I Became The Novel's Biggest Antagonist

The First-Year Exorcists apprentices of Ocryphia Academy gathered before the sprawling artificial forest, designed by the best engineers. Standing at the forefront was Eline Castell, her stern expression directed over the crowd of young exorcists-in-training. Behind her, a line of instructors and academy staff stood in solemn silence.

"Today marks the commencement of your first practical exam as apprentice exorcists at Ocryphia Academy," Eline began. "But before we discuss the details of the exam, we must address a far more pressing matter—the disappearance of one of your peers."

A murmur rippled through the gathered students. Despite the faint whispers, most eyes remained fixed on Eline.

"Stewart Roden," she continued. "A fellow first-year. Three days ago, he disappeared. His last known location was right here, within the Academy grounds. This means that whatever befell him—be it accident, foul play, or something else—occurred under this roof. And whoever is responsible is among us."

As soon as her words dropped, an uneasy silence spread through the crowd. Nervous glances darted from one student to another.

The disappearance of Stewart Roden had been a topic of hushed conversations over the past few days, but few realized the severity of the situation. Ocryphia Academy was lauded as the safest place in the entire region. How could someone vanish without a trace, evading the countless cameras and wards?

That very question had baffled the Academy's investigators. In their pursuit of answers, they had scoured the campus, reviewed hours of footage, and interrogated staff and students alike. Yet, they couldn't get any clues.

According to their findings, Stewart was last seen leaving Building Epsilon, home to the grand library. He had parted ways with his friends, intending to grab something to eat at the cafeteria. But he never arrived, nor was there any record of him leaving the building.

Eline's eyes swept across the sea of faces. "Let me remind you, that any harmful behavior toward a fellow student will be met with immediate expulsion. And should this incident involve crimes of a more heinous nature—kidnapping, assault, or murder—rest assured, the consequences will extend far beyond mere dismissal."

Of course, most of the students dismissed Eline's stern warnings. The idea of kidnapping or, worse, murdering a fellow student was inconceivable to them—especially on Academy grounds, under the watchful eye of countless spells and surveillance systems. It was reckless, unthinkably dangerous, and the kind of act only a madman would attempt.

Unfortunately, among them stood the very culprit.

Ivan.

As the professor's words echoed across the assembly, Ivan listened with feigned interest. The threats held no weight for him. Inwardly, he felt nothing but satisfaction—they hadn't found a shred of evidence. The Academy's security measures, from the wards to the E-Watches that tracked every student's movements, had failed to expose him.

Why?

Because Ivan had meticulously planned for this.

He had studied Ida Shaw's actions while she synchronized the E-Watch system and reversed the process with precision. What had taken her weeks to master, Ivan dismantled in under an hour. Deactivating the device's location tracking had been child's play for someone with Adam's intellect. Now, the Academy's most sophisticated tools were blind to him.

He had nothing to worry and he seemed as calm as ever.

Aaron, however, was another story.

Beside Ivan, Aaron's anxiety was plain for anyone to see. A sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead, and his hands twitched nervously at his sides. Unlike Ivan, Aaron wasn't built for this kind of pressure. He wasn't accustomed to feeling hunted—not by an entire Academy, at least.

Though he wasn't responsible for Stewart's fate, Aaron couldn't forget his involvement. He had spent too much time talking to the missing boy, ensuring Stewart wouldn't reveal anything about his first encounter with Ivan. Now, with the Academy on high alert, Aaron couldn't help but feel the noose tightening around his neck.

If the investigation led to him, it would inevitably lead to Ivan. And that, Aaron knew, would be disastrous.

"Now that the incident has been addressed," she exhaled, "let's discuss today's exam. This practical assessment will determine your eligibility to receive your first Exorcist Passport. Passing is straightforward enough, but the ranking on your passport will depend on your performance. A higher rank opens more doors—greater opportunities in guilds, prestigious organizations, and even direct invitations to elite partnerships."

"Give it your all. This is your first step toward establishing your place in the world as an exorcist."

Excitement rippled through the crowd at her words.

For many of the students, this moment felt like the culmination of their dreams. The Exorcist Passport wasn't just a document—it was a badge of honor, a symbol of recognition. It marked the transition from being an aspiring apprentice to becoming a legitimate exorcist, a defender against the Demons that plagued their world.

