I Killed The Main Characters

Chapter 132: Who Would've 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 the previous timeline, I'd stayed in Ironwood Hall, the hall meant for commoners.

I'd liked it there, actually—at least the people were straightforward.

But now I was here in the lavishly decorated Silvercrest, fitting for Noah Ashbourne, the academy's most arrogant noble and the designated villain in the story.

It was all arranged for the role I was destined to play 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 constellations governing this world—God of Elements, God of Sword, and God of Technique—were just as I remembered.

But this time, there were ranks/classes 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—a 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.

Glancing through the information with the same mix of satisfaction and irritation that had plagued me since arriving here.

---

? Status Window

- Name: Noah Ashbourne

- Class/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, complete 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 glancing 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 villainous role with even fewer options for escape.

The [Plot Points] were exactly what they sounded like—points 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 villain, 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.

The larger the change, the more likely I was to trigger a backlash, 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—all these actions accumulated FEP, letting me play into the narrative's "villain" role.

And then there were System Coins, earned from system-assigned quests, which were helpful but didn't accumulate fast enough for my liking.

Between these points and the endless tasks, the system was locking me into this villainous path, like some invisible leash forcing me to maintain Noah's image.

There was a harsh penalty system, too.

Every time I failed to complete 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—displaying kindness, empathy, or compassion—I'd feel a sharp, relentless pain in my heart, lasting 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.

?Quest?

?Attain the top position in the upcoming second-year exams?

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 place wasn't an option.

"Annoying."

I muttered to myself, rubbing my temples.

The mere thought of competing 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 glanced 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.

Black 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 glanced down at the food she'd placed.

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—it smells like it's been steeped for hours."

Mari's face paled, her hands fidgeting slightly.

"I—I apologize, Master Noah. I'll prepare it again to your liking."

"See that you do!"

I replied coldly, not even sparing her a glance as she hurried out.

Moments later, 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—or at least, I couldn't find another excuse to send her away.

The moment she bowed and retreated, my system chimed.

---

?System Alert: False Evil Points Acquired!?

?False Evil Points Earned: +10?

---

Once the door clicked shut, I slumped back into my chair, sighing heavily.

No, I didn't enjoy this—not the scorn, the cruelty, or the unnecessary insults.

But it was necessary, if only to accumulate 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 played 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 net 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'd come 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 class.

It was Friday, the last 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—focus on my studies, gather my points, and build myself up to ensure I'd remain ahead of Draven not just in these upcoming exams.

As I walked toward the door, I glanced back at my empty room, mentally going over my plans.

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 welcome ceremony, things would unfold quickly, each event triggering the next.

And among them would be her—a 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 play my part, no matter how despicable or hollow it felt.

For now I needed to meet her—the girl I'd waited to see since my arrival.

A character central to Noah's fate.