him. He raised an eyebrow at the state of the room and then smiled softly, a hint of sadness in the curve of his lips. "Delving into the concept of time¡­" he said, trailing off as he looked over the symbols Xander had been obsessively drawing and redrawing. "It''s even more difficult than I thought it would be. This isn''t something you can brute-force, you know." Xander stiffened, the grip on his quill tightening as he nced sideways at the professor. "Why do you smell like that?" he asked sharply, the hint of bitterness in his voice hard to mask. "You went drinking again, didn''t you? I told you¡ªI hate it when youe back drunk." Professor Loran chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that filled the room. He leaned against the desk, steadying himself with one hand. "Ah, Xander¡­ you know me too well," he said with a sheepish grin. "Just a little celebration, that''s all. You should loosen up a bit; not everything needs to be so damn serious." Xander scowled, turning back to his work. "It''s always serious," he muttered, but Loran either didn''t hear him or chose to ignore the words. Instead, he began to gently push aside some of the crumpled papers, straightening them into neat piles as if trying to bring some order to the chaos around them. "You know," Loran began, his tone shifting from yful to contemtive, "you can''t change the past just because you want to undo a mistake. Time doesn''t work that way. It''s not a simple river you can turn back just because you don''t like the way it flows. Some things¡­ well, some things are just meant to happen." Xander''s fingers froze mid-draw, and he felt a cold weight settle in his stomach. Explore more stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin "What do you mean by that?" he asked slowly, his voice low and dangerous. Loran''s eyes softened, and he sighed, leaning back against the desk with a wistful look. "You can''t change fate, Xander. Even if you reverse time, if something is meant to happen, it will. Life doesn''t just follow a script you can edit whenever you want." He hesitated, then added, "Like your father''s illness, for example. Some things are beyond our control." Xander''s breath hitched, and he turned to re at Loran, his eyes zing with an intensity that made the older man falter. "What about my father?" he said sharply, his voice cracking. Loran raised his hands in a cating gesture, his expression turning apologetic. "I didn''t mean to¡ª" he started, but his words were cut off by augh that sounded far too bitter for his usually lighthearted demeanor. "It''s just... I know how much you''ve struggled, Xander. I know you''re doing all of this for him. But no matter how hard you try, some things are inevitable. You have to ept that, or you''ll drive yourself mad." The room seemed to grow colder, the candlelight flickering ominously as Xander red at the man who had taken him in, who had given him a chance when no one else would. "You don''t know anything." Loran opened his mouth to protest, his eyes widening slightly, but he never got the chance. In a single, fluid motion, Xander''s hand shot forward, his fingers outstretched, glowing with a brilliant blue aura. The air crackled with raw magic, and for a split second, Loran''s face was a mask of confusion and shock. Then, with a deafening roar, Loran''s head exploded in a spray of blood and bone. The door and walls behind him were painted with a dark, visceral stter, and Xander''s outstretched hand smoked with a faint blue glow. A thin line of blood trickled down his cheek, and he watched, almost detached, as Loran''s headless body crumpled to the floor, blood gushing from the neck like a fountain, pooling on the cold stone. Xander stood motionless, his breath ragged, his eyes glowing with an eerie, unnatural light. Slowly, he lowered his hand, staring down at the lifeless corpse with a mixture of contempt and satisfaction. The tower was deathly silent except for the faint drip-drip of blood that echoed through the empty space. "Tch...," Xander murmured, his voice low and trembling. "You were just like the rest of them. You couldn''t understand. None of you can understand." He took a step forward, his boots sshing in the blood, and he leaned down over Loran''s body, his expression cold and distant. "My father''s illness wasn''t fate," he whispered, as if speaking to himself. "It wasn''t some unchangeablew of the universe. It was because I wasn''t strong enough¡ªbecause I wasn''t ready when he needed me." His eyes hardened, and he straightened up, his glowing gaze piercing the shadows of the tower. "I''ve studied for years," he said, his voice rising with a feverish intensity. "I''ve poured over every forbidden tome, every lost scroll. I''ve mastered the magic of the arcane, pushed myself to the very brink of death, all to achieve what everyone said was impossible." A twisted smile curved his lips as he nced at the smoldering remains of histest failed experiment, the scattered pages and the ruined sigils that had cost him months of work. "They said time couldn''t be altered," he continued, his tone almost mocking. "They said it was a boundary not even the gods dared to cross. But they were wrong. I''ll make them see... I''ll make everyone see." His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper, the glow in his eyes flickering dangerously. "I won''t let my father die," he said, his tone unyielding, almost desperate. "I won''t let him suffer while I stand by, powerless and useless. I''ll turn back time, even if I have to tear apart the fabric of reality itself. Even if it means breaking everyw of magic, every rule of existence." He raised his bloodied hand, the blue aura swirling around his fingers like a living me, and a manic grin spread across his face. "Time will bow to me," he said softly, his gaze distant and unfocused. "I''ll make it bend. I''ll make it scream. I''ll change everything, no matter the cost." He nced onest time at Loran''s lifeless body, his expression hardening into one of cold determination. "And anyone who tries to stop me," he said, his voice a low, dangerous murmur, "will meet the same fate." With that, he turned away, his glowing eyes fixed on the darkness beyond the tower''s narrow window Chapter 112: Chain Reaction [2] Amy Bluerose. Just thinking about her name was enough to make my heart race, to fill my mind with a thousand fleeting memories of the character I had built from the ground up¡ªperfection incarnate, forged with painstaking detail and absolute love. Every w, every quality, every little quirk of hers was etched into my brain as if I had carved them there myself with a burning de. She was everything I wanted, everything I needed. When I designed her, I knew she would be my favorite. Her strength, her independence, her unyielding determination were like no other. A woman who, no matter what stood in her way, would break down those obstacles without a second thought. A woman who carried herself with elegance but held the power of a storm beneath herposed demeanor. She was a force to be reckoned with, and her power was... intoxicating. Her imperfections made her real, too. Amy could be harsh and judgmental, but that was what I loved about her¡ªher sharp tongue was bnced by an unwavering loyalty to those she cared about, a loyalty that burned brighter than a thousand suns. She wasn''t wless, but that''s what made her even more perfect to me. There were many who didn''t understand her, who criticized her coldness and her stubborn pride. They said she was unlikable, that her ruthlessness made her unsympathetic. But I never faltered, not for a moment. To me, those imperfections were just proof of how real she was, how alive she became in my mind. I knew her better than they ever could. Amy was the perfect partner. She was the woman I would give anything for, the woman I would bow to without hesitation if she demanded it, the woman I would let step on me if it made her smile. She was the tsundere who would p me away one moment and cling to me the next, the yandere who would burn the world down if I ever left her. I wanted her fury, her passion, her obsession¡ªbecause I felt the same. And I wanted her to want me with the same crazed intensity that I felt for her, to look at me like I was the only thing that mattered in the world. When I first started writing this story, I didn''t care about the characters, not really. They were t, lifeless¡ª2-D in the most literal sense of the word. They existed to fill a space, to y a role, to move the plot forward. But Amy was different. She was vibrant, alive in a way that no other character had ever been for me. She consumed my thoughts, my dreams. I found myself wishing I was the main character in the story I had written, that I could stand beside her, that I could ''have'' her. And now... now she was right in front of me. Amy, my perfect Amy,y unconscious on the brown leather couch, her head tilted to the side, her blue hair flowing like a waterfall over the armrest, shimmering in the faint moonlight that filtered through the curtains. She looked ethereal, almost otherworldly, her skin so pale it was nearly translucent, her lips soft and full, slightly parted. Even now, in her unconscious state, she was the very definition of beauty. Every curve of her body was a masterpiece¡ªher slender neck, her soft, delicate corbones, the way her blouse hugged her chest, the hint ofce peeking through. I moved closer, barely breathing. My fingers trembled as I reached out, brushing a strand of that glorious blue hair away from her face. Her skin was warm under my touch, a reminder that she was real, here, alive. My thumb grazed the faint mark on her neck, the symbol of the demonic cult that had imed her¡ªa mark I had put there myself. "I''m sorry, my lovely Amy," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I had to do it... to protect you, to make sure that bastard Noah got what he deserved." Noah Ashbourne¡ªthat name left a sour taste in my mouth. I regretted every moment I had wasted writing him as a character. A stain on the narrative, aplication I had never anticipated until it was toote. The game, when it had altered my work, had twisted everything, and Noah had be the antithesis of what I wanted for Amy. His very existence tainted the purity of her story, corrupted it. And now, as fate would have it, I was given a second chance to right those wrongs. "I won''t let him ruin you again," I murmured as I leaned closer, inhaling the soft, sweet scent of her perfume¡ªsomething floral with a hint of vani that made my insides melt. My fingers traced the curve of her jaw, her soft, plump lips. God, how many nights had I spent imagining what they would feel like, what they would taste like? I couldn''t resist any longer. My lips met hers, gentle at first, hesitant, but then hungrier as warmth spread through me. She was warm and alive, and her breath, faint and even, mingled with mine. It was everything I had imagined and more. I felt her softness, her warmth, her very essence. I deepened the kiss, feeling the need to consume her, to own her, to make her mine in every way. My other hand slipped down, brushing the cor of her unbuttoned shirt, feeling the curve of her chest beneath. She twitched beneath my touch, and my heart pounded wildly in my chest. "My darling," I breathed, breaking the kiss, my forehead resting against hers. "The embodiment of perfection, my perfection...." I took a step back, tying my hair into a ponytail to keep it out of my face. In this world, I wasn''t the person I had been before. I possessed Liliana Everheart, a minor extra from the original story, a character without a name or a purpose. But that anonymity gave me power¡ªpower to be close to Amy, power to manipte the narrative in ways I never could have before. And I had. Amy''s greatest weakness was her inferiorityplex, the result of a lifetime of struggling to be perfect in a world that expected nothing less. She was the daughter of a the prestigious house of Bluerose, a woman who had always been judged, criticized, picked apart for every small failure. And the social circles she was so desperate to belong to... they had be the perfect tool for me. Slowly, carefully, I had isted her, feeding her doubts, whispering fears into her ear. I had been her friend, her confidante, the only person she could truly trust, and I had twisted that trust until she relied on me entirely. Until she ''needed'' me. I imbued her life force with demonic energy. Power she could never have on her own, power that made her feel strong, invincible, worthy. And with that power, she became the perfect pawn in my game. Noah had no idea what he was dealing with¡ªhe was just a problem, a parasite who clung to Amy''s light, dragging her down into his twisted, pathetic world. I had created him, and I had the power to erase him. I would rewrite the story to give Amy the ending she deserved. I wouldn''t make the same mistake twice. In my old life, I was nothing but a failure. A 33-year-old man-a nobody who spent his days as a shut-in, writing stories that no one cared about, living off instant ramen and stale coffee, glued to a screen while the world passed me by. I was pathetic, lonely, unfulfilled. I poured my soul into Amy, my muse, my goddess, but it was never enough. And then, when the gamepany bought my work, they changed everything. They turned my story from a romance fantasy to a catastrophic RPG game, warped my characters, and corrupted my vision. But they had given me money, stability. And for a while, I thought that was enough. It wasn''t. I knew, deep down, that I wasn''t happy. But in this world, I had a second chance to make things right, to keep the things I truly cared about. And Amy... she was at the center of it all. I moved back to the couch, staring down at her peaceful, sleeping form. The sight of her stirred something inside me, something dark and unyielding. My tongue darted out to wet my lips as I felt my body heating up, my blood thrumming in my veins. I reached out and touched her lips once more, tracing them with my fingertips. My other hand slid down my own body, feeling the curves that weren''t mine, the unfamiliar softness of my new form. I squeezed my breasts as I felt the warmth. "I''ll give you everything you want," I promised, my voice hushed and desperate. "I''ll make sure you get the world you deserve, a world where you can be free... where you can be happy." I picked up the silver deagle from the table beside me, its weight heavy and cold in my hand. The barrel gleamed in the moonlight, casting silvery reflections across the room. I raised it to my lips, the cold metal sending a shiver down my spine as I ran my tongue along the smooth surface, tasting the tang of gunmetal. "Anyone who stands in our way," I whispered, my eyes glowing faintly in the darkness, "will be removed. I''ll eradicate them, one by one, until there''s nothing left but us." Amy shifted in her sleep, and I smiled, lowering the gun and pressing it to my chest, feeling the cold seep into my skin. "I''ll make the world ''perfect''," I said, my gaze never leaving her face. "For you, my beautiful, perfect Amy." Chapter 113: Chain Reaction [3] The carriage rolled to a halt at Ravenwood Magic Academy, its polished wooden doors reflecting the morning light as they opened to reveal two elegantly dressed figures. The first to step out was a man with striking ck hair that cascaded silkily under the rim of a sleek fedora hat. He wore a finely tailored noble suit, deep midnight blue with silver embroidery tracing intricate patterns along thepels and cuffs, each stitch catching the eye with a subtle shimmer. His suit jacket was buttoned neatly over a white, silk waistcoat that had subtle hints of silver threads woven through. The attire was a testament to wealth and refinement, and he held a walking cane, its dark wooden shaft polished to a high sheen, though it was clear that he wielded it more as an essory than for support. Beside him, a woman descended from the carriage with graceful precision. Her blonde hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, entuating her fairplexion and striking ckshes that framed piercing yellow eyes. She wore a high-necked dress of rich emerald green, perfectly fitted to her slender figure. Her sleeves, long and flowing, ended in delicatece cuffs, and the gown''s fabric caught the light with a subtle gleam. She moved with poise, the kind that was cultivated from years of noble bearing, her steps deliberate and unhurried. Together, they were a portrait of aristocratic elegance. They were led by a small group of academy guards, who escorted them to the administration block. The two followed silently, their expressionsposed but with a hint of anticipation clouding their refined faces. As they walked through the ancient halls of Ravenwood, the sound of their footsteps echoed against stone walls adorned with tapestries and portraits of past alumni. Soon, they reached the heavy wooden doors of Professor Sharon''s office, where they were greeted by an attendant who gestured for them to enter. Professor Sharon rose from behind her desk as they entered. Her warm gaze met theirs, and she offered a courteous nod. "Please,e in. You must be Amon and Margaret Ashbourne," she said, motioning to the chairs in front of her desk. "It''s an honor to meet you both." The man nodded, removing his hat and holding it in one hand as he inclined his head. "Thank you, Professor. I am Amon Ashbourne, and this is my wife, Margaret." Margaret offered a faint smile, nodding in acknowledgement, her eyes scanning the room before settling on the professor. "We received a letter about our son, Noah," Amon continued, "and felt it was only proper to visit his patron and professor." Professor Sharon''s expression softened. "When did you receive this letter, Mr. Ashbourne?" "Just yesterday," he replied. "We dropped everything toe immediately. I must confess, the wording was vague, which only heightened our concern. Is everything all right with our son?" A visible shadow passed over Professor Sharon''s face. She took a deep breath before responding, her voice careful and measured. "Mr. and Mrs. Ashbourne¡­ I regret to inform you that your son, Noah Ashbourne, was expelled from Ravenwood a week ago." For a moment, silence enveloped the room, broken only by the ticking of a clock on the wall. The words seemed to linger, suspended in the air. Margaret''s face paled, and her hands clenched tightly around the handkerchief she held. "Expelled? Noah was expelled?" Her voice trembled, rising in pitch as herposure cracked. "But¡­ but he never came home! If he was expelled, he would havee home. What happened to him, Professor? Why wasn''t thismunicated to us immediately?" Professor Sharon''s gaze lowered, her tone sympathetic yet firm. "I understand your frustration, Mrs. Ashbourne. I assure you, we take matters ofmunication very seriously. The decision to expel Noah was not taken lightly, and a letter was sent as soon as possible to inform you. I apologize if there was any dy in its arrival." Margaret let out a small, anguished cry, herposure crumbling entirely. Tears filled her eyes, spilling over as she leaned forward, clutching the armrests of her chair. "But why? Why was he expelled? What could he have done to warrant such drastic action?" With a somber expression, Professor Sharon opened a drawer and pulled out a thick, bound document. "Here is the record," she said, sliding it across the desk toward them. "This file contains a detailed ount of the events leading to Noah''s expulsion, including the rules he is alleged to have broken." Amon''s eyes narrowed as he took the document in his hands. He flipped it open, his gaze quickly scanning the first few pages before his face twisted in incredulity. His grip on the pages tightened as he read further, the lines of text painting an increasingly damning portrait of his son''s actions. Margaret looked over his shoulder, her hand pressed to her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief as she skimmed through the usations¡ªmisuse of forbidden spells, vition of academy code, repeated insubordination. Each word seemed to hit her like a physical blow. "This¡­ this can''t be true," Amon said, his voice barely above a whisper before it rose, filled with anger. "My son was set up. Someone must be framing him! Noah would never involve himself in something like this." Professor Sharon held up a hand, trying to calm them. "Mr. Ashbourne, I understand how difficult this is. Noah was one of my favorite students; he has always shown remarkable promise and talent. Believe me, I wanted to believe that it wasn''t true. But every piece of evidence we found pointed to his involvement. We conducted a thorough investigation." "Your investigation? Amon repeated, his voice trembling with barely restrained fury. "And what if your so-called investigation was wed? What if someone deliberately nted this evidence? Don''t you think, as his teacher, you would know him better than to believe such outrageous ims?" Professor Sharon looked at them with sadness in her eyes. "I wanted to believe in his innocence, truly I did. But the council conducted its own separate investigation and came to the same conclusion. There was no escaping the evidence, no alternate exnation." Margaret fell silent, the full weight of the situation pressing down on her as she slumped back in her chair. Her face was etched with grief, her eyes wide and brimming with tears as she stared nkly ahead. Her voice was barely a whisper as she muttered, "If he didn''te home¡­ then¡­" She trailed off, her hand flying to her mouth as the dreadful realization took hold. The possibility they hadn''t dared to voice¡ªthe horrible, unimaginable thought that had lurked in the darkest corners of their minds¡ªnow seemed almost inevitable. "Noah¡­" Chapter 114: Second Act: Love Kills [1] The night was heavy with shadows as the cold wind whispered through the academy grounds, bringing with it a stillness that shrouded Ravenwood''s ancient towers. In one of these towers, the demonic magic research wing, a faint flicker of light disturbed the nket of darkness, struggling against the void. At the top of the tower, behind the thick stone walls, only the glimmer of a candle dared to fight the night, casting weak, dancing shapes across arge, open room. Furniture, shelvesden with books, and scattered scrolls were all shoved unceremoniously to the edges of the room. Pages of open tomes fluttered as the breeze slipped through the half-open window, but in the center of the chamber, the true purpose of the setupy waiting. Arge purple magic circle etched meticulously into the stone floor, glowing with an otherworldly light. Symbols intertwined with each other inplex patterns, swirling and curving, binding together to form a heart shape at the center. Radiating from it, fine lines extended into intricate designs that intertwined with symbols of life, death, and time, pulsating like a living entity. Every few moments, the glow intensified, thrumming with energy, and faded back to a faint, ominous glimmer. In the middle of this circley a young woman. Her dark purple hair spilled across the stone floor, contrasting against the faint glow of the circle. She was unconscious, her face tranquil yet with the vulnerability of someone lost in sleep. Her attire was simple: a long white shirt that reached her knees, hugging her frame and leaving her bare thighs exposed under the thin fabric. The moonlight from the window touched her bare skin, almost as if caressing her with a pale silver light, casting an ethereal glow on her delicate form. Upon her chest, barely visible through the fabric, was the most striking mark¡ªa pulsating symbol, glowing faintly and brightening in intervals, keeping pace with the magic circle''s rhythm. The mark was a heart intertwined with ancient symbols, swirls, and curves that seemed to twist and coil over one another, forming an elegant, haunting design. The mark pulsed like a heartbeat, its glow seeping through the fabric in shades ofvender and dark red, adding an ominous beauty to her still form. A shadowy figure stepped forward, entering the room with measured steps. He wore a look of solemn intensity, his blonde hair illuminated as he moved into the dim candlelight. His eyes lingered on the girl lying within the circle, a glint of something both dark and yearning flickering in their depths. "Love," he murmured, his voice low, almost reverent. "Love is a strange, twisted thing. The gods seem to take pleasure in ripping it from our grasp, testing us in ways that could make lesser beings crumble." He walked closer, his gaze never straying from the girl. The faintest smirk yed on his lips, one filled with bitterness, as he continued. "They watch us from above, reveling in our misery, seeing us fall apart over and over again. Love, they say, is fleeting. But to me, it is eternal. Just like death¡­ so absolute, so¡­ irreversible." He paused, breathing out a humorlessugh. "Death," he whispered, as if addressing an old friend. "Death is an ever-present truth¡ªa shadow clinging to us from the moment we''re born, a silent promise waiting to be fulfilled. We wield magic, spells of power and wisdom beyondprehension, yet no one has conquered death. We''re all at its mercy¡­ forever bound to its embrace." His eyes turned cold, and he clenched his fists. "But what if¡­ what if one couldmand it? What if death were not an end, but simply¡­ a means? I''ve devoted myself to that possibility for years. Searching, experimenting, all for a glimmer of hope to see her again." He closed his eyes, remembering the countless attempts he''d made. Each method carved into his mind, failures that haunted him relentlessly. [1. A ritual invoking forbidden gods of the underworld.] [2. The use of cursed relics rumored to grant necromantic power.] [3. Spells inscribed with ancient runes, chanted under blood moons.] [4. Binding spells to capture souls.] [5. Sacrificial offerings meant to appease the spirits.] [6. Summoning incantations in cemeteries, using soil from graves.] [7. The Darkwater Alchemy, drinking a potion made from nts nourished in death.] [8. Soulbinding charms to reach through the veil.] [9. The Mchite Stone, known to store fragments of life essence.] [10. Invocation of shadow familiars, entities that cross between life and death.] And those were just the few he could recall; all in all, he had tried over six hundred and sixty-five different methods. Each one, a mark of his desperation, and yet¡ªeach one a failure. Jacob''s expression grew darker as he remembered the price each attempt had exacted. His talents in magic were vast, and he knew that many admired him, respected his skills. But there was one ability he hade to despise, a skill he''d once dismissed as useless. An ability that let him see the presence of death itself, its ominous aura lingering around every mortal, with each intensity determining the time they had left. He called it the "Shadowbrand." From a gentle flicker for the young and healthy to a raging inferno for the dying, the Shadowbrand had haunted his vision since that fateful day. He had acquired the ability in a graveyard, at his love''s burial, the moment he''did her body to rest. Ever since, he saw ck spirits drifting near the graves and an eerie glow around everyone he encountered. Low embers meant they had many years; medium zes hinted at a shorter time. But no matter the intensity, the sight of it filled him with dread and despair. At first, he had tried to ignore it, tempted by the idea of exploiting it for profit, bing a foreteller of death. But his pride held him back. Then he had met her¡ªMaya Brenthall. The first time she''d walked into his study, seeking guidance on an advanced magic technique, he''d felt his world shake. Her death aura was unlike any he had ever seen: it burned violently, blinding him with its darkness. Explore more stories with m,v l''e-NovelBin It was as if death itself clung to her, like she was marked by the abyss. It was more than just a Shadowbrand¡ªit was a storm of ck spirits that followed her, shrieking and wailing, echoing with cries of anguish that reverberated in his ears until blood trickled down from them. The suffocating presence she carried had nearly dropped him to his knees. His mana reserves drained merely by proximity, a force beyondprehension sapping his strength. She was an anomaly, a mortal vessel carrying something ancient and dark, an embodiment of the void. But Maya herself seemed oblivious to the dark forces surrounding her. Despite carrying the essence of death, she went about her days as if she bore no burden at all. She became his assistant, working under his tutge, unaware of the power she held. And it was then that he had realized the opportunity before him. As he looked at her now, lying within the purple circle, he saw in her the key to achieving the one thing he desired most. She was the vessel he needed¡ªthe perfect conduit for his lost love''s spirit. He had prepared, researched, and waited patiently for this moment, gathering forbidden knowledge to unlock this spell, one that would bind Maya''s body and allow the spirit of his beloved to return. He moved closer to the circle, watching as the light of the spell danced along Maya''s unconscious form. She looked so peaceful, as if merely asleep, her chest rising and falling in steady breaths. The mark on her chest glowed stronger, the intricate design pulsing in time with the magical energy coursing through the room. The heart-shaped symbol glistened, entwined with ancient, winding curves, spirals, and runes¡ªall interconnected in anguage only the dead would understand. A tremor passed through his fingers as he reached out, his hand hovering over her form. He swallowed, feeling the weight of his journey settle heavily upon him. "Just a little longer," he murmured, his voice a mix of reverence and desperation. "This is what you were born for, Maya. To give life¡­ to the dead." He traced the lines of the magic circle with his fingers, feeling the rush of power crackle beneath his touch. The candles around them flickered, and the air grew colder. Shadows danced along the walls, twisting and contorting as if alive, responding to the energy building in the room. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "With this spell, she will return," he whispered. "No more empty nights, no more hollow days. Death¡­ I will defy you. Even if it costs me my soul." He began chanting, his voice low and rhythmic, filling the room with words from an ancientnguage, each syble dripping with magic. The mark on Maya''s chest red brighter, and the circle beneath her began to pulsate, reacting to his words as the spell took form. The room grew darker, the shadows encroaching further as he continued. The spirits that trailed Maya, invisible to all but him, began to emerge in the circle, their shrieks mingling with his incantation, their twisted, ghostly forms swirling above her body like a storm. They wove together, drawn to the mark on her chest, converging as if preparing to usher another soul from beyond the veil. He chanted louder, his voice shaking as the power surged through him, filling every fiber of his being with purpose. His beloved''s face shed before his eyes, herughter, her touch, her voice¡ªall within reach. And in that moment, as Maya''s body glowed with the vibrant power of the spell, he felt it¡ªthe faintest trace of her spirit, waiting, ready to be pulled back from the depths. "Come back to me," he whispered, as a single tear traced down his face. Chapter 115: Second Act: Love Kills [2] The sky was overcast, thick grey clouds rolling in with a silent urgency, casting a muted pallor over Ravenwood Academy. The lush greens of the academy grounds, usually vibrant, appeared dull under the heavy clouds. The air was dense, and students on the pathways exchanged wary nces as they looked up. Squinting to catch a glimpse of the sun obscured byyers of ash-grey clouds. A small cluster of students halted, tipping their heads up with mixed expressions of curiosity and concern. One of them, a red-haired girl, squinted as if trying to peer through the clouds. "Think it''s going to rain?" A boy beside her with scruffy brown hair shrugged, frowning at the sky. "It better not," he muttered. "I still have to get to the town center to pick up supplies, and if it rains¡­ well, I didn''t exactly bring anything waterproof." He sighed, crossing his arms and tapping his foot impatiently. "Yeah," chimed in another student, clutching a worn notebook. "I was nning on practicing that light-energy concept I just learned. I can''t do it indoors; it''d blow out all themps. The rain would just¡­ ruin everything." "Rain isn''t the worst thing in the world," the red-haired girl replied, though she tugged her cloak tighter around her shoulders as if bracing for it. A heavy drop fell onto her cheek, cool and warning. Then another. She looked up, and so did the others, eyes widening as the sky darkened further. "Aw, no," muttered one of the boys, swiping a droplet off his face. Before anyone could say anything more, the skies unleashed, sheets of rain cascading over the academy grounds. A blonde student swore loudly, yanking the hood of his robe over his head as the rain thickened to a downpour. The pathways glistened under the relentless rain, and students ducked under awnings, clustering by trees and ledges, any cover they could find to shield themselves from the onught. And then, in a way none of them anticipated, the sky began to shift once more. A subtle ripple of light appeared in the clouds, barely noticeable at first but growing with an intense, unnatural hue. The dark grey melted into deep purple, spreading outward like a stain, casting an ominous glow over the academy grounds. The rain, still heavy, seemed to slow, each droplet now catching the violet tint as it fell, shimmering like crystals tainted with an unnatural color. Whispers broke through the crowd as students peered up in horror. "What is that?" One of them gasped, pointing at the sky. Above them, an enormous magic circle began to take shape, gradually burning brighter against the purple sky. It sprawled across the heavens like a vast, mystical tattoo, ovepping with spirals, ancient symbols, and sharp arcs, all connected by lines that pulsed with the power of ancient magic. The sheer scale of it was iprehensible¡ªit stretched far beyond the academy, covering an area asrge as a small town, its edges vanishing into the horizon. The centerpiece of the circle took the shape of a heart, bound by swirling patterns and entwined with dark, intricate runes that radiated a dangerous allure. The heart,rger than any of the academy''s towering spires, pulsed, filling the heavens with waves of purple and a strange pink hue that bled into the sky, creating an ethereal, mesmerizing disy. Several students screamed, while others took nervous steps back, clutching their bags or each other in bewilderment. "What''s happening?" "Is this¡­ an attack?" Voices ovepped as fear tightened its grip on the students. Some clutched at their cloaks, their hands trembling, while others whispered feverish spections. The purple-pink glow intensified, making it almost painful to look directly at the sky. Sweat trickled down their faces, mixing with rainwater as panic spread like wildfire through the crowd. The pressure in the air was suffocating, filling their chests with a heavy dread that left them short of breath. "This¡­ this isn''t normal," a girl muttered, her voice shaky. "I''ve¡­ I''ve never seen magic like this." A taller boy beside her ran a hand through his soaked hair, ncing around, desperate for answers. "Who could have done this? And why here?" The red-haired girl from earlier tugged at her friend''s sleeve, pulling him away from the open space. "We need to go, now! Whatever this is, it''s not safe!" In another part of the academy grounds, a group of knights, d in silver armor adorned with the academy''s insignia, assembled with grim determination. Their leader, a seasonedmander with a scar cutting across his left eyebrow, surveyed the sky with narrowed eyes. He turned to hisrades, his jaw clenched. "All right, listen up!" he bellowed, voice cutting through the noise. "We don''t know what we''re dealing with, but this¡ª" he gestured to the colossal magic circle, "¡ªthis is no ordinary phenomenon. Mages, I need you to work on deciphering any part of that circle. Anything that can tell us what we''re facing." Several mages stepped forward, their robes stered to their bodies from the rain, and nodded with resolute expressions. One of them, a young mage with piercing green eyes, muttered a quick incantation, his hands glowing faintly as he began to analyze the runes and symbols that twisted across the magic circle above. Meanwhile, themander turned to the knights. "Position yourselves around the perimeter. We need to make sure no one crosses this area until we know it''s safe." His gaze hardened as he scanned the crowd of students who were still clustered in fear, watching the sky. "Keep them calm. No one moves unless we say so." The knights scattered, forming a wide perimeter around the open spaces where students had gathered. Some students shot the knights questioning nces, their faces etched with worry, while others simply looked to them for some form of reassurance. "Is this some kind of test?" One of the knights muttered to another as they took their positions. The other knight shook his head, keeping his eyes fixed on the purple-pink magic circle looming above. "I don''t think so. I''ve seen plenty of illusions, training exercises¡­ but nothing like this. This feels¡­ wrong." Themander watched as the mages continued their work, their brows furrowed in concentration, hands moving rapidly over incantation symbols in an attempt to decode the massive circle. The energy from the circle seemed to be pushing down onto them, like the weight of an entire world pressing into their bones. Themander could feel it too¡ªan oppressive force that seeped into his chest, chilling his blood. There was something insidious in that magic circle, something that spoke of darker purposes. One of the mages finally looked up, face pale, his hands shaking as he clutched his notebook. "Commander¡­ I-I think this might be¡­ some kind of summoning spell. A powerful one. Whatever is meant to appear¡­ it won''t be a friendly sight." Themander set his jaw, nodding as he tried to keep his calm. He lifted his sword slightly, eyes narrowing as he scanned the heavens once more. "Then we''ll be ready for it. Spread the word: everyone needs to hold their ground. This isn''t the time for fear. It''s time for action." The knights gripped their weapons tighter, bracing themselves against the pressure. The students, however, still lingered in terror, muttering anxiously as they observed the strange phenomena above. Whispers spread like wildfire, with students specting about ancient curses, hidden threats, and forbidden magic. Chapter 116: Second Act: Love Kills [3] Time stretched out painfully as the heart-shaped magic circle hung above the academy, its purple-pink glow casting an eerie light over everything. Most of the knights, who had been on alert when it first appeared, were now slumped against walls or sitting on the ground. Some were napping in shifts, jolting awake every so often only to find that nothing had changed. They muttered to each other in low tones, their initial anxiety dulled by the strange calm that had settled over the grounds. *** Inside one of the professor''s offices, a group of teachers had gathered, their expressions weary but curious as they continued to debate the strange magic circle. Books were scattered across tables, ancient texts and scrolls pulled from dusty shelves, all in an attempt to decode the symbols hovering over the academy. Professor Darian, an older man with streaks of silver in his hair, leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "We''ve been studying that circle for hours, and we''re no closer to understanding it. Maybe we''re overthinking this. It could be some student trying to pull a prank." The tension in the room lightened as a few of the professors chuckled. Professor Talon smirked, crossing his arms. "Right! Perhaps one of the students has gone grand with romance and is trying to impress a girl. You know how these young ones can be." Laughter rippled through the group, and even the most serious professors found themselves chuckling. Then, Professor Lynn, a soft-spoken woman with deep, thoughtful eyes, stood by the window, gazing up at the luminous circle. She squinted, unfazed by the re of its light. "It''s¡­ beautiful," she murmured, almost to herself. "Something that looks this lovely couldn''t possibly mean harm." Her admiration was cut short by a sickening sound. Suddenly, her head burst open, a spray of blood exploding from her neck, painting the window in dark red streaks. The warm, coppery scent of blood filled the air. Lynn''s body crumpled to the floor, a gruesome mess of flesh and blood pooling around her as her colleagues froze in horror. From the ce where her neck had split open, a grotesque creature twisted itself free. Stay connected through m-v l|e''-NovelBin It was ck, with an elongated, writhing body, like shadows made solid. A single,rge purple eye blinked open, its pupil pulsing with a sickly glow, casting an ominous gleam across the room. The eye was cold and watchful, seeming to savor the fear emanating from the professors around it. Someone screamed, and chaos broke loose. Professor Royce, who had been standing closest, scrambled backward, covering his mouth as bile rose in his throat. But in a moment of morbid curiosity, he looked up. The creature floated closer, and before he could react, his gaze locked with the creature''s single purple eye. He froze, a strangled gasp escaping his lips as his own eyes turned purple, blood seeping from their corners. A momentter, his head exploded, the sound ringing in the ears of everyone present. His body slumped beside Lynn''s, another lifeless heap in the ever-growing carnage. Professor Lena, witnessing the horrific sight, staggered backward, shouting, "Don''t look at it! Don''t look at its eye! And don''t¡­ don''t look outside! Don''t stare at that cursed light!" But some of them, in their panic, had already nced toward the towering magic circle outside, its blinding pink and purple glow illuminating the room in shes that seemed to burn into their vision. One by one, they looked, and it was toote. Professor Niall fell to his knees, clutching his head as tears mixed with blood trailed down his cheeks. "I¡­ I don''t want to die! I haven''t..." His voice trailed off in a choking gasp before his skull shattered, sttering blood across the nearby wall. Another professor, a young woman named ra, backed up, clutching her hands to her face. "I can''t die here¡­ I promised my sister I''d be there¡­" Her words choked off as her head burst, crimson spraying across the floor. Professor Gareth''s face twisted in agony, tears spilling down his face as he looked to the ground, desperate to avoid the creature''s gaze. But the creature floated closer, casting its gaze upon him. Trembling, he sobbed, "I¡­ I didn''t even get to say goodbye to my father¡­ He thinks I''m still mad at him¡­" A final scream tore from his throat as his head detonated, painting the walls with more gore. Across the room, Professor Seline had copsed to her knees, her voice little more than a whisper. "I don''t want to die alone¡­ not like this¡­ please, no¡­" She barely finished her plea before her head burst, her body joining the others in a growing sea of blood. In the center of the room, Professor Keaton stared at the floor, his whole body shaking, hands sped in desperate prayer. "I was going to ask her to marry me¡­ I was so close¡­" His voice faltered, and his head exploded, leaving only a dark stain where he once stood. The remaining professors dropped to the ground, covering their heads, their bodies shaking as they clung to the floor, whispering prayers, begging for this nightmare to end. The room was now painted in blood, streaks of red staining every wall, the metallic scent so thick it filled their lungs. Outside, the magic circle still glowed, its purple-pink light pulsing in time with the creature''s single, unblinking eye. *** The academy grounds were chaos incarnate. Screams filled the air as students scattered, each searching desperately for a hiding ce, a way out. But there was no escape; the towering heart-shaped magic circle pulsed above, casting an ominous pink glow that bathed everything in eerie light. Thunder rolled overhead, and the rain, which had been steady and cold, suddenly changed. Now, it poured thick and red, drenching white uniforms in dark, spreading stains, turning puddles into pools of crimson that rippled under frantic, pounding feet. One by one, students stumbled, fell, or froze, and each time someone''s terrified eyes met the creature lurking in the rain or the ghastly light above, it happened again. A head would burst in a stter of blood, and from the gory remnants, a creature would twist free, something nightmarish and wrong. It would crawl from its host, a dark, slithering thing with an enormous, single eye that gleamed purple, casting death wherever it gazed. In the chaos, some of the sharp-minded students had pieced together the deadly pattern. A voice rang out, hoarse and panicked. "Don''t look! Don''t look at it! Cover your eyes! Stay down, keep your heads low!" More took up the desperatemand, each warning shouted with rising fear. "Look down! Don''t stare at the light, don''t even look at the rain!" But panic was a relentless force, and many students, drenched and trembling, lifted their eyes in instinctive, horrified curiosity¡ªand fell to the same fate. With each new victim, the blood-red rain pounded harder, pooling around their bodies, staining grass and earth alike. In the center of it all, a girl with brown hair knelt on the soaked ground, her whole body shivering as rain poured down her face, mixing with her tears. She clutched a small cross ne in one trembling hand, her head bowed as she sobbed and whispered into the storm, her voice barely audible over the chaos. "Dear gods above, please, please save me, Let this terror end, set my heart free. I''ve sinned, I''ve strayed, I''ve lost my way, But spare me here, don''t let me sway." Blood-streaked, her fingers trembled, and her eyes squeezed shut as she clung to her only anchor of hope. "In this dark night, hear my plea, Keep the monsters far from me. With this cross, my faith I bind, Shelter me, gods, don''t be unkind¡­" Her voice choked as fresh tears mixed with the blood rain streaming down her face, her hands sped tightly around the cross. "Take this fear, this cursed breath, Spare me now from endless death¡­ And when the morning light does break, Let me wake, gods, let me wake." She shuddered, her small prayers mingling with the storm, clinging to herst shred of hope in the crimson downpour. Chapter 117: Second Act: Love Kills [4] The academy was drenched in chaos, a nightmare unfolded on its once pristine grounds. The air, once filled with the eager chatter of students, was now thick with fear and confusion. Blood rained down from the ominous skies, soaking the white uniforms and staining the very essence of Ravenwood Magic Academy. Students huddled together in ssrooms and dormitories, fear etched on their faces as they clung to one another, desperately seekingfort amidst the horrors outside. In a corner of a dimly lit ssroom, a group of students sat with their backs pressed against the wall, eyes wide with terror. They whispered to one another, voices quaking as they shared their fears. Some were shaking, tears streaming down their faces. While others tried to maintain a facade of bravery, but the trembling hands betrayed them. The atmosphere was heavy with dread; the walls seemed to close in, echoing the chaos outside. "Where are the knights and professors....?" One girl whimpered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please! We need to stay together!" Another pleaded, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt. The silence that followed was filled with the sound of muffled sobs and the asional creak of the building settling, or perhaps it was the remnants of a crumbling world. --- Meanwhile, in another part of the academy, Amy and Draven hurried through the hallways, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls. They moved quickly, knowing the danger that loomed around them. Draven''s dark eyes scanned their surroundings, alert for any signs of trouble. As they turned a corner, a loud crack echoed above them. Find exclusive stories on m_v l|e-NovelBin Without warning, a section of the ceiling began to crumble, dust and debris raining down. "Amy, look out!" Draven shouted, instinctively pushing her away as he jumped aside. The sound of stone and timber crashing filled the air, and the floor shook beneath them. "Uggh!" Amy groaned as she stumbled, but Draven''s quick reflexes saved her. Dust filled the air, making it hard to see anything. When the dust settled, Draven turned to look for Amy. "Amy! Are you okay?" "I''m fine! Just a scratch!" She called back, her voice strained but defiant. Draven squinted through the haze. "We need to find another way around... Let''s meet on the other side of the campus." "Right," Amy replied, her mind racing. She knew theyout of the academy well; the circr hallways would connect them again if they could make it around the rubble. Without wasting another moment, Draven sprinted off, determined to find a safe route. Amy, however, paused to check her arm. She felt a stinging pain and winced as she noticed blood seeping through her ck cape, which was now caught under arge beam. "Ugh, not my favorite attire." She muttered, reluctantly leaving it behind. With a quick nce back at the debris, she pushed herself forward. "I''ll catch up with you, Draven!" She called out, though her voice was tinged with uncertainty. As she navigated the halls, a creeping dread filled her mind. The other council heads were likely busy helping the students, but deep down, Amy felt an unsettling sense of istion. She had promised Rn and Xander that they would work together, but in this moment, all she could think of was her... "...that bitch...?" she whispered to herself. Just then, a strange fog rolled in, swirling around her like a serpent. It was a mix of purple and white,ced with a hint of blue. "Poison gas?" She gasped, instinctively covering her nose and mouth with her sleeve. "I can''t risk it!" Things in the academy were proving more and more than to be just mere coincidences. The memory of Liliana flickered through her mind like a candle in the dark. She recalled their time in the academy gardens, sipping tea under the shade of flowering trees. Liliana had been charming and enigmatic, herughter ringing like chimes in the soft breeze. But then, the conversation had taken a sharp turn. "Tell me, Amy," Liliana had said, leaning closer, her green eyes glinting mischievously. "Do you remember Constatine Bluerose...?" Amy had felt a shiver run down her spine. That name made her insides tighten as her eyes widened for a moment but quickly regained her posture. "I¡­ I don''t know what you mean," she stammered, her heart racing. "Oh, but you do..." Liliana had replied, her tone shifting,ced with something darker. "That little incident with your family member. How unfortunate that they had to die, wasn''t it?" "What are you talking about?" Amy had said, trying to maintain herposure, but the memory weighed heavily on her heart. Liliana leaned back, an amused smirk ying on her lips. "It''s quite disgusting, really. You were so clever to hide it. A little slip, a little push, and there they went, all alone in their suffering.... It must have been thrilling." She had whispered, her breath hot against Amy''s ear. "Did it feel good, Amy? Mhmm?...Knowing you could control life and death?" The memory made Amy''s stomach turn. How could Liliana know? They had only met recently. But there had been a darkness in those eyes, a sinister understanding that made her blood run cold. It was a secret that haunted her, a burden she carried in silence, and now it was threatened to be exposed. "What do you want from me?" Amy had demanded, but Liliana justughed softly, ncing away. "Nothing. I just want to keep you close, my dear." She had said, her gaze lingering on Amy''s face as if she were appraising a piece of art. "After all, secrets like yours are far too precious to lose." "...." "You''re a valuable asset in this game, Amy." That was thest thing she had said...or possibly the only words that engraved themselves in Amy''s mind. As Amy rounded another corner, the fog thickened, wrapping around her like a shroud. Her heart raced as the memory yed over and over in her mind. Amy stumbled back into the recesses of her mind, the memory crashing over her like a wave, pulling her under into darkness. The scene flickered before her eyes, vivid and raw, a nightmare etched in her memory that she couldn''t escape. Blood pooled on the ground, a deep crimson staining the elegant marble floors, contrasting sharply with the white walls that once adorned the Bluerose estate. In the center of the roomy a body, motionless and cold. Constatine Bluerose''s lifeless form was sprawled on the ground, his face twisted in an expression of shock and agony. Around him were other bodies, each one bearing the same distinctive dark hair, a telltale sign that they were all part of the same family. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, a grotesque reminder of the violence that had unfolded there. Shivers ran down her spine as she recalled the gruesome scene. The carnage that had been unleashed, the screams that had echoed through the halls, and the chaos that ensued. The memory twisted in her stomach, bringing bile to her throat. She had thought she was invincible, a puppet master pulling the strings, but now, it all felt like a twisted joke, a reminder of how far she had fallen. Just as the weight of the memory threatened to crush her, Amy jolted back to the present. The fog swirling around her was thicker now, the strange gas filling her lungs with an oddly soothing sweetness. It was disorienting, making her head feel heavy, as if she were drifting in and out of consciousness. She fought against the haze, but the sensation was almost hypnotic, pulling her closer to the edge of sleep. The darkness in Liliana''s voice, the way she had whispered those horrific truths made her skin crawl. "I need to keep her close." Amy murmured to herself, the thought a mantra in the swirling chaos of her mind. "She seems to have more information and knows alot¡­." Her eyes glowed faintly blue in the dim light, fueled by determination and fear. "...No..." "...I need to kill her." She whispered, the words barely audible as they echoed in her head. The oppressive fog thickened around her, blurring her vision and heightening her senses. She gritted her teeth. As Amy moved further down the hallway, the air shifted, bing icy and cold. The fog that had enveloped her now felt thick and oppressive, almost like smoke curling around her body. It wrapped around her like a vice, making it difficult to breathe. She instinctively shivered, goosebumps prickling her skin. Despite the terror wing at her heart, something else caught her attention. A trace of mana lingering in the distance. With each cautious step, the fog thickened, swirling in on itself, and a figure began to emerge from the shadows. Its eyes glowed, piercing through the haze, and a sinister grin stretched across its face. In its grasp was a spear, formed from a crystalline blue ice that shimmered with an otherworldly light. The spear appeared to be carved from a single shard of ice, sharp and jagged, reflecting the dim light of the hallway. Frost clung to its surface, creating intricate patterns that danced along its length, while a chilling aura radiated from it, sending shivers down Amy''s spine. As the fog dissipated around the figure, it was finally revealed in full. Amy''s heart dropped at the sight before her. The man stood tall, with an air of authority that was both terrifying and mesmerizing. "...How-" Amy tried to mutter something but it got caught in her breath. His eyes, glowing like twin stars, locked onto hers, sending a wave of dread coursing through her body. Panic surged within her as she tried to move, but a force beyond herprehension held her in ce. It was as if an invisible hand pressed down on her shoulders, forcing her to kneel. Amy fell to the ground, trembling, unable to tear her gaze away from the chilling figure before her. The cold emanating from him enveloped her, making it feel as if the very essence of winter had descended into the hallway. Chapter 118: Second Act: Love Kills [5] In the dim, candle-lit silence of the magic research tower. Maya''s body floated, suspended within the love-shaped magic circle etched into the floor. Her unconscious form hovered just above the ground, her limbs loose, and her head lolled to one side, the pale glow of the magic circle casting her in a ghostly light. Suddenly, a tremor rippled through her, a low, pulsating surge of energy that seemed toe from deep within. Her eyes shot open, nk and empty, as an immense force built around her, twisting and churning like a storm contained. Then, with a sonic click that sounded like the crack of breaking ss, a torrent of dark, swirling spirits burst forth, spiraling around her in a whirlwind of shadowed wraiths. The pressure wave that followed detonated outward in a dark purple st, knocking Professor Jacob backward with ferocious force. He flew back, mming hard against the stone wall, his head cracking against the rough surface. Blood trickled down his forehead as his vision blurred, but he fought to stay conscious, gripping onto his awareness with a ferocity that matched the intensity of his lifelong obsession. Slowly, he raised his head, blinking through the daze and the pain, as his eyes adjusted to the sight above him. Through the shattered remains of the tower''s roof, a figure descended, cloaked in an aura of ck mes that curled and licked at the air around her like a dark halo. The body was ethereal, untouched by the shadows that spiraled around it. She was draped in simple white garments that clung gracefully to her form, emphasizing the smooth, elegant lines of her body. Her legs, bare and smooth, hovered just above the ground, and her bare feet floated delicately beneath her. Her arms, equally bare, were held out to her sides in a gesture of serene eptance. Her hair cascaded down in waves of pure gold, framing a face so beautiful and serene that it seemed otherworldly. And then her eyes opened¡ªstunning blue, as vibrant as a summer sky yet cold as winter''s frost, gazing into the empty space before her. Professor Jacob''s breath hitched, his heart thundering as he recognized the face he had longed to see for so many years. She was here. He had done it. He had brought her back. He coughed, the metallic taste of blood filling his mouth as he whispered hoarsely. "Finally... I did it." His voice trembled, disbelief mingling with triumph as he opened his arms, stretching them toward her, a broken smile forming on his lips. The figure, his lost lover, mirrored his gesture, her own arms extending as she glided closer, her ethereal form drifting toward him. *** Amy''s body felt like lead as she tried to steady her gaze on the figure standing before her. His hair was a familiar shade of jet-ck, parted smoothly, framing eyes that glowed a fierce, unnatural yellow. An intense wave of dread washed over her, sending her heart pounding in her chest despite her attempt to retain her poise. She couldn''t believe it, yet there he was. Noah Ashbourne. Her mind spun back to that dark incident¡ªa memory she had tried hard to forget¡ªwhere Noah had nearly transcended human limits, bing a being that embodied terror itself. She had witnessed his transformation, the strength, and the fear he inspired, but this time, something was different. The aura around him felt colder, sharper, as though he had returned from beyond, bringing something twisted and sinister with him. Was it the same power that had gripped him before? And why did her stomach twist with an unfamiliar fear? She forced herself to stifle it. "W-why am I¡­ afraid?" She muttered under her breath, defiant and trying to convince herself. She narrowed her eyes, fixing them back on him. Noah Ashbourne¡ªa name she had heard whispered throughout the academy corridors countless times. The man who''d challenged her authority, who''d had the audacity to stand between her and the glory she craved. And yet, she had gotten rid of him, hadn''t she? She had orchestrated his expulsion, an achievement she''d taken pride in, even if it was partially under Liliana''s orders. Removing Noah had served her goals, advancing her closer to her father''s approval and the respect she deserved. His absence meant the path to recognition and status would be hers alone. But how was he standing here now? Amy drew herself up, forcing her voice to sound confident despite the tremor threatening to betray her. "You¡ªhow are you still here?" Her tone sharpened as she took a step back, her pulse quickening. "You''re banned from the academy grounds.... This is a severe offense!" Her voice took on a haughty edge, as sheunched into a tirade to mask her fear. "In fact, just being here after expulsion... it''s not only a vition of the academy''sws but also the Empire''s. Dark magic use only makes it worse. This could have you¡ª" Before she could finish her thought, a sharp pain shot through her throat, cutting her words off mid-sentence. Her hand flew to her neck, and her eyes widened as her fingers touched a small shard of ice lodged just above her corbone. A perfect, bullet-sized spike, thin as a needle but sharp enough to puncture her skin. She tried to speak, but only a strained, guttural noise escaped her. The pain was sharp, icy, and agonizing, burning as if it had embedded cold fire in her vocal cords. Her breathing grew shallow, sweat beading on her forehead. Panic crept in as she attempted to pull the shard out, but the more she touched it, the more intense the pain became. Her heartbeat hammered in her ears, drowning out all rational thought. Noah stood silently, his eyes boring into her, unblinking, as he took a slow, deliberate step forward. His gaze was cold, devoid of the warmth or life she remembered from the past. It was as though he were no longer even looking at her as a person but as something he intended to eliminate, to crush underfoot. Amy stumbled back, her hand still clutching her neck, eyes wide in terror as Noah closed in on her without a word. Chapter 119: Second Act: Love Kills [6] Noah closed in swiftly, his expression as sharp and unforgiving as the gleaming spear in his hand. His foot shot forward in a sudden uppercut kick, catching Amy square in the chest. The impact was brutal, sending her stumbling back. She barely managed to steady herself, groaning as she coughed. Her breath came out in short, painful gasps, each one feeling like she was inhaling razor des. The thick, purple gas continued to swirl around her, hazy and cloying. She tried to clear her head, forcing herself to focus. "It has to be the gas¡­ messing with my mind." She muttered through gritted teeth. She felt herself weakening, her senses dulled as her vision blurred at the edges. But before she could finish gathering her thoughts, Noah was already upon her, his spear raised high, his intent deadly clear. With a resounding sh, she blocked the strike just in time, her own weapon formed from hardened earth. It was a sword forged through her earth element magic, its weight and solidity offering a temporary but strong shield against Noah''s onught. Yet the pain in her throat from the ice shard was agonizing, shooting through her neck each time she tried to draw breath. She struggled to stand tall, inhaling and exhaling in shallow gasps, but each breath felt like it was wing at her insides. "He knew exactly what he was doing¡­ by striking my throat..." She thought, a flicker of rage cutting through the pain. She clenched her jaw, fighting the urge to cough again, knowing that each gasp only worsened her condition. Her mind raced, calcting her rapidly diminishing stamina. Her usual speed of recovery was all but halved by this infernal wound. She knew she couldn''t afford to lose control over her breathing now, or it would all be over. Noah stepped back, raising two fingers. Thin tendrils of mist emanated from his hand as his fingers pointed directly at her. Before she could react, another shard of ice shot forward, piercing the flesh of her thigh. Amy bit back a scream, feeling the cold, piercing agony sink deep into her muscle, making her leg tremble. "Damn it!" She staggered, clutching her sword even tighter as her pulse quickened. Blood oozed from the wound, seeping down her leg, adding a burning weight to her steps. But she forced herself upright, staring defiantly at Noah as she muttered, half to herself, half to him. "Ugh...I-I am the golden daughter of House Bluerose.... ...A prodigy in every sense of the word. I hold the record for the youngest mastery of advanced earth maniption, I''ve outdueled mage after mage, and I was the youngest in history toplete the Dragon Trials sessfully!" She staggered slightly, but straightened, feeling a surge of pride amidst the pain as she stared him down, almost daring him toe closer. "Compared to me, you''re nothing... Just a fluke who stumbled into power." A defiant grin yed on her lips, though it was strained by the pain tightening her throat and thigh. "I don''t know how you got back in here¡­ But for someone who thinks he stands for justice, someone who acts like he''s above it all, I''ll end you right here." She spat the words out, the bitterness and angercing each syble. This wasn''t just a battle for survival; it was a reckoning for every insult he''d ever dared to throw at her, every moment of pride he''d stripped from her with that sanctimonious stare of his. Her gaze hardened further, and she added, almost in a whisper, a flicker of something like regret coloring her voice. "And to think¡­ to think I even liked you at first." The admission left a bitter taste, sharper even than the ache in her throat. She swallowed it down, the pain searing but grounding her, her eyes narrowing with fierce resolve as she watched him approach, waiting for his next move, ready to give him everything she had left. The hallway was silent save for the heavy breathing of Amy and the quiet footfalls of Noah as he moved towards her, his spear at the ready, his expression a cold mask of unfeeling malice. Amy shifted her stance, her knuckles whitening around the hilt of her sword as she summoned every ounce of power from her core. She wasn''t going down easily¡ªnot to him. With a fluid motion, Noah swung his spear in a long, sweeping arc that seemed almost effortless but struck with the force of a hurricane. Amy parried just in time, her earth-forged sword taking the brunt of the blow as sparks flew from their weapons shing. The sheer impact forced her back a step, but she grit her teeth, her eyes zing with determination. Her system chimed in, announcing the usage of her first blessing. {Ding!} {Blessing of the Elemental Heart: Vitality and Strength Increased!} A burst of power surged through her, and with a single thought, the earth sword shifted in her grip, lengthening into a spear of her own. She spun it with precision and struck forward, meeting Noah''s spear with equal strength. Enjoy new adventures from m-v l''e|-NovelBin The two spears locked in a deadly dance, the sh of rock and ice echoing down the darkened hall as they pressed forward with equally unyielding strength. But Noah didn''t flinch or shift his stance. With one powerful thrust, he broke through her defenses, the tip of his spear barely grazing her shoulder. Amy hissed in pain as she felt her blood trickling down her arm, but she didn''t falter. Her spear morphed again, transforming into a double-edged axe. She swung it wide, aiming low in a move that forced Noah to step back and brace against her relentless strikes. Noah''s expression remained eerily still as he maneuvered his ice spear with startling efficiency. He struck with only two moves: a sweeping arc to the left, then a follow-through thrust. Over and over, he repeated this pattern, as if taunting her with the simplicity of his techniques. Each time he struck, Amy had to summon her strength, her breaths shallow and pained. "Does he take me for a joke?" She muttered to herself, anger boiling beneath her skin. "I''ll make him regret looking down on me." She activated another blessing, her system ringing in her ears. {Ding!} {Blessing of the me Tempest: Fire Attribute Increased!} The earth in her hand reshaped itself once more, this time into a slender, curved de crackling with fire. She lunged forward with a speed fueled by both rage and power, shing at him with a swift series of fiery strikes, each one growing faster than thest. Noah blocked every attempt, his movements as controlled as before. His eyes a chilling contrast of bright yellow and deep, malevolent purple. Each strike met the same two-patterned response from him. And each time he deflected her, a cold determination grew in his gaze. Chapter 120: Second Act: Love Kills [7] Amy''s frustration fueled her, and she tapped into the third blessing. {Blessing of the Swordmaster''s Gaze: Precision and Focus Heightened!} Her movements sharpened, every swing cutting through the air with lethal intent. She could sense the path of his spear even before he moved, yet he still managed to deflect her blows, unshaken, as if sensing her movements. She switched tactics, changing her weapon to a massive war hammer and swung it with brutal force. He sidestepped with ease, barely breaking stride as his spearshed out once more, catching her side and leaving a stinging line of ice across her skin. Pain shot through her, but she gritted her teeth and kept pushing. Fire erupted along the de of her next weapon, a longsword, as she utilized one of her sword techniques. {zing Edge of the Southern Star} She surged forward, fire trailing behind her in brilliant arcs, her sword almost a blur in her hands. This time, her attack pushed Noah back, forcing him to block with both hands on his spear. But his expression remained cold, unreadable. He countered her attack with the same two moves, each time with unerring uracy, meeting her fury with calm, mechanical precision. Frustration gnawed at her as her movements slowed. He had managed to injure her in subtle ways, slicing shallow cuts along her legs and arms. She could feel herself weakening, her breathingbored. Yet Amy refused to relent. With a final surge of power, she activated the fourth blessing. {Blessing of the Eternal me: Fire Mastery Unlocked!} A fierce heat pulsed within her, and she lunged forward, her de sheathed in roaring mes. She unleashed a powerful sh using the {Phoenix Strike} technique from the God of Swords'' teachings, her de drawing an arc of pure fire through the air. The mes seared Noah''s shoulder, but he didn''t waver, twisting his spear to deflect her next strike as the mes licked at his weapon. Their sh turned into a deadly rhythm, her fiery attacks met by his cold, unyielding defense. Each time she tried to catch him off-guard, he would counter with the same repetitive but wless technique. She could feel her energy draining as he pressed her harder, his spearshing out with merciless uracy. Amy''sst blessing activated without her even realizing it. {Ding!} {Blessing of the Celestial Warrior: Agility and Strength Boosted!