The thought of earning that badge, of officially stepping into the role they had trained for, filled them with anticipated joy.

"The exam begins now," Eline Castell announced finally. "Each of you will step into one of these teleportation circles, which will transport you to a different section of the forest. The forest is populated with Artificial Demonic Entities, designed to test your abilities as apprentice exorcists. Your task is to exorcize as many of them as possible by tonight."

"Be warned," she continued, "not all demons are equal. Some will be far stronger than what a first-year student should be able to handle. Your ability to assess and respond to such situations will also factor into your evaluation. As future exorcists, you must learn to remain composed in life-threatening circumstances."

"Of course, the stronger the demon you exorcize, the more points you'll earn. Your scores will be tracked and displayed on the bracers provided to you."

Ivan glanced at the sleek silver bracer clasped around his left arm. The screen glowed softly, displaying his name alongside a stark counter: [0 Points].

"This bracer," Eline continued, holding up her own as a demonstration, "is a high-tech tool developed specifically for these exams. It calculates risks and will automatically teleport you to safety should you encounter a danger beyond your capacity. However, if this happens, it will count as a failure of the exam. So don't attempt the impossible or play the hero unless you want to fail your very first practical assessment at Ocryphia."

"This is an individual exam," Eline went on, "meaning you'll be evaluated on your personal performance. While you're allowed to form teams with friends, keep in mind that any points earned from exorcizing demons will be shared equally among team members. Whether to work alone or with others is a strategic choice only you can make. Working solo may be harder, but it guarantees you full credit for your efforts. Collaboration, however, could increase your chances of survival and success. Consider your options carefully."

She paused, allowing the information to sink in before addressing the final logistics.

"As for weapons, only those provided by the Academy are permitted. If you've already chosen a weapon during the Exhibition, you may use it. If not, approach us now, and we'll equip you with the weapon of your choice.

"Finally, your bracers are outfitted with a storage system that contains five mana vials and five healing vials. These are all you'll have for the duration of the exam. Use them wisely—there will be no replenishments. Any unauthorized tools, potions, or items will result in immediate disqualification."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Eline's expression softened slightly, as she smiled. "This exam is designed to push you. Remember, this isn't just a test of strength—it's a test of your judgment, adaptability, and resilience. Exorcism isn't a profession for the reckless or the faint-hearted. Show us you're ready."

"Now, there are ten circles before you. Step onto the one that calls to you. As soon as you appear in the forest, the Exam will officially begin," she said, ending her speech.

The moment her words ended, students sprang into action, wasting no time as they rushed toward the glowing circles. Each vanished in a brilliant flash of light upon stepping in. Meanwhile, those still in need of weapons moved toward a teacher stationed nearby, distributing weapons. Continue reading at empire

"Aaron, should we team up or not? Your call," Leon murmured, keeping his voice low.

"Yeah, let's do it, guys!" Jaxon interrupted enthusiastically, earning a sharp glare from Aaron.

"I'll pass," Ivan shook his head. "I'm better off alone."

Aaron nodded in understanding, his expression neutral but inwardly resigned. He, too, wanted to push himself during this Exam, to test his limits.

"Wait, hang on! Don't leave me behind!" Jaxon exclaimed, trotting after Aaron as he approached a nearby circle.

"I said I'm going alone!" Aaron growled, irritated.

"Come on, lighten up!" Jaxon retorted, grinning as the two disappeared in a shared flash of light.

Ivan watched them leave. He made no effort to warn Aaron about the hidden dangers ahead. The Exam wouldn't unfold as planned. True Demons were about to invade, turning this test into a life-or-death battle—the first real arc of conflict that would challenge Mordred's abilities.

Ivan, however, remained unconcerned. If Aaron couldn't survive the first dangerous Arc, he wouldn't be worthy of standing beside him anyway. It would be a harsh but necessary trial to hone Aaron's skills.

Then Ivan approached a separate circle.

He had no worries be it about the Exam or the Demons.

His mind was already elsewhere.

His gaze lingered briefly on Cattleya Starlight as she entered a nearby circle, her confident smile brimming with arrogance.

It was finally time to break the pride of a girl from the highest nobility.