I Killed The Main Characters

Chapter 158: First Years Entrance Ceremony [1]

? Noah's POV ?

The morning sunlight seeped through the large 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, gesturing lazily 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—sharp, commanding, 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 incoming 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 upcoming academic year, we kindly request you to deliver a brief speech to the incoming first-year students during the Second-Year Opener Ceremony. The speech should aim to welcome 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 class with the same poise and distinction you have displayed throughout your time here. Please prepare a speech lasting approximately 5–7 minutes.

Additionally, we are pleased to invite you to the

Enjoy new chapters from M-V-L

First-Year Top Students After Party

following the opening ceremony. This exclusive event celebrates the achievements of the top students from Classes 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 incompetence is suffocating."

"Yes, Young Master," she whispered.

By the time I left my dorm, Mari's morale had likely hit rock bottom—a 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 glances 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, commoners 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 magnetic, whether they admired or loathed me.

Dressed in the finest uniform, my posture radiated authority—arrogance, even.

Perfect.

The professors began the ceremony with the usual banalities.

Welcome speeches, rules, the expected encouragement to "strive for excellence."

The first-years clapped obediently, their enthusiasm still intact.

It was almost amusing how naive they were.

They had no idea what awaited them within these walls—power plays, 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.

"Welcome to Ravenwood Academy."

I began, my voice sharp and commanding.

"I am Noah Ashbourne, top student of the second-year class.

You've likely heard of me—or if you haven't, you will soon enough."

The room shifted uncomfortably, 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.

"I commend 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 glances, 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 place 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 claps and glaring stares.

Inside, I cringed at my own performance.

The arrogance, the sheer pomp—it 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 accumulating.

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.