A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 173: Tiger (2)

I came downstairs to the living room on the first floor and found Primien sprawled on the sofa, engaged in a deep conversation through her crystal orb.

— Make the most of this opportunity. Working alongside him is your chance to earn Her Majesty's favor.

It seemed that she was speaking with the Director of the Ministry of Public Safety, so I leaned against the wall, silently watching.

“Yes, sir.”

— Professor Deculein commands great respect. Show him the highest courtesy, and take care never to act thoughtlessly in his presence.

“Yes, sir,” Primien replied, her expression sour with displeasure.

— Why do you sound as if this doesn't concern you?

“Yes, sir. No, sir.”

— What? Which is it—yes or no? You can't have both.

“Yes, sir,”

— ... Ugh. What’s wrong with you? Do you not understand how to navigate society? If you want to become the Director, you need to take this seriously and improve your social skills as well. You may have somehow reached the position of Deputy Director, but let me remind you—

“Yes, sir,”

— Stop giving me those 'yes, sir' or 'no, sir' and finish all the assignments I gave you. And stop wasting time on stocks. Take up something practical, like learning to play Go—it’s trending these days. Put your savings in a bank instead of losing money. Everyone in the Ministry of Public Safety knows you’ve burned through your cash. Don’t think I haven’t heard the news, Primien.

The Director’s lecture droned on, while Primien, her face puffed as if from oversleeping, could only reply with a monotonous string of yeses and nos.

— I’m hanging up. Don’t mess this up! If you screw it up this time, you can forget about ever becoming the Director. If you don’t want to be overtaken by your juniors, you’d better shape up. Understood?

“Yes, sir,”

— Stop just repeating 'yes' all day! Back in my day, no one would have dared speak to their superiors the way you do. What kind of thickheaded person speaks to a Director like—

“Oh, oops.”

Primien cut off the connection, pretending it was an accident, then glared at the crystal orb and muttered, "Who’s the bald, thickheaded squid calling me thickheaded? Watch it, or you’ll end up sliced like sashimi."

"Your tongue is sharper than I expected," I said.

Primien glanced up at me, her lips twitching slightly as she offered a faint excuse and replied, "You might not have noticed from my refined appearance, but I’m originally from the Northern Region."

"Not everyone from the Northern Region has such a rough way of speaking, and as I understand it, they’re not inclined to participate in gossip either."

“... Professor, if you ever experience life as a public servant, you'll come to understand me better.”

At that moment...

Bang, bang, bang, bang—!

A loud knock echoed through the air, though calling it a knock felt too generous—it was more like someone hammering on the door.

"Professor! A sighting of Daeho has just been reported!" an officer said.

Hearing those words, I could somewhat understand the intensity of the knock. I glanced at Primien, who looked back at me, and we shared a brief nod of understanding.

"Let us proceed," I said.

“Yes, Professor,” Primien replied.

***

The fundamental principle of retreat was separation, and in a heartbeat, the eight teammates split into six directions. Gwen carried Drent on her back, Yulie took responsibility for Epherene, and Sirio drew Daeho’s attention away. Protecting the mage in moments of crisis like this was a knight’s duty, and their movements were as fluid and natural as flowing water.

As a result, Yulie found herself deep within a demonic forest. She hadn’t planned on coming here, but in the chaos, this was where her path had taken her.

"Miss Epherene, are you all right?" Yulie asked, her eyes falling to Epherene, resting weakly in her arms.

Epherene’s face was twisted in pain, her skin pale as snow. Cold sweat clung to her like glistening droplets, and Yulie, watching her, felt her own expression harden at the sight, like stone.

“Not really... just a little,” Epherene replied weakly.

Yulie dropped her eyes to check the mage’s condition, only to see that the area near Epherene’s hipbone had been stripped away. Flesh and muscle were completely gone, leaving her organs exposed—a terrifying consequence of being caught in the wild surge of mana unleashed by Daeho.

"I apologize. This is entirely my fault," Yulie said, lowering her head as she extended her hand and wove a thin layer of mana to stem the worst of the bleeding.

“No, there’s nothing to apologize for... It’s not your fault, Knight Yulie... The tiger was just too strong, that’s all...” Epherene replied with a faint, bitter smile.

“Please, save your strength.”

Yulie inspected Epherene’s wounds with a steady hand, though the sight was harrowing. Part of her exposed organs had been torn, and blood mixed with pus poured out, making the gravity of her condition obvious even to the naked eye.

"Knight Yulie... Do you think Sirio will be alright?"

