A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 80: Mask (2)

The assistant professor's office on the 77th floor was peaceful and cozy, even though Allen only pretended to head home. On the right side, three bookshelves stood in a row, leading to the assistant professor's desk at the end. The desk was spacious enough to hold a typewriter, a pencil holder, and a thick textbook.

As Allen habitually cleaned the dimly lit office, a peculiar feeling washed over him. Deculein was long gone, and starlight shimmered in the distant night sky. It was strange. He felt as though he had been by Deculein's side for too long, but he knew it was only recently that he had caught Deculein's attention.

Everyone else had left, exhausted by Deculein's tyranny and obsessive perfectionism, leaving Allen as the only one remaining. At first, catching Deculein's attention was never part of the plan.

It felt even stranger because, during his time with Deculein, he had simply enjoyed studying magic, reading books, preparing lessons, and teaching students, living like an ordinary assistant professor. It was as if he had always wished for such a life.

Deculein's assistant, Allen, closed his eyes and remembered Deculein's words, "You have indeed earned my trust."

Deculein had said those words to recognize Allen's hard work. However, Deculein didn't know the truth. He didn't know that Allen was far from trustworthy, or that Allen wasn't even his real name.

"Stay by my side," Deculein had requested.

Allen recalled his own response to that request.

"Certainly, sir!" Allen had replied.

Slowly opening his eyes, Allen gazed into the distant sky and murmured, "It has been a long time since I met someone as mysterious as you."

At first, Allen thought Deculein deserved to die, seeing him as a mad noble, a powerless human whose life could be ended with a flick of a finger. But Deculein had changed suddenly, showing genuine sincerity. His exterior was always cold, but this made the warmth he occasionally displayed even more striking.

This intrigued Allen, leading him to save Deculein's life unknowingly during the Berhert train terror and Veron’s attack. Allen had witnessed it all and had even severed Veron’s wrist himself.

"But... I don't think I can uphold your trust," Allen said softly. The darkness of the distant sky gradually began to fracture, revealing the light of dawn breaking. "... This mission has lasted too long."

As Allen, he didn't have much time left to witness sunrises in this Mage Tower. His departure was approaching. He knew he shouldn't feel regret; such emotions were not allowed for him.

"I have become too accustomed to being Allen," Allen thought, pressing his forehead against the windowpane.

Allen felt the cold seeping in from outside and sniffled, a strange warmth spreading through his nose.

***

It was a clear summer weekend, and Yulie enjoyed a rare moment of leisure. Deculein, her charge, was safely in the annex, the duties of the Freyhem Knights Order were light, and her morning training routine was already complete.

"Wow..."

Yulie spent time with the attendants in the mansion's lounge. The room was filled with various advanced gadgets, but what particularly caught her interest was the radio.

"It's not a crystal orb. How does it produce sound?" Yulie asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Oh, the radio? We were amazed when we first saw it too. Inside, there's something called a mana stone circuit. I'm not sure of the details, but it catches what are called frequencies. There are about thirteen channels, and you can listen to broadcasts on them," one of Yulie’s attendants replied.

Mana stone circuit. Frequency. Channel. Broadcast. These were all unfamiliar terms to her.

"That's fascinating. Does that mean you can listen to jousting match broadcasts with this?"

Although radios cost over 5,000 elne and only lasted a year, making them a luxury item, the Empire's media companies had recently begun establishing their own channels.

"Correct. You don't need to buy a ticket to hear the broadcasts. However, it might be frustrating since you can't see what's happening."

As Yulie continued to marvel, a small dog rested on her lap, a pet shared by the mansion’s servants.

Knock, knock—

At that moment, there was a knock on the door before it opened. It was Ren, Deculein's personal secretary, returning from a business trip.

"Escort Knight Yulie, it is time for your schedule," Ren announced.

"Oh, yes," Yulie replied, quickly straightening her attire and preparing for her duties.

Her casual clothes were her light armor, so there was no need to change.

The sun was high in the sky when I arrived in Yukline County. My first event of the day was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Marik Underground Passage.

"How did you conceive the brilliant idea of building an underground railway tunnel? Hahaha!"

"Professor Deculein, your foresight is truly astonishing!"

A large crowd had already gathered at the entrance to the underground passage. Many were notable figures from the political and business worlds. I greeted them alongside Yeriel.

"The underground passage was Head Deculein's idea, but the creation of the shopping district was mine," Yeriel said, placing her hand on her chest and smiling warmly.

The chatter in the hall suddenly died down. Everyone held their breath, anticipating my reaction.

"That is correct," I replied.

Only then did their laughter resume, and they began showering Yeriel with flattery.

"Of course! Such brilliant ideas are only to be expected from Professor Deculein's sister."

