A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85: Tempest (3)

Epherene glanced at Sylvia, who was trembling so intensely that it almost felt like the ground was shaking. Gradually, the tremors subsided.

Did she confess and get rejected? Epherene wondered in her thoughts.

It seemed like a logical conclusion. After a brief nod, she turned her focus back to Deculein.

“The Solda Promotion Exam consists of three stages,” Deculein explained. “Clearing the first stage secures your promotion to Solda. The second and third stages are supplementary tests that will influence future rank promotion.”

A Solda who passes all three stages gains additional benefits for their next promotion, as not all Solda are equal.

"Furthermore, the exam will be conducted on Training Island," Deculein continued, snapping his fingers as a floating image of the island’s landscape appeared. Epherene immediately recognized it as the famous Training Island. "During a specified period, a collective training session will take place."

Snap—!

Deculein snapped his fingers again, and a dormitory appeared before them.

"You will be evaluated on your qualifications as a Solda both within and outside this facility."

Epherene scanned the room, observing the many candidates who had gathered from all corners of the nation.

"And today begins the preliminary test, referred to as level 0."

As Deculein finished speaking, Assistant Professor Allen stepped forward to distribute the exam papers. Epherene looked down at hers and noticed six unfamiliar magic circles sketched on it.

"We will evaluate your ability to decipher these magic circles. Once you succeed, you will be issued an exam admission ticket—"

Before Deculein finished speaking, Sylvia stood, walked to the podium, and handed him her paper, the answers already filled in.

"Professor—"

"Debutant Sylvia. You have passed."

"... But—"

"Take your exam admission ticket and depart," Deculein commanded, offering the ticket to her.

Sylvia looked up at him, her lips tightly pressed together. She trembled slightly before quickly snatching the ticket from his hand.

As Sylvia walked out of the auditorium, Epherene felt sure of it.

She really did get rejected!

***

Epherene and Sylvia left the building together, their exam tickets in hand.

"Congratulations. First place again," Epherene remarked.

Sylvia glanced at her sideways and muttered under her breath, “... Foolish Epherene.”

"Oh! So, you do speak!"

Sylvia quickened her pace, her steps firm as she retorted, "Don’t think I’m mute."

Epherene chuckled as she followed, saying, "You’ve been silent until now. Now that you’re not, let’s nail this exam together, alright?"

"Please, allow me to join as well," a deep voice interrupted their conversation.

Startled, they turned to find Karixel, the thirty-three-year-old adventurer with three children.

"Mr. Karixel, you finished quite quickly," Epherene remarked.

Karixel chuckled softly and replied, "It’s just the basics, after all."

Sylvia took first place, with an unknown candidate in second, Epherene in third, and Karixel likely ranking around fourth or fifth.

"By the way, do you happen to know Professor Deculein well?" Karixel inquired.

"Know him? We're his students," Epherene responded.

"Ah, I see."

While they talked, Sylvia was already well ahead of them.

Epherene hurried after her, calling out, "Hold on, will you?"

"Quiet down. Go on by yourself," Sylvia replied.

"Honestly, why are you always like this? Why do you have to be so difficult?"

"Arrogant Epherene. How dare you speak to me that way."

Karixel walked about ten steps behind them, silently watching as they argued.

"The daughter of Iliade, is it?"

Karixel, a member of the Scarletborn’s clandestine group, Cradle of the Tree, which had steadily spread across the continent, found his thoughts increasingly troubled.

"... Deculein."

The Deculein he encountered today posed a significant threat to the Scarletborn. After all, this was the professor who had executed the reckless plan to establish a concentration camp in Roharlak.

“Observation for now...,” Karixel muttered as he silently trailed behind Epherene and Sylvia.

They were unaware of what the Solda exam would entail. For now, remaining nearby seemed prudent, especially given their connection to Deculein.

"Everyone, wait for me! I’ll treat you to a meal," Karixel called out, hurrying toward them with an awkward smile.

***

The airship hovered above the Floating Island as the radio relayed the latest news.

「Regarding the treatment of the Scarletborn, the Impurium meeting concluded with full support for the development of bloodstone magic to identify them. Additionally, the Scarletborn Voluntary Declaration Act is set to be enacted. Should a Scarletborn from the Empire voluntarily come forward—」

Buzz—

A slight vibration in my pocket interrupted my thoughts. I took out the storage case that held the crystal orbs. Inside the sleek box, five orbs rested securely.

— Do you hear me?

Arlos's voice resonated clearly.

“I thought you said there was a risk of eavesdropping,” I replied.

— It varies depending on the topic.

“Very well. Proceed.”

— I’ve identified the individuals you mentioned. Take note. Western Empire, Lordman Viscounty, Peten...

I had asked Arlos to locate a named target. Her network was exceptionally reliable for this kind of work.

“Confirmed.”

— What do you intend to do?

“There’s no need to ask. The Scarletborn treatment laws were only passed last week.”

