A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60: Encounter (2)

The mountain was enveloped in darkness, and a desolate wind swept across the ground. Sparks from the campfire rose like mirages. I stared at Rohakan, who didn't shy away from my gaze.

He called me his protégé, but that was no longer surprising. Deculein's past had been so intricately woven that these sudden connections felt both abrupt and inevitable. It seemed there were few named characters in the Empire without some tie to him.

"Rohakan?" Epherene said, her voice trembling as she turned to him. "Ro-Rohakan? But that staff was made from World Tree fragments..."

The staff, a cherished item crafted from World Tree branches by the archmage Demakan, was legendary, even featured in fairy tales. Demakan had shared the remaining fragments with his family. To Epherene and Sylvia, Rohakan’s staff was unmistakably one of those pieces. It certainly looked that way to me.

"How did you manage to pass through the barrier? I crafted it with great care," Rohakan inquired, scratching his neck.

Barrier magic varies by different categories. Expanding the space falls under support magic, while deceiving perception is categorized as enchantment. Rohakan's barrier was an enchantment, an area where I had built up immunity.

"Such tricks no longer work," I stated.

"... Oh? Tricks, you say?" Rohakan's eyes widened in surprise.

I noticed Epherene and Sylvia standing near him, but Sylvia had disappeared.

"I'm here," she said, her voice coming from behind me.

"Come here, Epherene," I called.

Rohakan seemed startled and asked, "Epherene? Are you Epherene Luna, from the Luna family?"

"Sorry? D-do you know me?" Epherene asked, her voice shaky with uncertainty.

"Of course, I do. Fifteen or ten years ago, your father's intellect was a revelation. What’s he up to these days?"

Epherene's expression hardened. She glanced at me and Sylvia before finally dropping her gaze to the ground.

"... He’s dead," she said quietly.

Rohakan’s mouth fell open, his expression a mix of embarrassment and regret.

Rubbing his temple, he said, "What a waste. He had an unusual personality, but he was a theoretical genius, the kind that appears maybe once in a century."

"Debutant Epherene," I called, prompting her to approach while she continued questioning Rohakan.

"... Are you really Rohakan, not Murkan?"

Rohakan smiled bitterly, nodded and said, "Yes, I apologize. If I reveal my true name, people tend to flee. Murkan is an old friend, and I borrowed this staff from him."

"The Empress Assassin, Rohakan..."

"Haha. Well... it's somewhat true, but I had my reasons," Rohakan said.

He had been a friend to the late Emperor Crebaim but later killed the Empress and many palace mages, turning into an enemy of the Empire.

“Oh, th-then...” Epherene said, touching her stomach where the Light Spiel had settled.

Rohakan smiled and said, "Don't worry. The spirits I gave you are normal. You'll keep your promise—"

"Epherene, Sylvia," I interjected. "Descend the mountain at once."

They hesitated, but I couldn’t afford witnesses to what would come next.

Using my sternest tone, I added, "If you get caught in this, you could die."

Rohakan clicked his tongue in disapproval. The two, who had been frozen in place, finally nodded in agreement.

"Go. Follow my Wood Steel," I instructed, assigning one of my Wood Steel pieces to guide them, ensuring they wouldn't get caught in the barrier.

Behind me, Sylvia whispered softly, "Please, don't lose."

I didn't respond. I wouldn't lose, but neither could I win. I wouldn’t engage in battle at all.

"If you’re not down by the count of three, you’ll be penalized."

Epherene and Sylvia followed my Wood Steel. The sound of their footsteps rustled softly, growing fainter until it was completely gone.

A cold, dry wind whipped through, tugging at our clothes and hair. Rohakan's gaze was grave as he looked at me.

"... You've definitely worked hard. Your mana is noticeably purer than before. Can the quality of mana truly be enhanced through effort alone?" Rohakan asked.

"You still appear youthful," I replied.

Sensing that I knew his secret, his expression tightened and said, "Are you planning to fight? I have no desire to kill my protégé."

"Provoking each other serves neither of our interests."

"... What was that?"

I could never defeat Rohakan. It wasn’t about needing more growth or time. Even if I lived until my final breath, I would never be able to surpass him.

