A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59: Encounter (1)

Objective of the Mountain of Darkness Practice

The Mountain of Darkness practice aims to enhance the practical skills of mages.

While today’s mana concentration is low, decreasing the chances of encountering powerful demonic beasts, entry above 500 meters is restricted for safety.

Debutants need to earn a total of ten points from this practice. With only six opportunities per semester, make each session count.

1. Discovery of Magical Materials:

: Provide analysis reports on at least three pharmacological or magical materials. (1 point for every 3 reports)

2. Witnessing Mana Phenomena:

: Document your encounters with space-time anomalies or conceptual and abstract phenomena. (2 points each)

3. Demonic Beast Combat:

: Submit records or proof of any demonic beasts you have slain. (2 points each)

4. Magical Insight:

: Write and submit a report detailing your personal growth during the Mountain of Darkness practice. (1 point, maximum of 1 report submission)

※ If you encounter any outsiders, report to your supervising professor immediately!

"The Mountain of Darkness practice..."

The mountain slope was shrouded in dense darkness. An unknown man picked up a piece of paper scattered on the ground, his bearded mouth twisting into a wry smile.

"Practice, is it? It brings back memories."

The paper in his hand swiftly ignited, and the flames spread to the corpses scattered around him—agents from the Imperial Intelligence Agency who had been in pursuit. In moments, both the paper and the bodies were reduced to ash, leaving no trace behind.

"I apologize, but what choice do I have? Survival is necessary."

The man walked away with slow, deliberate steps. The Barrier of Chaos he had created remained intact. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly sensed a surge of pure mana that seemed to pierce through his mind.

“Hmm...”

Blinking, he turned toward the source of the mana. A wind spirit carried its alluring scent to him.

“... I must be getting old, finding myself curious about everything,” he murmured with a sigh. Unable to resist his curiosity, he altered his course.

***

The Mountain of Darkness, located on the outskirts of the Imperial University's grounds, was a perilous area isolated from the capital. Known for frequent occurrences of demonic energy and mystical phenomena, the air there was thick with mana.

As a result, the fish that thrived in its streams were not only delicious but also highly nutritious and rich in magical energy.

“Ah... this is the life,” Epherene mused, savoring the taste of the fish, feeling pleasantly full and relaxed. She rubbed her smooth belly and glanced at Sylvia. “So, what happened?”

Sylvia, who had been nodding off, suddenly snapped to attention and said, “Time got tangled. You wouldn’t have noticed.”

“Tangled?” Epherene asked, her confusion evident.

“I wandered the mountain for twenty hours,” Sylvia replied.

“What? Twenty hours? But it’s still daylight.”

Sylvia created a metronome with her Primary Colors, its steady ticking marking the seconds as they passed.

"According to my perception, this metronome has ticked exactly 72,653 times. That equates to 20 hours, 10 minutes, and 53 seconds."

"Your clothes make it clear," Epherene nodded thoughtfully after hearing Sylvia's explanation.

Sylvia's disheveled state was undeniable evidence. A noble as elegant and dignified as Sylvia wouldn’t have gotten so dirty in just a few hours.

“I didn’t realize. Was it a magical phenomenon?”

“You’re such a fool.”

“... I did actually feel something,” Epherene admitted. “Let’s report this to Deculein’s Wood Steel.”

Sylvia narrowed her eyes at Epherene and said, "Arrogant Epherene."

“Sigh... what is it now?” Epherene replied.

“Professor Deculein is not your friend.” _{frёeωebɳovel.com}

Epherene let out a dry laugh and said, “Fine. Professor Deculein. The esteemed Head Professor Deculein did say to report any issues to his Wood Steel. There’s one nearby. Let’s go.”

Following the stream, they soon spotted one of Deculein’s Wood Steel shurikens hovering in the air.

“Is this one of Deculein’s cherished items?” Epherene wondered aloud.

“Arrogant Epherene.”

“... Is this one of Professor Deculein's cherished items?”

The shuriken had an intriguing shape, resembling sharp icicles or precisely cut crystals. Epherene tapped it and said, "Testing, testing. Can you hear me?"

After a moment, a resonant hum responded, “What is it?”

