I Killed The Main Characters

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 a large 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 upcoming 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 endless complaints from students about his antics—insults, 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 unbecoming.

It's affecting the atmosphere of the entire class.

Other students are becoming cautious around him.

Or worse, trying to emulate his arrogance, thinking it's the path to success."

The headmaster cleared his throat, a placating 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 accomplishments 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 balance.

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.

Nonetheless, 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 incoming 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 particular 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 professor comprehending 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 become our academy's brightest stars or the most dangerous."

Professor Thornwell glanced down his list.

"She's not the only interesting arrival.

The Velden Royal Family is sending another student.

Princess Elara 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 famously competitive amongst each other.

Having both the prince and princess in the academy will certainly spice things up."

Crane seemed thoughtful.

"Won't that add complications, though?

It's rare for even one royal to attend Ravenwood.

If there's rivalry or clashing goals between them, it could disturb the balance."

Thornwell looked unbothered.

"I doubt it'll be a problem.

If anything, it might motivate other students.

They'll see the royal family competing 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—Daniel 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 manipulation."

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 what lay 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 the coming academic year would hold.