Not the Hero, Not the Villain — Just the One Who Wins

The disciplinary chamber crackled with tension as Layla Nowa’s violet eyes burned into Ashen.

"Your actions will result in expulsion," she hissed. "Prepare yourself."

Ashen leaned back in his chair, a lazy smirk curling his lips. "Oh? And who exactly do you think is backing me, President? My dear sugar mommy, perhaps?" He tapped his fingers against the table. "No one can expel me from this academy. Understand?"

Layla’s grip on her pen tightened. "Confident, are we?"

"That’s not confidence, dear," Ashen corrected, his voice dripping with amusement. "That’s fact."

She slammed her palms on the obsidian table. "I don’t need higher approval. With my authority, I can strip your privileges, revoke your dorm access, and make your life here hell."

Ashen chuckled. "Go ahead. Take whatever you want. Truthfully, I only found out today that Rank 1 meals are free—and I’ve got a million credits to spare. That’s enough to survive a whole year, you know?"

He tilted his head, feigning thoughtfulness. "But fine. Let’s compromise. Suspend my privileges for two months. Go all out."

Layla’s eyes narrowed. "Why one months?"

"Because," Ashen said, his grin widening, "the Student Council will change hands by then."

Silence.