Hellhound At Supernatural Academy-Chapter 43: What’s under your Mask?

After my dinner with Ava and the others, I went to take a shower. When I came out, I saw that I had four missed calls from Sarah. Thinking it was urgent, I called her back while still wrapped in my towel. Within a couple of seconds of the phone ringing, she answered.

"Hello, Sarah."

"Oh, Sin! What’s up?"

"You were calling me?"

"Oh, it’s nothing important. I just wanted to talk to you about everything that happened at school today... You know, about that upperclassman who came and took you away. We didn’t get a chance to speak after you came back, and I just wanted to check up on you."

"Don’t worry, everything is fine."

"But Sin, I’ve heard some not-so-good things about him. They say he’s a full-on psychopath and that most of the third years are scared of him. And to top it off, he’s Katherine’s brother. After what you did to her, he might want revenge. He could even take his anger out on the class."

"Don’t worry about it. In fact, Yuan is our ally, and the same goes for Rizor."

"Our ally? Wait, Rizor too? What are you talking about?"

"Today at lunch, we formed a pact. With Rizor and Yuan’s help, we won’t have to worry about Class A and B."

"Wow, Sin, you know you’re really amazing. Just like that, you’re able to secure the safety of our classmates..." Sarah suddenly went quiet. Just as I was about to ask if she was okay, she began speaking again. "So, Sin, I heard you asked Maimai out on a date."

"A date?"

"Yeah! She said that after you asked to speak with her in the hall, you asked her to go on a date and said you wanted to tell her something in private. The whole class made a big deal out of it."

So that’s what she told our classmates? But why? Well, it’s not a big deal. If she wanted to tell to our classmates that I asked her out on a date then, I guess it’s fine.

"But I know the truth," Sarah continued. "You didn’t really ask her out, did you?"

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you’re not that type of person. If you were, you would’ve gone for someone better."

"Someone better?"

That was a strange thing to say about a friend and what did she mean when she says I’m not that type of person.

"Like me, for instance. I would be happy to go out with you."

"I’ll have to say no thank you. I don’t think Finn would be okay with it, and it wouldn’t be wise to start conflicts in the class over something so trivial."

"Trivial? I don’t think anyone would say what I just said was trivial. Are you not attracted to me, Sin?"

"Tell me something, Sarah. What are you really after? What Julius said—was it true?"

"Yes, it’s true. I did sleep with him. I was just worried about him taking over the class."

"No, that seems a little too extreme. I think there’s another reason for it, something else you’re afraid of. I don’t think it necessarily involves Rizor—"

"Stop!!" Her sweet, playful tone disappeared completely. "Don’t pry into my life. You might not like what you find."

"I prefer to be aware of the things that can harm me. Ignorance is truly a curse."

"Well, you might be better off staying ignorant on this. Anyway, that’s all I wanted to know. I guess I’ll see you at school tomorrow."

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

I wonder what she’s hiding. A part of me can’t fully trust her. It’s clear that she’s concealing something, but I know I’ll need her if I’m going to keep my classmates in line. I’m curious to hear what she really thinks about me, rather than the mindless praise she keeps showering me with for some reason. I want to see her true self; I want to uncover what’s hiding behind that mask of hers.

The next morning, during homeroom, Professor Yandri made an announcement about a series of upcoming exams. We would be tested on ordinary subjects like math and the sciences, as well as specialized subjects such as Supernatural Theory, Power Control and Mastery, and Combat Training.

The exams would take place in two weeks and would be a direct competition between classes. As an incentive, the class with the highest average score would earn noble points. Each student would be awarded five noble points, while the remaining three classes would lose noble points.

This was a significant incentive because noble points don’t just affect individuals; they impact their entire families. They influence how society perceives them and the rights they are entitled to.

For example, if I lose too many noble points, Nina could lose her shop along with her home. Since we shared the same last name our fates was tied to each other. Everyone’s livelihood hinges on the number of noble points they possess.

The average family has between 20,000 to 50,000 noble points that have been accumulating for generations. Any less than 20,000 noble points, and they risk losing some of their rights. For reference, a person typically earns around 1,000 noble points in their lifetime. When a child with supernatural abilities is born into a family, that family receives an additional 5,000 noble points.

That’s how most nobles manage to maintain their status; their supernatural abilities are typically hereditary. Nobles are viewed as assets to the country, as they provide the primary force for defense. Additionally, some noble families have passed down abilities that supply vital resources to their nation.

For example, the Lark noble house is renowned for being nature spirits known as Nymphs, who help sustain rivers and forest areas for various countries. This sets them up as a tier 3 noble house.

For others who possess supernatural abilities, it’s mostly a matter of luck, with their powers often resulting from the Cosmic End.

In preparation for the exams, we decided to form study groups. I’m not a very studious person, my grades were average at best.