A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 185: Southern Advance of the Demonic Beasts (2)

Epherene stood high upon the wall, her fingers tightening around the automatic crossbow as she followed the guard's instructions.

"Yes, now all that remains is for you to pull the trigger," the guard said.

“... Bang, bang, bang— Pow, pow, pow, pow— bang, bang—” Epherene murmured, hesitant to waste the arrows, her lips mimicking the sound of firing instead.

"If you'd like, you're welcome to fire it yourself," the guard said, smiling.

"It’s fine. But now that I think about it, I’ve heard thunder rumbling at night. Could it have been because of this?"

"Yes. With this crossbow, we should be able to take down a troll without much trouble."

"Wow..."

Both Epherene and Louina were impressed.

Aren't trolls one of the demonic beasts, nearly impossible to defeat with physical damage? Could this crossbow be enchanted with magic? Epherene thought.

At that moment...

Whoosh—!

As the wind swept through, two small children appeared, leaping over the wall. The moment Epherene spotted them, her eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "Ria? Leo?"

"Oh, Epherene!" Ria said.

"Hi, Epherene!" Leo said.

They were two young adventurers who had become fast friends, their warm smiles greeting Epherene like sunlight breaking through the clouds.

Epherene patted their heads and asked, "Where have you two been?"

"We were just outside, having a bit of a chat with Ganesha. Oh, and we caught a wild boar on the way back."

"Oh, right. Your captain is keeping them busy for us right now, isn't she?"

Ganesha of the Red Garnet Adventure Team was as extraordinary as the fairy tales described her to be.

My goodness, to hold off so many demonic beasts all on her own... Epherene thought.

"Wait, but did you say a wild boar?" Epherene asked.

"Yeah! Look at this!" Ria said, pointing to the boar Leo was carrying on his back.

Epherene saw the plump boar, her mouth watering as she said, "... It looks delicious—"

"Guard, where is the Professor?"

Then, a voice as cold as winter frost sliced through the air, pulling everyone's attention toward Yulie, who stood silent in its wake.

"Why is she looking for the Professor? She seems very angry," Louina muttered under her breath.

The story of Yulie and Deculein was renowned, and a flicker of bitterness crossed Epherene’s face.

“... But I wonder what made the two of them break up. Knight Deya doesn’t seem like the type to get involved in corruption, no matter how I look at it...”

"I'm actually not sure."

Officially, the reason rested with Yulie and the Freyhem Knights' Order for losing their reputation due to corruption. However, no matter how it was considered, Yulie was not the kind of person who could ever fall to such dishonorable deeds.

“Miss Epherene, has the Professor mentioned anything to you?” Louina asked.

"No, not really..." Epherene replied.

"Nothing at all?"

"No, the professor didn’t seem to dislike Knight Yulie that much, or anything," Epherene replied.

Well, that sounds about right. Deculein isn’t the type of person to open up about his feelings easily, Louina thought, nodding without really thinking.

Then, a sudden realization dawned on Louina, and her eyes widened.

“Oh?”

Sensing something was off, Epherene instinctively moved closer to Louina.

"Could it be...?" Louina murmured.

"... Why? What’s the matter?"

A sudden bolt of realization struck Louina, as if lightning had cleaved her thoughts in two.

"What’s wrong, Professor Louina?" Epherene asked, her throat tightening as she swallowed hard.

Louina took a look around and her eyes landed on Ria and Leo, the two children watching her with quiet curiosity.

"Come with me,” Louina said, leading Epherene to a secluded spot where, in the shadow of the wall, she began murmuring to herself. “... I’ve suspected it all this time, but why am I only realizing it now? Yulie isn’t someone who would ever commit such corruption.”

"Why is Professor Louina acting so strange all of a sudden?" Epherene wondered, blinking.

"Assistant Professor Epherene, don’t you know?" Louina asked.

"Pardon? I don't. Actually, I’m still just an assistant."

"... Well, whatever it is. Come here. Listen closely," Louina said, leaning in with her lips brushing against Epherene’s ear as she whispered, her words barely audible. "Could it be because he loves her too much?"

Until that moment, Epherene couldn’t grasp what she meant, but Louina’s next words made it clear, as if a sudden gust had broken the surface of a still pond.

"You know how little time Deculein has left."

Epherene’s eyes widened as realization struck her. With that one sentence, everything fell into place. After all, it was nothing more than a familiar cliché, the kind often found in innumerable novels.

“... Could it be?” Epherene murmured, her face paling as shock washed over her features.

“I believe that is exactly it. Perhaps that’s why he chose to break up intentionally—so she would not be hurt because of him anymore, and in doing so, he shouldered the weight of her hatred instead,” Louina said, nodding slowly, her expression serious and sincere.

"But... that’s a little too—"

“Yes, I know. It’s not the best way, of course. But Deculein never cares about the means, as long as they serve his purpose.”

