SFS Chapter 15 Jonathan
Chapter 15 Jonathan
The door creaked open, and a distinguished-looking man entered the room, exuding an aura of authority. He stood tall and straight, his posture commanding respect. His silver hair cascaded elegantly over his shoulders, accentuating his resolute features. His eyes were sharp and serious, his green pupils seemingly holding a wealth of knowledge and experience.
“Principal Jonathan,” I thought to myself. I recognized him immediately. After all, he was a well-known figure in the game.
He wore a formal business suit, which highlighted his high status and authority. The suit was well-tailored and fit perfectly, exuding a noble air.
The fine wrinkles on the suit sleeves showed that it was frequently used, and the mud on the shoes and the small water droplets on his body indicated that he had inspected the crime scene before he arrived. There were also fine white hairs, suggesting that he had sent his white dog to help with the investigation.
The white dog is the association's hunting dog; this is the game's abbreviation for hunting dog.
As he entered the room, his emerald green eyes swept around, his keen gaze scrutinizing every detail.
“Very good, it seems you’ve fully recovered.” After a moment, he came in, looked me in the eye, and said. “Morse Scott, right?” His tone was stern.
“Yes, Principal Jonathan,” I nodded slightly and replied. I knew his position and had no reason to show him any disrespect.
He must have come to ask me what happened there. They couldn't possibly know about the Mist Ghosts now. I shouldn't provide any clues. With that thought, I began to consider my answer.
"You and your classmates encountered a dangerous creature, didn't you?" His eyes narrowed slightly, revealing his aura. Although he didn't try to exert physical pressure on me, it was enough to make me uncomfortable.
“Yes, Headmaster. It was… an unidentified monster. It attacked us suddenly, and after that I don’t remember much.”
Considering Morse's past performance, this answer should be much better. And I made it seem as if I hesitated for a moment before replying.
Then I saw his brows furrow even more.
"You mean an unidentified monster?" he asked, his eyes fixed on me.
“Yes.” I averted my gaze, feigning fear. “It was a monster I had never seen before.”
Principal Jonathan continued to scrutinize me, trying to discern whether I was lying from my expression. "But you single-handedly defeated this unknown monster," he said, his voice still stern.
“No…it’s not like that,” I answered, lowering my head. “I was just lucky. The reason I succeeded was because I happened to have bought the Holy Light Scroll.” I braced myself for tears, then raised my head. “If it weren’t for that, I would have ended up like everyone else…”
But he still didn't believe me. "Why did you buy the Holy Light Scroll?" When he looked into my eyes, the pressure on me increased.
“Because I plan to raid a newly discovered dungeon. It’s called ‘The Cavern of Eternal Slumber,’ and it’s inhabited by the undead. That’s why I’m making these preparations.” I answered, my voice trembling slightly as I continued my act.
“I see… that matches Sylvie’s description.” Then, he stroked his beard and stopped asking questions. “It must have been very tough…” He nodded as he slowly walked towards the window.
But I could see that his body was like he was preparing for a speech.
I knew immediately that it wasn't over yet, and I prepared for what was to come.
"Do you think I'd believe that?" As soon as I asked that question, an immense pressure washed over me, making my heart clench. "Then why don't you help the other students?"
It was a precise pressure so intense that Sylvie, who was sleeping comfortably next to me, felt nothing at all.
"Ahem..." I coughed slightly, my gaze fixed on him. This time, my eyes were filled with anger.
"That's because they tortured me... Why should I help them?"
The principal's imposing presence suffocated me. His eyes remained fixed on me, as if they could see right through me, reaching the very depths of my being.
“Why did you do this?” he repeated, his voice icy. “You are a student of this college, Morse Scott. You have a responsibility to protect your classmates and uphold our values and principles. But to turn a blind eye to their lives is not the behavior of a responsible and honorable student.”
"Why? Cough... Where is the honor you keep talking about when everyone is watching me being tortured?" I was under immense pressure. Despite the pain from my wounds, I held my head high.
“I learned something at this academy… If you don’t have the power to protect yourself… then your so-called sense of responsibility and honor will be worthless. This academy is not a place that values honor at all… and a hunter will not act with honor; they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals…” I poured all my emotions into my words. “I didn’t know the scroll would work. Killing that monster was purely luck.”
As I finished speaking, the principal chuckled softly. The chuckle was full of understanding, as if he saw something in me that others might have overlooked.
When he looked into my eyes with a smile, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
“You’re right, Morse,” he said, a hint of pleasure in his voice. “This college may not be a place where traditional notions of honor apply, but that doesn’t mean honor doesn’t exist. In fact, I see a different kind of sense of honor in your words.”
I frowned in confusion, not understanding what he meant by this extraordinary honor. But he looked at me with a smile in his eyes.
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes filled with seriousness and admiration. "You endured pain and suffering, yet you still stand here, refusing to let pain and suffering break you. This takes great courage, and even more so, courage of character. Perhaps you didn't choose that path, but you chose to transcend the cruelty and darkness around you."
"You're such an easygoing person..." I thought to myself, seeing his smile. After all, he believed that no one is as white as paper, that everyone has darkness within them. And he appreciated those who honestly revealed that darkness, just like me, pouring my false hatred into my words.
I have never awakened from the darkness. And I will not emerge from the darkness until I have eradicated all the demons in this world. But that does not mean I am the person he imagines me to be.
Principal Jonathan's smile remained unchanged. I could sense that he saw through my 'performance' and understood my inner 'anger' and 'pain'. But he didn't criticize me for it; on the contrary, his gaze held a hint of respect.
“Your honesty is commendable, Morse,” he said, his voice gentle yet firm, rising from his seat. “We all have our own demons within us, our own darkness. What we choose to do with it is the key.”
I nodded. “I understand, Headmaster,” I replied, my voice steady. “I will do everything I can to confront my darkness and use it to become stronger.”
After saying this, the headmaster turned and walked towards the door, his imposing aura gradually fading. "You have the potential to become a great hunter, Morse. Don't let the darkness engulf you, but use it to light your way forward."
"Hypocritical..." I thought to myself, watching the man's departing figure. Although he appeared very self-righteous and considerate in front of the students, I knew what he had said to Morse when Morse ranked last in the midterm exams.
At least now I can avoid those stares. After all, he's already labeled me as worthless. Thinking this, I closed my eyes and relaxed my body.
Ultimately, even if he is someone who appreciates honesty, he will still value talent...
Before I could fall asleep, I heard a voice.
“Morse…”
Sylvie woke up