"Indeed, intelligence runs in the family! Wouldn't you agree?"

"Absolutely!"

It was evident that this entire event was steeped in politics and connections. They even questioned the relationship between Yeriel and me.

"Now, let us commence the ribbon-cutting ceremony," Yeriel said proudly, holding the scissors.

We stood together and cut the ribbon stretched across the entrance of the passage.

Clap, clap, clap, clap—

Applause and cheers erupted as the entrance to the underground passage opened. They invited me to join them inside, but I shook my head. The rest was Yeriel's responsibility.

"I have a busy schedule today, so I will leave the specifics to Yeriel. This project is under her jurisdiction, after all."

"Oh, really? That's quite unfortunate."

"Enjoy your leisure at Hadecaine afterward," I said.

They seemed a bit disappointed but soon followed Yeriel into the passage.

"Yulie, let us head back," I instructed her.

"Yes."

I turned to leave with Yulie, but someone followed us. Yulie quickly stepped forward to block her path.

"Stop. Identify yourself before you approach," Yulie demanded, her voice icy.

However, the young woman remained unfazed and responded, "I am an investor."

Wearing a bowler hat and a suit, she was quite striking. After confirming her identity, I gestured to Yulie and said, "It's fine. Go inside first."

"... Sorry?"

"I need you to give us some space. I need to speak with her privately," I instructed firmly.

"Yes, understood," Yulie replied hesitantly. She got into the car, glaring at me through the window.

Arlos remarked, "You have a keen mind for business."

"Al, have you also invested in this project?" I asked.

"Al? ... Oh, you mean me? Yes, it seemed like a good business opportunity," Arlos said with a shrug before sharing some information. "The Jukaken and the Altar haven't given up on you. They're likely plotting something. Stay cautious."

"I am not concerned with them. But what about Gerek?"

Gerek was quite important. The mad characters were treated specially even in the game. They were difficult to handle, but once they unleashed their power, their combat abilities soared exponentially, making them valuable strategic assets.

"Gerek is currently underground... Additionally, the Altar is planning some sort of sudden attack. That's why I'm here."

I frowned and said, "A sudden attack."

"Whether it's a sudden attack or a terror plot, I don't know. They're becoming more secretive, and the information is sparse. But knowing their nature, it will be grand," Arlos said, looking around before pulling her bowler hat lower.

"And the reason is?"

"Fanatics are fanatics for a reason—they are unpredictable. Always be wary of crowded places," Arlos said.

As soon as she finished speaking, a system message appeared.

[Sudden Event: Tempest]

"You could have used a crystal orb to convey this information," I said.

"This is much safer than using that little orb," Arlos replied before quickly leaving.

I watched her disappear like a shadow before getting into the car.

"Head to the Mage Tower," I instructed Ren.

The second event was overseeing the project inspection in my role as the director of the Planning and Financial Coordination Office at the Mage Tower.

"Yes, sir," Ren acknowledged, stepping on the gas without further words.

However, I felt a heated gaze beside me. When I glanced over, I saw Yulie staring at me with a stern expression.

"Who was that? She was quite remarkable," Yulie inquired, her eyes meeting mine as she finally voiced the question she had been holding back.

"That is not necessary for you to know."

"Since you said I don't need to know, I won't ask," Yulie replied, pouting as she sat back properly. However, her gaze on the road ahead remained sharp and intense.

Meanwhile, Louina was working on a magic project in her laboratory. The funding she requested had been fully granted, and her protégés from the Mage Tower of the Kingdom had returned. Despite initial hesitation due to financial issues, the approval from the director of the Planning and Financial Coordination Office carried significant weight.

The entire project was established within a week of submitting the proposal. Recently, there were rumors about Louina being Deculein's subordinate—or even his loyal dog—but she didn't deny them. Her feelings towards Deculein had softened somewhat.

"Everyone, you don't need to conserve mana stones anymore! We're not in the kingdom now. Recycle if necessary, but use as much as you need—”

As she encouraged her team, the lab door opened. Louina was startled by the unexpected visitor.

"Professor Deculein, what brings you here?" Louina asked.

"An unannounced inspection. It's part of my duties as the director of the Planning and Financial Coordination Office," Deculein stated.

He inspected the sixteen mages and the tables in the lab one by one. His intimidating presence caused the assistants to bow awkwardly.

Louina crossed her arms and stood beside him.

"There's nothing to worry about," Louina said. "We've been preparing this idea for a long time. We just lacked the funding, but the results will be certain."

"Do you have confidence in this?"

"Absolutely, but there's a small issue with the cost. The initial funding is ten million elne, but the final cost could increase up to twenty times that amount."

Two hundred million. Louina deliberately inflated the cost.

Deculein remained unfazed and said, "You may proceed."