The conversation fell into silence as both women locked eyes, a quiet understanding passing between them.

Then, Yulie approached and asked, "May I ask if you have seen the professor anywhere?"

"The professor probably went to check on the people," Epherene replied, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Thank you," Yulie said, nodding before she headed down to the base of the wall.

***

The sound of children's laughter, so out of place, echoed across Rekordak—the concentration camp infamous for being the worst of its kind. Some villagers had brought their pet dogs, and now the dogs had pups.

The adorable little animals charmed the knights and guards, drawing smiles to their faces. But on the other hand, the chickens, pigs, and cows were raised only to be slaughtered.

“These are the herbs I gathered from the mountain today, sir,” Jupan said.

And here, I was teaching Jupan and three other herbalists.

“Very well. I’ll ask one question at a time. Jupan, tell me—what is this?” I said, holding up an herb with a purple stem and deep blue leaves cradling its bloom.

"It’s Velaron, sir," Jupan replied.

“No, that’s incorrect. While it closely resembles Velaron, the shape of the bud sets it apart. This herb is known as Vella, which is highly effective for staunching bleeding.”

“... I see. Yes, this is Velaron,” Jupan replied, pulling out a different herb and holding it up next to the correct one.

This time, he held the correct Velaron.

"Correct. Now, what is the efficacy of Velaron?" I inquired.

“It is effective in inducing calmness and relieving stress,” Jupan replied.

“If chewed, it may only have a mild effect, as you mentioned. However, when crushed and extracted to its essence, it becomes a potent anesthetic—strong enough to put even a knight to sleep. Ensure it is refined properly.”

At that, Jupan, typically reserved, glanced up at me with a hint of surprise and asked, “Professor, how is it that you know so much about herbs? I doubt you’ve ever been a herbalist yourself.”

“I acknowledge what I do not know and make an effort to learn it. Sort the gathered herbs according to their efficacy and ensure their delivery to the hospital.”

"... Yes, sir."

The old main building of Rekordak has been repurposed into a hospital. For now, with the southern advance yet to begin, it primarily serves to treat minor ailments among the villagers and local residents.

"Hey, Deculein. The supplies have arrived. Go check them out."

Just then, a slick, cheesy voice called out from somewhere nearby. It was Ihelm.

I’d never liked the way he rolled his tongue and slurred his words when he spoke, as if he were chewing on them. Just now, his words might as well have sounded like, ‘Heyyy, Deculein. The supplies’ve arrived. Go an’ check ‘em out.’

“What are you doing? Come with me,” Ihelm added.

When we reached the entrance of Rekordak, I found that, as Ihelm had said, the merchant guild had arrived. The guards were already swarming around the wagons, inspecting the goods.

“Haha, Professor! A pleasure to see you!” the head of the merchant guild said, his face alight with a bright smile as he approached.

“You’re rather late,” I replied.

“Yes, my apologies, Professor. There were far too many trying to hoard supplies, and we had to drive them off and sort it out, which delayed us from getting here. However, to make up for the delay, we’ve brought far more than what was agreed upon! We also heard that you’ve extended your care to the villagers from the mountain—you’ll see that reflected in what we’ve prepared.”

Then the First Sergeant, having finished inspecting the wagons, approached with a satisfied smile and said, “Yes, they are correct. With this supply, combined with our remaining stock, we can easily feed everyone, including the residents of Rekordak, for three to four weeks. Additionally, I’ve heard that more supplies from other merchant guilds are on their way...”

I nodded in satisfaction.

“Please sign here to confirm the delivery, Professor. Haha, it would mean a lot if you could remember my name as well,” the merchant said, holding out the contract while touching his cheek.

“Very well.”

Swish—

Just as I signed my name with the fountain pen...

“Professor! We have a serious problem!”

Beyond the entrance of Rekordak, a scout's silhouette appeared in the distance.

“Professor! We have a serious problem!” the scout shouted, running toward me before dropping to his knees at my feet, his breath ragged as if choking on blood. “A landslide has struck the mountain path leading to the city!”

"... A landslide?" I repeated.

“Yes, Professor! Because of it, entire merchant guilds that came were completely wiped out, and the road has been entirely blocked. It’s suspected that the Scarletborn are behind it...”

My brow furrowed instinctively, although this was a form of sabotage I had somewhat anticipated. From the Altar’s perspective, Rekordak was a land that must fall, no matter the cost.

“Oh... Umm... That is very unfortunate... We’ll take our leave now,” the leader of the merchant guild said, his mercenaries quietly falling in line behind him as they attempted to slip away.

“Did you not hear? A landslide has struck,” I said, stopping them as they quietly tried to leave.

"... Pardon?"