"Yes, of course. Sirio is the fastest of us all. Don’t worry about him. Let’s focus on you for now, Miss Epherene!"

“Oh, that’s good... That’s good...” Epherene muttered, panting heavily, her face still carrying a hint of a smile. “Ah... I should’ve learned healing magic...”

“Healing magic has been extinct for years, Miss Epherene,” Yulie replied,

"Oh, you’re right... I forgot... But it’s okay. I know I won’t die here..."

Epherene’s condition was deteriorating—her consciousness fading, her blood pressure dropping, and her pulse weakening, while her body grew cold as ice. Yulie silently assessed her state, searching through her pockets, only to recall with dismay that she had left the emergency supplies behind during their frantic escape.

"We need to get out of this forest first."

The concentration of demonic energy in the forest of the Land of Destruction was thick, making it the worst possible place for a wounded patient. Yulie closed her eyes briefly, extending her senses over a wide radius to locate Daeho’s position.

There was no need for that after all....

Krroaarrrrr—!

Just then, Daeho let out a deep, rumbling roar that echoed through the forest, and Sirio’s taunting voice followed as he said, "You’re so slow! Is that all you’ve got? You’re slower than a housecat!"

Daeho remained focused on Sirio for now, but the wall was far too distant, making an escape from the forest fraught with danger. If they stepped into the open, the scent of Epherene’s blood would surely catch its attention, and the tiger would turn its sights on her without hesitation.

“Oh!“

... Then, a sudden thought struck her mind like a lightning bolt.

"The Waystation," Yulie muttered as she quickly pulled out the map.

Fortunately, there was a Waystation nearby, established by another team, and it likely contained a stock of medical supplies.

"Miss Epherene, please hang on a little longer."

"I’m fine, really... Heehee. Ah, that tickles," Epherene muttered.

Mistaking one’s senses was the most dangerous of warnings, and Yulie gritted her teeth as the severity of Epherene’s condition sank in.

“We’ll head to the nearest Waystation, map. Please show the safest route possible,” Yulie said to the map, asking for its guidance.

In response, the map displayed not only the safest route but also Daeho’s current location.

“Thank you,” Yulie said with a slight bow before quietly following the map’s guidance. Without hesitation, she moved through the dense undergrowth filled with demonic energy. Finally, she stopped and spoke softly, “... We’ve arrived, Miss Epherene.”

They had finally reached the hidden Waystation, nestled in a hollow beneath the ridgeline. However, by that time, Epherene had already lost consciousness, her body motionless and pale.

“Oh, no...”

Yulie hurriedly pushed open the door of the Waystation, and the first thing that caught her eye was a full-length mirror mounted on the wall. She stared at it, momentarily stunned, and in its reflection stood a man—Professor Deculein—looking back at her from the other side.

Then, she instinctively turned to look behind her, but Deculein was nowhere to be seen. When she turned back to the mirror, however, he was still there, staring at her from the other side.

“How is this...?” Yulie whispered, confused.

"Tch. So, you've found me," Deculein muttered, clicking his tongue.

Deculein stepped through the mirror, crossing the boundary between reflection and reality. Though Yulie was momentarily stunned by the strange magic, she had no time to dwell on her confusion.

"... Medical supplies are needed," Yulie said.

Deculein used Telekinesis to lift Epherene, holding her before him as he examined her wounds and said, "I’ll take her from here."

He then applied Duct Tape, an attribute of versatility in healing, support, offense, and defense, to Epherene’s injuries. The tape sealed the damage to her internal organs and completely stopped the bleeding.

“There is no need for the others to come here. Instruct them to find my mirror, and I will prioritize handling the transport of the wounded myself. Focus on rallying the remaining knights,” Deculein commanded.

Yulie nodded silently, and Deculein, holding Epherene in his arms, stepped into the mirror.

Yulie couldn’t help but wonder about the workings of the mirror, but in the urgency of the moment, curiosity gave way to the pressing need for rescue.

“This is Yulie speaking. Professor Deculein is assisting with the rescue. Locate the mirror installed at the Waystation...” Yulie instructed, transmitting the message through her crystal orb as she sprinted forward.

***

Epherene slowly opened her eyes, her vision clouded by a strange haze. Staring blankly at the ceiling above, she watched as the lights spun erratically, as if caught in a restless dance.

What happened? Was I dreaming? Where did the tiger go? Epherene thought.

Blink, blink. Blink, blink.

As she blinked slowly, the faint rustle of pages turning reached her ears from somewhere nearby.

