A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 139

Chapter 139: Upheaval (2)

... Two young adults and two children raced through the tunnel, their footsteps carrying the weight of their parents’ final words—a promise to hold back the danger so they could escape. It wasn’t fear of capture that pushed them onward, but the aching knowledge of those they had left behind.

“... Ah!”

A dim light shimmered in the distance, hinting that the tunnel's exit was close.

“We're almost there guys. Just a few more steps...”

They rushed forward, only to stop dead in their tracks. The tunnel’s exit loomed just ahead, and there, a solitary figure waited. He held a book as if reading, but with a slow, deliberate motion, he turned toward them.

In the darkness, a cold blue light flickered in his eyes, sharp and merciless. At that instant, they were paralyzed, every thought of retreat erased from their minds. It was Deculein of Yukline—the heir of an ancient, cursed bloodline and the fiend who had laid waste to thousands in the desolate plains of Roharlak.

Now, that very monster stood before them. His presence alone demanded silence, making threats unnecessary. The two children trembled, wet themselves in terror, while the young men felt tears stinging at the corners of their eyes.

“... Hmm,” Deculein murmured, his eyes drifting past them to the tunnel beyond and asked, "Are you the last of them?"

No one dared to respond. The question hung in the air, tightening around their throats and sealing their lips in silence.

“... Please.”

In the suffocating silence, a young woman in her early twenties finally spoke. Her lips trembled as she forced out a desperate plea and said, "Please, I beg you, take my life. The children are still so young. Please let them go. I beg you..."

“Do not overestimate your value. You are but one among many,” Deculein said as he slipped his book inside his coat. In that moment, a cold breath of death surged through the tunnel. To the four, it felt like the air itself had turned to ice. “However, if you are so eager to sacrifice yourself, then let us make a wager.”

Deculein reached into his pocket and drew out a coin.

Flick—!

With a flick of his thumb, the coin sailed through the air before landing squarely in his palm.

“Heads or tails. Are you willing to risk it?”

She couldn’t understand the rules of this twisted game, but her life rested entirely in his hands. Even the smallest hint of resistance could lead to dire consequences. Swallowing her fear, she nodded quickly and replied, “Y-yes, sir. I’ll do as you say.”

“Tails, and you meet your end. Heads, and I spare your life.”

It seemed a straightforward offer, but there was something deeply unsettling about it. For all they knew, the coin itself could be rigged. Yet questioning him was not an option.

“... Yes, sir.”

Deculein opened his hand to reveal the coin. It showed heads.

“Phew...”

A faint, shaky cry slipped out, barely more than the sound of a leaking balloon. The four exhaled in relief, though unease still clung to them. Deculein settled back into his chair, casually opening his book as if oblivious to their presence. They hesitated, taking a few cautious steps forward, stealing glances over their shoulders. Still, Deculein made no move against them.

Gulp—

Even as they emerged into the open air, unease clung to them. They surveyed their surroundings, then began making their way westward.

“East,” Deculein ordered, his eyes still fixed on the pages of his book.

“... Pardon?”

“Head east.”

“... Yes, sir.”

Trusting him once more, they pushed through the tangled undergrowth, pressing eastward. Their path was uncertain, guided only by a silent prayer for mercy...

... As the members of Scarletborn vanished into the forest, silence settled over the tunnel. Deculein closed his book and glanced down at the coin resting in his palm.

───────

[Coin of Alignment]

◆ Description

: A special coin acquired from the item catalog.

: Its toss reveals a character's alignment, deciding whether they lean toward good or evil.

◆ Category

: Special ⊃ Miscellaneous

◆ Special Effect

: The coin determines a character's alignment. Heads indicate a good nature, while tails mark one as evil. (Note: The wager is only valid if the other party agrees to it.)

[Midas Touch : Level 3]

───────

The coin that revealed the alignment of those it tested. Among the Scarletborn, there were both the innocent and the villainous, just as there were fanatics of the Altar. Those found to be evil, Deculein would destroy without hesitation...

Tap, tap, tap— Tap, tap, tap—

Footsteps echoed from the depths of the tunnel. Deculein listened, calmly turning a page in his book as he awaited the next group’s arrival.