Deculein reviewed and signed the documents without any doubts or questions, then left, his actions always precise and perfect. His calm demeanor left Louina feeling conflicted. She sighed and followed him out.

"Hey."

When Louina called out, Deculein stopped and turned to face her.

"Here, boss. Take this," Louina said, handing him a candy tin.

Deculein furrowed his eyebrows in confusion at the sudden gift.

"It's a specialty from the McQueen territory, Quirina candy," Louina explained. "It's only available in summer and in very limited quantities. It's our best-selling product."

"And?"

"This small tin costs a thousand elne and has a three-year waiting list," Louina added.

Despite her enthusiastic pitch, Deculein showed no intention of accepting the gift. Louina promptly shoved the tin into his suit pocket.

"Boss, even if you don't eat it, your fiancée will. I'm certain of it. Nobody dislikes this candy."

At the mention of Yulie, Deculein finally nodded in acknowledgment.

With a smirk, Louina stepped back, waved, and said, "Well, take care."

"... Very well," Deculein replied, moving the candy tin from his outer pocket to his inner pocket.

Thirty minutes later, Deculein returned to the car and glanced at Yulie.

"What?" Yulie asked, still pouting, her expression remaining sharp.

Deculein, on a whim, pulled out the candy tin.

"Oh?"

Yulie's demeanor changed instantly. She leaned forward and swallowed nervously, her eyes tracking the tin's every movement like a puppy fixated on a treat.

"Where did you find that? It looks delicious," Yulie said.

Amused by her reaction, Deculein chuckled and said, "It's called Quirina candy. Are you familiar with it?"

"Yes, of course. We've dreamed of this candy since childhood. It's said to never melt, though it eventually does when you eat it."

"... I see," Deculein said, opening the tin and taking out a candy.

Yulie cupped her hands, and he placed the candy in her palm. She popped it into her mouth, her face lighting up with joy.

This candy must be truly delicious, Deculein thought with a smile.

"If you perform well, I'll reward you with one occasionally," Deculein stated.

Yulie's eyes widened with determination as she scanned the surroundings with heightened vigilance.

***

The final exam season at the Mage Tower of the Imperial University was in full swing. The atmosphere was tense, with students, mages, and knights alike busy and exhausted. The entire campus seemed to be enveloped in a heavy, oppressive air.

Sylvia, however, was an exception. She confidently expected perfect marks on today's exam, just as she had on yesterday's and would on tomorrow's. Her streak of perfect scores seemed endless.

"Hmm-hmm," Sylvia hummed as she walked, a rare sound for her. She suddenly took out a piece of paper she had carefully placed in her robe pocket.

Application: Deculein

It was the application she had filled out the night before. Deculein had said he wouldn't accept it, but the minimum requirement for a full-time professor review was one year. Sylvia wanted to learn from Deculein for the remaining six months and was confident she could persuade him.

"I'm back," Sylvia announced as she returned to the mansion, her voice echoing through the grand halls.

"Lady Sylvia, you're back!" the maids greeted her with bright smiles as she returned to the mansion. Sylvia found their unusually cheerful demeanor suspicious. They seemed oddly playful. "Lady Sylvia, you’ve made a friend without telling us?"

"What are you talking about?" Sylvia retorted, clearly puzzled.

A friend? I don't have any friends. I've never had one in my life, Sylvia thought.

The reason revealed itself when she stepped into the living room.

"What is she doing here?" Sylvia asked, spotting someone who looked like Epherene sleeping on the sofa. Sylvia approached and looked closely.

"Snore... snore..."

It was Epherene. The silly nepotism baby was asleep, wrapped in a blanket.

"Snore... snore..."

She appeared much cleaner than she had that morning, which suggested she had taken a shower here.

"Rude Epherene," Sylvia muttered, crossing her arms as she glared at her.

Their previous conversation came back to her suddenly.

"So, the emblem on the letter from your sponsor matches the one on this handkerchief."

"Yeah, that's how I knew my sponsor was keeping his eye on me. Unfortunately, I couldn't see his face—I was too busy crying during the play."

The handkerchief belonged to Professor Deculein, which strongly suggested he was Epherene's sponsor. The realization both irritated and deeply stressed Sylvia.

Why does the professor care so much for her? Is it only because her father committed suicide? ... Whatever the reason, if he doesn’t take me on as an assistant professor, I might just reveal this to Epherene.

"Snore... snore... ow!"

Sylvia seized Epherene’s nose and gave it a vigorous shake.

"Ahhh!" Epherene screamed as she woke up, and Sylvia immediately wiped her hands. Stammering in shock, Epherene exclaimed, "Wh-what’s wrong with you?"

"Why did you enter someone else’s house without permission?" Sylvia said.

"You didn’t have to wake me up like that, but still..." Epherene replied, rubbing her now-red nose.

