A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Thesis Colloquium (2)

It was one week before midterms. While helping Julia with her assignment, Drent couldn’t help but notice Epherene’s paper on the desk in the club room. He had offered to help Julia in hopes of finding some inspiration, as he had been struggling with his thesis for a while during his slump.

However, Julia’s paper wasn’t particularly useful. When she left for the bathroom, he seized the opportunity to look at Epherene’s work. At that moment, he was struck by how impressive her ideas were. They seemed too brilliant to belong to a mere commoner. Drent ultimately decided to use Epherene’s concepts as his own inspiration. However...

“Since you appear uncertain, let us proceed to a simpler question. The Protective Fireball you just demonstrated—”

Deculein replicated the Protective Fireball that Drent had just cast. Even after seeing it only once, his Fireball was denser and more powerful.

“Can you truly assure that this spell will remain stable underwater, at any altitude, or deep underground?”

“Yes, yes, sir. I can,” Drent replied, regaining his composure.

I didn’t have enough time to fully master the thesis, but I had a sufficient understanding—

“How can you be so certain? Given the structure of this Protective Fireball spell as it is.”

The spell structure that Drent had described in his thesis materialized in the air. Deculein pinpointed the core of the magic circle.

“Which circuit in this spell fulfills the role of protection? Explain in detail, using supporting evidence.”

“Uh... well...” Drent stammered, unable to find the right words.

Deculein stared at him in silence, the tension in the room palpable. No matter how long he waited, Drent couldn’t provide an answer. Finally, Deculein’s cold voice broke the silence.

“I could ask hundreds of questions derived from this thesis,” Deculein said, his gaze filled with disdain and his mouth twisted in contempt. He continued in a withering tone, “Yet you cannot answer even a few of them. Can you truly call this your thesis?”

Drent gritted his teeth, anger boiling inside him. He was about to speak, but Deculein cut him off with a single sentence.

“Most importantly, I will overlook your gravest error.”

Deculein held the thesis in one hand and continued, “Attempt it once more, relying on your own abilities.”

With a flourish, the thesis ignited. The thick document quickly turned to ash and scattered. A murmur spread through the audience, even Sylvia’s eyes widened in shock. Drent couldn’t say a word; he let out a hollow laugh, too drained to respond.

Deculein knew everything. He knew it all.

Drent walked off the stage, leaving the hall in silence.

“No way. Who could answer after something like that?” Julia whispered furiously. Epherene felt the same, but something about the situation seemed odd.

— W-we will now hear from the second mage

The host stammered, clearly flustered. Twenty-two mages were still waiting for their turn in the Thesis Colloquium.

— Please remain quiet. The second presentation will be delivered by fourth-year mage, Solda rank Malone.

The next mage appeared, already pale and trembling. If he could, he would have gladly delayed his turn.

“S–S-Solda Malone here... Th-the thesis I wrote is...”

Mage Malone began explaining his thesis. Once again, Deculein listened and then asked questions, pinpointing the core issues.

“Yes, sir. The reason I set that spell to manipulation is...” Malone stuttered but managed to continue.

Deculein nodded in satisfaction and said, “That will suffice.”

Having witnessed the previous thesis being burned, Malone felt relieved. He bowed deeply.

“Thank you, sir!”

***

As soon as the thesis colloquium ended, I headed to my office.

Knock, knock—

It was Allen. He walked in, clutching some documents with a bright smile on his face.

“Professor! I’ve carefully selected these candidates.”

“Candidates?”

“Yes, sir. These are the mages who want to work under you.”

“... Just leave it on my desk and go.”

“Yes, sir!” Allen replied as he placed the documents on my desk and left.

I glanced through the papers and muttered, “Chloen... Groahn...”

There was no one exceptional, no named characters. They were all mages who wouldn’t have remained in the Mage Tower of the University without my leadership.

“Do they expect me to use them as laborers?” I muttered, tossing the list aside.

At that moment, I felt a small vibration in my pocket. It was a crystal orb. I infused it with magic, and a voice came through.

“Are you there?”

“Speak up, my former colleague.”

Charlotte was silent for a while, seemingly in deep thought. After a heavy sigh, her dry, cracked voice came through. “I have to leave now. There’s no time.”

“I understand,” I said, immediately pulling out a map. I had already determined the best route long ago. “Can you adhere to my plan?”

“What is your plan?”

“You must cross the Crebas Canyon.”

“... Are you serious?”

Crebas Canyon is a treacherous place filled with demonic energy. It belongs to no nation and is an abandoned path. It’s extremely perilous and notorious for being a place of fear, but it’s the only viable route for Charlotte.

“It’s a shortcut to the Principality of Yuren. Since no one claims ownership, there is no risk of diplomatic disputes with Leoc.”

“I am aware. I have considered it, but—”

“I shall guide you personally.”

Crebas Canyon is only three to four hours away from Hadecaine by horseback. As the coordinator for the mage Educational Retreat, I could arrange the schedule to ensure a smooth journey without wasting time.

“You will guide us yourself?”

“Indeed.”

“... I heard the forces of the Leoc Kingdom ambushed you in Berhert with a sudden attack.”

I frowned. Was Leoc Kingdom behind the attack? How could Charlotte know something I did not? It appears my information network needs to be rebuilt and fortified.

“Was the sudden attack severe enough to compel you to take personal action?”

“Charlotte.”

“What is it?”

“I am deeply versed in politics. My intelligence and insight far surpass yours.”

“What? You arrogant—”

“I want your princess to live and benefit my family and domain. This is a transaction, not a favor. Why are you involving personal feelings? Are you truly that foolish?”

Charlotte’s interrogative tone annoyed me. Still, it seemed to be the answer she needed, as she replied with more confidence, “... Understood. If you complete this mission, the princess will grant you any favor.”

“Is the agreement finalized?”

“Shall we meet at the entrance to Crebas?”

“Correct. If you cannot reach it, you do not deserve to live.”

“Understood. I trust your skills are as impressive as your words.”

The connection was cut off.

I sat back in my chair and muttered to myself, “... Is this my chance to test it?”

Indeed, Crebas Canyon was a dangerous area. It’s filled with demonic energy, almost like a dungeon, and demons appear frequently. However, the Yukline attribute in my bloodline grants me an advantage.

───────

[Yukline]

◆ Grade:

Bloodline

◆ Description:

A unique bloodline ability that grants power against demonic energy.

When confronting demons or in areas with high concentrations of demonic energy, you can purify and harness the energy as your own.

The purified energy’s quality increases by one level.

This ability also makes your personality more volatile.

───────

This bloodline attribute allows me to convert unrefined demonic energy into a power source. In places like Crebas, where demonic energy is thick, my mana restrictions are lifted. Therefore, Crebas Canyon is like a home ground for the Yukline family.

Knock, knock—

“Ah, I thought we should have a meal together at least once a month. I heard you haven’t seen Yulie much lately. We’ll go ahead and prepare, so just bring Yulie along,” Zeit suggested, his gaze and tone carrying a hint of suspicion.

“From now on, I will visit every month to oversee your progress,” Zeit had previously declared.

Knock, knock—