Chapter 25: The Headmaster’s Gambit

Words : 833 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 25: The Headmaster’s Gambit The morning sun burned crimson over the academy’s combat grounds as I stalked through the training fields like a predator marking its territory. My shadow stretched unnaturally long behind me, twisting with restless energy. [System: Someone’s feeling dramatic today.] Quiet. Ahead, near the obsidian dueling platform, Headmaster Evelyn stood surrounded by nobles—each more venomous than the last. Lady Voxx, Nyx’s mother, her crimson eyes sharp enough to flay skin. A silver-haired elf with Seraphina’s pointed ears but none of her grace, his face twisted in permanent disdain. Duke Whitehound, Eren and Noora’s father, his gilded armor gleaming under the sun like a challenge. I melted into the shadows, close enough to hear. The Conversation Lady Voxx spoke first, her voice a blade wrapped in silk. "Evelyn, how could you betray us? That boy humiliated our heirs. I wouldn’t need more than a few seconds to punish him properly." Evelyn didn’t flinch. "Do you truly believe I fought him with my full strength?" The elf snarled. "You held back? For what? That exiled gutter rat?" A slow, dangerous smile curled Evelyn’s lips. "He lasted thirty minutes against me. How many of your ’precious heirs’ could do the same?" She let the silence stretch. "Strength alone doesn’t win battles. Tactics do. And that boy? He’s a tactical genius." Duke Whitehound’s gauntleted fist clenched. "You know what he did to our children. To the future of this world! And now—an exiled nobody as the academy’s top ranker? Do you realize what this will do to our reputation?" Evelyn’s smile turned razor-sharp. "Good. Maybe it’s time for a change." Lady Voxx recoiled. "You can’t be serious—" "This ’golden spoon’ system is rotting the academy from within," Evelyn cut in, her voice dropping to a lethal whisper. "Kings’ children remain kings. The powerful stay powerful. Meanwhile, real threats gather beyond our borders—threats your spoiled heirs aren’t ready to face." Her gaze swept over them. "Ashen Crimson? He’s the perfect catalyst." The nobles stiffened. The elf opened his mouth— "Enough." Evelyn’s voice cracked like a whip. "The decision is made." With that, they dispersed, their fury palpable. The Revelation I stepped back—only to freeze as space twisted behind me. "Enjoy the show?" Evelyn’s breath ghosted over my ear. I hadn’t even sensed her teleport. I turned slowly, meeting her violet gaze. "So. I’m your ’perfect catalyst’?" She didn’t deny it. "This academy needs change. You’re the only one ruthless enough to force it." I smirked. "And if I refuse?" "You won’t." Her fingers brushed my shoulder, lightning dancing at her fingertips. "You crave chaos as much as I do." [System: ...Well. This is terrifying.] I bowed mockingly. "As you command, Master. I’ll be your pawn." Evelyn’s laughter followed me as I walked away. [System: A pawn? This bastard... Evelyn, your academy is doomed.] And I couldn’t wait to prove her right. [System Notification: Lightning Resistance Upgraded (D → B) Reward for surviving Evelyn’s trial. Try not to get electrocuted again. I smirked at the glowing blue text hovering in the air before swiping it away. The perks of being the academy’s most notorious student: Best dorm (currently half-destroyed from "celebratory" magic experiments) Personal maid (who still flinched when I mentioned laundry) Absolute freedom to skip classes (until today) The door burst open without warning. Masha stood there, her usual nervousness replaced by grim determination. "Master Crimson," she announced, holding up a scroll sealed with Evelyn’s personal lightning sigil. "The Headmaster has decreed—" I snatched it from her hands, breaking the seal with my thumb. The message was short and brutal: "Attend all classes. On time. Starting tomorrow. Or face expulsion." —Evelyn I crushed the parchment to ash. [System: Ahahahaha— Shut up.] The Morning From Hell The next morning, my platinum watch chimed at 8:00 AM—the exact moment classes began. I bolted upright, my shadow instinctively forming into a makeshift uniform as I sprinted out the door. [System: This is the most motivated I’ve ever seen you.] Not. Now. The halls of Ashborn Academy were eerily empty as I blurred past, my Shadow Step leaving afterimages in my wake. Professor Vael’s Advanced Mana Theory class was on the fourth floor— I skidded to a halt outside the door at 8:07 AM, my hair still crackling with residual shadow energy. Seven minutes late. Not bad. Then I noticed the figure leaning against the wall beside the door. Headmaster Evelyn, her arms crossed, her silver braids coiled tight, her violet eyes glowing with amusement. "Seven minutes," she noted. "I expected worse." I straightened my collar. "I was optimizing my beauty sleep." She didn’t smile. "From now on, you will attend every class. On time. No exceptions." I opened my mouth to argue— "Or," she continued, "I’ll revoke your Rank 1 privileges. Starting with..." She snapped her fingers. My dorm key materialized in her palm. I stared at it, then at her. "You wouldn’t." "Try me." [System: She absolutely would.] Updated from freewebnov(e)l.com

Chapter 25: The Headmaster’s Gambit

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