A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Hadecaine (1)

The Dotun Mountains stretched along the southern outskirts of the Empire. Within the dense forested slopes, Charlotte traveled with Maho.

“... Mana can be absorbed by anyone, but the quality and quantity of the mana accumulated within the body vary from person to person. Theoretically, the quality of mana is divided into ten grades. For example, an ordinary person is in the ninth or tenth grade, while someone slightly better would be in the eighth grade.

“From the seventh grade and above, one can aspire to be a knight or a mage. If someone reaches the sixth grade, they can become a mage professor or a combat knight, depending on their background and efforts,” Charlotte explained earnestly, as the princess from the imperial palace was very curious.

“Aha~ I see! That’s amazing, amazing! So, how do you measure these grades? Can I find out the quality of my mana too?” _{frёewebnoѵēl.com}

They had walked for two days and nights without rest, yet Maho remained energetic. Charlotte smiled slightly, appreciating her spirit.

“There is no precise way to measure these grades yet. They are usually determined by the intuition of skilled individuals, often through combat. However, people in the fifth grade are extremely rare, and those in the fourth and third grades already hold significant positions on the continent.”

“Wow, wow. If the fourth and third grades are that high, what about the first grade?”

“The first grade is more of a theoretical concept. If it exists, it would be akin to a god. As for the second grade, from what I know, there are only four individuals. They include Drjekdan from Berhert, Gerfried the Imperial Guardian Knight, Demakan the Archmage, and Adrienne, the Chairwoman of the Mage Tower of the Empire.”

“Wow... I recognize all those names... What about Professor Deculein?!”

“Well, I’d place him around the fourth or fifth grade.”

Initially, Deculein's mana quality was in the sixth grade, but as Charlotte mentioned, he had now advanced to the fifth grade.

“In any case, please continue to persevere a bit longer.”

“Okay!”

The princess followed diligently up the rugged mountain path. She appeared small and delicate like a doll, which had initially worried Charlotte. However, seeing her perseverance, Charlotte smiled proudly.

“We are nearing our first destination.”

“Yes, Charlotte. Let’s maintain our effort!”

As they continued walking, her subordinate knights, Ron and Gedeur, appeared somewhat uneasy.

Ron whispered to Charlotte, making sure the princess couldn’t hear.

“Boss, no matter what, trusting Deculein and choosing Crebas—”

“It has already been decided. There is no other path. Moreover, they would not have expected us to take Crebas. We have not encountered any sudden attacks on our way here.”

“True, but—”

Whoosh—

A dagger flew from somewhere. Charlotte quickly grabbed the princess and released her Defensive Qi.

Ron and Gedeur drew their swords and said, “... Boss! Proceed ahead! We will follow after handling this situation!”

Daggers flew from unseen attackers, but a volley of arrows intercepted them from the mountain peaks. These arrows came from the adventurers they had hired with all their savings to guard the princess from afar.

“I trust your words! You must all survive and return! That is an order!”

“Yes!”

Leaving the rear to them, Charlotte sprinted forward with Maho at full speed.

***

Hadecaine, a city where rich hearts and vibrant culture coexist. Known for its mild climate year-round and its abundant entertainment and food, this capital city of Yukline territory had been chosen as the destination for the mage department's Educational Retreat.

“Why is this station so confusing...”

She had only taken a train once before, a one-way trip from Juhale in Iliade to the capital.

“Ephie, over here!”

“... Phew, I almost got lost.”

Luckily, her club members found her first, and Epherene boarded the train with them. It seemed they had rented an entire car, as everyone inside was wearing robes.

“Wow, I can’t believe we’re actually going to Hadecaine for the Educational Retreat.”

“Right? I was planning to visit during the vacation,” Julia said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The other members looked equally enthusiastic.

Epherene, unfamiliar with the continent’s geography, asked, “Is Hadecaine that great?”

“Of course. Haven’t you ever been there, Ephie? Not only does the Mage Tower, but every department at the university begs to go there every year, yet the Thesis Arsonist always refuses.”

“Why?”

Deculein’s nickname was the Thesis Arsonist. After the colloquium incident, he had gained several fearsome titles, such as the Arson Executioner and Fire Demon, becoming a terror to the mages in the Mage Tower. However, Drent had been expressing his gratitude toward him.