} Her body moved faster than ever, each strike an explosion of power. Read new chapters at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin Her sword morphed into a massive, dual-ded ive, and she swung it with wild precision, aiming for his heart. Noah met her attack with an eerily calm expression, his spear whirling to deflect her strikes. The force of their sh shook the walls, sending cracks spiraling outward as the raw energy between them red to life. Amy''s vision blurred as the strain of battle wore her down, and she staggered back, clutching her weapon, her breathsing in ragged gasps. She could feel the fire within her starting to flicker, her stamina almost depleted. In ast-ditch effort, she summoned a wall of mes around herself, forcing Noah to back up as she steadied herself. But Noah didn''t hesitate. He stepped through the mes, his gaze fixed on her with unwavering malice, his spear gleaming with a deadly, icy light. She stumbled back, disoriented by the lingering gas in the air, the pain in her throat intensifying. Her mind screamed at her to hold her ground, but her body was weakening. Noah''s spear thrust forward once again, the same move he''d used countless times, yet somehow even deadlier this time. She barely managed to deflect it, her hands trembling as her sword shifted into a short de. She struck back, but he sidestepped and retaliated, his spear carving a shallow cut across her arm. As Amy stumbled back, her confidence wavered. Her vision was darkening, her movements slowing. Noah''s attacks had remained unyielding, methodical, and tireless, his spear an extension of his cold intent. Each time he thrust it forward, she barely managed to keep herself standing. With one final surge of strength, Amy summoned her mes onest time, her sword zing bright. She swung it with all her remaining energy, aiming for his chest, but he parried it effortlessly, sending her sprawling to the ground. In the silence that followed, she looked up at him, barely able to keep her eyes open, her voice a hoarse whisper as her pride faltered. "You¡­ really won''t let me have this, will you?" Noah looked down at her, his face as unreadable as ever, his spear lowering as he loomed over her, a dark shadow ready to strike at any moment. *** Amy''s breaths came ragged and sharp, each one like a knife scraping her lungs. She stumbled to her feet, her sword slick with blood as she forced her aching body to press forward. She could feel the gas clinging to her skin, dulling her thoughts, but she''d spotted something in his movements¡ªa tiny, almost imperceptible gap. Noah''s repeated pattern, his rhythm so cold and methodical, had revealed itself. With one final, desperate surge, she waited until his spear swung in its predictable arc. She sidestepped, forcing her exhausted muscles to obey, and her sword struck true, piercing through flesh. A startled breath escaped Noah''s lips as her de sank deep into his abdomen. Blood welled at the corner of his mouth, his yellow and purple gaze dulling as he dropped to his knees, still clutching his spear, his weight forcing Amy''s own knees to buckle. They both fell, her trembling hands still wrapped around the hilt of her sword as she drove it deeper into him, almost desperately. His head fell forward, leaning against her shoulder, his breath warm and shallow against her neck. Amy''s chest rose and fell in harsh, painful rhythm as her hand shook on the hilt. She couldn''t bring herself to pull back; she just let the exhaustion settle over her, her head resting against his as the blood pooled around them both. The fog in the room started to lift, and with it, the bone-chilling cold ebbed away, reced by a slow, creeping warmth. Amy''s mind, foggy and worn, drifted as she tried to catch her breath, her fingers releasing the sword as shey there, the silence around them almost peaceful. But when she opened her eyes, something cold twisted inside her. The body slumped in her arms. Her heart plummeted, breath catching in her throat as she truly looked at the face of the boy lying lifeless against her. His hair was a warm brown, not ck, and his eyes, though now vacant, were a shade of brown she recognized all too well. The golden insignia embroidered on his academy zer, the meticulous detailing in its lining¡ªhe wore the uniform of a student council member. It wasn''t Noah she had killed. Her stomach churned, icy horror flooding her as the realization hit like a physical blow. This wasn''t the figure who had haunted her with yellow and purple eyes. She had pierced the heart of... Rn Voss. Chapter 121: Cardinal Albrecht [1] It had been days since I walked the worn paths of Ravenwood Academy, but every step I took away from it felt nned¡ªby me, of course. I hadn''t been expelled so much as orchestrated my own exit. The academy was rigid in its rules and regtions, but it also held secrets andyers that most of the students and even some staff didn''t bother to peel back. My goal, however, demanded that I go deeper, and an expulsion was my best route there. No one questioned a student''s departure, especially if they''d been removed for "concerning conduct." It was almost ironic. The rumors I''d seeded myself had blossomed exactly as I intended, prompting enough pressure from the council for an expulsion hearing. Now, the consequences of being expelled from Ravenwood weren''t trivial. Typically, a student removed from the academy was required to face a visit to Saint Eldred''s Royal Cathedral¡ªan institution that stretched far beyond the academy''s walls. Saint Eldred''s Royal Cathedral funded nearly every facet of Ravenwood''s operations, supplementing what the wealthy families themselves didn''t cover. As if that wasn''t enough, they backed the empire''s royal family as well, effectively controlling its power. A cathedral as influential as this could crush anyone it deemed *unfit* under the guise of moral retribution. And they made sure no one expelled from the academy escaped their watchful eye. So I found myself here on their terms, making my way to the cathedral as required. The carriage ride was long, and the chilled silence from the driver left me with only my own thoughts forpany. I could still recall every step, every decision I''d made leading up to my downfall. This wasn''t a punishment¡ªit was a means to an end. I hadn''t lost my ce at the academy; I''d simply moved my game to a muchrger board. The headquarters of Saint Eldred Royal Cathedral was as grand as its reputation. Pirs, towering and cold, lined the path up to the entrance, and the structure loomed over me like some ancient judge waiting to pass sentence. Inside, priests and acolytes bustled quietly, moving about in perfectly choreographed steps, each bearing the Cathedral''s insignia. An intricate emblem symbolizing their allegiance to the different gods. Everything within was precisely arranged to evoke a sense of awe and submission, making those entering feel immediately out of ce. I was soon ushered into a side room, a small chamber decorated with stained ss windows that cast colorful shadows on the floor. A stone-faced cleric, probably just a few years older than me, sat behind a wide desk and motioned for me to sit. "What is your name?" he asked, his voice sharp but disinterested. "Noah Ashbourne," I replied, keeping my tone respectful. "And your reason for expulsion?" "Conduct unbing of a student," I answered smoothly. "Allegedly¡­ tampering with magical runes, casting prohibited spells, and endangering other students." Each charge sounded as nned as it was. Even now, I could see his brows raise in mild surprise, as if he''d expected me to deny it. "We''ll verify each of these statements, Mr. Ashbourne." He continued, his gaze studying me. "Your expulsion alone warrants an investigation, and if we confirm anyw-breaking activity within our records, it will be reported to the empire''s court." "Understood." I nodded, keeping my face neutral, even as my mind raced. This was part of it¡ªthe very core of why I''d allowed myself to be expelled in the first ce. The cleric continued with his questions, but nothing rattled me. My answers were precise, each crafted as carefully as any spell I''d ever learned. The questions were meant to intimidate, probing for a misstep, a hint of remorse or fear. But I''d anticipated each one. When he finally closed his ledger, he looked somewhat deted. "You''ll need to return in a few days'' time," he said. "We''ll need to verify these ounts. While it seems you haven''t broken any empirew yet, the academy regtions¡­ well, they''re sacred here." "Of course. I''ll return when called upon," I said, holding back a smirk. My time here was already proving fruitful, and soon, the real reason for my visit would unfold. You see, I wasn''t here for repentance or reflection. No, my true motivey in acquiring an object of significant power. The cathedral housed many relics and artifacts, some of which had been under guard for centuries. And among these relics was one that would grant me a runic ability¡ªa power both rare and useful. To the cathedral, this item was a useless relic. To me, it was the edge I needed. In the game''s original storyline, Draven, the so-called *viin,* was the one who''d seized this artifact. The object itself had gone unnoticed by most yers, a mere backdrop to Draven''s climb to power. He''d killed the Archbishop of the cathedral in cold blood to take control of the cathedral, discarding the item itself as inconsequential. But that item was anything but inconsequential¡ªit held a potential Draven either couldn''t see or didn''t care for. Either way, I had no intention of following his oversight. Another artifact I sought, known as the Runic Talisman of Subjugation, granted a rare skill that could control and manipte the mana flow within runic symbols. It was a relic that could make or break a spell with a mere touch, and in the right hands, it could bend wards and seals, altering their power to one''s advantage. If I managed to im it, the possibilities were endless. After a few hours in the cathedral''s halls, giving my statements and waiting for the clerics to finish their procedures, I was finally dismissed and was put on standby. But as I left, I couldn''t help ncing back at the inner sanctum, where the Archbishop''s quartersy. In the game, Draven had ended the Archbishop''s life with no remorse, leaving chaos in his wake. That wouldn''t be my path, though. My n was far subtler. I''d already nted the seeds for the Archbishop''s¡­ recement. Patience, after all, was a weapon just as powerful as any sword. As I made my way back down the towering steps of Saint Eldred''s Royal Cathedral, I couldn''t help but feel a flicker of satisfaction. I''d gotten myself expelled, entered the heart of one of the empire''s most powerful institutions, and begun nting my way toward a prize that would have otherwise been beyond reach. The risks were enormous, but I''d orchestrated everything down to thest detail. Now, all that was left was the final stage of my n: to get my hands on the Relic. Chapter 122: Cardinal Albrecht [2] The n was delicate¡ªa spider''s web with threads so thin, they''d disappear if someone looked too closely. This wasn''t just about getting my hands on a relic. To secure what I truly needed, I''d set my sights on a ring¡ªthe only ring that could provide a bridge between myself and the Runic Talisman of Subjugation. This ring, known as the Hexglyph Seal, wasn''t just jewelry. Stealing it wasn''t just a matter of quick hands; no, that would be too obvious. This was Saint Eldred Royal Cathedral after all. Everyone, from the lowest cleric to the Archbishop himself, held a keen awareness of every relic''s location and protection spells. They''d sense immediately if a relic was taken by force. Instead, I nned to make it look like an unfortunate, bloody ident¡ªone with a perpetrator they''d never suspect. The murder I''d nned was, admittedly, ambitious. This was the cathedral, after all. Death wasn''t rare here, but it was usually cloaked in solemn rites and incense. A scandalous murder was an altogether different story, and the Archbishop''s death was bound to cause a storm. It had to look as if one of his closest assistants¡ªa man named Darien¡ªhad betrayed him. Darien was an obvious choice, with the self-assuredness that would make him the perfect fall guy in the cathedral''s eyes. He was ambitious, often seen arguing with the Archbishop over minor details, and more than that, he had a history with other relics gone missing from under his watch. An old scandal, whispered rather than documented, but in the heat of a murder investigation, that was more than enough to turn suspicion into certainty. The entire setup hinged on three details: timing, proximity, and motive. First, I had to time the Archbishop''sst meal to coincide with my n. I knew from my brief time in his presence that he was a creature of habit, retiring to his quarters to read alone each night after his evening meal. Slipping a rare herb¡ªone known to cause intense hallucinations¡ªin his wine was simple enough. I''d acquired it during a quiet moment earlier that day from the academy''s garden before being expelled, where it grew in a restricted section. With just a few drops added, the Archbishop would start to feel his mind drift and reel, pulling him away from reality and making him less responsive to danger. Timing, however, was nothing without proximity. To frame Darien convincingly, I''d need to manipte his movements as well. Earlier that evening, I''d slipped an unsigned note under his door¡ªa handwritten message warning that the Archbishop was angry over a recent report Darien had made. A single line, written in a slightly nervous hand. ["Meet in the study at dusk to exin yourself, or face the consequences."] The tensenguage would light a spark of fear in him, and anyone on the receiving end of a message like that would feel obliged to show up immediately. And then there was motive. This, I knew, would be the hardest piece to set in ce. For the entire day, I''d nted hints, letting "slip" around the cathedral staff that I''d overheard the Archbishop rebuke Darien. Harsh words about mishandled documents, all small but believable details. Of course, whilst waiting on my reports of the expulsion to be made and asionally asking to use the restrooms and whatnot. The Archbishop was a man of precision, and Darien''s small, irritating ws could easily appear like a string of offenses, sparking frustration between them. It wouldn''t take much to push the cathedral''s suspicions in that direction. Just enough rumor to make them question the loyalty of the Archbishop''s assistant and begin whispering about it among themselves. When dusk fell, I made my way to the dim hallway outside the Archbishop''s chambers. I''d timed it precisely. I pressed myself into the shadows and waited. Soon enough, a muffled argument seeped through the heavy wooden door. I couldn''t hear every word, but I caught enough¡ªusations, confusion, the Archbishop''s voice thick and erratic, slurring out words that grew angrier by the second. "Your Eminence..." Darien began, his tone strained but respectful. "We cannot ignore the growing unrest among the townsfolk..." The Archbishop raised an eyebrow, not looking up from the tome he was thumbing through. "The townsfolk?" he replied dismissively. "Their faith wavers in every gust of wind, Darien. Our purpose is to guide, not to bend with the whims of everymon soul who thinks they know better than the doctrinesid before them." Discover more content at m,v l''e-NovelBin Darien felt a spike of frustration but tempered his response, choosing his words carefully. "Respectfully, Your Eminence, it''s not only the townsfolk. Some of our own clerics are questioning the allocation of resources¡ªwhy funds are directed more towards relics and artifice than to aid for the poor. They say the Church is losing touch with the people''s needs." At this, the Archbishop snapped his book shut and fixed Darien with a cold stare. "The Church, Darien, does not exist to serve the people''s every whim. It exists to remind them of their ce under the divine. Resources spent on relics, on preserving holy artifacts, they serve a higher purpose than mere charity." Darien took a sharp breath. "And yet, Your Eminence, charity is what binds their hearts to the faith. Without it, they turn elsewhere. Even the nobles are voicing concerns¡ªespecially when they see the Church''s coffers overflowing while the city suffers." The Archbishop leaned back, his fingers steepled in thought as his gaze narrowed. "Do not presume to teach me the politics of the Church, Darien. I know well enough the sentiments of the nobles. They are ambitious, always scheming, willing to turn to whatever god serves them best. But the Church¡­ the Church is a symbol. It endures because it holds its ground, not because it yields to the weak." "Perhaps," Darien replied cautiously, "but if the Church is to maintain its strength, it needs more than symbols. The people¡­ they need to see us as protectors, as guides they can trust, not overlords who hoard wealth and relics." The Archbishop''s lips twisted into a sneer. "Is that what this is about, Darien? You think we''re losing favor because we uphold tradition, because we honor our relics? Or could it be that you seek to challenge the Church''s teachings to make a name for yourself?" Darien''s fists tightened, and he forced himself to remain calm. "With respect, I am here because I care about the Church, Your Eminence. If I''ve spoken out of turn, it is only out of concern for its future." The Archbishop''s gaze hardened. "Concern," he echoed mockingly. "You seem to have concern only for your own voice in these halls, Darien. Watch yourself. I do not take kindly to those who seek to challenge their superiors. Your dedication should be to our mission¡ªnot to your own ambitions." --- I listened as their voices grew louder, the tension mounting, until finally, the door creaked open. Darien emerged, visibly shaken, muttering something about retrieving the Archbishop''s evening tea to soothe him. This was my moment. I slipped into the room, my footsteps silent on the polished floor, and slid the thin ceremonial dagger from my coat. A weapon easily overlooked, yet distinct enough to be recognized as cathedral property. The de gleamed in the low light, and with one swift motion, I pressed it into the flesh of the Archbishop''s side, beneath his ribcage. A strangled cry escaped his lips before he slumped forward. The de was designed for ritual, not battle, so it wouldn''t leave deep marks, but it was sharp enough to kill. With the Archbishop''s blood staining my hands, I quickly adjusted the scene, making it appear as though a struggle had taken ce. Then took the Hexglyph Seal from his finger, tucking it securely into my pocket. I slipped back into the shadows of the hallway just as Darien returned, holding a tray with the tea, only to stumble upon the Archbishop''s lifeless body sprawled across his desk. The tea tray crashed to the floor as he stood, paralyzed in horror. "No¡­ no¡­" he stammered, stepping back, his gaze flickering between the bloodstains and the fallen dagger. The frantic footsteps of the cathedral guards echoed down the corridor. I melded into the shadows of a hidden passageway, slipping away unseen. By the time they discovered the scene, I was long gone, my prize securely in hand. The chaos I''d left behind was all-consuming; Darien''s reputation, the panic of the clergy, and the echo of the Archbishop''sst words would make sure of that. Chapter 123: Cardinal Albrecht [3] It''s strange, really¡ªthis wasn''t how things were meant to y out. But fate and ns are rarely as rigid as I once thought. If anything, the game''s plot had splintered from the moment I found myself here. So, the Archbishop''s death? It wasn''t just part of my n to survive. It was necessary. He was a loose thread tied to a more sinister design, one that required his life to be cut short. In the game, specifically the [IX Act], the Archbishop was a looming figure, a pawn within the intricate political chess game of the Western Continent. His name was Cardinal Albrecht of the Church of the Divine Technique, a branching institution of the Saint Eldred Cathedral with immense power in Ravenwood and the Empire. Though devout and reputed to be a guiding force for the faith, Albrecht had quietly instigated one of the continent''s greatest conflicts. [The Western Civil War] Two factions emerged from that war. On one side stood Albrecht and his loyalists, awork of followers within the church, and a surprising backing from the Imperial family itself. Specifically, he held the support of Leopold, the Empire''s third son. That prince was a character hardly explored in the main game, but his allegiance with Albrecht became a turning point for those willing to peel back theyers of the storyline. Together, they forged an alliance that set their faction firmly against the opposition¡ªHouse Bluerose. House Bluerose was powerful, influential, and adored by the people, branded as the champions of justice by the public. The Bluerose family, led by the stern yet seemingly righteous Duke Sebastian Bluerose, swayed the popce to their side with promises of equality, justice, and freedom from the church''s influence over the Empire. They painted Albrecht as the very embodiment of corruption, iming he was using the church''s influence to manipte politics and expand his grip over the continent. To the uninitiated, Bluerose looked like the faction fighting for the people. Amy''s family, the Bluerose lineage, bore that image of nobility with pride. But only those who yed deeply, invested hours in exploring hidden lore, realized the truth. Bluerose had their own ambitions. They weren''t motivated by any pure sense of justice. The Bluerose family sought to weaken the church''s influence, yes, but it wasn''t out of concern for the people''s freedom. They wanted autonomy from the Empire, intending to establish a political entity that could rule separately from both church and crown. It was a calcted attempt to seize control over resources and power, all while cloaked in a guise of nobility and valor. And, of course, they aimed to crush any potential interference. The Bluerose faction would do whatever it took to secure a hold on theirnds, even if it meant manipting their own people''s faith and patriotism. Then there was Draven¡ªa man who began as a faithful retainer for the Bluerose family, someone who pledged loyalty with the fervor of a zealot. In another life, he might have stood alongside them in their ambition. However, after internal conflicts within House Bluerose, Draven was cast out, discarded as a pawn they no longer needed. He returned to the Church of the Divine Technique, his trust in Bluerose obliterated, carrying with him a hunger for revenge. Through ruthless cunning and brutal tactics, Draven rose within the church''s ranks, eventually iming a position of authority after Cardinal Albrecht''s assassination. A murder heter confessed with a proud, unrepentant smile. Draven''s hatred for House Bluerose became a driving force, shaping his rule within the church. He took control of Albrecht''s faction and molded it in his own image, a twisted reflection of the loyalty he''d once pledged. The Church of the Divine Technique under Draven became an engine of retribution, using its influence to quietly destabilize Bluerose holdings and allies. In the game, his actions were seen as viinous, an act of open rebellion against the so-called "righteous" faction and the "Blessed Children of this Era." But by that point, there were no "good" sides left to cheer for¡ªonly two factions tearing each other apart for dominance. Leopold, too, yed a hand in the church''s machinations. Though Albrecht had been the face of the church faction, it was Leopold who operated as the unseen rot, pulling strings from the shadows. His motivations remained obscure to most, but his influence, his desire to see the Empire''s influence spread further West, revealed his intentions to those who looked closer. Leopold wanted control, in and simple. Whether it was under the guise of faith or with the de of an Imperial sword, he aimed to shape the Empire''s future by any means necessary. Which wouldter make him the final boss in theter Hidden Acts. And now, with Albrecht gone by my hand, I''d assumed his ce, taking with me the ring that had once graced his hand. This wasn''t an ordinary ring. Known as the Hexglyph Seal, it granted its wearer ess to potent illusionary magic. Discover more stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin The subtlety of this magic was what made it powerful¡ªan undetectable aura of distortion that clouded the minds of those nearby, imnting visions and shaping their perception. It was no wonder Albrecht held so much sway. He was as much a master maniptor of the senses as he was of faith, and I was going to put his tricks to good use. I''d spent countless hours in Ravenwood''s library before my expulsion, pouring over every tome, every fragment that detailed the mechanics of illusion magic. Ravenwood''s library was home to countless secrets, including some that even the church couldn''t contain. Albrecht''s use of this ring wasn''t merely casting illusions. It was a nuanced,plex intery of magical fields that could warp a person''s reality. It required careful maniption, an understanding of the human psyche, to exploit the gaps in someone''s perception. Now, with the ring snug on my thumb, I could feel its power pulsing, a dark purple smoke that seeped from my body, curling and twisting in the air around me. I focused, letting it nket my body, casting a haze over my form that made me appear both familiar and foreign. Albrecht had used this smoke to manipte those close to him, pushing their minds to the brink, and now I would wield it with the same lethal precision. --- Sneaking back into the academy would be a delicate task, yet the timing couldn''t have been more perfect. The Second Act was underway, the academy in a frenzy, students distracted by the events unraveling within Ravenwood''s walls. The ring''s magic cloaked me, corrupting the perception of any nearby mages and bending reality to my advantage. It worked not as an invisible cloak but as an illusion that imnted a false sense of security and control into the minds of those around me. Amy was my first target¡ªa necessary step in purging the academy of any threats to my ns. Using the ring''s power, I cast a purple haze that snaked around her, a cloud so faint she wouldn''t recognize its influence until it was toote. As the fog settled around her, her defenses ckened, her body responding as if manipted from the inside. The ring worked swiftly, the smoke seeped into her mind, twisting her thoughts, her perception, clouding any sense of self-preservation. And just like that, the storyline had diverged yet again. But I couldn''t care less. Everything was already going haywire anyways. So I needed to do what I came here to. Chapter 124: End Of The Second Act [2] [A/N: Webnovel messed up the order, read "End Of The Second Act [1]" First. Thank You :)] As I crept back into the academy, the ce had turned into a nightmare¡ªa fitting stage for the chaos I''d nned. Screams and the sound of shattering ss echoed through the halls as dark creatures and spectral spirits rampaged through, summoned as the twisted result of the Second Act''s unraveling. Shadows crept along the walls, and whispers slithered in the air, each sound adding anotheryer to the terror gripping the academy. It was in this bem that I had the perfect cover for what I needed to do. I''d arranged for a letter to be delivered to Rn Voss, luring him to the Hall of the Sacred Ashes. It wasn''t difficult to know what strings to pull with Rn¡ªhonor and duty had always been his fatal w, his Achilles'' heel. He craved opportunities to prove himself, to act as the beacon of justice and courage, even though that need had begun corroding him from the inside. He''d always seen himself as a savior, a martyr if necessary. And if I dangled a chance to act on that, he''d take the bait without a second thought. The letter said that Amy and the others were under attack near the Hall and needed urgent help. The message spoke to the ideals Rn couldn''t resist¡ªvirtue, loyalty, a call to protect others. He''d go. He''d have to go. And when he arrived, he would find a nightmare tailor-made for him. I was there, hiding in the shadows when he arrived. As expected, his face showed no hesitation. He moved with purpose, his steps quick and confident, his gaze set in a grim resolve. He looked every bit the hero he so desperately wanted to be. I could almostugh at how predictable he was. With a silentmand, I activated the ring. The illusion began to take hold, twisting the form of the first person he saw¡ªAmy¡ªinto something entirely different in Rn''s eyes. I watched as she morphed into an apparition of his elder brother, a figure that had haunted him from his past. Her body flickered and changed, and where her face had been, Rn saw his brother, twisted and grotesque, mocking him with a sneer of disdain. The ring''s illusion magic seeped into his mind, showing him what he most feared. Drawing out the bitter memories that he''d buried but never forgotten. To Rn, Amy had be a sinister creature, flickering back and forth between the nightmarish image of his elder brother and a dark beast, much like the spirits terrorizing the academy. She moved in his perception as a shifting, taunting apparition. I saw the way his expression tightened, his brow furrowing in a mix of fear and fury. He looked trapped, hisposure slipping with each second he faced her. As Rn charged at her, every blow he aimed at her was fueled by years of repressed anger. Each strike seemed to draw him deeper into his madness, his rage consuming him. The illusion had taken root in his mind, dredging up his most painful memories, which bled into his vision and poisoned his thoughts. I could see it in the way he fought¡ªa desperation mingled with something darker. The ring had done its work well. I knew a bit about the burden Rn carried, the memories he''d never freed himself from. His elder brother had always been everything he was not: powerful, respected, and the true heir of the Voss family. Rn was the abandoned child, left to the sidelines while his brother thrived, a constant reminder of his inadequacy. He''d always been told he was lesser, a mere shadow of his elder sibling, someone born without purpose or worth. And now, as he fought, a memory seemed to seize hold of him. A memory so strong that even I could see the fear etched on his face, like he was trapped in a waking nightmare. He remembered standing in the cold, outside the Voss estate, watching as his family dined without him. They wereughing, dressed in their finest, celebrating an asion he couldn''t even remember anymore. He''d been left out, standing barefoot in the snow, shivering and clutching a thin cloak around himself. He''d hoped his brother might notice him, maybe even call him inside. But his brother only looked at him with that cruel, dismissive gaze, a look that said, "You don''t belong here. You never will." The sting of that memory showed on his face now, twisted in fury and hurt. He''d tried so hard to be someone they could be proud of, to prove he was worthy of the Voss name. But it had never been enough. In this moment, he wasn''t fighting Amy. He was fighting the specter of his past, his own brother''s ghost, the monster that had haunted him since his childhood. As heshed out, Amy, who still saw him as me, struggled to defend herself. She moved with grace, her sword shing against his with a grim determination. But Rn''s strength and fury were overwhelming. Each time she blocked a blow, he struck harder, the illusion feeding into his anger, blurring the line between memory and reality. He was losing himself, slipping further into the shadow of his own desires, his own corrupted sense of honor. I watched as he staggered, exhausted but driven, his movements frantic and desperate. His vision blurred, his senses dulled as he sumbed to the darkness festering within him. It was then that he faltered, his body seeming to move beyond his control. His grip on his sword ckened, and I knew he''d reached the edge of his strength. He was defeated, but not by Amy¡ªby his own ghosts, his own failure to conquer the demons that lived in his mind. As he sank to his knees, the fight left him, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Amy, bloodied and breathless, looked down at him, the shock evident on her face. Continue your adventure with m|v-l''e -NovelBin She didn''t know who he saw, what vision he''d been fighting. Only after driving a sword in him, did she realise. I knew Amy would be horrified at what she''d done. She hadn''t set out to kill anyone, especially not another student from a noble family. Her horror would consume her, leaving her vulnerable and guilt-ridden. She''d want to hide this, to pretend it hadn''t happened. And she''d have no choice but to cover it up, knowing that if anyone found out, it would spark a war between their families, breaking the veryws that held their fragile peace. This was the beginning of her unraveling, a step down a path that would lead her to despair and madness. I knew that guilt and regret would haunt her from this moment forward. And if someone were to keep reminding her of it, prodding at her wound, taunting her with her secret... well, she would break. It was only a matter of time. One key figure was gone. Rn was dead, a victim of his own weaknesses, his own unresolved pain. And with his death, one of the roots of corruption had been cut away. There was still one more left. The story was already off the rails, careening into uncharted territory. And I was at the helm, steering it toward a new ending. Chapter 125: End Of The Second Act [1] Thinking back on it all, each pathway, each tragic descent, there were two characters whose choices and corruption ultimately sealed the fate of so many. Two protagonists who, in their own way, became the roots of decay that crept into the story''s fabric, poisoning the lives of everyone they touched. And one of them was Rn Voss. The forgotten, discarded child of the Voss family. A man who, in every ythrough, began his journey clinging to an ideal of virtue, moral rity, and unwavering principles. Only to eventually abandon all of it in his obsessive pursuit of power. Rn''s story always started with promise. As the moral bastard son of House Voss, he had no real im to their legacy or fortune, which was something that gave him a rtable underdog appeal. In the game, he was the character that symbolized hope for justice in a dark world, someone who wanted to fight for themoners against the noble elite. It was part of why he''d initially been cast as one of the protagonists, after all. But the further I delve into those memories, the clearer it bes how his slow descent into darkness was inevitable. He was nothing without power, and it twisted him, corrupted him. Rn believed that he could still cling to his righteous ideals as he wed his way up the socialdder, using any means necessary. But it was a fool''s hope. Power devours all, and Rn''s gradualpromise of his beliefs, his willingness to sacrifice anyone who stood in his way, ultimately left him hollow. He sold his soul for strength, but even that wasn''t enough. The real tragedy? The more he tasted power, the more he thirsted for it. In the end, Rn became nothing more than a husk, filled with rage and obsession. A mere pawn for those stronger than him, a puppet to his own darkest impulses. I remember one of the most brutal Acts¡ªone set against the backdrop of a massive war. One that splintered the continent into factions, pitting everyone against each other in a desperate, bloody conflict. Greed and desperation fueled the chaos, with every group pursuing their twisted vision of a "just" oue. Rn, caught in the middle, was both a catalyst and a casualty of that war. In that Act, Rn was the architect of a faction that had quickly grown influential within the academy. Officially, his faction was a rallying point for those who wanted to change the world, offering support to students who were against the Empire''s oppressive rule. He spoke passionately about freedom, about unity, gathering followers who believed in his vision of a new world order. But those idealistic speeches masked the rot beneath. What most of his followers didn''t realize was that his faction was sustained through deals with underworld syndicates, bribed nobles, and illicit trade. The academy became a political war zone, with students manipted, exploited, and discarded like pawns in Rn''s game. I still remember the way the story painted that descent. The once-noble ideals he''d fostered curdling into something dark and twisted. The ambition that once sparked admiration now igniting fear and suspicion. Rn would do anything to stay in power, sacrificing even his most loyal followers to keep his grip on the fractured empire. Friends, lovers, allies¡ªall of them were mere stepping stones in his path. And eventually, those who stayed by his side learned to fear him. Those who didn''t? They were simply removed, without question. The academy grounds became a ughterhouse, where trust was a weakness and loyalty a lie. Students who defied him vanished mysteriously, and anyone suspected of treachery was dealt with swiftly. Money became the backbone of his operations, and the students who followed him soon found themselves indentured to his demands, their pockets emptied and dreams shattered. Rn fed on their desperation, offering them protection for a price. And for a time, it worked. He controlled everything within the academy: the resources, the alliances, the very lives of those who crossed his path. It was a horrific sight, one that left an indelible mark on every character who witnessed his cruelty. But then, he wanted more. More than just the academy, more than just influence. Rn became a dealer in souls, aligning himself with forces far darker than anyone had anticipated. Greed and ambition blinded him, and he sought out the forbidden, the profane¡ªreaching out to the very heart of corruption itself. That was when he forged a pact with the Demon God. What little light had been left within him was snuffed out, reced by a thirst for control so all-consuming that it left him nothing more than a vessel for the Demon God''s insidious influence. In secret, Rn became one of the Demon God''s lieutenants. But he kept his role hidden well. To the academy and to his followers, he was still the ambitious, powerful leader. Behind the mask, though, he was merely a puppet, carrying out orders, feeding the Demon God''s influence into the world. And that''s when the true horror began. With the academy as his base, he became a conduit, a point of entry for demonic forces to seep into our world. Continue your adventure with m|v-l''e -NovelBin His influence spread like a disease, consuming all in its path. The corruption didn''t stop there. Those who followed him, even unwillingly, became tainted, their minds twisted to serve his will, to perpetuate the Demon God''s influence. Students, teachers, even some of the highest-ranking academy officials¡ªnone were safe from his insidious reach. His faction, once built on promises of justice, became a cult of madness, where fear and cruelty ruled supreme. If I allow Rn to live, he will be the catalyst for a nightmarish episode in the academy''s history. He will light the match that plunges the academy into a warzone, spiraling into endless violence and destruction. And it won''t just end there. Rn''s actions will draw in the Empire, the various noble houses, and even the Constetions themselves. Heroes, viins, bystanders¡ªno one will remain unscathed as the power struggle pulls the entire continent into chaos. His alliance with the Demon God means that he is a ticking time bomb, a harbinger of an impending doom. I''ve seen what happens when that darkness takes root, when it spreads beyond the academy''s walls, engulfing everything in its path. The Constetions themselves intervene, drawn into the fray, as the world bes a battlefield for forces far beyond human understanding. And it all begins here, at the academy, with Rn as the match to that powder keg. I knew what I had to do. Rn cannot be allowed to live. His very existence is a threat, a knife poised over the neck of this world. If I eliminate him now, I can prevent that dark episode from evering to pass. And I won''t stop until every corrupted root has been cut out. Chapter 126: End Of The Second Act [3] I took a deep breath as I walked up the spiraling stairs of the Magic Research Tower, each step bringing me closer to the end of the second Act. It was surreal being here, knowing how much more was at stake than when I''d yed through this in the game. The stakes were higher now. I wasn''t some yer in front of a screen. I was Noah Ashbourne, in person, and every choice I made was irreversible. The second Act in [Beyond Horizons] had always held a strange allure for yers. Not because of the main storyline, but because of the infamous [Bad Ending No. 1]. For so many, this route was more of a legend than just a level, an experience unlike any other in the game. It was a dark, twisted love story, woven in threads of sorrow and madness. yers flocked to it for one main reason: Maya Brenthall. In the standard route, Maya was known as a quiet, diligent student and, in some ways, a friend to the protagonists. Even though she got manipted by them long after. But the character that Maya could be in [Bad Ending No. 1] was entirely different. She went from quiet andposed to utterly unhinged, her mind shattering into a thousand pieces. And what shattered her was, well¡­ me¡ªor rather, the original Noah Ashbourne. Maya wasn''t just a character yers admired. She was someone they loved and feared in equal measure. In this route, the story took a chilling turn. Maya, having lost the only person she loved and the anchor that kept her sane, let herself be consumed by grief. She unleashed chaos upon the academy in a disy of raw, overwhelming power, as if she were an avatar of vengeance and sorrow all in one. She was, by far, the strongest character in the academy, even rivaling high-level instructors. But that strength, in the [Bad Ending No. 1] route, was a tragic waste. Maya''s rampage, unmatched by any other fight, was meant to end in her downfall. A death orchestrated by the Empire itself, desperate to contain her wrath before it spread beyond the academy. The strange part? People loved this route, even though it led to her tragic end. There was something beautiful, in a sad way, about the way her character unraveled. It wasn''t just because of the thrilling difficulty, which no one ever actually beat. It was the story itself, dark and twisted, that drew people in. It became a cult favorite, with yers intentionally triggering the bad ending just to watch this story y out again and again on purpose. For those who''d read the original novel the game was based on, this storyline wasn''t entirely surprising. In the novel, Maya and "Noah" had a deeper, moreplex rtionship, one rooted in a connection that the game only barely hinted at. In the novel, Noah was still the antagonist, but his dynamic with Maya was both darker and morepelling¡ªa tragic romance bound by loss and betrayal. It was bittersweet, something that left readers haunted and unable to forget the characters long after they''d put the book down. But when the gamepany adapted the novel, they took liberties. They removed parts of the story, shortened scenes, and reduced "Noah Ashbourne" to little more than a third-rate viin who got himself expelled and killed off-screen. It was disappointing, but understandable, I supposed; a story that dark wasn''t easy to trante into a yable game format. And so, instead of a full romance, what yers got was a glimpse¡ªa shadow of what could have been, only in [Bad Ending No. 1]. It was short-lived, yes, and ended in tragedy before it could fully unfold, but maybe that''s what made it so memorable. There was a darkness to it that was captivating. A "what if" that left people thinking. For those of us who loved the game and its lore, [Bad Ending No. 1] was almost sacred. When the first yer figured out what triggered it, news spread across forums like wildfire. Everyone wanted to experience it, and they all wanted it for the same reason. To see that tragic love story y out, to be part of it, even if only in passing. It became a rite of passage among yers, something that connected everyone in their shared obsession over Maya Brenthall. As I climbed the tower now, I felt a pang of nostalgia. If I could experience that route again, just once, it would be incredible. But this time, everything was different. I wasn''t the original Noah, and so the story had already taken a turn from what was supposed to happen. I hadn''t died yet, which meant the route had deviated, forcing the game''s story to cling closer to the original plot. That was why I was here, heading toward the tower''s peak to end the second Act. I''d yed this game more times than I could count, knew it inside and out. But this time, I was doing it for real, making sure the second Act wouldn''t dip back into [Bad Ending No. 1]. There was something that needed to be done¡ªsomething I had to destroy. Thest root of evil, the trigger that, if left unchecked, could open the door to the darkest route and plunge the academy, and perhaps even the empire, into chaos. If I removed it now, no hellish scenario would unfold, and the game wouldn''t spiral into that terrible ending thepany gave its yers. Maya''s downfall, her heartbreaking transformation into something beyond her control, could be avoided. Each step echoed louder as I reached the final stretch of the staircase. My heart pounded. I knew this tower well, had cleared it dozens of times, but now it felt different. The stakes were real, and every decision I made counted. If I failed, Maya''s dark love story with the original Noah could very well manifest into something worse. The [Last Terrible Ending] wouldn''t just be a route; it would be reality. Reaching the top, I took a breath and steadied myself. This was it¡ªthest chance to ensure that history wouldn''t repeat itself. Chapter 127: End Of The Second Act [4] Noah entered the dimly lit chamber with caution, his footsteps echoing in the silence. Shadows clung to the walls, shifting in the candlelight like restless spirits. But at the room''s center, a figure floated, suspended mid-air in a way that defied the natural order. It was Maya, her body hanging limply as if pulled upward by invisible strings. A cascade of ck tendrils¡ªethereal, almost smoky¡ªswirled around her, flickering like the edges of a me. Noah''s breath caught. This was no ordinary scene, and he could feel it. Thanks to his [Spirit Comprehension Perceivement], he saw what most others wouldn''t have. The dark spirits hovering around Maya, seeping from her as if she were the mouth of some deep, dark well. Their forms were vague and shifting, each spirit carrying a malevolent essence. They slipped in and out of her, drawn to her presence like moths to a me. Noah knew that Maya''s powers came from a connection to something beyond the stars, a secondary constetion that should have been a blessing but seemed more like a curse. [The Constetion of Death] Maya had been born with a unique and terrifying gift, one that set her apart from others even from a young age. Dark spirits thrived around her, bound to her presence like shadows, drawn by the Constetion of Death that imed her. As a child, she''d been taken to the Holy Cathedral, where priests and priestesses helped her suppress this dark prowess. They feared her powers, treating them as a taint rather than a gift, working relentlessly to keep the spirits in check. For years, the priests had monitored her, channeling prayers and holy rites to keep her in bnce until, at the age of twelve, she could manage it alone. Her future had seemed set in stone; she was meant to be a Saintess or a holy sister of the church. But Maya had been different. She had always hungered for knowledge, for freedom beyond the cathedral walls. She had begged her mother to allow her to attend the academy, her thirst for learning and mastery of magic stronger than any desire for a life cloistered in the cathedral. Her mother, working tirelessly to earn enough to afford the academy fees, eventually found herself taking a part-time job with the Ashbournes, all to grant her daughter the future she yearned for. But even here, at the academy, her powers lingered like a curse. The dark spirits harbored within her operated on a twisted concept of love. Anyone who looked upon them and bore any trace of deep love in their heart would find that emotion corrupted and turned back on them. The spirits had the power to twist love into obsession, loyalty into fixation, and affection into a desperate need to possess. For most, this effect was subtle, yet strong, gnawing at their will. In battle, the effect could break alliances, disrupt armies, or render her enemies emotionally paralyzed as they grappled with the distorted love nted in their minds. It was a power that would allow Maya to walk into the heart of an enemy stronghold and reduce it to chaos without lifting a finger. But for Noah, this power held no sway. Unlike others who were vulnerable to the spirits'' effect, he harbored no love, no softness in his heart that could be twisted. In his past life, he''d known love, even harbored it for someone special, but he''d cast it aside. He''d always felt she deserved someone better, someone who could offer more than he could, so he''d turned away from love, choosing the life he had instead. And now, even as he looked upon Maya''s drifting form, surrounded by twisted manifestations of love and death, he felt nothing. He saw only a character in a story, lines of code and scripting, and whatever feelings he''d once had were as distant as a past life. The spirits recoiled from him, unable to reach his heart. But as he stepped forward, Noah''s gaze shifted, focusing on the other figure in the room. There stood Professor Jacob, rigid and unnaturally still. His eyes were wide, blood trickling from the corners, and his skin was a sickly shade of pale, stretched too tightly across his face. Where there should have been the usual warmth and steadiness in his eyes, there was only darkness¡ªa thick, consuming void with a faint glint of purple in his pupils. Noah could feel a strange energy emanating from the professor. A powerced with malice and tinged with a desperation that felt otherworldly. Jacob didn''t speak, didn''t need to. His stance, the flickering aura around him, all of it spoke volumes. He was preparing to strike. Noah narrowed his eyes, realizing this was not the mentor he''d known but a man overtaken, something tainted and controlled by forces far beyond human understanding. Noah''s hand instinctively moved to summon his skill [Constetion''s Insight]. The familiar, transparent yellow interface flickered to life before his eyes, and within seconds, Jacob''s status disyed itself, though it was overwhelming in itsplexity. So overwhelming that the system itself had to condense the information into a summary. --- [Jacob, The Wandering Schr] Level: 52 Affiliation: God of Technique Magic Mastery: - Rune Magic: - Illusion Magic: - Defensive Magic: - Technique Arts: Divine-Level Blessing (Enhanced by the God of Technique''s Blessing) [Constetion Alignment: Follower of the God of Technique] [Abilities Summary: Jacob wields advanced knowledge in Rune Magic, allowing him to inscribe spells that can create shields, or augment his physical abilities. With his divine blessing from the God of Technique, he has enhanced precision, the ability to analyze his opponent''s weaknesses at an elerated rate, and nearly unparalleled technical mastery in physicalbat. ] [Status Condition: Possessed - Dark Influence] --- The depth of Jacob''s power was staggering, and Noah''s gaze lingered on the "divine blessing" and "possession" statuses. With years of experience on his side, Jacob wasn''t someone Noah could simply outmatch through raw skill. His mastery over technique and magic was leagues beyond anything Noah could attempt to imitate. But even as he faced this overwhelming force, a small smirk flickered across Noah''s face. After all, he was still Kim Hajun¡ªjust an average guy in some respects, but a veteran gamer who had walked through countless scenarios like these. This wasn''t just another ythrough; it was life now, and he intended to win, one way or another. Chapter 128: End Of The Second Act [5] The storm brewed ominously above the academy as Noah and Professor Jacob faced each other in silence. Jacob''s eyes, once intelligent and calm, were now void of sanity, darkened to an unnatural purple with his pupils zing like miniature suns of corruption. His entire body emanated a thick, malevolent energy, which coiled around him like a living aura. The professor''s stance was firm, a perfect blend of power and technique that spoke of countless hours of training. His muscles were taut, coiled for explosive movements. Noah knew he was in deep. Jacob had been an academy professor, but more importantly, he was a renownedbatant who mastered techniques through the divine favor of the god of technique itself. The magic Jacob now wielded amplified his skill. Blending martial prowess with raw arcane power that made every movement not just precise but lethal. "Sigh..." Experience tales at m v|l e''-NovelBin "...You got this, you''ve done this countless times...just behind a screen and pressing buttons..." Noah muttered. With barely a whisper of movement, Jacob was upon him, his fist moving like a blur as it shot toward Noah''s head. Noah barely managed to twist to the side, feeling thepressed air whistle past his ear. He didn''t have time to recover before Jacob''s leg followed in a lightning-fast kick, the style reminiscent of Muay Thai. Jacob''s foot connected with Noah''s shoulder, the sheer force of the blow sending him skidding back across the rain-slicked stone floor. Noah grunted, feeling the sharp stab of pain shoot down his arm. He countered quickly, summoning a spear of ice that crackled to life in his hands. But as he thrust it toward Jacob, the professor''s hand shed upward, a familiar pattern forming as his fist connected with the spear''s shaft, splintering it into icy shards. Jacob''s movements were a masterss in Wing Chun, his strikes aimed at Noah''s centerline, exploiting any weakness in his defense. "Is that all, Ashbourne?" Jacob sneered, his voice thick with derision and darkness. "For someone who was once a demonic disciple, you''re weak." Noah gritted his teeth, feeling the rain wash over his skin as he quickly summoned another weapon. He could feel his magic reserves dwindling, but he was far from finished. With a sharp motion, he created two short swords of ice, aiming to overwhelm Jacob with quick, precise strikes. Jacob met each one head-on, his hands moving in fluid patterns as he parried Noah''s attacks with wless blocks, switching between techniques as though each were second nature. Noah recognized elements of Aikido as Jacob diverted the force of Noah''s strikes, redirecting his momentum until Noah staggered forward, off-bnce. Jacob''s next move was immediate. He used Noah''s own movement against him, grabbing his wrist and twisting him in a ssic judo throw, sending him crashing to the ground. Noah scrambled to his feet, his chest heaving as the corrupted professor advanced, each step measured. Jacob''s fists were now glowing with that ominous purple hue, crackling with unrestrained energy. Noah thrust out his palm, sending a wave of sharp icicles at Jacob, but the professor merely raised his arms in a boxer''s defensive stance, taking the impact without flinching. As the shards shattered against him, he burst forward again, closing the distance between them with terrifying speed. Just as Jacob''s fist flew toward Noah''s face, Noah''s vision wavered. For a moment, he wasn''t in the rain-soaked academy grounds but standing on a serene beach under a golden sun. The peaceful sound of waves reached his ears, and he could smell salt in the air. He saw Professor Jacob, barefoot in the sand, his expression rxed and peaceful. His shirt was unbuttoned at the cor, sleeves rolled up, his trousers folded to his knees as he walked beside a woman. Sheughed as he picked up a seashell and yfully held it out to her, his eyes warm and filled with love. The beach image faded abruptly, pulling Noah back into the brutal present as Jacob''s fist connected with his side. The pain jolted him back to reality, but the brief vision of the beach lingered, as if he had glimpsed a lost memory of Jacob''s former self. ''Vision? No...'' ''The current Jacob I''m fighting is one corrupted by love...'' ''The original is probably trapped in a world where he had wished to be with his love...moreso his soul is being knawed at with each passing second.'' Noah thought to himself. Gasping, Noah summoned his magic once more, forming a shield of ice, hoping to buy himself a few seconds. But Jacob was relentless. He struck the shield with an open palm technique reminiscent of Ba Gua Zhang, his corrupted energy seeping through the ice, cracking it. Noah stepped back, reforming his defenses, yet each time Jacob found a way to shatter them with brutal efficiency. In desperation, Noah lunged forward with his spear, a feint he hoped would catch Jacob off guard. Jacob''s eyes gleamed with dark amusement as he sidestepped, bringing his fist down in a hammer strike that splintered Noah''s spear into crystalline fragments. The shards floated in the air like stars, shimmering for an instant before exploding outward, condensing and forming a storm of sharp particles that embedded themselves in Jacob''s flesh. He grunted in pain, stumbling back as the icy fragments tore through his skin. Noah seized the opening and moved forward, his hands glowing with a vibrant purple energy that mirrored Jacob''s own. As his hand thrust toward Jacob''s heart, his vision flickered again, returning to the beach. Jacob was waist-deep in the water now,ughing as the woman sshed him yfully. His eyes shone with unrestrained happiness as he caught her by the waist, spinning her in the surf. She squealed, then burst intoughter, her wet white dress clinging to her, the fabric shimmering as sunlight caught the droplets of water. They moved in a world untouched by corruption or darkness, just two people hopelessly in love. Jacob gently brushed a lock of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek before leaning in to kiss her. The kiss filled with a quiet passion and longing. Once more, the vision shattered, and Noah was back in the storm. Jacob stood before him, blood dripping from his wounds but undeterred, his fists still charged with that ominous energy. The professor moved in again, his attacks faster, more desperate, and Noah struggled to parry each blow. Desperate, Noah mustered thest of his strength, channeling his mana to create one final ice spear. He hurled it at Jacob with everything he had, watching as the spear shot forward like aet. But Jacob twisted his body, catching the spear mid-flight with his bare hands. The ice shattering instantly as he clenched his fists. The shards fell like glimmering rain around them, but Noah had been waiting for this moment. As the small ice fragments glowed, he willed them to condense and explode in a burst of energy. Jacob''s form was engulfed, the ice piercing his corrupted skin in dozens of ces, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. Noah''s right hand surged with a powerful purple lightning as he took his chance, plunging his hand forward and piercing through Jacob''s chest, his fingers sinking into flesh. He could feel the pulsing organ beneath his fingers, cold and corrupted. His vision blurred again. They were back on the beach, and Jacob was smiling softly as he held the woman close. He leaned down, his eyes gentle as he whispered something in her ear, making her blush. She leaned up to kiss him, her arms wrapping around his neck, their love a palpable force that radiated warmth. The waterpped around them, the golden light casting long shadows on the sand. They were a world apart, untouched by the sorrow and violence of the academy. He had found peace here, in her arms, free from the darkness that now tainted his soul. The vision faded, leaving Noah back in the storm as Jacob staggered, blood trickling from his lips. The corruption in his eyes began to fade, leaving only a glimmer of his former self. Noah watched, his chest heavy, as Jacob''s legs buckled, and he crumpled to the ground, his breathing shallow. Noah knelt beside him, gently closing his eyes. "Rest in peace, Professor..." He murmured softly, his voice carrying a sorrowful finality. "I hope you find her again." A single tear escaped Jacob''s closed eyes before his breathing ceased entirely. The rain continued to pour down, but as Jacob''s corrupted energy lifted, the sky began to clear. The red hue fading into a transparent, cleansing rain that washed over Noah, rinsing away the blood and the remnants of the battle. As he sat there in the rain, Noah felt a strange sense of peace settle over him. The storm had passed, and in its wake, the academy groundsy silent, the blood-streaked rain now only a memory. "Huff....hufff" Noah whizzed, his breaths heavy as he slumped to the ground on his knees. He looked up to the sky rain tainting his face as he closed his eyes. Chapter 129: It All Comes To An End [1] After subjugating the second Act''s boss, a wave of relief swept through me. But it was short-lived. I still had to deal with the aftermath, which meant containing Maya''s dark energy and the spirits that had haunted her relentlessly. Thankfully, the artifact I obtained from Saint Eldred Church allowed me to seal away that corruption. This artifact¡ªan ancient relic blessed by the church¡ªhad the power to contain dark energy and siphon away nearby mana. Normally in the game, yers would have to make a perilous journey back to the church to retrieve the relic, risking Maya''s corruption reaching its peak in their absence. By the time they would''ve returned, she''d be 100% consumed by the twisted love that had broken her, seeking vengeance on the world that had stolen her only love. But since I''d already made the journey and imed the artifact, the Act ended far sooner than expected, and Maya''s descent into darkness was halted. With her corruption at bay, I carried Maya to a safe ce within the academy grounds. The vice master''s office seemed like the best choice; it was secure andrgely vacant due to his extended absence. Laying her there, I could focus on leaving the academy as quickly as possible. I wasn''t supposed to be there in the first ce, and every second I lingered increased my risk of being discovered. Once I ensured Maya was stable, I slipped away, the night swallowing me as if I''d never been there. Over the next month, word of the incident spread like wildfire, igniting a chain reaction of repercussions throughout the academy. Ravenwood took immediate steps to reinforce its defenses, shaken by the demonic attack that had managed to breach its walls. The first measure involved hiring additional wardens to patrol the grounds and bolster security. These individuals were highly trained mages, each specializing in defense and counteracting dark magic. Second, the academy began fortifying its magical barriers, infusing them withplex enchantments to detect and repel dark spirits before they could breach the grounds. Finally, the administration implemented regr spirit cleansings throughout the dorms and ssrooms. Casting powerful purification spells to ward off any lingering traces of dark energy. Despite theyers of secrecy surrounding the attack, the me inevitablynded on thete Professor Jacob. In some ways, he''d earned that reputation, given his role in the chaos that unfolded. Yet, in his death, Jacob''s legacy became a paradox, as many students still remembered him as one of Ravenwood''s most gifted professors. He was given a dignified memorial, honoring the "brilliant educator" he once was. Though beneath the public ceremony, whispers circted of his darker ambitions. A few students came forward, recounting strange experiments Jacob had conducted. While officially they were masked as "progressive lessons," it became clear he''d been testing his own theories on unwitting students. Professor Sharon, who had been close to Jacob, even hinted at these suspicions. She shared that Jacob''s behavior had shifted drastically in recent months, as he''d involved himself in forbidden projects, his interests veering toward harnessing thetent spirits within students. She mentioned two particrly dire incidents. The first involved Jacob''s attempts to siphon mana directly from students to enhance his strength, and the second involved his experimentations with forbidden summoning rituals that seemed to take a toll on his sanity. ording to Sharon, these practices had left scars on the academy¡ªscars now all too visible. But Jacob''s case was just the tip of the iceberg. The deeper root of corruptiony with someone else. Xander Frost. In the original game, Xander''s descent was portrayed as gradual, a spiral influenced by his encounters with other main characters. Now, however, the truth became disturbingly clear. Discover hidden stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin Xander had masterminded much of the turmoil. His obsession with time magic was evident, and as I pieced together clues, another shocking realization surfaced. Xander wasn''t just a dark mage; he was a regressor, someone who had traveled back in time with a foreknowledge of events. In the game, this hidden identity had been hinted at through subtle clues. At several points, Xander appeared to anticipate things or seemed unfazed by decisions that should have caught him off-guard. The signs were always there, but only in retrospect did they reveal his regressive nature. Xander''s foresight had allowed him to manipte people and situations to his advantage, weaving aplex web of control around him. This was likely why he''d seeded for so long. His regression enabled him to sidestep potential failures, adapting each time to counter my ns. But Xander''s schemes hadn''t anticipated every variable. In a game, yers are limited by programming, and new choices or unknown characters can disrupt carefully plotted routes. Xander''s error was his inability to foresee all the infinite branches that every choice spawned. With careful nning, I finally found a way to bring his downfall within reach. I started with Professor Loran Von Adler, a respected academic who had be something of a father figure to Xander. In his relentless quest for power, Xander had eliminated him, fearing Loran would stand in his way. But his actions had sown seeds of anger and grief within the noble Adler family, who mourned the professor''s tragic death. I took advantage of this unrest, crafting a letter to the Adlers that alluded to Xander''s betrayal and cruelty. The carefully worded note spoke of "Professor Loran''s loyalty and sacrifices," igniting a quiet fury within the family. But I didn''t stop there. I sent another letter, forged under a guise, directly to Xander himself. This one imed that his father, who had been presumedatose for years, had finally awoken and was calling him home. It was the kind of message that Xander, with his obsessive need for validation, would never ignore. I knew he''d fall for it. True to my n, he embarked on the journey back, only to be intercepted by the Adlers, who had been waiting for him. Xander''s reign came to an abrupt end, a life snuffed out in the name of vengeance. His death was brutal, yet poetic; a fitting consequence for the suffering he had unleashed. With Xander gone, another piece fell into ce. It wasn''t long before Amy Bluerose, one of Xander''s former allies, began to unravel as well. She''d always harbored darkness, willing to manipte, deceive, and scheme to gain power. In exchange for favor and influence, she''d buried her humanity, embracing each step of her descent without a second thought. But the past demons and horrors she harboured began to haunt her. Whispering usations, reminding her of every twisted deed she''dmitted. Haunted by these unrelenting phantoms, Amy descended into a state of despair that corroded her life force. The academy tried to support her, assigning counselors and sending her messages urging her to seek help, but Amy shut herself away. ording to records, she was rarely seen outside her dorm room. The once-confident young woman now a shell of her former self. Her housemates were the first to notice the silence. After days without any sign of her, they raised the rm, and the academy staff broke down her door. Inside, they found her¡ªa lifeless figure dangling from the ceiling, her final act a silent testament to her pain. Her death was a sobering reminder of the darkness that could consume even the most privileged. As I watched the academy return to its routines, I couldn''t help but wonder if it would ever truly recover. Professor Jacob, Xander, Rn and Amy¡ªall were individuals bound by ambition, haunted by love and loyalty twisted into something monstrous. Chapter 130: It All Comes To An End [2] {End Of Volume 1} I slumped back in the rickety chair of my cramped rental room in the small town of Elderwood, letting the weight of everything settle in for a moment. The faded walls and rough wooden furniture did nothing to calm my nerves. Soon, it would all be over. I was barely scraping by as it was, and soon, I wouldn''t even have the money to pay for this humble room or afford the little food I''d been surviving on. I''d already started making ns to fully leave the academy, to cut ties with that ce altogether. But as I sat there, reflecting on it all, a strange feeling overcame me. I''d actually done it. I''d done the unthinkable¡ªI''d killed the main characters. The ones who were meant to guide the story, to shape this world. My pulse surged as I thought about it. In a strange way, it felt good¡ªsatisfying, even. I''d subverted the script, changed the fate of this world in ways no one could have predicted. And yet, as the adrenaline settled, a new thought gnawed at me. I hadn''t been sent back, not yet. The world around me hadn''t shifted or cracked open to deliver me home. What would be of this ce now? The irony of it all hit me as I chuckled bitterly to myself. Here I was, a mere extra, someone with nosting impact, and yet I''d managed to alter the very core of the story. But now, the only ones left were Ariana and Draven, Ariana who was hardly even integral to the plot. Draven, once the esteemed guard of the Bluerose House, had likely been exiled, thrown out in disgrace for failing to protect Amy. In all likelihood, he''d be grasping at straws, trying to w his way back to the academy. Knowing him, he''d probably seek a schrship, try to carve out a path for himself to study again, to regain even a fraction of what he''d lost. Ariana, on the other hand, was even less important. A minor main characer and support character in every sense of the word. I could erase her, and the plot would barely shift. Yet the choices I''d made created five potential oues, each one with a storm of repercussions. I leaned back, analyzing the possibilities one by one, weighing what woulde of this broken storyline. [Route 1: Bluerose House''s Retribution] The Bluerose House wouldn''t simply let the death of their daughter slide. Amy was the jewel of their lineage, and despite her descent into darkness, she had been revered by the family and her loyal followers. They''d demand justice, unleash an investigation, and target anyone who had even been loosely connected to her downfall. Ravenwood Academy wouldn''t be safe from their wrath; the powerful families were known to have sway over the academy''s leadership, and the Bluerose House would spare no expense to restore its tarnished honor. [Route 2: A Conspiracy Unveiled at Ravenwood] The academy, a supposed beacon of safety and knowledge, had suffered a dark breach¡ªdemonic attacks, corrupt professors, and the betrayal of its brightest students. With these revtionsid bare, whispers of conspiracy would grow, rooting deep into the halls of power. Professors would be questioned, possibly ousted, and Ravenwood''s reputation would falter. Students would grow paranoid, questioning who among them might be tainted, while noble families would withdraw their children, fearing for their safety. [Route 3: Rise of Minor Characters] With the main figures gone, those in the background would inevitably rise. Find adventures at mvl Other haracters would have the opportunity to step into the spotlight, navigating the chaos left in the wake of the main cast''s deaths. New alliances would form, motivated by survival rather than ambition. Draven''s forced return to the academy might lead him to ally with powerful nobles, while Ariana could be pulled into darker circles to secure her ce in this shifting hierarchy. Together, they''d create an unorthodox duo, driven not by plot but by necessity. "Eun-ji did say something about no matter what the main character will always be more than one specific set..." [Route 4: A Power Vacuum in the Realm] The empire, now missing its destined heroes, would be exposed to greater threats. Wars, both internal and external, would loom over thend. The protective bnce that had kept the realm secure would destabilize without the main characters to fulfill their prophesied roles. Rivals would rise, exploiting the newfound vulnerability. The Bluerose House might attempt to seize power, ming the academy for Amy''s death and rallying support to expand their influence. [Route 5: The Copse of the Storyline] With no true protagonists left to propel the story, this world itself might begin to unravel. It wouldn''t be long before the threads of reality would start to fray, spiraling into entropy without its intended cast to anchor the timeline. Would the world simply reset, as if none of this had ever happened, or would it grind into chaos, reality unraveling in my wake? My thoughts were interrupted by the pang of an unfamiliar feeling¡ªmissing someone. Maya. She''d been by my side for so long, and I hadn''t heard anything about her since I left. Despite myself, I wanted to see her, to know she was alright. But what would an outcast like me do back at the academy? I hadn''t thought this through. I''d been too blinded by my goal to eliminate the main cast, neglecting the fundamentals of survival here. Strengthening my abilities was all well and good, but I was penniless and low on influence. Money and reputation should have been my priority from the start. Foolishly, I''d focused on my mission and forgotten the basics. With a frustrated sigh, I summoned the system window, hoping there''d be some kind of option to make quick money or find an opening to earn a ce for myself. Suddenly the window glitched, the familiar interface flickering with static. A nervous sweat beaded on my brow. The screen glowed, then turned an unsettling shade of red, illuminating the room with an ominous hue. Suddenly, a warning message shed across the screen in bold letters. [Warning: Key figures necessary for the story have fallen below required threshold!] [System error!] [World destabilizing!] My heart skipped a beat as the world around me began to distort, lines of code materializing before my eyes. I reached out instinctively, as if to steady myself, but the air crackled with chaotic energy, disintegrating into specks like some digital virus. The walls, the furniture, even the floor began to dissolve, fragmenting into particles, all of it disintegrating before my eyes. The ground gave way beneath