As Noah rounded a corner, he stopped abruptly.
Leaning against the wall, bathed in the soft glow of the corridor's magical sconces, was Professor Scarlet.
Her raven-black hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves.
Her crimson eyes gleaming with a predatory glint.
She was strikingly beautiful, her figure accentuated by the tailored crimson robes she wore.
Her lips curved into a teasing smile as she caught sight of him, and she licked them slowly, as if savoring so private amusent.
"Noah," she greeted, her voice smooth and sultry, carrying a faint edge of playfulness.
"Good to see you back on your feet.
I was beginning to think the academy might have lost its most…intriguing student."
Noah's eyes narrowed slightly, but he maintained his composure.
He had encountered Professor Scarlet a few tis before.
And each interaction left him with the distinct impression that she was not a woman to be underestimated.
"Professor Scarlet..."
He said evenly, giving her a polite nod.
"And what's your reason for approaching ? "
She chuckled softly, the sound warm and yet oddly chilling.
"Straight to the point. I admire that about you, Noah."
She pushed off the wall.
Her movents fluid and deliberate, and took a step closer.
"I've co to make you an offer..."
She said, her tone dropping just enough to make the air between them feel heavier.
"One that I think you'll find…difficult to refuse."
Noah arched a brow, his suspicion growing.
"An offer?"
She smiled again, licking her lips as if relishing the mont.
"You see, with the unfortunate passing of Professor Caelan, the faculty is left in sothing of a bind.
His absence has created a vacancy, and while we are searching for a permanent replacent, we require soone to fill the position temporarily.
Soone competent, capable, and…uniquely suited to handle the challenges of teaching at this academy."
Noah tilted his head, feigning ignorance.
"And you think I fit that description?"
Scarlet's eyes glead as she stepped even closer.
The scent of roses and sothing darker, muskier, filling the air around her.
"Why, of course.
Who better than you, Noah?
You've already demonstrated remarkable intelligence and power.
And let's not forget…"
She leaned in slightly, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Your reputation. Students fear you, and rightfully so.
That kind of authority is invaluable in a classroom."
He fought the urge to roll his eyes.
Scarlet was laying it on thick, but he couldn't deny the logic in her words.
She straightened, giving him a mont of reprieve from her overwhelming presence.
"Think of it, Noah.
For the first ti in academy history, a student would take on the role of a professor.
It's unprecedented.
Revolutionary, even.
And, of course, there are benefits."
"Benefits?"
He echoed, his tone neutral.
Scarlet smiled slyly, clearly savoring the bait she was about to dangle.
"A significant increase in inco, for one.
As a professor, your salary would be more than sufficient to cover your needs…and perhaps a few indulgences.
This would be an opportunity to stand on your own, wouldn't you agree?"
Noah's jaw tightened, though he kept his expression unreadable.
Cunning woman.
She knew exactly how to push his buttons.
The lack of financial support from his family was a sore spot, one that still gnawed at him.
His family hadn't co to the academy after everything that had happened—the cetery incident, the public disgrace, the rumors.
It was as if they had washed their hands of him entirely.
What perspective did they even have of him now?
The neglect, the lack of communication, the icy silence—
It all left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Scarlet, ever the snake, had picked up on that vulnerability and was exploiting it masterfully.
"But money isn't the only perk..."
She continued, her voice as smooth as silk.
"You'd also gain access to the faculty areas, unrestricted.
A rare privilege for a student.
Imagine the knowledge, the resources, the connections you could make."
Noah's mind flickered to the quest.
Access to the faculty areas would make it significantly easier to investigate the origins of guns and snoop through Caelan's old office.
The opportunity was too perfect to ignore.
"And, of course..."
Scarlet added, licking her lips again.
"...there's the prestige.
Experience exclusive tales on empire
You'd be setting a precedent, centing your na in the academy's history.
Doesn't that appeal to you, even a little?"
Noah folded his arms, pretending to mull it over.
In truth, he had already made his decision.
The benefits were too tempting, and the chance to move freely among the faculty was a golden opportunity.
But he couldn't let Scarlet see just how much he wanted this.
"You're very persuasive, Professor."
He said finally, his tone carefully asured.
"But taking on a teaching role while still a student…
...isn't that a conflict of interest?"
Scarlet laughed softly, the sound low and throaty.
"You're worried about propriety?
How…unexpected.
But no, there's no conflict.
The faculty has already approved the arrangent.
All you need to do is say yes."
Her crimson eyes locked onto his, unyielding and full of challenge.
Noah regarded her for a mont, then allowed a small, calculated smile to cross his lips.
"It seems I don't have much of a choice, do I?"
Scarlet's smile widened, triumphant.
"I knew you'd see reason.
Welco aboard, Professor Ashbourne."
The title felt strange, almost foreign, but Noah didn't let it show.
Scarlet leaned in one last ti, her voice dropping to a near whisper.
"I look forward to seeing how you handle this…unique opportunity."
With that, she stepped back, her presence lingering like a shadow, and sauntered down the hall, her hips swaying with deliberate grace.
Noah watched her go, his mind racing.
'This woman is dangerous,' he thought, shaking his head.
But she's also given exactly what I needed.
Becoming a temporary professor wasn't just a chance to earn money or gain prestige—
It was his ticket to investigating Caelan's secrets and uncovering the truth behind the firearms.
"False Evil Points..."
He muttered under his breath, the term bringing a wry smile to his face.
That's what this role scread to him.
He'd be stepping into a position where suspicion and scrutiny would follow him, but he was used to that by now.
This was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
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