“I don’t know. Anyway, Hadecaine is full of fun things to do. It's a great place.”

"... Ah, so that's why everyone was talking about going shopping there."

"Exactly. I heard Hadecaine is full of handsome men and beautiful women."

Indeed, within the Mage Tower, Deculein had no rivals in terms of looks. Across the entire university, only Lawein from the Knight Department could compare.

Epherene asked, "So, is Professor Deculein coming too?"

“Yeah. I thought he wouldn’t, but he is. The Thesis Arsonist is on this train...”

Meanwhile, Deculein sat in the VIP car with professors from various departments. There was Relin from the Support Studies Department, Retlan from the Spirit Studies Department, Siare from the Destruction Studies Department, Camel from the Ductility Studies Department, and many more.

Normally, so many professors wouldn’t attend a Debutant Educational Retreat, but given the destination, they had all quietly chosen to join. Each of them was cautious of Deculein.

“Everyone,” Deculein finally spoke. The professors perked up and listened attentively. “I understand you all attended the Mage Council recently.”

Only silence followed.

“Aren’t you going to respond?”

“Yes, well, yes. Hahaha... B-but we didn’t discuss anything important.”

“It didn’t seem like your discussion was insignificant.”

Relin waved his hands dismissively, shaking his head. The other professors laughed nervously.

“Not at all. We only discussed the exceptional midterms conducted by you, Head Professor Deculein.”

“... Haha, yes, that’s correct.”

“Absolutely.”

Those were the responses from Relin, Retlan, and Siare, respectively.

However, despite their attempts at flattery, Deculein's demeanor remained icy and intimidating.

“I can laugh it off now,” Deculein said, his voice remaining as sharp and biting as a winter wind. “But a time will come when you must make a choice.”

Louina was softer and more skilled compared to Deculein. Her family and supporters were also notable, though they didn't quite match the influence of the Yukline family. Understandably, the professors favored Louina.

“... The notion that you have a choice is a laughable illusion,” Deculein continued, his gaze piercing the other professors like a blade. “Let me be clear. You won’t even have the opportunity to choose.”

Deculein's words were chilling. The professors felt themselves shrink in their seats, nervously fidgeting with their fingers.

Chuff, chuff—

With a screech, the train started moving. Deculein, leaving the professors in a state of frozen terror, returned to reading his book.

***

The clear landscape of Hadecaine, coupled with its mild summer weather and the pleasant scent of the breeze, created an inviting atmosphere. The bustling streets were filled with smiling faces, making it seem like an ideal place to live.

The Educational Retreat was set at the luxurious Hadecaine Romance Hotel on the city's outskirts. With a stream and forest nearby, it was the perfect location for our gathering.

“... Debutants will be assigned to rooms of four. If anyone prefers a private room, they may book one at their own expense. Class representatives, step forward,” I instructed, explaining the rules in the hotel lobby before calling for the class representatives.

The representatives from the First and Second Departments of Magic hurried over.

"From now on, it’s up to you. There’s a forest out back, but ensure you use supportive magic for any activities you undertake."

"Yes, sir!"

It didn’t matter if they drank themselves silly or even passed out; that was the nature of an Educational Retreat. However, there must be no casualties.

"First, settle into your rooms."

As the Debutants chatted and headed to their rooms, I stepped outside the hotel. A car was waiting with Yeriel inside.

“Why don't you make an appearance at our Mage Tower? Your reputation has been growing lately," Yeriel said as soon as I got into the car. "By the way, how did you manage to predict it?"

In this world, mana functions like turns in a TRPG. That's why I don't always focus on enhancing the Midas Touch attribute. If I use 4,000 mana on Midas Touch, I can't practice other magic or memorize spells. However, now things are different. I need money more than ever.

"Wait, what? Seriously? Ugh..." Yeriel's voice quivered with disbelief, nearly shuddering at the thought.

Degeric was a young man who had passed the test under my evaluation using the Wealthy Magnate attribute.

I glanced back at the mages who had been following us. They avoided my gaze, which irritated me. I singled out a young man who stood out due to my Wealthy Magnate attribute. He was small and cute, much like Allen.