me, and I plummeted into an endless, inky void. My surroundings were nothing but ckness, the suffocating darkness pressing in from every side as my mind spun with panic. This couldn''t be happening. I wed at the void, desperate for some kind of hold, something to steady me, but there was nothing but emptiness, a vast abyss stretching out in all directions. My pulse hammered in my ears as I struggled, spiraling downward. Then, the system flickered again, the red screen shing within the void like a cruel beacon. [Searching for alternative routes¡­] A pause, as if the system itself was weighing its options. The red light intensified, casting my face in a harsh glow as it disyed the final message. [Redirecting¡­] [Original Novel Route taken!] And then, just as suddenly, everything vanished into darkness. Chapter 131: Who Wouldve Thought? [1] Under the pale, cold light of the moon, she stood. Her fiery red hair tangled in the night breeze. Her glowing red eyes piercing through the shadows. The girl was surrounded by tombstones, darkened stone crosses, and broken graves in a deste cemetery. The once-neat academy attire she wore was torn and dirt-streaked. ck stockings frayed at the knees, a ck skirt with ripped edges, a white shirt stained and wrinkled. And a red tie hanging loosely around her neck. She looked fierce and unwavering, as if the destruction around her was nothing new, but only a mere stage set for what was toe. Behind her, the ground began to stir and rumble. Skeletal soldiers, barely held together by remnants of broken armor, rose from the earth. Their hollow eyes glowed red, mirroring the same ominous hue that radiated from her own. The skeletons'' jaws opened, unleashing screeches and low growls that echoed through the air, filled with a primal hunger for battle. Then, with a single step forward, the skeletons began to advance, each one moving closer, their red aura growing stronger, like mes burning more fiercely as they neared their master. --- I blinked, pulling myself out of the eerie vision, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling it left. That scene, the girl with red eyesmanding a legion of undead soldiers under the moonlight¡ªthat was the first major event in the novel. It was set to unfold a month after the first-year students arrived at Ravenwood Academy. The memory of the body I was in, this body that belonged to Noah Ashbourne, had hinted at it. I couldn''t help but marvel at the fact that I was still here. That I still inhabited Noah''s body after everything that had happened. The game''s storyline had shattered, and with its copse, I''d been thrust into the original narrative. The novel that inspired the game. This novel, the true version of the world I was in, had apletely different storyline and characters from the game. It was as if everything I had once understood about this world had been rewritten in the blink of an eye. The main characters I had killed? They weren''t important here. I had wondered if the storyline might try to resurrect them to keep things progressing, but I was wrong. They''d never existed in this narrative to begin with. How did I know? Well, after I arrived in this world, I''d gained a skill that made it clear. I opened my hand and summoned a small, transparent screen, something only I could see. It was my skill, [Character Catalogue]. In the previous game timeline, I''d had a simr ability called [Constetions Insight], allowing me to see glimpses of character traits and stats. But this skill went even further, like a dictionary that logged key figures and detailed their importance to the story. If I looked at someone, the catalogue would list out their background, role, and even their significance to the plot. Whether they were a main character, a minor figure, or an extra with no name. Curious and nervous, I had already scrolled through the list of names multiple times, hoping to find familiar faces. But Xander, Rn, and, most importantly, Amy, were nowhere to be found. They simply didn''t exist here. One of the yers in my previous life had once mentioned that some of the main characters from the game hadn''t even been part of the novel. Supposedly, those were the ones. It was unsettling but strangely relieving. Confirming that I wasn''t being thrown back into the same game but was rather following the true storyline of [The White Demon of the Academy], as the novel was titled. At first, I thought I''d be at a disadvantage, not having read this novel myself. But I quickly discovered that the memories from Noah''s body were different from those in the game. In this novel''s world, Noah Ashbourne had yed a much more significant role than in the game adaptation. The fragmented memories he had left behind were beginning to return to me, like echoes from a forgotten past. Bits and pieces of the storyline and future events surfaced in my mind. It was as though this body, Noah''s body, held traces of the novel''s narrative, hidden away and only essible through these fragmented memories. If the game''s antagonist characters¡ªXander, Rn, Amy¡ªwere absent, then who would take their ce? Who was the true viin of [The White Demon of the Academy]? I pondered this question as I tapped into my [Character Catalogue] skill, deciding to search for information on Noah Ashbourne. As soon as I focused on my own name, the system responded, and a window popped up before my eyes. --- ¡ºCharacter Catalogue - Name: Noah Ashbourne - Age: 16 - Character Importance: Major - Role: Viin¡» ¡¸Description: An arrogant noble, possessing both power and the burden of supremacy. Noah Ashbourne is the academy''s Top Seat, a role that drives him to maintain his position at all costs. His purpose lies in always being at the top, pushing the other students to surpass their limits. As long as he maintains his status, the main cast will rise, destined to grow stronger. But if Noah fails to keep his position as the top student, the main characters will be unable to reach their true potential. Without their strength, the world itself will copse, unraveling in the final episode with Noah as the ultimate adversary¡¹ --- The message faded, and I felt a chill run down my spine. So that was it. In this world, in this novel, ''I'' was the final hurdle, the obstacle that the main characters had to ovee to save everyone. My sess or failure would determine their fate, and, by extension, the fate of the world itself. My heart pounded as the realization sank in. I was not merely a viin but the driving force behind the other characters'' growth. Without me standing at the top, they would never have the motivation to push beyond their limits. To be strong enough to face whatever darkness threatened the world. And if they failed to reach that strength, then it was all over. But how could I hold on to my position when this novel''s world differed so wildly from the game I''d known? The rules were different, and my experience with the game no longer mattered. I''d have to find a way to adapt, to survive in this unfamiliarndscape. My life, and everyone else''s, depended on my ability to remain at the top, to force the main characters to rise to meet the challenge I posed. For the first time since arriving in this world, a strange sense of purpose washed over me. I was no longer just ying to survive or to escape this story. I was the linchpin, the keystone holding the world together. And if I failed, the consequences would be catastrophic. The academy, the empire, everyone¡ªall would perish, their lives ending in a grim, tragic finale. I stared at my hands, feeling the weight of that truth settle over me. This was no game. This was a story with real lives hanging in the bnce. Experience new stories on mvl Every move I made, every action I took, would affect not only my fate but the fate of countless others. The girl under the moonlight,manding the undead¡ªthat was just the beginning. I would need to be ready when the time came, to keep my ce and protect this world, if only because my own survival now depended on it. And I would have to do that as a disgusting noble and a character hated by all. Chapter 132: Who Wouldve Thought? [2] Sitting alone in the quiet of my room, I took a deep breath, taking in the surroundings. This was the Silvercrest Hall, a dorm reserved exclusively for noble students at Ravenwood Academy. It was strange, really. In theprevious timeline, I''d stayed in Ironwood Hall, the hall meant formoners. I''d liked it there, actually¡ªat least the people were straightforward. But now I was here in thevishly decorated Silvercrest, fitting for Noah Ashbourne, the academy''s most arrogant noble and the designated viin in the story. It was all arranged for the role I was destined to y here, like some cosmic punishment for whatever sins had led to my being stuck in this game-turned-novel. Of course, as I looked at my surroundings, I realized there were certain advantages to having this room, more privacy for one. Besides, as I gathered, the novel world''s magic system remained the same as the game''s. The three constetions governing this world¡ªGod of Elements, God of Sword, and God of Technique¡ªwere just as I remembered. But this time, there were ranks/sses added for mages, ranking us from 1st Circle all the way to the pinnacle of 8th Circle. Most students hovered around the 2nd or 3rd Circle, depending on their magical proficiency and strength. As for me, I was ranked at the 4th Circle¡ªa respectable level, which, in the context of the academy, positioned me above most but kept me in direct rivalry with the main character, Draven Lockwood. With a sigh, I called up my system window to double-check my stats. ncing through the information with the same mix of satisfaction and irritation that had gued me since arriving here. --- ¡º Status Window - Name: Noah Ashbourne - ss/Rank: 4th Circle Mage - Strength: 25 - Dexterity: 20 - Intelligence: 30 - Endurance: 28 - Mana: 180 - Title: The Academy''s First Sea¡» --- I leaned back, hands running through my hair as I cursed under my breath. All things considered, I''d done better than that smug head developer from my world had mocked me for, the one who had implied I''d never amount to anything in the game. I''d beaten the main characters in the game. I''d taken them down one by one, and now I was in some twisted sequel. But this? Being forced into Noah Ashbourne''s body,plete with his vile reputation? It felt like a cruel joke. But at least here, I was alone and could take a breath without anyone watching, even if the system kept throwing new curveballs at me. While ncing back at my system, I noticed an array of new currencies had been added since my arrival in this world. The system listed Plot Points [PP], False Evil Points [FEP] or [FP], and System Coins. Each had its own twisted purpose, designed to force me into Noah''s viinous role with even fewer options for escape. The [Plot Points] were exactly what they sounded like¡ªpoints earned by my involvement in the storyline. For any meaningful interaction that progressed the plot, I''d earn them, regardless of my actions. It was frustrating, though. Because of my role as the viin, some events were locked, meaning I''d gain no points if I tried to handle them instead of leaving them to the protagonists. And, worse still, every time I used these points to alter the storyline, even in small ways, there were risks. Therger the change, the more likely I was to trigger a bacsh, which could make me lose stats or even cause unexpected story events. In other words, it was a power with more drawbacks than rewards. The [False Evil Points]¡­well, these were as despicable as they sounded. I gained them for performing evil deeds, no matter how small. Bullying, insulting, humiliating others¡ªall these actions umted FEP, letting me y into the narrative''s "viin" role. And then there were System Coins, earned from system-assigned quests, which were helpful but didn''t umte fast enough for my liking. Between these points and the endless tasks, the system was locking me into this viinous path, like some invisible leash forcing me to maintain Noah''s image. There was a harsh penalty system, too. Every time I failed toplete a quest, I''d face stat reductions or lose a fraction of my remaining mana pool. And whenever I stepped too far out of character¡ªdisying kindness, empathy, orpassion¡ªI''d feel a sharp, relentless pain in my heart,sting ten full minutes. It was no joke either. Every slip decreased my life force. It was as though this world would do anything to make sure I stuck to being the arrogant, detested snake they needed me to be. My eyes shifted to the bottom of the system''s quest window, where the first major quest was already listed. ¡ºQuest¡» ¡¸Attain the top position in the uing second-year exams¡¹ I had two weeks to prepare. Given that I was now a second-year, the same year as the novel''s main characters, I''d be facing Draven Lockwood. The main protagonist, and a relentless powerhouse who was destined to grow stronger and break through his limits. If he surpassed me and took the First Seat, it would spell disaster for my role. The entire storyline hinged on my holding that top position. Second ce wasn''t an option. "Annoying." I muttered to myself, rubbing my temples. The mere thought ofpeting against someone as driven as Draven was already giving me a headache. But if I wanted to stay alive, I''d need to push myself harder than anyone else. Out of habit, I nced back at the points I had, tempted to see if anything in the System Shop might give me an edge. I had a few Plot Points from recent interactions, some FEP, and a handful of coins. Hopefully, I could use them effectively before the exams. But they weren''t enough. A knock at the door broke my concentration. It was Mari, the maid my family had sent to attend to me. ck hair, brown eyes, and dressed neatly in the Ashbourne Maid attire. She stepped in gracefully, bowing her head. "G-Good morning, Master Noah... I-I''ve brought your breakfast." she said, setting a tray on the table. I nced down at the food she''d ced. A delicate arrangement of fruit, bread, and tea. But without even taking a bite, I wrinkled my nose in disdain. "Is this what you call breakfast?" I sneered, crossing my arms. "This fruit is barely ripe, the bread looks stale, and don''t get me started on the tea¡ªit smells like it''s been steeped for hours." Mari''s face paled, her hands fidgeting slightly. "I¡ªI apologize, Master Noah. I''ll prepare it again to your liking." "See that you do!" I replied coldly, not even sparing her a nce as she hurried out. Momentster, she returned with another tray. I inspected it and scoffed. "Are you trying to poison me?" I spat, barely looking up. "The tea''s bitter, the bread is overly buttered, and don''t get me started on the arrangement. Do it again!" Mari''s eyes lowered, her hands trembling, but she quickly left to make the adjustments. I kept sending her back until, finally, everything was just right¡ªor at least, I couldn''t find another excuse to send her away. The moment she bowed and retreated, my system chimed. --- ¡ºSystem Alert: False Evil Points Acquired!¡» ¡¸False Evil Points Earned: +10¡¹ --- Once the door clicked shut, I slumped back into my chair, sighing heavily. No, I didn''t enjoy this¡ªnot the scorn, the cruelty, or the unnecessary insults. But it was necessary, if only to umte the FEP I needed to keep my edge in this brutal story. I reminded myself of my reputation here; it was already terrible. If I yed into the role even slightly, I''d only be reinforcing what everyone already expected from Noah Ashbourne. And with the Ashbourne family cutting off my support, there was no safety to fall back on. Noah wasn''t disowned rather cut from financial support. I had to navigate this alone, and if building up FEP meant survival, then so be it. I was reminded then of the original Noah''s background. The real Noah Ashbourne, from the novel version, wasn''t exactly the same as the one I''de across in the game. Unlike me, he hadn''t been born into this world naturally. He''d been a transmigrator himself, just like me. A twisted irony if I''d ever seen one. Two souls from Earth trapped in a nightmare like this. But for some reason, my soul had taken over the novel version of Noah, the one with a story beyond my understanding. "3 souls in one body...diabolical." I muttered under my breath. With another sigh, I rose from the chair, gathering my books and preparing to head to ss. It was Friday, thest day of the academic week. Over the weekend, I''d need to find ways to earn money now that my family had severed their financial support, all thanks to the current Noah''s reputation. At least it gave me a clear goal¡ªfocus on my studies, gather my points, and build myself up to ensure I''d remain ahead of Draven not just in these uing exams. As I walked toward the door, I nced back at my empty room, mentally going over my ns. Two weeks to gather resources, earn points, and prepare for the exams. After that, the first-year students would finally arrive at the academy, marking the official start of the storyline. Following their wee ceremony, things would unfold quickly, each event triggering the next. And among them would be her¡ªa first-year with fierce red hair and striking red eyes, the one who would set everything in motion. Her name was Lyra Evanthe, and as fate would have it, she was destined to be the first boss of this twisted story''s opening chapter. This would be my chance to break the cycle, to take control of the story, and perhaps¡­just perhaps, survive to the end. I had no choice but to y my part, no matter how despicable or hollow it felt. For now I needed to meet her¡ªthe girl I''d waited to see since my arrival. A character central to Noah''s fate. Chapter 133: First Period [1] The early morning air was brisk as I stepped onto the path leading to the mana-powered bus, the quiet stillness of Silvercrest Hall settling around me. A small crowd had gathered by the bus stop, noble students murmuring softly, casting asional nces my way. Their eyes gleamed with contempt, lips curling in disgust, as if my mere presence was a personal offense. I ignored them and focused on the bus trundling down the road. This was my first day actually stepping into the novel''s storyline, and I was d that, for now, things seemed peaceful. But I knew this wouldn''tst. The world I was in would only get more chaotic, throwing all sorts of trials and life-threatening dangers my way. Thanks to the original Noah''s memories, I had some advantage¡ªat least a bit of insight into the novel''s plot and the direction it was supposed to go in. Still, I knew from experience that the game mechanics mighte in handy here. So not everything I knew about the game was useless. Noah Ashbourne wasn''t truly a viin, at least not at heart, but his role demanded it. He was a symbol of everything detestable about the nobles, a representation of their worst ws. But, viin or not, I had only one goal now: to get stronger, no matter the cost. If I was going to y the viin, I would do it well¡ªwell enough that the so-called "hero" and his allies would feel the weight of the final confrontation. My pride wouldn''t allow me to be outdone. Letting Draven and his band of heroes simply walk all over me? Not a chance. Until then, though, there was a simpler goal: being the top student. It wasn''t just for bragging rights. Being at the top came with practical benefits. The academy heavily favored its best students with resources, privileges, and exclusive training. The higher you rose, the wider the gap between you and the others. And in this ruthless ce, I''d need every advantage to stay one step ahead of my rivals. The bus finally pulled up, creaking to a halt, and the crowd shifted forward. I stepped on, ignoring the stares that followed me. My eyes caught an empty seat near the back, and I moved there, taking a quiet satisfaction in the hush that fell as I passed. Before I''d even settled, a notification from the system blinked across my vision. ¡º+1 False Evil Point¡» I smirked to myself. Apparently, just being detested was enough to earn me points. At this rate, umting FEP would be easy. As the bus moved along, I took out a book, determined to spend the time productively. There was no room to becent here. Every moment mattered, and every moment was a chance for Draven to close the gap. The pressure was intense, knowing that if Draven ever surpassed me, he wouldn''t have the same drive to push his limits. That drive was what would power him through the final battle against me¡ªand if he didn''t have it, then the world would fail. The academy''s final scene would end in annihtion, with Draven and the others falling before the final boss. And somehow, that thought made me smile. I''d never felt this way before. In my previous life, I''d coasted through everything, from school to work, never really putting my all into anything. But here, in this ce, with so much on the line, there was a thrill in the challenge. Redemption didn''t matter. Even if I had the chance to turn my reputation around, it would be pointless. Better to lean into it, to fully embrace the role. The academy didn''t care about my behavior as long as I was the top student. If I fell from that position, though, the consequences would be swift and brutal¡ªsuspension, expulsion, everything I''d built crumbling. The bus rolled to a stop at the town center, and after a moment, two girls stepped on. One, with sleek ck hair, sat at the front. The other made her way down the aisle, and I couldn''t help but nce up. Just a quick, casual look¡ªno interest or recognition. But my heart skipped a beat when I saw her. Short, dark purple hair, striking purple eyes. Beautiful in a way that demanded attention, despite her calm expression. Maya Brenthall. She moved quietly, taking a seat by the window a few rows ahead. I knew Maya well, but this time was different. In the game, she''d been my assistant, a key ally. But here, she was a major character in her own right. I lowered my gaze back to the book, resisting the urge to stare. There was no way she''d recognize me or our connection from the game timeline. Here, in the novel, her role with Noah was¡­ something else entirely. I activated my skill, [Character Catalogue], and a window appeared in my view, disying her information. [Character Catalogue] ¡ºName:Maya Brenthall Age: 17 Gender: Female Importance to Story: Major Character Role: One of the Main Heroines ¡» ¡¸Description: A noble-born saintess from the Count Brenthall family, bound to the teachings of the Saint Eldred Church. Prodigy of magic and wisdom, she stands as a beacon to the righteous. Yet her heart is shadowed with resentment, for she has been forced into a loveless engagement with the insufferable Noah Ashbourne, whom she detests with every fiber of her being. Her eyes burn with the quiet fury of a saint wronged, and her mind holds a secret desire¡ªto see her arrogant fianc¨¦ suffer¡­ and, perhaps, to bring about his end¡¹ --- I closed the window, feeling a chill settle in my chest. Of course. In this version of the story, she wasn''t here to help me; she was here to oppose me. As one of the main heroines, she was bound to y a critical role in the unfolding drama, and if her resentment was anything to go by, I''d likely be in her crosshairs. This was just the start. The academy would be filled with rivals, alliances, and more hidden threats than I could count. But no matter what came my way, I was ready. Chapter 134: First Period [2] The cool morning air drifted around me as I waited for the mana-powered bus to arrive, and I couldn''t help but let my thoughts wander to the uing examinations. They were just a few weeks away, and the pressure was already weighing down on my shoulders. Last semester, I''d worked myself to exhaustion, but even then, I''d never managed to surpass him. No matter how much effort I put in, how many hours I spent memorizing spells and refining techniques, he always stood one step ahead. Effortlessly upying the top spot as if it was his birthright. I frowned, pushing down the irritation that rose just from thinking about him. It didn''t make sense¡ªhe wasn''t the kind of person who locked himself away with his books and notes, hunched over with ink-stained fingers, driven by the need to excel. If anything, he was theplete opposite. His so-called "study" time consisted of skipping out on sessions to indulge in thosevish activities that seemed designed solely to unt his noble status and appalling arrogance. A bitter taste filled my mouth. It was absurd. No one as vile as him should be capable of such effortless academic sess. But I couldn''t deny the facts. His scores were there, standing out in ck and white. He was smart, yes. I would even go so far as to admit that he was cunning and sharp-witted. But his intelligence, however impressive, was overshadowed by the worst possible attitude and an arrogance that grated on every single one of my nerves. It was one thing to have ability. It was another to wield it with the elegance of a boorish tyrant. Then, of course, there was the forced engagement¡ªa dark stain that followed me like an unwanted shadow. It wasmon for noble families to arrange such things. But to be shackled to someone like Noah Ashbourne was something I could barely tolerate. I couldn''t even bring myself to tell my friends about it. The shame of admitting I was betrothed to ''him'' was mortifying. When they spoke about crushes, their flutters and the excitement of young love, I''d nod along and brush off their questions. "Not interested." ''d say, feigning indifference. The truth was, I''d rather endure any hardship than so much as acknowledge that insufferable man as my fianc¨¦e. The bus pulled up, finally, its mana-powered engine humming softly as it came to a stop. I took a steadying breath and climbed on, scanning the seats for an empty spot. My gaze shifted toward the back¡ªand froze. Noah Ashbourne was there, lounging in his seat as if he owned it. His dark hair fell carelessly across his forehead, and those unnaturally golden eyes were lowered in concentration as he read a book. The sight of him sitting on the bus, of all ces, was strange enough, but seeing him read? ''Reading...'' When he so openly dismissed any activity that didn''t directly feed his inted sense of pride? It was baffling. My stomach twisted at the sight of him, a mixture of anger, frustration, and something unpleasantly close to dread. ''Of all days,'' I thought, clenching my jaw. Usually, Noah took his carriage, bragging about how he would "never stoop so low as to ride in a bus packed withmoners." He''d always make a show of it, boasting loudly that it was beneath his dignity. And yet here he was, looking remarkably unbothered by the surroundings. I tried to ignore him and made my way to the seat directly in front of him, settling down with my back stiff and my fists clenched in myp. I felt his eyes flick up for a split second before he returned to his book. The nerve of him. Why was he even here? And more importantly, why did it feel like the air in the bus had suddenly be stifling? I exhaled, focusing my thoughts on the exams again, willing myself to ignore the gnawing irritation in my chest. The exams. Yes, I needed to keep my head down and concentrate. If I managed to top the year, I''d finally gain ess to the restricted section of the Holy and Light Magic archives, a privilege reserved only for the best student. The practical benefits were nothing to overlook either¡ªpersonalized training rooms, private mentors, and arger living space in Silvercrest Hall. But all that paled inparison to what I truly needed. The forbidden techniques in those archives were rumored to hold secrets for purification, spells powerful enough to cleanse any dark taint from the soul. I closed my eyes briefly, feeling the chill of memory settle over me. I knew better than anyone how badly I needed those secrets. There was still a part of my soul that felt corrupted, tainted from¡­ before. The past clung to me like a shroud, a reminder of what I needed to purge. If gaining the top spot was the price, then I''d pay it willingly. The thought of Noah standing in my way, again, only fueled my determination. For years, I''d entertained fantasies of somehow ridding myself of him altogether. I''d thought of a hundred ways to do it. A poison slipped into his drink, a cursed amulet left in his path, or a conveniently ced spell to send him to the afterlife. I''d spent nights calcting how to end his existence without drawing attention or suspicion. Even though I knew his family cut off any financial support to him, he was still an Ashbourne. Untouchable by my hands. One misstep, one poorly veiled attempt on his life, and my own head would be forfeit. It wasn''t worth it¡­ yet. The bus lurched forward, carrying us away from the dorms and into the academy''s main grounds. I nced at the window, catching a glimpse of my reflection¡ªa face set with focus and purpose. I could feel my resolve hardening, a silent promise to myself that,e what may, I would im that top spot. If I had to watch every step and move strategically to maintain the academy''s favor, so be it. Once I had that power, the Ashbournes and their detestable heir would be nothing more than a stepping stone. ''Rx, Maya.'' I muttered under my breath, steadying myself. ''Don''t let him get under your skin.'' A sneer curled at the edge of my lips. What did it matter if Noah had his arrogant charm or if every other girl in this academy thought he was some sort of darkly charming prince? I was better than him, better in every way that counted. And if he stood in my path, then I would surpass him, crush him if I had to, and leave him choking on his own ego. As the bus turned down the main road toward the tuition block, I forced myself to focus on my timetable. The day was packed with back-to-back sses, but I had a solid two hours in the training grounds this evening. The timetable was tight, but I''d make time to refine my magic and sharpen my skills. And after the exams? I''d have an entire weekend to rest, recover, and prepare for the next hurdle. I felt the tension in my shoulders begin to ease slightly as I focused on the possibilities ahead. With hard work, I would secure my ce. The academy had all the resources I needed. And as long as I kept my eyes on my goal, nothing¡ªnot even Noah Ashbourne¡ªwould hold me back. The bus pulled up to the tuition cube, and I watched as Noah was the first to rise, making his way to the exit with that insufferable ease that made my teeth grind. Chapter 135: First Period [3] As the bus rattled down the main road toward the academy, I found myself ncing out the window, seeing my reflection in the ss. A face I''d grown ustomed to, but still one that didn''t belong to me. ''Noah Ashbourne.'' I thought with a bitter twist of irony. The image staring back at me was of the Academy''s spoiled noble, notorious for his cruelty and selfish whims. And yet, for all his arrogance and self-righteousness, Noah had been nothing but a puppet to the whims of his family and his own bottomless pride. Now, somehow, I was the one pulling the strings. I adjusted myself, sitting up straighter and forcing down the unease gnawing at my stomach. If I had to keep up this act¡ªif I was going to y the part of Noah Ashbourne without suspicion¡ªI needed to stay in character. If the academy caught a single whiff that I was anything other than the vile figure they all expected, they''d piece things together, and fast. Possessions and body-swaps weren''t exactly unheard of in the world of magic. But that was thest thing I wanted. To be found out. Suddenly, my mind shot back to a day before and the reason why I was taking the bus today. The memory hitting me like a st of frigid wind. --- Noah was sitting in the back seat of the usual gilded carriage, watching the familiar road stretching out toward the Dormitories. It had been a stormy day, rainshing down as if the heavens themselves were furious. The driver had stumbled over the road, nearly tossing him against the side of the carriage several times. Noah tried tried to steady myself, gripping the plush cushions, but each lurch felt more violent than thest. His patience was razor-thin. The carriage skidded again, swerving dangerously close to a muddy ditch, and he lost it. He lurched forward, banging his fist on the partition that separated him from the driver. "Stop this thing at once!" He shouted, voice sharp and slicing through the thunderous storm. The carriage jerked to a halt, throwing him forward. Rain pounded against the roof as he climbed out, meeting the driver face-to-face. He looked at him with wide, apologetic eyes, his hands trembling. "My lord..." He stammered, his voice barely carrying over the wind. "I-I apologize for the inconvenience, it was the storm, I didn''t mean¡ª" "Inconvenience?" Noah''s voice was dangerously low, each word cutting like a de. "Inconvenience? You call putting my life at risk an ''inconvenience''?" The man bowed his head, water streaming from his hair and beard as he murmured. "I''m so sorry, Lord Noah. I¡ªI promise it won''t happen again. The road was just slippery, and I¡ªI didn''t mean to¡ª" "Didn''t mean to?" Noah scoffed, every ounce of disgust he could muster pouring into his voice. "You didn''t mean to nearly hurl me into the mud like some sack of garbage? If you''re so incapable of doing something as simple as driving, then you don''t deserve this carriage at all." He looked up at Noah, eyes wide with a dawning horror. "P-Please, my lord, I''ve worked for the Ashbourne family for years¡ªthis carriage is all I have to my name, my only way to make a living." "Your ''only way''?" Noah sneered. "Then consider it a lesson in humility. If you can''t handle this carriage, you don''t deserve to keep it. Destroy it." The words were out before he even thought them through, the venom in his voice sharper than any sword. The driver blinked, his face falling, mouth opening and closing as if he couldn''t quite process what Noah said. "M-my lord?" His voice trembled. "Surely¡­ surely you don''t mean that¡­" "Oh, I mean it." Noah said, and an ugly thrill filled him at the fear in his eyes. He crossed his arms, tilting his head with a dark smile. "Destroy it. You''re done with it." There was a sh of pure despair in his eyes, his hands clenching at his sides. His face fell as he processed the finality of my words. The man turned and walked, almost in a daze, to the back of the carriage, pulling out arge sledgehammer that was meant to fix the carriage wheels. His hands trembled around the handle as he turned back to Noah, his eyes meeting his in a silent, hopeless plea. But Noah only smirked, enjoying the cruelty that felt like second nature. With onest, broken sigh, he raised the hammer and brought it down on the carriage with a sickening crunch. Wood splintered, gold paint chipped, and the sound echoed through the rain-soaked evening. Each strike seemed to take a piece of his dignity with it, as if he were breaking a part of himself with every swing. He murmured apologies between gasps for breath, barely audible over the thunder and the relentless thud of wood giving way beneath the sledgehammer. By the time he was done, the carriage was in shambles, thest remnants of his livelihood lying broken at his feet. Noah walked up to him, feeling the icy rain trickling down his skin, indifferent to his anguish. He knelt before Noah, as if the weight of what he''d done had finally broken himpletely. Noah reached out, grabbing a fistful of his wet hair, forcing his head up to meet his eyes. His beard was matted with rain, his face etched with lines of grief and humiliation. "Repeat after me." Noahsnarled, his grip tightening. "I will never put Lord Noah''s life in danger again with my careless, worthless driving." He swallowed hard, the words choked and weak as he repeated after him. "I-I will never put Lord Noah''s life in danger again with my careless, worthless driving." "Good." Noah said, releasing him with a shove. "Consider this a gift. I let you keep your horse. Continue your story on mvl Don''t make me regret it." --- Now, sitting on this bus, a sour taste coated my tongue at the memory of that incident. The original Noah Ashbourne had been a bastard through and through, capable of cruelty most people would never dream of. How many lives had he ruined with that entitled attitude, that sense of superiority? It was sickening to think of the people he''d trampled on, and now I was supposed to fill his shoes, keep up the act as though nothing had changed. "Bastard..." I muttered under my breath as the bus came to a slow, creaking stop at the Tuition Cube. "A heartless bastard with no remorse..." But what choice did I have? I was him now, whether I liked it or not. Until I figured out what to do next, the best I could manage was to act the part, follow the routine, and keep people from prying too close. I filed out with the rest of the students, hanging back until I was thest to leave. I nced around, my eyes sweeping over the sprawling grounds, teeming with students rushing to sses or meeting up with friends. But one face was conspicuously missing¡ªMaya''s. ''Smart girl.'' I thought with a faint smirk. She''d probably bolted off the bus and made her way to ss as fast as possible to avoid crossing paths with me. I couldn''t me her, honestly. If anyone had a reason to loathe me, it was her. ''No,'' I corrected myself. ''Loathe Noah.'' After all, that''s what he''d earned for himself, piece by rotten piece. As I started down the path to the main building, the weight of the situation settled back onto my shoulders. The original Noah might not have a carriage anymore, but if I was going to keep up appearances, I needed another one soon. There was only so long I could take the bus before people started asking questions. Yet, without financial support from the Ashbournes, that was just another burden I''d have to figure out on my own. Every step in Noah''s shoes only reminded me of how manyyers of trouble he''d left behind. I adjusted my coat and scanned the area one more time for any sign of Maya. Nowhere in sight. I let out a quiet sigh of relief. As useful as she could be in some circumstances, she''d be just as likely to try to kill me if she thought she could get away with it. She had every right to hate Noah, and even though it wasn''t my doing, I couldn''t me her for the thoughts I imagined were running through her head whenever she looked at me. ''I need to be alert,'' I reminded myself. Maya was far from the only one with a grudge against Noah. With so many enemies waiting for the slightest opportunity, it was only a matter of time before someone tried to make a move. I needed an advantage¡ªsomething like [Killing Intent Detection], an ability that would help me detect when someone was actively plotting harm against me. Of course, I needed more False Evil Points to unlock something of that caliber, and right now, that was a resource I didn''t have nearly enough of. But I''d find a way. Staying one step ahead was my only option. I made my way through the crowded courtyard, head held high, slipping seamlessly into the persona of the haughty noble everyone expected. There were many eyes on me, but I kept my expression unreadable, giving nothing away. I''d have to keep up this charade for as long as it took to make my next move. After all, I was Noah Ashbourne now, for better or worse. And in a world where my survival depended on ying my cards right, I''d y whatever hand I was dealt. Chapter 136: First Period [4] The thought lingered with me as I made my way toward the knight department''s training grounds on the other side of the building. It was strange, almost unnecessary. I didn''t have to go out of my way to see Draven, especially when I had the option of sparring with better equipment in the private training rooms meant for elite students. But something tugged me there¡ªsome morbid curiosity, maybe. Draven Lockwood. Amoner, yes, but one whose drive was almost unmatched in this academy. For Draven, graduating from Ravenwood as the top-ranked knight was more than a goal. It was his way out, his way up. Bing a royal knight of the empire, like his father before him¡ªthat was his singr purpose, the thing that consumed him. And somehow, watching him train felt like peeling back the cover of a book to glimpse the first page. I had my reasons, too. Keeping an eye on the academy''s hopeful hero was no small part of my survival n. The stares started almost as soon as I stepped foot on the training grounds. A couple of knights-in-training, sweaty and exhausted from their morning drills, sat on benches near the entrance. Their conversations dropped to a murmur as they noticed me, a cascade of nces and whispers. I could make out snippets beneath their breaths, but the words had one consistent theme. ''What the hell is he doing here?'' "He''s supposed to be up in the special training rooms¡­not slumming around here with us¡­" "Arrogant prick probably just wants to rub it in." Their eyes followed me as I walked past, the heat of their curiosity making my skin crawl. They didn''t think I could hear them, of course. Experience tales with mvl But I could¡ªwell enough to know they thought I had no business on their turf, no reason to be among the "lesser" students when the elite rooms were always waiting for me. The looks, the whispers, the nces; each one made my irritation spike a little more. By the time I reached the benches, my patience had worn as thin as paper. I stopped, leveled my gaze at the group sprawled there, and let my words ring out with every ounce of disgust I could summon. "Do you all have a problem? Because if you keep staring, I''ll pluck those prying eyes out myself and toss them into the mud where they belong." The venom in my voice cut like a whip. "Is that clear?" Their faces nched, their eyes darting anywhere but at me. A chorus of muttered apologies followed, each of them bowing their heads as they tried to stammer out their regrets. Typical. They were so quick to judge, but when confronted, they cowered just like everyone else. ¡º+2 FEP¡» The system chimed. I moved on, striding further into the training grounds, but the sick feeling in my stomach lingered. If things kept on like this, I''d have the entire school as my enemy by the time I graduated¡ªif I even made it that far. Enemies in every hallway, every ss, and every shadowed corner. It was only a matter of time before someone finally acted on their hate, before someone strong and bold enough made a move to end Noah Ashbourne for good. And that was why I needed the Killing Intent Detection ability, something that could keep me a step ahead. The academy had an endless supply of those who despised me. Knowing who wanted me dead and when could mean the difference between survival and a very grim end. Finally, as I neared the center of the grounds, I spotted him. Draven was there, lost in his drills, swinging his sword at one of the weighted dummies. It was an impressive setup¡ªa wooden frame with flexible arms that carried swords of its own, designed to strike back at anyone reckless enough to take a poorly aimed hit. But Draven wasn''t reckless. Each time hended a blow on the dummy, its limbs came swinging in response, and each time he parried, the rhythm growing smoother and more precise with every motion. He was in his element, his face set in steely concentration. Draven''s ck hair was damp with sweat, stered against his forehead despite the early hour. His blue eyes gleamed with the determination of someone who didn''t just want to seed but had to. The resemnce was uncanny. Draven''s intensity reminded me so much of Xander, the previous game timeline main character. Another figure I''d alreadye to associate with unbreakable resolve. Two sides of the same coin, maybe? But the simrities between Draven and Xander were so close, so intentional, that I wondered if the game developers had split one person into two personas. ''Ridiculous,'' I told myself, dismissing the thought as quickly as it came. It didn''t matter. For a few moments, I just watched, mesmerized as Draven continued, unrelenting, matching the dummy''s counterattacks, parrying with precision and finesse, over and over. Without thinking, I activated the [Character Catalogue] skill, letting the system pull up information on him. --- [Character Catalogue] ¡ºName: Draven Lockwood Age: 16 Character Importance to Story: Main Role: Hero¡» ¡¸Description: His only goal is not merely to survive, but to rise, to leave Ravenwood as the empire''s top knight, and to do so while crushing the infamous Noah Ashbourne beneath his boots¡¹ A chill settled over me as I watched Draven strike again, his movements unbroken and graceful. He was single-minded, unwavering. And he wanted to reach his goal by besting Noah Ashbourne. By besting ''me.'' The sight of Draven training, his focus sharp, his movements honed¡ªit gnawed at me. I''d seen enough. I was only wasting time watching Draven chase after his dreams with that hungry determination. We might share the goal of bing the academy''s top student, but for me, it wasn''t just a pursuit. It was a lifeline. Top Seat wasn''t a prize¡ªit was survival. Draven wanted glory, recognition, a ce among the elite. I wanted a chance to live beyond the academy walls. I turned to leave, my mind churning over everything I''d seen. But as I headed toward the exit, I nearly collided with someoneing in. Reflexively, I stepped back, irritation shing in my eyes as I nced down at the offender. Blonde hair almost white, blue eyes clear as a summer sky. It was her, Ariana Snow. I knew her all too well. She''d been a minor character in the previous timeline, barely a blip on the radar. But here, things had changed. Now, she was a main heroine and Draven''s close friend, despite the sharp ss divide between them. Even being a noble, Ariana had dirt on her hands and sweat on her brow. A glimmer of disdain crept into my thoughts. She was a noble, a top-ten student, and yet she chose to train out here among the masses, much like Draven. In the elite circles, students had their own private training facilities with equipment far superior to this, yet here they were, slumming it with themoners. The contrast was almost amusing. Unlike them, my ego kept me firmly in my private space, and the sight before me was one I couldn''t let pass by unaddressed. I sneered as she took a small step back, the awareness of my scrutiny apparent in the way her gaze fell briefly to the floor. Chapter 137: First Period [5] "Well, look at what we have here." I drawled, the smirk ying on my lips sharpened with malice. "I thought nobles like you, Miss Snow, had enough dignity not to look like some filthymoner. Yet here you are, all sweaty and¡­ disgusting." Ariana''s lips pressed into a thin line, her chin lifting as if steeling herself, but her eyes stayed downcast. My gaze swept over her with scorn. "Tell me, does it not disgust you?" I continued, mock incredulity filling my tone. "You''re of noble blood, yet here you are, tainted. Discover hidden stories at mvl By simply touching me, you''ve stained me with whatevermoner germs you''ve picked up from mingling with them. I can practically feel it." Her mouth opened, perhaps to respond, but I didn''t give her the chance. Shrugging off my zer, I looked at it with exaggerated distaste before flinging it in her face, letting the fabric drape over her like an unwee weight. "That''s your punishment." I said coldly. "Wash it. By the end of the day, I expect it returned, pristine. I''m not going to repeat myself, Miss Snow." And with that, I turned, dismissing her and everyone else present, leaving the training grounds with my ego intact and my disgust unchallenged. --- [Ding!] The system chimed in my mind as I stepped out. ¡º+10 False Evil Point¡» It noted with a snide message. ¡¸Excellent! A little harshness builds a true viin''s reputation!¡¹ I rolled my eyes at the message. I didn''t need the system''s encouragement to keep up the act. The academy provided more than enough reasons to stoke the fire. *** After Noah left the grounds, a heavy silence lingered, the students momentarily too stunned by his cruel words to react. Ariana still stood in the same spot, holding the zer that had been tossed at her, her face nk with a mix of surprise and embarrassment. The students who had been in the training grounds, now with their attention captured by the scene, began murmuring among themselves. "What a self-absorbed jerk!" One of them muttered, pulling a towel over his shoulder. "Yeah." Another agreed, his expression twisted in disgust as he looked in the direction Noah had gone. "Poor Ariana. Just because he''s some hotshot noble doesn''t mean he can walk around acting like that." A third whispered, ncing around cautiously. "Keep your voices down. He might hear you¡ªand if he does, he won''t just insult you¡­ You know how he is." The warning was enough to silence most, but there was still an undercurrent of disdain for Noah that couldn''t be suppressed. His behavior was legendary for all the wrong reasons, and nearly everyone at Ravenwood had some experience with his arrogance and cruelty. Meanwhile, Draven, who had paused his training when themotion started, approached Ariana. His brow furrowed as he took in her expression and the zer she held in her hands. "Ariana..." He greeted her gently, his voice warm despite the hard line of his jaw. "Are you alright?" She looked up at him, blinking away her surprise before offering a strained smile. "It''s nothing. Just¡­ Noah being Noah." Draven''s lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze hardening as he nced toward the door Noah had exited through. He shook his head, as if pushing the thoughts away. "Still, no one deserves that kind of treatment, especially not you. Running into him¡ªit''s hardly the start anyone would want to their morning." He managed a soft,forting smile. Ariana looked down at the zer in her hands, her expression caught between irritation and resignation. For a moment, she considered simply leaving it somewhere, letting Noah find it himself after cleaning it. But knowing him, he''d probably just toss it right back at her doorstep, if only to assert his authority and have her willingly bring it to him in person. With a small sigh, she looked back up at Draven, her resolve hardening. "It''s alright. I''ll deal with it. Besides, I''d rather return it myself than let him find it¡­ elsewhere. Better to get it over with." Draven nodded, admiration for her resilience clear in his expression. Ariana''s hand tightened around the fabric as she gathered herself, her earlier shock dissipating as she focused on the rest of her day. *** As I made my way to first period, a heavy feeling of impending pressure settled in. The academy was vast, but its walls felt tighter each day. Every action, every look exchanged, every ounce of effort was a move on a board I barely understood, and I had to stay three steps ahead of everyone else, or I''d be caught. Draven was a non-issue for now, but I couldn''t ignore him. Once he found out he had an aptitude for magic, it was only a matter of time before he''d decide to double down on his training. Enrolling in both the Knight and Magic Departments. That was how the main character''s story would expand. Draven would seek every possible path to gain strength, a decision that would put him head-to-head with me in ss A by next semester. And if he entered my domain of magic, keeping my top rank would be next to impossible. I let out a short breath, easing my shoulders as I neared the door to ss A. At least for the moment, I was here. I''d secured a spot in the top ss¡ªthe highest, reserved for those in the elite bracket of the academy. In contrast, ss B housed Draven and some of the other skilled students, but those were just promising contenders, most still second to ss A''s crowd. Below B were C and D, thetter being for those who, frankly, barely belonged here. The first period was Introduction to Advanced Magic. This wasn''t the beginner''s show¡ªthis was a brutal, unforgiving look at the intricacies of mana maniption, spell optimization, the core of magical theory. It was essential to stay ahead, not just for reputation but for survival. The real threat, though,y in the students yet toe. By next month, the other main characters would flood the academy as they were first year students. Each one had strengths, potential, and a unique connection to the plot. One in particr. An image red in my mind¡ªa girl with jet-ck hair, her eyes an unnerving, otherworldly shade of ruby, seeming to glow with a fierce intensity. A chill ran down my spine. She wasn''t here yet, but she''d arrive soon enough. The day she stepped through the academy gates, my peaceful existence would be over. Her role was tightly intertwined with Noah''s fate, and the drama she brought would make survival a nightmare. I''d almost managed to push her from my mind¡­ almost. I waste. My detour to watch Draven had cost me, but it wasn''t entirely wasted. The system never failed to remind me that I was being observed¡ªand penalized, albeit "rewarded" by its twisted standards. ¡º+5 False Evil Points for tardiness¡» I sighed, the familiarity of this maniptive score-keeping digging in like thorns. I pushed open the door to ss A. Inside, students were already seated, and all heads turned to me as I stepped in. The eyes weren''t friendly; curiosity, disdain, and a faint unease flickered across the faces. I could almost feel their judgments settling over me. I''d grown used to it, though I couldn''t deny that it still made my skin crawl. The system loved to issue points for standing out, so I might as well make it worth its while. Professor Callen, a tall man with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp, discerning eyes, watched me from his position at the front of the room. He raised an eyebrow, lips pressed together in disapproval. Without missing a beat, he addressed the ss, though his words were clearly directed at me. "Punctuality, as the great sage Elloren once said, is not merely the act of arriving on time; it is a reflection of one''s respect for the art and those who share in its pursuit." The ssroom fell silent, everyone watching to see my reaction. I forced a smirk, hiding any hint of embarrassment as I ambled to my seat in the back, making a show of moving at a deliberately slow pace. I could feel the professor''s eyes boring into me, but I didn''t hurry. Instead, I slung my bag onto the desk and sat down, sprawling out as though I had all the time in the world. The others continued to stare, some in annoyance, others with an open mix of curiosity and irritation. Settling in, I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms with a challenging smirk. If they wanted a show, I''d give them one. For now, though, I was content to sit back, take my seat, and let them all stew in their contempt. Chapter 138: Double Down [1] I leaned back in my seat, watching as Professor Callen paced across the front of the room, his voice steady as heunched into the day''s lesson. "I know you all studied this in your first year, but it''s essential that we solidify our understanding of the fundamentals before we dive into more advanced practices." He nced around the room, pausing to let the words sink in before he continued. "Today, we''re revisiting the hierarchy of magic circles. Specifically, the distinctions between them as we progress from 1st Circle magic up to the highest, the fabled 8th Circle magic." He drew a quick diagram on the board with his wand, outlining each circle with practiced precision. "The Circles represent the degree ofplexity a mage can handle, and thus, dictate the ranks they can achieve." I watched, a half-smile pulling at my lips. Circles of magic and mage rankings¡ªbasic stuff, sure, but there was nuance here, a fine bnce that defined the true elite from the ordinary. I noted the whispers around me, some students craning forward, eager to jot down every word. No doubt they had their ambitions set on advancing in rank as quickly as possible. The professor gestured to the lowest circle on the board. "The 1st Circle marks the beginner''s path¡ªsimple spells that manipte only surface aspects of elements. Lighting a fire, creating a small breeze, purifying water, and the like. Basic elemental maniption, fundamental to any aspiring mage." He tapped at the circle and continued. "Progressing to the 2nd and 3rd Circles, the spells grow slightly more intricate. Mages at these levels, known as Novices and Apprentices, learn tobine elements or add mild enhancements. A 2nd Circle fire spell, for instance, might not simply ignite but burn hotter, longer. Here, they might also learn basic Healing spells, enough to treat minor wounds." The 3rd Circle spells, then¡ªcapable of sustaining basic elemental barriers, manipting earth for basic construction or reshaping, even creating small illusions." I resisted the urge to sigh aloud. The professor wasn''t incorrect, but the lesson was being drawn out in a way that hardly befit the best and brightest of ss A. I could practically feel some students'' concentration drifting. And then I heard him get to the meat of it, reaching the 4th Circle, which at least started to get mildly interesting. "Once a mage has trained to withstand and cast 4th Circle spells..." Professor Callen continued. "They reach the level of Adept. Here, they can create offensive spells that are more than just a bolt of fire or gust of wind. Think of 4th Circle spells as having the strength to cut through moderate defenses. Here, your average mage''s spellcasting potential is doubled." Then he moved his wand along to the next circle. "5th Circle spells introduce more advanced maniption andbination. These are reserved for truebat practitioners. At this stage, mages gain ranks such as Mage or Combat Mage." I fought to suppress an eye roll. Sure, it was a respectable level, but nothing revolutionary. No one worth their salt stopped at the 5th Circle. "It is from the 6th Circle that we start to enter rare territory." Callen''s voice took on a reverent tone as he moved up. "Spells at the 6th Circle, cast by a Master Mage, allow wielders to affect a small area rather than a single target. And for the more delicate arts? Illusion spells strong enough to cloak an entire room. Mages at this rank wield tremendous influence and skill." I raised my hand, just enough to make it visible, though I doubted he''d actually call on me. And predictably, Callen continued, unaware¡ªor perhaps deliberately choosing to ignore me. I could tell he was reaching the peak of his self-reverence as he exined the highest circles of magic. "Seventh Circle spells are where true mastery is proven." He said, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper. "Archmages¡ªthere are less than fifty in existence. Can devastate entire battlegrounds with a single cast, manipte the flow of time within a limited space, or halt entire armies." "Then why aren''t they ruling the continent?" I muttered just loud enough to break his flow. Several heads snapped in my direction, and Callen stopped, his gaze hardening. Perfect. "Lord Noah," he addressed me, irritation glimmering in his eyes. "Would you like to share your thoughts with the ss?" I shrugged, leaning forward with an easy grin. "Just that, while your overview is¡­ eptable, Professor, it doesn''t cover the nuances of rank progression that separate true mastery from mere capability. Or that the 7th Circle has more than just Archmage status in store." Several students stared at me, both apprehensive and intrigued, waiting to see where I''d take this. Callen''s frown deepened, but he said nothing, gesturing for me to continue with a wave of his hand. I took a deliberate pause, letting the silence stretch out as I surveyed the room. "You see..." I said, locking my gaze with Callen. "Mages don''t simply gain ranks because of power alone. The criteria go beyond ''Can you blow up a room'' or ''Can you cast a massive illusion.'' The higher circles¡ª6th, 7th, and the mythical 8th Circle¡ªrequire something beyond magical capacity. You have to possess full control over your mana and a genuine affinity, not just for your element, but for your chosen path." I motioned to the board where he''d written out the types. "Attack, Support, Healing, Illusion, Defense, Conjuration, and the rare Alchemy type. Each of these paths is rooted in a distinct magic grade, based on the mage''s fundamental mana disposition." Callen''s lips tightened. I could tell he wasn''t thrilled with my interruption, but I didn''t care. "Take Healing, for instance," I continued. "It isn''t merely a matter of using a basic spell to stitch up wounds, like the 3rd Circle spells. Healers specializing at the 6th Circle can manipte life forces, regenerating tissue in moments, or even stopping mortal wounds from spreading. I believe you skipped that part?" Several students were nodding now, and I smirked, enjoying Callen''s visible difort. "And Illusion isn''t just a parlor trick either." I went on, savoring each word. "At the 6th Circle and beyond, illusions can be so profound that they affect not just sight, but sound, smell, even a person''s internal perception. Mastering illusions is about mastering maniption, the mind itself." "Interesting, Lord Noah." Callen said, his toneced with cold amusement. Stay updated through mvl "Though I''m certain I was getting to that." "Just thought I''d save you some time." I replied smoothly. "After all, the top student might as well exin the advanced elements." A tense silence filled the room as Callen met my gaze, and I could see the frustration simmering in his eyes. "So, you believe you know more about the highest circles, Lord Noah?" I didn''t miss a beat. "Actually, yes. Since you omitted a crucial point¡ªthe 8th Circle, which you seemed hesitant to mention. The pinnacle, right? Reserved for only the most elite mages. Those with full mastery over a dual affinity, or the ability to wield two elements or more simultaneously at peak levels. An 8th Circle mage doesn''t just devastate armies, Professor. They rewrite reality." I leaned back, smirking, watching as the other students absorbed my words. Callen''s face was stony, and I knew I''d struck a nerve, but I didn''t care. After all, I wasn''t just any student. I was ''the'' top student, and there was no point in pretending otherwise. ¡¸Ding!¡¹ ¡º+5 FEP!¡» Chapter 139: Double Down [2] The next ss brought with it an unwee sense of anticipation. Professor Sharon, of all people, was standing at the front of the room, her sharp gaze roving over the students. She was no background figure¡ªat least, not to me. In the previous timeline, she''d been an unassuming character with little consequence in the grand scheme of things. Here, though, she was formidable, destined to be a key and major influence at Ravenwood Academy. As one of the academy''s most respected future leaders, she had an eye for talent, power, and¡­ hidden motives. "Today," she began, voice clear andposed. "We''ll be diving into paired work. This project will extend beyond today and will require coboration and discipline." Her eyes scanned the ss, then she continued. "You''ll be assigned partners based on the academy list. Continue reading stories on mvl The first student in the list will skip the next three names and partner with the fourth, and so on. This will ensure a mix of skills and ideas." I didn''t bother paying attention, assuming I''d be paired with some unremarkable student who''d do well to stay out of my way. However, Professor Sharon adjusted her sses, cleared her throat, and said with careful precision. "The top student¡­ Noah Ashbourne¡­" She paused, as if collecting her thoughts, then continued. "¡­will partner with Maya Brenthall." The name hit me like a de to the gut, though I kept my expression neutral. Maya, seated near the front, turned back to nce at me with unreadable eyes before refocusing on the professor. I noticed her jaw clench ever so slightly, the faintest tell of her feelings. Her normally sweet disposition was well hidden under ayer of tension, and if her quick nce held any message, it was clear enough. She was less than thrilled. Professor Sharon continued, detailing the project requirements, something about a coborative assignment on magical engineering. Aplex subject that would require every bit of cooperation we could muster. Maya didn''t waste time after the professor''s instructions. With controlled movements, she gathered her things and made her way toward me. She approached with a polite, well-practiced smile, her usual warm greeting that she used as a mask in the presence of others. But I noticed the subtle way she kept herself guarded, even as she sat next to me. "Hello, Noah." She said softly, voice carefully modted to keep any bitterness out of it. I didn''t bother returning the greeting, simply nodding and shifting slightly in my seat. My mind was too wrapped up in the remnants of our shared history¡ªthe tangled web that had led to us being¡­ whatever we were. Our engagement, if it could even be called that, was a carefully arranged bond between two powerful houses, a union woven with the threads of maniption, politics, and betrayal. My family, House Ashbourne, had everything to gain from the arrangement and had orchestrated it with a ruthlessness that was the family trademark. Maya''s family, the Brenthalls, had been on a path to dominance in the empire. Her mother, Elizabeth Brenthall, had spent decades cultivating a reputation as one of the most influential figures, managing to elevate the Brenthalls from humble beginnings to near-equal status with some of the oldest houses. Under her leadership, the Brenthalls controlled an estate crucial to their ie and social standing. But when my father, Amon Ashbourne, saw an opportunity to stake a im over Brenthall resources, he took it mercilessly. The Ashbournes seized the Brenthall estate through legal loopholes and political leverage, knowing that without it, Elizabeth''s house would be at our mercy. The rest of the empire watched, some in awe and others in fear, as the once-unstoppable Brenthalls found themselves subjugated and humiliated. In public, my father yed it off as a mutually beneficial alliance, but within the walls of the Ashbourne manor, it was an entirely different story. The Ashbournes had bound the Brenthalls tightly, keeping them in a chokehold. The marriage arrangement was no less calcted. My family offered security and stability¡ªat the price of control. Maya, who had once been destined for greatness, had her future rerouted and redefined to suit the Ashbournes'' needs. And as a result, she was tethered to me. At one time, perhaps, she''d harbored feelings, na?ve hopes that I''d be different from my parents, that perhaps I''d be the one part of her future she could depend on. But then, the original Noah had shattered that trust. Looking back now, I couldn''t recall every detail, though fragments of memory haunted me. The disappointment in her eyes, the way she looked at me as though I''d be everything she''d sworn to resist. I could hardly me her; after all, I''de to embody the worst of our family''s tendencies. In the previous timeline, I''d shown nothing but disdain, caught up in my pursuit of power, thinking nothing of how my actions might affect her. Now, that same young woman who had once harbored hopes for us sat beside me, all traces of warmth carefully masked. As she opened her notebook, a flicker of that former connection flickered in her eyes before vanishing as quickly as it appeared. She was distant, poised, and detached, every part of her demeanor calcted to keep me at arm''s length. For her, the Brenthall-Ashbourne union was nothing more than a reminder of betrayal and broken promises. It was etched into the very fabric of her life. Maya''s mother, once the brilliant mastermind who''d nearly taken over the highest ranks of the empire''s elite, had been reduced to a shell of her former self. The one person who should have been standing at the empire''s peak had been brought low by the Ashbournes¡ªand she saw me as the face of that fall from grace. I couldn''t shake the feeling that the woman beside me was no longer the Maya who had once smiled warmly, who had hoped against hope that I might prove her wrong. Now, every polite greeting, every mild expression, was just a mask hiding her contempt. Her feelings for me had morphed from hurt into something far darker, a disgust that radiated from her despite her best attempts to hide it. And perhaps the darkest irony of all was that I had once been the reason for her smile. As I watched her flip through her notes, that deep resentment became palpable. She had every reason to want me gone, every right to despise me. I''d betrayed whatever trust we might have had. In her eyes, I was no better than the rest of the Ashbournes¡ªmaybe even worse. And why wouldn''t she feel that way? She''d given me a chance to prove myself different, to be better, and I''d squandered it. For her, every reminder of our engagement, our so-called union, was a bitter taste of the Ashbournes'' triumph. My family''s chokehold on her mother''s estate, our maniption of every aspect of the Brenthalls'' lives, all served as a reminder that her future had been determined by forces she could neither control nor resist. And in the midst of it all was me, the supposed partner she was bound to¡ªcold, distant, and utterly indifferent. But even as I sat there, thinking of all the reasons she had to despise me, a part of me understood her hatred with a rity I hadn''t allowed myself before. It was an ugly, bitter truth, but one I couldn''t ignore. Maya didn''t just dislike me¡ªshe loathed me. And though she hid it well, I could see the way she clenched her jaw, the tension in her posture as she forced herself to maintain the facade. Because deep down, Maya Brenthall wanted me dead. I was the embodiment of everything wrong in her life, the one obstacle she could never remove. In her eyes, I was the viin in her story, a dark, twisted shadow that had stolen her future and shattered her family''s dreams. And perhaps¡­ she wasn''t wrong. For the sake of the project, however, she would y the part. She would wear the mask, act civil, and keep up appearances. But behind those polite smiles and gentle words was a seething fury, a disgust so deeply ingrained that I wondered if I could ever erase it. She smiled at me again, the warmth never reaching her eyes. And as I looked at her, I understood all too well that no project, no amount of time, would ever heal the wound I''d left in her life. Our bond was nothing more than a bitter reminder, a union forged in betrayal and sealed in hate. And for now, that was how it would remain. ''This fucking sucks.... But it can''t be helped...'' I thought before I sighed. Chapter 140: Double Down [3] I sat across from Noah, eyeing the assortment of materials Professor Sharon had ced before us. We had to devise something innovative. A magical device of practical value that would showcase both our magical aptitude and creativity. A simple assignment, at first nce, but the stakes had shifted when Professor Sharon announced that this project would contribute twenty percent of our exam grade. I knew without question that if I wanted to seed, I couldn''t rely on Noah to carry his weight. The smirk that crept across his face when she said it only confirmed as much. Noah leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his gaze absent as if he had already lost interest. I pressed my lips together, willing my annoyance to stay buried. It didn''t matter what he thought. I had no intention of letting his negligence affect my performance. "Fine." I muttered, mostly to myself, keeping my voice neutral. "I''ll make a magic detection device." It was a basic concept but versatile and valuable in a variety of applications. With careful nning, it could detect various magical signatures in the environment and distinguish between them¡ªa useful tool for scouting orbat. Noah said nothing. He just tilted his head, looking at me with mild amusement as I began sketching out the framework of the device. The silence between us was thick, almost oppressive. I could feel his eyes on me, that familiar smugness radiating off him. I ignored it. Focusing on the calctions for the detection range and the amplification of magical signals. As I worked, Noah continued his silent observation. asionally letting out a quiet chuckle that grated on my nerves. He hadn''t lifted a single finger. Not to pick up a pen, nor to even pretend he was considering how he could contribute. He just sat there, content to watch me take on the brunt of the work. Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, he broke the silence. "You know, Maya, this is all so¡­ simple. Not exactly the kind of ingenuity Professor Sharon expects, is it?" I didn''t look up. I wouldn''t give him the satisfaction. "It''s practical." I replied, keeping my tone even. "And effective." He scoffed, the soundced with barely veiled condescension. "Effective? Experience more tales on §Þ?? Maybe for an average mage. But we''re supposed to be elite students in ss A. Don''t you think something a bit¡­ grander would be more fitting?" My hand tightened on the pen. And I forced myself to take a calming breath. I wouldn''t let him get under my skin. "Sometimes, the mostplex problems require the simplest solutions." Noah leaned forward, smirking. "But where''s the challenge in that, Maya? Isn''t it beneath someone with your ''brilliance'' to stick to the basics?" The mockery in his voice was unmistakable. And for a split second, I felt the urge to retaliate, tosh out. But I swallowed it down, keeping my expression carefully neutral. I couldn''t let him get to me. This was what he did¡ªpoke and prod, finding weak points to exploit until he unraveled the people around him. With a calmness I didn''t feel, I looked up and met his gaze. "Perhaps I prefer a solution that works rather than something needlesslyplicated." He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement sparking in his eyes. "Ah, but see, that''s your problem... You''re so concerned with the practical that you lose sight of the potential. Where''s the ambition?" Ambition? That word,ing from him, almost made meugh. As if he''d ever shown any ambition beyond reveling in his own ego. I didn''t reply, turning my attention back to the schematic and adjusting a few parameters. He could mock all he wanted. I was here to get this done, not to engage in his games. Noah leaned closer, voice dropping to a low, almost mocking murmur. "Tell me, how does it feel to be so¡­ meticulous? So perfectly average, I mean. Is itforting, being so predictable?" A re of anger shot through me, but I quelled it with a practiced ease. My hands continued working, steady and unshaken. "At least I don''t need to rely on arrogance to make myself feel capable." I replied, my tone measured and polite. I nced at him with a carefully controlled smile, keeping the anger from my eyes. "It must be exhausting, keeping up the facade." To my frustration, he onlyughed, the sound grating on my nerves. My hands stilled, fingers clenching around the pen as I took a deep breath. Noah''s words had hit a nerve, but I wouldn''t give him the satisfaction of knowing it. I could feel his gaze on me, scrutinizing, as if he could see right through my mask. "At least I''m willing to put in the effort." He leaned back, looking almost bored. "Effort? Please, you make it sound as though you''re achieving something extraordinary." His tone was dismissive, taunting. "This little project is hardly groundbreaking." I clenched my jaw, ignoring him and continuing to work. I could feel the weight of his scrutiny, that irritating smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched me toil. In the silence, the ticking of the clock seemed louder, each second stretching out, reminding me of just how insufferable he could be. Finally, he spoke again, a mocking lilt in his voice. "You know, you should be grateful. You have a partner who''s willing to let you take the lead. I could just take over, but I''m being generous." The audacity of this man. Instead, I gave him a nd look, keeping my voice level. "Yes, I''m sure letting me do all the work is a great sacrifice on your part." He chuckled, unfazed by my sarcasm. "Well, someone has to allow you to experience sess, however minor it might be." The urge to tell him exactly where he could put his condescension was overwhelming. But I forced myself to stay calm. I''d been in enough of these interactions with him to know that reacting only fueled his smug satisfaction. Silence fell between us once more. The only sounds in the rooming from the soft scratching of my pen against paper as I made notes and adjustments. I couldn''t stop the flicker of rage from boiling beneath the surface. But I kept my expression cool, serene. If this was what it took toplete the project, so be it. I''d endure his arrogance withoutint. As I worked, Noah continued his verbal jabs, each one more infuriating than thest. His words were like needles, pricking at every bit of patience I had left, yet I stayedposed. I knew he wanted a reaction, a sign that he was getting to me. But I wouldn''t give him that. It was only when I adjusted a keyponent of the device that he leaned in, his smirk growing wider. "You''re doing it wrong, you know. That alignment''s going to throw off the entire structure." I kept my eyes on the device, refusing to look up at him. "I''m aware of what I''m doing, Noah." "Oh, I''m sure you think you are." He said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But really, if you''re going to rely on such¡­ crude methods, it''s almost embarrassing to watch." My fingers tightened on the tool, every muscle in my body straining to keep myposure. Inwardly, I was seething. To snap, to tell him exactly what I thought of his arrogance and entitlement. But I kept my voice steady, neutral. "If you have a better idea, feel free to contribute." Heughed, that irritating, mocking sound that grated on every nerve. "Oh, no... I wouldn''t dream of stepping in. I''m just here to offer guidance." It took every ounce of restraint I had not to respond. Instead, I continued my work, letting his words wash over me like water off a stone. But beneath my calm exterior, the anger burned hotter, sharper. I could feel it seething within me, a dark, pulsing rage that I kept hidden behind a polite smile. By the time Ipleted the main framework of the device, my hands were trembling from the tension I''d held back. Noah leaned in, ncing over my work with a smirk. "Well, I suppose that''s¡­ adequate. For someone of your abilities, at least." I forced a smile, keeping my voice sweet, even as my teeth clenched. "Thank you, Noah. Your approval means the world to me." He chuckled, unfazed by my sarcasm. "I thought it might. After all, I am the top student here." I didn''t respond, letting the silence stretch between us once more. If he wanted to bask in his own self-importance, I wouldn''t stop him. I''d finish the project, pass the exam, and keep my distance from him as much as possible. As I worked on the final adjustments, his voice cut through the silence once more. That familiar mocking tone grating on my nerves. "You know, Maya, this little act of yours is almost endearing. Trying so hard to bepetent¡­ it''s almost admirable." I kept my gaze focused on the device, willing myself not to react. The ss wasing to an end after all. Chapter 141: Double Down [4] Noah had been silent the entire time, letting me toil away with the device on my own, as disbelief He leaned back in his chair, asionally ncing over with that slight smirk that I hade to associate with his unique brand of arrogance. But then, as I struggled with a particrly delicate piece of the wiring, his hand reached over and covered mine, guiding it with a surprising gentleness. "Not like that." He said, his voice low and almost¡­ patient? "If you keep bending the wire like that, it''ll snap. Here." His fingers deftly twisted the wire in a way I hadn''t thought of, securing it precisely into ce. He didn''t let go of my hand immediately, his fingertips lightly pressing against my skin, warm and unexpectedly steady. For a brief, almost surreal moment, I felt my cheeks heat up, a blush spreading before I could stop it Noah''s face was close enough that I could see the faintest hints of gold in his eyes, and a part of me wanted to linger. To watch the way his brow furrowed as he focused on the task. But just as quickly as the feeling arose, I forced it away, blinking and pulling my hand back. "Are you blushing?" He teased, his smirk widening into a grin that was both infuriating and, somehow, oddly charming. Experience tales with §Þ?? "Don''t tter yourself, Noah." I shot back, willing the heat in my cheeks to die down. "It''s just warm in here, that''s all." "Of course it is," he said, chuckling softly. He leaned in again, his arm brushing mine as he reached for another piece of the device. "You know, if you''d just asked, I could''ve taken over ages ago," he murmured, his tone dripping with mockery. "But I suppose you were too busy proving you could manage on your own." I clenched my jaw, biting back a retort. It would only give him more ammunition, after all. Still, there was something almost¡­fortable in the way he was here, working alongside me, even if his arrogance was ever-present. For once, we were almost like partners¡ªalbeit infuriating ones. Together, we continued piecing the device together, my focus shifting between the intricate parts and his steady hands. Each time I made a mistake, he was quick to correct me, though always with a smirk and some patronizingment. Still, beneath the sarcasm, he offered genuine guidance, his knowledge of magic engineering surpassing mine in ways I hadn''t realized. Finally, the ss ended, and I sat back, taking a deep breath. I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, as if he was waiting for some kind of acknowledgment. Begrudgingly, I nced over at him and muttered, "Thanks¡­ for helping." Noah tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with that ever-present arrogance, but this time, there was a flicker of something else¡ªa softer, unspoken understanding. "You''re wee," he replied smoothly, rising from his chair with that same effortless confidence. And with that, he strode out of the room, leaving me with an odd, lingering warmth that I couldn''t quite shake. *** I walked briskly. The sound of my footsteps swallowed by the evening''s quiet as I held the bag containing Noah''s zer carefully by my side. Every fold, every crease, was perfectly in ce. I''d made sure of it. Heaven forbid I give him any excuse to sneer and toss it back, muttering, "Oh, you missed a spot" or "Honestly, Ariana, are you even capable of doing something right?" I couldn''t help but mock him in his own smug, irritated tone as I walked, biting back a smile at the thought. After what felt like forever, Silvercrest Hall came into view. The imposing, old stone building seemed to loom in the twilight, and I made my way inside. My eyes sweeping over the dimly lit hallways as I headed for Noah''s room. The hallway in which Noah was staying in Silvercrest was quiet¡ªeerie. Evenpared to the other dorms. Noah''s presence had this way of silencing everything around him. Few dared to disturb the near-silence. Even a loudugh or ttering footsteps would be enough to earn his disdain. Eventually, I reached his door and froze. It was ajar. I furrowed my brow, peering inside cautiously. "Did his maid leave this open?" I muttered to myself. For someone as controlling as Noah, an unlocked door was uncharacteristic. But then again, maybe it was intentional. A trap for anyone reckless enough to enter his domain uninvited. And here I was, on the brink of doing just that. "Just ce the zer where he''ll find it and bolt out." I reminded myself, steadying my nerves. As I stepped inside, I felt like an intruder, careful with each movement. The room was immacte, a show of effortless perfection that only made the space feel more intimidating. I ced the zer on his study desk with care. Smoothing the fabric onest time to make sure there wasn''t a single wrinkle. Then, thinking twice, I tore a piece of paper from my notebook and scribbled a quick note. [zer returned, clean as you requested. ¨C Ariana.] The note seemed so simple, but something about it made me anxious. The room felt heavy, like it was absorbing every little movement, watching my every step. I nced around, taking in the shelves lined with books. Far too many to have ever been read, I assumed, but impressive all the same. Then I saw it. A small flower pot, bnced delicately at the edge of a table near the bookshelves. A ssh of green in the otherwise clinical room. QI couldn''t resist leaning closer, examining it with a mix of curiosity and amusement. The fact that someone as cold as Noah kept something as fragile as a nt was almostughable. But as I leaned in to get a better look, my elbow nudged the pot. It fell to the ground with a soft, heart-stopping shatter. The fragments scattering across the floor. Panic surged through me, and I barely stifled a gasp. "Oh, no, no, no¡­" I murmured, frantically looking around. Maybe I could sweep it under the rug? Or find some way to put it back together before he noticed? As if that would somehow erase the evidence. Before I could move, the room was plunged into darkness. I froze, my pulse pounding in my ears. Somewhere beyond the door, I heard footsteps echoing down the hall. Coming closer. I nced around, desperate for a ce to hide. My gazended on the desk. And without thinking, I ducked beneath it. Curling up as small as I could. The footsteps grew louder, each step sending a new spike of fear through my chest. My breath was shallow, barely there, as I tried to stay as silent as possible, pressing my hand over my mouth. I didn''t know who was out there¡ªmaybe it was Noah, or maybe it was just some unfortunate student passing by. But if it was Noah¡­ I didn''t want to think about what would happen if he found me here. The door creaked open slowly, and someone stepped inside. I caught a faint flicker of light as a candle was lit, casting a warm, dim glow over the room. Through a sliver of space beneath the desk, I could see their shoes. Dark, polished, and meticulously well-kept. They stepped closer, then stopped by the bed, standing perfectly still as if waiting, listening. My mind raced, my thoughts tangled in a frenzied attempt to figure out a way out of this. I didn''t know who was there, but there was no way I could let them find me. I could feel my palms sweating, my pulse erratic, and my heart hammering so loudly I was convinced whoever it was would hear it. For a few tense moments, silence reigned. The figure didn''t move, and I didn''t dare to either. Then, in a sh, a head appeared from the side of the desk, staring directly at me. I couldn''t see much in the dim light, just the face. But the eyes¡ªglowing yellow, intense and unblinking¡ªseemed to bore into me, pinning me in ce. My breath caught, and before I knew what I was doing, instinct took over. I threw out my hand, a gust of wind magic surging from my palm and mming into the figure with more force than I''d intended. They were flung back, hitting the wall with a sickening thud. The candle flickered, nearly going out, but I managed to make out the still figure on the floor. Blood trickled down their forehead, dark and glistening in the faint light. A wave of horror washed over me. "D-did I kill someone?" I whispered, my voice trembling. The room was silent save for the faint dripping of blood hitting the floor. Each drop a sickening reminder of what I''d just done. I didn''t know who this person was, but the sight of their still form, the blood, made my stomach twist. I stumbled back, my mind nk with shock. My hand trembled as I covered my mouth, staring in disbelief. Chapter 142: Answer To Me! [1] In the quiet of the academy dormitory hallways, a handful of students moved around. Whispering in low voices and wrapped up in their own conversations as they made their way to their rooms for the night. The faint hum of magic-powered lights illuminated their way. Until, suddenly, everything plunged into darkness. "Did the power just go out? One of the students muttered, barely able to see his own hand. "Probably." Another replied with a sigh. "It''ll be back in a few minutes. The academy''s usually quick with this stuff." "Let''s hope so." A third chimed in. "I''ve got a lot of work left tonight. Can''t afford to be wasting time in the dark." "Cut yourself some ck." A girl said with a chuckle. "Tomorrow''s the weekend. Find more chapters on §Þ?? You''ll survive a few minutes without power." Before anyone else could reply, a piercing scream echoed down the hallway. Followed by a loud bang that made everyone jump. They exchanged wide-eyed nces, their previous banter forgotten. "That came from down the hall¡­" Someone whispered, a tremor in their voice. Several of the students rushed toward the sound, meeting others who had also been drawn by the scream. They all gathered around a door halfway down the corridor, whispering nervously. It didn''t take them long to recognize it as Noah Ashbourne''s room. "Of course, it had to be his room." One student muttered, shaking his head. "What kind of trouble could he be causing now?" "Probably one of his outbursts." Another said with a smirk. "You know how short-tempered that guy is. Who knows what set him off this time?" "Knowing him? It could''ve been anything." A girl replied, rolling her eyes. "If someone looked at him the wrong way, he''d probably lose it." "But that scream¡­" Another voice interjected, quieter. "It sounded like a girl." "Someone should check inside. Just in case." As they stood there, the lights suddenly flickered back on. One of the students at the front shrieked, stumbling back and covering his eyes. "He''s already blinded me! Noah''s cursed me for even thinking about entering his room!" "Oh, for goodness'' sake." Another student snapped, rolling his eyes and smacking the boy''s arm. "It''s just the lightsing back on. Pull yourself together." At that moment, a maid hurried toward Noah''s room. A look of rm on her face as she saw the crowd gathered. She cursed under her breath, realizing she must have left the door ajar after finishing hisundry. "Move aside." She snapped, pushing her way to the front and opening the door. The students eagerly peered in, only to be met with a surprising sight. Ariana was on top of Noah, whoy sprawled on the floor. Ariana''s expression was a mix of shock and worry as she looked down at him, frozen in ce. A murmur rippled through the crowd, and one of the students smirked, folding his arms as he called out. "Well, isn''t this something. Couldn''t even wait for a proper room, could you, Ariana?" Another student joined in, sneering. "Guess we all know what you''re really about now, huh? Throwing yourself at him like that¡­ Pathetic." "I mean, of all people, Noah?" A girl scoffed, crossing her arms. "Didn''t think you''d be that desperate." "She''s really letting go of her dignity, isn''t she?" Another added, shaking his head. "Sleeping with him for what? A little bit of status?" The mocking voices grew louder, turning crueler with each passing moment, until Noah''s eyes flickered open. His face was pale, a thin line of blood trickling from his forehead. But his expression was cold and steely as he rose to his feet, wiping the blood away with a sneer. "What''s going on here?" He asked, his voice calm, but carrying a dangerous edge. He red at the group with a look that silenced them instantly. "Whatever you think happened here, it isn''t what you''re suggesting." The girl who had mocked Ariana raised an eyebrow, trying to put on a brave face. "Oh really, Noah? If she wanted to throw herself at you, she could''ve just asked. Wouldn''t it be nice to have someone like her as your personal¡­ ything?" Noah''s eyes narrowed as he walked up to her, his voice dropping to an icy tone. "Is that what you want, then? To be pinned down on my bed? Because that can be arranged. You''d make a fine personal toy, wouldn''t you? I don''t mind you being my cock sleeve. " His words cut sharply, and the girl''s face turned scarlet. Her confidence crumbling as she took a step back, lowering her head in shame. The other students whispered, taken aback, watching as Noah''s gaze scanned the group with a silent warning. "If I hear a single word about Ariana," Noah said, his voice growing colder. "If I hear even a whisper about what happened here, you''ll answer to me. Not that I care of whatever shit happens to her...but the rumours will involve my name in those dirty mouths of yours. And I can assure you¡ªit won''t be pleasant." One of the more arrogant students rolled his eyes, scoffing. "Oh, please. Like anyone would believe you, Noah. Everyone knows the kind of man you are. I''m sure you forced her into this. It''s no secret you''ve had ''incidents'' with the maids before. Hardly surprising, really." Noah''s eyes locked onto the boy, and a wicked smirk spread across his face. He knew him well enough. An insignificant background character from a fallen noble family, clinging desperately to a long-lost sense of superiority. Noah activated his skill, [Character Catalogue] A stream of information confirming his suspicions. [A once-respectable family now struggling, with a father who clung to his title like a drowning man clutching driftwood, and a mother who¡­] Noah stepped closer, his voice dripping with venom. "Tell me, does it bother you? The fact that your family has fallen so low? A fallen noble clinging to thest shreds of dignity. And your mother, I hear¡­ let''s say, she''s quite popr in certain circles, isn''t she? Anything to keep your family afloat, right?" The boy''s face paled, his fists clenching as he stammered. Unable toe up with a response. Chapter 143: Answer To Me! [2] "Oh, but don''t feel too ashamed." Noah continued, an ice shard materializing in his hand, its jagged edge glinting in the light as he held it dangerously close to the boy''s neck. "After all, someone in your position has to make sacrifices, right? Though, I could make you a better offer¡ªend it here, slowly, painfully¡­ Imagine how much it''d spare you. No more pretending. No more shame." The boy''s defiance melted into fear, and he swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper. "I¡­ I''m sorry." Noah sneered, letting the ice shard dissolve. "Then keep your mouth shut." He turned his back, satisfied, and addressed the crowd once more. "Consider this your only warning. If any of you dare bother Ariana about this nonsense, I''ll take it as a personal offense. And trust me when I say, I don''t handle offenses kindly." The group fell silent, too stunned to argue or protest as Noah turned back toward his room. Without a word the group left clearly harbouring more fear towards the infamous Noah. As thest of the students hurried off, murmuring among themselves and casting wary nces back, silence settled over the dimly lit hallway. Only Ariana and Noah''s maid remained, both lingering awkwardly near his door. With the maid visibly trembling under his gaze. She could feel it. An intense, unwavering stare that made her shrink even though he hadn''t uttered a single word yet. The maid''s heart pounded in her chest as she lowered her gaze, refusing to look him directly in the eye. She knew this feeling all too well. Each time she made the slightest mistake, no matter how minor, Noah''s reaction was enough to leave her regretting it for days. She could already feel the storm brewing, his gaze boring into her with that cutting intensity. She tried to steel herself, mentally preparing for whatever was about toe. But the weight of his stare was like a physical force pressing down on her. "Oh, gods." She thought, her mind racing. Continue your adventure at §Þ?? "He''s going to make my life a living nightmare for this, isn''t he? I left his door open¡­ something so simple, so stupid, and now he''ll probablye up with some horrific task just to make me pay." She gulped, wiping her sweaty palms against her skirt, but her hands wouldn''t stop shaking. "Maybe¡­ maybe he''ll make me polish all the floors in Silvercrest Hall. Or¡­ worse¡­ make me scrub the alchemyb by hand!" She felt her face pale at the thought. "No¡­ no, he wouldn''t do that. But, oh, it''s Noah Ashbourne¡ªof course he would." Without warning, Noah stepped forward and smacked her lightly on the head. She let out a sharp gasp, her eyes widening in shock as her head snapped up to look at him. "Ow!" She eximed, her voice a bit too loud as she clutched her head, barely keeping herself from bursting into actual tears. She wasn''t really crying, but the cry of frustration escaped her, raw and uncontrolled, as she could feel a stinging heat where he''d tapped her. "I-I''m so sorry, young master! I didn''t mean to¡ª" Noah crossed his arms, a smug smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He looked down at her as though she were some kind of amusing, pathetic creature, his voice dripping with disdain. "Really?" He sneered, his toneced with arrogance. "You''re three years older than me, and yet you''re whining over something as minor as a little smack? Honestly, if I didn''t know better, I''d think you were the one who needed a babysitter." The maid''s cheeks burned with embarrassment, but she didn''t dare meet his gaze. She was used to his condescending attitude, his mockery whenever she made the slightest mistake, yet every time it stung like the first. She struggled to keep her face from crumpling as he continued. "It''s almost cute, you know." He continued, his tone softening ever so slightly, though the mockery was still thick in his voice. "A maid, older than me, acting like a child. Crying over a tap on the head. You really should try to grow up sometime. Or are you going to cry every time I correct your mistakes?" "N-No, young master." She mumbled, swallowing hard, her fingers tightening around the edge of her apron. She was desperate to escape his scrutiny, but his words kept her frozen in ce. Her pride stinging under his relentless teasing. He raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by her response. "Pathetic." He muttered, barely loud enough for her to hear. "Can''t even do something as simple as shutting a door properly without turning into a sniveling mess." The maid forced herself to nod, biting back the indignation simmering inside her. She felt humiliated, utterly small, as he regarded her with that smug, arrogant look. And yet, beneath his cold words, there was something infuriatingly dismissive about him. As if he found her reaction amusing, almost endearing in some twisted way. She hated that about him. That he could reduce her to this state of shame with a few simple words and that he clearly found some strange satisfaction in it. After a moment, he sighed, waving his hand dismissively. "Run along now." He ordered, his voice as sharp as ever. "And try not to make the same mistake again. I don''t have time to deal with your childish blunders every day. Understand?" "Yes, young master." She managed to whisper, her voice barely above a murmur. She gave a shaky bow, her entire body trembling with a mix of fear and humiliation. Before finally gathering the courage to step back, eager to escape his unyielding gaze. With onest hurried nod, she turned and almost sprinted down the hall, grateful to be out of his sight. As she fled, Noah watched her go, the smug look never leaving his face. He waited until she was out of sight before letting out a quiet scoff, almost to himself. "Honestly," he muttered, rolling his eyes. "Some people just don''t know how to handle a little discipline." Ariana, still shaken, managed to step forward, her voice wavering. "N-Noah¡­ I''m sorry. For, um, mming you into the wall. I¡­ I didn''t mean to. I was just¡­ scared." Noah didn''t respond, only pausing at the doorway before ncing back at her, his face unreadable. She fumbled slightly, pulling herself together as she added. "And¡­ I brought the zer back. Clean, just like you wanted." For a moment, Noah''s gaze softened just enough to be noticeable, and he gave a slight nod. "Thanks." He said simply, the single word carrying a surprising weight as he stepped into his room. Shutting the door behind him with a finality that left Ariana standing in stunned silence. "..." "Thanks?... " Ariana muttered. Chapter 144: Clouded [1] I lounged in my room, sprawled across the oversized armchair. As I tried to shake off the lingering annoyance ofst night''s fiasco. The Saturday sunlight barely crept through my curtains. Giving the room a gloomy atmosphere that suited my mood perfectly. Yesterday had been an... event, to say the least. All that noise, the insults, the fear on their faces. All of it was intended, carefully orchestrated. But in retrospect, it wasn''t nearly as satisfying as the points I''d gained. False Evil Points¡ªFEPs¡ªhad flooded in thanks to that scene outside my door. The system chime echoed in my mind. Each point notification shing before me in twisted reminders of my so-called achievements. [+4 FEP] ¡ª Cruelly shamed a ssmate''s family lineage. [+8 FEP] ¡ª used student of harboring lewd intentions, expertly shattering her ego. [+10 FEP] ¡ª Instilled profound fear in multiple students through physical intimidation and condescension. [+6 FEP] ¡ª Insulted a female student''s dignity, calling her beauty and vanity into question, thus diminishing her self-worth. [+12 FEP] ¡ª Issued violent threats to a student, breaking hisposure and confidence. The points tallied up nicely, pushing me closer to the skill I so desperately wanted to unlock¡ªKilling Intent Detection. It was a necessity, especially when existing as one of the most despised people in the academy. You''d think being hated would be an easy task. But the truth was that it came with its own set of challenges. My reputation required maintenance. And the system seemed to revel in my every misstep or miscalction. Even the smallestpse in decorum. A smudge on my clothing, an unpolished shoe¡ªcould trigger penalties that left me writhing in pain. ying the viin to perfection wasn''t just about flinging insults and res. There were nuances, rules to follow, limits to bnce. Firstly, being detested while keeping people on edge required constant vignce. One poorly timed smile, a hint of vulnerability, and the entire facade could start to crumble. Second, the role demanded an exhaustive level of consistency, the kind that left me drained by day''s end. And third, it was... well, lonely. The istion grated on me more than I cared to admit. Yet, as much as I despised the work it took to maintain my infamy, the benefits were worth it. I''d always been pragmatic¡ªno use dwelling on the fallout of past events, as unappealing as they were. The points I''d amassed yesterday were proof enough that my effort had paid off And if I kept things up, I''d soon have that Killing Intent Detection skill. That would mean one less weakness in a school filled with overly ambitious students and hidden threats. For today, though, I had another agenda. My financial situation needed attention, and the weekend presented the perfect opportunity. Despite being born into the most prestigious family in the empire. I had been cut off from any mary support. A reminder of my so-called transgression. My family. Even thinking about the situation left a sour taste in my mouth. The second semester of my first year had ended in disgrace. After a particrly unfortunate incident involving one of the school maids. Drunk, arrogant, and entirely unaware of the consequences, I''d ended up in her quarters. She hadter testified it was consensual, yet no one had believed her. Most assumed she''d been intimidated into lying to protect me. The truth hadn''t mattered to the academy, nor to my family, who seemed more than willing to ept the scandal as another nail in my coffin. Father had wanted to disown me outright, erase my name from the Ashbourne line. But Mother had intervened. I''d been spared the ultimate disgrace, but the punishment still stung. No money, no resources. Nothing, except the personal maid Father had provided. The same one who served as a constant, mocking reminder of that mistake. "If you''re so desperate for a good time," Father had told me, "take it out on the maid. She''s yours to do as you wish. But don''t think of seeking a single coin from me." That memory still crawled under my skin like a disease. I hadn''t asked for any of this. Hadn''t asked for the istion, the distrust, or the responsibility of a family name weighed down by centuries of tradition and legacy. And yet, here I was, alone in my room. Needing money just to survive the rest of my time at this academy. I''d have to find a way to make a steady ie, and I knew just the ce to start. A dying supply shop nestled in the academy''s town center. It sold everything¡ªpotions, rare ingredients, and supplies for students venturing into the academy''s Western Woods or taking on personal projects. Despite its usefulness, it was barely holding on. Ack of support from the academy, low visibility. And a stubborn owner who refused to modernize his business practices had left the shop in near-ruin. For me, though, it was a perfect opportunity. It would take only a bit of leverage, some careful persuasion, and I could position myself as an investor. There was no need for money up front if I yed my cards right. Just a convincing argument and perhaps a bit of help from the system''s skills to seal the deal. Standing from the chair, I strode over to the mirror and began pulling on my attire for the day. A fitted ck turtleneck, a designer coat, gloves, and tailored pants. Every detail had to be perfect. The system''s punishment was quick to remind me of that. Each time I let even the slightest w in my appearance go unaddressed, I''d suffer searing pain in my chest. An unbearable sensation that dragged on for minutes. Once my appearance was pristine, I stepped back and inspected the final result. The image was as polished as it needed to be. Every inch of me exuded the cold confidence of a noble. A figure above the rest. Not just another student scuttling through the academy''s halls. I was meant to be detested, feared, and despite the frustration it caused, the role was one I wore like a second skin. Stepping out of my dorm room, I could already feel the familiar stares. My peers edged out of my way. Keeping a wary distance, some ring while others avoided eye contact altogether. Good. Let them believe what they wanted. Let the rumors swirl. I''d made my name as a viin here, and the FEPs kept flowing. Chapter 145: Clouded [2] The special training rooms had an intensity all their own. Far removed from the bustling atmosphere of the academy''s usual training grounds. Reserved only for top-tier students. The room''s silence, heightened by the ambient hum of protective enchantments, felt dense, expectant. Draven and Ariana faced off, each gripping wooden practice swords. But only one of them seemed fully focused. Draven swung his sword in a controlled arc, aiming for her shoulder. A simple, predictable move that she''d blocked hundreds of times in their years training together. Yet, to his surprise, Ariana hesitated. The wooden sword connected with her shoulder, making her wince. "Ari, what''s up with you?" Draven asked, concern evident in his eyes. "You could''ve blocked that in your sleep. Don''t tell me you''re getting rusty on me." Ariana forced a grin. Shrugging off the hit as she readied her stance again. "I''m fine, Draven. Just... got a lot on my mind." Draven raised an eyebrow, doubt creeping into his expression. "A lot on your mind? Since when does that make you let your guard down?" He smirked, tossing his sword from hand to hand. "Come on, don''t tell me you''re getting sentimental on me?" "Sentimental? You wish." She scoffed, rolling her eyes. They sparred again, exchanging blows in a sequence of footwork and quick strikes. But Draven wasn''t fooled. She was letting her guard down just enough to take another hit on her side. Another to her arm. This wasn''t like her. He''d known Ariana since they were kids. She wasn''t the type to get distracted during a fight. Something was bothering her, something big. "Ari." He said, stepping back after a series of poorly executed parries on her end. "Talk to me. I''m not going to keep hitting you just to make a point. You''ve been off all morning. You might as well just tell me what''s really going on." Ariana took a deep breath. Fingers tightening around the hilt of her practice sword as she considered what to say. She couldn''t admit it. Not to him, not to anyone, really. That the arrogant Noah Ashbourne had been upying her thoughts since yesterday was beyond embarrassing. "It''s just... family stuff." She lied, hoping it would be enough to throw him off. "Responsibilities, future expectations, you know? The usual." Draven watched her closely, as if deciding whether to press further. After a beat, he nodded, his gaze softening. "I get it. Just don''t forget you''ve got people here, too¡ªfriends who''ve got your back." He tapped her lightly on the shoulder. "It''s okay to take a break and get out of your head sometimes." "Thanks, Draven." She attempted a smile, but her mind was already drifting back. Swirling with fragments of Noah''s voice from yesterday. "Thank you..." Ariana reyed those two words in her head, over and over. Noah Ashbourne¡ªinfamous, cold, practically a viin in the eyes of everyone around. Had looked her in the eye and actually said ''thank you.'' Her brow furrowed, and she nced down at her sword, as if it held the answer to this strange, persistent thought. ''Did he mean it?'' She wondered, chewing on the inside of her lip. ''Was it genuine?'' ''Or did he say it by mistake?'' Noah wasn''t the type to express gratitude. Especially not to people he looked down on. And yet... yesterday, in that strange moment, he''d said it. She couldn''t shake the tone in his voice, either. Not mocking, not sarcastic. It was almost... real? Ariana was so lost in thought she didn''t notice her wooden sword slip from her grip until it ttered to the ground. Startled, she picked it up, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. ''Stop it.'' She scolded herself. ''Noah''s just being maniptive.'' ''There''s no way he actually...'' Lost in her spinning thoughts, she absentmindedly tapped her forehead with her sword, not once but repeatedly. As if hitting her head would somehow knock some sense back into her. Draven, watching her descent into what looked like madness, raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly. "What in the world are you doing?" He stepped forward, grabbing her wrist to stop her before she knocked herself unconscious. "If you''re trying to shake some sense into yourself, I can do it for you." With a mischievous grin, he gave her a gentle bonk on the head with his own sword. "Ow! Draven!" She protested, rubbing her head with a sheepish smile. His yful gesture helped pull her out of her chaotic thoughts, and she let out a lightugh. "There''s the Ari I know." Draven said,ughing along with her. "Now, what do you say we wrap this up before you injure yourself?" Ariana nodded, exhaling a breath she didn''t realize she was holding. "Yeah... maybe a break would be a good idea." As they sheathed their practice swords, Ariana''s gaze drifted, and she muttered under her breath. "I could really use something sweet right now." Draven grinned. "Sweets, huh? How about we hit up the sweet shop? We can clear our heads and grab something sugary. It''s on me." Her eyes brightened, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes, please! You have no idea how much I need that right now." They walked out of the training room side by side, Ariana clutching her sword loosely at her side. The quiet hallways of the special training wing felt serene. And she let her mind drift, feeling a bit more at ease. But, like an annoying fly buzzing around her head, the memory of Noah''s unexpected "thank you" still lingered. ''What if he''s just trying to mess with me?'' ''Or confuse me?'' No matter how she spun it, the moment nagged at her. There was no way the infamous Noah Ashbourne would say something genuine to her... would he? The possibility alone was enough to make her head spin. And Draven seemed to sense her inner struggle as they reached the academy''s garden pathway leading to the shop. "Ari, you look like you''re overthinking again." He teased, bumping her shoulder. "Come on, we''re about to drown ourselves in sugar. Let all that stuff go for now, alright?" She took a deep breath and grinned back at him. Finally managing to push aside her lingering questions. "Fine, fine. I''ll try to focus on what really matters... Sweets!" Draven chuckled, giving her a reassuring nod. Chapter 146: What A Year This Will Be [1] The academy gardens stretched out in pristine, well-kept rows. Vibrant with shades of green and dotted with flowers of every color. The white benches and tables set along the garden paths added an elegant contrast to the natural hues. Maya sat alone at one of the tables. A book in hand, and a half-empty water bottle beside her. She''d already started mentally mapping out her study schedule. Breaking down her time to cover her courses for the second-year opener exams. As she read, a sudden shadow loomed over her. She looked up. Blinking at the sunlight around the silhouette before she could make out the figure. Blonde hair, crimson eyes, and an unmistakable aura of regal confidence. Leopold, the third prince of the empire, nked by two knight guards. "Is this seat taken?" He asked. His voice smooth and unhurried, as if they were old friends meeting by chance. Maya shook her head, maintaining herposure. "It''s not taken, Your Highness." He took the seat across from her. Folding his hands over the table as his gaze settled on her with casual curiosity. Maya straightened her posture. Wondering why of all ces, and all people, the prince had decided to sit across from her. Prince Leopold started with small talk. Commenting on the tranquility of the academy garden and how refreshing it was to enjoy the morning air. Maya nodded politely, giving him short replies. Though she really wanted to get back to her book. She could sense he wasn''t here just for the sake of idle chat. "I''ve been observing how students handle their studies and schedules here." He continued, with a faint smile. "It''s remarkable, really, the dedication. It seems the students in Ravenwood are truly a cut above the rest." "Ravenwood''s standards are quite high, Your Highness." Maya replied, attempting to remain neutral. "Yes." Leopold said, his gaze not leaving her face. "And that includes you, Maya. I''ve heard a lot about your academic performance¡ªand your... unique connections within the academy." Maya stiffened slightly, but didn''t show it. She nodded politely. "Thank you, Your Highness." There was a pause, a quiet moment of tension. Then, his tone shifted, yful yet with a hint of something sharper underneath. "Tell me, how is your rtionship with Noah Ashbourne going?" The question hung in the air, a deliberate and loaded one. Maya''s heart skipped, though she kept her face carefully controlled. Not many people, even among the academy''s prestigious students, knew about her engagement to Noah. But of course, Leopold, a prince from the empire''s royal family, would be privy to such details. The engagement was no mere romance. It was a carefully calcted alliance between powerful families. "It''s... fine." Maya replied, her voice calm but curt, wishing the conversation would end there. "Fine?" Leopold leaned forward, a hint of amusement sparking in his eyes. "Well, I suppose that''s how it might be. But I always found it curious. Such arrangements, I mean. A binding of two people''s lives for the sake of politics and power. It makes one wonder if either of them truly wants it." Maya narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing the underlying jabs in his words. She didn''t appreciate the probing, the sly insinuations. "The engagement is a matter between our families." She said carefully. "I don''t see it as anyone else''s concern." Leopoldughed softly, a sound that held no warmth. "So defensive. Apologies, Maya. I just find it curious. To be betrothed to someone like Noah Ashbourne. Well, he''s not known for his warmth or gentle nature, is he?" Maya''s patience was wearing thin, and Leopold''s taunting smirk only made it worse. She took a breath, choosing her words. "Your Highness, I''m not interested in a rtionship, not now or in the foreseeable future. Even if things were to end between Noah and me, I have no intention of involving myself with other nobles." The prince''s smirk faded slightly, his red eyes sharpening as he listened. "So you''d rather not be tied to anyone of noble birth That''s quite a bold statement for a young woman in your position." Maya met his gaze evenly, feeling a swell of irritation at his arrogance. "Titles and rank don''t matter to me. They''re only burdens as far as I''m concerned My life, my choices¡ªI''d prefer to keep them my own." A faint gleam of something darker flickered in Leopold''s eyes. A sign that he wasn''t used to being spoken to so bluntly. But he smiled, a half-smile that was neither friendly nor entirely hostile. "A strong stance." He remarked, his tone dry "But life within the empire''s upper ranks isn''t so easy to brush off, Maya. And sometimes, attachments¡ªwell, they have a way of bing inevitable." She felt her fists clench beneath the table, hidden from view His words sounded polite, but she knew when someone was pushing for control, angling for power She''d had enough of it in her life, and she wasn''t about to let a prince. No matter how powerful¡ªdictate her choices. Maya stood, her voice level but pointed. "Thank you for the conversation, Your Highness. If you''ll excuse me, I have things to attend to." He blinked, caught off guard, before that smirk returned. "Of course, Maya. Do enjoy your day." As she turned to walk away, she muttered under her breath. ''Noah may be arrogant and detestable, but he and the prince are cut from the same cloth. At least with Noah, you know exactly what you''re dealing with." She shivered slightly, the memory of the prince''s pointed gaze following her as she moved away from the table. From behind her, Leopold watched her leave, an amused smile curling his lips. He rested his chin on his hand, a thoughtful expression on his face. "My, my..." He murmured to himself. "This year is going to be quite entertaining, isn''t it? And to think, my darling sister will be arriving at Ravenwood soon, too. It looks like fate has some very interesting ns in store." He smiled again, his expression unreadable, as he looked off into the distance. *** The solitude of my dorm room wrapped around me like afortable cloak. Giving me space to finally process the events of the day. It had been a productive half-day, but for once, it wasn''t only due to my studies. I leaned back, smirking as I thought about the business opportunity I''d just secured. A rare case of early investment in a store that was destined to boom in the future. This shop, buried in the academy''s town center, specialized in rare ingredients, artifacts, and resources. Exactly the kind of ce that students and even faculty would frequent when they needed items for advanced projects or exams. But it had been mismanaged. Its shelves perpetually half-empty, the owner too stubborn to innovate or market properly. With a business acumen like mine, I could see the potential instantly. Given the inevitable increase in demand for the academy''s resources. All this ce needed was a little push and capital infusion to transform it into a high-revenue enterprise. The opportunityy not in merely "investing" in the shop but in iming a significant share. Which could be an essential source of ie, and more crucially, influence. Influence that could be leveraged when needed. Business is about assessing risk, and the risk was clear. If the shop failed, I''d be in even worse financial straits. The little money I had, supplemented by lies I''d fed to the shop owner, was practically all my capital I''d spun stories of having ess to additional financial backers, wealthy family members, and eager connections. All capable of providing more funding when necessary. In truth, if the store tanked, I''d be hard-pressed to recover. But that''s why I''d be monitoring everyst detail of its operations and growth. Whether the owner liked it or not. Our earlier conversation had been an amusing exercise in control. The shop owner, a man with the personality of an unyielding mule, wouldn''t admit his store was floundering even if it caught fire. He''d scoffed, saying. "Why would someone like you want to invest in a shop like mine?" I''d smiled, leaning in just enough to let my confidence seep through. "Why would someone like me?" I repeated, making it sound as if he were asking the wrong question "You''re sitting on a goldmine, and you don''t even know it. The difference between us is that I do. Either take my offer and let me transform this ce, or keep selling those second-rate items and watch as the academy passes you by." It took a few more rounds of pushback, but the subtle undertone of superiority¡ªof me knowing something he couldn''t grasp¡ªdid its job. He reluctantly agreed to my terms, though not without several grumbles and suspicious nces. Good. Suspicion was better than outright refusal, and now he had a glimmer of hope mixed with uncertainty. All the while, I kept my expression carefully nk, hiding how much I''d banked on this working out. That was a weight off my list. Ie, or the promise of it, was in the works. It would take time before the profits flowed in, but once they did, they would serve as my lifeline Still, waiting wasn''t ideal If I could find a faster way to make money, I''d take it. For now, though, I shifted my focus to more pressing matters. The uing opener exams. I needed to be at the top Nothing less would suffice The system''s quest was as binding as a blood oath, and falling short wasn''t an option. Every step, every detail mattered, right down to the build-up for the first episode and its looming boss encounter. I could already picture her in my mind¡ªming red hair, a defiant re, and an army of undead at hermand. On top of that, I''d be dealing with another character soon. Someone almost as stubborn as me, though in a more aggravating way. These next few months, perhaps even a year, promised to be exhausting. But as with anything, all that mattered was staying ahead. And right now, that meant focusing every ounce of effort on winning. Chapter 147: What A Year This Will Be [2] The meeting room at Ravenwood Academy was filled with the murmurs and low hum of voices as faculty members and key academy figures gathered for their beginning-of-term meeting. Professors sat at arge oak table. Papers and coffee cups scattered across its surface. At the head of the table sat the headmaster. A stern yet weary-looking man named Theodore Malbriar, who presided over the academy with a steady hand and a gaze that seemed to look through you. Professor Edris Thornwell, the head of the Knight Department, began the conversation. "As we know, the uing exams for the second-year students are expected to be rigorous. These exams will reaffirm the ranks and remind students of their positions in the academy. I wonder if our infamous Mr. Ashbourne will keep his top ranking this time." At the mention of Noah Ashbourne, the room filled with a mix of sighs, chuckles, and head shakes. His reputation had been a topic of debate and frustration for the faculty since his first year at Ravenwood. Professor Delphine Crane, a tall woman with sharp eyes who taught ethics and magical conduct, frowned and said. "Frankly, I think it''s time to address his behavior more directly. For the past year, we''ve had endlessints from students about his antics¡ªinsults, arrogance, even intimidation tactics. And yet, he''s always left unscathed?" Professor Matthias Rookwood, a History of Magic professor with a kind but exasperated look, nodded. "I''ve been saying this for months. We need to set an example. His behavior isn''t just unbing. It''s affecting the atmosphere of the entire ss. Other students are bing cautious around him. Or worse, trying to emte his arrogance, thinking it''s the path to sess." The headmaster cleared his throat, a cating gesture meant to redirect the conversation. "I understand your concerns, Professors. But Noah''s performance has undeniably brought attention to Ravenwood. His academic and practical achievements can''t be overlooked." Delphine scoffed lightly. "Headmaster, Noah''s aplishments don''t excuse his behavior. It''s one thing to be talented. It''s another to use that talent as a weapon to belittle others." Vice Headmaster Reiner Calloway, a seasoned and pragmatic figure, spoke up. "The Ashbournes are a top funding source for Ravenwood. It''s a delicate bnce. We issue warnings, yes, but removing him or enforcing harsh punishments could have severe repercussions." Professor Thornwell folded his arms. "Then perhaps we should issue another warning. It''s symbolic at best. But we need to demonstrate to the other students that we aren''t turning a blind eye." There was a murmur of agreement, though a few professors seemed resigned. They''d issued warnings before, with little impact. Nheless, Malbriar nodded. "Very well. Another warning will be issued to Mr. Ashbourne. I''ll handle it myself." The tension in the room eased slightly, and the headmaster took the opportunity to shift the discussion. "Let''s move on to the iing first-year students. From what I''ve seen, this cohort looks like an exceptionally promising one." Professor Maribel Harkness, head of the Arcane Studies department, flipped through a list of student profiles. "Indeed, this generation appears to have some prodigies. I''d like to mention one particr student. She''s a six-circle mage. Even among our faculty, only a handful hold that rank." The room fell into a brief silence. Rach professorprehending the weight of a student reaching the sixth circle before even entering Ravenwood. A sixth-circle mage was rare among students, let alone first-years. Not even most mage aspiring adults had it. Professor Crane looked both excited and worried. "A six-circle mage? That level of skill at her age is unheard of. She could very well surpass many of us if she continues at this pace." Professor Rookwood grinned. "This year will certainly be legendary with a student like her. Imagine the battles in practical exams." The headmaster looked at the folder and saw the profile photo. A girl with striking red eyes and dark hair. "Ravenwood will gain more attention, but we need to guide her carefully. With power like that, the risks of arrogance or recklessness are high." Crane nodded. "Of course. Students like her can either be our academy''s brightest stars or the most dangerous." Professor Thornwell nced down his list. "She''s not the only interesting arrival. The Velden Royal Family is sending another student. Princess ra Von Velden, their second-born." A few professors raised their eyebrows, intrigued. Rookwood chuckled. "Two members of the royal family at Ravenwood? The vice headmaster leaned back in his chair, smiling. "It''s bound to create an interesting dynamic, to say the least. The Veldens are famouslypetitive amongst each other. Having both the prince and princess in the academy will certainly spice things up." Crane seemed thoughtful. "Won''t that addplications, though? It''s rare for even one royal to attend Ravenwood. If there''s rivalry or shing goals between them, it could disturb the bnce." Thornwell looked unbothered. "I doubt it''ll be a problem. If anything, it might motivate other students. They''ll see the royal familypeting among themselves, which could raise the bar for everyone." Malbriar nodded, looking pleased. "Our prestige will only grow. And we''ll have ample opportunities to guide and observe the two." Professor Harkness interjected, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Beyond the princess, I''d like to point out another potential star¡ªDaniel Caelum, a first-year from a family of renowned archmages. He''s only at the fifth circle, but he''s already shown exceptional talent in elemental maniption." The headmaster made a note. "Excellent. We''ll keep an eye on him as well." There was a pause before Professor Thornwell, once more focused on second years, added. "I also think it''s worth mentioning our current top students in the Knight Department. I''ve been watching Draven Lockwood, who''s proven to be quite promising. He''s currently the second-best student in the second-year ranking. If Noah isn''t careful, Draven might surpass him." Harkness smirked. "Draven''s skill is impressive, especially considering he''s not from a magical lineage It wouldn''t surprise me if he climbs to the top." The conversation shifted back and forth. Each professor adding insight about students who showed remarkable talent or potential. The sheer number of prodigious talents this year seemed to set a new standard, raising anticipation for whaty ahead. As the discussion came to a close, the headmaster summarized. "With all these promising students, the exams and events this year will certainly shape Ravenwood''s future reputation. It''s going to be challenging, but with such talent, we''re bound to see a renaissance of sorts." The professors murmured their agreement. Each of them both thrilled and a bit daunted by the thought of what theing academic year would hold. Chapter 148: What A Year This Will Be [3] 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¡ªmost importantly¡ªthe 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¡ªthey 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¡ªall 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¡ªkeeping 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. Chapter 149: Second Year Opener Exams [1] The ssroom hummed with anticipation as students shuffled in, each carrying the weight of the Second Year Opener Exams. I sat at my usual spot by the window, arms folded and posture rxed. The soft murmur of conversations drifted around me, but I paid them no mind. My thoughts wandered back to the past few weeks. I had tried to study¡ªtruly, I had. But every time I opened a textbook or reviewed my notes, I realized something baffling. There was little to nothing that required my effort. Everything seemed... too easy. Every form, historical date, and magical theory felt as if they were etched into my brain. "What the fuck¡­ what kind of monster was the original Noah?" I thought for the hundredth time. It wasn''t just the ease of understanding¡ªit was the speed. I''d skim through pages and absorb their contents almost instinctively. It was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I didn''t have to burn the midnight oil. A curse because it meant I had no excuse to ck off. The sound of approaching footsteps jolted me from my thoughts. Four students¡ªnobles by their attire and bearing¡ªstopped a short distance from my desk. I leaned back, raising a brow at their hesitance. "Well?" I drawled, my voiceced with practiced arrogance. One of them, a boy with neatlybed brown hair and a nervous smile, stepped forward. "We, um, wanted to ask how you think you''ll fare in the exams, Lord Ashbourne." I tilted my head, feigning confusion. "And why, pray tell, would that concern you?" The boy faltered, ncing at hispanions for support. Another stepped forward¡ªa girl this time, with sharp features and an even sharper voice. "Your performance sets the standard, does it not? It''s only natural to wonder if you''ll maintain your... position." The corners of my mouth curled into a smirk. "My position?" I let the words hang in the air, savoring their unease. They shuffled ufortably, ncing at one another. I straightened, leveling them with a cold stare. "Let me make this simple for you. Of course, I''ll be at the top. I always have been. Why would this time be any different?" "But¡ª" "What I want to know is who gave you the permission to approach me?" I interrupted, my tone sharp. They froze. The boy with brown hair stammered. "N-No one. We just thought¡ª" "You just thought," I repeated mockingly. "Do yourselves a favor and stop thinking. It doesn''t suit you." Their faces flushed, a mix of embarrassment and frustration. I waved them off dismissively. "Go find someone else to bother. You''re wasting my time." They hesitated but eventually scurried away, their whispers barely audible as they left. I leaned back in my seat, smirking to myself. The professor entered momentster, silencing the room with his mere presence. Students quickly found their seats, and the tension in the air thickened. This was it¡ªthe moment everyone had been preparing for. As the exam papers were handed out, I could feel the weight of their stares. Whispers floated around me. "How do you think Noah will do?" "He''s always been at the top¡­ but maybe this time¡­" I ignored them. Their opinions were irrelevant. I picked up the paper, scanning through the questions. Confidence surged within me as I breezed through the first few. Easy. Too easy. And then my eyesnded on one particr question. "What the hell is this question¡­?" I muttered, my voice low but filled with genuine disbelief. *** The academy grounds buzzed with life as I made my way toward the notice board. It was as if the entire student body had converged there, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation and chatter. My hands clutched the strap of my bag tightly as I tried to calm the nervous flutter in my chest. The Second Year Opener Exams were behind us. And in that same day, the results had been posted. Ravenwood Academy, true to its reputation, wasted no time in announcing them. The exams themselves had been a whirlwind. My mind drifted back to those agonizing hours in the hall, the weight of expectation pressing down like an anchor. The questions had been fair, but there were a few that caught even the sharpest minds off guard. Those who approached them without focus were doomed to stumble. I had spent the night before meticulously reviewing every detail, every nuance, and I thought I''d done well. Still, doubt lingered. And then there was Noah Ashbourne. What the hell had been going on in his head? I couldn''t forget how he''d sat there for the majority of the exam. His gaze fixed on the paper but not writing a single word. His confidence¡ªor was it sheer arrogance?¡ªhad grated on my nerves. Only in the final minutes did he finally pick up his pen and start scribbling furiously. Just when I thought he couldn''t get more insufferable, he''d handed in his paper first! Barely seconds after starting to write. "What kind of strategy is that?" I muttered under my breath, my lips curving into a frown as the memory reyed itself. I took a deep breath, trying to shake the irritation and the anxiety gnawing at me. "I hope I did well..." I whispered, my voice barely audible over the din of students ahead. As I approached the crowd gathered around the board. I caught snippets of conversation, the murmurs and exmations washing over me in waves. But it wasn''t the usual chatter about individual performances or rivalry over rankings. No, this was something else entirely. A thread of schadenfreude ran through their words, and it made me uneasy. "I can''t believe it. All that arrogance, and look where he ended up." "Serves him right. Karma, finally catching up." "Honestly, it''s about time someone knocked him off his pedestal." "Do you think he''s embarrassed? He should be. After everything¡­" "Ha! It''s almost too good to be true. Never thought I''d see the day." I furrowed my brow, the unease in my chest growing stronger. The words wereced with vindication, but no one was saying a name. My curiosity burned, but I pushed through the throng, determined to see for myself. The results stretched across the pristine white board in neat, ck ink. My eyes scanned down the list until theynded on my name. [4. Maya Brenthall] A jolt of surprise ran through me. I had moved up. Number four. I was so used to being stuck at number five that I almost couldn''t believe it. For a brief moment, a flicker of pride sparked inside me. I''d finally passed Ariana Snow. It was a step closer to my dream of being the top student. But the satisfaction was fleeting. My gaze instinctively drifted upward to the top three spots. As much as I hated to admit it, Noah Ashbourne''s name was what I sought first. It was almost an unspoken rule¡ªNoah would always be number one. His smug grin and taunting remarks were inevitable. And despite my disdain for him, there was no denying his genius. If the third years had taken this exam, Noah would probably still top them too. So when I saw his name, I nearly dropped my bag. [3. Noah Ashbourne] Chapter 150: Second Year Opener Exams [2] "Wait¡­ what?" The words escaped my lips before I could stop them. Noah was number three. Not first. Not second. Third. My eyes widened as the reality sank in. Above him was Leo Velden, the Empire''s third prince, at number two. And in the coveted first ce sat...Draven Lockwood. Someone who had always been in the running for the top but never quite dethroned Noah¡ªuntil now. I stared at the list, disbelief swirling in my mind. Noah, the infamously untouchable top student, had been knocked down. For the first time, the academy''s golden hierarchy had shifted. My thoughts raced. What had happened? Was it that arrogance during the exam? The way he''d wasted time, acting as if the questions were beneath him? It was infuriating to think that someone as brilliant as Noah could squander his talent like that. But then again, maybe this was what he deserved. I stepped back from the board, my mind still reeling. Around me, the chatter continued, louder now as more students noticed the results. I caught glimpses of their faces¡ªsome surprised, others gleeful, a few genuinely shocked. The collective mood seemed to revel in Noah''s "downfall." I couldn''t help but feel a strange mix of emotions. On one hand, it was almost satisfying to see his ego take a hit. But on the other hand, it felt... wrong. Noah was insufferable, but he was also brilliant. To see him fall short felt like a disruption in the natural order of things. *** In the quiet and orderly office of the Dean of Ravenwood Academy, the tension was palpable. The walls were lined with shelves full of dusty tomes, magical artifacts, and intricate diagrams pinned haphazardly to corkboards. The Head of the Magic Department, Professor Eldric Voss. A graying man with a stern demeanor, stood at the side of the Dean''s desk while a younger professor nervously held a stack of exam papers in trembling hands. "Dean Hargrove." The young professor began, pushing his sses up nervously. "I''vee across something... unusual in the second-year midterm evaluations for the Advanced Magical Theory course." Dean Hargrove, a stately man with a reputation for being unppable, adjusted his spectacles and motioned for the professor to borate. "Unusual? I hope you''re not about to tell me there''s a scoring error." "Well," the professor hesitated. "It''s moreplicated than that." He ced the papers on the desk and pointed to a specific section of the exam. "This question here¡ªit appears that during the final review process, the phrasing of the question was inadvertently altered. It was supposed to ask students to identify the limitations of dual-elemental channeling under leyline interference, but it was mistakenly phrased as if they were meant to resolve the interference entirely." Eldric''s eyebrows furrowed as he leaned over the papers. "That''s a significant difference, Adrian." He said. "Resolving leyline interference isn''t something even most 3rd-circle mages could manage without extensive preparation. How did the students respond?" Adrian adjusted his sses nervously again. "Most of them attempted to answer the question within the parameters. Some proposed theoretical solutions, but they were iplete or inurate¡ªexpected, given the error. We graded them ordingly." The Dean leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful frown creasing his face. "And yet, you''re here. Something else must''ve happened." Adrian nodded, flipping through the pages to pull out a single exam sheet. "Yes, Dean. This paper here. One student not only noticed the error but rewrote the question to its original, intended form before providing aplete and urate answer." Heid the paper before the Dean and Eldric. Adrian cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "At first," he began, adjusting his sses. "We thought Professor Scralett made an error in her exam design. Many of us in the faculty believed the question was ambiguous, perhaps even wed in its wording." The Dean raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "You mean to tell me that an entire panel of professors misinterpreted the intent of the question?" "Exactly," Adrian replied, his voice tinged with hesitation. "Even as we marked the responses, we used our interpretations of what we believed the question to mean. But none of us¡ªnot a single one¡ªcaught the actual intent behind it. That is, until we consulted Professor Scarlett herself." The Dean''s expression darkened as he ced the papers on his desk. "And what did Scarlett have to say for herself?" Adrian exhaled, leaning forward as he recounted their conversation. "She was... unapologetic, to say the least. She imed the question was intentionally written as it was to test not just knowledge, but the students'' ability to think critically and creatively. ording to her, the phrasing was meant to force them to step beyond conventional patterns of thought." The Dean frowned. "Was this exined beforehand? Was there any indication to the students¡ªor to the faculty¡ªthat such an unconventional approach would be taken?" Adrian shook his head. "No. And that''s where most of the confusion arose. We assumed it was an oversight. But when we pressed her, she insisted the question was perfectly clear for anyone who had, in her words, ''read extensively and deeply enough to understand what was needed.''" The Dean''s lips pressed into a thin line. "So, she put the burden entirely on the students?" Adrian nodded. "Precisely." "And Professor Scarlett was quick to point out the implications of that. She called it a shame, even a disgrace, that not a single one of us, the so-called ranking mages of this academy, were able to discern the true meaning of the question. She even said¡ª" Adrian paused, his jaw tightening. The Dean gestured for him to continue. "Go on." "She said, ''A single head, one student, managed to think more clearly and deeply than over twenty highly educated professors. It''s a pity, really, how blind intellect can be without the willingness to challenge itself.''" The corrections and annotations in neat, precise handwriting jumped out immediately. "Not only did that student correct the question," Adrian continued. "But they also provided a wless analysis, exactly as the original question demanded. That''s 20 marks¡ªfull credit for the question." The room fell silent for a moment as Dean Hargrove picked up the paper and examined it closely. Eldric peered over his shoulder, his sharp eyes scanning the annotations. "Well, I''ll be..." Dean Hargrove finally muttered, pulling off his sses and cing them on the desk. "Would you look at that? Twenty marks, clean and undisputed. That''s unheard of." Eldric leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Only one student managed this?" "Yes," Adrian confirmed. "That means that every other student just lost 20 marks due to the phrasing. But this one¡ªthis one not only answered it correctly but also corrected the mistake. It''s... remarkable." The Dean leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Who was the student?" Adrian hesitated, knowing the name would spark reactions. Chapter 151: This Is How Its Done! [1] ? Noah''s POV ? The notice board loomed ahead, a gathering point for students, buzzing with excitement and tension. As I approached, the crowd parted like waves before a shark. Whispers filled the air, low murmurs carrying my name. No doubt they were expecting an outburst. Perhaps me ripping the board off its hinges or picking some unlucky soul to beat up and vent my frustration on. Instead, I stood still, arms pocketed, eyes scanning the rankings. Third. A sharp contrast to the number I had in mind¡ªFirst. I nced at the glowing text from the system that only I could see, hovering faintly before my eyes: ¡ºQuest: Top the Second Year Opener Exams!¡» ¡¸Reward: +100 Plot Points (PP)¡¹ ¡¸Status: Complete¡¹ Complete? The system registered the quest asplete. Yet my name was sitting snugly at third ce. "Was it that question?" I wondered, recalling a particrly twisted logic question on the exam that had left me irritated. The murmurs around me swelled, pulling me back to the present. A group of students¡ªabout ten¡ªseparated from the rest of the crowd, walking towards me with smug expressions. I recognized most of them, former victims of my sharp tongue and sharper actions. "Number three, huh? Did hell freeze over, Ashbourne?" Anky boy from ss B sneered, his grin wide. "Guess even the great Noah isn''t untouchable after all." Another piped in, flipping his hair dramatically. "Third ce? What happened? Did the mighty prince run out of money to bribe the professors?" A noble girl from ss A taunted, her voice dripping with faux innocence. "You''d think with your arrogance, you''d at least have the skills to back it up." Someone else added, theirughter echoing. "Guess all that trash-talking was just ovepensation!" "You sure you''re not aiming to top the rankings from the bottom next time?" One after another, they hurled their insults, each one trying harder than thest tond a hit. Meanwhile, my gaze remained fixed on the board Arms still pocketed, I reyed the system''s words in my mind. "Quest Complete." If first wasn''t necessary, what was the trigger? The students'' taunts grew louder. "Noeback, Ashbourne? You''re just going to stand there?" "He''s ignoring us. Probably trying to think of an excuse!" "What''s wrong? Can''t handle a little criticism?" Still, I didn''t react. My silence only fueled their determination. "It''s pathetic, really," a girl scoffed. "He doesn''t even have the dignity to defend himself. Just proves he''s all bark and no bite." The othersughed, clearly enjoying their shared performance. I could feel their eyes on me, hoping for a reaction, desperate for acknowledgment. Finally, one boy muttered under his breath, loud enough to hear. "He''s not even worth it. Let''s go." With grumbled curses and parting jabs, they scattered. The system chimed in as their voices faded. [+40 False Evil Points Acquired!] [Condition Met: Made perceived "inferiors" feel insignificant and embarrassed without direct confrontation.] [Remark: Insects scurrying away after realizing the futility of seeking attention. Well done.] A faint smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I finally turned from the board. The crowd parted again, whispers resuming as I walked away. Let them talk. I had what I needed. I''d get back at them soon enough. *** ? Maya''s POV ? The hall was filled with low murmurs. The kind of restless energy that came after a grueling exam. ss A and ss B, the top two sses of the second year, were seated together in a spacious lecture hall. Its walls lined with intricate carvings of magical runes that seemed to hum faintly. I sat in the middle row, gripping my notebook tightly, waiting for the professor to arrive and discuss the results. It wasn''t long before the door creaked open, and Professor Grent entered. His robes swishing as he moved toward the podium. A hush fell over the hall as everyone straightened in their seats. Professor Grent was known for his sharp tongue and unyielding standards. And no one wanted to be on the receiving end of his ire. "Well," he began, his voice cutting through the silence, "the results for the Second Year Opener Exams are in." I felt my heart skip a beat. This exam was crucial, not just for rankings but for how we were perceived by professors and peers alike. "Overall," Professor Grent continued, "you all performed admirably. However..