I Killed The Main Characters

Leontius leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple.

"The Commander Eldran Vale story is a fabrication—always has been.

It's a tale to keep students from wandering into dangerous parts of the grounds at night.

To suggest it has any truth—"

His words were interrupted by a loud knock on the chamber door.

A moment later, it swung open to reveal a group of royal knights clad in gleaming silver armor, their insignias marking them as part of the imperial guard.

Their presence immediately shifted the room's atmosphere.

The leading knight, a man with piercing green eyes and a commanding aura, stepped forward.

"Apologies for the interruption, Professors, but we bring news concerning the incident at the cemetery."

He turned to the students.

"You must be the ones involved."

Professor Leontius cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure.

"And what news do you bring, Sir Kieran?"

Kieran nodded solemnly.

"The princess is currently being cared for in the infirmary.

Her condition is stable, but the signs of possession are evident.

Our mages have confirmed traces of necromantic energy surrounding her."

A ripple of unease passed through the professors.

Ariana smirked, crossing her arms.

"Still think it's just a story?"

Kieran continued, ignoring the jab.

"Additionally, further investigation of the cemetery revealed signs of an ancient curse.

While we've yet to fully understand its scope, there's no denying that the undead's influence is very real."

Roselyn cast a pointed look at Professor Leontius, who seemed to shrink slightly under her gaze.

"Finally," Kieran said, turning to Draven, "we owe a great debt to you.

Your bravery and swordsmanship saved the princess.

If you keep this up, you might one day find yourself among the ranks of the Radiant Vanguard—the empire's finest knights and heroes."

Draven dipped his head, his voice steady but modest.

"Thank you, Sir Kieran. But my sights aren't set on the Radiant Vanguard."

Kieran raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? And what is your goal, then?"

Draven's eyes burned with quiet intensity. Experience new tales on empire

"The Blessed 13."

The room fell silent.

The Blessed 13 were a legendary group, their exploits known across the empire.

To aspire to join their ranks was to aim for near-impossible heights.

Kieran let out a low chuckle. "Ambitious, I see. I commend that.

But if you want to stand among the Blessed 13, you'll have to surpass me first."

Draven smirked, nodding.

Kieran extended his fist, and Draven bumped it without hesitation.

The knight turned to leave, his retinue following behind him.

Before stepping out, Kieran glanced over his shoulder.

"We'll be in touch. Royal retainers are on their way to discuss matters regarding the princess."

As the knights exited, the students turned back to the professors.

Ariana raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"So, do you believe us now?"

Leontius sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"You've made your point.

For now, you're dismissed.

But know that this matter is far from resolved."

The four students exchanged a look before leaving the room.

As they walked down the corridor, Roselyn glanced back at the closed door.

"They're worried..." she said quietly.

"They have no idea how to explain this to the royal retainers."

---

The hallway bustled with students, all abuzz with rumors of the previous night.

Questions flew from every direction as the group tried to make their way through.

"Draven, how did you save the princess?"

"Is it true Commander Eldran Vale is real?"

"What other ghost stories could be true?"

Draven managed a few polite nods but kept moving, his focus on reaching somewhere quieter.

Roselyn, however, found her gaze lingering on him.

His confidence, his poise—it was hard not to admire him.

She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice Ariana nudging her until it was too late.

"Roselyn..."

Ariana said.

"...you're staring."

Roselyn snapped out of it, her cheeks flushing.

"I—I was just… thinking!"

Shaking her head, Roselyn quickly changed the subject.

"What about Elias?

He mentioned strings controlling the princess.

Ariana tilted her head.

"Good question. Elias, care to explain?"

Elias, who had been walking a few paces ahead, paused and glanced back.

"Oh, I can see the supernatural."

There was a moment of silence. Ariana blinked.

"Like… spirits?"

Elias shrugged. "Supernatural covers spirits.

But it's more than that...

Roselyn frowned.

"It's not something he talks about often.

Most people say he sees more than the average person can."

Elias didn't reply, his focus elsewhere.

As they reached the quieter side of the academy.

He slipped his hand into his pocket, his fingers brushing against a small object.

Pulling it out, he stared at it for a moment—a delicate locket, its silver surface etched with intricate designs.

He clenched it in his fist, his blue hair falling into his eyes as he exhaled slowly.

Without a word, he slipped it back into his pocket and continued walking, the weight of the previous night still heavy on his shoulders.

***

The air in Maya's private sitting room was heavy with the scent of freshly brewed tea.

Sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, casting soft patterns on the wooden floor.

Seated at a small, ornate table, Maya held a porcelain teacup delicately in her hands.

Her usual poise evident in her calm demeanor.

Opposite her stood her personal maid, Lila, a young woman with sharp features and an impeccable uniform.

Despite her composed exterior, Lila's hands fidgeted at her apron, betraying her nerves.

Maya, noticing the shift in Lila's usual professionalism, raised an eyebrow.

"You seem tense, Lila. Speak."

Lila hesitated before stepping closer, her voice low yet urgent.

"My lady, there has been news.

Alongside the discovery of the princess... they found him."

Maya's grip on her teacup faltered slightly, though her expression remained neutral.

"Him?"

She asked, though she already suspected who Lila was referring to.

Lila nodded.

"Noah Ashbourne."

The teacup slipped from Maya's fingers, shattering on the polished floor with a loud crash.

The delicate liquid pooled at her feet, the faint aroma of herbs mixing with the sudden chill in the air.

Maya remained frozen for a moment, her normally calm expression replaced with wide eyes and parted lips.

Lila stepped forward immediately, crouching to clean the mess.

"I apologize, my lady—I didn't mean to startle you."

Maya ignored her words, her voice unsteady as she asked.

"He… was found? Are you sure?"

"Yes, my lady..."

Lila confirmed, standing upright again, holding the shattered pieces of porcelain.

"But there's more. He wasn't alone."

Maya's sharp gaze snapped to Lila.

"What do you mean?"

"He was carried back to the academy by a girl. A student, it seems."

Lila continued.

"Black hair and red eyes.

Witnesses say she carried him on her back, straight from the forest."

Maya's thoughts whirled, her heart pounding against her ribcage.

"A girl with black hair and red eyes..."

She murmured, her voice distant.

The description felt eerily familiar, but she couldn't immediately place it.

She swallowed hard, standing abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor.

"When did this happen?"

Maya demanded, her composure slipping further.

"Late last night," Lila replied, bowing her head.

"They brought him directly to the infirmary. He was unconscious but alive."

Maya clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she tried to steady her breath.

She moved to the window, her hands gripping the sill as she looked out over the sprawling academy grounds.

The news of the princess's possession and the events at the cemetery had already thrown the school into chaos.

And now, Noah's sudden return added another layer of mystery.

Lila returned moments later with Maya's coat, helping her slip it on.

"Shall I accompany you, my lady?"

She asked.