I Killed The Main Characters

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 upcoming 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 occupying 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—he 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 the complete opposite.

His so-called "study" time consisted of skipping out on sessions to indulge in those lavish activities that seemed designed solely to flaunt 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 success.

But I couldn't deny the facts.

His scores were there, standing out in black 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—a dark stain that followed me like an unwanted shadow.

It was common 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 fiancée.

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—and 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 places, was strange enough, but seeing him read?

'Reading...'

When he so openly dismissed any activity that didn't directly feed his inflated 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 with commoners."

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 my lap.

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 become 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 access 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—personalized training rooms, private mentors, and a larger living space in Silvercrest Hall.

But all that paled in comparison 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 placed spell to send him to the afterlife.

I'd spent nights calculating 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 glanced at the window, catching a glimpse of my reflection—a face set with focus and purpose.

I could feel my resolve hardening, a silent promise to myself that, come what may, I would claim 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.

'Relax, 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 classes, 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 place.

The academy had all the resources I needed.

And as long as I kept my eyes on my goal, nothing—not even Noah Ashbourne—would 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.