— Are you planning to send them to the concentration camps?

“No. They must be killed. Filth that can’t be redeemed will only corrupt everything around them, like a spreading disease.”

— Heh.

Arlos chuckled before cutting the connection. She clearly understood just how vile these Scarletborn were. Today’s targets—Jeckrek, Jerten, and Jeketen—the named Scarletborn trio. They were the masterminds behind The Terror of the Three Brothers and the creators of the cursed trap item, The Scrolls of the Three Brothers.

I wanted nothing more than to eliminate these maniacs right then and there, however...

— We’ll be reaching Training Island shortly.

Unfortunately, the airship was bound for Training Island, the site of the Solda Promotion Exam.

Whoosh—

The airship landed with a soft shudder, and as soon as I set foot on the ground, a familiar voice reached me.

“Oh! There’s Deculein!”

The Chairwoman approached briskly from the shoreline and handed me a newspaper.

“Professor Deculein! Take a look at this!”

"... A newspaper?" I responded, genuinely surprised.

The fact that the Chairwoman was reading a newspaper felt like a herald of the apocalypse. I took the paper from her and noticed it was the special edition of the Empire’s leading publication, The Journal.

"The Chairwoman reading the news... Has the world come undone?"

“What are you talking about? Are you mocking me? There was a terrorist attack and a Scarletborn incident! This article was published to boost patriotism—it’s a special feature by The Journal!” the Chairwoman retorted.

I briefly scanned the cover page.

The Thirteen Strongest in the Empire: The Seventh, Head Professor Deculein

"They’re revealing one person each day, and today, you’re the seventh!"

The title, The Thirteen Strongest in the Empire, was daunting enough on its own. I began reading the article.

At the site of the Scarletborn terror attack, where chaos had turned the square into a scene of living hell, one figure stood out, commanding the space—Head Professor Deculein. His mastery of the arcane arts left onlookers in awe, with his feats captured in striking photos and videos...

... Rumor has it that he nearly matched Rohakan, the Empire’s most notorious criminal, in combat. After three years of relentless effort, Head Professor Deculein has finally surpassed a significant barrier. His ever-growing power now defies all imagination...

I stopped reading halfway through. The overblown praise was unbearable, so I returned the newspaper to the Chairwoman.

“The first was Zeit, the second was Isaac, and I was the third! Have you finally reached my level?!”

“That is enough,” I said, tinged with annoyance.

The Thirteen Strongest in the Empire. Standing among the others on the list, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t belong.

The Thirteen Strongest in the Empire

1. Zeit, the King of Winter

2. Isaac, the Deputy Knight of the Imperial Knights Order

3. Adrienne, the Chairwoman

4. Keiron, the Empress’s Knight

5. Ganesha, the Beautiful Asura

6. Logan, the Yasha

7. Deculein, the Head Professor

Former Guardian Knight Gerfried was excluded due to his retirement.

The name Deculein seemed almost laughable among these legendary named characters. The whole idea was utterly preposterous.

“Why? This just proves how much recognition you’ve earned! I’m livid that I’m only third! I swear I’m going to hunt down Isaac and tear his head off!”

"Please refrain. This article wasn’t published to incite violence between us."

“Aren’t you frustrated about being ranked so low?”

“I’m content with it. If anything, seventh place feels too high for me.”

I knew my combat abilities well; humility wasn’t something I practiced. My magic and physical strength were sharpened for battle, allowing me to contend with most mid-level Named. When facing demons, my Yukline blood gave me an undeniable edge. But being ranked seventh overall was an overstatement.

"I didn’t care for the article’s content either," I replied.

"Really? That’s surprising. I thought you’d appreciate it."

“That will suffice. Now, let’s address the matter at hand. Why did you summon me?”

“What’re ya talkin’ about? It’s ‘bout the promotion exam, obviously,” a voice said.

I recognized the dialect immediately. Turning around, I spotted a pink-haired mage with a smirk on her face.

“Been a while, Pronf. How ya been?”

“... Pronf?”

“Prof, yes, Professor Deculein,” Rogerio said, her tone laced with annoyance.

Rogerio, an Ethereal-ranked mage I knew from the runic language lectures, still struggled with her speech. She was with Gindalf.

“That’s correct! We’re getting ready for the promotion exam, and we could use your assistance, Professor,” the Chairwoman stated.

“What would that be?”

“You’re the Security Chief and the seventh strongest in the Empire! With all the ongoing terrorist activity, there’s no telling what could happen during the exam?!”

Hearing the Seventh Strongest again sent a dull ache through my head. Still, joining the first Solda exam was worth considering, especially with the looming threat of sudden events and triggers.

Gindalf stroked his beard and inquired with a chuckle, “Haha, may I ask what business calls you away?”

Clink—

“Gulp!”

Boom—!

Thud— Thud—

Boooooom—!

“Gaaaah—! Aaaaah—!”

“Hmm.”

The Three Brothers' Surface Magic