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the room. "There was one question that all of you failed." A collective gasp rippled through the hall. "What?" someone whispered behind me. "That''s impossible," another muttered. Even I couldn''t help but furrow my brows. All of us? Even the prodigies in ss A? "Yes, you heard me right." Professor Grent said, his tone unwavering. "Every single one of you answered incorrectly, which means twenty marks were deducted from everyone''s score." The hall erupted into murmurs, students exchanging confused and frustrated nces. "How can everyone get it wrong?" A boy near the back asked, leaning toward his friend. "Not even Noah got it right?" Someone else chimed in. "Noah?... He fell off... I doubt it''s him... " Professor Grent raised a hand, silencing the chatter. "Allow me to rify. I said everyone got it wrong, except for one student." That brought an immediate wave of stunned reactions. "One student?" "Who could it be?" "It must be Draven," someone dered confidently. "Yeah, he just surpassed Noah. If anyone got it, it''s him." The murmurs grew louder, filling the hall with spection. I nced toward the far end of the room, my eyesnding on Noah Ashbourne. He was sitting back in his chair, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. ''What''s he so happy about?'' I thought. It was rare to see him outwardly pleased, and I couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. As if to confirm my suspicions, Professor Grent cleared his throat. "The scores have been adjusted ordingly, and after the recalctions, the student who answered the question correctly has risen to the top of the rankings." The murmurs stopped abruptly, reced by a tense silence. Chapter 152: This Is How Its Done! [2] "The top student in the Second Year Opener Exams is..." The pause felt eternal. "Noah Ashbourne." My head snapped back to the far end of the room where Noah sat, his smirk now a full-blown grin. The hall was a cacophony of gasps, groans, and angry whispers. "No way!" "It was expected though... " The voices blended into a chaotic mess, and I couldn''t help but feel a mix of disbelief and intrigue. But then again...he was the academy''s brightest student. Noah Ashbourne, the academy''s most despised and arrogant student. Noah rose from his seat, his movements deliberate and exuding an air of confidence that only seemed to infuriate the other students further. "Mr. Ashbourne." Professor Grent said, motioning for him toe to the front. Suddey a third-year student entered the hall at that moment, whispering something to Professor Grent. After a brief exchange the student left as he looked at Noah. "Since you were the only one who managed to answer the question correctly, I''ll leave it to you to exin it to the ss while I attend to an urgent matter." He nodded and addressed us once more. "Noah will act as your instructor for this session. Once he''s finished exining the question, he will dismiss you all. Good luck." With that, Professor Grent exited the hall, leaving a room full of stunned students and one smug Noah Ashbourne. Noah strode to the podium, his ck hair catching the light as his yellow eyes scanned the room. His grin widened as he ced his hands on the podium, leaning forward slightly. "Well, well," he began, his voice smooth and taunting. "Looks like I''m your professor today. Aren''t you all lucky?" *** ? Noah''s POV ? I could teach circles around these half-wits in my sleep. But because today was a stage, I was going to remind them why the name Noah Ashbournemanded both disdain and fear. Every eye turned toward me, some with contempt, others with anxiety. A few, I noticed, couldn''t even look me in the eye. "Settle down." I said coldly, my gaze sweeping across the room. "Today''s lesson will either prove your worth or expose your inadequacies. Given the intelligence I''ve witnessed so far, my expectations are low." I ced Professor Grent''s list of names on the desk. My fingers tapping lightly on the parchment. These were the students who had sneered at me about my so-called downfall to number three. I recognized their faces in the crowd, trying to blend in, as if I couldn''t pick them out. Fools. "Let''s begin with the question." I turned to the ckboard and wrote. "Given a mana flow of X units per second into a crystalline core, calcte the optimal output ratio to sustain a ss-B barrier for 12 hours in a mana-deprived zone." The chalk screeched against the board, drawing a collective wince from the students. I smirked. "This question can be approached in two ways." I began, stepping back to survey their reactions. "The first is the obvious, simplistic route. Apply the Mana Stability Constant and plug in the basic form for barrier durability. You''ll all think you''ve solved it when you get a neat little answer." I turned sharply to face them, my voice dripping with contempt. "But that answer is wrong. Any mage worth their salt would know that in a mana-deprived zone, the Stability Constant fluctuates depending on ambient mana decay." I picked up the chalk again. Scribbling out aplex series of equations involving logarithmic decay rates and adjusted multipliers for crystalline feedback. "The correct solution involves ounting for these variables." I exined. "The result isn''t neat, it isn''t simple, and frankly, most of you won''t get it. But that''s magic¡ªan art for the capable, not thezy." A hand shot up in the back. A cocky student, his uniform too pristine, his smirk too wide. "But isn''t this a second-year ss? Shouldn''t the question be more...reasonable?" I stared him down, the temperature in the room seemingly dropping. "Reasonable? Perhaps if you spent more time studying and less time whining, you wouldn''t find it unreasonable. Or does the difficulty hurt your fragile pride?" The student sank back into his seat, muttering under his breath. I didn''t bother hiding my sneer. As I resumed exining the problem, a low murmur of conversation broke out among a group near the back. I paused mid-sentence, my grip tightening on the chalk. "Is my lecture so dull that you feel the need to entertain yourselves?" They froze, their guilty expressions betraying them. Without warning, I conjured an ice shard and hurled it at the lockers behind them. The shard embedded itself with a sharp thud, frost spreading across the surface, mist swirling ominously. The room went deathly silent. "You three." I said, pointing to the offenders, my voiceced with menace. "Come to the front." They hesitated, but the sheer intensity of my gazepelled them to obey. As they shuffled to the front, I noted their names¡ªnames from Grent''s list. "You''ve been quite vocal about your opinions of me." I said, circling them like a predator. "Let''s see if your intellect matches your arrogance." I handed each of them a piece of chalk. Chapter Explore: "Solve the question. Here. Now." Their hands trembled as they stared at the board. One made a feeble attempt at the wrong form, another scribbled nonsense, and the third simply froze. The rest of the ss watched in horrified fascination. "Pathetic." I said after a minute, erasing their feeble attempts with a wave of my hand. "This is what happens when you let your mouths run faster than your brains. You be examples." For the remainder of the lesson, I used them as props¡ªcorrecting their every mistake with biting sarcasm. Forcing them to stand as I broke down their failures for the entire ss to see. By the end, their faces were red with shame, their spirits visibly crushed. "Let this be a lesson to all of you." I said, turning to the rest of the ss. "Underestimate me at your peril." "The ss is over..." I said signaling the end of the lesson. A single person began pping¡ªa slow, deliberate apuse. I turned to see Leopold Velden, the third prince of the empire, rising from his seat. His crimson eyes sparkled with amusement as he strode to the front of the room. "Well done, Ashbourne." Leo said, his tone as mocking as it wasplimentary. "A lesson in discipline as much as magic. I must say, you have a...unique teaching style." I met his gaze evenly, refusing to bow or acknowledge his authority. "I aim to ensure results..." Leo chuckled, his smile widening as he turned and left the room. His guards who were at the door following close behind. The rest of the students filed out in hushed whispers, their nces flickering between me and the trio I had humiliated. I didn''t care. They''d learned something today, even if it wasn''t the lesson I''d nned. The lesson had ended and I didn''t see any use in staying there any longer. Or rather I didn''t see other opportunities to get more FEP. As I walked down the hallway, a voice called out behind me. "Lord Ashbourne." I turned to see Draven Lockwood approaching, his posture confident, his expression unreadable. The protagonist. The hero of this cursed narrative I now inhabited. Chapter 153: Progression [1] ? Noah''s POV ? The room had quieted down after the small lecture I delivered to my peers. Their faces were mixed with disdain, annoyance, and reluctant respect. I relished the ufortable silence for a moment before stepping down from the podium, maintaining my usual air of arrogance. It wasn''t long before Draven approached me, his stride confident, his ever-present smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. He had that way about him¡ªcalcted, steady, yet irritatingly self-assured. He stopped a few steps away and gave me a curt nod. "Congrattions again, Noah," he said smoothly. I didn''t respond. I didn''t have to. His smirk didn''t falter. Instead, he crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly, as if sizing me up. "Tell me, how did you manage to get the final question right this time? Even after all the implications caused by the exam... Surely, you couldn''t have anticipated the shift in focus." To be honest, even I didn''t know the answer to that. Notpletely. It was almost as if my mind aligned perfectly with the original Noah Ashbourne''s. Or perhaps, more disturbingly, it felt like the other two other consciousnesses besides mine nestled in this body¡ªmerging, whispering, guiding. The ease with which I solved the problem wasn''t something I could take credit for. But admitting that to Draven would be akin to tearing apart my own carefully constructed facade. I nced at him, and for a fleeting moment, I saw something that unnerved me¡ªa tether. Invisible, perhaps, but undeniably real. Draven and I were bound by this narrative in a way I couldn''t escape. If he ever surpassed me and became the top student of Ravenwood Academy, the world as we knew it would unravel. No, not unravel. Annihte. A monstrous being would descend upon the academy, plunging it into chaos and bloodshed. All because Draven, with his relentless ambition, saw nothing more was left to aplish. But if I continued to top every exam, the narrative would progress as it was written. Smoothly, predictably. It would culminate in the final battle¡ªme, standing as the ultimate boss in this cursed tale. The thought made my stomach churn. "Goodbye for now..." Draven said, turning to leave. But he paused after a few steps and nced over his shoulder. His gaze was sharp, a challenge glinting in his dark eyes. "It won''t be for long though..." he added, his voice brimming with confidence. "The top position.... I''ll make sure I get it." His words hung in the air like a weight, but instead of pressing forward with his usual jabs, he smiled. Not a mocking smile, but one that was almost... encouraging. "Whatever happens, though, don''t make it easy for me, Noah. Keep grinding... Keep doing what you always do. You''re talented, after all. Greatly gifted, unlike someone like me." And with that, he left, his footsteps fading into the corridor beyond. I stood there, watching his retreating figure, and against my better judgment, a small smile tugged at my lips. It was brief¡ªso fleeting that anyone observing might have missed it entirely. But it was there. Then it was gone, reced by the all-too-familiar weight of my reality. I muttered to myself, the words spilling out like venom, each syble a testament to my frustration. "This... this is my life now, isn''t it? Bound to the narrative, to a role I didn''t choose, didn''t ask for. I am nothing more than a cog in this machine..." My hands clenched into fists at my sides. "Every step I take, every word I say, every decision I make¡ªit''s all orchestrated. Predetermined. And no matter what I do, no matter how hard I try to break free, I''ll always end up back here. Trapped." I took a shaky breath, forcing myself to calm down, though the turmoil inside me raged on. "I have to keep ying the part. The arrogant noble, the viin everyone detests. If I don''t, this world falls apart. But at what cost? My humanity? My sanity?" The corners of my vision blurred for a moment, and I blinked rapidly to clear it. "Noah Ashbourne, the infamous. The hated. The despicable. That''s who I am now." My voice dropped to a whisper, tinged with a bitterness that even I couldn''t ignore. "And there''s no way out." I stood there for a moment longer, letting the silence envelop me, before finally turning to leave. *** The Silvercrest Hall stood eerily silent in the cold night. The flickering torches casting elongated shadows along its grand corridors. Anky knight, armored but not heavily so, paced before a mahogany door adorned with intricate carvings of the imperial crest. He nced around, ensuring the corridor was empty, before raising a gloved hand and knocking softly. For a moment, there was only silence. Then, the door creaked open to reveal a maid dressed in pristine ck and white attire. She nodded at the knight, stepping aside to usher him in. The door closed with a muted thud behind him. The room was expansive, far grander than anything the knight had ever seen in his quarters. The polished marble floors gleamed under a chandelier''s soft glow, and the walls were adorned with regal tapestries and expensive art. A small dining table sat to one side, with remnants of an evening meal neatly arranged. Across the room, seated on a plush couch, was Prince Leopold, third in line to the imperial throne. The prince, dressed in a finely tailored vest and trousers, finished thest sip of wine from a crystal ss before setting it down. He stood, a charming yet calcting smile on his face. "Ah, Sir Gratham." Leo greeted, his voice smooth and deliberate. "I appreciate youing on such short notice." The knight bowed, his gaze fixed firmly on the floor. "It is nothing, Your Highness. Should you call for me from even the farthest reaches of the empire, I would answer without hesitation." Leo''s smile widened as he approached, his movements fluid yetmanding. "Such loyalty. It''s rare these days. I knew I could count on you, Gratham." Gratham stood straight but avoided meeting the prince''s gaze, a mix of respect and unease evident in his demeanor. "Your Highness, how may I serve you tonight?" Leo gestured toward the couch, but Gratham remained standing. Shrugging, Leo returned to his seat, leaning back with a casual air. "It''s about my sister." He began, his tone losing its warmth. "You''re aware she''ll be attending Ravenwood this year as a first-year student?" "Yes, Your Highness." Gratham replied, his brow furrowing slightly. "The Princess'' enrollment has been the talk of the court." Leo''s fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest. "As much as I detest her bratty nature and incessant meddling, there''s someone at Ravenwood I''m more concerned about. A professor. Do you remember him? Professor Malric Vayne?" Gratham''s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "The name is familiar, Your Highness. Was he not an instructor at the imperial pce years ago?" Leo nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Indeed. He trained several of the pce guards and the empires royal children... He left under a cloud of scandal, though it was hushed up for the sake of appearances." Gratham sneered, his distaste evident. "And now he''s at Ravenwood?" Leo leaned forward, his tone grave. "Yes, and while I doubt he''ll openly antagonize my bratty sister, his presence is enough to warrant concern. She''s reckless and prone to drawing attention to herself. Thest thing I want is for her to be a target of his twisted games." Gratham crossed his arms, his voiceced with venom. "Your Highness, if he poses such a threat, why not eliminate him now? I could arrange for him to vanish quietly, or perhaps... experience a slow and agonizing death. Such men deserve nothing less." Leo chuckled, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Your enthusiasm is noted, Gratham, and I admit the idea is tempting. However, for now, I need subtlety. Keep an eye on him. Observe his interactions, especially with my sister. If he so much as looks at her the wrong way, I want to know immediately." Gratham bowed deeply. "Understood, Your Highness. I will ensure he is monitored closely." "Good." Leo said, standing and sping the knight''s shoulder. "I knew I could rely on you. Do this well, and your loyalty won''t go unrewarded." Gratham straightened, his resolve evident. "It will be done, Your Highness. You have my word." Leo watched as the knight turned and exited the room, the door closing softly behind him. Left alone, Leo walked to the window, gazing out at the moonlit academy grounds. A sly smile curved his lips. He murmured, cing a hand on his cheek. "This is going to be one hell of a year, I can already tell. And on top of that, my dear, stubborn little sister is joining us next month. How delightful." "But first... Chapter Discover: Maya..." The prince smiled, the sound echoing in the vast room as he turned away from the window and retreated into the shadows. Chapter 154: Progression [2] The sun was setting over the Ravenwood Academy town center. Its warm orange glow spilling across cobbled streets lined with quaint shops. Professor Scarlett adjusted her half-frame sses, her ck hair tied neatly into a bun. As she approached the store she visited monthly¡ªthe materials and resource shop. A one-stop destination for magic ingredients, enchanted tools, and other essentials students used for their personal or academic projects. It wasn''t her favorite duty. Normally, she delegated the task to her assistants, but this month, they were overwhelmed with grading assignments and preparing coursework. Begrudgingly, she had taken it upon herself. She pushed open the door to the shop, the small bell above tinkling, and stepped into the familiar musty air mixed with the faint scent of herbs and parchment. The shop owner, a stout old man named Wilfred, was behind the counter, meticulously counting gold coins and muttering to himself. He looked up, squinting at her through thick spectacles. "Ah, Professor Scarlett." He grumbled, setting the coins aside. "Come to meddle in my affairs again, have you?" "I could smell that perfume u wear from down the street.." Scarlett rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Meddle? It''s called an inspection, Wilfred. You should be grateful we even bother to do these logs to keep your business up to code." "Ha! My shop doesn''t need your academy''s help." Wilfred scoffed, hobbling over to a shelf to rearrange some potion vials. "Been running this ce just fine for decades without you professors sticking your noses in." Scarlett smirked, stepping closer to the counter. "Decades, yes. And yet, every month, you refuse support from the academy''s funding, even though we''ve repeatedly offered it. Why is that, Wilfred? Afraid we might actually help you grow?" "Grow into what? A puppet shop for your greedy academy rats? No, thank you!" He shot back, jabbing a finger in her direction. "I won''t let your fancy faculty run my business into the ground." Scarlett chuckled, shaking her head. "You''re so dramatic. No one''s trying to run your business, Wilfred. We''re offering you resources, better storage systems, and marketing support. You know, things that might help you with...oh, I don''t petition?" Wilfred snorted and waved her off. "Competition? Bah! There''s nopetition. Everyone knows this is the best resource shop in town." "Which is why it''s empty every time Ie here?" Scarlett teased, gesturing at the vacant aisles. "Face it, Wilfred. You''re stubborn." "And you''re nosy." He retorted, cing a jar of powdered mandrake root on a high shelf. "I don''t need help. Me and the boy are managing fine as it is." Scarlett paused, brow furrowing. "The...boy?" Wilfred stiffened for a moment, then went back to organizing the shelf. "Never mind. None of your concern." Scarlett''s curiosity was piqued. She wasn''t going to get a straight answer out of him, but she made a mental note to dig deeperter. For now, she sighed and rubbed her temples. "Fine, Wilfred. I''m not here to pry into your mysterious ''boy.'' Just give me the documents so I can log your business stats and be on my way." Wilfred grumbled under his breath but shuffled to the back room, emerging a momentter with a thick ledger bound in worn leather. He pped it onto the counter in front of Scarlett. "There. Knock yourself out." Scarlett opened the ledger, flipping through pages filled with neat handwriting and columns of numbers. As she skimmed the records, she noticed theck of familiar names in the shareholders'' section. Unlike other businesses in the town center, which were often co-owned by the academy or local guilds, this shop had none of those affiliations. Instead, one name caught her eye. It was scribbled hastily, almost as if the writer had tried to obscure it. She leaned in closer, narrowing her eyes. "Noah Ashbourne." She read aloud, her voice barely above a whisper. She blinked, half expecting her eyes to be ying tricks on her. "A student...under a business venture? That''s...unheard of." Wilfred, sensing her surprise, crossed his arms defensively. "What''s it to you, Professor?" Scarlett ignored him, her mind racing. Noah Ashbourne. The infamous second-year student with a reputation as the academy''s most detested figure. What in the world was he doing involved in a business? And this business, of all things¡ªa shop struggling to stay afloat? It didn''t add up. "What are you up to, Noah?" She muttered under her breath, closing the ledger. Wilfred raised an eyebrow. "You''ve got that look on your face, Professor. The one that says you''re about to stick your nose where it doesn''t belong." Scarlett sighed and shook her head. "No, Wilfred. For once, I''ll leave it alone...for now. But mark my words, this isn''t thest time we''ll be talking about your ''boy.''" Wilfred grunted, clearly unimpressed. "Good. Now, if you''re done with your paperwork, kindly see yourself out. Some of us have work to do." Scarlett smirked, handing the ledger back to him. "Always a pleasure, Wilfred. Try not to be too stubborn before my next visit." As she stepped out of the shop and into the fading light of the town center, her thoughts lingered on the enigmatic connection between the resource shop and Noah Ashbourne. *** ? Noah''s POV ? The system''s familiar blue window floated before me, glowing softly in the dim light of my dorm room. Rows of abilities stretched endlessly, each one a temptation, but my eyes scanned the list with singr focus. Among the myriad options, I searched for one skill¡ªone that would ensure my survival in a world where daggers, both literal and metaphorical, were poised to strike from every direction. ¡ºSkill Window¡» ¡¸Avable Abilities: - Mana Enhancement ¨C 500 FEP - Enhanced Dexterity ¨C 800 FEP - Minor Magic Resistance ¨C 750 FEP - Killing Intent Detection ¨C 1000 FEP - Persuasion Amplification ¨C 600 FEP - ¡­ ¡¹ My gaze locked onto it. [Killing Intent Detection]. A skill that hadn''t even crossed my mind in my previous life. Back then, as a third-rate character, I''d yed my role¡ªultimately forgettable. No one had truly wanted me dead; my fate was scripted to end in disgrace, not death. But this time? This time was different. There were too many enemies this body made. Some wanted me ruined. Others¡­well, let''s just say they wouldn''t mind seeing my blood spill across the academy''s pristine marble floors. Even Maya, my so-called fianc¨¦e, could be plotting against me. Her disdain was palpable. I could sense it in every clipped word, every nce she didn''t bother to hide. ¡ºSystem Notification ¡» [Killing Intent Detection] ¨C 1000 FEP Would you like to purchase this skill? I hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing down on me. Acquiring this skill meant two things: 1. I was acknowledging the reality that people might want to kill me. 2. I was admitting, to myself more than anyone else, that I couldn''t rely on anyone but me. But hesitation was a luxury I couldn''t afford. My survival depended on being ten steps ahead. "Purchase," I said firmly. The system chimed in that cheerful, almost mocking tone. ¡ºSystem Notification ¡» ¡¸Skill purchased: [Killing Intent Detection] False Evil Points deducted: 1000. Current FEP: 0 ¡¹ The window disappeared, reced by a brief surge of warmth in my chest. Then, just as suddenly, the sensation vanished, leaving me with the faintest awareness¡ªa tickling at the edge of my senses. It wasn''t obtrusive, but I knew instinctively what it was. [Killing Intent Detection] was active, lying in wait to alert me to danger. I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly. Progress. It wasn''t shy, but it was tangible. The ability wasn''t going to save me on its own, but it was a step forward. The next steps were just as crucial, though. Money. Influence. Stability. The deal with the shopkeeper, Old Man Wilfred, was the first move on the financial chessboard. That crumbling excuse for a store held untapped potential, and with my knowledge of the novel''s narrative, I knew its value would skyrocket in the year toe. The business wasn''t without risks, of course. Investing now, when I was practically penniless, meant scraping together resources from thin air. And if the n failed¡ªif Wilfred''s stubbornness or my own interference disrupted the timeline¡ªthe consequences could be catastrophic. But if it worked? The store would be a cornerstone of the empire''s economy. For now, my involvement needed to be minimal. A few nudges here and there, just enough to set things in motion without disrupting the original course. I''d leave the day-to-day operations to Wilfred, as they had always been. My role was to act as the mysterious benefactor, ensuring the shop had what it needed to survive its rough beginnings. The system window blinked out, and I stood, stretching as I did. My body ached from the strain of constant nning, training, and scheming, but I couldn''t afford to slow down. The next few days would be critical. I still needed to secure additional funding. The academy''s rules about student employment were strict, but there were loopholes if you knew where to look. That would take more time and effort than I cared to admit. For now, the shop was a start. Chapter 155: Mixed Signals [1] The sweet shop was filled with a cheerful atmosphere. Filled with theughter and chatter of students. The aroma of freshly baked cookies, pastries, and chocte wafted through the air, mingling with the faint scent of brewing coffee. Ariana Snow sat at a corner table with her two closest friends. Eliza Thornfield and ra Windsor. The trio was well-known for their tight-knit bond. Forged through years of shared experiences andte-night heart-to-hearts. Eliza, a petite girl with curly auburn hair and a penchant for bold statements, was enthusiastically recounting a dramatic moment from her week. "And then he tripped¡ªyes, tripped¡ªover his own two feet while trying to cast a fireball! Can you believe it? Nearly set Professor Martin''s robes on fire!" She eximed, her green eyes gleaming with amusement. ra, the ever-poised and slightly mischievous one,ughed as she sipped her iced tea. "I swear, Eliza, half the boys in this academy are walking disasters. They can conjure lightning but can''t manage basic coordination." Ariana, however, wasn''t joining in theirughter. She sat quietly, absently tracing her finger along the edge of a cookie on her te. Her other hand cradled a warm mug of coffee, the steam rising and swirling around her face. Eliza and ra exchanged a quick nce. It wasn''t like Ariana to be so distant, especially when surrounded by sweets¡ªher one true love. Normally, she would have devoured her cookies and debated the merits of caramel versus chocte with passionate fervor. Today, she was barely nibbling. And her usually bright silver-blue eyes seemed clouded with thought. "Ari..." ra said, leaning closer and resting her chin in her palm. "What''s going on with you? You''ve been poking at that cookie like it''s insulted you or something." Ariana blinked, startled out of her thoughts. "Huh? Oh, nothing. I''m fine." Eliza wasn''t having it. "Liar. You''ve been off since we got here. Spill it, Snow. You can''t hide from us." Ariana hesitated, her fingers pausing mid-trace on the cookie. She sighed, knowing her friends wouldn''t let it go. "It''s... it''s nothing, really. Just something stupid." "Stupid things are our specialty." ra said with a grin. "Come on, Ari. Out with it." Ariana took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. "Okay, fine. It''s about... Noah Ashbourne." Both girls froze, their expressions shifting to a mix of disbelief and indignation. "Noah?" Eliza repeated, her voice sharp. "What did that insufferable, arrogant, pompous jerk do now? If he so much as looked at you wrong¡ª" "It''s not like that!" Ariana interjected quickly, holding up her hands. "At least, I don''t think it is. It''s just..." She trailed off, trying to find the right words. ra raised an eyebrow. "Ari, you''re going to have to give us more than that. Start from the beginning." Ariana set down her mug and began recounting the events of the past weeks. She told them about how Noah had arrogantly demanded she wash his zer after some minor sweat had dampened it. How she''d begrudgingly done the task, irritated by his entitlement. Then, she described the moment she returned the freshly cleaned zer to his room. "And he said... thank you." She finished, her voice almost a whisper. Eliza and ra stared at her, their mouths agape. For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the chatter of other students in the shop. "He what?" ra asked, her voice incredulous. "Are you sure you heard him right?" Eliza added. "Maybe he said something like, ''Thanks for wasting my time.'' That sounds more like him." Ariana shook her head. "No. He said thank you. Just... thank you." The girls exchanged a nce, then erupted into a cacophony of disbelief and indignation. "That slimy little snake probably had some ulterior motive!" Eliza dered, mming her fist on the table for emphasis. "Noah Ashbourne doesn''t say thank you. He''s physically incapable of basic human decency." "Exactly." ra chimed in. "He must be plotting something. Maybe he''s trying to mess with your head. You know how maniptive he is." Ariana frowned, their words stirring her own doubts. "But then there was another time." She said hesitantly. "After... well, after I kind of hurled him into a wall with my wind magic." Eliza snorted. "Good. He deserved it." "That''s not the point." Ariana said, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "There was thismotion outside his room, and students started saying awful things about me. They assumed... well, they thought¡ª" "They thought what?" ra pressed. Ariana''s cheeks flushed. "That we were... you know...sleeping together." Eliza''s jaw dropped. "They what? Oh, I''m going to march up to every single one of those idiots and¡ª" "Let her finish." ra interrupted, though she looked equally appalled. Ariana continued, her voice quieter now. "It really hurt, the things they said. But then Noah... he stood up for me. He told them to shut up and stop spreading rumors. He even went as far as to threaten their lives. " ra leaned back, her expression skeptical. "Noah Ashbourne? The same guy who treats everyone like dirt stood up for ''you?''" "I know it doesn''t make sense." Ariana admitted. "But he did." The table fell silent as the three girls processed this revtion. Finally, Eliza broke the silence with a dramatic groan. "Ugh, I hate this. Now I have to rethink my whole mental image of him. Do you know how much effort I put into hating that guy?" ra smirked. "Don''t worry, Eliza. I''m sure he''ll give you plenty of reasons to hate him again soon enough." "True," Eliza conceded. "But still. This is weird." Ariana sighed, picking up her cookie and taking a small bite. "I don''t know what to think. It''s been on my mind for thest weeks." Eliza reached across the table and patted her hand. "Well, stop thinking about it. He''s not worth the mental energy, Ari." "Exactly." ra agreed. "And even if he did have some weird moment of decency, it doesn''t change the fact that he''s a self-absorbed, egotistical jerk. Probably just trying to get something out of you." Eliza grinned wickedly. "If he ever tries anything, just let us know. I''ve got a whole list of ways to make him regret it." "Like what?" Ariana asked, her curiosity piqued despite herself. "Oh, you know..." Eliza said casually. "Maybe I''ll ''identally'' spill ink all over his fancy clothes. Or ''identally'' trip him into a mud puddle." raughed. "Or we could enchant his shoes to squeak every time he takes a step." The three girls dissolved into giggles at the thought, the tension lifting as their bond of friendship eased Ariana''s worries. "Thanks, guys." Ariana said, smiling genuinely for the first time that day. "Anytime." Eliza replied, grinning back. "And don''t let his scrawny ass upy your thoughts. He''s not worth it." ra nodded, her expression turning serious. "And remember our pact. No falling for anyone at the academy. We graduate as independent women of the empire, no strings attached." Arianaughed, raising her cookie like a toast. "Deal." Ariana felt lighter. Whatever Noah''s intentions had been, she knew she could count on her friends to keep her grounded. For now, that was all she needed. Chapter 156: Mixed Signals [2] The cool night air brushed against Maya''s skin as she strolled through the quiet, cobblestone paths of the academy grounds. Beside her walked her maid. An ever-dutifulpanion who carried a smallntern to light their way. The faint glow from thentern highlighted the faint furrow in Maya''s brows, betraying her preupied thoughts. The day had been long, but her craving for something sweet had won over her exhaustion. "I need something to clear my mind." Maya murmured, more to herself than her maid. Her maid nced sideways at her, her curiosity piqued. "The usual bakery, Miss Maya?" "Yes." Maya replied, her voice distant. "Something sweet. Maybe cupcakes. I don''t know... I just need something." As they walked, Maya''s thoughts wandered back to the Second Year Opener Exams. Specifically, the question Noah Ashbourne had solved. A question soplex that even the professors had failed to anticipate the solution. The image of Noah confidently penning down the answer on the board burned in her memory, a vivid reminder of the chasm between them. Her grip tightened on the edges of her shawl. ''Surpassing him¡­ it''s going to be harder than I thought. He''s not just clever; he''s apletely different kind of monster.'' "You seem troubled." Her maid remarked softly, breaking the silence. Maya forced a small smile. "Just¡­ thinking." "About what you''ll get at the bakery, perhaps?" Her maid teased, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe." Maya chuckled, albeit weakly. "I''m not sure yet. But the cupcakes with blue icing... there''s just something about them." The soft jingle of the bakery''s bell greeted them as they pushed open the door. Warm light spilled out, along with theforting aroma of freshly baked goods. "Ah, Miss Maya!" The kindly bakery woman greeted from behind the counter. "Out for ate-night treat again?" Maya offered a polite nod. "Yes, something to take away, please. I''m not sure what I want yet." Her maid chuckled. "She''s been talking about the cupcakes with blue icing." "Ah, an excellent choice! Freshly baked today." The woman said enthusiastically. "I''ll take some to go." Maya said, her voice steady though her mind continued to swirl. As the cupcakes were packed into a neat little box, Maya and her maid exchanged only minimal words. Once the transaction wasplete, they stepped back into the cool night, heading toward Silvercrest Hall. *** In her room, Maya sat on her plush chair, the box of cupcakes resting on herp. The frosting glistened in the dim light, its pale blue color oddly soothing. She took a small bite, savoring the sweet, creamy vor. And just like that, the memories began to stir again. There was something about these cupcakes. Their taste, their color, perhaps even their simplicity¡ªthat tugged at an old, buried part of her heart. A part she''d locked away long ago. They reminded her of Noah. Not the Noah she detested now, but the Noah she had once known as a child. ''Back then, he wasn''t like this.'' She thought, her grip tightening on the cupcake. ''He was warm. Kind... Someone who cared about others no matter what.'' She hated how the memories softened her heart. It made her stomach churn, her emotions a tangled mess of longing and resentment. Her mind screamed at her to hate him, to remember his arrogance and cruelty. But her heart¡ªtraitorous as it was¡ªwhispered a different tune. "You seem¡­ distant." Her maid observed, her gaze sharp yet gentle. Maya nced at her, startled. "I''m fine." The maid smiled knowingly. "Do you miss him?" The question hung in the air, heavy and unavoidable. Maya''s eyes dropped to the half-eaten cupcake in her hands. She didn''t answer. "You do..." Her maid said softly, her tone void of judgment. "I think¡­ something must have happened to make him the way he is now." Maya stiffened, her thoughts scattering. "What do you mean?" The maid tilted her head, watching her closely. "I''ve noticed how you look when you eat those cupcakes. There''s a longing in your eyes. Not for the cupcakes themselves, but for something they remind you of. Something¡ªor someone¡ªyou''ve lost." Maya''s breath hitched. Her maid wasn''t wrong. Those cupcakes reminded her of a time when things were simpler. When Noah was someone she could trust. Someone who made her smile. But that time was gone. Reced by a bitter, fractured reality. "People don''t change without reasona." Her maid continued, her voice gentle. "Maybe something happened to Noah. Something that made him¡­ different... Don''t you think?..." Maya wanted to scoff, to dismiss the notion outright. But her maid''s words struck a chord. She thought back to a memory she had long tried to bury. --- She was young, no older than seven, hiding under a bed. Her small hands clutched the hem of her dress as her wide purple eyes stared at the scene unfolding before her. There was blood on the walls. A lifeless bodyy sprawled on the floor, and in front of it stood a boy not much older than her. ck hair disheveled, his clothes stained crimson. He clutched a butter knife in his trembling hands. His golden eyes glowed with an intensity she''d never forget. He didn''t cry. He didn''t scream. He simply stood there, silent and cold, as if the weight of what had just happened had drained all the warmth from him. "....T-that was the day...everything changed." Maya muttered. She ced the cupcake back in its box, suddenly unable to finish it. Her maid watched her carefully but said nothing more, sensing Maya needed time to process her thoughts. --- As the night deepened, Maya sat by the window, gazing out at the moonlit campus. The memory of that day lingered in her mind. A haunting reminder of the boy Noah used to be¡ªand the man he had be. Maybe something did happen to him, she thought reluctantly. But does that excuse everything he''s done? Her heart waged war with her mind, the two locked in a battle that left her feeling drained. Despite everything, one truth remained. She missed the Noah from her childhood. The boy who had once been her friend. But the man he was now? The arrogant, detestable Noah Ashbourne? That was someone she could never forgive. Or so she told herself. Chapter 157: A Noble’s Greed Or A Genius At Work? Professor Scarlett sat at her desk in her office. Surrounded by neatly organized stacks of documents. The room was dimly lit. The faint scent of old paper mingled with freshly brewed coffee on the side table, but Scarlett paid it no mind. Her attention was consumed by the pile of business records from the academy''s town center, detailing the performance of various shops and enterprises. One document in particr caught her eye¡ªa file on the Resource Emporium owned by old man Wilfred. Her brows furrowed as she flipped through the pages. She remembered visiting the shop a while ago. It had been a modest ce with little to boast about. Struggling to stay afloat like many other independently owned businesses in the academy town center. Yet, the records in front of her painted an entirely different picture. Revenue had skyrocketed. Sales figures showed an unprecedented surge. The shop now consistently outperformed even some of the academy-backed ventures. The inventory turnover rate, once sluggish, was now remarkably efficient. Wilfred''s Resource Emporium had be a one-stop shop for rare items, potions, and essential resources for students and faculty alike. But it wasn''t just the numbers that intrigued Scarlett. It was the methods. The pricing structure had been overhauled with dynamic pricing models. Offering discounts on bulk purchases while subtly increasing individual item prices. Marketing had taken a creative turn with targeted promotions aimed at specific student demographics. Stock was replenished just in time to meet peak demand, minimizing wastage and storage costs. These weren''t the tactics of an aging shopkeeper like Wilfred. No, these methods were modern, innovative, and suspiciously well-informed. Scarlett leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood of her desk. A nagging thought surfaced, one she couldn''t ignore. She remembered seeing a list of the shop''s business members during herst visit, and one name had stood out. Noah Ashbourne. The infamous second-year student. Detested by many, yet undeniably intelligent when it suited him. Could he really be behind this transformation? Scarlett''s lips curled into a thoughtful smile as she leaned forward. Her hand brushing back a loose strand of auburn hair. She began poring over the documents again. Searching for anything that might confirm her theory. As Scarlett examined the records, a clearer picture of the shop''s operations emerged. Whoever was orchestrating the changes had employed a multifaceted approach. Inventory Management: The shop had shifted to a lean inventory model, reducing costs while ensuring popr items were always avable. For example, rare magical herbs and high-tier potions arrived just before major exams or training seasons, when demand was at its peak. Customer Loyalty Programs: Students could now earn points for purchases. Which could be redeemed for discounts or exclusive items. It encouraged repeat business and built a dedicated customer base. Supplier Rtionships: The shop had forged deals with external suppliers, sourcing high-quality ingredients and goods at lower costs. This widened the emporium''s offerings while keeping pricespetitive. Marketing: Eye-catching posters and enchanted flyers had been spotted around campus, advertising the shop''s unique products. Even subtle word-of-mouth campaigns seemed to have been orchestrated, creating buzz among students and faculty. Scarlett couldn''t help but admire the brilliance of it all. Yet, she knew one thing for certain¡ªWilfred, while a kind and hardworking man, wasn''t capable of devising such strategies. A knock at the door broke Scarlett''s concentration. She straightened up, setting the papers aside as her assistant Gloria entered, carrying another stack of documents. "Professor Scarlett." Gloria began, her tone professional yet familiar. "These are the student attendance records and course updates you requested." Scarlett epted the papers with a nod but quickly noticed Gloria''s curious gaze. "Is something troubling you, Professor?" Gloria asked, tilting her head slightly. Scarlett hesitated for a moment before deciding to voice her thoughts. "Gloria, what do you know about Noah Ashbourne?" Gloria blinked, surprised by the question. "Noah Ashbourne? Not much, aside from what everyone else knows. He''s... well, he''s not exactly popr." Scarlett gestured for her to continue. Gloria shifted ufortably. "He''s arrogant, unts his family name and status, and tends to act like he''s above everyone else. Hot-headed, too. But... I suppose it''s not my ce to judge someone from such a prestigious family." She paused before adding. "I''ve also heard rumors that he''s been cut off from financial support by his family. If that''s true, it''s no wonder he acts out." Scarlett raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Cut off, you say? That doesplicate things." Gloria nodded. "It doesn''t seem like someone in his situation could be responsible for anything significant. If anything, he''s probably trying to leech off Wilfred''s business. That wouldn''t be surprising, given his reputation." Scarlett leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. Gloria''s assessment echoed what most of the academy thought of Noah. Yet, the evidence in front of her suggested something entirely different. Scarlett picked up the papers again, her gaze falling on Noah''s name. If he truly was involved, what was his motivation? Was he simply exploiting the emporium for personal gain, or was there something more? A faint smile yed on Scarlett''s lips as she considered the possibility. There was something oddly satisfying about discovering hidden talent, even in someone as infamously troublesome as Noah Ashbourne. "Gloria." Scarlett said suddenly. "What would you say about a student who, despite their ws, shows remarkable ingenuity?" Gloria hesitated, unsure where the question was leading. "I suppose... it would be admirable, even if they weren''t well-liked." Scarlett nodded, her smile growing. "Precisely." Scarlett''s thoughts returned to Noah and the emporium. She didn''t have definitive proof yet, but her instincts told her she was on the right track. "If it really is you, Noah Ashbourne..." She murmured to herself. "Then you''re far more interesting than I ever gave you credit for." She tapped her pen against the desk, already considering how she might observe him more closely. Whether he was a maniptive noble exploiting a desperate shopkeeper or a budding genius reshaping the academy''s economy. One thing was certain¡ªNoah Ashbourne had caught her attention. Gloria adjusted her spectacles and cleared her throat. A sure sign she was about to dive into yet another serious matter. "The first years arrive tomorrow," Gloria began, her voice crisp. "And as such, there are a few things you need to handle before the entrance ceremony." Scarlett tilted her head, still savoring the icing. Her amber eyes glimmered with a mixture of boredom and intrigue. "Few things, huh? Let me guess. You want me to greet them with a warm smile, maybe hand out wee badges?" Gloria sighed. "Scarlett, this is serious. The new intake is... unique. They''re not just ordinary first years. From what I''ve heard, this batch is filled with extraordinary talent¡ªprodigies, some might say. Geniuses that might very well reshape the academy''s dynamics." "Geniuses..." Scarlett''s lips curled into a slow smirk. "Sounds like fun." "It''s not about fun," Gloria snapped, her tone sharp enough to slice through Scarlett''s nonchnce. Gloria knew that Scarlett loved to prove geniuses wrong of their abilities and intellect. Moreso testing them. It was practically her hobby. "It''s about maintaining order." Gloria continued. "With talents like these, egos will sh. We need to ensure the academy runs smoothly." Scarlett twirled a strand of her ruby-red hair around her finger, her expression unbothered. "You worry too much. Let the kids figure it out. Survival of the fittest and all that." Gloria shot her a stern look. "This isn''t a game, Scarlett." "To you, maybe." Scarlett swiped another dollop of icing from the cake and licked it off her finger. "To me, it sounds... sweet." Gloria groaned. "Can you at least pretend to take this seriously?" "I''ll handle it." Scarlett replied, her tone airy but with a hint of something sharper beneath. "Rx, Gloria. I''ll y nice... for now." "Scarlett," Gloria warned. "Fine, fine," Scarlett said, waving her off. "I''ll keep an eye on your little prodigies. Happy now?" Gloria didn''t respond immediately. She studied Scarlett for a long moment before nodding. "Thank you." Scarlett leaned back again, crossing her arms behind her head. As Gloria turned to leave, Scarlett called out after her. "Hey, Gloria." Gloria paused, ncing back. "Yeah?" Scarlett licked thest bit of icing off her finger and grinned. "Tell me, do you think Noah''s as sweet as this cake? Or is he more... bitter?" Gloria rolled her eyes and walked out, muttering something about hopeless cases. Scarlett, left alone, gazed out the window, her smirk lingering. *** In a pristine hallway, the lit chandeliers cast gentle patterns on the marble floor. A young maid, her footsteps careful and precise, approached an intricately carved door carrying a silver tray. On the tray rested a slice of velvet cake topped with a glossy strawberry and a steaming cup of tea. She paused, straightened her posture, and knocked softly. Without waiting too long, she opened the door. Stepping inside with the poise of someone ustomed to silence. She made her way to the balcony where a girl with flowing ck hair sat in a plush chair, engrossed in a thick book. Her posture was rxed yet refined, her head tilted slightly as her eyes skimmed the pages. Her fingers absentmindedly traced the edge of the book''s cover. "Your snack, mydy." The maid announced softly, setting the tray on the delicate round table beside the girl. She gave a deep bow before retreating without another word, closing the door behind her. The girl set her book down, her fingers still resting on its edge. Her gaze shifted to the tray, her lips curving into a small smile. She reached for the strawberry first, taking it delicately from the cake and taking a slow bite. A burst of sweetness danced on her tongue, and she sighed softly in satisfaction. When she ced the remaining strawberry back on the te, her attention shifted to the cake. A swipe of the fork delivered a bite to her lips, the creamy icing brushing against the corner of her mouth. Without a hint of hesitation, she lifted her finger to the spot, catching the smear of frosting. She licked it clean with anguid motion, her expression thoughtful. Leaning back in her chair, she let the sweet taste linger on her tongue as her gaze drifted to the horizon. Her voice, low and almost musical, broke the serene quiet of the room. "Tomorrow... I''ll finally see my beautiful dove again." She murmured, her cheeks warming at the thought. A faint, tingling sensation crept down her spine, and she shifted in her seat, pressing a hand lightly against her chest as if to calm her fluttering heart. "It''s been far too long... Will you still look at me the same way, I wonder?" Her fingers brushed against her lips once more, almost subconsciously, as the hint of a smile returned. The vibrant, fleeting image of his face filled her mind, making her sigh. She closed her eyes briefly, letting the warmth bloom within her. Before whispering softly to herself, as though sharing a secret with the wind. "I can''t wait..." Chapter 158: First Years Entrance Ceremony [1] ? Noah''s POV ? The morning sunlight seeped through therge windows of my dorm, painting everything in an obnoxious golden hue that I didn''t care for. My maid, Mari, stood silently by the wardrobe, holding up a freshly pressed ceremonial uniform. She was annoyingly efficient, her movements almost mechanical, as if she were merely going through the motions. "Is that what you call a properly pressed uniform?" I snapped, gesturingzily at the garment. Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted it, her head bowed. "I-I''ll fix it immediately, Young Master." She stammered, retreating toward the ironing table with haste. "Of course you will." I replied coldly, crossing my legs as I lounged in the ornate armchair. "How else do you expect me to stand before the academy like this? Sloppiness isn''t a luxury someone of my rank can afford." Internally, I could almost hear the system chiming, tallying up the False Evil Points I had gained. It was a small price for a necessary evil. As Mari returned with the fixed uniform, I scrutinized it with exaggerated precision, finding a non-existent crease to criticize. "Do you take pride in mediocrity, Mari?" I drawled, smirking as I watched her flinch. "No, Young Master..." She whispered, clutching the hem of her apron tightly. "Then act like it." I rose, snatching the uniform from her and donning it. My reflection in the mirror screamed pristine elegance¡ªsharp,manding, and utterly detestable, exactly as it should be. The academy had sent me a letter earlier that week, informing me of my "honor" as the top second-year student to address the iing first-years at the entrance ceremony. Ravenwood Academy of Magic To: Noah Ashbourne Top Student, Second Year Dear Mr. Ashbourne, We are writing to you in recognition of your continued excellence as the top-ranked student of the second-year cohort. Your achievements serve as an inspiration and set a standard for all students at Ravenwood Academy. In light of the uing academic year, we kindly request you to deliver a brief speech to the iing first-year students during the Second-Year Opener Ceremony. The speech should aim to wee them, share your insights and experiences as a student of Ravenwood, and encourage them as they begin their journey at the academy. We trust your capability to represent the second-year ss with the same poise and distinction you have disyed throughout your time here. Please prepare a speechsting approximately 5¨C7 minutes. Additionally, we are pleased to invite you to the First-Year Top Students After Party following the opening ceremony. This exclusive event celebrates the achievements of the top students from sses A and B of the first year. Your presence will undoubtedly contribute to the evening''s prestige. We look forward to your participation and representation of Ravenwood''s best. Yours sincerely, Professor Lucius Hargrave Vice Headmaster They had also invited me to some ridiculous afterparty exclusively for the high-ranking students and nobles. The thought of it all made me scoff. Mari helped adjust the gold-trimmed coat, her hands fumbling as I stared down at her. "Stop shaking." I said, my voice sharp. "Your ipetence is suffocating." "Yes, Young Master," she whispered. By the time I left my dorm, Mari''s morale had likely hit rock bottom¡ªa satisfying yet hollow victory. My system points, however, were climbing. It was a game I''d mastered, but one that left a sour taste in my mouth every now and then. The walk to the assembly hall was uneventful, save for a few passing nces from other students. The chatter of the first-years reached my ears long before I arrived. They were huddled in groups across the vast hall, their energy palpable. Surprisingly, they seemed to be getting along,moners and nobles mingling with little apparent tension. "Interesting." I muttered to myself. "Too early for cliques, I suppose." As I entered, the hall grew quieter, eyes flickering toward me. My presence was maic, whether they admired or loathed me. Dressed in the finest uniform, my posture radiated authority¡ªarrogance, even. Perfect. The professors began the ceremony with the usual banalities. Wee speeches, rules, the expected encouragement to "strive for excellence." The first-years pped obediently, their enthusiasm still intact. It was almost amusing how naive they were. They had no idea what awaited them within these walls¡ªpower ys, betrayals, and a relentless grind to maintain status. Finally, my name was announced. I took the stage with deliberate steps, each click of my polished boots echoing through the silent hall. Standing at the podium, I scanned the room, meeting the gazes of the fresh-faced first-years. Some stared in awe, others in thinly veiled disdain. Good. Let them hate me. It was fuel for the machine. "Wee to Ravenwood Academy." I began, my voice sharp andmanding. "I am Noah Ashbourne, top student of the second-year ss. You''ve likely heard of me¡ªor if you haven''t, you will soon enough." The room shifted ufortably, whispers passing between the students. Perfect. "Many of you will work tirelessly, dreaming of reaching the top, of surpassing me..." I continued, letting a smirk tug at the corner of my lips. "Imend your ambition, but let me make one thing abundantly clear... I am not someone you can surpass." A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd. The professors exchanged wary nces, but none interrupted. My status as an Ashbourne granted me certain liberties. "Your time here will be challenging. Some of you will thrive. Others will crumble under the weight of your inadequacies. The strong will rise, and the weak... well, they will find their ce beneath the boots of their betters." The detestation in their eyes was almost tangible. I could feel my False Evil Points ticking upward, the system rewarding my every word. "But," I said, softening my tone ever so slightly. "You are here because you have potential. Do not waste it. Prove yourselves worthy of the Ravenwood name, if you can. Good luck...you''ll need it." I stepped down amidst a mix of muted ps and ring stares. Inside, I cringed at my own performance. The arrogance, the sheer pomp¡ªit was all part of the act, but it didn''t make it any less grating. Returning to my seat, I felt a bead of sweat trickle down my temple. This year was going to be a long one. Not only did I have to maintain my carefully constructed persona, but I also had to contend with the growing list of enemies I was umting. And now, with the first-years thrown into the mix, the stakes had never been higher. As the ceremony continued, I stared at the floor, my mind churning. Chapter 159: First Years Entrance Ceremony [2] The grand ceremony of Ravenwood Academy was at its peak. The Great Hall, adorned with shimmering banners bearing the crest of the academy, glowed with an almost celestial light. Rows of students, professors, and dignitaries filled the massive space, the hum of their whispers blending with the resonant notes of the enchanted orchestra ying in the background. At the center of the stage, Headmaster Hargrove stood tall, his rich, resonant voice carrying through the hall as he introduced the next speaker. "Today," Hargrove began, gesturing toward the right of the stage where a robed figure waited. "We are honored to have a representative from the esteemed Saint Eldred Church. Please wee Archbishop Emory Laurent." A round of polite apuse echoed as the archbishop, a man of impressive stature with a serene demeanor, approached the podium. His ceremonial robes gleamed with golden embroidery, the symbol of Saint Eldred, a radiant star, prominently disyed on his chest. "My esteemed colleagues, honored guests, and bright young minds of Ravenwood." Archbishop Laurent began, his voice calm yet authoritative. "It brings me great joy to see the future of our empire gathered here. You are the torchbearers, the ones who will carry forward not only the legacy of magic but the values that define ournd¡ªintegrity, courage, and wisdom." The archbishop''s speech struck a chord with many, his words weaving a tapestry of hope and responsibility. He spoke of the divine gift of magic, the importance of unity among peers, and the need to remain humble even in the face of great power. When he concluded, the apuse was thunderous, the crowd stirred by his eloquence. Next, Hargrove introduced some representatives from the prestigious families of the empire. One by one, figures of noble birth ascended the stage. Among them was Lady Vivienne Redwyne, matriarch of the Redwyne House, her poise and elegancemanding attention. Dressed in a deep crimson gown, she addressed the audience with the sharp wit her family was known for. Following her was Lord ric Draymond, a stoic figure representing one of the empire''s most influential houses. His speech, while brief, carried a weight of tradition and expectation, urging the students to honor their families and uphold the empire''s legacy. As the final noble left the podium, Hargrove returned, his face beaming with pride. The murmurs in the hall grew as he raised a hand for silence. "And now," he dered. "It is my great honor to wee a most distinguished addition to our academy this year. A figure of great promise, whose presence here is a testament to the empire''smitment to excellence. Please join me in weing Princess ra von Velden." The hall erupted in apuse as the doors at the back of the hall opened. All eyes turned to the entrance as a figure emerged. Princess ra von Velden, eldest daughter of the imperial family, strode forward with an air of regal confidence. Her long, fiery red hair cascaded down her back, catching the light like molten gold, while her piercing red eyes, sharp and observant, scanned the room. ra''s attire was simple yet refined¡ªa crimson gown trimmed with gold, reflecting her royal heritage without ostentation. Behind her, two imperial guards nked her, their presence a silent reminder of her status. As she ascended the stage, the crowd seemed to hold its breath. Even those who had seen royalty before were struck by the aura she carried. Her brother, Leo von Velden, seated among the second years, watched her with a small, knowing smirk. ra reached the podium and surveyed the hall, her expression poised andposed. Then she spoke, her voice clear and unwavering. "To my fellow students, professors, and esteemed guests." She began. "It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as a first-year student of Ravenwood Academy." Her words were carefully chosen, her tone firm yet approachable. She spoke of her admiration for Ravenwood''s history and its role in shaping the empire''s brightest minds. She acknowledged the legacy of her brother, Leo, as a student, and subtly teased him for the expectations she would now have to meet. "Ravenwood is more than a school..." ra continued, her gaze sweeping over the first years. "It is an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to grow, and to forge bonds that will shape not only your future but the future of our empire. You stand on the threshold of greatness, and it is up to each of you to seize it." The princess''s words resonated with the students, her charisma undeniable. She encouraged her peers to face challenges head-on, to embrace failure as a teacher, and to strive for excellence not for recognition, but for the betterment of themselves and those around them. "To my fellow first years." ra said, a faint smile gracing her lips. "I say this: we are all equals in this academy. Whether youe from noble blood or humble beginnings, your worth will be determined by your actions, not your title. Let us support one another, challenge one another, and grow together." Her speech ended with a flourish, the hall erupting into apuse. The first years looked at her with a mix of awe and inspiration, while the faculty exchanged approving nces. Even Leo, from his seat, nodded slightly, acknowledging his sister''s impressive debut. ra stepped back from the podium, her expression calm but her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. As she returned to her seat, she couldn''t help but notice the ripple of conversations she had sparked among the students and professors alike. The ceremony continued, but it was clear that ra von Velden had already left asting impression on Ravenwood. *** ? Noah''s POV ? The moment the princess sat down, I couldn''t help but feel a twinge of anxiety creeping up my spine. ra von Velden. The second-born of the imperial family, a girl as radiant as she was dangerous. Her fiery red hair shimmered in the daylight that filtered through the academy''s grand dining hall. Her presence demanded attention, even from those pretending to be uninterested. And yet, it wasn''t her lineage or reputation that unnerved me. It was the story¡ªthe cursed fate¡ªbeginning to unfurl before my very eyes. The first episode of this world''s tragedy was looming. Even though I''d never read the novel this timeline was based on, past Noah''s fragmented knowledge of the future had seeped into my consciousness. I knew enough to recognize the signs, the warnings, and the foreshadowing scattered around me like breadcrumbs. And unfortunately, the boss of the first episode wasn''t some random monster in the academy''s forest or a mid-tier viin. It was her. ra von Velden. I closed my eyes briefly, and my thoughts spiraled back to the first memory I had upon waking in this cursed timeline. A vision, vivid and horrifying, burned into my mind. The academy''s grounds were shrouded in darkness. The kind that suffocated and clung to your skin. Skeletal soldiers with crimson auras swarmed the area. Their hollow eyes glinting with malice. And there she stood amidst them¡ªra. Her fiery red hair tangled and stained, her pristine academy uniform torn and bloodied. Her glowing red eyes weren''t those of a girl anymore but of a monster consumed by rage, her entire being screaming one word over and over again. Kill. Kill. Kill. KILL! The memory jolted me, and I forced myself back to the present. My gaze shifted to where ra now sat. She looked serene, a stark contrast to the future disaster etched into my mind. Her smile was soft as she exchanged pleasantries with a few students around her, their voices hushed as though they feared drawing too much attention. ra''s mannerisms were wless¡ªcalm, approachable, and entirely in control. It was hard to imagine this girl, exuding warmth and nobility, as the same blood-soaked figure from my vision. I sighed, leaning back in my chair and tilting my head to stare at the ceiling. A portion of it was crafted from clear ss, allowing a glimpse of the azure sky above. Birds flitted past inzy arcs, their white forms a stark contrast to the heaviness in my chest. Chapter 160: First Years After Party [1] ? Noah''s POV ? The night after the First-Year Entrance Ceremony was quiet. Save for the faint hum of conversation drifting through the academy''s hallways. I had just finished freshening up, my damp hair tousled from the towel slung over my shoulders. The mirror reflected a face I had grown all too familiar with. Arroganceced with apathy, though tonight, there was an edge of irritation. The invitation cardy on the desk, mocking me with its contents. The gold-embossed letters gleamed under the candlelight. [First-Year After Party ¨C Bring a Plus One] I stared at it for the umpteenth time, muttering. "How did I miss this?" Where the hell was I supposed to find a plus one? Especially when the entire academy despised me? Being "infamous" had its perks¡ªFalse Evil Points, for one¡ªbut this was an unnecessary pain I didn''t want to deal with. My mind wandered to Maya. She''d probably shove me into a wall for even suggesting it. Not that I med her. Anyone in their right mind would decline an offer from me. I sighed, leaning back in my chair. This was pointless. Just as I was about to toss the idea altogether. I noticed Mari moving about the room, folding my clothes and humming softly to herself. A sly smile crept onto my face. "Well, well..." I murmured, an idea forming. "Hey, Mari," I called out, my voice casual. "Yes, young master?" She replied without looking up, diligently smoothing out the creases in my coat. "How would you like to be my plus one for the afterparty tonight?" I asked, leaning forward in my chair with my most charming (maniptive) tone. Her hands froze mid-fold, and for a moment, I thought I had her. But then she turned to me, wide-eyed, and shook her head furiously. "Oh, no, young master, I couldn''t possibly¡ª" "Why not?" I interrupted, feigning disinterest. She hesitated, fumbling for a reason. "Well... I don''t have anything appropriate to wear... A-And I wouldn''t want to embarrass you, young master... Besides, I have chores to finish." I raised an eyebrow. "Chores? At this hour?" Mari looked away, mumbling incoherently aboutundry and organizing drawers. Her excuses wereughable, but I kept myposure, standing up and heading to my closet. "Well, suit yourself," I said nonchntly, rifling through my clothes. "Not like I care. I''m sure I''ll figure something out." Inside, I was grinning. --- [Character Catalogue] Mari Cosgrove Age: 21 Role: No influence on the main storyline Title: None [Description: A maid serving the infamous Noah Ashbourne. She feels overwhelming guilt even for the most minor offenses or actions, often to an irrational degree.] --- I knew her too well. The pang of guilt was already creeping in. "Anytime now..." "..." "Y-young master?" Mari''s voice wavered. I turned, suppressing a victorious smirk. Her gaze was fixed on the floor, her fingers fidgeting nervously. Her legs shifted awkwardly as though rooted to the spot by indecision. "Mari feels a pang of guilt for the smallest things.." I thought to myself, barely containing my amusement. "I... I''m sorry, young master..." She stammered, bowing slightly. "It was foolish of me to refuse such an honorable offer. Please forgive my earlier rudeness." "Of course." I said, letting a long pause hang in the air. Finally, I walked over and patted her head lightly. "Go get ready." Mari''s eyes widened as her cheeks flushed a deep red. I could see the wheels turning in her head¡ªshe had clearly expected me tosh out or call her some unsavory name for refusing me earlier. Instead, I offered her a calmmand,ced with just the right amount of arrogance. "You''ve got twenty minutes." I added, returning to my desk. "Meet me at the center of the Tuition Cube garden." "Yes, young master!" She squeaked, scampering off as if her life depended on it. *** As soon as Noah left Mari couldn''t help but mutter to herself. "D-did young master Noah just p-pat me?" She thought, her face a mix of confusion and embarrassment. *** ? Noah''s POV ? The moon hung high in the sky. Casting its pale glow over the vast expanse of the Ravenwood Academy grounds. I stood at the center of the tuition cube, the faint hum of magical energy resonating around me. The night was calm, yet my thoughts were anything but. My gaze fell to the ornate carriage parked nearby¡ªa sleek ck design with silver trimmings. A new addition to my increasingly chaotic life. It wasn''t a purchase made out of luxury but necessity. And I had used thest money I had in my name or rather the amount I had before getting financially cut off. Commuting around the academy grounds was an ordeal, and I''d had enough of riding the bus amongst the others. Of course, the old man¡ªmy personal driver¡ªhad turned it into a spectacle. The scene reyed in my head vividly. The moment I informed him of his new assignment, the man had dropped to his knees, eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, Young Master! You''re too kind! Too generous!" "It''s just a carriage, not a damn throne!" I''d snapped, crossing my arms. "I bought it formuting, not for my... posterior!" But he wasn''t listening. He clung to my legs, sobbing profusely. "I am forever grateful, Young Master! Truly, you''re a blessing upon this earth¡ª" "Let go of my legs, old man!" My voice echoed across the courtyard. But did he let go? No. He tightened his grip, pressing his face against my boots like they were relics of some divine power. The absurdity of it all made me grit my teeth. "You''re embarrassing yourself." I growled, trying to shake him off. Still, he clung. Finally, I did what any rational person would do¡ªI punched him on the head. "Get off me!" The old man yelped, releasing his grip and tumbling back. I could swear I saw a puff of smoke rise from his head as he clutched it, eyes wide with betrayal. "Young Master, that hurt!" "It was supposed to!" I shot back. "Now, get back to work, and stop acting like I cured you of some terminal illness!" The memory brought a smirk to my lips despite myself. For all his dramatics, he was loyal to a fault. If nothing else, I could rely on him for discretion¡ªsomething sorelycking among the student poption. My thoughts were interrupted by a burst ofughter. A group of students¡ªmost likely first-years¡ªstrolled past, their voices carrying in the still night. "Did you see him earlier? What a spectacle!" One of them giggled, clearly unaware of how sound traveled in the open air. "Yeah, the infamous Noah Ashbourne. He''s nothing like they say." Another chimed in, though their tone was dripping with sarcasm. I narrowed my eyes, a familiar wave of irritation bubbling to the surface. There was nothing I despised more than being the topic of conversation. Especially when I was present to hear it. It wasn''t just a Noah Ashbourne thing either¡ªback in my old life as Kim Hajun, I''d loathed it just as much. "If you''re going to talk about me, at least do it behind my back." I muttered under my breath. Before I could spiral further into annoyance, I caught sight of a familiar figure approaching from the corner of my eye. Mari. Usually, she was in her maid uniform, but tonight she wore a sleek ck dress that entuated her figure, the fabric glinting faintly in the moonlight. "Good evening, Young Master," she said, her voice asposed as ever. For a brief moment, I consideredplimenting her appearance. She looked¡­ refined. Elegant, even. But, true to form, I said the first thing that came to mind. "You look different." I remarked bluntly. Her brow arched ever so slightly. "I''ll take that as apliment, though I''m not entirely sure it was meant as one." "Whatever," I said, waving her off. "Come along. We''re heading to the Hall." "The Hall?" she repeated, tilting her head. "Don''t make me repeat myself. Let''s go." The two of us made our way across the grounds, the noise from the Hall growing louder with each step. It was the after-party for the first-years¡ªa chaotic gathering that I had no real interest in attending. But appearances mattered, and as much as I hated to admit it, there was a certain expectation for someone of my status to at least show their face. It wasn''t as though I''d be the only upperssman there. No doubt other second-years, and maybe even a few third-years, would make an appearance. And if anything went wrong¡ªwhich, given the nature of these events, was almost a guarantee¡ªthere''d be professors and academy staff on hand to intervene. ''I''m not going to y hero...not that I could. '' As we approached the grand double doors, I couldn''t help but let out a sigh. "This is going to be a pain," I muttered. Mari nced at me, her expression unreadable. "You could always skip it, Young Master." "And give them more reason to talk about me?" I scoffed. "Not a chance." The doors swung open, and we were greeted by a cacophony of voices,ughter, and music. The Hall was packed, the air thick with the mingling scents of food and drink. Mari followed closely behind me as I stepped inside, my gaze sweeping over the crowd. I spotted a few familiar faces¡ªsome of them ncing my way before quickly looking elsewhere. Typical. "Well," I said, mostly to myself, "let''s get this over with." Chapter 161: First Years After Party [2] A small boy with ck, shiveled, and messy ck hair knelt before a young girl. His feet bare and icy, his clothes worn and ragged. The girl''s dark purple hair cascaded down her back. Slightly tangled as she clutched her knees, her small frame trembling. Her eyes, filled with worry and sorrow, were locked onto the boy in front of her. The boy, his face smudged and his clothes stained, managed a weak smile as he reached out to touch the girl''s trembling hand. "The big men are not taking me to a bad ce." He said, his voice raspy yet trying to sound convincing, though his eyes darted nervously to the two men waiting behind him. The girl''s lower lip trembled as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Please, don''t go..." She pleaded, her voice breaking. "I don''t want you to go with them. I don''t want you to leave me." The boy looked at her, his smile turning softer. He knew she didn''t understand, but he didn''t want her to be scared. He couldn''t bear seeing her cry, not when she was always so kind to him. "I''lle back..." He promised, his voice filled with the kind of resolve only a child could have, untainted by the world''s cruelties. "And when I grow up, I''lle and marry you. We''ll always be together then, and you won''t ever have to cry again." His missing tooth made the smile on his face even more endearing. A small gap in his grin that made him look even younger than he was. He was trying to make her feel better, trying to give her hope, even though he knew deep down that he didn''t know if he''d ever keep that promise. He was too young to understand the full weight of what he was saying, but the words came out naturally, like a promise a child would make. The girl blinked, her eyes widening with disbelief at first. Her tears slowed, and for a moment, hope flickered in her eyes. The simple promise of protection and love, made by someone so small, filled her heart with a warmth she hadn''t known for so long. "Really?" She asked, her voice soft, barely a whisper. "Yeah," he said, nodding firmly. "I''ll protect you. I''ll make sure no one makes you cry again. I''ll be strong. I''ll keep my promise." The boy stood up then, dusting himself off, a final nce at the girl before turning to face the two men who had been silently waiting for him. They stood tall in pristine dark blue and white uniforms, their golden linings catching the light. Their expressions were cold, but the boy wasn''t frightened anymore. "I''ll be back..." He said one more time, his voice quiet but resolute. The girl watched, eyes glistening with unshed tears as he walked away, the men following behind him. