A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161: Ages (2)

As my mana gradually recovered through the crystal tree, I continued to apply Midas Touch. Beyond the Wood Steel, I granted my Geork suit jacket, coat, and shoes, each piece acquiring its own unique effect.

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[Geork Custom Suit Shoes]

...

◆ Special Effects

: The feet serve as the body’s foundation, and these shoes provide soothing comfort that radiates through every part of the wearer.

: Enhances walking efficiency and improves overall balance.

: Offers strong resistance to all forms of binding spells.

[Midas Touch : Level 5]

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Additionally, the jacket and coat were imbued with anti-magic and protective functionalities. I granted the Wood Steel, specialized for defense, the ability of Replication—allowing it to multiply itself. For the Wood Steel specialized for support, I added Taping, a self-healing mechanism that combined Duct Tape with attribute fusion.

— Professor, I still find you fascinating.

At that moment, Epherene broke the silence.

Examining the enhanced Wood Steel, I responded, "What exactly is so fascinating?"

— That you’re not curious or worried about what the future holds, or why you’re not part of it.

“Am I not?”

— Would you like me to tell you?

Epherene’s question led me to look at the chair across from me, still empty.

— If I do...

“That won’t be necessary,” I replied, with a slight shake of my head.

No one could predict the path this world would take or where it might lead, as my presence—Kim Woo-Jin’s influence—was bound to twist the story into the unknown.

However, forcing the issue on purpose seemed unnecessary. Epherene’s future didn’t appear to be a worst-case scenario, so letting it run its course wasn’t a bad option. After all, in the main quest, the worst outcome was the destruction of the continent.

— ... Actually, I can’t tell you~ The future you, Professor, asked me to keep it a secret and said not to say a word~

Once my mana finally hit the 5,000 mark, I imbued the last piece of Wood Steel with the Midas Touch.

Zaaap—!

Mana crackled as it poured into the Wood Steel, signaling its completion. Although I had anticipated that this would take a week, I was able to complete it in just two days.

— Is everything complete, Professor?

At that moment, Epherene finally spoke.

“Yes.”

I controlled each piece of Wood Steel, each infused with its own unique attributes. However, there was no need to direct them; all nineteen blades moved in perfect harmony, as if they were alive.

“At this point.”

In the deepening shadows, I looked into the distance. Countless monsters had gathered, their numbers having doubled since I last saw them two days ago.

“Dealing with these filthy creatures should be straightforward.”

— Okay, Professor, best of luck.

"... Is that all you wish to say?" I inquired, standing up.

There was no need to wait for my mana to recover; after all, controlling the Wood Steel with Telekinesis used nearly no mana.

— I wanted to say that I love you, Professor? Even if it’s just a one-sided love that lasts forever... But I didn’t say it because I know we’re not quite at that level in our connection yet.

At a loss for words at her absurd remark that slipped out so suddenly, I narrowed my eyes and glared in her direction, saying, "... It’s good that you are aware."

— Yes, Professor.

There was no need to continue the conversation. I stepped into the darkness, beyond the reach of the crystal tree’s light. As if they had been waiting for this very moment, hundreds—no, thousands—of monsters surged toward me in a frenzied stampede. Their howls shook the ground, and the pounding of their feet roared like an oncoming earthquake.

"Foul creatures," I muttered, a frown crossing my face as I activated the Wood Steel.

Hummm...

Mana surged through all nineteen blades of Wood Steel, which then moved as a single, unified unit.

Swooooosh—!

The sound of steel slicing through the air filled the atmosphere. Blades streaked across the void, each serving its purpose. In the distance, thousands of monsters rushed like a tidal wave, and in this battle, every blade played its part.

Some blades cleaved through the oncoming monsters, while others spiraled freely, shaking the earth itself. A few rose as barriers, protecting me like a shield.

Division and specialization defined this flawless formation; I didn’t need to lift a finger. Step by step, I moved forward, slipping effortlessly through the gaps between my enemies.

Krrrunch—!

The crunch of breaking bones filled my ears, mingling with their cries—half scream, half roar—that echoed around me. Blood sprayed in all directions, scattering chunks of flesh and foul remains. Shielding myself from the filth with Telekinesis, I set to work, cleaning up the carnage...

***

... Meanwhile, Epherene and Sophien reached the village in the Northern Region where she had first encountered the future Deculein.

“I’m certain we’ll find him here, Your Majesty!” Epherene said with eagerness.

Sophien stood still, breathing in the atmosphere of the moment. The air felt different between the future and the present—a distinction she sensed profoundly.

“Hmm... let’s see...”

Epherene scanned the bustling marketplace, and soon, amidst the crowd, the person she sought came into view.

“There he is!” Epherene exclaimed, pointing as Sophien turned to look. “You! Hey, you!”

Epherene hurried over and firmly grabbed the man's wrist.

“Hey, herbalist kid!”

It was the same herbalist she had encountered before. He looked startled by her sudden approach, but upon recognizing her, he gave a slight nod and said, "... Ah, yes, it's you, Mage Epherene."

“Hey, it’s nice to see you again,” Epherene said warmly, smiling.

“Yes, likewise.”

Sophien then approached, hands clasped behind her back. The herbalist gave her robed figure a brief glance before turning back to Epherene and saying, "You’ve returned once more, I see."

"Yes, I have a few questions for you."

"Yes, feel free to ask," Jupan replied, his expression neutral but cooperative, showing a willingness to help.

Without hesitation, Epherene asked, "Do you know where Professor Deculein is? Do you know Where he went?"

“... Pardon?” the herbalist replied, surprise flickering across his face as his once thread-thin eyes widened, fixed on Epherene.

Epherene tilted her head and asked, “What’s wrong?”

"Well... you wouldn’t happen to know, would you?"

"What happened? What is it that I don’t know?" Epherene asked.

"... Hmm?" murmured Epherene, tilting her head in confusion, while Sophien regarded the man with a solemn look, as if the brief silence that settled over them dimmed even the bustle of the marketplace.

“Ah... No way.”

“Hmm...”

— I am here.

— They have all been exterminated.