I Killed The Main Characters

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 had come 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 glance 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, glancing 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—" 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 glances 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 to come so directly.

He opened his mouth but hesitated.

The memory of being shot flashed before his eyes—the cold metal of the deagle, the piercing pain in his chest—but how could he explain that to the Vice Master?

"No," Noah said, shaking his head.

"I didn't see anyone. I... I just collapsed in my room and blacked 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 his composure.

"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 uncomfortably.

"It's been... challenging, but I'm keeping up," he said cautiously.

The Vice Master nodded slowly.

"I see. One last 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—a 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 be compensated 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—"

"Nonsense," the Vice Master interrupted, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"It's the least we can do. How about a scholarship? Free tuition for the rest of your time here?"

"Really, sir, I—"

"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—"

"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—"

"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 explain 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 himself laughing at stories about the Vice Master's early days as a professor—tales of students who accidentally 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 one last 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.