Sebastian raised his hand calmly.
"Yes, Sebastian?" Mr. Peterson's attention immediately shifted to him, his expression brightening even further.
"Sir, I don't think it's a good idea to have an exam today," Sebastian said smoothly, his tone polite but firm.
"The students will become stressed by the results they receive now, and it will negatively affect their mental health, which could lead to serious consequences. Especially with the real exams coming up so soon—adding this pressure might do more harm than good."
The classroom went silent, praying that Sebastian has their back.
All eyes turned to Mr. Peterson, waiting.
Mr. Peterson's expression immediately shifted. He looked at Sebastian with something close to reverence, nodding thoughtfully as if Sebastian had just shared profound wisdom.
"You know what, Sebastian? You're absolutely right," Mr. Peterson said earnestly. "I hadn't considered the mental health aspect. That's very mature and thoughtful of you to bring up."
He turned to address the class. "Alright, change of plans. No surprise exam today. Instead, we'll use this time for a review session to help you all prepare properly. How does that sound?"
The classroom erupted in cheers and applause.
"Yes! Thank you Mr. Peterson!"
"Sebastian, you're a lifesaver!"
"I knew you'd save us!"
Several students turned to thank him directly, and even some who usually kept their distance looked at him with appreciation.
Isabelle smiled at him warmly. "That was really considerate of you. With everything happening, I don't think I would've done well on that test, you saved me."
The protagonist looked stunned by the unexpected turn of events.
His hands were clenched into fists on his desk, and his jaw was tight. He'd clearly been counting on this exam as his chance to shine, to prove himself after yesterday's humiliation.
And Sebastian had just casually taken it away from him.
[Ding! Opportunity Intercepted!]
[You have successfully prevented the protagonist from showcasing his abilities in a surprise examination. His planned "comeback moment" has been blocked.]
[Reward: 200 Villain Points, +15 Villain Halo]
[Note: The protagonist's frustration continues to mount. He is beginning to recognize you as a genuine threat.]
Sebastian kept his expression neutral, but inside, he was smiling.
===Status===
Host: Sebastian Fairfax
Combat Power: 82 (Average human: 100)
Villain Points: 1,850
Villain Halo: 215
Luck: E Charm: E+
→ Skills: None
→ Inventory: Empty
=========
215 Villain Halo. He was getting closer to 300 with every move.
Mr. Peterson began his review session, but Sebastian could feel Ethan's glare burning into the back of his head the entire time.
♢♢♢♢
During class break, Sebastian called his three lackeys to an empty classroom to talk.
Marcus, Tyler, and Derek filed in, closing the door behind them.
"Boss, do you want us to beat Ethan up?" Derek said immediately, fists bumping his palm as if he was ready to throw down right now.
'I'm afraid he will beat you black and blue if I do that,' Sebastian thought, sighing internally. The last thing he needed was for his lackies to get beat, that would be humiliating.
"No. I don't want you to get your asses beaten," Sebastian said flatly. "I want you to do something else for me. During the next lunch break, Ethan will most likely try to sit next to Isabelle once again. I want you to make his life hell—during the queue, whilst sitting, and when leaving. But here's the important part: I don't want you to be confrontational. If any of you dares to directly confront him, then prepare for the consequences from my side."
Sebastian's eyes swept across all three of his lackeys, his gaze cold and serious.
Marcus tilted his head slightly, confused. "Eh? Boss, how can we do that without appearing confrontational?"
Sebastian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You can make somebody's life hell without appearing to be in conflict. Things like barging into them by accident, making them drop their food. Tripping on them, making them fall. Throwing something by accident as you walk past... basic things, Marcus. Just think."
Derek nodded his head vigorously and slapped the back of Marcus's head with a loud smack.
slap!
"Ow!" Marcus yelped, rubbing his head.
"You made the boss get angry with us, fool," Derek said, shaking his head disapprovingly.
Tyler spoke up, understanding dawning on his face. "Oh, I get it. We make it look like accidents. So even if he complains, we just apologize and say we didn't mean it."
"Exactly," Sebastian said, nodding at Tyler. "The key is plausible deniability. If he reacts aggressively to what looks like accidents, he'll come across as paranoid or unstable, especially after yesterday's cafeteria incident. Everyone already thinks he's violent and unstable. This will just reinforce that image, if he fights you...then just get beaten up, don't fight back...at all. This way you will appear right, and he will appear wrong."
Marcus's eyes lit up with understanding. "Ohhh, that's smart, boss!"
"So let me be clear," Sebastian continued, leaning against the desk. "No direct confrontation. No threats. No obvious hostility. Everything you do must look completely accidental. Can you three manage that?"
"Yes, boss!" all three said in unison.
"Good." Sebastian pulled out his phone. "Derek, you'll be in charge. Make sure these two don't do anything stupid."
Derek straightened up, clearly proud of the responsibility. "You can count on me, boss!"
"Tyler, you're in the lunch queue. Accidentally bump into him hard enough to make him drop his tray. Apologize profusely afterward."
"Got it, boss."
"Marcus, you're on spillage duty. If he manages to get food and sit down, you walk past his table and accidentally knock over his drink or drop something on him. Again, lots of apologies, you can also offer him to buy food again."
"Understood, boss!"
"Derek, you handle the exit. If he tries to leave the cafeteria, make sure he trips on something—your foot, a bag, whatever. Just make it look natural."
Derek grinned. "This is going to be fun."
"Remember," Sebastian warned, his voice dropping lower, "if you mess this up and make it obvious, I'm cutting you loose. Understood?"
All three nodded seriously.
"Yes, boss. We won't let you down."
"Good. The closer you get him to violence, leading to your beating. The more I will reward you, now get out of here, I've got things to do."
"Yes, boss!" They unanimously said, before scurrying out quickly, already whispering among themselves about their plan.
Sebastian remained in the empty classroom for a moment, looking out the window.
Death by a thousand cuts, he thought coldly.
That's how you destroy a protagonist. Not with one dramatic confrontation, but with constant, relentless pressure from every angle.