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, but it was no use¡ªthe tears kepting. She stared after him, her heart aching as the distance between them grew. She wasn''t sure if she would ever see him again, but in that brief moment of hope he had given her, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, he woulde back. Her small body shuddered as she wiped thest of her tears away. Watching the boy and the men disappear around a corner. She held onto his words as her onlyfort. *** ? Maya''s POV ? I sat back in my chair, the ss of yellowish wine in my hand almost forgotten as I stared into its contents. It swirledzily, the liquid shifting in gentle waves along the sides of the ss. It wasn''t much more than a simple wine. But at this moment, it looked almost too beautiful. The light catching it just right, the yellow glow reminding me of his eyes. His eyes¡­ the color, the depth, the weight of them¡ªso cold, yet so captivating. I swallowed, the wine sliding down my throat as if it could wash away the heavy thoughts pressing down on my chest. I focused on the sound of the liquid sshing against the ss. Trying to ground myself, to pull myself out of the spiral my mind had taken. Why was I even thinking about him? It wasn''t like I cared, right? No, I didn''t care. "Maya?" I snapped out of my thoughts, startled for a moment before looking up. Ariana Snow was sitting across from me, a gentle smile on her face, her concern evident in the tilt of her head. "Are you okay?" She asked, her voice calm and friendly. Though I could tell she was trying to figure out what had drawn me so far into my own mind. I gave a small, reassuring smile, lifting the ss again to my lips. "Yeah, I''m fine," I replied smoothly. "Just¡­ lost in thought, I guess." Draven, who had been lounging back in his chair next to Ariana, gave me a brief nce but didn''t say anything. He seemed content to let the conversation flow where it wanted to go. As usual. "So, are you enjoying the party?" Ariana continued, her tone bright and curious, but it didn''t take much to see she was worried about me. She was always a little too observant for her own good. I gave a small nod, taking another sip of wine before setting the ss down on the table. "It''s...nice.... Definitely better than that disaster of a party we had when we were first years." I added, trying to make light of it. Ariana and Draven both chuckled, and for a moment, the tension in the air eased. We shared a quietugh, but even then, I could feel the subtle undercurrent of something unspoken between us. It wasn''t like we weren''t friends¡ªwe were¡ªbut our paths had diverged since then. Competition was something we didn''t discuss outright. But it was always there, lingering between the words. I shifted slightly in my seat, trying to settle into the atmosphere. To take in the chatter around me, but my mind was elsewhere. I nced around, my eyes drifting absently over the crowd of students¡ªfirst years, mostly¡ªmingling with second years and seniors alike. "It''s strange, isn''t it?" I muttered more to myself than anyone else. "It looks like they invited all the top senior students." Ariana tilted her head, studying me for a moment. "I think they just want to get us all together. Get the new first years acquainted with the rest of us, maybe." Draven, who had been half listening, raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, maybe But it''s not like we''re all close or anything. We just happen to share a few sses." He shrugged, then grinned. "Though I wouldn''t mind being the one to break the ice with some of these first years." Ariana and I both rolled our eyes at that, but I couldn''t help but chuckle a little. Draven was always the social one, trying to charm his way through every interaction. As the conversation lulled, I couldn''t help but notice how the students around us were looking at us. At the second-year students, at those of us who had earned our ce among the top. Their curiosity was evident, their eyes wide as they asked questions. Trying to learn from us, trying to see what it took to stand out. It wasn''t a bad feeling, but I couldn''t shake the lingering sense of exhaustion. I sighed softly, thinking that maybe it was time to head back to my dorm. I wasn''t sure how much longer I could keep up this fa?ade of enjoyment. I''d been answering questions from eager first years for hours, and despite my outward calm, I was starting to feel drained. As I started to rise from my seat, pushing my chair back slowly, my eyesnded on something¡ªor rather, someone. My gaze snapped toward the entrance where a crowd had parted for two figures making their way to a table. Noah. My heart skipped a beat, though I didn''t let it show. He walked in with an air of arrogance, as usual, his posture straight. His eyes scanning the room as if he owned the ce. His ck hair fell in messy strands around his face. And then there was the girl with him. I didn''t have to see her face to know exactly who she was. Mari Cosgrove. A maid in the Ashbourne household, always close to Noah. I felt a tightness in my chest that I didn''t expect. But I immediately buried it deep, pushing it to the back of my mind. Why was I even feeling this way? It didn''t matter who Noah was with¡ªhe could be with whoever he wanted. I didn''t care. But even as I tried to convince myself of that, my body tensed. A small knot of difort forming in my stomach. I looked away quickly, pretending to focus on the conversation in front of me. "Are you sure you''re okay?" Ariana''s voice broke through my thoughts again. "You''re looking a little pale." "I''m fine..." I replied quickly, the words too sharp, too forced. I could hear the lie in my own voice, but Ariana didn''t press it. Instead, she gave me a curious look, though she didn''t push any further. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. It wasn''t like Noah meant anything to me. At least not anymore. I had my own goals, my own ns. But why did it still bother me so much? The party carried on around us, the energy of first years asking questions and second years offering advice filling the space. I answered a few more questions, but I could feel my patience wearing thin I just wanted to be done with all of this. I was tired. I had just finished responding to a particrly eager group of first years when my eyes inadvertently drifted back to the table where Noah was sitting. To my surprise, he hadn''t chosen to sit with the rest of the top students No surprise there. He was always so prideful, so self-centered. But what caught my attention wasn''t just his aloofness. No, it was the girl standing behind him, her arms wrapped loosely around his neck in a casual, almost possessive gesture. Noah didn''t seem to mind. He held a ss of red wine, casually sipping from it as if nothing in the world could bother him. Mari, sitting opposite him, seemedpletely uninterested in anything other than the cake in front of her. She looked happy enough, lost in her food. But the girl¡­ Her ck hair framed her face, and those red eyes. They stood out like a me in a dark room. I found myself staring at her, unable to look away. Something about the way she was standing there, so close to Noah, made my insides twist in a way I didn''t want to admit. Chapter 162: Iris Star [1] ? Noah''s POV ? As Mari and I stepped into the hall, I couldn''t help but scan the room. Seniors were scattered among the first years. Handpicked students from the second and third years, likely invited to intimidate and inspire. Among the clusters of chatting students, I spotted them. Maya, Ariana, and Draven seated together at a table near the far side of the hall. Typical. They always seemed to find one another like moths to a me. Draven''s casual slouch, Ariana''sposed demeanor, and Maya''s pointed nces around the room confirmed what I already suspected. They''d notice me if I approached. No thanks. "Come on, Mari." I gestured toward an unupied table at the opposite end of the hall. Her steps were tentative as she followed me, her nervousness practically radiating off her. I didn''t care to offer her reassurance. It wasn''t my job to coddle her insecurities. We sat, and for a while, the silence between us stretched, interrupted only by the sound of clinking sses and muffled conversations around the hall. "Mari..." I said abruptly, turning to her. "Get me a ss of red wine. And while you''re at it, feel free to get yourself something too." She blinked, startled by the order, but quickly nodded and left the table. I leaned back, observing the room again, hoping the time would pass quickly. Before long, a group of first-years hesitantly approached my table. Their steps faltered as they drew closer, their wide-eyed expressions practically dripping with awe and apprehension. "Um... Noah Ashbourne?" One of them ventured, a boy with sandy hair and an overly enthusiastic smile. I didn''t respond immediately, letting the silence settle and their nerves fester. ''... Sigh... Here goes... '' Finally, I turned to them, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?" "Well, we were wondering¡ª" The boy began, only to be interrupted by a dark-haired girl at his side. "You''re the top student, aren''t you? From the second years? What''s your secret?" She asked eagerly. Another chimed in. "How do you manage to stay at the top? Do you have any tips for us first-years?" The questions came rapid-fire, and my patience, already thin, began to fray. I let them ramble for a moment before I cut in, my tone dripping with condescension. "Secret? Tips?" I repeated, scoffing. "Are you first-years always this naive, or is it just the lot of you? Here''s a tip: if you have to ask for secrets to sess, you''ve already failed." The sandy-haired boy stammered. "B-But¡ª" "But nothing..." I interrupted, waving a dismissive hand. "You''re wasting my time, and frankly, I have better things to do than entertain your inane questions. Now, leave." The group exchanged shocked nces, their earlier enthusiasm extinguished. Murmuring apologies, they shuffled away, leaving me in peace once again. A few momentster, Mari returned, a ss of red wine in one hand and a small te of cake in the other. She set the wine in front of me, then sat down, her movements careful and deliberate. She picked at the cake with a fork, taking small bites and chewing slowly. Her difort was palpable¡ªher shoulders stiff, her gaze darting around the room as though she expected someone to reprimand her. I watched her for a moment, the corner of my mouth twitching in vague amusement. "You look like a lost kitten. Have you never been to a party before?" Mari hesitated, lowering her fork. "No, I haven''t..." She admitted softly. "From a young age, I was trained to be a maid and assistant to noble families. I''ve never had the time or opportunity for things like this." I sipped my wine, considering her words. Typical. Another cog in the machine, molded by the expectations of nobility. Her nervous demeanor, however, was almost endearing in its simplicity. Before I could respond, I felt arms wrap around my shoulders from behind, the touch sudden and uninvited. The hands were soft, their skin cool and smooth, resting lightly on my chest. I froze, my grip tightening on the ss in my hand. As I turned my head slightly, a figure leaned forward, her heading into view. She had striking ck hair tied into two elegant ponytails at the sides, framing a delicate face. Her sses, perched perfectly on her nose, only entuated her sharp, captivating red eyes. Hershes were long, framing those eyes like dark curtains. Her lips curved into a yful smile as she tilted her head, meeting my gaze. "Why are you here?" I said, keeping my voice calm, disinterested, and every bit as arrogant as expected of me. "Shouldn''t you be with the other first years?" A soft, melodiousugh followed, warm yet sharp, as if teasing the very notion. "I didn''t want to be with the kids," she said, resting her chin lightly on my shoulder. "And besides, I wanted to see my lovely dove." So, she hade to the academy. I shifted slightly in my seat, careful to keep my expression neutral. This girl¡ªwas no mere acquaintance. I turned my gaze just enough to catch her face, framed by her striking ck hair, the ends curling delicately like ink bleeding into water. Her crimson eyes sparkled, like twin rubies alight with mischief. I hardly needed a reminder. She was etched in both my fragmented memories and the novel''s storyline. A quick use of my skill, [Character Catalogue], confirmed what I already knew. --- [Character Catalogue] Iris Von Star Age: 18 Importance: Major character in the storyline. --- The details filled my mind in a cascade, as if reciting the prose of her description. She was a duaghter of House Star, the second most prestigious family in the empire. Second only to the Ashbournes and a childhood friend of Noah. Her poise, her grace, her confidence¡ªall of it reflected the immense power and influence she wielded. Despite her noble upbringing, she bore no cruelty. She was a paradox, sweet and kind. More importantly, she was obsessed with me¡ªNoah Ashbourne. Or rather, the man she believed me to be. Chapter 163: Iris Star [2] ? Noah''s POV ? "I see you haven''t lost your dramatic ir." I said, brushing her arms off lightly. She withdrew, but not without letting her fingers trail across my shoulders in an almost yful manner. "I''m so d to see you, Noah." She replied, ignoring my tone entirely. Her smile was coy, her lips curving just slightly as if she knew something I didn''t. To anyone else, she might seem harmless, even endearing. But I knew better. She stood out as the only person who tolerated Noah''s venomous personality, even reveling in it. She didn''t care how despicable I acted. And why? Because of a prophecy. From what I recalled, the prophecy was vague, cryptic even, but Iris hadtched onto it with a fervor that bordered on religious devotion. It wasn''t just love. It was obsession. "You really dide to Ravenwood," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Of course I did... I''ve been dying to see you." Her words were light, yful, but her gaze carried an intensity that could burn. I leaned back in my chair, studying her. To add on Iris was also the strongest student in Ravenwood. A first-year, yes, but her entrance exam shattered records, cementing her as the most promising mage in decades. Many chalked it up to her age, but that wasn''t the case. Iris wasn''t merely older. She was gifted. A sixth-circle mage at 18, a feat most professors could only dream of. It wasn''t just talent¡ªit was terrifying. And, for better or worse, she was fixated on me. "Don''t you have better things to do than cling to me?" I said, injecting just enough derision into my tone to maintain my usual facade. Iris smirked, unfazed. "I do have other things to do. But none of them are as important as you." I scoffed, though inwardly, her words unsettled me. ording to my fragmented memories, Iris had always been this way. She was one of the few people who understood Noah. She never flinched at his barbed words or cruel games. She simply epted him as he was, never asking for anything in return. And yet, her devotion wasn''t entirely selfless. Iris was possessive. She didn''t just tolerate my arrogance¡ªshe embraced it. If anyone dared toy a finger on her beloved Noah, she would crush them without hesitation. "How''s the engagement going, my pretty boy?" She asked, her voice teasing butced with a hint of curiosity. I looked at her, but didn''t respond immediately. I didn''t want to. The words caught in my throat as I thought about it. Maya. The engagement that was supposed to be a political chess move, yet it felt like more of a shackle than a partnership. But Iris¡­ Iris would see through me if I said anything. She always did. I kept silent, not trusting myself to say what was really on my mind. She could probably tell anyway. Iris tilted her head, her lips curling into a knowing smile as if she had already figured it out. "It''s not working out, is it?" I could''ve snapped back with something sharp, something cutting, but I didn''t. I knew it wouldn''t help. Instead, I clenched my jaw, focusing on my hands resting on the table. She continued, as if reading my mind. "Is she giving you a hard time?" I still didn''t respond. I didn''t know what to say. Maya wasn''t the problem. I was. But I wasn''t about to admit that out loud. Iris, ever persistent, leaned closer, her eyes searching mine. "You''re not answering. Is it because you don''t care, or because you can''t tell me the truth?" I could feel the weight of her gaze pressing down on me. She was clever. Too clever. It was hard to hide anything from her. But I''d learned to be an expert at deflecting. "The engagement.." I finally said, forcing the words out. "...is nothing more than a political arrangement. You know how these things go." I didn''t look at her as I spoke, staring off at the distant horizon, my voice t. Iris'' smile didn''t waver, though I could see a glimmer of something else in her eyes now. "Ah, so it''s not her that''s the problem, is it?" I exhaled sharply, the words I didn''t want to say bubbling up in my chest, but I kept them buried. "Love''s never interested me." I said, my voice low and detached, hoping that would end the conversation. But Iris only smirked, her gaze softening just a little as she took a step closer. "Even so, Noah..." She murmured, her voice almost a whisper now. "...you''re meant to be mine." I felt the words echo in my chest, stirring something that had long been dormant. But I didn''t react, didn''t give her the satisfaction of a response. "Are you nning to hover around me all day?" I asked, lifting my ss of wine and taking a sip, the bitter liquid grounding me. "Only if you want me to." She tilted her head, her expression sweet yet teasing. Iris was an enigma. While most of the novel''s characters resented or feared Noah, she had always stood by him¡ªeven during his descent into viiny. She was there at the end, a constant, unwavering presence. "I''m impressed." She said suddenly, breaking my train of thought. "You''re still as insufferable as ever." "I aim to please." I replied dryly. Herugh was soft, melodic. "You know, you''re lucky I like you. Most people would''ve abandoned you by now." "Is that so?" "Mm-hmm." She leaned closer, her crimson eyes locking onto mine. "But I''m not most people." No, she wasn''t. She was Iris Von Star, the only person who could match my arrogance and not flinch. As much as I hated to admit it, her presence was oddlyforting. While everyone else despised me, Iris remained a constant, a tether to the chaotic world I now found myself in. "Well..." She said, straightening up. "I should let you get back to your brooding." "Good idea." I said, waving her off. But instead of leaving, she stepped closer, leaning down to press a light kiss on my forehead. "See you around, Noah." She said, her voice soft yet teasing. "And if you ever get lonely, feel free to invite me to your dorm. Anytime." She bit her index fingernail, a flirtatious gesture that only added to her mystique, before finally walking away. I watched her retreating figure, my ss of wine forgotten in my hand. My face felt warm, though I quickly med the alcohol. She was dangerous. Not just because of her power or her obsession, but because she saw through me. She understood me in a way no one else did, and that was terrifying. I sipped my wine, feeling a faint heat creep across my face. Reddening? Maybe. I brushed it off as the wine''s doing¡ªI''d had too much. But even as the liquid slid down my throat, a nagging thought lingered. The rtionships the original Noah had with the people in this world were...plicated. Fractured and tangled in ways that made it hard to tell ally from foe. I had his memories, sure, but they were iplete. As if someone had taken a knife and cut out the most important moments. Key events, pivotal turning points¡ªthey were just missing. That left me at a disadvantage. I needed to piece together the puzzle of these rtionships, understand the dynamics and the tensions, no matter how messy or ufortable they were. It wasn''t out of sentiment or some desire to fix the damage the original Noah had done. It was survival. If I was going to keep this facade intact, I needed to act exactly like the Noah they knew. The arrogant noble, the detested bastard, the man no one trusted. Anything less would draw suspicion. And suspicion was a luxury I couldn''t afford. Chapter 164: Caelan Draemyr The hallway leading to the main hall was dimly lit, with only the moonlight streaming in through tall, arched windows to illuminate the way. Princess ra Von Velden adjusted the hem of her long, crimson gown as she walked, her posture as regal as her lineage demanded. She was returning from the restroom to the grand after-party that was being held for the first-year students at Ravenwood Academy. As she turned a corner, her sharp senses picked up the faintest sound of footsteps behind her. In an instant, her instincts took over. Without a second thought, ra spun around, grabbed the arm of the shadowy figure behind her, and mmed him to the ground with surprising strength. Her knee pressed into the man''s back as she wrenched his arm behind him. Her free hand gripping the back of his head and forcing his face against the cold marble floor. "Why are you following me?" She hissed, her voice low and dangerous. The moonlight filtering through the window caught the fiery strands of her red hair, making her seem almost otherworldly. Her crimson eyes red down at the man, filled with malice. The middle-aged man groaned under her grip, wincing as his cheek scraped against the polished floor. "Your Highness, please¡ªwait! I''m not your enemy!" He choked out, raising a hand in surrender. ra pressed harder, her grip unwavering. "I don''t trust the words of someone sneaking around in the shadows." She said coldly. "Speak quickly, or I''ll have the guards deal with you." "I''m Professor Can Draemyr," the man gasped. "You might remember me¡­as Instructor Alric Draemyr from your swordsmanship lessons when you were a child." ra froze for a moment, her grip loosening just enough for the man to take a deep breath. The name rang a bell, but not in a way that evoked fond memories. Alric Draemyr¡ªthe brother of the man who was beheaded at the imperial pce. Her tension rose at the thought, and she pushed him harder into the floor. "Y-your brother killed my brother." Professor Draemyr remained silent for a moment, his face still pressed against the floor. Then, with measured calm, he said. "And yet, here I stand before you, Princess ra. Not as a man of the past, but as a professor here at Ravenwood Academy, ready to serve its students¡ªincluding you." ra''s grip ckened slightly, her mind racing. She studied his face, now turned toward her as much as her hold allowed. His expression was calm, respectful even, though there was a faint glint in his dark eyes that she didn''t trust. "Why are you really here?" She demanded. The professor slowly shifted, and ra let him up, though she didn''t let her guard down. Can ced a hand on his chest, bowing slightly in deference. "Your Highness, I merely heard that you came this way and thought it would be appropriate to wee you to Ravenwood personally. It is an honor to have a member of the royal family among the students." ra''s lips thinned. "Save your formalities... You could have greeted me at the party like everyone else." Can smirked faintly, his hand still over his chest. "Forgive me for myck of propriety, Princess. I simply wanted to express, in private, that whatever has transpired in the past does not need to dictate our interactions here at the academy. I hope there will be no ill will between us." ra''s crimson eyes narrowed. She knew better than to trust someone who was affiliated with the death of her elder brother. His brother''s betrayal had cost her family dearly, and she couldn''t believe for a second that this man didn''t share some of that treachery in his blood. "You expect me to believe that?" She said, her voice dripping with skepticism. "I expect nothing, Your Highness." He replied smoothly, bowing his head slightly. "But I am here as your instructor, nothing more. I have no intention of stirring up old wounds. My role is simply to teach." "You choice of words are something else... Of you don''t mind I''ll be heading back. " Can''s smirk widened ever so slightly, though he quickly masked it with a neutral expression. "As you wish, Princess ra... ...I wouldn''t dream of causing you any trouble." ra stepped back, crossing her arms as she watched him rise to his feet. His movements were deliberate and unhurried, as if he wasn''t at all fazed by her earlier assault. The faint smirk returned as he adjusted his jacket, his dark eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and something she couldn''t quite ce. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Your Highness." He said, inclining his head. "And please, do not hesitate to reach out if you ever need guidance in your studies¡ªor anything else." ra didn''t respond, her eyes narrowing as he turned and began walking away. She stood there for a moment, watching his retreating figure with a sense of unease. As she turned to head back to the party, she muttered to herself. "Why didn''t Leo tell me about this man being a professor here? If he knew¡­" *** Seated at an ornate table adorned with golden embroidery and fine white linen, Leo von Velden exuded a poised yet casual demeanor, sipping from a ss of deep red wine. His crimson eyes, sharp and calcting, observed the room with the detached interest of someone who had seen far too many such gatherings. His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden approach of a guard d in discreet yet polished armor, the royal crest gleaming faintly under the chandeliers. The man leaned down and whispered something into Leo''s ear. Leo ced his ss on the table and leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming against the armrest as a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "So," he said softly, his voice carrying an edge of curiosity, "my sister met Can..." The guard straightened, his expression impassive but tinged with a flicker of apprehension under the prince''s gaze. Leo gesturedzily with his hand. "Details. Spare nothing." The guard cleared his throat quietly, then spoke in measured tones. "As per your request, Your Highness, I kept a close eye on Can. He did indeed cross paths with the Princess earlier this evening. Their interaction was brief, and I couldn''t overhear the specifics of their conversation." Leo raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading into a more contemtive expression. "Go on." "Your sister appeared to be the one who initiated physical contact¡ª" "She attacked him?" Leo interjected, his voice a mixture of amusement and disbelief. "Yes, Your Highness. Though it seemed... reasonable given the context..." The guard exined hastily. "Can appeared to be following her through the east corridor of the hall. The Princess likely felt threatened and acted ordingly. However, I should note that Can did not show any signs of hostility or aggression toward her. If anything, he seemed calm during the exchange." Leo tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Calm, you say? That doesn''t quite fit his usual antics. And my dear sister¡ªever the fiery one, isn''t she? Always acting first and thinkingter." The guard remained silent, waiting for the prince''s response. "Interesting." Leo muttered to himself, then directed his attention back to the guard. "Continue updating me on both of them. I want to know everything¡ªwhere he goes, who he meets, and especially if he crosses paths with my sister again. If there''s even a whisper of danger, I expect you to act swiftly." The guard bowed his head. "Understood, Your Highness." As the guard withdrew, Leo leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and sping his hands together. His crimson eyes gleamed with an unreadable intensity as he considered the implications of the interaction. "Can, Can, Can..." He mused under his breath, a wry smile curving his lips. "What game are you ying this time? Whatever it is, I''ll make sure you don''t step out of line." He sighed, picking up his winess again. The rich liquid swirled gently, mirroring the turbulence of his thoughts Despite his rxed posture, Leo''s mind raced with strategies and contingencies. Though he trusted his sister''s strength and fiery temperament, the fact that Can had been near her at all left a sour taste in his mouth. Can was an enigma¡ªa wildcard whose motivations were difficult to discern. That made him dangerous, and Leo couldn''t afford to let someone like that wander unchecked near his family. The soft clink of crystal sses echoed in thevish banquet hall as Leopold sipped his wine leisurely. Yet his sharp ears caught the sudden rise inmotion. A loud, indignant voice cut through the ambient noise. "Is there something wrong with your eyes?" Leopold arched a curious brow and turned his gaze toward the source of the disturbance. His crimson eyes sparkled with intrigue as he observed the scene unfolding near the refreshment table. ra, her elegant gown soaked in deep red wine. The shattered remains of a ss glittered at her feet like fallen stars. Opposite her, equally drenched and clearly fuming, stood Noah Ashbourne. His wet hair clung to his forehead, his tailored suit now stained with the same wine. His piercing gaze locked onto ra, his expression a mixture of disdain and barely restrained fury. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the spectacle, tension thick in the air. Seated at a distance, Leopold couldn''t help but smile. His gloved hand moved gracefully, cing his half-empty ss on the table beside him. Then, with a slight tilt of his head, he rested his white-gloved hand against his cheek, the epitome of rxed amusement. Chapter 165: Youve Got To Be Kidding Me... ? Noah''s POV ? Normally, I wouldn''t have bothered showing up at something so utterly beneath me. But the prospect of free wine made it worth the effort. Besides, appearances had to be kept. My reputation as the academy''s infamous viin wouldn''t sustain itself if I kept lurking in the shadows. I was making my way to the refreshments table, mentally cursing how crowded the hall was, when disaster struck. Just as I grabbed a ss of the finest red wine they had to offer, someone collided into me. The ss tumbled from my hand, and the crimson liquid sshed all over my meticulously tailored coat¡ªand the equally exquisite dress of the person I had bumped into. I froze. My heart dropped into my stomach. Oh no. Not her. Anyone but her. Standing before me, drenched in wine, was none other than Princess ra Velden, the second-born of the Imperial Family. Her red hair glistened under the chandeliers, and her crimson eyes burned with barely concealed annoyance. The sheer absurdity of the situation made me want to scream, but I had to stay in character. This was an opportunity I couldn''t afford to squander. ''...shit I''m going to hate myself for this... '' I forced myself to do what needed to be done. "Is there something wrong with your eyes?!" I snapped, channeling every ounce of my haughty arrogance. Her expression shifted instantly. Annoyance turned to surprise, then indignation. "Excuse me?" She said, her voiceced with both irritation and a measure of royal authority. "Are you deaf now too?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "I said: is there something wrong with your eyes? Or do you enjoy walking straight into people for fun?" The room went silent Everyone within earshot turned to stare, their jaws practically hitting the floor. Insulting anyone of noble blood was one thing, but royalty? This was a death wish. ''Fuck... I''m screwed... '' ra''s cheeks flushed, though whether from anger or embarrassment, I couldn''t tell. "I don''t think you''re in any position to talk about eyes when you''re the one who wasn''t paying attention." She shot back, folding her arms. Her tone was sharp but carried an almost yful edge, as if daring me to continue. I inwardly groaned. This is going to be harder than I thought. "I wasn''t paying attention?" Iughed mockingly. "I was standing still. You, on the other hand, stormed in here like you owned the ce." [+10 False Evil Points: Insulting a princess'' intelligence] [+15 False Evil Points: Questioning royal judgment] [+20 False Evil Points: Publicly shaming royalty] [+50 False Evil Points: Escting an argument with a royal figure] This was too good to be true. I doubled down. "And now you''re making excuses. Honestly, Princess, if you can''t even see where you''re going, perhaps the Empire should invest in a cane for you. Who knows, maybe it''ll save us all from your blind rampages." Her eyes widened, and her lips parted in a small ggasp Around us, the murmur of shocked whispers grew louder. The system chimed again. [+75 False Evil Points: using royalty of disability in public (DIABOLICAL!)] The guards stationed nearby weren''t as amused. They began closing in, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. "You dare speak to Her Highness in such a manner?!" One of them growled. "Dare?" I said with a smirk, turning my attention to the guards. "If you ask me, you should be questioning why she''s causing chaos at a party meant to honor students. Then again, I suppose that''s beyond your abilities." [+30 False Evil Points: Insulting the Imperial Guard] "You insolent¡ª" One of the guards began, stepping closer. "Enough!" A voice called out, cutting through the tension like a de. Everyone turned to see Prince Leopold Velden, the third prince and ra''s brother, striding toward us with his usual unppable demeanor. His golden hair gleamed under the lights, and his crimson eyes held a glint of amusement. "Leo¡ª" ra began, but he raised a hand to silence her. "I think you''ll find that, for once, Mr. Ashbourne isn''t entirely in the wrong." Leopold said, ncing at me with a faint smile. "My dear sister does have a tendency to get... distracted." I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from sighing in relief. Leopold was an enigma, but at least he wasn''t going to let his sister''s tempernd me in a dungeon. "However..." Leopold continued. "Perhaps you could have handled this with a bit more grace, Noah." "If you want grace, Your Highness, I suggest you look elsewhere. I''ve had enough of this damn party." Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and stormed out, my wine-stained coat billowing behind me. Inwardly, I was sweating bullets. If I had overstepped even slightly, my head could''ve been decorating a spike by sunrise. Yet, somehow, I had not only survived but managed to earn a whopping 200 False Evil Points. The system chimed again, this time in a mocking tone. [+200 Total False Evil Points: Publicly humiliating royalty] [Congrattions, Noah! You''ve officially outdone yourself. Who knew you''d be brave¡ªor stupid¡ªenough to insult the Imperial Family?] "Shut up," I muttered under my breath. The system didn''t stop. Instead, it hit me with a side quest notification. [Side Quest Unlocked: Ask the Princess out and get rejected] [Reward: +1000 Plot Points] I stopped in my tracks, staring at the notification in disbelief. "You''ve got to be kidding me," I hissed. "Master Noah?" A familiar voice called out. Mari, my maid, appeared at my side, her expression a mixture of concern and irritation. "What happened? Why are you covered in wine?" "Don''t ask," I said curtly. "We''re leaving. Now." She opened her mouth to protest but wisely shut it when she saw the look on my face. Together, we made our way back to Silvercrest Hall. The entire walk, I couldn''t shake the system''s mockingughter from my mind. As soon as I was back in the safety of my room, I copsed onto the nearest chair and let out a long, frustrated sigh. "What the hell have I gotten myself into?" I buried my face in my hands. Somehow, I believed it. *** ? Maya''s POV ? The sound of the water hitting the ceramic floor was steady and unrelenting, filling the air with a rhythmic patter. I stood under the showerhead, letting the warm spray cascade over me, my gaze fixed on the floor. My thoughts, however, were far from the tranquility of the moment. The first-year party. The memory yed in my mind like a persistent loop, a scene I couldn''t quite shake. I was sat, a safe distance from most of the mingling crowd, when I caught sight of Noah. He was seated off to the side, his posture as rxed and arrogant as ever, as if the party existed solely to amuse him. And then she approached him. ck hair cascading down her back, red eyes that seemed to pierce through everything around her, and an air of elegance that could only belong to someone of noble blood. I didn''t need anyone to introduce her to me; I already knew who she was. Iris Star. The only daughter of House Star¡ªa name whispered with reverence and awe, even among nobles. But that wasn''t why she caught my attention. No, it was because I knew what could have been. Before the political arrangement that bound me to Noah, it was her. Supposedly I had heard that Noah and Iris were supposed to be engaged. The thought made me grip my arms tightly. The water streaming over me unable to wash away the unease building in my chest. I could still see her, standing behind him at the party. Leaning over just enough to invade his space as they spoke. Her hand brushed his shoulder casually, her posture conveying a level of intimacy I didn''t want to acknowledge. And Noah? His eyes weren''t filled with his usual disdain or indifference. They were fixed on her, intent and unyielding, as if she were the only thing in the room worth his attention. A strange, unfamiliar sensation churned in my stomach. I hated how her presence lingered in my mind. How that image of them together made me feel... less. Less than her. Less than enough. But why? Why did I care? I shook my head, willing the thought away. "Why would I care anyway?" I muttered under my breath, the sound swallowed by the steady stream of water. "Noah is vile. A despicable man And I do want to get rid of him as my fianc¨¦pletely." The words felt hollow, even as I said them aloud. Determined to snap myself out of this ridiculous spiral, I reached for the herbal shampoo bottle on the shelf. In my haste, my hand knocked it over, sending it tumbling onto my head with an audible thunk. "Ah! Ouch!" I eximed, rubbing the sore spot as the bottle rolled to the floor. The sting of embarrassment and pain only made me more annoyed at myself. I let out a frustrated sigh. But as the ache in my head faded, my mood drifted back to him. Back to his expression at the party, to the way he looked at Iris. Why was it bothering me so much? "Sigh... " Chapter 166: Nothing But Pain [1] ? Noah''s POV ? The trek to the special training rooms was nothing short of a reminder of how much I despised my system''s twisted sense of humor. Asking the princess out? It was a side quest, one I would have happily ignored if it weren''t for the reward. [1000 Plot Points] I could practically feel the system mocking me. Dangling the reward like a carrot in front of a mule. This was Princess ra Velden we were talking about¡ªsecond in line to the empire''s throne, a prodigious swordswoman, and someone who didn''t exactly view me in high regard. The idea of her epting my invitation was as likely as the sun setting in the north. But that wasn''t the point. The system didn''t care about my dignity, only its twisted form of entertainment. The sound of shing steel echoed down the hall as I approached the training grounds. The doors opened to reveal ra, her movements sharp and precise as she sparred against a training dummy. Her ree hair was tied into a high ponytail, and her crimson eyes glinted with intensity. She swung her sword in a graceful arc. The wooden de meeting the dummy''s neck with a satisfying crack. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the inevitable humiliation. As I stepped into the room, ra nced at me briefly before resuming her practice. As if I were just another piece of furniture. "Princess ra..." I began, keeping my tone as formal as possible. She didn''t even bother looking at me. "What do you want, Ashbourne?" Her voice was curt,ced with mild annoyance. "I¡ª" Before I could finish, she spun on her heel, her sword swinging in a wide arc. I barely managed to dodge, but the de smacked the back of my hand. The sting was sharp, and I hissed, clutching my hand. "Watch where you''re standing," she said,pletely unapologetic. "You deserved that either way..." "Of course, I did..." I muttered under my breath, more to myself than to her. Regaining myposure, I reached into my coat pocket and retrieved the envelope, my fingers brushing against the embossed seal. ra stopped mid-swing, eyeing me with suspicion. "What''s that?" I held it out to her without a word. She narrowed her eyes before snatching it from my hand. She tore it open with an air of impatience, her brows furrowing as she read the contents. I watched her expression shift from confusion to disbelief to thinly veiled irritation. When she finished, she folded the letter neatly and handed it back to me. "No," she said firmly. "Understood." I nodded, pocketing the letter without another word. ra stared at me for a moment, her crimson eyes searching mine, perhaps for a hint of mockery or a hidden agenda. When she found nothing, she scoffed lightly and turned back to her training. As I walked away, the system chimed in with its signature overly cheerful tone. [Congrattions! Questplete. 1000 Plot Points awarded] [By the way, watching you get smacked was the highlight of my day. Keep up the good work, partner! ^o^] I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, a faint smirk tugging at my lips despite myself. For all its torment, the system''s reward was worth the humiliation. That was one step closer to my goals, even if it came at the expense of my pride. As I left the training grounds, the sounds of ra''s de echoed behind me. *** The morning air was heavy, a silent weight pressing on my chest as I made my way to Magic Engineering ss. The academy felt like I was walking through a storm of muted noise and blurred faces. My destination was clear, though my mind was anything but. Professor Sharon had announced earlier that we''d be resuming our group projects¡ªthose same groups of two from before the exams. That meant Maya. I entered the ssroom and immediately spotted her, already seated at the table we always used. She nced up as I approached, her dark eyes catching the light. "G-Good morning, Noah..." She said softly, almost tentatively. I offered a curt nod, not even bothering to meet her gaze. My chair screeched against the floor as I pulled it out, sitting down with all the grace of a disgruntled noble. "I''ll write the report..." I announced, my tone sharp, dismissive. "That way, I participate, and we don''t lose marks. Can''t have you dragging my name down." Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she gave a small nod, saying nothing. She wasn''t arguing¡ªshe rarely did¡ªbut something about her silence felt different today. She looked... off. Her skin seemed paler, her shoulders tense. I noticed her hands resting on the table, fingers loosely sped, but there was a subtle tremor in them. I hated myself for noticing. I took out a pen and began scribbling notes, ignoring the way my heart twisted. The silence between us grew heavier, almost suffocating, until Maya''s voice broke through. "Who is she to you?" I froze, my pen hovering mid-word. I didn''t need to ask who she meant¡ªher tone made it clear. She was talking about Iris. The party. The fleeting interaction that had been nothing more than a calcted move on my part, though apparently it hadn''t appeared that way to her. I turned my head slightly, just enough to nce at her out of the corner of my eye. "What does it matter?" I asked, my voice cool and biting. "Even if Iris and I are closer than you think, what''s it to you?" Her eyes widened slightly, but she didn''t look away. Her voice was quieter now, barely audible. "She seemed important to you... I just¡ª" "Stop." I interrupted, my words cutting through the air like a de. "You''re my fianc¨¦e, yes, but don''t let that title go to your head. You''re just a seal to a political agreement. Nothing more." Her lips parted, but no words came out. The hurt in her expression was so raw, so palpable, that it made my stomachhurn I should have stopped there, but I didn''t. I couldn''t. "Don''t fool yourself into thinking you matter more than that." I continued, each wordced with malice I didn''t fully mean. "This isn''t some fairy tale where we fall madly in love. You''re convenient, Maya. That''s all. If Iris or anyone else caught my eye, it wouldn''t concern you." She flinched as if I''d struck her. The air between us felt like it had been sucked out of the room, leaving behind an oppressive void. I looked back down at the report, my pen moving almost mechanically, though the words blurred before my eyes. "Y-You promised..." She whispered suddenly. I stopped writing, my grip on the pen tightening. "You promised you''d always be by my side..." She said again, her voice trembling. Slowly, she looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Remember?..." Something in me cracked. My hand trembled as I set the pen down, the weight of her words pressing on me like a boulder. The memory she referenced wasn''t mine. It belonged to the original Noah, the despicable man whose body I now inhabited. Yet, in this moment, it felt like my sin, my failure. I stared at her, at the way her hands clutched her skirt so tightly that the fabric bunched, revealing a sliver of her thighs. Her entire frame seemed to quake, and I hated myself. Hated him. Hated the role I was forced to y. Without thinking, I reached out and pulled her into my arms. She stiffened at first, but then her head sank against my chest, and I could feel the tremors of her sobs. ''What did you do to this woman, Noah?'' I thought bitterly, addressing the man I had reced. ''How could you leave me to clean up your mess? This... this wasn''t supposed to happen.'' Her heart pounded against mine, each beat a painful reminder of the hurt I''d inflicted moments ago. My own chest ached¡ªnot from guilt, though it was there¡ªbut from a searing, unnatural painI It started as a dull throb, then quickly escted into a fiery agony that nearly brought me to my knees. My vision blurred, and I bit back a groan, clutching her tighter as the system''s interface flickered before my eyes. [Penalty activated! ] [Life force decreased: 7 days, 14 hours, 32 minutes, 18 seconds] [Additional penalty pending] The words burned into my mind, but I didn''t care. Not this time. The pain coursed through me, relentless and unyielding, but I didn''t let go. If anything, I held onto her more firmly, as if anchoring myself to her would make it more bearable. Her shaking began to subside, but mine only grew worse. ''I''m sorry...'' I thought, though the words remained trapped in my mind. ''I''m sorry for everything, Maya. For what I said, for what he did, for what I am You''re not just a seal to some agreement. I know that. I''ve always known that.'' Her warmth, her fragility, her pain¡ªthey all felt too real, too heavy. The weight of them crushed me more than any penalty the system could impose. I deserved this pain. Every second of it. Eventually, she pulled back slightly, her eyes still watery but no longer spilling over. "Why..." She began, her voice breaking. "Why do you do this?" I couldn''t answer. My throat felt like it had closed up, and for once, I didn''t have the strength to put on the mask. She wiped at her face, her fingers brushing away tears that hadn''t quite fallen. Her words stabbed deeper than any insult could. She stood then, her movements slow and deliberate, as if every step took effort. I was unable to speak, and watched as she walked away. Her figure growing smaller with each step until she disappeared through the ssroom door. The silence she left behind was deafening. I sat there, staring nkly at the half-written report in front of me, the pen still clutched in my hand. My chest throbbed¡ªnot from the penalty, though it lingered¡ªbut from the hollow ache of everything I''d just done. "Why do you do this, Noah?" I repeated her words in my mind, the question echoing like a haunting refrain. The answer eluded me. Or maybe I was too much of a coward to face it. Chapter 167: Nothing But Pain [2] The moon hung high above Ravenwood Academy. Casting silver streaks of light over the secluded courtyard hidden behind the east wing. This corner of the academy grounds was known to few¡ªovergrown hedges and towering trees concealed its existence. Tonight, it was the perfect location for a deal that no one could afford to witness. Can Draemyr, d in his signature ck cloak, leaned against a stone pir, his crimson eyes flickering in the moonlight. His breathing was steady, but his mind churned with anticipation. The faint sound of footsteps grew louder, and soon, a man emerged from the shadows, a bup sack slung over his shoulder. The merchant, dressed in a tattered brown coat, had the air of someone who operated on the fringes of society. His eyes darted around nervously, the dim light catching the beads of sweat forming on his brow. "You''rete..." Can remarked, his voice low and sharp. The merchant flinched but quicklyposed himself. "Forgive me, Lord Draemyr. These items¡­ they take time to acquire. You don''t just stumble upon a grade five artifact every day." Can stepped forward, his boots crunching softly against the gravel. "You have what I asked for?" The merchant hesitated, then nodded, pulling the sack off his shoulder and carefully untying the string. From within, he produced a small, ornate box made of ebony wood and engraved with faintly glowing crimson runes. The air seemed to grow colder as the artifact was revealed, the runes pulsating like a heartbeat. "This," the merchant began, holding the box as if it were a newborn child, "is the artifact you requested. Grade five, as per your specifications. One use only, but¡­ its effects are unparalleled." Can''s eyes locked onto the box. "Exin its workings." The merchant opened the box, revealing a ck stone amulet nestled in velvet. The amulet emanated a faint, eerie hum, as though it were alive. "This amulet," the merchant continued, "is infused with ancient necromantic energy. Once activated, it calls upon the dead, binding dark spirits to torment your chosen target. The curse is inescapable; the spirits will haunt their every moment, driving them to madness..." He grinned slyly, his yellowed teeth catching the light. Can reached for the box, but the merchant pulled it back slightly. "Payment first..." He said, his voice trembling but resolute. Can smirked, pulling a pouch of gold coins from his cloak and tossing it to the merchant. "Half now," he said coldly. "You''ll get the rest when I see that it works." The merchant hesitated but eventually handed over the box. "This is dangerous magic, Lord Draemyr. Be sure you know what you''re doing." Can inspected the amulet, feeling its dark energy pulse against his skin. A flicker of satisfaction crossed his face. "That''s none of your concern." The merchant''s eyes narrowed. "You should be careful, though. These things have a way of¡­ backfiring if misused." Can''s gaze snapped to the merchant, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "Are you trying to warn me?" His voice carried a menacing edge. The merchant raised his hands defensively. "No, no, of course not! Just¡­ a word of caution." Satisfied, Can slipped the amulet back into the box and secured it within his cloak. "Your caution is noted... Now leave before I decide you''re no longer useful." The merchant hurriedly gathered his belongings, his footsteps fading into the night as he disappeared into the shadows. Left alone in the courtyard, Can turned the box over in his hands. His thoughts dark and deliberate. The amulet would be the key to his revenge, but the n required precision. He couldn''t afford any mistakes. Revenge would be sweet. The amulet would ensure that. His thoughts shifted to Leo, the third prince and her ever-vignt protector. Leo''s words echoed in his mind, a stern warning that had left a bitter taste in Can''s mouth. "If you darey a finger on my sister..." Leo had said, his tone deadly serious "...you''ll wish you''d never been born." Can scoffed at the memory. "Empty threats." He muttered But deep down, he knew that Leo was a formidable opponent. The prince''s influence and resources could make thingsplicated, which was why Can needed to deal with him first. --- Mayas maid, Grace, hurried down the hall with a steady but growing unease tightening in her chest. She waste. Maya had asked her to Come earlier to help prepare for the week ahead. Her footsteps echoed through the corridor of the pristine dormitory, and as she approached Maya''s door. She hesitated. Something was off. The air felt heavy, and when she ced her hand on the doorknob, it was ice cold. Steeling herself, she turned the handle and pushed the door open. ck blood stained the floor in grotesque smears. Dripping from the overturned table and pooling beneath broken ss and shattered flowerpots. Books were scattered across the floor, their pages crumpled and stained. The air was pungent with the metallic tang of the dark ichor. And there, amidst the wreckage, was Maya. Grace''s stomach churned as she rushed forward. Maya was on the floor, coughing violently, her body convulsing with each hack. ck blood trickled from her lips, staining her face and clothing. Her usually vibrant aura was dimmed, and her breaths came inbored gasps. "Maya!" Grace eximed, dropping to her knees beside her mistress. "No, no, not again." Maya weakly raised her head, her bloodshot eyes meeting Grace''s. She tried to smile, but it only made her cough harder. L knew exactly what was happening. The curse. The one Maya had been carrying for years, eating away at her from the inside. Despite being a saintess of the Holy Saint Eldred Church, Maya bore a demonic curse that attacked her life force and periodically left her in this state. Few knew of this secret Only a handful of trusted individuals in the Brenthall family and church were aware, and Grace was one of them She had been entrusted with Maya''s care by none other than Maya''s mother, Elizabeth Brenthall. "Nobody must know." Elizabeth had said. "A noble bearing such a curse.. it would ruin her entirely. And so, Maya carried this burden in silence, refusing to tell anyone, even the man she was reluctantly engaged to. Grace''s hands trembled as she brushed Maya''s blood-soa ked hair away from her face. "Why didnt you call for me earlier? Why do you always push yourself like this?" Maya coughed again but managed a rasped reply. "Its.. nothing." "Nothing? Look around you! Grace gestured to the chaos surrounding them, her voice breaking. "You''re killing yourself trying to handle this alone. You can''t keep doing this!" Grace bit her lip to stifle her tears as she moved to grab the emergency kit she always kept nearby. She had memorized the steps to subside the effects of the curse long ago. Pulling out holy artifacts and a collection of ingredients, she began her work. "Stay still" She instructed, her voice soft but firm. Mayaplied, her eyes half-lidded as exhaustion overtook her. Grace worked quickly, blending the sacred herbs into a steaming tea. The smell was bitter and earthy, but it had always been effective at stabilizing Maya''s condition for a few days. As she held the cup to Maya''s lips, her frustration bubbled over. "Why do you insist on carrying this burden alone? You''re not invincible, Maya..." Maya sipped the tea slowly, her trembling hands brushing against L''s. Once she had taken enough, she leaned back against the wall, her breathing slightly steadie. "You know what he said to me?" Maya whispered suddenly, her voice hollow. Grace frowned, unsure if she should ask. "Who?" Maya''s gaze dropped. "Noah... He said, I''m just a seal deal." Grace''s heart ached at the defeated tone in Maya''s voice. She knew the engagement to Noah Ashbourne was nothing more than a political arrangement. But hearing it stated so callously...it hurt. Grace wanted to pry further, but the situation wasn''t right. Maya was too weak, and thest thing she needed was to dwell on Noah''s indifference. Instead, L redirected her frustration "You shouldn''t let people like him get under your skin." Grace said her voice gentler now. "You''re better than that. But you won''t prove it if you let yourself fall apart like this." Maya chuckled weakly, though it turned into another coughing fit. "You sound Iike my mother." "Well someone has to knock sense into you. " Grace retorted, a tear slipping down her cheek as she fussed over Maya like an older sister. "If not for yourself, then for her. She entrusted me with your care, Maya. Do you think I can face her if something happens to you?" Maya didn''t reply, but her silence spoke volumes. --- For the next few days, Maya was excused from sses under the guise of a minor illness. Only L and Professor Sharon, one of the few at Ravenwood aware of her condition, knew the truth. They framed her absence carefully, ensuring no suspicion would arise. During this time, Maya remained in her dorm, recovering slowly. L stayed by her side, preparing meals, ensuring she rested, and scolding her whenever she tried to overexert herself. Maya spent most of her time reading, though her thoughts often wandered. She had believed, for a fleeting moment, that Noah might be capable of change. The brief hug he had given her during their group work had felt genuine. For once, he hadn''t been cruel. But maybe that had just been wishful thinking. She sighed, cing her book down and staring out the window. "It was stupid of me to think like that..." It was on the third day of her recovery when Maya heard of the incident. That the second-year top student''s dorm room...went up in mes Maya''s blood ran cold. And most importantly news that made her heart sink deeper than it usually was. Noah Ashbourne had gone missing. For all his ws, for all the frustration and bitterness she felt toward him. The thought of him gone was something she wasn''t prepared for. She gripped the edge of her bed. Her breathing unsteady as a single thought consumed her. Why did it feel like the world was copsing all over again? Chapter 168: Build Up [1] The night was quiet. The soft hum of crickets harmonizing with the gentle rustle of leaves in the nearby garden. Under the glow of a dim streetlight near the pristine white tables and chairs of Silvercrest Hall''s garden, Prince Leo sat. His usualposed smile gracing his face. Across the streetlight''s path emerged a figure nked by two other men. He was dressed in an impably tailored noble suit that contrasted sharply with his sharp, calcting gaze. Can Draemyr, a professor at Ravenwood, approached with measured steps. His eyes scanned the scene, noting the prince''s rxed posture. Though he knew better than to let appearances deceive him. "Your Highness." Can greeted, bowing slightly. "To what do I owe the honor of this meeting at such an hour?" Leo gestured toward the seat across from him, his smile widening, though it didn''t reach his eyes. "Sit, Professor Draemyr. Let''s have a little chat." Can hesitated butplied, settling into the chair. The tension in the air was palpable. The guards behind Leo standing silent and unmoving like statues. "I thought we agreed..." Leo began, his tone light butced with an edge. "...that you wouldn''t engage in anything¡­ suspicious." Can''s lips pressed into a thin line. "Suspicious? I''m afraid I don''t follow, Your Highness." Leo leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly against the pristine white table. "Come now, Professor.... Thanks to the eyes I have around the academy, I''ve heard some rather curious reports. For instance¡­" He leaned forward slightly, his red eyes gleaming in the dim light. "You were seen with a merchant recently. A peculiar merchant who handed you something." Can cursed inwardly. ''This brat really has eyes everywhere.'' He forced a calm expression and met Leo''s gaze. "Your Highness..." He said smoothly. "...our agreement was clear. I promised not to cause trouble for the princess, and I have upheld that promise. As for my dealings, they are purely professional. A professor at Ravenwood must asionally procure materials for research or other academic purposes. Surely you wouldn''t find fault in that?" Leo''s smile remained, but the atmosphere around him shifted. The light-hearted fa?ade began to crack as he leaned forward even more, his fingers gripping the edge of the table. "Don''t y coy with me, Professor." He said, his voice dropping an octave. "Just because you''re a professor doesn''t mean you''re untouchable. If I so much as suspect that you''re plotting something¡ªanything¡ªagainst my sister¡­" He moved swiftly, his hand shooting across the table to grip Can''s arm. The professor stiffened as Leo''s fingers dug into his sleeve. And the faint glow of red began to radiate from the prince''s palm. The heat was subtle at first. But it quickly intensified, burning through the fabric and searing into Can''s skin. Leo''s voice was sharp, bitter. "You will regret it. I don''t care who you think you are or what strings you think you can pull. If you dare to involve her¡ªever¡ªI''ll see to it that your name is erased from history." Can''s jaw tightened as he felt the burning sensation travel up his arm. Despite the pain, he refused to flinch, ring at Leo with defiance. "Your Highness..." He said through gritted teeth. "...with all due respect, I am loyal to the crown and to Ravenwood. You might want to be careful about making baseless usations." Leo held his gaze for a moment longer before abruptly letting go, the heat dissipating. He leaned back into his chair, hisposure returning as if nothing had happened. "Baseless, is it?" Leo said with a mocking smile. "Perhaps. But I''ve found it''s better to act preemptively. Don''t you agree?" Can rubbed his arm discreetly, his skin still stinging from the prince''s grip. "Preemptive actions can often lead to unintended consequences, Your Highness." He replied, his tone measured. "Take, for instance, a story of a kingdom at war. A single decision, rash and unchecked, could lead to ships burned in the harbor, towers crumbling to the ground, and a king''s castle reduced to rubble. All of it¡­ gone in a single, decisive.... Boom!" Leo narrowed his eyes. "Are you threatening me, Professor?" Can chuckled lightly, his expression calm but his words carrying a hidden edge. "Not at all, Your Highness. Merely speaking of the dangers of acting without certainty." Just as the words left his lips, a deafening explosion tore through the air. Both guards froze, their heads snapping toward the direction of Silvercrest Hall. In the distance, mes erupted from one wing of the building, the fiery glow casting an ominous light across the garden. The sound of shattering ss and crumbling stone echoed through the night. Leo shot to his feet, his heart pounding. His mind raced, and one thought consumed him. ''Her room.'' Can leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. A faint, smug smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he watched the chaos unfold. Leo turned to him, his red eyes zing with fury. "What did you do?" --- ra, the daughter of the Velden Royal Family, sat gracefully before an expansive mirror. Her fiery red hair cascading over her shoulders. Behind her stood a maid, deftly running a brush through her silken locks. "You look stunning, Your Highness." The maid said, her voice soft but tinged with admiration. ra smiled faintly at her reflection, her sharp red eyes betraying little emotion. "You always say that, Fiona. You''ll make me believe it one day." Fiona chuckled as she continued brushing. "One doesn''t have to believe what''s inly true. Every strand of your hair is perfect, just like your position in life." ra gave a halfugh, shaking her head. "Perfect? Hardly. But thank you for trying to brighten my night." The princess''s gaze shifted downward for a moment before she spoke again. "Fiona, do you remember when that illegitimate son of the Ashbourne family... when he sent me that ridiculous letter?" Fiona paused for a moment, considering. "Yes, I do recall. He asked you out, didn''t he?" ra smirked, a mix of amusement and disbelief ying on her face. "That''s right. He handed me a letter, bold as anything, asking me to go out with him. When I refused, he simply... epted it. No groveling, noints. Just a in ''I understand.'' Isn''t that strange?" Fiona nodded, her hands never faltering in their rhythmic brushing. "Very strange, indeed. Most nobles would have either pressed on or tried to make a scene But I suppose Noah Ashbourne has always been... different." "Different..." ra repeated, almost as if testing the word. "I''ve heard the rumors about him, you know. How he acts without a shred of thought at times, yet at others, he''s supposedly scheming in ways no one can predict. He''s...plicated." Fiona snorted lightly, something she rarely allowed herself in the presence of her mistress. "Complicated isn''t the word I''d use, Your Highness. Disgusting, perhaps Someone like him doesn''t deserve to even stand in your shadow, let alone make such a bold request." ra leaned back slightly, her posture rxed. "Disgusting or not, I hardly care. The boy is irrelevant to me. For now, all I care about is surpassing Leo and proving myself capable of taking the Blessed Sage title. Once I be student council president, I''ll be one step closer to leaving his achievements in the dust." Fiona set the brush aside and ced her hands on ra''s shoulders, meeting her eyes in the mirror. "You will surpass him, Your Highness. There''s no doubt in my mind. And when you do, it''ll be your name that resonates throughout the empire, not his." ra smiled softly. "Thank you, Fiona. Truly." The moment was interrupted by a sudden realization. ra snapped upright, her expression briefly one of panic. "My mother''s amulet! I haven''t put it on!" ra''s eyes widened slightly as ra continued. "Ipletely forgot. I can''t sleep without it. What was I thinking?" "Don''t worry, Your Highness. I''ll fetch it for you." Fiona moved swiftly to acquered drawer on the far side of the room. Opening it carefully, she retrieved a small red box with golden trim. Returning to ra, she opened the box to reveal a delicate golden ne adorned with an intricately designed amulet. ra lowered her head as Fiona gently ced the amulet around her neck, sping it securely. The princess let out a soft breath of relief, her hands brushing over the pendant. "Much better," she murmured. As Fiona adjusted the ne, she nced toward the mirror. For the briefest moment, a strange grin flickered across her face, sharp and unnatural. Before vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. When ra raised her gaze to meet Fiona''s in the mirror, the maid''s expression was serene andposed once more. "You look as radiant as ever, Your Highness," ra said, stepping back. "Now, you should rest. Tomorrow is another important day." ra nodded but didn''t immediately rise from her seat. The room was quiet save for the faint sound of the wind brushing against the windows. The amulet glowed faintly, a tendril of ck and red aura slipping from its edges before dissipating into the air. ra didn''t seem to notice, her focus still on her reflection. But Fiona''s eyes lingered on the pendant for a moment longer. "Goodnight, Your Highness." Fiona said, bowing slightly before retreating toward the door. Chapter 169: Build Up [2] Iris Star had always been peculiar. And she wore that identity like a badge of honor. Her fascination with butterflies began at a tender age. But it wasn''t with the delicate,monce ones that children often chased in meadows. No, Iris was drawn to something far rarer, far more dangerous. A species known as Crimson Helios. These butterflies, with their blood-red wings streaked with iridescent ck, were both mesmerizing and deadly. Their mere presence could paralyze weaker creatures. Their touch capable of spreading a venom that could incapacitate a fully grown beast. Most people recoiled at the sight of her tending to these creatures. Branding her a strange girl obsessed with something that could kill. But Noah Ashbourne was different. Noah hade to live at the Star estate when both were still children. A temporary arrangement while his family handled pressing matters in the capital. Is what her father had told her. But the strange boy with ck hair and yellow eyes that glowed