“Rekordak is an impregnable terrain. That means there is only one path in and out—the mountain gateway you used to get here. If there’s been a landslide, it likely means the gateway has been destroyed.”

“Oh... Then, does that mean...?”

“You are all trapped,” I said.

The people of the merchant guild turned pale with fear as I counted their numbers—forty in all, meaning forty more mouths to feed.

“But it seems you all managed to make it here just in time,” I added.

"Yes, e-exactly... But... couldn’t we cross the mountain if we somehow forced our way through?"

“Do you think the Scarletborn are oblivious to that? They are likely lying in wait in the mountains, ready to kill anyone who dares approach.”

“Ah... those damn Scarletborn bastards!” the merchant cursed in rage, stomping on the ground in frustration.

It seemed everyone in Rekordak was now trapped within its borders. With demonic beasts swarming on all sides, any hope of supplies from the Capital was all but lost. Once again, the most pressing issue circled back to food.

I scanned the area—the wall of Rekordak, the newly renovated buildings, the flurry of falling snow, and a group of villagers trudging along with hoes in hand.

“Where are they headed?” I asked.

“Oh, I hear there’s land nearby that can be cultivated, even in winter. They say sprouts grow there during the winter. It’s difficult to believe, but since they are working on it, we are leaving them be.”

It sounded like a magical space to me as I heard it.

“I will go there as well. See that the merchants are escorted to their accommodations,” I instructed.

"Pardon? Oh, yes, Professor!"

I followed behind the villagers.

“Let’s go, let’s go~”

“Let’s get to work now~”

The villagers hummed as they carried hoes and plows to their destination. Soon, the sound of digging filled the air, and rows of freshly turned earth began to take shape. Dozens of villagers had already gathered and were working together to prepare the land.

Thud—

I intentionally let my footsteps ring out, and the villagers, busy scattering seeds, startled before dropping to their knees.

“... Oh, Professor! W-what’re ya doin’! Get down on yer knees, quick!” one of the villagers said.

“Y-yes, yes! Why, this here’s an honor, it is!”

"Oh, bless my soul...”

I slowly approached, knelt on one knee in their field, placed my hand against the soil, and examined it closely with Sharp Eyesight.

───────

[Rich Soil]

◆ Description

: A land rich with mana

◆ Category

: Space ⊃ Magic

◆ Special Effect

: Crops remain resilient against withering.

───────

Its quality was low, but it was undeniably a magical space. However, it fell short of what I might have expected from the Wealthy Magnate. The effect of keeping crops from withering was a minor benefit, hardly worth much consideration.

“... Hmm.”

Perhaps I should attempt to imbue this land with the Midas Touch. Whether it will succeed or not, I cannot say, but with mana to spare, there is little risk in trying, I thought.

With my hand pressed against the soil, I imbued it with the power of the Midas Touch.

Woooosh...

A sudden draining sensation washed over me as nearly four thousand mana flowed into the earth. The ground responded with rippling waves of blue, like the tides of the ocean.

Soon after, I observed the ground through my Sharp Eyesight, and a new line was added to its list of special effects. For now, it was an effect that felt desperately needed.

───────

◆ Special Effect

: Crops remain resilient against withering.

: Crops enriched by this soil sprout rapidly and flourish.

[Midas Touch : Level 4]

───────

This land was enough to support garrison farming. While a plentiful harvest was out of the question, boiling barley into porridge was something the commoners were well used to. If starvation ever became a threat, a simple meal of barley porridge would have been adequate.

“This is a significant discovery. Continue your farming here,” I said to the villagers, who had remained kneeling and bowing low. “I will deploy troops here for the protection of this land and your work.”

“Oh, yes sir! Oh, Professor! We sure do appreciate it, yes we do!”

***

The night had fallen, and although I had scoured the land for other cultivable fields, my efforts bore no fruit. Upon returning to the main building, I found the knights deep in the midst of their sparring.

Clang—! Clang—!

By the glow of the crackling fire, blades clashed and danced, while embers scattered like petals caught in the breeze. At this hour, the training grounds were theirs alone.

“Oh, it’s the Professor,” Sirio said, pointing toward me.

"Well, look who it is. Isn’t this the Professor who said he would teach us the theory of swordsmanship?" Gwen said, standing beside Sirio with her arms crossed.

I approached her with a nod and said, "Theoretical flaws can be readily identified. Even in your swordsmanship, Gwen, there are weaknesses."

“... What? What are you even talking about?” Gwen said.

“I will prepare a written document detailing your shortcomings and provide it to you later. Be sure to address the necessary corrections as instructed.”

With her mouth opening and closing like a stunned goldfish, Gwen finally muttered, “... Unbelievable.”

I shared the same sentiment. It was unbelievable to witness their inability to understand the difference between theory and practice—self-righteously granting themselves the right to judge, all while their judgment remained clouded by the very mastery they held over their swords.

