I Killed The Main Characters

Chapter 81: Vanguard [2]

As Professor Sharon finished her speech, the students remained silent, waiting to see what was next.

She looked out over the sea of faces, her expression serious yet calm, before nodding slightly and stepping back from the podium.

"Now," she said, her voice carrying across the assembly, "I will hand the floor over to the student council heads. They will speak more on the formation of the Vanguard and their role in upholding the academy's values and discipline."

Murmurs spread through the crowd as anticipation grew.

The student council was a powerful force within Ravenwood Academy, and the heads of the council were among the most respected—and sometimes feared—students in the school.

These were not just ordinary students, but those who had earned their positions through merit, talent, and leadership.

The first to step forward was the head of the third-year student council, the Blessed Sage, and arguably one of the most respected figures among the student body.

He had brown hair that fell messily over his forehead, and dark, tired eyes that gave the impression that he hadn't slept in days.

The faint bags under his eyes only added to the mysterious charm that many of the female students admired.

Despite his worn appearance, there was something undeniably attractive about him, a magnetism that made him stand out even more.

"That's Lucian Harth," one of the girls whispered excitedly to her friend as he approached the podium.

"Even with those eye bags, he's still so handsome. There's just something about him…"

Lucian stood in front of the students, his tired eyes scanning the crowd. He took a moment before speaking, his voice calm and even, yet somehow carrying weight.

"Good morning," Lucian began, his voice low but steady.

"I won't take up too much of your time. Most of you already know me, but for those who don't, I'm Lucian Harth, head of the student council and Blessed Sage of the third-year students. It's been my job to oversee the student body and ensure that everything runs smoothly… or at least as smoothly as possible."

A soft chuckle spread through the crowd.

Despite his serious demeanor, Lucian had a reputation for being approachable and down-to-earth, even though he carried the immense burden of leadership.

"I know that this year has been difficult," Lucian continued.

"There have been a lot of issues, and many of you are probably feeling uncertain about your place in the academy and your safety here. That's understandable. But I want to assure you that we are working on it."

He glanced down for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then looked up again.

"The formation of the Vanguard is an important step in maintaining discipline and safety within the academy.

This team will be made up of students from all years, selected for their leadership, integrity, and dedication to upholding the academy's values.

These students will be trained to act as your peers but also as enforcers of the rules. It's a difficult job, but it's necessary to ensure that everyone here can learn and grow in a safe environment."

Lucian's gaze swept over the students, his expression somber.

"I've seen firsthand some of the issues we've been facing. Theft, harassment, illegal dueling… These are serious problems that can't be ignored.

And while we, the student council, are doing our best to address these issues, it's not enough for just a few of us to act. It takes all of us. Each of you has a role to play in making this academy a better place."

He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle over the crowd.

"The Vanguard members will be announced after my other colleagues speak, and they'll be responsible for helping to maintain order. But I want to remind you all that this academy is a community, and communities only thrive when everyone contributes.

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So, be mindful of your actions. Look out for one another. And if you see something wrong, don't be afraid to speak up."

With that, Lucian stepped back from the podium, giving the students a brief, tired smile before retreating to his place on the platform.

The students murmured amongst themselves, taking in his words, but their attention quickly shifted as the next student council head approached the podium.

The second-year head of the student council stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate attention.

He was tall, with golden yellow hair that seemed to shimmer under the sunlight, and striking red eyes that seemed to pierce through the crowd.

His features were almost too perfect—his chiseled jawline, sharp nose, and the way he carried himself made him stand out from the rest.

He was none other than Leopold von Velden, the third son of the Emperor.

The moment he took the stage, the female students in the crowd began to whisper amongst themselves.

"Leopold von Velden," one girl gushed, her eyes wide with admiration.

"He's so handsome. They say he's as refined as the Emperor himself."

"I heard he's absolutely brilliant, too," another chimed in.

"Top of his class in everything—magic, combat, strategy. He's the perfect guy."

"I also heard that he's super kind," a third girl added dreamily.

"Imagine having him protect you. He's the type to sweep you off your feet."

But not everyone in the crowd was as enamored.

"Yeah, but don't cross him," one of the male students muttered to his friend.

"I heard that once, someone insulted his family, and Leopold had them expelled from the academy by the end of the day."

"Of course after beating them to a pulp."

"Pfft, that's nothing," another male student interjected.

"I heard a guy tried to cheat during a duel with him, and Leopold broke his hand… and then healed it, just so he could break it again."

The stories ranged from absurd to terrifying, but they all shared one thing in common: Leopold von Velden was not someone to mess with.

Leopold's voice cut through the murmurs as he began to speak. His tone was smooth, yet carried a subtle edge.

"Good morning, fellow students," Leopold said, his voice carrying authority.

"As Lucian mentioned, the Vanguard will play a crucial role in maintaining order within the academy. And as the head of the second-year council, I will be taking on the responsibility of overseeing this team."

His red eyes glinted as he continued.

"This academy is a place for growth, learning, and excellence. But it is also a place that requires discipline. Respecting each other is paramount—whether you are a first-year student or a fourth-year, the same rules apply. We are all part of the same institution, and with that comes the responsibility to respect one another."

Leopold paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

"Respect, however, is not something that is given freely. It must be earned, and it must be maintained.

Those who seek to undermine the order of this academy—whether through theft, violence, or disrespect—will face consequences."

His tone shifted, growing colder.

"As head of the Vanguard, I will ensure that those who break the rules are dealt with appropriately. I will not hesitate to issue punishments if necessary.

And let me be clear—if the situation calls for it, I will not shy away from enforcing harsher measures. Even if blood must be spilled."

The students went silent, his words hanging in the air like a dark cloud.

Leopold's eyes, sharp and unforgiving, made it clear that he wasn't making idle threats.

"And remember," Leopold added, his voice returning to its calm, measured tone, "the purpose of the Vanguard is not just to punish, but to prevent.

We are here to ensure that this academy remains a place where each of you can reach your full potential. So long as you follow the rules, you have nothing to fear."

With that, Leopold stepped back from the podium, his presence still looming large even after he returned to his place beside Lucian. The crowd remained silent, the weight of his words heavy in the air.