***

Deep into the night, a message arrived, confirming the operation's conclusion. When I returned to the battlefield, a vast plain stretched before me, littered with captured prisoners.

The Elite Guard who had reported the tunnel's location hurried over, saluted, and then said, "Professor, what happened in the tunnel?"

“I eliminated roughly twenty,” I replied.

"... Wow. Impressive, as always, Professor!" Duren replied.

I scanned the captives—about three thousand in total, most indistinguishable from ordinary humans.

"Can we distinguish the Scarletborn from ordinary humans?" I asked.

"Oh, yes, Professor. With the blood magic developed by Sir Bethan, we can identify them to a certain extent. However, it did require a significant amount of their flesh..."

The prisoners bore strange wounds—too brutal to be used widely. Still, given the circumstances, it proved effective.

"Hello Professor, a pleasure to meet you!" a voice suddenly called out with a salute.

A man with long blue hair, tied back in a sleek ponytail. I know his name—Gurken. Like me, he commands the strength of steel.

“Haha. But do we really need to keep these scum here? They’re a drain on our time and resources. If you give the order, I'll take care of it immediately.”

Clatter— Clatter—

At his words, the fragments of steel began to vibrate in the air. They were true shards—so fine they could slip beneath the skin, delivering unbearable pain. A mage who could create such magic must possess a mind twisted beyond comprehension.

“That won’t be necessary,” I replied, halting the steel in mid-air with my Telekinesis.

Gurken blinked in surprise at the sudden magic interference and muttered, “Ahem...?”

He attempted to reactivate his spell, his jaw clenched in concentration, but his steel fragments remained motionless under the grip of my Telekinesis.

"These filthy creatures don't deserve an easy end. We will send them all to Roharlak," I said.

"An easy end was never what I had in mind..." Gurken muttered, rubbing the back of his neck before giving a nod. “Very well, Professor. We'll do it your way.”

"... Take them away," I commanded.

The soldiers saluted, while the prisoners grew pale. They were likely weighing which fate was worse—dying here or living in Roharlak.

"Listen up, you scum! You're headed to Roharlak, so get on your feet! Move it! Anyone who drags behind will be left to die in the sands!"

In time, they would realize that, no matter how difficult, survival was still better than the alternative.

***

"Deculein of Yukline has shown exceptional valor in uncovering and destroying the Scarletborn’s hidden lair, and thus..."

Upon my return to the capital, the Imperial Military Honor Medal was bestowed upon me. Sophien herself affixed the second-class insignia to my chest. Not a bad reward, especially with the bonus stat I gained from it.

“Good work,” Sophien said.

“I remain deeply honored by your favor, Your Majesty.”

Sophien, still on the podium, looked down at me and said, “Since we're here, I have some advice for you.”

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will gladly accept your advice," I replied.

"Don’t reach for what you can’t handle."

Her words didn’t make sense to me.

“Now! that concludes the ceremony,” Sophien announced.

With her strange advice, the medal ceremony concluded, and the banquet began. The grand hall echoed with elegant music as guests mingled, calling out my name—Count Yukline, Professor Deculein. After enduring these exhausting social formalities, I finally made my way to my vehicle.

“Hmm?” I muttered, casting a glance at the back seat, where a letter caught my eye.

From Karixel.

It was a Message Paper from Karixel in Roharlak. I ripped open the envelope. The first line laid bare the depth of his suffering.

I have finally secured a pencil to write this letter to you, Professor. To begin with, life in Roharlak is challenging, though not as dreadful as I had anticipated. We managed to locate a water source, and fortunately, not too many of our members are starving or dying of thirst. This is largely thanks to the regular appearance of edible beasts...

Karixel’s letter went on and on, but to sum it up, the Scarletborn were managing well in Roharlak. Whether it was meant as a taunt or a challenge, I couldn't tell. After reading it, I replied with a single line.

Maintain your feigned dread, and if any among you appear to show loyalty to the Altar, handle them as you see fit.

Just then, the car rolled to a stop. Glancing outside, I saw that we hadn't even made it past the mansion gates.

Thud—!

She went on, and through my Sharp Eyesight, I watched her time slip away, like sand through an hourglass.

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

Screeeeech—