Rustle— Rustle—

It’s so quiet and calm. Strangely soothing... Is this what they call white noise? Epherene thought, turning toward the sound, only to flinch in surprise.

“Aah!”

The primary cause was the pain radiating from her hip bone.

“... You’re awake.”

But the sight of Deculein seated nearby left her puzzled. No, to be precise, he wasn’t looking at her at all—his focus was entirely on the book in his hands, as if she were invisible.

“Remain where you are. The healing is not yet complete,” Deculein instructed.

“Ah... um. Yes, Professor. Ahem,” Epherene said, glancing at Deculein before sinking back into the bed.

Lying down, facing Deculein from this angle... Somehow, it feels oddly luxurious.

“Professor, about Daeho... That wasn’t a dream, was it?”

“It wasn’t,” Deculein replied, flipping another page without looking up.

"What happened to the knights? Did they all make it?" Epherene asked, gasping.

Rustle— Rustle—

“Nine are dead, and eleven are critically injured. Knight Deya handled the transport of the wounded on her own.”

The weight of nine deaths was far too heavy to be reduced to a simple number. Epherene sat in stunned silence, her mouth slightly open.

Rustle— Rustle—

"How is your condition?" Deculein asked, still focused on the book he was reading.

“... Sorry? Oh... I, um...”

Oh my goodness, I can't believe it. Could this be real? Deculein, of all people, asking after me? It feels like a dream. Nine people are dead... Please, let this all just be some terrible nightmare...

“Or is your condition worsening?” Deculein pressed.

"Sorry? Oh, n-no. I’m fine. It hurts a little, but it’s nothing serious," Epherene said, scratching her temple. "Besides, I know I won’t die. I’ve already met my future self..."

Thud—

At that moment, Deculein closed his book, leveled his signature piercing stare at Epherene, and said, "That is not guaranteed."

“... Oh, yes. I suppose it isn’t. But—”

"Such certainty could be your undoing."

“... Yes, I’m sorry,” Epherene muttered, lowering her head.

Swish—

At the faint sound of movement, both Deculein and Epherene turned toward the noise, discovering one of the hospital room's windows slightly open.

“Huh?”

A note rested on the windowsill, the cold wind pushing against it. Epherene tilted her head in confusion, while Deculein used Telekinesis to bring it to him and held it in his hand.

“What is it, Professor?”

Deculein read the note in silence, his brows furrowing further.

“What’s it about?”

Deculein remained silent, her question unanswered.

“What is it about?”

At the third question, Deculein raised his eyes and looked at her.

Epherene flinched, and with a tone sharp as a blade, Deculein commanded, "Close your mouth."

“... Yes, Professor,” Epherene murmured.

Fwoosh—!

Epherene clenched her lips as Deculein burned the small note, reducing it to a handful of ashes.

"Rest," Deculein said as he rose to his feet, brushing the dust from his gloves with a wave of Cleanse.

“Sorry? Oh, yes, Professor.”

It seemed like a serious matter; therefore, Epherene held back from pressing for details.

"That's right! Thank you, Professor!"

Even so, she managed to offer her thanks.

“For saving my life.”

Suddenly halting, Deculein turned toward Epherene with a look that suggested he could destroy her on the spot.

With a bitter smile, Epherene said, “I remember everything. Professor, you treated me for these wounds—”

“There’s no need to thank me.”

Bang—!

With that, Deculein stepped out and slammed the door behind him.

"... I guess he's embarrassed," Epherene murmured to herself, pouting as she stared at the door.

***

Meanwhile, within the prison, an emergency meeting was in progress, prompted by the appearance of the monstrous beast, Daeho. The atmosphere was tense, faces drawn, and the thick air pressed heavily against the small, cramped round table.

"G-given the size of this beast, Daeho, isn't it best to abandon the Rekordak...?" the warden asked, his voice trembling and his face already pale with fear—looking like someone facing the terror of tigers or disease.

The beast killed nine knights with a single blow, leaving eleven others seriously wounded. In the theater of war, such an accomplishment would be worthy of a general.

“... It stands to reason that this is the most logical course of action,” one of the imperial knights stated.

“... W-why don’t we abandon Rekordak and fall back to the secondary defense line?”

“I object,” Gwen interrupted.

“We cannot abandon it,” Yulie said.

Deculein looked toward the two of them.

"Why is that not an option?" one of the imperial knights countered, clearly in favor of the plan. "It’s Daeho—no, Akho. Right now, it’s watching us from the mountain. Unless Lord Zeit arrives, holding Rekordak will be impossible."

