Hell University-Chapter 20 - 19: Late Headmaster

Zein’s Point of View

Earlier, a half day was announced because a general meeting would be held in the gymnasium.

As the secretary, I was required to attend along with the SSG officers. Supremo was speaking with Teacher Kath, while Onel and I were already seated at the front, looking over the entire student body.

None of the students made any effort to create noise; they were all simply seated, solemnly waiting to find out the purpose of the general meeting.

The atmosphere grew heavier when Madame Violet and Sir Francisco arrived who were both smiling at the students. Yet everyone they passed failed to meet their gaze, as if making eye contact with even one of them would mean death.

"Good morning, Madame, Master Francisco," Ace greeted them politely, even bowing slightly. Onel stood up to bow as well, so I stood too, but I did not bow.

I.don’t.want.to.

"Is that how you greet us, Miss Shion?" Francisco asked while smiling.

What did they expect from me? That I would bow as well? Kneel? What are they, a god? Never. I will never, ever bow my head to them. They do not deserve it and never will. They will not earn my respect. "Good afternoon," was the only thing I managed to say.

I guess that was enough. At least, I still showed respect, if only a little.

"Samantha..."

I glanced at what Madame Violet had said. She was looking at me while smiling. What did she just call me? Samantha? That’s not me, this woman must be mistaken.

"Madame, let’s start."

Madame Violet just nodded at Ace before handing him the microphone. Madame Violet and Francisco went to the front, so we returned to our respective seats. I waved at Mia and Vanessa, who were looking at me, and the five of them waved back, smiling.

"Focus," I heard Ace whisper.

I straightened my posture and stopped looking back.

"Good afternoon, students," Francisco began. "Today, we have gathered to commemorate the 5th death anniversary of the late Headmaster Dominique Valdez!" His voice suddenly grew more lively.

I heard violent reactions from the crowd. In the few days we had been here, this was the first time I had heard the students respond so strongly. It seemed almost as if they were insulted by what Francisco had said.

"It’s amusing that after all these years under the leadership of a foolish head, we are finally free, isn’t it amusing?" Madame Violet asked.

No one even bothered to disagree. Who would? First, there was no reason to celebrate the death of a former headmaster. Second, calling the former head "foolish" was utterly disrespectful, insulting, even.

"Because of that! We are pleased to announce the biggest event that will take place at Hell University after so many years!"

I don’t know why, but my heart thumped violently at her words. The biggest event... it will be a bloody one. Is this it? Is this what they mean by the impending catastrophe? Is it true? Is the end truly near?

What will happen?

"No!"

We were all startled when a shout suddenly rang out from among the students. We turned toward the back, and a man standing there with his head bowed immediately caught our attention.

"He didn’t die! You killed Headmaster Valdez!"

My brow furrowed. I glanced at Madame Violet and Francisco who were now laughing with each other. They even managed to high-five in front of us.

"Who ever said he died?" Madame Violet said lightly. "You’re right, we killed him. And now you’re next."

Two men immediately seized the one who had shouted.

I looked at Supremo, but his only gaze remained fixed on Madame Violet and Francisco, seated with a poker face, as if no chaos was unfolding around us.

"Let me go!" the man struggled, but he was no match for the two restraining him.

To be punished with death for a single shout, wasn’t that far too much?

"That’s too much!" My eyes widened and my heart pounded harder when I saw who was now standing. "You killed the late headmaster, so isn’t it the other way around? Shouldn’t you be the ones punished with death?" Vanessa said.

Shit!

"We are not foolish enough to kill ourselves. The fool here is that man," she said, pointing at the man being dragged out of the gymnasium. "And you." She then pointed at Vanessa.

Vanessa’s eyes widened when someone seized both of her hands. My eyes blazed when I saw them suddenly yank her arm, causing her to slam against the wall beside them.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw her lose consciousness. That was too much.

I glanced at Ace. He shook his head at me, as if warning me against what I was about to do. Damn it. That familiar heat surged through me again, just like what happened with Roxane. I was losing my temper. I was losing control of myself, again.

"Touch her once more, or you will regret it." I spoke up just as they were about to grab the unconscious Vanessa again.

I signaled Matt, Jerome, Dave, and Mia to carry Vanessa and take her back to the dormitory. The clinic here was useless anyway.

"First of all, you have no right to impose any form of punishment, because only the Supreme Student President has that authority," I began. I had read the Hell University manual before, and according to it, only the president may decree the punishment of death.

"Second, the way you are standing before us now is deeply disrespectful. Tell me, how do you expect to earn our respect if you show none yourselves? And lastly, I am the Supreme Student Secretary, and I most certainly have the authority to oppose your decisions."

I am just stating the truth that compared to the Hell University Headmaster, the SSG President is much more powerful.

"How rude, Miss Shion. I already know that Supremo will approve what I said. Right, President?" Madame Violet asked Ace, who remained silent.

"President Ace? What punishment do you think we should impose on the Secretary?" she pressed.

I remained silent.

"Punishment? Are you kidding me?" Ace said with a laugh, his gaze fixed on Madame Violet. Slowly, the smile faded from his lips.

"Why would I punish my Secretary when she deserves an award instead?" Ace asked coolly.

Even I was taken aback. What was Supremo talking about?

"W‑What do you mean?" Madame Violet asked, her brows knitting in confusion.

"Among all the secretaries I’ve had, she is the only one who knows that I alone have the authority to impose death," Ace said evenly. "Amazing, isn’t it, Madame?"

Silence devoured the entire gymnasium.

"Ace Craige," Francisco warned, his voice was very low and sharp. Ace merely shrugged in response. He had never been one to be intimidated, if anything, he was the one others should fear.

"Well," Francisco continued, with a slow smile spreading across his face, "the biggest event I was referring to will take place over the course of a week."

"Lets call it a bloody week, where killing will be legal even in day time. Good luck everyone, I guess half the population of HU will be lessened."