Who Is The Main Antagonist In 'Ang Mutya Ng Section E (Book 3) English (Ongoing)'?

I've been following 'Ang Mutya ng Section E' closely, and Book 3 introduces a villain who's more than just a typical bully. The main antagonist is Principal Salazar, a manipulative educator who uses his authority to crush student morale. Unlike physical threats, his danger lies in psychological warfare—twisting school policies to isolate the protagonist's friend group, planting rumors to turn classmates against each other, and sabotaging academic opportunities. What makes him terrifying is how realistically he mirrors real-life toxic authority figures. His backstory reveals a failed academic career, fueling his vendetta against gifted students like the main character. The narrative cleverly contrasts his public image as a stern but fair disciplinarian with his private cruelty, making him a complex foe.

As someone who analyzes character arcs, I find the antagonist in Book 3 fascinating. Principal Salazar isn't just an obstacle; he represents systemic oppression in education. His methods are methodical—first undermining the protagonist's confidence by invalidating her achievements, then weaponizing bureaucracy to erase her support system. The genius lies in how the author shows his deterioration. Early chapters depict him as composed, using legalistic language to justify his actions. Later, as the students resist, his control slips into outright tyranny, exposing his true nature.

The secondary antagonist, student council president Marco, acts as Salazar's unwitting pawn. Marco's blind adherence to rules creates tension within Section E, showing how good intentions can be exploited. Their dynamic mirrors real-world scenarios where power structures turn peers against each other. The book excels at showing antagonists who aren't mustache-twirling villains but products of a broken system, making their defeat feel both cathartic and thought-provoking.

From a literary perspective, Principal Salazar stands out because he subverts expectations. Instead of a flamboyant villain, he's mundanely evil—a paper-pushing tyrant whose weapon is red tape. His antagonism manifests in canceled club permits, sudden rule changes, and fabricated disciplinary reports. The brilliance is how this mirrors actual student struggles against unfair administrations.

What elevates him is his warped philosophy. He genuinely believes he's 'purifying' the school by eliminating rebellious elements, seeing himself as a martyr for traditional education. This self-righteousness makes his scenes chilling, especially when he gaslights students into doubting their own memories. The narrative contrasts him with past physical bullies, highlighting how institutional power can be more damaging than fists. His eventual downfall comes not from confrontation but from the students outmaneuvering him within his own system—a poetic justice that resonates with anyone who's fought systemic corruption.