Chapter 6: Raven's Shadow and Escalating Misunderstandings

The cold night air began to creep upward, enveloping the courtyard of the magic academy's dormitory.

I sat back in my study chair, staring fixedly at a cup of herbal tea that had already gone cold on the wooden table.

Today had been truly exhausting.

It wasn't because of magic training or Professor Orion's assignments, but rather because my head was constantly spinning from the chaos that had unfolded in the plot.

In the original novel, Alicia was supposed to be shunned by everyone due to her cruelty. But why, now, was the heroine inviting me to be her friend, the prince distrusting me, and Cedric idolizing me? Something was seriously wrong with this reincarnation system!

That complaint died in my throat when I heard a soft knock on my dormitory room door.

Knock, knock, knock.

I adjusted my robe, composed my face into a cool, calm expression, and went to open the door.

Standing in the doorway was a figure with jet-black hair and eyes as piercing as an eagle's.

Raven D'Ark.

One of the academy's most talented students—Alicia's natural rival in lightning magic.

In the original novel, Raven was a serious, quiet character who eventually joined the hero's party to take Alicia down.

Tonight, however, Raven's expression was different. She stared at me with her arms crossed over her chest.

"What brings you to my room so late at night, Raven?" I asked in a dry, cold, and commanding tone.

Deep down, I just wanted to slam the door shut.

What is this? Why do male characters keep showing up at my room in the dead of night? Do they want to show off their magical powers, too? Please, I just want to sleep in peace!

Raven let out a soft huff, fixing me with a look full of defiance mixed with a hint of hidden curiosity.

"I just wanted to confirm one thing, Alicia," Raven said in a low voice. "A few days ago, during the advanced magic practice, you held back your power, didn't you? Why didn't you unleash your full strength against that ice pillar?"

I paused for a moment, processing his words.

Holding back my power? I swear to God, I almost blew up the arena because I had no idea how to control this ice magic! How could I have held back on purpose?

Outwardly, however, I offered a subtle, condescending smile. I looked at Raven with my chin tilted slightly upward.

"Holding back my power?" I said, my voice cool. "Why would I do something like that? Fighting a pathetic ice pillar like that doesn't even warrant using my full strength."

Raven’s eyes widened slightly. He furrowed his brows, though a trace of admiration lingered behind his cold gaze.

"I see..." Raven murmured, as if drawing a conclusion for himself. "Arrogant as ever. Fair enough. That means you’re still much stronger than I am. I won't let you beat me in next month's practical exam."

With those words, Raven turned and walked away down the dimly lit hallway.

I stood frozen in front of the open door, watching Raven’s back disappear around the corner.

A cold sweat trickled down my temple again.

Huh? Arrogant? I was just trying to look cool so he’d leave quickly! Why is he even more motivated to challenge me now? I slowly closed the door to my room in the student dormitory and then slumped against it, sliding down to the floor.

*Oh God... please, send me back to the convenience store. Being a villainess in a fictional world is far more exhausting than dealing with customers trying to pay with play money.*