"Hmm. My intent wasn’t to provoke you; it was merely a warning."

"That's rather presumptuous of you."

"Presumptuous, huh?"

Despite everything, I wouldn’t back down. I remained resolute, even before someone who transcended the world. This might be Deculein’s personality trait, but it was one I appreciated. As Kim Woo-Jin, I was always swayed by circumstances, lacking conviction or belief. I was tired of that.

"Presumptuous?!"

I closed my eyes, evaluating the situation. Fifteen of my twenty Wood Steel shurikens were still scouring the mountain.

"... One hundred fifty-seven are wandering within the barrier, ninety-three are lost, twenty-three are trying to dismantle it, and thirty-seven are breaking through. The southwest is completely surrounded by the Imperial Knights Order," I said, reopening my eyes to meet Rohakan's gaze.

"Are you trying to stall? I won’t allow it," he said, as he began to gather his mana.

"Head northwest. It's still vulnerable," I advised, my expression remaining neutral.

Rohakan’s gathered mana dissipated, his eyes widening in shock.

"What?"

"Remember, this is the last time I’m letting you go," I warned.

I hoped Rohakan would exercise more caution in the future. He couldn't afford to be distracted by two kids and risk being captured or killed by the Empire.

"Oh, um. Is that your sentiment for the past?" he asked, scratching his neck.

"I hold no sentiment for the one who murdered the Empress."

"... Right. Aren’t you curious about my reasons for being here?"

"Yes, I am curious."

"Hmm. But can you trust my words? I did abandon my own protégé, after all."

"Is your purpose here to destroy the temple?" I interrupted, cutting him off.

Rohakan appeared stunned, his breath catching and said, "You've grown in unexpected ways."

"We don’t have time for small talk. It's best you leave now."

“... Alright.”

He turned away but halted after a few steps. Without fully turning back, he glanced over his shoulder at me, as if he had something more to say.

"Deculein."

"Yes."

"... Do you believe in God?"

It was an odd question, but I knew it was crucial to the main quest. I responded with conviction, "I believe only in myself."

I did not believe in God. Whether as Deculein or as Kim Woo-Jin, that conviction remained unshaken.

Rohakan smiled gently and said, "That's an admirable stance. Take this."

He handed me a book.

"It's a story about some fanatics in this world. Read it when you get a chance."

───────

[The Chronicles of the Land of Destruction]

◆ Information:

Rohakan’s chronicle of his encounters with fanatics from the Land of Destruction.

◆ Category:

Special ? Book

◆ Effect:

??? ───────

I slipped it into my coat.

"Farewell," he said, embracing the elements as he unleashed a grand destructive spell.

Boooooom—!

The spell pummeled the ground, ripping through the earth and warping the landscape as though struck by lightning. Then, he sped off toward the northwest.

"... Now it truly begins," I murmured.

True named characters were emerging—Rohakan, the Empress Assassin, followed by Sectran the Giant, Rodran the Divine Soldier, Carla the Authority... Even Epherene and Sylvia would need at least two more years to reach that tier. The world was vast, and the quest was just beginning.

[Completed: Rohakan’s Tale]

◆ One Item Catalog Acquired

◆ Store Currency +1

The Item Catalog was a special reward, typically reserved for players. I decided to save it for later.

"A wily old man," I muttered.

Rohakan departed, leaving the entire area in ruins. It wasn’t just a show of power. I understood his true intention; it was an alibi for both of us. To align with his plan, I summoned my scattered Wood Steel and started my own work.

Booooooooom—!

Nineteen pieces of Wood Steel slashed through the already devastated land and vegetation again. The natural surroundings crumbled under the relentless Wood Steel, turning the area where Rohakan and I had stood into an indescribable scene of ruin.

I had drained all my mana to create this, using every last bit. The result was a chaotic landscape, sculpted by my Aesthetic Sense attribute.

***

“... Huh.”

"Oh, Professor! We just received a report that you confronted Rohakan. Are you alright? What brings you here?"

"Uh, s-sorry?"

"Oh, yes! She should be resting comfortably on the couch outside!" the curly-haired officer replied.