Epherene sighed in relief, then turned to Sylvia and said, "You explain."

Sylvia shook her head, unwilling to admit that she had been lost.

“What are you doing?” Epherene muttered, then spoke up, “We experienced a magical phenomenon. Time seemed to get tangled.”

“I see.”

“Yes, sir.”

Click—

The connection abruptly cut off.

Startled, Epherene reactivated the shuriken and called out, “Professor, it’s a magical phenomenon!”

“And?”

“Sorry?”

"This is practice. Handle it yourselves. If it's a magical phenomenon, write a detailed report."

The connection cut off again, leaving Epherene stunned and Sylvia smug.

"It appears he doesn't take you seriously."

Epherene scowled and muttered, "... Ugh. Well, at least this means time isn’t completely messed up, right?"

“The area around the stream appears to be unaffected,” Sylvia observed.

“That’s not entirely accurate,” an unfamiliar voice interjected.

They turned sharply to see a middle-aged man in a robe step out from the bushes.

“Blonde child, the time distortion is due to my barrier. I didn’t intend for you to get caught in it. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

Epherene readied multiple fireballs, while Sylvia swiftly memorized the barrier magic.

“... Whoa, whoa~ Such fierce children, even when I’m simply explaining?” he remarked, his tone light and curious rather than hostile. His expression revealed only a genuine interest.

“Who are you?” Epherene asked, her tone wary.

With a single bound, the man leapt closer, revealing his impressive height and muscular build, both comparable to Deculein.

He smiled warmly and said, “Nice to meet you. I am Murkan. This staff serves as my proof. As mages, you should recognize it—it is a Fragment of the World Tree.”

Epherene and Sylvia’s eyes widened in shock. In the southeastern part of the continent lies the Gahala Desert, where people have distinctive names. The most famous mages from that region are Demakan, Murkan, and Rohakan. Murkan is especially renowned as the nephew of Demakan, the legendary archmage.

***

At the entrance to the Mountain of Darkness, the practice session had begun at noon. By three in the afternoon, the Debutants were returning one by one, reporting their progress to the supervising professors.

"Lucia, herb’l analysis is confirmed."

"Yes, sir~"

Today, there were six supervising professors, with Deculein as the head supervisor and the rest being junior professors. They recorded the Debutants' scores on their lists.

"Professors!" a young knight shouted as he ran from the Mage Tower, accompanied by a group of policemen. "There’s an urgent situation!"

“What’s the matter?” asked Kelodan, a professor known for his thick glasses and folksy accent, which had earned him the nickname the Bespectacled One.

"Urgent news from the Intelligence Agency! Rohakan has entered the Mountain of Darkness!"

"What, Rohakan—?!"

"Yes, sir. The Intelligence Agency caught him impersonating Murkan."

The news left the professors taken aback, their eyes widening in disbelief.

"Agents from the Intelligence Agency, along with the police, are already in pursuit and have requested the knights' support—"

Before he could finish, they all rushed up the mountain. The group quickly reached the midpoint, their numbers swelling with more knights and police joining the pursuit.

"Head Professor! We got ourselves a serious situation!"

Deculein, seated on a bench halfway up the mountain and engrossed in a book, turned his head as they approached. They hurried over and explained the situation to him.

"... Rohakan's in the Mountain of Darkness right now! This is mighty serious!"

Deculein's reaction was unusual. Even upon hearing the grave name, Rohakan, he remained calm, appearing more annoyed by their sweaty odor than the news itself.

"Beg pardon, sir, but do ya not know who Rohakan is?"

"I am fully aware. How could I not be?"

"Ah, I’m mighty sorry ‘bout that."

He was well aware of Rohakan's identity and infamous reputation. Rohakan was the continent’s most wanted criminal, one of only ten individuals designated as a Black Beast grade.

───────

[Main Quest: Rohakan’s Story]

◆ Overview

Murkan read the article, his face showing disbelief and said, "... Huh? One step below Adrienne?"

Chairwoman Adrienne remarked on Deculein's achievements. "I believe Professor Deculein’s combat abilities are just one level below mine. He is highly skilled in practical combat, both politically and magically."