"While the prisoner buys us time, we can escape, isn’t that right, Professor? Daeho was an unexpected factor, and Her Majesty will surely understand," Knight Delic said, turning to Deculein.

A quiet hush settled over the room as everyone—including Ihelm and Yulie—turned their attention to Deculein.

"It is a reasonable course of action, provided no one else volunteers," Deculein stated.

“Yes, indeed! As expected of the Professor—”

“No, that is unacceptable!” Yulie interjected.

As if he had expected it, Deculein shook his head. The imperial knights, noticing his reaction, couldn't help but chuckle—a silent mockery directed at Yulie.

"We cannot let Akho breach this wall. If he enters our mountains, no knight will be able to stop him, and every villager on the mountainside will be slaughtered—every last one. None will escape or survive," Yulie added.

Deculein watched Yulie in silence, his expression as cold as ice, as if it could freeze the very air around him.

"Sirio, you faced Daeho, didn't you?" Deculein said, turning to Sirio.

"Well, I did face him—but more like I got destroyed, actually. He’s strong. Incredibly strong. Wow, I never thought a beast could move faster than me. I barely managed to escape from him," Sirio said, shrugging.

"See that? We shouldn't be wasting time thinking about mountain villages," the imperial knight said, glaring at Yulie.

Yulie gritted his teeth, while Deculein tapped his fingers on the table.

Tap— Tap—

Tap— Tap—

The knights, who had been glaring at each other, slowly shifted their eyes as the rhythmic sound of the metronome echoed through the room, and a silence reclaimed the space.

"Daeho will attempt to breach the wall. Driven by pride, a competitive spirit, and aggression, he will undoubtedly assault it repeatedly each day. As Knight Deya has warned, should such a beast enter the mountain villages, no force will be able to track or stop him. So I ask—who among you is willing to step beyond the wall and hunt him down to the end?" Deculein said.

Deculein looked around, but no one stepped forward. Sirio was already injured, and both Gwen and Raphel seemed uncertain, while all the imperial knights turned their faces away.

But then, as Yulie, the only person, raised her hand...

“... I will—”

“Very well,” Deculein said, nodding before she could finish speaking.

At that moment, everyone in the room seemed to expect what he was about to say.

He will definitely abandon Rekordak.

Deculein surveyed the knights, his eyes sweeping across the room, before declaring, "It seems no one else will step forward. I will take it upon myself."

A heavy silence fell over the room like a curtain, leaving Yulie frozen in place, her hand still raised. The senior officers—Raphel, Gwen, and Ihelm—stared blankly, while one knight scratched his ear, as if struggling to process what he had just heard.

Amidst the stillness of their astonishment, Deculein calmly said, “What’s with the looks? You were the ones who claimed that I am considered as the only mage in the Empire capable of standing against Rohakan..."

***

In the hospital room of the prison, Epherene, drowsy and slipping into a medicated haze, was startled awake by the sudden creak of the door as it opened.

“... Huh?”

"Miss Epherene! Are you alright? I heard about your injuries!" Allen asked.

"Oh, yes... I’m fine, really... Hehehe," Epherene replied, letting out a chuckle as she glanced at him.

"You don’t seem to be doing well... are you sure you’re alright...?"

"Nooo, I’m fine. Really, it’s just... Hehehehee," Epherene murmured with a laugh, shaking her head lazily and her movements sloppy.

Epherene’s faint, ghostly laughter sent a chill down Allen’s spine, her eerie presence hanging like a shadow in the air. As he slowly stepped back, the faint crunch beneath his foot drew his attention, and he looked down to find unknown fragments scattered across the floor.

“... What is this?”

“Sorry? Oh...”

It was the note Deculein had just burned not long ago.

"It’s the note Professor Deculein just burned before he left. I’m not sure who sent it, though... Hehehe," Epherene said.

Epherene let out another laugh, as though the sudden itch in her body demanded it. Allen, wearing a faint smile of his own, quietly gathered the scraps of the burned note.

"After reading the note, he turned very serious... hehehe."

"Oh, I see~ I wonder what caused him to react like that."

“I know, right...? Hehe...”

Allen pretended to toss the burned notes into the trash, but instead cupped them carefully in his hands and cast the Regeneration spell.

Crackle— Crackle— Crackle—

The ashes gathered in his hands ignited once more, gradually reclaiming their former shape. The charred note reshaped, slowly regenerating into a sheet of white paper.

"Heehee. Hehehehe. Hehehe."

As the paper gradually returned to its original form—the one Deculein had read—Allen’s expression hardened, becoming as solid as steel.