whenever the slightest light befell them hade to stay. She didn''t bother to ask further questions. As usual her father would tell her she was too little to understand. He was two years younger than Iris. Yet he carried himself with a maturity that often made her feel like the younger of the two. His cold demeanor, sharp intellect, and prodigious magic talent made him a curiosity to everyone, including Iris. But what truly caught her attention was his unflinching ability to see her. Not just her entricities or her so-called oddities, but her. --- The Star estate, nestled in a valley surrounded by ancient oaks, became a haven for Noah during those months. It was there that Iris, always wary of revealing her passions to others, hesitantly showed him her sanctuary. A sprawling greenhouse hidden deep within the estate gardens. Inside, her Crimson Helios butterflies fluttered, casting an eerie red glow under the filtered sunlight. When she first led him there, she braced herself for mockery or, worse, indifference. Instead, Noah studied the butterflies with a quiet intensity. "They''re beautiful..." He said simply, his voice steady, as though he were stating an undeniable truth. "Dangerous, but beautiful." For Iris, who had endured years of judgment, those words wrapped around her like a warm embrace. She hadn''t realized how much she needed someone to acknowledge the beauty in what she loved. The beauty in her. Noah''s eptance felt like a crack in her cocoon, letting in light for the first time. Despite her father''s insistence on rigorous magical training to prepare her for her future role as head of House Star, Iris often found sce in her greenhouse. But even her magical talents couldn''t shield her from the fragility of her body. During a specific winter, she had broken her leg in a riding ident and was confined to a wheelchair. For a girl as independent and headstrong as Iris, the injury was a bitter blow. One evening, as snow nketed the estate in pristine white, Noah wheeled her out into the garden. They were both bundled in heavy coats. Their breaths visible in the freezing air. Iris, feeling vulnerable and mncholic, had tried to decline, but Noah insisted. As they reached an open patch of snow, he stepped in front of her and raised his hands. He concentrated his mana into his fingertips. A soft blue glow began to emanate, intensifying as he traced a pattern in the air. Then, with a sharp motion, he sent the magic skyward. The spell erupted in a shower of shimmering ice shards, each one shaped like a delicate rose petal. The petals descended slowly, catching the faint light and creating an ethereal glow. Iris stared, wide-eyed, her mncholy momentarily forgotten. The boy who often seemed distant and emotionless had just created a world of beauty for her. "Do you like it?" Noah asked, ncing back at her with an almost shy expression. Her answer was in her tears, though she quickly brushed them away. "I-It''s... perfect..." She whispered. In the months that followed, Iris found herself cataloging the ways Noah had captured her heart. There was his unwavering sincerity. Noah never sugarcoated his words. But neither did he diminish the value of what mattered to others. When he told her that her butterflies were beautiful, she believed him wholeheartedly. His intellect too fascinated her. Despite being younger, he kept up with her advanced magical studies, sometimes even surpassing her. Theirte-night discussions often ventured intoplex theories, and his insights left her both awestruck and inspired. There was also his hidden warmth. Beneath the cold exterior, Iris glimpsed moments of kindness and vulnerability that made her feel special. As though she were the only one allowed to see that side of him. It was this warmth, rare and fleeting, that made her fall irrevocably in love. Iris had been under the Church''s guidance for years. Her father believing that such tutge would instill discipline and grace. Yet, for Iris, it was the prophecies that had always drawn her in. Those cryptic verses whispered by the chosen voices of the divine. The Archbishops spoke in riddles, and their words often felt like puzzle pieces scattered across a great expanse, waiting for someone to make sense of them. One prophecy, spoken by the revered Archbishop Marellis, had stayed with her longer than any other. On that day, the Archbishop''s voice had trembled. His breath visible in the icy air as he recited the vision granted to him: --- ["Beneath winter''s unyielding shroud, a woman shall rise, Her soul entwined with a man bound by frost and skies. Hated by heavens, his crown carved in snow, A love that blossoms where nothing should grow. The cold king walks where warmth dares not tread, Eyes of cial hue, by sorrow fed. Yet in her me, his world shall ignite, Turning ice to embers, piercing the night. Beware, for the stars themselves shall weep, As love defies fate, in silence deep. For their union may bring sce or strife, The end of the world, or the dawn of new life."] --- Iris had listened in awe, her heart racing with each line. A woman destined to love a man despised by the heavens? A cold king, his eyes like ice, trapped in an eternal winter? Her mind immediately conjured an image of Noah Ashbourne. The boy who had once brought warmth to her darkest days. Yes, Noah. It had to be Noah. Iris recalled every detail about him as the prophecy unfolded in her mind over and over again. Noah, with his sharp features and piercing gaze, had always been enigmatic, like a figure carved from frost itself. He carried an air of cold detachment. Often distant and emotionless. As though he were wrapped in a perpetual winter. She had often heard whispers about how people regarded him. His talent, his intellect, and his otherworldly demeanor. Yet, there were always undercurrents of disdain or fear, as though the heavens themselves had deemed him unworthy of love or admiration. "Hated by heavens¡­" She whispered, her breath fogging in the cold air. Her heart clung to those words. Finding a bittersweetfort in them. But there was one detail that gnawed at her. The prophecy described the cold king''s eyes as "cial" in hue. Noah''s eyes were not blue. They were a bright yellow. She dismissed the detail with a quiet resolve. "Even scriptures have ws." she told herself. "Even the most divine visions can be blurred." The essence of the prophecy was what mattered, and she was certain it spoke of her and Noah. Who else could it be? From that moment, Iris no longer regarded her feelings for Noah as mere affection or admiration. It became a destiny etched in the stars, a love ordained by the divine. Her love for Noah grew. Fanned by the belief that their union was written in thdisapproved. Even if the heavens themselves disapproved. It wasn''t just love anymore. It was fate, a purpose that she carried in her heart with a fervor bordering on obsession. She blurred the boundaries of reality and faith. Convinced that her love for Noah could ovee anything. Even the icy barriers that seemed to surround him. In her mind, she would be the me to his frost, the light in his winter. And so, she fell deeper. Deeper into a love that consumed her. Into a belief that grew unshakable. Into an obsession that would one day prove to be her undoing. So when word reached her that Noah Ashbourne''s dormitory had gone up in mes and that he was missing. Iris felt as though the world had shattered. Iris stood by the window of her dorm room. One by one, butterflies materialized around her. Their wings beating in a synchronized rhythm. They looked like mes, red and opaque, casting an eerie light on her face. Her eyes glowed the same red as the crimson butterflies. Noah couldn''t be gone. He couldn''t. Chapter 170: Build Up [3] The dorm room of Princess ra was usually her haven. A warm, serene retreat where the faint patter of rain on the window often lulled her to sleep. Tonight, as the princessy cocooned in her bed, a heavy silence had settled over Silvercrest Hall. One that seemed to seep into her dreams and make them strange, fragmented. ra''s eyelids fluttered open briefly. Her room appeared as it always did. Soft amber light spilling from the sconce near her desk. The rain-streaked window casting faint shadows across the ornate furnishings. But as she blinked again, the vision faltered. The light seemed to dim, the warm hues reced by something cold, something¡­ wrong. Her heart quickened as she sat up. Blinking furiously, hoping to shake away the distortion. But it only grew worse. Her once-pristine room now looked aged and deste. The walls cracked and peeling, the window smeared with grime. The sconce flickered weakly, casting jagged shadows across the rotted floorboards. A chill seeped into her bones as the sound of creaking echoed faintly in the air, though nothing moved. ''What is this?'' ra thought, her hands clutching the threadbare nket that had reced her silk coverlet. Her breath fogged in the sudden cold. And the rain that usually lulled her seemed to have stopped entirely. The silence was oppressive, thick like a shroud draped over the dormitory. And then, the voice came. "ra¡­" It was faint. Barely more than a whisper. But it sent a jolt through her chest. The voice was melodic, almost kind. But there was something else beneath it¡ªsomething sharp, something¡­ hungry. "ra¡­e¡­" The princess froze, her eyes darting around the room. She called out hesitantly, her voice trembling. "Who''s there?" No answer came, only the echo of her own voice. Stretched and distorted until it sounded like a stranger''s. And then, the whisper again. "Come to me¡­ I''m waiting¡­" The words slithered through the air, curling around her ears like tendrils. Against every rational thought, she found herself rising from the bed. Her bare feet meeting the icy, splintered floor. Her instincts screamed for her to stay, to lock the door and wait for the dawn. But her legs moved of their own ord, as though the voice itself had taken control. As she stepped out of her room, the hallway of Silvercrest Hall was unrecognizable. What was once a gleaming corridor of polished wood and golden light was now a shadowy expanse of decay. The walls were lined with faded portraits whose subjects seemed to watch her with hollow, using eyes. Cobwebs stretched across the ceiling. And the floor creaked with every step, as though it might give way beneath her weight. "ra¡­" The whisper came again, louder now, echoing down the hallway. She turned her head sharply, but saw nothing. "Where are you?" She called, her voice shaky. "Closer¡­ so close¡­" The whisper seemed to dance around her. Coming from everywhere and nowhere at once. She gripped the edge of a rusted railing as she descended the staircase. Her heart pounding in her chest. The portraits lining the walls seemed to warp as she passed. Their faces twisting into expressions of pain and malice. "Where is everyone?" She whispered to herself. Her voice barely audible over the pounding in her ears. Silvercrest Hall was always bustling with the chatter of students, the tter of footsteps, the hum of life. But now it was deathly silent, save for the whisper that beckoned her deeper into the darkness. At the foot of the staircase, a door creaked open on its own, revealing a hallway she did not recognize. It stretched impossibly long. The dim light of flickering candles barely illuminating the way. Shadows danced along the walls, their movements unnatural, almost alive. "ra¡­" The voice was clearer now, sweeter, dripping with a strange allure that sent shivers down her spine. She could hear it calling to her, promising safety, warmth, answers. Against her better judgment, she followed, each step echoing eerily in the emptiness. As she walked, the shadows grew bolder, elongating and shifting. Taking on vague humanoid forms that seemed to watch her with unseen eyes. She tried not to look at them, tried to keep her gaze fixed ahead. But the sensation of being followed, surrounded, was overwhelming. The hallway ended abruptly, opening into a massive, dpidated atrium. The ceiling was shattered, exposing the night sky, though no stars shone. Instead, an oppressive darkness loomed above, heavy and imprable. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay. "ra¡­ this way¡­" The voice was impossibly close now,ing from just beyond a pair of ancient, rusted doors that seemed to tremble with anticipation. She hesitated, her hand hovering above the corroded handle. "Don''t be afraid¡­" The whisper cooed. Her fingers closed around the handle before she could stop herself. And the door creaked open with a deafening groan. Beyond it was the academy grounds, but they were not as she remembered them. The manicured gardens were overgrown with ckened vines that twisted and writhed like living things. The sky was an unnatural shade of deep red, casting a bloody glow over everything. "Where am I?" Shee murmured, stepping out into the chilling air. "Home¡­" The voice replied, almost lovingly. "Come, Era¡­ you''re so close now¡­" Her steps carried her toward the forest at the edge of the academy. A ce students were forbidden to enter at night. The trees loomed like skeletal sentinels, their bare branches wing at the crimson sky. As she entered the forest, the temperature dropped further. Her breath visible in the air. The path was narrow, winding through the dense trees that seemed to close in around her. The voice was all she could hear now, guiding her deeper into the woods. "You''ll understand soon." It whispered. Her pulse quickened as the trees began to thin, revealing a clearing bathed in an eerie, pale light. At its center stood an ancient cemetery. The gravestones crooked and weathered, their inscriptions long faded. A dense fog clung to the ground, swirling around her ankles as she stepped closer. The voice was louder now, almost jubnt. "You''ve found it, ra¡­ you''ve found me¡­" Her eyes scanned the cemetery, but there was no one there. Only the graves, the silence, and the unbearable sense of being watched. "Where are you?" She demanded, her voice trembling. "In every shadow¡­ in every breath¡­" The voice replied. Its tone shifting, bing darker, more menacing. The ground beneath her feet seemed to shift, the fog rising like a living thing, curling around her legs, her arms, her throat. She tried to scream, but the sound was swallowed by the oppressive silence. --- Chapter 171: Build Up [4] Era gasped as the suffocating darkness dissolved. She stood in the cemetery clearing once more. The fog thicker than before, swirling like restless spirits. A sharp, metallic scent filled the air, and she stumbled back, her breath hitching. Her trembling eyes scanned the eerie expanse until they locked onto a figure in the distance. It was a boy. He stood amidst the gravestones. His red hair vivid against the pallid glow of the moon. His clothes, noble in design and pristine in their original state, were now tattered and stained. The base of his neck glistened with fresh blood. Crimson rivulets spilling down his cor and pooling at his chest. More blood seeped from his mouth and nose. But his face remained eerily calm, save for the piercing gaze of his red eyes that bore into her. Era froze. Her heart pounding in her ears. The boy tilted his head slightly. His lips parting as he spoke in a voice both soft and haunting. "Why did you do it, ra?" The question struck her like a thunderp. Her eyes widened. Her lips trembling as she took a step back. Her body moved instinctively, but her mind was paralyzed, unable to process the weight of his words. "I¡­ I¡­" She stammered, her voice barely audible. The boy''s gaze didn''t waver. But something in his expression seemed to twist with sorrow and usation. "Why did you leave me?" Her chest tightened painfully. Tears welled in her eyes. Spilling over silently as her legs gave way, and she sank to her knees. She couldn''t breathe, couldn''t think. The boy''s words dug into her, carving out a pit of guilt and confusion she couldn''t escape. "No¡­" She whispered, her voice cracking. "I didn''t¡­ I wouldn''t¡­" Her eyes darted around, desperate for some exnation, some answer to this nightmare. Theynded on a shard of ss glinting faintly in the moonlight, half-buried in the dirt. Trembling, she reached for it, her fingers brushing against the cold surface. When she lifted the shard, the reflection staring back at her wasn''t her own. She saw a young girl. No more than eight or nine¡ªwith tangled, filthy red hair and wide, tear-streaked red eyes. Her small, fragile frame was d in a tattered, dirtied dress that hung loosely on her. The girl in the ss stared back at her, her lips quivering as more tears spilled down her pale cheeks. ''That''s¡­ me?'' ra''s breath hitched. She dropped the ss shard as though it burned her and clutched her face with trembling hands. Her fingertips brushed against smooth, youthful skin, not the face she''d known for sixteen years. "No..." She choked out, shaking her head violently. "This isn''t real... It can''t be real!" But when she looked down at her hands¡ªsmall and delicate, smeared with dirt¡ªthe reality of it sank in. Her body had shrunk, stripped of its adolescence and returned to that of a child. The boy took a step closer, his bare feet silent against the cold, mist-covered ground. His presence was suffocating, and yet, ra couldn''t look away. "Do you remember?" He asked, his voice softer now, almost pleading. "Do you remember what you did to me?" Era''s mind was a storm of fractured memories. Her tears flowed freely as she clutched her head, her nails digging into her scalp. "I don''t know!" She cried, her voice breaking. "I don''t know who you are!" The boy''s expression shifted, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. He knelt before her, his bloodied face inches from hers. "You do know..." He whispered, his breath cold against her skin. "You''ve always known." Her body shuddered violently as she tried to pull away, but his eyes held her captive. In their depths, she saw shes of something she had tried so hard to bury¡ª Shards of moments, fragments of memories. A boy''sughter echoing in the distance. And then it all shifted instantly. A child''s scream that cut through the air like a de. Era gasped, the memories searing into her mind like fire. She clutched her chest, her heart feeling as though it might burst. "Stop!" She begged. "Please...stop!" The boy reached out, his cold, bloodstained fingers brushing against her cheek. "You left me..." He said, his voice barely a whisper. "You left me all alone." His touch was like ice, sending a shock through her body. She scrambled back. Her small hands digging into the dirt as she tried to put distance between them. "I don''t remember!" She screamed, her voice echoing through the cemetery. "I don''t remember anything!" The boy stood slowly, his expression unreadable. The blood at his neck and mouth seemed to flow more freely now, staining the ground beneath him. "You do..." He said, his voice calm but filled with an ominous certainty. "You do remember everything..." Era''s gaze darted around the cemetery, desperate for some sign of escape. But the gravestones loomed like silent sentinels. Their inscriptions blurred and unreadable. The fog thickened, curling around her like a living thing, trapping her in its cold embrace. The boy began to walk away, his figure fading into the mist. "Come find me, sis..." He said, his voice carrying through the eerie stillness. "Come find me¡­ and remember." She tried to call out to him, to demand answers, but her voice caught in her throat. The cemetery seemed to close in around her. The shadows growing darker and more oppressive. She clutched her chest, her breathing ragged as the world spun around her. And then, just as suddenly as it began, the world went still. The fog receded, the shadows softened, and ra was left alone, kneeling in the dirt with her small hands trembling in herp. Her mind raced, her heart pounding as she stared at the empty space where the boy had stood. His words echoed in her mind, carving themselves into her very being. "Come find me¡­ and remember." Era''s tear-filled eyes flicked toward the shard of ss lying nearby. She hesitated, then picked it up once more, her small hands clutching it tightly. The reflection of the young girl stared back at her, wide-eyed and afraid. "Why now...?" She whispered to the girl in the ss, though she already knew the answer. Chapter 172: Build Up [5] ? Ariana''s POV ? I stood in the middle of the chaos. Staring at the inferno that had consumed the east wing of Silvercrest Hall. Noah Ashbourne''s dormitory room was unrecognizable now. Swallowed entirely by mes that licked hungrily at the stone walls and sent plumes of thick smoke spiraling into the night sky. Embers scattered like fireflies. Rhe distant cries of guards and knights cutting through the pandemonium. As they shouted for students to move to safer ground. Yet, I couldn''t move. My feet were rooted to the earth as I stared at the devastation. My mind drifting back to everything I thought I knew about Noah Ashbourne. Noah Ashbourne. The name itself carried an air of disdain wherever it was mentioned. He was the Academy''s top student in the second year. A title that should have inspired respect, even admiration. Instead, it wasced with bitterness and loathing. Noah was detestable, everyone said. His arrogance was unmatched. His pride a towering wall that kept him aloof from the rest of us. And then there was his temper. I''d heard stories¡ªplenty of them¡ªabout how he''dsh out at anyone who dared cross him. He was selfish, cruel even, wielding his intellect and power like weapons to carve out his ce at the top. No matter who got hurt in the process. I wasn''t immune to the stories. I''d heard them all. Some whispered in hushed tones behind his back. Others loudly proimed by those who despised him. "Noah Ashbourne is nothing but a monster," someone once said. "The kind of person who''d burn the world down if it meant keeping his throne." Even I believed it¡ªor at least, I thought I did. But now, as I stood there watching the mes consume everything, I wasn''t sure what I believed anymore. I remembered the explosion vividly. I had been walking through the gardens below Silvercrest Hall with my friends,ughing at some trivial gossip. The evening had been peaceful, the air crisp and cool. And then a deafening boom echoed across the grounds. So loud it felt like the earth itself had groaned in pain. We all froze, ourughter silenced as we looked up toward the dormitory. There it was¡ªa room in the east wing, engulfed in mes. Smoke billowed out like a ck cloud, and bits of stone and wood rained down. For a moment, none of us moved, too stunned toprehend what we were seeing. And then panic set in. Screams erupted around me as students began running toward safety. I didn''t run. Instead, I found myself rushing toward the chaos. My feet moving before my brain could catch up. My friends called out for me to stop, but I couldn''t. Something pulled me forward. By the time I reached the staircase leading up to the east wing, the air was thick with smoke. Guards were shouting orders, trying to evacuate the remaining students. Knights were rushing past me, their armor nking as they ran into the inferno. I could feel the heat from the mes even from a distance, searing against my skin. And still, I climbed. I didn''t know why I was doing it. I didn''t even know what I hoped to find. But as I ascended the steps, my thoughts returned to Noah. I remembered the day he had stood up for me in this very hallways. It wasn''t an act ofpassion¡ªI was sure of that. Noah Ashbourne wasn''t the kind of person who did things out of the goodness of his heart. No, it was something else. Self-interest, maybe. Or perhaps he had just wanted to shut the other person up. But I couldn''t deny the truth of what had happened. A bunch of students had been harassing me in the hallway right outside his room with cruel words that cut deeper than I cared to admit. And then Noah appeared, his presence like a storm rolling in. Th look in his eyes¡ªthe sheer, icy disdain¡ªwas enough to shut them up. He hadn''t said a word to me afterward. But before heading back into his room he had said words I never thought I''d heare out of him. And I told myself it meant nothing. That it was just another instance of Noah asserting his superiority. But now, thinking back on it, I wasn''t so sure. I reached the top of the staircase, coughing as the smoke wed at my lungs The east wing was in ruins. Walls had copsed, debris littered the ground, and the mes raged on, defying the efforts of the knights who were desperately trying to contain them. Noah''s room was at the center of it all, the epicenter of the destruction. I didn''t know what I expected to feel as I stood there. Staring at the burning wreckage. Relief, maybe? Satisfaction? After all, wasn''t this what everyone secretly wanted¡ª To see the mighty Noah Ashbourne brought low? But I didn''t feel any of those things. Instead, I felt¡­ empty. No, that wasn''t quite right. There was something else¡ªa spark, small but undeniable, flickering in the depths of my chest. I couldn''t name it, couldn''t even understand it. But it was there, and it scared me. I should have hated Noah. Everyone else did. And for a long time, I thought I did too. But now, all I could think about was the way he had looked at me that day¡ª Not with contempt, not with pity, but with something sharper. Something that felt like recognition. The mes roared louder, a beam copsing nearby with a deafening crash. The guards were shouting at me to move back, to leave the scene. But I couldn''t tear my eyes away. Noah Ashbourne was missing. And I didn''t know how to feel about that. Maybe I didn''t feel anything at all or everything at the same time. The smoke grew thicker, and the guards were pulling me back now, their voices urgent. I let them guide me away, my legs moving mechanically as my mind raced. Noah Ashbourne was gone, and Silvercrest Hall was in ruins. *** That''s how I remembered it¡ªthe incident back at Silvercrest Hall. Noah''s room going up in mes. The chaos, the smoke, the heat of the fire, and the icy emptiness I felt as I stared at the devastation. The uncertain feeling I couldn''t exin. Now, though, the memory seemed distant. Like a story someone else had told me. My surroundings were entirely different. The room I found myself in was dimly lit. The soft flicker of candles casting shifting shadows across the walls. A small chandelier, the kind that looked cheap and out of ce, hung above, its weak light barely illuminating the space. The furniture was in and wooden¡ª Chairs with creaky joints, a table that seemed older than me, and a bed that sagged in the middle. It wasn''t pristine, far from it, but there was a certainfort to the simplicity. Still, the air was strange. Cold and warm at the same time. A contradiction that seeped into my skin and made me shiver despite the coziness of the room. There were no windows No way to tell if it was day or night, or where I even was. The atmosphere wasn''t oppressive, but it wasn''t weing either. It lingered somewhere in between, an inexplicable tension that settled in my chest. I couldn''t remember how I had gotten here. Thest thing I remembered was being in the meadows near the eastern forest of the academy. The evening air was tranquil, the sun dipping low on the horizon, casting its golden hues across the grass. I had been immersed in spiritual enhancements, syncing with the spirits I had already contracted. The act always felt soothing, like slipping into a warm current of magic that flowed effortlessly through me. It was a peaceful pursuit, one that grounded me and brought rity. But then, the air changed. Even with the sun still hanging low. Its warmth brushing against my skin, a chill crept in. It wasn''t the typical coolness of an evening breeze. This was something else entirely. The cold cut deep, unnatural, and it seemed to carry a weight I couldn''t quite describe. Goosebumps prickled my arms as I hugged myself. The sudden shift in temperature jarring. I didn''t stop, though. I kept walking, my instincts pulling me further into the forest. But the further I went, the colder it got. By the time I reached a cluster of trees, the air was freezing, my breath visible in front of me. Then I saw it. The scene was grotesque, surreal. Jagged spikes of ice jutted up from the ground. Their surfaces glinting in the fading sunlight. Some of the surrounding trees were splintered. Covered inyers of frost so thick it looked like been frozen in time. Others were shattered entirely, their shards scattered like forgotten fragments of ss. And the bodies. Wild animals, suspended on those icy spikes. Their blood dripping down in crimson rivulets. The liquid caught the light as it trickled, pooling around the base of the ice like some grotesque offering. The metallic tang of blood hit me almost immediately, sharp and overwhelming, and I stumbled back, gagging. I''ve always hated the sight of blood, always. Even in battle or spars, when injuries were unavoidable, I tried not to look too closely. Even my own blood made me nauseous. But this¡ªthis was different The smell was overpowering, seeping into the cold air and clinging to it. It felt like it was suffocating me. My knees weakened. My head spinning as my stomach churned. I couldn''t look at it any longer. Thest thing I remembered was the icy spikes. The blood trickling down, and the nausea wing at me before the darkness took over. And now... I was here. Before I could piece my thoughts together, something caught my attention. A figure in the far-right corner of the room. I blinked, my breath hitching as I focused on the silhouette. It wasn''t moving, but its presence was undeniable, heavy, and unnerving. The figure was dressed simply. A white shirt, ck pants, and a ck cloak draped over broad shoulders. A hood covered most of their head, leaving their face obscured in shadows. I froze, every instinct screaming at me to stay still. But curiosity¡ªor maybe something else¡ªurged me to look closer. As if sensing my gaze, the figure turned, slowly, deliberately. The movement sent a chill down my spine. When his face finally came into view, I felt my heart skip a beat. It was him. His name echoed in my mind like a whisper. The man whose presence carried the weight of a thousand unspoken truths. His expression was unreadable. His eyes sharp and calcting as they settled on me. "Awake, I see..." He said. His voice low and smooth. Carrying an edge that made the cold air feel even sharper. I couldn''t respond, my voice caught in my throat. My hands curled into fists at my sides as I tried to make sense of what was happening. The room felt smaller now, the air heavier. The person before me was the man who was presumed missing and/or dead. Noah Ashbourne.... Chapter 173: Lay Low [1] ? Noah''s POV ? Transmigrating into a novel was one thing, but ending up as Noah Ashbourne¡ªviin, narcissist, and walking disaster¡ªwas an entirely different level of cosmic cruelty. Yet here I was. Plotting my next move like the textbook antagonist I was supposed to be. The system that bound me here was annoyingly clear about its rules. I needed "plot points" to gain leverage and grow stronger. Farming those points required interaction with key events in the story. But if I outright stole Draven''s moment, I risked destabilizing the narrative and inviting consequences I couldn''t predict. That meant I needed to be... strategic. If I yed my cards right, I could get what I wanted without disrupting Draven''s ascension. The n was simple, really. The undead soldiers would rise in waves, drawn by the curse that had gued the cemetery for centuries. The first wave would be weaker, more disorganized. That''s where I''d strike. I''d eliminate them before Draven and the heroines arrived, harvesting the plot points for myself. By the time Draven showed up, he''d face a manageable horde and still get his heroic moment. Everyone wins¡ªexcept the undead, of course. Selfish? Yes. Arrogant? Definitely. But I wasn''t here to y the hero. The system chimed softly in the back of my mind, a subtle reminder of the stakes. Every choice I made rippled through the narrative. The thought of those ripples kept me grounded. I had no intention of bing a reckless fool who derailed the story and got himself obliterated by the plot''s natural defenses. No, I''d y my part¡ªcarefully, methodically, and always to my advantage. The first act of the novel was already unfolding. And I could practically recite it word for word. It began with Princess Era wandering into the academy cemetery¡ªlured by the eerie voice of an undead entity. The scene was atmospheric, heavy with foreboding. The cemetery, cloaked in a dense fog, was littered with broken gravestones and skeletal trees. It was a ce of death, decay, and despair. There, the princess would get consumee by her guilt. And would get possessed by a dark necromancermander. Command a horde of undead soldiers rising from their graves. Their soulless eyes set on seeking revenge. That was when Draven would enter the stage. Draven, the protagonist, the noblemoner, the one destined to rise from obscurity and im his rightful ce in the world. He would appear at thest moment, armed with nothing but his courage and sheer willpower. He''d fight off the undead, save the princess, and solidify his role as the hero of the story. ra, overwhelmed by his bravery and unyielding resolve, would start to fall for him. The world loved Draven. I, on the other hand, wasn''t even supposed to be part of this arc. The original Noah Ashbourne had already been suspended from the academy by this point. His reputation was in tatters after one too many scandals. But since I hadn''t gotten suspended, I still needed to erase my presence during the first episode. So I had to go into hiding following a staged explosion in his dormitory. Staging my disappearance had to be perfect¡ªmeticulous, theatrical, and untraceable. Anything less would risk exposing me, and that wasn''t an option. If I was to erase Noah Ashbournes presence for a certain period. I needed a n so intricate, soyered, that even the academy''s most brilliant minds wouldn''t be able to untangle it. It began with the room itself. Silvercrest Hall wasn''t just any dormitory. It was a symbol of prestige, of power, housing the academy''s elite. My room was no exception. It wasvishly adorned, with high ceilings, ornate furniture, and enough magical artifacts to fill a minor museum. It was the perfect setting for what would soon be described as a tragedy. The first step was the enchantments. I had spent weeks weavingyers of magic into every corner of the room. Runes of fire,bustion, and containment. Each rune was strategically ced, invisible to the naked eye, and designed to trigger in a specific sequence. The key was subtlety. A single misstep, a single rune out of ce, could have caused the entire room to erupt prematurely or faly. The central piece of my design was the hearth. Every room in Silvercrest had one. They acted as security when a threat urred and the students had to be containes in their rooms. Just the same as the game. A symbol of warmth andfort. Mine became the core of my n. Beneath the hearthstones, I carved awork of runes connected to a timed activation spell. The spell was calibrated to detonate in two phases. The first would ignite the initial explosion¡ª A sudden burst of mes and embers that would shatter windows and send shockwaves through the hall. The second phase, momentster, would unleash a controlled firestorm. Consuming the room and reducing everything within it to ash. But the brilliance didn''t end there An explosion, no matter how destructive, would naturally lead to questions. Investigators would search for evidence, for remains. To ount for this, I left behind subtle traces¡ªcharred remnants of clothing identical to my own. And fragments of personal belongings strategically ced to suggest I had been caught in the st. A touch of blood¡ªmy blood, carefully harvested and preserved¡ªwas added to the scene, sttered in just the right ces to make it believable. The final touch was the diversion. On the night of the event, I ensured there would be a gathering in the main hall¡ªa celebration for one of the academy''s favored professors. Nearly everyone in Silvercrest Hall would be present, their attention fixed on the festivities. The timing was critical. As the clock struck the predetermined hour, I activated the spell remotely, using a focus crystal hidden in my sleeve. The explosion was magnificent. The roar of mes, the shattering of ss, the screams echoing through the halls¡ªit was chaos personified. As the mes consumed my room, I slipped away into the night, leaving behind only the carefully curated evidence of my supposed demise. By morning, the academy would be filled with rumors, spections, and partial grief. Noah Ashbourne¡ªthe detestable, arrogant viin¡ªwas gone. And yet even with all that nned and wlessly executed. I never thought that someone such as her would be included in my n of ying missing. I heard her turn in the bed as I also turned to look at her. "Awake, I see..." I said. My voice low and smooth. Chapter 174: Lay Low [2] The streets of the town center were eerily quiet that night. The air heavy with the faint scent of roasted nuts and burnt oil from the vendors who had long since closed their stalls. I pulled my hood lower, making sure no one could see my face. If anyone from the academy recognized me, everything I''d worked for would go up in smoke. Silvercrest Hall might be ashes now, but the academy''s watchful eyes were far from blind. The shop wasn''t hard to find. Wilfred''s Resource Emporium, tucked away in the quieter parts of town, its faded sign creaking in the wind. A perfect ce for someone like me, who needed to disappear but couldn''t afford to leave the academy grounds entirely. I knocked twice, quick and sharp, and waited. A few momentster, the door cracked open, and Old Man Wilfred''s weathered face appeared. His eyes widened when he saw me. "Noah? What the devil are you doing here at this hour? And why do you look like a fugitive?" I didn''t answer immediately, brushing past him and into the shop. The warm, dimly lit interior was cluttered with shelves stacked high with potions, rare herbs, and misceneous trinkets. I pushed my hood back, running a hand through my hair as I turned to face him. "I need a ce to stay," I said bluntly. Wilfred''s eyebrows shot up. "You''re not making sense, boy. What''s going on?" I leaned against the counter, letting out a breath. "Let''s just say the academy thinks I''m dead¡ªor at least missing. My dorm room is ashes. I made sure of that." His expression darkened. "You what?" "I staged an explosion." I said, shrugging like it was no big deal. "Timed it perfectly, made it look like an ident. Now they''re all scrambling to figure out what happened, but they''ll find nothing. Not a trace." Wilfred rubbed his temples. Muttering something about how he should''ve never partnered with me in the first ce. "And why, pray tell, did you think this was a good idea?" "Because it is a good idea." I snapped, my voice sharp. "Do you think I''m just some idiot ying with fire? This is calcted. I needed to disappear, and this was the cleanest way to do it. No loose ends. No questions." I leaned against the counter, meeting Old Man Wilfred''s skeptical re with a calm expression. "A particr clique in my family wants me dead." I said, deciding to lie my voice low but steady. "If I can fake my disappearance long enough, they''ll lose interest¡ª Or withdraw their ns entirely. It''s the safest option for now." He let out a harsh snort, shaking his head as he grabbed a rag to wipe down the counter. "You nobles and your bloody family politics. Don''t think for a second I want any part of it. You do what you want, boy, but keep your mess far from my doorstep. You hear me?" I smirked faintly, knowing Wilfred wasn''t one to pry further into matters that didn''t concern him. "Don''t worry, old man. You won''t be dragged into anything¡ªlong as you keep letting me use the basement." "Whatever..." He muttered, throwing the rag aside. "Just don''t make me regret this." The old man stared at me for a long moment, then sighed. "You''re trouble, Noah. Fine. You can stay in the basement. But don''t drag me into your mess." --- The next morning, I set out early, heading for the eastern forest. The academy''s grounds bordered it, making it the perfect ce to hunt for rare materials without drawing too much attention. Wilfred''s shop specialized in rare resources, and I knew exactly what he needed. The horns of horned wolves. The forest was quiet, save for the rustling of leaves and the asional chirp of birds. I moved silently, my steps practiced and deliberate. When I spotted my first target¡ªa sleek ck wolf with gleaming, curved horns¡ªI wasted no time. Ice shards materialized in the air around me, glinting in the dappled sunlight before hurtling toward the beast. It snarled, lunging at me, but I was faster. With a final, precise strike, the creature copsed. By the time the sun began to set, I''d collected enough horns to make the trip worthwhile. The bup sack slung over my shoulder was heavy, but I didn''t mind. It was proof of my efforts. As I turned to leave, something caught my eye¡ªa glint of gold in the distance. Curiosity got the better of me. I approached cautiously, and that''s when I saw her. A girl with long blonde hair, slumped against the base of a tree. Her academy uniform was unmistakable. My heart skipped a beat as recognition dawned. Ariana Snow. Of all people, why did it have to be her? For a moment, I considered leaving her there. After all, staying out of sight was my priority. And getting involved with a heroine wasn''t part of the n. But then another thought crossed my mind. She was important to the story. Integral, even. Having her in my debt could be... useful. I knelt beside her, checking her pulse. She was alive, just unconscious. Without wasting any more time, I hoisted her onto my back, adjusting the bag of horns as I did. She wasn''t heavy, but the journey back to the shop felt longer than usual. --- When I arrived, Wilfred''s eyes narrowed the moment he saw her. "What is this, now? Don''t tell me you kidnapped a girl?" "She was unconscious in the forest..." I said, brushing past him. "Leaving her there wasn''t an option." He grumbled but didn''t stop me as I carried her down to the basement. The cot I''d been using wasn''t much, but it would do for now. Iid her down gently, stepping back to watch her for a moment. She looked peaceful, her chest rising and falling steadily. When she finally stirred, her eyes fluttering open, they locked onto mine. Confusion flickered across her face. Followed by something like fear. Chapter 175: Lay Low [3] Arianna walked briskly through the bustling town center. Her hands clutching a small shopping list. Her steps faltered only for a moment as her mind drifted back to the conversation she''d had with Noah the night before. It hadn''t been a long one, but it had left an impression on her. A mix of confusion, unease, and something else she couldn''t quite name. Noah had been his usual self, seated casually in a chair in Old Man Wilfred''s dimly lit shop. Exuding the same arrogance that somehow never wavered. She''d stood awkwardly before him, unsure of where to begin or how she''d ended up roped into this situation. It wasn''t like they were friends or anything close to it. He''d spoken first, his tone indifferent, almost bored. "Since you''ve seen me, I''ll get straight to the point. You''re not going to tell anyone¡ªnot the academy, not your little friends, no one.... Got it?" She had blinked at him, startled by his bluntness. But it wasn''t entirely unexpected. Noah Ashbourne wasn''t the kind of person to mince words. "B-but...your missing... Your room was in mes a-and..." She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why fake your death...? Why go through all this trouble?" He had leaned back, crossing his arms as if he had all the time in the world. "Not your concern." He said simply, before adding. "But if you must know, let''s just say my family''s politics aren''t exactly in my favor. A certain clique would rather see me dead than breathing. Faking my death buys me time, and more importantly, keeps me alive." Arianna had felt a pang of sympathy, though she doubted he would care for it. As a noble herself, she understood how twisted family dynamics could get. Alliances, betrayals, power struggles¡ªit was all too familiar. Still, she had to ask. "But why tell me? You don''t even trust people, do you?" Noah''s eyes, cold and calcting, had locked onto hers. "No, I don''t. And I''m not telling you because I want to. I''m telling you because you already know too much. But for this once, I''ll trust you to keep your mouth shut. Don''t make me regret it." She''d hesitated, biting her lip. "I-I''m not good at keeping secrets..." She admitted, her voice small. "You shouldn''t have told me¡ª" "I don''t care..." He interrupted, his tone sharp. "I''m telling you now because you don''t have a choice. If you slip up, you''ll put more than just me in danger. So, do me a favor and grow a backbone." The memory of his words brought a faint blush to her cheeks. Though it wasn''t from embarrassment or anger. There had been something oddly... sincere in his harshness. A rarity for someone like Noah. Shaking her head, Ariana pushed the thought away as she turned into a quieter street. Scanning the small shops for the items she needed. Her list was simple: bread, fruit, and something warm she could bring to Noah ter She knew she shouldn''t be doing this¡ªsneaking around to help him, lying to everyone about where she was going. But after what he''d told her, she couldn''t just leave him to fend for himself, not entirely. And even with old man wilfred... She knew she needed to bring in some things. Since the old man was used to just feeding himself alone. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the streets in hues of orange and gold. She rounded a corner and nearly bumped into two familiar figures. Her friends ra and Eliza, wereughing and chatting, their armsden with shopping bags. "Ariana!" ra called out, her eyes bright with excitement. "We were just about to head to the caf¨¦. Come with us!" Eliza nodded eagerly. "Yeah, you''ve been so distanttely. It''s like you''re always busy with something. Take a break for once." Panic bubbled in Ariana''s chest as she tried to think of an excuse. She couldn''t tell them the truth¡ªnot about Noah, not about anything. "I... I can''t..." She stammered. "I have to study... You know, the usual." ra raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Studying? At this hour? Come on, Ariana, you can spare an hour with us. You''re always so serious these days." "I really can''t..." She insisted, clutching her shopping bag tighter. "Maybe another time, okay?" Without waiting for a response, she hurried past them. Ignoring the puzzled looks they exchanged. As Ariana reached Old Man Wilfred''s shop, her heart was already pounding. She nced over her shoulder, paranoid that someone might have followed her. It wasn''t every day she sneaked around with secrets bigger than her. And she was terrible at lying. But this was for Noah¡ªfor reasons she still didn''t fully understand. She stood outside. Pretending to look for something among the clutter near the entrance when a familiar voice made her jump. "What are you looking for?" Ariana froze, her stomach plummeting. She turned slowly to see ra and Eliza. Her two best friends, standing just a few feet away. Both of them were dressed casually but had the unmistakable air of nobles who didn''t belong in the town center. ''Oh, no. This is bad...'' Her mind scrambled for an excuse, anything that didn''t involve blurting out Noah is alive! Instead, she pointed to the trash container near the shop, her hand trembling ever so slightly. "Uh, Buddy¡ªmy spirit animal¡ªis stuck." ra tilted her head, skepticism written all over her face. "Your spiritpanion? Stuck? In the trash?" Ariana nodded furiously, even as her translucent orange bear materialized beside her. Buddy stood there in all his glowing, ethereal glory, blinking in confusion. Hisrge, bear eyes slowly scanned her face before narrowing as if silently asking. {What are you talking about?} "Y-Yeah! Ariana stammered. Throwing her arm around Buddy''s massive shoulder as though to prove her point. "He got, um... really stuck! In the trash! It was awful." Buddy''s expression didn''t change. If anything, he now looked sarcastically amused. He tilted his head toward ra and Eliza, then back to Ariana, and gave her an exaggerated shrug. Clearly not buying into her nonsense. Eliza folded her arms, arching a brow. "Ariana, he''s a spiritpanion. He can''t get stuck. That''s not how spirits work." Buddy nodded in agreement, smirking now. It was subtle but undeniably smug. {Buddy!} Ariana hissed through gritted teeth. {You''re supposed to help me!} Buddy gave her a look that screamed. {Oh, really?} Then theatrically examined his ws. As if to say he had better things to do than cover for her poorly executed lie. ra''s gaze darted between the two. "Is something wrong? You''re acting... weird." Ariana, desperate now, doubled down. "He got stuck because he, uh... ate too many sweets!" She blurted out. "Yeah! He raided my stash of candied nuts and honey drops and¡ªwell, you know how bears are. He''s been having... digestive issues." Eliza looked genuinely baffled. "Digestive issues? Again he''s a spirit..." Buddy groaned dramatically, pping his forehead with a paw. Ariana flushed bright red. "He does! Well, sort of. It''splicated! Look, he got stomach cramps and couldn''t hold it, so he¡ªuh¡ªhe had to use the trash container to, um, relieve himself!" There was a moment of stunned silence. Both ra and Eliza stared at her, their jaws slightly agape. Even Buddy looked utterly horrified. His glowing orange hue dimming slightly as he covered his face with both paws. ra finally found her voice. "You''re telling us... your spiritpanion, who doesn''t have a physical digestive system, had a... a toilet emergency in a trash container?" "Yes!" Ariana said, clutching onto the flimsy lie with both hands. She draped herself over Buddy dramatically, as if shielding him from further shame. "It''s so embarrassing for him, you know Poor Buddy.... Don''t judge him!" Buddy let out a low grumble that sounded suspiciously like a sarcasticugh. Eliza exchanged a nce with ra. "Ariana, are you feeling okay? Because this is¡ª" "NOAH IS ALIVE!" Ariana suddenly shouted at the top of her lungs, cutting Eliza off. The words echoed in the narrow street. A bird perched on a nearby rooftop squawked and flew off. The bustling noises of the town seemed to fade into stunned silence for a split second as her friends gaped at her. As soon as the words left her mouth, Ariana pped her hands over it, eyes wide with horror. ''Oh no. Oh no no no.'' Buddy groaned loudly and smacked his forehead again. This time with enough force to make his translucent form ripple slightly. ra and Eliza didn''t move. They simply stood there, frozen, their faces a perfect mixture of shock and disbelief. "What... what did you just say?" ra finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper. Ariana shook her head wildly. "Nothing! I didn''t say anything!" Eliza narrowed her eyes. "You said Noah is alive. As in Noah Ashbourne? The guy who''s supposed to be dead? That Noah?" "No! I mean, yes! I mean¡ªno! You misheard me!" Ariana''s words tumbled out in a frantic mess. "I said... ''Buddy is a dive.'' Like, you know, he likes diving! In the trash! For food! Spirits get hungry too, you know!" Buddy growled softly, burying his face in his paws as if he couldn''t believe what he was hearing. ra stepped closer, her brows furrowed. "Ariana, what is going on? Are you hiding something?" "I''m not hiding anything!" Ariana said, her voice reaching a high-pitched squeak. "Nothing at all!" {Buddy, help me out here!} Buddy sat down on his haunches and gave her a long, unimpressed stare before turning his head away as if to say. {You''re on your own, kid} Ariana''s brain scrambled for something, anything, to get her out of this mess. But the more she tried to think, the worse it got. Finally, she threw up her hands and shouted, "Fine! Yes! Noah is alive! But you can''t tell anyone!" ra and Eliza looked like they''d been struck by lightning. "Whaaaatttt?!" They eximed in unison. Chapter 176: Lay Low [4] The room was quiet except for the faint creak of the wooden floorboards beneath Ariana''s shifting feet. I sat in a chair near the center of the room, my head bowed. Fingersced together as if in prayer, though nothing about my mood was pious. I let out a low breath and, without looking up, said. "Repeat that." Ariana fidgeted, clutching the sides of her skirt tightly. "I¡­ I said¡­ I told them..." She murmured, her voice trembling. "Told them what?" I asked, though I already knew. I just wanted her to say it again, to let the weight of her words settle into the silence. She swallowed hard, her voiceing out in a stammering rush. "I identally blurted out to ra and Eliza that you''re alive... That you''re not missing. I¡ªI''m really sorry, Noah! I tried to keep it in, I swear, but it just slipped out, and¡ª" I raised a hand to cut her off, finally lifting my head to meet her gaze. She looked utterly miserable, her eyes darting nervously around the room as if searching for an escape route. I could see the guilt etched across her face, the way she clenched her skirt tighter as if grounding herself. She was apologizing profusely, fumbling over her words, but it was all¡­ predictable. Ariana was terrible at keeping secrets. I''d known that from the start. This was just the inevitable oue. Still, I couldn''t let her off that easily. "You told them..." I repeated slowly, leaning back in my chair. My voice was calm, but there was a sharpness to it that made her flinch. "The one thing I explicitly told you not to do, and you did it." "I know..." She said quickly, her voice rising with desperation. "I know, and I''m sorry! I didn''t mean to, it just¡­ came out! ra and Eliza were asking questions, and I panicked, and¡ª" I held up a hand again, silencing her. "Stop." Her mouth snapped shut, though her wide, pleading eyes stayed locked on me. I let the silence drag on for a moment, then shifted my gaze toward the doorway. Old Man Wilfred was standing there, arms crossed, watching the exchange with a bemused expression. When my eyesnded on him, he raised an eyebrow. "Don''t you go looking at me like that, boy." He said gruffly. "I didn''t say a word to anyone. This is all on her." I stared at him, unimpressed. "Then why are they here?" I gestured toward the faint sound of voicesing from upstairs, undoubtedly ra and Eliza hovering around, waiting for Ariana toe back. Wilfred shrugged. "Because I had to let them in. They were poking around, asking questions, and I''m not about to have them causing a scene in front of the shop. You lot have already gotten me into enough trouble as it is." I narrowed my eyes at him. Wilfred snorted. "This is my shop. Or it was, until you dragged your sorry self in here and started squatting. I''ve barely had time to catch my breath since." I rolled my eyes and waved a dismissive hand. "Right. me me for yourck of foresight." Wilfred huffed, clearly annoyed. "Foresight? I''m not the one gallivanting around, faking my death and dragging innocent girls into my mess." He jabbed a finger in my direction. "This is on you, boy. You deal with it." With that, he turned and walked off, muttering something under his breath about "kids these days." I turned my attention back to Ariana, who was still standing there, looking like a scolded puppy. She nced at the door where Wilfred had disappeared, then back at me. "I''ll fix it..." She said hurriedly. "I''ll talk to them and make sure they don''t tell anyone. I''ll¡ª" "No." I interrupted, standing up. I walked toward her, stopping just a foot away. She tensed, probably expecting another lecture, but I surprised her by keeping my voice steady and measured. "You won''t fix it. You''ll make it worse." Her face fell, and I sighed. "Look, Ariana, I already knew you couldn''t keep a secret. This isn''t a surprise to me. The damage is done, so we''ll just have to deal with it." "But¡ª" She started, but I cut her off again. "No buts. You can start making up for it by making sure those two don''t bber to the entire academy. Think you can manage that?" She nodded quickly, her face lighting up with a mix of determination and relief. "Yes! I''ll make sure they don''t say a word. I promise." I stepped back, running a hand through my hair. "And next time? Think before you speak. It might save us both some trouble." She nodded again, clutching her skirt even tighter. I could see the guilt still lingering in her eyes, but at least now she had something to focus on. "Good now let them in... " I said. *** ra and Eliza were let into the cer below the shop by Ariana. ra, ever the blunt one, pointed a shaking finger at Noah. "You''re actually alive?! You! The walking disaster everyone at the academy is losing their minds over!" Eliza was quicker to recover. She crossed her arms, her brow furrowing. "Do you have any idea what kind of chaos you''ve caused? The academy is in an uproar looking for you. They''re trying to keep it from your family, by the way. The House of Ashbourne." She emphasized his family name like it was a warning bell. Noah finally looked up at them, his lips curling into a smirk. "Oh, is that so? How considerate of them to keep my disappearance under wraps. I''d hate to inconvenience anyone with the news of my untimely demise." ra groaned. "This isn''t funny! The academy is turning upside down, and now we have to cover for Ariana..." Eliza nodded, jumping in. "Do you know the Princess went missing the same day as you? The guards found her at the eastern forest entrance early this morning. She was questioned and all she could say was that she didn''t how she had gotten there. Most people thought you were involved with her to say less." "Ah, well..." Noah saidzily, flicking invisible dust off his sleeve. "As much as the academy loves to pretend otherwise, the Ashbournes are the most prestigious family in the empire. If I had to guess, they''re probably terrified of my family finding out and throwing a tantrum. They''d rather set the academy on fire than admit they lost me." ra threw her hands up. "And yet, here you are, hiding in some back alley shop!" Noah''s smirk grew wider. Ariana groaned. "Guys, can we not do this right now? We''re supposed to be keeping things quiet." But ra wasn''t done. Chapter 177: Lay Low [5] "You''ve caused so much trouble, and you don''t even care! Do you know how many rumors are flying around about why you disappeared? Some people think you''re dead, some think you were kidnapped, and a few are even saying you ran off with a lover." "Romantic," Noah said dryly. "At least they''re being creative." Eliza jabbed a finger in his direction. "You think this is a joke, but people are actually worried. Well, not worried about you, specifically¡ªmore like the consequences if anything happens to you." Noah stood up, towering over them just enough to make his presence felt. His voice took on a sharper edge. "And what, exactly, does any of that matter to you two? You''re not the ones who have to deal with the Ashbourne name or the mess my family politics bring. You''re just along for the ride." ra red at him. "We didn''t ask to be dragged into your stupid schemes!" "Exactly," Eliza chimed in. "And don''t think for a second we''re keeping quiet because we like you." Noah stepped closer, his expression calm but his tonemanding. "Then I suggest you ride along quietly. Because if word gets out, it won''t just be me dealing with the fallout. So, let''s save us all the trouble, hmm?" Before either of them could retort, Noah raised a finger, then dramatically pressed a hand over ra''s mouth and another over Eliza''s. "Not. A. Word." ra pped his hand away, her face flushing with indignation. "Don''t touch my lips, you arrogant jerk!" Eliza smacked his other hand, ring at him. "Seriously?! That''s disgusting! Do you even wash your hands?" Noah stepped back, looking offended. "I''ll have you know my hygiene is impable." ra rolled her eyes. "Says the guy who''s been hiding in a dusty shop for who knows how long." "Besides you two look like you don''t get kisses...or even ever did..." Noah said. Ariana, watching this unfold, couldn''t help but burst into a small hushedughter. "You''re impossible!" ra huffed, crossing her arms. "And you''re predictable..." Noah shot back, his smirk returning. "But I appreciate your loyalty, even if it''s begrudging." Eliza groaned. "This is the worst day ever." "Yet here you are..." Noah said smoothly. Buddy let out a bark ofughter this time, and Ariana finally managed to pull herself together. "Okay, okay, enough! Can we just agree to keep this between us and move on?" ra and Eliza exchanged a look, then sighed simultaneously. "Fine." They said in unison. Noah smirked, giving a small, mocking bow. "d we''re all on the same page." ra muttered something under her breath about "punching himter" as she and Eliza headed back up. --- I leaned back against the cold stone wall of Old Man Wilfred''s cramped basement, staring up at the ceiling. My thoughts churned like a storm cloud, weighing me down with their grim inevitability. To anyone else, it would seem like a lie¡ªsome oveplicated excuse to justify hiding here. But it wasn''t. Not entirely. Part of it was true. I knew my family well enough to recognize the patterns, the way alliances shifted and schemes unfolded in the shadows. The scions of the House of Ashbourne, ever ambitious, ever treacherous. Some of them were probably already on the move, quietly seeking me out. Not to bring me home, but to ensure I never made it back at all. And Naya¡­ My dear elder sister, with her frosty smiles and carefully veiled threats. She wouldn''t miss an opportunity like this. Sending people to the academy under the pretense of concern, only to have them "identally" deliver a dagger to my back. A hidden act in the grand y, waiting to follow the chaos that would erupt with the Princess. The memory of what wasing gnawed at me. The necromanticmander buried deep within the academy cemetery, the ritual that would bind him to her, the devastation it would bring. But afterward, once the dust settled, it would begin. My family''s wolves would descend, and I''d be their prey. I sighed, closing my eyes for a moment. Things were about to get far moreplicated than I''d hoped. Still, even amid the encroaching chaos, I couldn''t help but smirk. There was a certain satisfaction in knowing I''d already set some of the pieces in motion. Take Ariana, for example. Sweet, naive Ariana. She was useful in ways she probably hadn''t realized yet. Ariana was the type who couldn''t help but feel indebted for even the smallest things. It was in her nature to try andpensate, to bnce the scales so she wouldn''t feel weighed down by guilt. That''s why I''d trusted her to keep my secret about not being missing, knowing she''d feel obliged to protect it like a sacred oath. But her usefulness didn''t stop there. Ariana was a genius in spirit taming¡ªan art I had no experience in but needed desperately. In this world, much like the game, contracting a spirit or mana beast wasn''t just a fancy trick. It was transformative. Spirits didn''t just boost stats; they elevated a mage''s mastery of magic, creating a unique synergy that could unlock higher levels of power. The downside? Spirits and mana beasts demanded immense reserves of mana, draining their contractors with every use. For someone like me, it would be a gamble. But one I was willing to take. Who better to teach me than Ariana herself? Of course, asking her directly would be absurd. Out of character. The system would probably penalize me for it. No, I had to frame it differently. As a punishment. I smirked at the thought. Yes, that would work. She''d already let ra and Eliza in on my secret, after all. This would be her way of making amends. "Hey Ariana...." I said. "Yeah?" She said, her tone uncertain. I crossed my arms, leaning back against the wall. "I''ve been thinking..." I began, my voice smooth and measured. "About how you let ra and Eliza in on our little secret." Ariana''s face immediately reddened. "I-I said I was sorry! It just slipped out¡ª" I held up a hand to silence her. "Spare me the excuses. I''ve already decided on your punishment." Her eyes widened, and she fidgeted nervously. "P-punishment?" "Yes," I said, straightening up and stepping closer. "You''re going to teach me spirit and beast taming. Thoroughly. No shortcuts, no holding back." She blinked at me, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "T-teach you? But¡ª" "No buts," I cut in, my tone firm. "Consider it your way ofpensating for your blunder." Her expression twisted with guilt, and I knew I had her. Ariana was nothing if not predictable. "I¡­ I''ll do it..." She said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "Good," I said, smirking. She buried her face in her hands, clearly flustered, and mumbled something I couldn''t quite catch. Inwardly, I let out a sigh of relief. This was one step closer to securing a spirit or mana beast, a crucial edge I''d need for whaty ahead. Outwardly, I kept myposure, maintaining the air of arrogance that everyone expected of me. Ariana turned to leave, muttering something about preparing for the lessons. Chapter 178: Someone Like Him [1] The garden was quiet except for the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. Maya Brenthall sat at a small wrought-iron table. Her hands gracefully holding a teacup as she read from a book resting in herp. The golden light of thete afternoon cast a serene glow over the academy grounds. And for a moment, Maya allowed herself to rx. But peace was fleeting. "Well, isn''t this just perfect." A sharp voice cut through the tranquility. Maya''s fingers froze on the page. Maya slowly raised her head, her sharp purple eyes meeting Iris''s crimson ones. The dark-haired girl stood a few feet away, arms crossed, her gaze fiery and unrelenting. It was no coincidence that Iris Star, childhood friend of Noah Ashbourne, had found her here. "Iris..." Maya greeted coolly, setting her teacup down with precision. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Iris took a step forward, her expression both usatory and incredulous. "Pleasure? You sit here sipping tea, enjoying your book as if the world isn''t falling apart, while your fianc¨¦¡ªyour betrothed, Noah¡ªis missing." Maya didn''t flinch. Instead, she closed her book, cing it delicately on the table. "And what exactly would you like me to do, Iris? Scour the ends of the world for him? Shall I send out a search party at my expense?" Her voice was calm, but there was an edge of arrogance that Maya couldn''t entirely suppress. "The engagement was political. There''s no love between us." Iris''s eyes widened in disbelief. "That''s all you have to say? Political? No feelings? Do you even realize what you''re saying?" Maya raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "I''m stating the truth. It doesn''t concern me much. He and I¡ªwell, we''re hardly the romantic pair people seem to imagine." That did it. Iris''s hands mmed onto the table, rattling the teacup and startling a nearby bird. "Are you serious, Maya? You don''t even care that he''s missing? You''re engaged to him!" "By arrangement, not by choice." Maya replied, her tone clipped but still respectful. She folded her hands in herp, herposed demeanor unwavering. "If Noah is as capable as he ims, I''m sure he can handle himself. There''s no need for me to y the role of a worried fianc¨¦e. It''s unbing." Iris straightened, her fiery re intensifying. "Unbing? You don''t understand anything about him, do you? You''re so caught up in your little world of appearances and politics that you can''t see what''s right in front of you." "And what is it that I''m missing, Iris?" Maya asked, her voice tinged with exasperation. "Please, enlighten me." Iris crossed her arms, her lips curling into a scowl. "Noah may be arrogant, prideful, and impossible to deal with most of the time, but underneath all of that? He''s brilliant, loyal, and capable of things most people can only dream of. He''s the kind of person who''ll stand up for you even when no one else will... ...the kind of person who hides his pain because he refuses to burden others with it." Maya blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Iris''s fervor. "And you?" Iris continued, her voice rising. "You don''t even try to see it. You sit here, acting the victim, while every girl in this academy would kill to have what you have. You don''t deserve him, Maya.... Not if this is how you treat him." The words stung more than Maya cared to admit. She opened her mouth to respond, but Iris wasn''t done. "You''re lucky, Maya. Lucky that someone like Noah was even assigned to you. You should be grateful¡ªgrateful for his ws and his strengths, for everything he is and everything he''s not. Because one day, you''re going to realize just how rare he is.... And by then...it might be toote." Without another word, Iris spun on her heel and stormed off, her ck hair swaying behind her like a shadow. Maya remained seated, stunned into silence. Her eyes drifted to her hands, trembling slightly as they rested on herp. She clutched the fabric of her skirt, staring down at the grass beneath her feet. Iris''s words echoed in her mind, louder with each passing moment. "...You''re lucky..." "...You don''t deserve him..." "...You don''t even try to see it..." She looked at the book she had been reading. The tea that had gone cold. The flowers swaying gently in the breeze. None of it felt asforting as it had moments ago. The thought unsettled her more than she cared to admit. *** The midday sun filtered through the windows of Ravenwood Academy''s bustling dining hall. Casting patches of golden light on the long tables scattered throughout the space. Students chatted andughed over their meals, their voices blending into a harmonious din. In a quieter corner of the hall, three girls sat together, their tes half-touched. ra leaned back in her chair, her auburn hair catching the sunlight as she tapped her fork idly against her te. Beside her, Eliza adjusted her sses. Her sharp eyes glinting with curiosity as she gestured animatedly. Meanwhile, Ariana sat across from them, uncharacteristically silent. Her hands folded neatly in herp as her gaze seemed fixed on the table. "Honestly..." ra said, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "...this whole situation with Noah is hrious. I mean, they''ve got entire search partiesbing the academy grounds for him. They even hired professionals to search outside the academy. Professionals, Eliza! And the best part? He''s literally right here in the academy." Eliza chuckled, adjusting her sses again. "It''s ridiculous. They''re bending over backward to keep this from his family and the other nobles. You''d think they were trying to hide a state secret." ra snorted. "Can you imagine the uproar if his family found out? The House of Ashbourne wouldn''t just demand answers¡ªthey''d probably tear the academy apart stone by stone." Elizaughed at the exaggeration, shaking her head. "True. But you know how students are. Secrets don''t stay hidden for long, not in a ce like this. It''s only a matter of time before someone bs, and the entire world knows." ra leaned forward, her elbows on the table. "Honestly, I''m tempted to spill the beans myself. It''s the right thing to do, isn''t it? Let the academy know that he''s safe and sound." Eliza nodded thoughtfully. "It would be the responsible thing to do, I suppose. But then again¡­" She trailed off, ncing at Ariana. "What do you think, Ari? Should we tell someone?" Ariana''s fingers tightened slightly around the fabric of her skirt. She looked up at her friends, her expression soft yet conflicted. Her voice, when it came, was quiet but steady. "I¡­ I think Noah probably has his reasons for faking his death or pretending to be missing." ra and Eliza blinked, startled by the unexpected weight in her tone. Ariana continued, her wordsing hesitantly but sincerely. "Everyone, even us, has problems they''re dealing with. But unlike us¡­ Noah doesn''t have anyone to talk to. He''s distant, cold... And even when things must be eating away at him, he doesn''t share it with anyone. He''s all alone." Her hands clutched her skirt more tightly as she looked at them, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Maybe it''s not much, but¡­ we can at least do this one thing for him. Keep his secret. Even though he acts prideful and tough¡­ I think, deep down, Noah appreciates these small acts. He just¡­ doesn''t know how to show it." Chapter 179: Someone Like Him [2] For a moment, there was silence. ra and Eliza exchanged nces, their surprise evident. Then ra reached across the table and ced a hand on Ariana''s forehead, her brow furrowed. "Are you feeling okay, Ari? You''ve never talked like this before. Especially not about Noah." Eliza leaned closer, joining in. "Yeah, are you sure you''re noting down with something?" She asked, her tone a mix of teasing and concern. Ariana swatted their hands away, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "I''m fine!" She insisted, though her voice wavered slightly. ra narrowed her eyes yfully. "Wait a second¡­ Is Noah threatening you? Did he force you to say these things about him?" Eliza gasped in mock horror. "That has to be it! It''s the only exnation!" Ariana''s face turned redder as she shook her head vigorously. "N-no! It''s nothing like that! I just¡­ I just think it''s the right thing to do, that''s all!" Her words came out in a flustered rush, and she quickly changed the subject. "Actually, he asked me to teach him spirit and beast taming." Both girls froze, then burst outughing. "Spirit and beast taming?" ra repeated, doubling over. "Noah wants you to teach him? Oh, this I''ve got to see!" Eliza wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "That''s rich. How does he expect to learn anything when half the academy is searching for him?" Ariana''s expression softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips. "He''s serious about it. And I¡­ I know a ce where we can practice. It''s in the Eastern Forest, south of the meadows. Hardly anyone goes there." ra raised an eyebrow. "The Eastern Forest? Isn''t that¡­ kind of secluded?" "Exactly." Ariana replied, her voice regaining some of its usual confidence. "It''s perfect. No one will bother us there. And since I don''t have any sses after lunch today, it''s a good time to start." ra and Eliza exchanged a nce, their expressions somewhere between amusement and concern. Then ra smirked. "Well, good luck with that. You''re going to need it." Eliza nodded sagely. "And don''t let him boss you around too muchI If he starts acting up, just summon a beast to scare him straight." Ariana giggled softly, standing up from her seat and grabbing her bag. "I''ll keep that in mind. See you bothter!" As she hurried off, waving goodbye, ra and Eliza watched her go. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Eliza leaned toward ra, lowering her voice. "Do you think¡­ Ariana''s starting to get drawn to Noah?" ra hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly. "I don''t know. I mean, it''s Ariana... She''s kindhearted and always tries to see the good in people. But¡­ yeah, maybe." Eliza sighed, resting her chin on her hand. "I hate to admit it, but it kind of looks like it." ra nodded slowly. "Yeah. It really does." *** The soft crunch of grass beneath Ariana''s boots apanied her quiet footsteps as she walked south of the meadows. The afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the rolling fields Her thoughts swirled, preupied with the task ahead. Determining the best spirit for Noah. It wasn''t as simple as teaching him the mechanics of spirit taming. Thepatibility between a spirit and its contractor was crucial. "Something fierce but manageable.." She murmured to herself, brushing a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "He''d need a spirit thatplements his abilities. Something with..." She paused, considering her options. "Maybe ice magic. I''ve seen him use that before." Suddenly, a soft growl rumbled beside her, and a warm presence appeared at her side. She nced over and smiled as her spiritpanion, Buddy¡ªa massive bear with a thick, silvery coat and kind, intelligent eyes¡ªmaterialized out of thin air. {Thinking about spirits for that guy, huh?} Buddy rumbled, his voice deep andforting butced with yful skepticism. {How about a spirit that likes to bite back? Something that gives as much sass as it gets?} Ariana chuckled, shaking her head. "No, Buddy. I don''t think that would work. Noah''s¡­ difficult enough on his own without a spirit adding to it." Buddy snorted, hisrge paws padding along the ground beside her. {Alright, alright. What about something small and scrappy, like a frost weasel? Quick, sharp, and always ready for a fight.} Ariana suppressed a giggle at the mental image. "I don''t think Noah would appreciate being bonded with something like that. Besides, he needs a spirit thatplements his power, not his personality quirks." Buddy tilted his head, his silvery fur catching the sunlight. {Fair enough. Ice, you said? A frost spirit, then. Something elegant but deadly, like a snow fox or a cier wisp. Though¡­} He smirked, his sharp teeth glinting. {Wouldn''t it be funny if he ended up with a penguin spirit?} Ariana couldn''t help butugh, the sound light and musical. "I don''t think Noah''s ego could handle a penguinpanion." Herughter subsided, reced by a thoughtful hum. "Still, you might be onto something A spirit tied to ice magic would suit him best. It has to be strong and resilient¡ªlike him, in a way." The two continued walking until the meadows gave way to an open space, where the afternoon sun bathed everything in a golden glow. A glisteningkey ahead, its surface shimmering and twinkling like a thousand diamonds. The water was surrounded by vibrant greenery and patches of colorful flowers swaying gently in the breeze. Ariana stopped for a moment, taking in the serene beauty of the ce. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of wildflowers. Her eyes scanned the area, and on the far side of theke, a figure caught her attention. It was unmistakably Noah. Her breath hitched as her gaze lingered. He stood near the edge of the water, shirtless, his body wet and glistening from theke. The sunlight danced on his defined muscles, entuating every curve and line. His jet-ck hair clung to his face in damp strands, and his golden eyes shimmered in the sunlight, matching the brilliance of the afternoon sky. Strands of wet hair framed his sharp features, giving him an almost ethereal quality. As if sensing her presence, Noah turned his head toward her. His piercing gaze locked onto hers, and his lips curled into a smirk. "Oh, you finally arrived¡­" He said, his voice smooth and deep, carrying easily across the water. Ariana''s face immediately turned crimson. She clutched her hands to her mouth, her fingers barely concealing her expression as she quickly averted her eyes. Chapter 180: Theres More To It [1] The academy garden was filled with the chatter of first-year students gathered beneath the glowing sky. The sun hung just above the horizon, painting the clouds in shades of orange and yellow, casting an almost magical ambiance over the garden. Most of the students lounging on the soft grass were girls, save for a few boys scattered among them. Their conversations ovepped, lively and spirited, as they exchanged stories,ughed, and teased one another. At the center of a particr group sat a bold-looking girl named Marielle, animatedly spinning a tale that had her listeners leaning in. Her voice carried a mix of intrigue and eerie drama, perfect for the ghost story she was about to share. "You''ve all heard of the cemetery west of the forest, right?" Marielle began, her dark eyes glinting with mischief. A hush fell over the group, with a few students ncing nervously at each other. "Well, it''s not just any cemetery. Buried there is the spirit of Commander Edran Vale¡ªthe academy''s most vengeful ghost." "Vengeful ghost?" One of the boys, a wiry student named Eric, echoed skeptically. Though his tone betrayed a hint of nervousness. Marielle grinned, sensing her audience''s growing interest. "Yes, vengeful... Edran Vale wasn''t just some ordinary soldier. He was a brilliantmander during the War of Shattered Crowns centuries ago. Ravenwood Academy was a fortress back then, and he was its protector. They say he defended thesends with unmatched courage, fighting for the kingdom even when the odds were impossible." The group nodded, caught in the drama of her story. "But¡­" Marielle''s voice dropped, forcing everyone to lean closer. "During the final battle, Edran was betrayed by someone he trusted¡ªone of his closestrades. The traitor deliberately gave away the fortress''s location to the enemy in exchange for gold. And so, when the enemy stormed the grounds, Commander Vale was ambushed, overwhelmed, and captured." One of the girls, wide-eyed, clutched her friend''s arm. "What happened to him?" "They dragged him deep into the forest west of the academy..." Marielle continued, her voice low and somber. "There, they tortured him, demanding he reveal the kingdom''s secrets. But Edran was loyal to the end. He refused, even as they drove their des through his chest. His dying breath was a curse¡ªa vow to never rest until he found the one who betrayed him. His spirit was said to be so full of rage and regret that it couldn''t move on." The group shuddered collectively. A few nced nervously at the western edge of the garden, where the forest loomed in the distance. "And now..." Marielle added, her tone dripping with ominous finality. "...his ghost haunts the cemetery. They say that if you visit at night, you might hear his voice whispering in the wind, asking if you''re the traitor. And if he decides you''re lying¡­" She paused for effect, looking around at the captivated students. "He possesses you." "Possesses you?" A boy scoffed, though he shifted ufortably. "What does that even mean?" Marielle leaned forward, her face lit with mock-seriousness. "It means he takes over your body, turning you into a puppet to do his bidding. Some say students who go missing near the cemetery are found dayster wandering aimlessly, their eyes nk. They don''t remember what happened¡ªbut they allin of hearing a voice calling them a traitor." A few students visibly shivered, while others nervouslyughed. "Come on," Eric said, attempting to sound confident. "That''s just a story. There''s no real ghost." "Besides I''ve heard that story multiple times now... There are actually more tales that senior students pass down to their juniors every year just to scare the shit out of them... " "Think what you want..." Marielle replied with a shrug, but her smirk lingered. "But if you ever get curious, the cemetery is still there. Who knows? Maybe Commander Vale is waiting for his next victim." As the group broke into murmurs, one of the girls turned toward a figure sitting quietly at the edge of the gathering. It was the princess, ra, who had recently returned to the academy after mysteriously going missing and a bunch of guards found her neat the forest. Her red hair caught the light of the setting sun, but her expression was distant, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "Hey, Princess..." One of the girls called out, her tone light. "You''ve been awfully quiet... Are you feeling okay?" ra blinked, startled out of her thoughts. "Oh.. Huh.. I- I''m fine." She replied softly, though there was a slight tremor in her voice. "Really?" nother girl chimed in, her smile sly. "Are you sure? You were recently found near the forest, weren''t you? Near the cemetery, if I''m not mistaken." Roselyn stiffened, her hands gripping herp tightly. "Maybe you were possessed!" Marielle teased, earning a ripple ofughter from the group. "Did Commander Vale''s ghost get to you?" "Or maybe she''s still possessed..." Eric added, grinning. "And she doesn''t even know it." The group''sughter grew louder, though a few students cast wary nces at ra, as if expecting her to suddenly act strange. "That''s enough..." A quiet voice interjected. It was Roselyn, one of the more reserved students in the group. She shot the others a disapproving look. "It''s just a story. Don''t be mean." The teasing died down, but a tense silence hung in the air. "Apart from her highness that second year senior went missing on that day too... Till date the academy higher ups haven''t found him. You think the ghostmander got to him?" Eric muttered. "That''s just a stupid ghost story...if the senior is missing, it must be because of something else.... " Roselyn added. ra remained silent, her cheeks flushed, but she didn''t rise to defend herself. Instead, she turned her gaze back to the horizon, her expression unreadable. As the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, the group slowly dispersed, though a few stayed behind to enjoy the fading daylight. ra stayed rooted to her spot, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn''t shake. Whether it was the ghost story or something else entirely, the unease lingered. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 181 Theres More To It [2] The soft rustling of leaves and the gentle chirping of birds filled the tranquil air by theke. The sun hung high above, casting its warm rays across the glistening surface of the water. Ariana stood at the edge of the clearing, her face flushed as she kept her gaze firmly fixed on the ground. Just a few steps away, Noah, still damp from theke, was calmly pulling on a fresh shirt. "You can look now..." Noah''s voice broke the silence, cool andposed. Ariana hesitated for a moment, her hands clutching her skirt. Slowly, she turned her head, her wide eyes taking in the sight of Noah, now fully dressed. Though his dark hair still clung wetly to his forehead. She cleared her throat awkwardly, trying to push past her initial embarrassment. "What were you doing?" She asked, her voice soft but curious. Noah adjusted his shirt, giving a faint smirk. "I don''t exactly have the luxury of relying on a maid to handle myundry anymore..." He exined. "It could unravel this whole ''missing'' act I''ve been pulling. So, I''ve beening here, washing what I need to myself. It''s quiet, secluded. No onees here." Ariana tilted her head slightly, her brows furrowing as she absorbed his exnation. It was strange hearing Noah speak so matter-of-factly about his situation, as though going into hiding was just another task on his to-do list. "Well..." She said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "...since I don''t have any sses for the rest of the day, and since you were the one who asked me to meet you here... I suppose we should start." She met his gaze briefly, her determination flickering behind her usual shyness. "Today, I''ll teach you about spirits." Noah raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking slightly. "Go on, then. Enlighten me." Ariana inhaled deeply, gathering her thoughts. "Before we begin, you should know that spirits are not simple entities. They are deeply tied to mana, elements, and the very essence of a mage''s capabilities. Spirits exist in aplex hierarchy, each rank possessing unique qualities and levels of power." She took a step closer to him, gesturing toward theke. "Imagine thiske as a metaphor for mana. It''s vast, seemingly endless, but it''s alsoyered. The surface might be calm, but beneath it, there are depths you can''t see. Spirits exist within theseyers, and their ranks reflect their connection to mana and the elements." Noah crossed his arms, watching her intently as she continued. "First, at the lowest rank, are the Low-rank spirits. They are newborn spirits, weak and without much will of their own. They often align themselves with simple elements¡ªwater, fire, earth, and air. They''re easy to contract but limited in power. Mages often use them as stepping stones to grow their connection with mana." Noah gave a slight nod, already piecing things together. "So, they''re like training wheels for a mage." "Y-yeah you could exactly say it like that..." Ariana replied, a hint of a smile crossing her lips. "Above them are mid-rank spirits with a stronger sense of individuality and power. They''re capable of manipting their element with greater finesse and can aid a mage in more advanced magic." "And let me guess..." Noah interjected. "...the hierarchy doesn''t stop there." Ariana chuckled softly. "N-no, it doesn''t. Beyond mid-ranking spirits, we have the high-rank spirits, rare and ancient spirits tied to the core elements. They possess immense power and are often worshipped in certain cultures. Contracting a high-rank is a monumental task, as they rarely submit to a mage without a profound bond." Noah arched a brow. "So, high-ranks are like legendary figures in the world of spirits?" "Exactly. But there''s one more rank.." Ariana said, her tone lowering with gravity. "The eternal spirits. They are spirits that transcend elements, embodying concepts like time, light, and darkness. They are few and far between, and most mages only know them through myths. To contract an eternal is to forge a bond that changes both the mage and the spirit forever." As she spoke, her spirit bear, Buddy, materialized beside her, its soft growls punctuating her words. "Buddy here is a mid-rank," she said, patting the bear affectionately. "He''s been with me for years, and we''ve built a strong connection. That''s the key to working with spirits¡ªbuilding trust and understanding." Noah studied the bear, his yellow eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "And how exactly does a spirit benefit a mage?" He asked. "In practical terms, I mean." Ariana nodded, her expression earnest. "A spirit is more than just a partner. They amplify a mage''s mana, making spells stronger and more precise. They can also provide guidance, serve as protectors, and even heal their mage in dire situations. The rtionship is symbiotic¡ªthe mage provides mana, and the spirit offers their power andpanionship in return." "I see..." Noah murmured, his gaze drifting toward theke. "It sounds... useful. In the game, I never really explored spirit training, but now I can see why it''s important." Ariana tilted her head, curiosity shing in her eyes. "Game?" "Nothing...pay no mind to what I said." Noah said quickly, waving her off. "So, what''s next? Do I just pick a spirit and hope for the best?" "Not quite..." Ariana replied, a small smile ying on her lips. "Spirits are tied to elements, and a mage''s affinity determines which spirits they can contract. What are your primary elements?" "Ice." Noah said without hesitation. "I''ve mastered it to a decent degree... But I also have an affinity for lightning. I haven''t developed it as much, but it''s there." Ariana nodded thoughtfully. Continue reading at empire "Ice is a versatile element. A spirit aligned with it wouldplement your abilities well. As for lightning, it''s a rare and vtile element. Contracting a lightning-aligned spirit would require patience and focus, but it could greatly enhance your repertoire." She paused, studying him carefully. "Which would you prefer to pursue first?" Noah considered her question, his eyes narrowing as he weighed his options. "Lightning," he said finally. "If I''m going to strengthen my weaker element, I might as well start now." "That way I''ll climb even higher..." "B-but your the top student...there is no where left to climb..." Ariana said. "And that right there is why all of you fail..." Noah added. Ariana brushed it off and continued. "Good choice... But lightning spirits are rare, and finding one will take time. For now, we can focus on understanding the fundamentals of spirit contracts. Tomorrow, we''ll meet again and start searching for a suitable spirit." "Tomorrow it is..." Noah said, his tone steady. "But don''t think I''m doing this just to indulge you. If this spirit business doesn''t pay off¡ª" "It will..." Ariana interrupted, her voice firm. "Trust me, Noah. This will be worth it." For a moment, the two of them stood in silence, the sound of thekepping gently against the shore filling the air. Chapter 182 It Doesnt Matter [1] The cobblestone streets of the academy were eerily quiet. Noah and Ariana made their way through the narrow paths. A cloth-lined bag slung over Noah''s shoulder. The old leather straps creaked softly with each step. But otherwise, the pair moved silently under the cover of the night. The setting sun bathed the horizon in a rich gradient of orange and purple, soon giving way to the pale glow of the moon. Noah adjusted his ck hoodie, pulling it further down over his face as Ariana nced around nervously. "Are you sure we''re not being followed?" She whispered, her voice barely audible. Noah scoffed lightly. "Rx. It''ste. No one''s going to notice¡ª" "Oi! You two!" A sharp voice cut through the quiet. Ariana froze mid-step, her breath catching. From a shadowed corner ahead, two knights in polished academy-issued armor stepped into view. Their halberds gleaming faintly in the moonlight. Their expressions were a mix of suspicion and curiosity as they eyed the cloaked figure of Noah. "You there..." One of the knights barked, gesturing with his weapon. "What are you doing out here at this hour? And why are you skulking about like that?" Noah muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like a curse. Ariana forced a nervous smile, stepping forward to speak. "Oh, um, good evening, sirs. We were just, uh,ing back from... the training grounds! You know, practicing for uing assessments!" The knights exchanged skeptical nces. "The training grounds are on the other side of the academy..." The other knight pointed out, his tone dripping with doubt. "What''s in the bag?" Ariana opened her mouth to answer, but Noah beat her to it. "Laundry." He said tly, the deadpan delivery making Ariana nearly choke on her own breath. "Laundry?" The first knight repeated, incredulity evident in his voice. "At this hour?" Noah shrugged nonchntly. "I like clean clothes. Sue me." The knight frowned, clearly unimpressed. His gaze shifted to Noah''s hoodie. "Take that off...why do you even have it on... Let''s see your face." "Uh, no thanks..." Noah replied, his tone icy but casual. "I''m not really into public unveilings. You know, bad hair day and all." Ariana groaned internally, sensing where this was going. The knights weren''t going to let this go. "Bad hair day, huh?" The first knight said, narrowing his eyes. "Or are you hiding something? You know, there''s been talk of a missing student matching your height and¡ª" Noah cut him off with a dramatic sigh. "Alright, fine. You caught me." He reached up slowly, making as if to pull down his hood. The knights leaned in, anticipation written all over their faces. Just as Noah''s fingers brushed the edge of his hood, Buddy, Ariana''s spirit bear, materialized out of nowhere. Plopping down in front of them with a loud thud. The knights recoiled in shock, their halberds raised. "WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR¡ª" One of them yelped, stumbling backward. Ariana seized the moment, stepping forward with a bright, overly enthusiastic smile. "Oh, you startled poor Buddy! He''s very sensitive, you see. He doesn''t like strangers staring at him. Isn''t that right, Buddy?" The bear growled softly, tilting its head as if it were offended by their presence. "Sensitive?" The second knight stammered, still eyeing the bear warily. "That''s... a spirit bear, isn''t it?" "Buddy goes everywhere with me..." Ariana said cheerfully, crouching down to scratch the bear behind its ears. "He''s my emotional supportpanion." "Emotional... support?" The first knight echoed, clearly baffled. Noah chimed in, a smirk ying on his lips. "She''s a nervous wreck without him. Buddy''s basically her therapy bear. You wouldn''t want to separate ady from her therapy bear, would you? That''s just cruel." The knights looked at each other, their initial suspicion wavering as they tried to process the absurdity of the situation. "That... doesn''t exin the bag." One of them said hesitantly. "Oh, that''s full of Buddy''s snacks!" Ariana said quickly, patting the bag for emphasis. "He gets really grumpy if he doesn''t have his dried salmon. Isn''t that right, Buddy?" The bear let out a deep huff, which somehow sounded both menacing and oddly convincing. "And the hood?" The second knight pressed, though his resolve seemed to be cracking under the weight of the ridiculous exnations. Noah tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Have you ever tried washing your hair withke water? No? Well, let me tell you, it''s not exactly salon quality. Hood stays on." At that moment, Buddy decided to get in on the act, rising to his full height and letting out a loud, rumbling growl. Both knights jumped, their armor nking noisily as they stumbled back. "Alright, alright!" The first knight said, holding up his hands. "You''re free to go. Just... keep that bear under control, alright?" "Of course, sirs." Ariana said sweetly, giving them a mock curtsy. "Thank you for your understanding!" The knights hurried off, muttering to themselves about "weird students" and "too many spirits roaming around." As soon as they were out of earshot, Ariana let out a breath of relief, her shoulders slumping. "That was way too close." Ariana shot him a re but couldn''t help the small smile tugging at her lips. Buddy nuzzled her hand, clearly pleased with his performance. *** The alley behind Old Man Wilfred''s shop was quiet. Save for the soft crunch of gravel underfoot as Ariana and I moved cautiously. The air was damp and cool, the faint smell of aged wood and herbs wafting from the shop''s rear entrance. The moonlight barely reached this far, but that suited me just fine. The fewer eyes on us, the better. I paused, adjusting the bag slung over my shoulder, making sure Snodder was secure. Ariana nced back at me, her expression both nervous and determined. She hadn''t said much since our little run-in with the knights, which was probably for the best. Her silence let me focus on not getting caught. Pushing open the creaky back door, we stepped inside. The shop was dimly lit, a singlentern hanging from the ceiling casting flickering shadows over shelves crammed with strange trinkets, jars of unidentifiable powders, and stacks of old tomes. The air was thick with the scent of incense and something vaguely metallic. Old Man Wilfred looked up from his cluttered counter as we entered. His wiry frame hunched over a half-disassembled clockwork contraption. His bushy eyebrows rose, and his face twisted into a scowl that somehow still managed to seem weing. "Back so soon?" He grumbled, setting down his tools. "Thought you two were smart enough to avoid attention." "Something we missed? " I said, letting the bag slide off my shoulder onto the counter. Ariana gave a polite nod. "Good evening, Mr. Wilfred." He ignored her greeting, fixing me with a piercing stare. "You''d better watch your backs. There was someone here earlier¡ªProfessor Scarlett, no less. Been snooping around, asking about you, boy." He jabbed a finger in my direction. "Wanted to know if I''d seen you." I tensed, my mind racing. Continue your journey with empire Professor Scarlett. Of course. The academy wasn''t going to let me just vanish without making a fuss. "What''d you tell her?" I asked, keeping my tone casual, though my hands instinctively clenched at my sides. "Nothing,." Wilfred said with a shrug, his gruff voice carrying a hint of pride. "yed dumb. Pretended I didn''t give a damn. But you should know, the academy''s not letting up They''ve got some sharp people looking for you now. Won''t be long before they sniff you out." His words didn''t surprise me. If anything, I''d been expecting this. Still, hearing it confirmed made my stomach twist. I nced at Ariana, who looked visibly uneasy. Her hands were sped tightly in front of her, and her lips pressed into a thin line. I turned my gaze back to Wilfred, giving him a short nod. "No worries... I''ll handle it." He snorted, clearly unimpressed by my confidence. "You''d better. This shop doesn''t need any trouble." As Wilfred turned back to his work, I leaned against the counter, letting my hood fall slightly over my face. My thoughts churned, a chaotic mess of ns and calctions. The truth was, it didn''t really matter anymore. The first act of this story was about to kick off, and hiding wouldn''t make much of a difference. The princess would soon get possessed, and with her, chaos would follow. That was how the script went. All I had to do was stay out of the way and survive until the weekend. Then, with all eyes on the princess and Draven, I''d have some breathing room. For now, I just needed to keep my head down. I straightened, turning to Ariana. "Listen, we won''t be meeting again until sometime next week. I need toy low, and so do you. Don''te to the shop unless it''s absolutely necessary. It''ll look suspicious if anyone notices you visiting too often." Her eyes widened slightly, but she nodded after a moment. "Alright. If that''s what you think is best." "It is." I nced at Wilfred. "You''ll let her know if anything importantes up, right?" He grunted, not looking up. "I''m not your messenger, boy. But sure, if it keeps you two from making a mess of things." I rolled my eyes but didn''t press the matter. Ariana stepped toward the door, giving me a small, uncertain smile. "G-goodnight, Noah..." She said softly, before turning to Wilfred. "And thank you, Mr. Wilfred." Wilfred waved her off with a muttered. "Yeah, yeah." As she slipped out the back door. The soft click of thetch echoed in the quiet shop, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more. I stared at the bag on the counter, the weight of everything pressing down on me. The clock was ticking, and the storm wasing. All I could do was prepare and hope I didn''t get caught in the crossfire. ''Alright...time to farm a few [plot points]...'' Chapter 183 First Episode Princess Of The Dead [1] The room was quiet. The soft glow of moonlight filtering through the sheer curtains of Princess ra''s dorm at Silver Crest Hall. The elegant decor of her space¡ªthe finely carved wooden furniture, the delicate embroidery on the bedding¡ªfelt cold, distant, as if they belonged to someone else entirely. She sat on the edge of her bed. Clutching the small amulet that hung around her neck. Her fingers trembled as they traced the smooth edges of the charm. The weight of it bothforting and suffocating. Her mind began to drift. As it often did in these quiet hours, pulling her into the depths of memories she had tried so desperately to bury. It was fragmented at first, like the shards of a shattered mirror. She was seven¡ªno, eight years old¡ªstanding in the dimly lit hall of the imperial pce. The air had been heavy with tension that night. The kind that even a child could feel. Her elder brother, the first prince, stood before her, his voice echoing faintly in her mind, words sharp and cruel. It was after a swordsmanship training session. His piercing eyes, the way his lips curled in disdain as he dismissed her¡ªthose details were etched into her soul. Then came the knife. She didn''t remember picking it up, only the cold weight of it in her small hands. Her breaths had been shallow. Her heart pounding so loudly she thought it might burst. The next thing she knew, there was blood. It spilled across the floor, warm and sticky, staining the perfect marble beneath them. Her brother''s wide, shocked eyes locked onto hers as he fell. His mouth forming words she couldn''t hear over the deafening roar in her ears. She had dropped the knife. She remembered that clearly¡ªthe metallic ng as it hit the ground. The way her hands trembled uncontrobly, the sticky red coating her fingers. And his body, still and lifeless, the vibrant life in him snuffed out by her own hand. Her breath hitched, pulling her back into the present. The amulet pressed against her chest as if to anchor her to reality. She gripped it tighter, her knuckles white, her shoulders trembling. A memory like that never truly faded. It lingered, a shadow that clung to her soul, waiting to pounce when she let her guard down. But the horrors didn''t end with the past. Just days ago, she had found herself too close to the academy cemetery, a mistake she deeply regretted. She had felt an unexinable pull. Something dark and malevolent, guiding her deeper into the misty expanse of gravestones and decayed monuments. The world around her had seemed to shift. The vibrant life of the academy giving way to an eerie, suffocating stillness. And then she had seen him. Her brother. He had stood there, the same age as when she hadst seen him alive. His clothes drenched in blood, just as they had been that night. His eyes¡ªthose using eyes¡ªbored into hers, freezing her in ce. She had wanted to scream, to run, but her body refused to obey. When she finally managed to flee, she had convinced herself it was a hallucination. Stress, exhaustion¡ªanything but the truth. She hadn''t told anyone, not even the mediums she had briefly considered confiding in. Or even the royal therapist assigned to her. They would think she was mad, a fragile princess cracking under the weight of her royal responsibilities. Worse, they might alert her father, the emperor. If he thought for even a moment that she was unfit, he''d pull her from Ravenwood Academy. And that was something she couldn''t allow. Ravenwood was her sanctuary, the only ce where she felt even a semnce of peace. A ce she had tried so hard toe, it only took a few hundred pleas to her father to agree. Here, she wasn''t just the emperor''s daughter, a tool for alliances and politics. She was ra¡ªa first year student, a young woman trying to find her ce in the world. If she lost that, if she was dragged back to the suffocating walls of the imperial pce, she didn''t know what would be of her. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over before she could stop them. They rolled down her cheeks in silent streams. Her shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs. She buried her face in her hands. Clutching the amulet tightly as if it could shield her from the memories, the guilt, the fear. In the solitude of her room, under the watchful gaze of the moon, ra allowed herself this moment of vulnerability. No one would see her tears here. No one would judge her. She was alone with her pain, her regrets, and the fragile hope that Ravenwood would continue to be her refuge. Her fingers curled around the amulet, pressing it to her lips. It was a silent prayer. A desperate plea for strength to endure, for the courage to face whatever darkness awaited her. And maybe, just maybe, for forgiveness¡ª *** The Silver Crest Hall was quiet, its grandeur shrouded in the soft glow of the chandelier above. The golden light danced on the pristine wallpaper. Casting intricate patterns that reflected the opulence of the hall reserved for the academy''s most elite students. The silence was broken not by the soft padding of footsteps or the murmurs of students preparing for bed. But by the low hum of voices near the corner. In an alcove just beyond the chandelier''s reach, a group of knights, tasked with patrolling the hall, had decided to temporarily forgo their duties. Their spears and swords rested against the wall, forgotten for the moment, as they leaned over a chessboard set precariously on a marble pedestal. "Checkmate in two moves..." Muttered one of the knights. A burly man with a patchy beard. He leaned back with a smug grin, folding his arms across his broad chest. "You''re dreaming, Gareth." Snapped his opponent, a wiry, sharp-eyed knight named Leon. He tapped a finger on the board, scrutinizing every piece. "I''ll take your queen before you even notice." Chapter 184 First Episode Princess Of The Dead [2] "You couldn''t take my queen if I handed her to you on a silver tter." Gareth retorted, earning a snort from one of the onlookers. The other three knights watched intently, some munching on snacks pilfered from the kitchens. "Forget the game..." One of them chimed in, a younger knight with a crooked smile. "We all know Gareth''s going to win. Let''s talk about something more interesting. Like Professor Scarlett." The mention of her name drew a collective groan of agreement. "Ah, Professor Scarlett...." Sighed one of the onlookers dramatically, cing a hand over his heart. "Those eyes could freeze a man solid, and those legs¡ª" "Don''t even start." Leon interrupted, his concentration breaking as he red at the younger knight. "I''m still trying to figure out how she manages to look so¡­ distracting in ab coat." "Forget theb coat..." Gareth chimed in, leaning closer. "It''s the way she says ''incorrect'' when someone messes up in her Advanced Magic Theory ss. I''d fail on purpose just to hear her say it." The group erupted intoughter, the chess game momentarily forgotten as they exchanged exaggerated tales of their interactions with the enigmatic Professor Scarlett. But their mirth was short-lived. A sudden, loud crash echoed through the hall. The unmistakable sound of shattering ss and things breaking reverberating through the ornate space. The knights froze, theirughter dying in their throats as they exchanged wide-eyed looks. "What the hell was that?" Leon whispered, already reaching for his sword. "It came from¡­ the princess''s room..." One of them said, his voice tense. Without another word, they bolted toward the source of the sound, their armor clinking as they ran. The corridor seemed to stretch endlessly, the chandelier''s golden light casting ominous shadows that danced on the walls. When they reached Princess ra''s door, they found it tightly shut. Gareth rattled the doorknob. "Locked. Of course it''s locked." "Step aside..." Leon said, already channeling magic into his palm. mes licked at his fingers, illuminating the tension etched into his face. With a sharp motion, he released a burst of fire magic at the lock. The door exploded inward with a deafening boom, smoke curling from the charred wood as they rushed inside. Even though the doors to the students dormitories had protection magic sealed in them. For someone like Leon who was trained very well and had an insurmountable knowledge in magic engineering, he knew exactly where to hit the runes on the door. Usually having them unable to work for an exact period of 10 seconds. The room was in disarray. The once-immacte bed was rumpled. The sheets tangled and half on the floor. The curtains billowed in the night breeze, framing the shattered window where shards of ss glittered like malevolent stars. The faint scent of blood and something darker lingered in the air. And the room bore signs of a struggle¡ªoverturned furniture, a splintered chair, and signs of struggle. But no princess. The knights stood in stunned silence, their earlier banter andughter now a distant memory. "She''s gone..." One of them muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. Their gazes turned toward the broken window, the night outside yawning like a dark, endless abyss. *** The dim light of the moon barely seeped through the dusty windows of Old Man Wilfred''s shop. Casting long, eerie shadows over the cluttered shelves filled with potions, scrolls, and odd trinkets. The silence of the night was disrupted by the nking of armor and heavy boots. As a group of knights, led by Professor Scarlett,bed through every inch of the shop. The air inside was thick with tension. The flickering light of thenterns making the whole scene feel like a surreal interrogation. Professor Scarlett, asposed as ever, stood by the counter, her sharp eyes watching Old Man Wilfred intently. "Wilfred..." She began, her voice low and deliberate. "....you know why we''re here. We received credible information that the missing student, Noah Ashbourne, may have been seen in the vicinity of your shop. We''re just following protocol." Old Man Wilfred leaned on the counter. His expression neutral but his grip on the edge of the wood firm. "Credible information, you say? Pfft. I''ve been running this shop longer than you''ve been alive, Professor. No student''s been through here, missing or otherwise. Now, I suggest you and your entourage leave before my patience runs out." The knights ignored his protests, opening every cab, checking behind every stack of goods, and knocking on the walls for hollow spaces. They were methodical and unyielding, leaving no corner untouched. One of them finally stopped near a hidden trapdoor partially obscured by a stack of crates. "Miss Scarlett..." The knight called out, pointing to the trapdoor. "...there''s something here." Scarlett''s eyes narrowed as she stepped closer. She gestured toward Old Man Wilfred. "Open it." Wilfred''s face twitched, but he forced a grin. "Oh, that? It''s just my storage cer. Nothing but old barrels, crates, and parchment. Hardly worth your time." Scarlett crossed her arms, unamused. "Open it, Wilfred... Or we''ll do it ourselves." Reluctantly, Wilfred stepped forward, brushing the dust off the trapdoor and unhooking thetch. "Fine. But you''re wasting your time..." He grumbled, pulling it open to reveal a set of rickety wooden stairs leading into darkness. The air wafting up was damp and cold, carrying the faint smell of mildew. Professor Scarlett turned to the knights. "Check it thoroughly. Leave no stone unturned." As the knights descended into the basement with theirnterns, Scarlett stayed behind, watching Wilfred closely. "You seem unusually reluctant, Wilfred. Anything you want to tell me?" Wilfred shrugged, his tone casual butced with irritation. "Just annoyed at having my shop treated like some kind of criminal hideout. You used toe here all the time, Scarlett, buying ingredients and asking for advice. Funny how quickly that respect vanishes." Scarlett''s eyes softened for a moment. A flicker of something resembling regret crossing her face, but she quickly masked it. "This isn''t personal, Wilfred." "Sure doesn''t feel that way..." Wilfred muttered under his breath, turning away to rearrange a stack of bottles. Minutes passed before the knights returned. Their faces nk as they reported to Scarlett. "Nothing down there, Professor. Just a mess of old barrels, crates, and dusty parchments. It''s freezing and damp¡ª No one could possibly live there." Chapter 185 First Episode Princess Of The Dead [3] The silence of the night shattered as themunication crystals in every knight''s possession hummed to life. Glowing faintly with magical energy. The voice of Captain Aldric echoed through the crystals. His tone sharp and urgent. "Attention all knights." He barked. "The princess is missing. I repeat, the princess is missing. Maintain order, minimize panic, and begin a coordinated search immediately. Focus on every corner of the academy. Report anything unusual." The Silver Crest Hall, usually a haven of quiet sophistication, was now alive with murmurs and hurried footsteps. Some knights stood guard at the dormitories to prevent students from wandering outside. While others swiftly departed, their armor clinking softly in the dim corridors. "Check the tuition cube and the library!" One knight called through his crystal. Another voice crackled in response. "Already checked¡ªnothing but some students cramming for their assessments. She''s not here." In the student center, a group of knights swept through the grand halls. Their eyes scanning every nook and cranny. "West wing clear..." One of them reported. "No sign of the princess. Moving to the main foyer." At the academy town center, where quaint shops and cafes lined the cobblestone streets, another squad of knights patrolled diligently. "No signs of her here, Captain..." One of them said, the faint sounds of their boots echoing in the empty streets. "The area''s quiet Moving on to the training grounds." The training grounds, usually alive with the sounds of sparring andughter during the day, were eerily still under the moonlight. A group of knights scanned the open fields, theirnterns casting long shadows on the ground. "No movement here." One of them reported "Checking the barracks next." Themunication crystal in Captain Aldric''s hand buzzed with ovepping voices. Each knight diligently reporting their findings¡ªorck thereof. "South dormitories are secure No sign of the princess." "Town square is empty. No unusual activity." "Library and tuition halls are clear." Despite their best efforts to keep the situation discreet, whispers of themotion began to ripple through the student body. Those still awake peeked out of their rooms, exchanging worried nces and hushed words. Some even ventured to ask the knights what was happening, only to be told to return to their dormitories immediately. The academy''s order was beginning to fray at the edges. --- At the edge of the forest, near the academy''s boundary, a knight paused, his breath visible in the cool night air. His hand hovered over hismunication crystal as he frowned. A strange sensation prickling at the edge of his awareness. He spoke into the crystal, his voice tinged with unease. "Captain... there''s something off here... I''m near the forest line. The air feels... heavy. And there''s this faint sound, like whispers...ing from the direction of St. Sebastian''s Cemetery." The name sent a ripple of unease through the knights. St. Sebastian''s Cemetery, nestled deep within the forest and shrouded inyers of superstition, was rarely visited even during the day. By night, it was a ce of foreboding whispers and unspoken fears. Captain Aldric''s voice was immediate. "All avable units, focus on the area near St. Sebastian''s Cemetery. Keep your guard up and proceed with caution. Report any unusual findings." The knights moved quickly. Their coordinated efforts sweeping through the academy as the strange sensation began to permeate the air. One by one, they began to feel it¡ªthe oppressive weight. The chilling presence that seemed to crawl beneath their skin. Near the dormitories, students peered out of their windows. Their faces pale as they whispered amongst themselves. Some imed they heard faint cries. Others spoke of a dark figure moving at the edge of the trees. The knights gathered their courage and pressed forward, their path illuminated by the pale light of theirnterns Those nearest to the forest finally arrived at the boundary, their eyes fixed on the towering trees that seemed to sway despite the stillness of the night. The oppressive sensation grew stronger as they approached St. Sebastian''s Cemetery. A sprawling expanse of weathered tombstones and towering mausoleums. The iron gate creaked as they pushed it open. Their footsteps crunching against the gravel path. One knight hesitated, gripping his weapon tightly. "This ce... it feels alive... Like it''s breathing." --- The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a pale glow over the special training grounds. Draven Lockwood stood in the showers. The steam from the hot water mixing with the cool air. He ran a hand through his wet hair. His muscles aching from hours of relentless training The academy''s special training grounds, equipped with facilities far superior to the standard ones, were his sanctuary during the weekend. Most students had retired to their dormitories hours ago, but not Draven His dedication to perfecting his craft kept him going long after others gave up. The clock had long struck one in the morning by the time he finished showering. He pulled on a fresh set of clothes he''d brought along and reached for his sword, which gleamed under the faint light. Sitting on a bench, he carefully polished the de until it shone like a mirror. He kissed the hilt, holding it close to his chest. "No matter what..." He whispered, his voice heavy with resolve. "I will reach the top. I''ll be the greatest knight the Empire has ever seen." He hugged the sword, as if drawing strength from it. Continue your saga on empire Before strapping it securely to his hip. With a final nce around the empty training grounds, he stepped outside into the crisp night air. --- As Draven walked toward the exit, the silence was broken by a faint, erratic buzzing. His sharp eyes caught the glimmer of something on the ground near the edge of the training field. He approached cautiously and found a broken magic crystal. Its surface cracked, pulsing with faint energy. He picked it up, turning it over in his hands. "This... this is amunication crystal The knights use these. Why is it here?" The crystal hummed weakly, and a garbled voice emerged from it. Straining to hear, Draven caught fragmented words. "...the princess is missing... all units... cemetery..." His blood ran cold. The princess? Missing? The weight of the words hit him like a blow. Before he could think further, the crystal buzzed violently in his hand. Startled, he dropped it, and it shattered into silence. Draven didn''t hesitate. His instincts screamed at him to move. He bolted forward, his feet pounding against the ground as he sprinted toward the cemetery His first thought was of Ariana¡ªif anyone would be out during this chaos, it was her. But the empty pathways and absence of students confirmed his suspicions. "They locked everyone down..." He muttered under his breath, his frustration mounting "Of course, they''d keep the students inside. But this isn''t right. The knights... they can''t handle this alone. They need us." As he approached the main pathways leading toward the forest. A. dark energy washed over him, like icy tendrils wrapping around his chest. The demonic presence radiating from the direction of the cemetery was almost suffocating. He stopped for a moment, catching his breath. His heart racing not from exertion, but from the oppressive force. "Damn it..." Draven gritted his teeth He knew that if any knight spotted him out here, they''d drag him back to the dormitories. There''d be no second chances. *** [St.Sebastians Cemetery] The cemeteryy cloaked in darknessm The moon casting a pale, eerie glow over the crumbling headstones and withered trees. The air was heavy, a chilling stillness that made every shadow seem alive Suddenly, the silence was broken by a deep, resonating rumble beneath the earth. Graves began to crack open. Dirt spraying outward as skeletal hands wed their way to the surface. From the ground, undead soldiers rose one by one. Their bones clinking and scraping against each other. Their hollow eye sockets glowed with pulsating red energy, an unnatural hue that bathed the area in a malevolent light. Their movements were jerky yet purposeful, as if driven by some darkmand. Rusted swords and shattered shields hung in their bony grips. The remnants of warriors long past but now twisted into grotesque puppets. The air grew colder as more soldiers emerged. Their numbers multiplying at an rming rate. A bone-chilling aura radiated from them, filling the cemetery with an oppressive, suffocating dread. The ground trembled as the undead marched forward, forming a menacing, lifeless army. Then, from the shadows, a figure stepped forward. A ck hood obscured most of his face. But the pale moonlight caught strands of his dark hair. Which swayed gently in the night wind. His eyes, sharp and gleaming like a predator''s, glowed a sickly yellow, piercing the gloom with an unnatural intensity. As the figure raised his hand, frost began to form in the air around him. A visible wave of cold energy radiated from his body. Causing the grass to wither and frost to creep across the headstones. The figure let out a low and heavy sigh. His voice, smooth yet filled with icy malice, echoed across the cemetery. "Time to farm some [plot points] and just enough exp..." He muttered, his yellow eyes narrowing. "...before the protagonist arrives." The frost around him thickened. Chapter 186 This Is What Raw Power Looks Like [1] The cemetery was shrouded in an eerie silence. The kind that made the hair on the back of one''s neck stand on end. Noah stood among the rows of weathered gravestones. His ck hoodie shielding his face from the cold wind. His breaths were visible in the frigid air as he inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly. The condensation mingling with the faint mist that lingered around the tombstones. With a swift motion, he pulled down his hood. Revealing a mess of jet-ck hair and piercing yellow eyes that gleamed faintly in the dim light of the moon. His gaze swept across the deste scene before him. Taking in the faint, pulsating red glow that seemed to emanate from the soil. The cold intensified, and the faint smell of decay wafted into his nostrils, making his stomach churn. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, steadying his nerves. "Draven wouldn''t mind me farming some plot points here... Noah muttered to himself, his voice low butced with sarcasm. Pulling the hood back over his head to partially conceal his face, he took a step forward. The air grew colder still as he extended his hand, channeling his ice magic. A faint blue light radiated from his fingers as frost began to crawl over the nearby gravestones. The first hoard of undead skeleton soldiers emerged. wing their way out of the ground. Their eye sockets glowed an ominous red, and their bones pulsated with a crimson aura. The skeletal warriors clutched rusted weapons¡ªswords, spears, and axes¡ªand their movements were unnervingly coordinated. Noah raised his hand, forming an ice spear with a quick gesture. The spear materialized in midair, shimmering with crystalline precision. Heunched it with a flick of his wrist. And it sailed through the air, piercing the skull of the nearest skeleton. The creature copsed, its bones scattering across the frost-coated ground. But there was no time to celebrate. Another skeleton lunged at him from the left. Its jagged axe swinging for his side. Noah sidestepped, extending his hand as he shaped his fingers into the form of a gun. Blue light converged at his fingertips. And with a sharp "bang," a concentrated ice bullet shot forth. The bullet shattered the skeleton''s ribcage, sending it sprawling backward. Noah''s movements were precise but increasinglybored as more skeletons closed in. He conjured a wall of ice to halt their advance. Only for the creatures to hack at it with their weapons, chipping away at the barrier. Frostced his fingers and arms, an unintended side effect of channeling so much cold magic. His breath came in heavy puffs as he felt the strain building within him. "Damn it... Noah muttered as he shaped another ice spear and hurled it at an approaching skeleton. The spear struck true, shattering the undead''s torso. Yet more skeletons emerged. Their growls and ttering bones growing louder. The demonic aura radiating from the creatures was suffocating. The smell of decay intensified, making Noah gag. His stomach churned violently, and he fought the urge to retch. His vision blurred momentarily, and he shook his head to clear it This wasn''t like the game. The stench, the aura¡ªit was overwhelming. He hadn''t experienced it like this in the game''s route. Where demonic energy had been a faint, manageable presence. Continue your journey on empire The system chimed in his mind, its tone cold and clinical. [Warning: Ice magic failure detected!] [Mana channels nearing critical freezing point!] Noah''s eyes widened in rm as he felt a sharp pain in his arms. His fingers were going numb. And the frost that coated his hands began to spread to his wrists. Despite being an ice mage, the cold magic he was channeling was backfiring. Freezing his mana channels below their threshold. He remembered a footnote from the game''s mechanics. Ice mages had a hidden debuff. Excessive use of their magic could lead to catastrophic consequences. The mana channels, responsible for directing mana from the core to the body, could freeze and shatter under extreme stress. "Of course..." Noah gritted out through clenched teeth. "Another brilliant move from the developers." The numbness spread, and his movements slowed. The skeletal soldiers, sensing his vulnerability, closed in with renewed aggression. Noah''s pulse quickened as he fought to maintain focus He conjured another ice bullet, but his aim faltered, and the projectile grazed its target. The skeleton retaliated, swinging a spiked mace that Noah barely managed to dodge. To his horror, the shattered skeletons he had defeated began to reassemble. Their broken bones moved with unnatural precision. Drawn together by a red and ck smoky aura. The demonic energy seemed stronger now. Its oppressive weight pressing down on him like a vice. Noah''s breathing grew ragged, and he felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing his chest, wing at his mana core and heart. "Why... why won''t you just stay down?! He shouted, his voice tinged with panic. This was an act and episode only order original to the novel. It wasn''t like he had experienced it or even yed it countless times. He was at a disadvantage here. To add even though he had future events engraved in his head, most were in pieces and missing even. "...shit... " Noah managed to matter. The system chimed again, this time with a new revtion. [Character Trait Activated: Asthma] Noah''s eyes widened as realization dawned. The original character, Noah Ashbourne, had suffered from asthma. It had been a minor plot point in the novel, possibly even in the game, easily ignored. But now, in the midst of battle, it was anything but minor. His chest tightened, and he struggled to draw breath. Every gasp felt like fire in his lungs. The skeletal soldiers'' advance didn''t falter. Their glowing red eyes burned with malevolence as they brandished their weapons. One of them, wielding a chain with jagged spikes, swung it with a force that cut through the frigid air. Noah, his body half-numb and his mind clouded with exhaustion, couldn''t react in time. The chain struck his left leg with a sickening crunch. Tearing through flesh and fabric. Pain erupted, white-hot and searing, as blood seeped from the wound. Noah''s scream echoed through the cemetery, raw and agonized. He copsed to one knee, clutching his injured leg. The skeletal soldiers closed in, their growls and the tter of their bones growing louder. Noah''s breaths came in shallow gasps. His vision swimming with tears of pain and frustration. Chapter 187 This Is What Raw Power Looks Like [2] Draven Lockwood raced through the dense forest. His boots pounding against the uneven ground. The cold night air carried sounds of chaos. shes of weapons, growls, and the distinct sound of explosions. His sharp senses honed in on themotion ahead. Each breath of his carried urgency. The faint luminescence of the moon casting long, shifting shadows between the towering trees. He pushed through a thicket, finally reaching a clearing where the forest dipped into a steep pathway. Draven stopped, his gaze locking onto the battle below. His enhanced sight allowed him to make out several figures¡ª Two students, likely first-years judging by their smaller statures. Frantically engaging a swarm of undead skeleton soldiers. The scene was chaos incarnate. Glowing red eyes of the skeletons burned ominously through the darkness. Their ttering bones moved unnaturally fast, wielding jagged weapons with precision. Amidst the melee, a massive orange-hued spirit bear roared ferociously. Its ws smashing into the skeletal soldiers. Each swipe of its massive paw sent shards of bone flying. But for every skeleton felled, another rose. Draven''s eyes narrowed. That bear... Buddy. "Ariana?" He muttered under his breath. His heart sinking as he scanned the scene. Sure enough, his gaze fell upon her¡ª A girl with fiery determination etched across her face. Find your next read on empire Her every movement sharp yet fluid as she darted between the undead. Her magic red brilliantly as she fought alongside the students. But Draven''s stomach churned as his sharp eyes spotted a looming threat. An undead soldier, its hulking form wielding a massive mace glowing with dark energy, stalked behind Ariana. Its skeletal grin seemed almost eager for violence as it raised its weapon high. There wasn''t enough time. Draven clenched his teeth. There was no way he could reach her by simply running. Taking several steps back, Draven steadied his breathing. His heart pounded as he visualized his n¡ª A leap of faith, calcted but no less reckless. He broke into a sprint, his feet pounding the dirt as he hurled himself off the edge of the steep incline. The world seemed to slow. Wind howled past him, tugging at his hair as he soared through the air. His silhouette framed against the pale moonlight. Time stretched impossibly thin, the details around him crystal clear. Ariana turning to face the undead with widening eyes. The first-year students yelling warnings toote, the undead''s mace already descending. Draven angled his body just right as hended hard on the steep path. His boots skidded against the incline, dust and loose gravel flying up as he slid with controlled precision. Gaining speed with every second. His hand instinctively gripped the hilt of his sword. The smooth sheath cool against his palm. "LAY LOW! ON THE GROUND¡ªNOW!" Draven''s voice thundered over the chaos, sharp andmanding. Ariana''s head snapped toward him, her instincts kicking in as she immediately dropped to the ground. The first-years, one boy and one girl, followed suit without hesitation. The urgency in Draven''s voice leaving no room for second-guessing. Draven''s timing was impable. Sliding past the group, heunched himself off the incline, soaring over them with breathtaking precision. The momentum carried him into the heart of the fight as he drew his de in a single, fluid motion. The undead soldier froze mid-swing. Its mace inches from the ground where Ariana had been. For a heartbeat, everything was still¡ªthen came the sh. A single, devastating arc of power tore through the air. Radiating from Draven''s de like a shockwave. The strike didn''t just cleave the undead soldier in half¡ª It obliterated the surrounding gravestones, severed nearby trees, and sent bone fragments scattering like shrapnel. A thunderous crash followed as the trees splintered and toppled, their massive trunks hitting the ground with resounding thuds. Dust and debris clouded the air, swirling around Draven''s imposing figure as he came to a halt. The silence was deafening. The first-year girl dared to lift her head, her wide eyes taking in the aftermath. The undead soldier''s bisected body fell apart in grotesque slow motion. Each half copsing into a lifeless heap. The sheer force of the attack left the ground scarred and cratered. The girl''s voice trembled, a mixture of awe and fear. "Such... raw power..." Her gaze moved upward, locking onto Draven. He stood amidst the destruction, his sword already half-returned to its sheath. The moonlight glinted off the de, catching the remnants of demonic energy dissipating into the cold night air. The first-year girl watched with wide, curious eyes as Draven stepped through the settling dust. His long strides carrying him directly toward Ariana. His de, still faintly glowing from the earlier attack, hung loosely in his hand as he spoke to her. "Are you okay?" Draven''s voice was firm yetced with concern. Ariana nodded, brushing off her dirt-covered sleeves. "I''m fine, thanks to you." Their conversation continued, but the girl couldn''t make out most of it. Draven''s voice dipped low, and Ariana responded quietly. Her expression softening as they exchanged words. The girl furrowed her brows, thoughts racing as she studied him. "That''s Draven¡­" She murmured under her breath. The name sent a jolt of recognition through her. "Draven Lockwood. One of the top students in the second year¡­ and one of the top seniors in all of Ravenwood Academy." Her mind reyed the moment of the devastating sh that had cleaved the undead soldier and obliterated the trees in its wake. It was a disy of raw, overwhelming power, far beyond anything she had seen before. Now, standing so close to him, the aura he exuded made her stomach churn with both awe and intimidation. "So this is what makes him second only to¡­ him." Draven finally turned away from Ariana. His sharp gaze locking onto the two first-years. The girl, realizing he was approaching, scrambled to her feet alongside herpanion. Brushing off the dirt from her uniform. She straightened up as Draven came to a stop before them. "And what about you two?" Draven''s tone was clipped, leaving little room for evasion. The first-year boy stepped forward first, bowing slightly. "I''m Elias Briar, second son of the Briar family." He nced at the girl, urging her to speak. She took a deep breath before replying. "Oh...I-I''m Rosaline Whitmore, daughter of House Whitmore." Her voice wavered slightly as she added,. "We''re both first-years, sir." Draven raised an eyebrow but didn''t interrupt. Rosaline continued, her voice steadier now. "Senior Ariana requested our help. We were the only ones outside the dormitories when the alert about demonic energy in the cemetery came through. Everyone else was confined." Elias chimed in, his expression earnest. "We thought we could help ward off the evil. We didn''t think the situation would escte like this." Draven''s sharp eyes shifted briefly to Ariana, who gave him a faint nod of confirmation. He sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. But his grip on his sword remained firm. Before he could respond, a sickening sound filled the air¡ª A dry, grating noise of bone scraping against bone. Rosaline''s eyes widened in horror as she turned toward the scattered remains of the undead soldiers. Their broken forms were trembling, the pieces crawling toward one another as if drawn by an unseen force. ck and red smoke swirled around the bones. Stitching them back together in grotesque mimicry of life. "They''re¡­ reforming?" Elias stammered, his voice cracking. Draven''s expression darkened as he stepped forward, sword raised. "Brace yourselves. They weren''t defeated after all." Rosaline and Elias scrambled to position themselves as Draven''s cold,manding voice cut through the rising tension. "This time..." He said, his sword gleaming as he drew it fully. "...we make sure they stay down." Chapter 188 Speed Blitz! Noahy on the cold, uneven ground. His breath ragged and shallow. Blood seeped from the deep wound on his leg where the skeletal soldier''s chain had struck him. The metallic tang of his own blood mingled with the stench of demonic energy in the air. Making his stomach churn violently. His entire body was trembling. Not just from pain but from sheer exhaustion. The cold numbness spreading through his fingers reminded him of his earlier attempts at ice magic. A bitter realization that if he pushed his mana channels any further, they would shatter. The skeletal soldier with the chain loomed closer. Its glowing red eyes locking onto him as if it could smell his vulnerability. With a horrifying sound, the soldier yanked the chain. Dragging Noah closer across the dirt. His fingers wed at the ground, trying to resist. But the sharp pain in his leg was unbearable. He knew he was out of options. Ice magic was off the table. His body couldn''t handle it anymore. The system had warned him of the consequences. And the freezing numbness in his mana channels was proof enough But even as despair threatened to consume him, Noah''s mind raced. There was one element left. One he had never perfected. Lightning. He had barely trained with it. And his grasp on its destructive power was tenuous at best. It was an element of speed, ferocity, and chaos¡ªqualities he had never associated with himself. But now? It was his only chance. Gritting his teeth, Noah reached deep within his mana pool. He could feel how little remained, a faint flicker of energy barely enough to sustain him. But he didn''t need finesse or control. He needed speed. He needed power. "Speed Blitz..." He whispered under his breath. The moment he channeled the lightning element, his body convulsed as raw energy surged through him. Every nerve screamed in pain as electricity crackled along his skin. Illuminating the dark cemetery with arcs of purple and yellow light. For a brief second, he thought his body might tear itself apart from the inside out. And then, everything slowed. The world around him seemed to freeze in time. The skeletal soldiers'' lumbering movements became sluggish. Their glowing eyes like faintnterns in the fog of his heightened senses. Even the chain that had been pulling him closer now seemed to crawl toward him in slow motion. Noah pushed himself up, ignoring the stabbing pain in his leg. The electricity coursing through him numbed the agony. Filling him with an unnatural strength. He gripped a broken shard of bone nearby¡ªcrude but sharp enough¡ªand propelled himself forward. He moved like lightning itself, a blur of energy and motion. His first target was the skeletal soldier dragging the chain. With a burst of speed, he darted behind it, shing upward with the bone shard. Sparks flew as the strike severed the chain and sent the soldier staggering. Noah didn''t stop. The other skeletal soldiers had already turned toward him. Their weapons raised, but they were too slow. He zigzagged between them, his movements erratic and unpredictable. Each strike was precise, aimed at joints and weak points to shatter their bony forms. Yet, as he destroyed one soldier after another, something horrifying happened. The shattered bones began to move again, reforming with that ominous ck and red smoke. Noah''s heart sank as he realized why¡ªthey weren''t being defeated. He caught sight of it then. A faint, pulsing ck glow emanating from the chest cavity of one of the reassembling soldiers. The heart. A dark, corrupted core that seemed to anchor the demonic energy binding them together. "That''s it..." He muttered, his voice strained. "The heart.... I have to destroy the heart." But his body was already reaching its limit. The strain of Speed Blitz was taking its toll. His breaths came in short, ragged gasps, and the lightning coursing through him felt like it was burning him alive. His vision blurred, and the numbness in his injured leg began to creep upward. He didn''t have much time. Noah gritted his teeth, focusing every ounce of remaining mana into one final burst. "I understand it now... " He surged forward, targeting the soldier with the glowing ck heart. Time seemed to stretch as he raised his makeshift weapon. The shard crackling with residual lightning energy. With a roar, he drove the shard straight into the heart. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the cemetery. The ck heart cracked, and then shattered into a thousand pieces. The demonic aura around the soldier dissipated, its bones copsing into an inert pile. But Noah wasn''t done. He staggered toward the next soldier, his body barely responding. Each step was agony, his injured leg dragging behind him, but he forced himself onward. Another glowing heart. Another target. The skeletal soldier swung its massive axe at him. But Noah ducked under the slow-motion arc. Driving his lightning-charged shard into its chest. Another shockwave. Another soldier down. The remaining soldiers seemed to falter, their glowing eyes flickering as if sensing their impending doom. But Noah could barely stand. His body was on the verge of copse, and his mana pool was nearly empty. He braced himself for one final push, summoning everyst bit of lightning he could muster. Sparks danced along his trembling fingers as heunched himself at the remaining soldiers. One strike. Two strikes. Each blow shattered a ck heart, sending the undead crumbling into lifeless heaps. By the time thest soldier fell, Noah copsed to his knees, gasping for air. The lightning around him fizzled out, leaving him in the cold, dark silence of the cemetery. His body ached, his mana channels screamed in protest. And his injured leg throbbed with unbearable pain. "ACKKK!---" *** Leo adjusted his cloak as the cold wind of the imperial courtyard brushed against him. The function was one he had been required to attend¡ª Not because he desired to, but because his title demanded it. The royal family had been invited to a formal presentation of peace bonds with a neighboring duchy. Normally, this would fall under his father''s or elder siblings''s jurisdiction. Bbut the King had been preupied with military affairs. And his elder siblings were simrly unavable. Thus, it had fallen to him, the third prince, to represent the royal family. It wasn''t the grandest of affairs, just a ceremonial gathering to mark the alliance between the empire and the Duchy of Levanhart. But Leo couldn''t shake the feeling that his presence here, while necessary for diplomacy, was ill-timed. His studies at the academy had already consumed most of his focus. And now this was yet another distraction. He sat stiffly in the grand hall, surrounded by nobles and dignitaries. Their conversations buzzed around him, wordsced with feigned interest and subtle political maneuvering. Leo responded politely when spoken to, but his mind was elsewhere. The ceremony was nearing its conclusion when a royal messenger entered, his hurried steps drawing the attention of the room. He approached Leo, bowing deeply before presenting a sealed letter. The prince''s brow furrowed as he broke the wax seal and unfolded the parchment. The contents of the letter made his blood run cold. Stay tuned for updates on empire "Prince Leo..." The message began, written in the swift, efficient script of the castle''s steward. "We regret to inform you that Princess ra has gone missing. Despite extensive searches, her whereabouts remain unknown. Given the urgency of the situation, your immediate return to the academy is imperative." Leo''s heart clenched. His sister, ra, was not just a sibling but one of the people he held dearest in the world. Even if he gave her a hard time. Her sharp wit and unwavering loyalty had been his anchor in the often chaotic world of court politics. The thought of her being in danger was unbearable. Without a word, Leo folded the letter and stood. His chair scraping loudly against the marble floor. The hall fell silent as all eyes turned to him. "I must take my leave." He announced, his tone calm butced with authority. "There is a matter of great urgency that requires my attention." The Duke of Levanhart, seated at the head of the table, rose to protest. "Your Highness, the ceremony is not yetplete¡ª" Leo''s sharp gaze cut him off. "I trust the alliance will not falter because of my early departure. My apologies, Duke Levanhart, but family matters take precedence." With that, he swept out of the hall, his cape billowing behind him. The knights assigned to him scrambled to follow as he strode toward the waiting carriages. Once inside, Leo mmed the door shut and leaned back against the cushioned seat. The carriage lurched forward, the sound of hooves and wheels echoing in the silence. His thoughts raced as he gripped the letter tightly in his hand. ra, missing? How could this have happened again? She was always cautious, never one to wander recklessly. Despite the questions swirling in his mind, one name kept surfacing. Can Draemyr. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!