That really hurt. My eyes are starting to water. Is this a nosebleed? No, just snot, Epherene thought.

Sylvia narrowed her eyes and said, "What are you doing here?"

"... I-I figured out the secret of this paper," Epherene said in a nasal voice.

A metaphorical exclamation mark popped up in Sylvia's mind as she said, "What do you mean?"

"Ugh, I can’t believe I went through all this... Anyway, look at this. It may seem like an ordinary piece of paper, but then..."

Epherene held the paper and concentrated on pure element magic, using the element of Water.

Splaaash—!

The paper from Deculein quickly became drenched with water.

"You foolishly foolish Epherene! Do you wanna di—"

Sylvia was close to strangling Epherene when the paper suddenly began to change shape.

Smirking confidently, Epherene said, "What is paper made of? Wood. And wood is formed from the elements of earth and water, right?"

She then infused the soaked paper with the element of Earth, and it transformed into a three-dimensional map.

"It was so simple. You recognize this place, don’t you?" Epherene asked.

Sylvia nodded. It was the 40th floor of the Mage Tower, a unique area called Lokail’s Forest.

"This paper reveals the test location," Epherene explained.

Sylvia suddenly saw Epherene in a new light.

While I was taking exams, she was doing this. Keeping her as my slave was a good decision.

Epherene, brimming with pride, said, "So, what do you think? Now you have to buy it for me!"

"Buy what?"

"You promised, remember? Roahawk," Epherene reminded her with a firm tone.

Sylvia looked at Epherene in disbelief. She had promised to buy one during the exam period, but Epherene had been hounding her for Roahawk every day since—yesterday, today, and even the day before.

"Oh, I know! Let’s all go today. And bring your house staff too," Epherene suggested.

"No," Sylvia replied, shaking her head.

The maids, who had been watching with delight, raised their hands and responded, "We’d be happy to go, Lady Sylvia! Especially if it’s with your friend~"

They smiled happily and hurried off to change into different clothes.

"See? They want to join us too," Epherene said.

Sylvia couldn’t refuse. A promise was a promise, and Epherene had found the solution. She told herself that Professor Deculein would have done the same.

"... Fine."

"Yay~!"

***

An hour later, someone arrived at Sylvia's now-empty mansion. It was Glitheon, the head of the Iliade family.

"Sweetie!" Glitheon called out, his voice echoing slightly as he walked in, his voice echoing slightly in the empty room, but Sylvia and the servants were nowhere to be seen.

He glanced around the empty living room, sighed deeply, and shrugged, his disappointment evident.

“They must have all gone out together,” Glitheon muttered under his breath.

He headed to Sylvia’s room and gave the door a firm knock.

Knock, knock—

“Are you in there, sweetie?”

There was no response, only silence.

“... Hmm,” Glitheon muttered, scratching the back of his neck as he slowly pushed the door open.

Creak—

The room was empty, aside from a panda stuffed animal on the bed, its small eyes giving the impression they were staring back at him.

“Well, it is exam season,” Glitheon muttered with a sigh.

He intended to bring her some nourishing food, but as he turned to leave, something on Sylvia's desk caught his attention—a document.

“Is this her transcript?” Glitheon thought, glancing around the quiet house before quietly moving to the desk.

He picked up the paper and started to read. At first, his expression was curious, but it soon hardened. His face turned cold, and a surge of anger rose within him. Veins stood out on his hand as he clenched the paper tightly.

Application: Deculein

My name is Sylvia, and I am writing to express my interest in applying under your guidance. Among the 150 Debutants, I was the only one to achieve a perfect score on your midterm exam...

“An application to work under Deculein?” Glitheon muttered, tossing the crumpled paper back onto the desk. It immediately smoothed itself out, unmarked, but the fury on Glitheon’s face remained. “This is unacceptable.”

Sylvia, whether you feel affection for Deculein, admire him, or hold any other sentiment, it is irrelevant to me. Such fleeting emotions are nothing more than the transient passions of youth. However, you must remember that before you are Sylvia, you are an Iliade, and an Iliade must never be subordinate to a Yukline.

“Huh...”

A bitter laugh escaped him.

I tried too hard to shield you, to expose you only to the good, to let you hear only what was pleasant. I kept the conflicts between our families, the wars, and the brutal nature of mages hidden from you, believing that the world was still too harsh for you, Glitheon thought in his mind.

“... Hahaha.”

But now, it appears the time has come. I cannot allow this to continue. For the daughter of a lion to willingly submit to a wolf would forever stain our family’s honor.

... Sylvia, you must face the truth. You must now understand the deep, tangled, and inescapable chain of hatred that binds the Yuklines and the Iliades.

At last, Glitheon was ready to remove his mask.