The SSS Ranked Villain's Return-Chapter 45: The Compensation

Clean kill? Sorry? Neraxis thought inwardly as he watched William clean up the entire mess—even making the smell go away.

"Neraxis," he spoke, "don’t do anything like that on academy grounds again. I had a use for him."

Flashing a suspicious look, he continued, "I would love to know how you came to the conclusion that led you to killing him. However, we can save that for later."

"Is that so..." Neraxis grumbled inwardly, finding the situation quite uncomfortable.

It seemed like William had already been aware of the corrupt man—hence why he had allowed him to get this far.

But that was all gone, and all he managed to do was attract even more suspicion onto himself.

However, as he was expecting to receive a nagging, something else happened.

"Are you getting along with Celina?" William’s fierce voice rang out, startling him.

Neraxis found it in his best interest to reply as soon as possible. "We haven’t talked much—only a gesture or two since the start."

"Hmm..." William fell into thought for a moment before speaking once again. "Try talking to her a bit more."

"...Sure?" Neraxis replied in a confused tone and was about to bring the conversation back to what had transpired just a few moments ago.

However, William interrupted him.

"Don’t speak or tell anyone about that man or his death, else you will spoil my plans further."

"I won’t. You don’t have to worry—I am not actively looking for his group," Neraxis stated, earning a nod from William.

"Good. We will talk about this after you clear your first tower floor. Be sure to get a good record."

As his words finished and Neraxis was about to speak up, a flock of footsteps resounded from behind him. It was his group.

All of them had worried expressions on their faces, but they disappeared the moment they noticed William beside him.

"Hello, Headmaster," they all greeted in unison with surprising formality.

Now that the two of them were no longer alone, he put on his professional persona.

"Welcome back. I am sure the situation was stressful, and I would love to get your reports individually. Neraxis already gave his," he added.

Hmm... is he giving me some time off?

His team swiftly agreed, and immediately, William signaled for them to follow after him.

"All of you still need to come with me for now—compensation is in order after all."

They seemed to be heading toward his office, and it didn’t take long to arrive.

Neraxis and the others entered, and immediately, the sight of a casual office space entered their eyes.

However, to the side, there was an unusual training room—one that had all sorts of different technology and a pair of daggers in the very middle.

Is that where Celina trains? he mused before arriving in front of William’s desk and sitting down on a nearby couch.

His team shot him strange looks, but he simply ignored them.

"You three are free to get comfortable as well. Don’t worry about etiquette for now—you earned a break," William said with a soft smile, sending shivers down Neraxis’s spine.

He soon continued his speech. "I would like to personally apologize as the Headmaster of the academy for our oversight."

A small pause ensued, letting his words sink in.

"Of course, the most important thing is that you all came out alive. Therefore, my reward will be your compensation." As his words fell, he took out four blue-colored books from his drawer and placed them on the desk.

"I’ve picked out a skill—one that would hopefully be of use to all of you."

Neraxis raised his brow. The most he expected to get was a day off; after all, slacking off was already considered a luxury in this world.

Yet to get a skill from this? It wasn’t that bad.

He walked up, along with his team, and picked up a book each before going back to the couch.

"This is a defensive skill, and I won’t spoil its effects." He chuckled before continuing, "That is all for now. Aella, Aurelia, and Raeny, stay behind. You can go, Neraxis."

Neraxis nodded and began heading out, but not before waving goodbye to his team.

Exiting the office, he immediately let out a massive sigh. This entire day had been one giant roller coaster.

Fiddling with the skill book in his arms, Neraxis focused, and soon after, it disappeared from his grasp, followed by a red system message.

[Skill Obtained | 25 Minutes Until Assimilation]

Higher-ranked this time, huh, he whistled to himself, making his way through the empty hallways.

There was a degree of expectation that the surroundings would be more hectic, yet it was relatively calm.

It was already growing dark outside; therefore, he decided to make his way back home.

He fiddled around in his bag, looking for the phone he had placed inside.

Yet, once his hand reached inside, he noticed there was a hole clean through the bottom.

Well, shit... Guess I’m walking back, Neraxis thought, trying to make light of the situation.

Yet his mind was still going back to the events that transpired—he couldn’t forget them.

Both the rift and the spy, two back-to-back events that he could have never predicted, happened all in the same day.

But at the end of it all, there was one question that remained in his mind.

This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.

Why is William constantly helping me?

Just as he thought that, Evangeline’s voice rang out inside his mind. [It is hard to trust somebody, I understand. But for now, rely on him. Use him if need be. After all, you are still weak.]

Thanks for reminding me. He rolled his eyes. However, upon doing so, he spotted a small red system window in the corner of his eye.

And upon focusing on it and reading its contents, he froze.

[1x (E- Ranked Human) Slain! Reward: Stigmata 55.6% -> 56.6%]

Evangeline? he called out, immediately receiving an answer.

[Yeah... I didn’t expect to see it either. But I suppose because he could technically use mana, he counted as a monster...]

So no one below E- rank, huh... Well, this is an eerie discovery, Neraxis thought before questioning,

How much of this unsealing business is out of your control?

A moment of silence ensued before she replied. [...Mostly everything. The only access I have is what skills I can give. Even then, you saw what happens if I try to overstep—I get weakened way too much.]

I see... Neraxis replied absentmindedly before summoning the sword and slicing open his palm.

Drink to your heart’s content. I told you I’d give you plenty of blood.

[Thank you...]

As her words fell, he immediately began feeling light-headed, as though the simple stream of blood that had gushed out of his palm had turned into a whole fountain.

Yet the sword absorbed it all at an unbelievable pace.

And before long, his wound closed up, and the sword began flying all around him happily.

Noticing this, he couldn’t help but voice his thoughts.

You are a vampire, right?

[Hmm? Yeah, I am the Progenitor of all vampires.] She nonchalantly remarked, still flying around absentmindedly.

Wait, wait... Of all vampires?

[In my world, yes. I am not sure if any exist here, but even if they do, they are not related to me,] Evangeline explained before disappearing back into the sword symbol on his arm.

Neraxis was left speechless as he finally reached the exit to the academy, and upon getting out, was prepared to walk back home.

However, a familiar limousine was off in the distance, with his butler standing still, waiting patiently outside.

And upon noticing Neraxis, he flashed a small smile before opening the limousine’s door.

Ah... I’ll have to give him a raise...