A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21: University (4)

Deculein's gaze was always unwavering, piercing straight to the truth. His eyes were direct, as if he believed his direction was the only path. Hesitation, doubt, fear, regret—none of these negative emotions existed within Deculein. He possessed only a confident self-belief, a dogmatic assurance in his own righteousness.

His arrogance and conceit, in the end, became signs of his nobility. Even his flaws appeared aristocratic. Epherene's father, who had taken his own life under Deculein's command, disappeared as if he had never existed, like a mirage blown away by the wind. Deculein remained unscathed, and no one questioned him.

Only Epherene knew the truth and completely loathed him. Despite this, she couldn't meet his gaze. There was an insurmountable barrier between them, an uncrossable limit, like a veil separating them.

A true mage pursues truth without wavering. They remain calm and steady, unaffected by any variables, maintaining a constant focus to find their own answers with cold-blooded determination.

If a mage doubts themselves, relies on others, or succumbs to pressure, they cannot be a true mage. Thus, as much as it was difficult to admit, Deculein might truly be a gifted mage. Perhaps all this time, there had been a misunderstanding, and the magical prowess of the Yukline bloodline had been severely underestimated.

Epherene lowered her head. From the beginning, it was a battle she could not win. Between her, a non-academy student, and him, a professor, lay an immense gap in time, experience, knowledge, and skill. Thinking mere talent could bridge such a gap was the fantasy of a fool ignorant of reality.

"... I'm sorry," Epherene forced out in a strained voice.

Her spirit had crumbled. Fear consumed her, leaving her unable to fight back. She had no choice but to accept her defeat.

"Pathetic," Deculein said.

Epherene's shoulders trembled. She glanced up at him timidly and saw a hint of contempt in his eyes.

"Composure is a fundamental trait for a mage," Deculein continued, his words cutting through her like a blade. "If you can't stay calm over such a trivial task..."

She didn't want to hear it, it felt like her mind was being slashed.

"You'll never escape being a halfwit for the rest of your life."

She wanted to flee. The oppressive atmosphere of the classroom felt suffocating.

"... A mage must remain composed, even when provoked by others. They must stay calm despite repeated failures, overwhelming pressure, or even when their enemy is standing right in front of them."

Epherene shivered all over, a chill running down her spine, her eyes wide as she stared at Deculein. He remained as composed as ever.

"You must always remain cold."

Epherene understood his message.

"Such pitifulness will prevent you from ever reaching the heights you aspire to."

She clenched her fists, feeling a heat rising from deep within her chest—a form of passion.

"You won't even come close to my feet."

Epherene didn't run from his rebuke. She accepted it instead.

"Consider why you haven't faced disciplinary action."

She had entered the tower with confidence, but now she wondered what she had accomplished so far. Since her first day, she had achieved nothing significant and had nearly been expelled for losing her temper.

"I don't need apologies from someone like you."

Epherene felt foolish and immature. She was still a child.

"You disappoint me, Epherene," Deculein said as he placed the clock on the podium and straightened his cuffs, a habitual gesture signaling the end of his lecture. He turned and opened the classroom door. "I truly thought you were a gem.”

Leaving those final words hanging in the air, Deculein departed, but his voice lingered. He did not reveal the expectations he had held or the disappointment he had felt.

Epherene stood silently, replaying his words. The sense of helplessness that had spread through her was already dissipating. She stepped up to the podium where Deculein had stood and looked at the watch he had left behind.

5:57:17

5:57:18

5:57:19

Time was still ticking. Epherene looked at the watch and clenched her teeth.

"... What are you gonna do if you're disappointed," Epherene muttered, grabbing the clock. She turned back to her desk.

"... I can do it," Epherene continued, rolling up her sleeves and focusing her mana. She began once more to control the elements. "I can do it. Your disappointment means nothing to me."

If she couldn't succeed today, she'd work through the night. If not then, she'd try again tomorrow. She wouldn't give up until death. The phrase “give up” no longer existed in her mind. Deculein had erased it completely.

"I can do it too..." Epherene murmured, holding back tears. Instead, she used her strength to draw out her mana, burning her overflowing emotions as fuel. Blood dripped from her nose. "I really can..."

The drops of blood soon transformed into a blooming metallic rose.

***

I leaned against the wall outside the classroom, thinking. I had devoted nearly seven hours to one person, yet the reason was unclear. Today, there had been no death variable triggered from Epherene. There was no threat of death at all. Epherene had simply been weak, and I disliked seeing her like that. Epherene was a good kid, a clearly virtuous named character.

Back when I was a developer and a player, using a keyboard and mouse, I was far from magic as being a knight class, but I clearly remembered the Luna family. She would undoubtedly grow into a mage central to this world, positively influencing the main quest.

While she lacked many things, such as mental strength and the mindset of a mage, overcoming these wouldn't take much.

Luna was like a spark, ready to ignite with just a bit of kindling or oil. Of course, I might get caught up in those flames, but this game and world have no predetermined future. Fate is merely the belief of those who do not strive, so I believe only in myself.

Therefore, Epherene will not kill me. I will ensure she doesn't. I will prevent her from even considering it, not allowing any pursuit. This rivalry isn't bad. Though unintended, Deculein's personality can be useful in this way. I won't be outdone by a mere Debutant.

"I can do this!" Epherene shouted, her voice echoing from the classroom.

"... Am I a professor or an elementary school teacher?" I muttered, chuckling softly. Despite my muttering, I felt good.

[Side Quest Completed: Your Path]

◆ Store Currency +1

"Hmm?"

Unexpectedly, a quest reward popped up, as if someone high above was complimenting my choice today. Suddenly, the classroom door opened, and Epherene burst out. She didn't notice me behind the wall and waddled down the stairs like a penguin, likely burdened by physical strain. I watched her disappear before entering the classroom.

"Hmm."

The lecture hall was no longer shrouded in darkness. On Epherene's table, her spells shone brilliantly, preserved in their magical forms. The Will-o'-the-Wisp floated like ghostly flames, the Engulfing Smoke flashed blue like a thundercloud, and the Rising Metal took the shape of a rose. I glanced at the clock on the table.

6:25:05

Six hours and twenty-five minutes. She had achieved this result in just twenty-eight minutes. Jealousy crept in, along with needless irritation.

If I had known it would turn out like this, I would have been harsher, I reflected.

"Oops."

Just like this, Deculein's persona refused to be entirely kind. I could only show kindness to a select few, and very few people would ever see me smile. Such a demeanor came at a ridiculously high price. This must be what they call Elitism. It's utterly vile. I pulled out the record sheet and began to write.

Epherene Debutant │ Time Taken: Six hours, Twenty-five minutes, Five seconds

Though she repeated the chronic weaknesses of non-Academy students, the quality of her results was top-notch.

Score: 0

Reason: Time Limit Exceeded (Six hours, Twenty-five minutes)

Is it because of Yulie's Snowflower Stone? If so, is this another death variable? There is no way I could counter this monster right now. Pondering this, I approached Zeit.

"Haha, it's good to see you. Running into you here feels different," Zeit continued, suddenly smiling warmly.

"Haha! This is why I like you. The youngsters today only know how to flatter and grovel. But you, you’ve got spirit."

"Since it's late and I have other matters to attend to, I'll be going. By the way, your car is impressive. Next time, give me a ride. Haha," Zeit continued with a chuckle.

"Oh, I was going to, but he said he was fine and left on his own, sir!"