Ignorant fools, I thought.

“Yes.”

At that moment, through the crackling flames of the campfire, a knight draped in white stepped into view. It was Yulie.

“... I have thoroughly reviewed your evaluation of me, Professor,” Yulie said.

Without hesitation, I responded, “Indeed. There were numerous flaws in your swordsmanship.”

Yulie’s forehead tightened, the vein beneath her skin pulsing visibly with tension.

“You are far too rigid. Perhaps it stems from your overly principled nature, but clinging to such a style in the heat of battle is little more than stubborn folly—sheer ignorance,” I continued.

“... Hah.”

Yulie released a slow, heated breath and closed her eyes. The other knights stood in silence, as if quietly signaling that they sided with Yulie this time.

Well, from their perspective, it’s only natural to think that way. After all, I am merely a mage who has never even held a sword, I thought.

“I could demonstrate it myself, Deya—how to defeat you using nothing but pure swordsmanship,” I said.

Sizzle—

At that moment, the flames froze in time. Yulie’s fists clenched tightly at her sides, her head lowered, veiling her expression in shadow.

And then...

“Yes, that will do,” Yulie said, offering me a sword.

Yulie then lifted her head, her moist eyes locking onto mine, a storm of emotions swirling within her—anger, frustration, and shame all vying for dominance.

“Please teach me. I am ready to learn with humility.”

It was exactly what I had been waiting for. A body with the attributes of Iron Man and Iron Bone, capable of withstanding twice the strain that even Yulie could endure.

“... Oh? Guys, wait!” Sirio exclaimed, pointing toward the sky.

I looked up at the sky he pointed to.

“It’s the Red Moon.”

The moon had turned a deep crimson, a clear signal of the impending southern advance. However, the knights only nodded in silence, their thoughts unspoken.

“Red Moon or not, there’s no reason to stop,” Gwen said, a faint smirk playing on her lips. “Go on, Professor. Show us where and how you learned the swordsmanship that makes you look down on knights like us. No magic, no mana—just the blade and your swordsmanship alone.”

Believing this would be an opportunity to lay the foundation for Yulie’s growth, I nodded without hesitation and replied, “I will show you how to shatter an arrogant knight.”

***

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

With the ticking of the second hand filling the room, Sophien tapped her fingers against the desk, a mix of tension and irritation simmering within her.

“... How much longer do you plan to keep revising it?” Sophien inquired.

It was because Sophien held out her letter for Kreto to see; it was a personal response penned in reply to Deculein’s formal letter.

“I have removed all excessive punctuation, leaving only one of each where necessary, Your Majesty. For example, phrases like ‘You little...’ I’ve cut out as well,” Kreto replied.

“Why is that? Without any punctuation, the sentences might come across as far too serious,” Sophien said, letting the flowing folds of her dragon robe drape loosely.

Kreto shook his head and replied, “Not at all, Your Majesty. The Professor has a profound understanding of Your Majesty’s intentions. However...”

“Given that it is a personal letter, adding a closing statement at the end might not be a bad idea,” Kreto added, his fingers brushing his chin.

"What kind of closing statement do you mean?"

“Well, Your Majesty, the Professor’s recent letter has garnered widespread acclaim within the Imperial Palace. As a gesture of gratitude for presenting a masterpiece that will stand as a timeless testament to this era...”

Sophien watched Kreto’s lips move as he spoke.

Kreto, sensing the attention, gave a small smile and said, “‘I anticipate meeting you in good health.’ A phrase like this should be enough. It doesn’t sound overly concerned, yet it avoids coming across as dismissive.”

Sophien paused in thought. Within the brief span of three seconds, hundreds of possibilities raced through her mind, only to settle on a single conclusion—there was nothing to be concerned about.

“Fine. Send it as such,” Sophien said.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Sophien picked up her pen and scribbled the closing statement. Then, with a fluid motion, she unfolded the letter and began to read it in its entirety. The opening paragraph, which began with the line, 'I have received your letter and noted the loyalty and dedication it conveys,' seemed acceptable enough.

“Your Majesty, are you aware?” Kreto suddenly asked, his question seeming to come out of nowhere.

“What exactly am I supposed to be aware of?” Sophien replied, glancing toward Kreto.

With a smile, Kreto responded, “At this very moment, Your Majesty, you are smiling.”

“... What the hell are you talking about?” Sophien muttered, her fingers quickly brushing against her lips.

Strangely enough, the shape of her lips felt unfamiliar under her fingertips. Kreto, as if to confirm her uncertainty, presented a mirror, leaving no room for doubt.

A genuine smile bloomed on Sophien’s lips—not forced or cynical, but a natural expression that had appeared unconsciously. For a brief moment, she stared at her reflection, lost in quiet wonder.

“... I too am glad to see it, Your Majesty,” Kreto said.