A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 95

Chapter 95: Lokralen (1)

The wanted criminal Brolin, whose real name was Karixel, was apprehended alongside another fugitive, Deuhal.

Despite the outrage expressed by the eunuchs, including Jolang, Deculein’s decision was upheld, and the trial moved forward without delay. Karixel, Deuhal, and over a thousand others were sentenced to imprisonment in the Roharlak Concentration Camp. Deputy Director Lillia Primien raised no objections.

"Move faster, you vermin!"

“Hurry up! You, old man in the front! Do you have a death wish?”

Roharlak sweltered under a brutal 113-degree Fahrenheit heatwave. From the cool interior of her air-conditioned car, Yeriel observed the thousand Scarletborn detainees, bound and led away under the unforgiving sun.

“We’ve yet to establish contact with the Red Garnet Adventure Team,” the butler reported, but Yeriel barely noticed. She was too absorbed in her own thoughts.

“However... the items have been prepared, Lady Yeriel.”

As Yeriel grappled with her internal conflict, her servants acted decisively. They had suggested the most extreme and efficient means to end the deadlock—if war was unavoidable, a quick preemptive strike would be the most effective strategy.

“I made it clear—if he breaks that promise, I won’t forgive him,” Yeriel murmured coldly.

The butler, still focused on the road, bowed his head slightly and replied, “Yes, Lady Yeriel, that is correct.”

“But... It's not time yet. Keep searching, even if it means scouring the Underworld. I need solid information. We have to make contact with Ganesha.”

“Yes, I will mobilize the underground guilds.”

Yeriel had established an underground guild to counter the nobles who aimed to weaken Yukline. Ironically, that very guild was now investigating Deculein, the head of the Yukline family.

"... Do it quietly. Make sure those damn eunuchs don’t get wind of it."

“Of course, Lady Yeriel.”

"Good. Thank you," Yeriel responded weakly, turning her gaze out the window.

"Quit your whining, you damned demons!"

"Move it!"

“Worthless fucking vermin bastards...”

The thousand Scarletborn detainees, with their cores shattered and heads shaved, resembled empty husks. They endured the relentless, unforgiving heat as they were confined to their cells.

If Deculein’s intentions were genuine and he planned to betray her, Yeriel resolved that she would not be brought down as easily as they had been. She clenched her fists, solidifying her determination.

***

The moonlight cast a hazy veil over the capital, enveloping the night in a somber and cold atmosphere, as if time itself had frozen. I sat in the library of my mansion, surrounded by volumes of books—Curses and Pharmacology, On Immunity, The Compendium of Herbs, Zhlen’s Medical Dictionary, Advanced Herbal Combinations...

Pharmacology had become a routine for me. I explored every possible method to heal Yulie, acquiring and devouring nearly every book and paper on the subject. As a result...

[Pharmacology Knowledge Level: Advanced (37%)]

This was the extent of my knowledge, verified by Sharp Eyesight. It was astonishing. Despite my relentless efforts, my Telekinesis had barely reached the intermediate level after more than six months, yet in just a few months of studying pharmacology, I had already attained an advanced level.

"It seems the more knowledge you gain, the more aware you become..." I murmured with a sigh.

The deeper my understanding of pharmacology grew, the more I had to confront the harsh truth. With each piece of knowledge I gained, the weight of my helplessness became more apparent. Yulie's wounds, the scars left by Deculein, were beyond the reach of conventional healing.

But there was one way—a method far from ordinary, one that involved exploiting the triggers of the game.

"Yulie, even if it means you'll end up despising me,"

Then I would distance myself from her. More specifically, I would take on the role of the villain in her life. Yulie was like a flower destined to bloom by conquering the trial that was Deculein. As long as she regarded me as her enemy, she would overcome any wound and rise to greatness.

"... If doing so,"

I gazed up at the distant sky. The Villain’s Fate attribute seemed like the perfect name for Deculein. He was destined to love Yulie, but to be with the one he loved, he had to ensure she despised him.

"Could save you," I murmured, placing a hand over my chest, feeling the steady thrum of my heart.

A strange sensation settled in my chest, a dull ache I hadn’t felt since taking on Deculein’s role. It felt as though my heart was pounding, each beat accompanied by a sharp pain. Maybe it was just the result of the character’s programming, or perhaps, without realizing it, I had truly come to love Yulie. I placed the book down and unlocked the hidden door to the annex.

The sharp scent and cool air enveloped me as I stepped into the herbal room, a space I had meticulously renovated using Ductility. Outfitted with every conceivable magical technology, from temperature control barriers to the rarest herbs, it held nearly every remedy known to man. And yet, despite all its contents, none of it could heal Yulie.

Knock, knock—

A knock resounded through the room.

"Professor, it is time for your training," a servant informed me.

Dawn had arrived, almost unnoticed.

I stepped outside the annex, greeted by Yulie's warm smile.

She handed me the wooden sword, saying, "Here you go, the wooden sword."

"Very well," I replied, taking hold of the wooden sword with a practiced hand. Our morning training consisted of sparring with swords.

"Extending your sword in a straight line will always leave you exposed. Make sure your strikes follow a curved path."

Clack-clack—!

I followed Yulie's guidance, swinging the sword, and the dull thud of wood striking wood echoed around us.

"Excellent! As always, Professor, you pick this up quickly," Yulie said.

“I believe I may already surpass you in skill.”

“Now, now! Be sure to stay humble!”

My movements were brisk, and my steps felt light. The sweat trickling down my face brought a refreshing sensation.

Clap, clap, clap—

Then, suddenly, we heard the sound of applause. We lowered our swords and turned to see two visitors watching us as the sun began to rise.

“Hahaha. Impressive! Deculein, your skills rival those of any seasoned knight!” Zeit said, approaching with a hearty laugh. Behind him stood Josephine, smiling as she observed us. “It’s good to see you and Yulie getting along so well. I’ve found a few wedding venues—one of them is especially grand. How about we visit it together?”

Josephine, a woman who could prove useful to me, drew my attention. She returned my gaze with a gentle smile, but Yulie quickly positioned herself between us.

“What has caught your eye so intently?” Yulie asked, her lips forming a slight pout.

***

Ten days before the semester began, Epherene, Allen, and Drent were in the assistant’s research lab, inspecting their travel bags.

"Towels, toothbrushes, clothes, emergency rations—have you packed everything?" Allen inquired.

"Yes," they both answered.

The three of them had been invited to accompany Professor Deculein to the Lokralen Academic Conference.

Yawning after another sleepless night, Epherene asked, “Assistant Professor Allen, what exactly makes Lokralen so special?”

Epherene didn’t fully understand what Lokralen entailed, but she knew it was a prestigious opportunity that could significantly advance a mage’s career.

Allen smiled and replied, "Ah~ Lokralen is a place where timelines intersect."

"Timelines?"

"Yes~," Allen responded, rummaging through his robe pocket before pulling out a travel brochure. "Lokralen is a magical space that formed naturally about ten years ago after a meteor collision and a massive surge of mana. You’re familiar with the concept of a magical space, aren’t you?"

"Of course. I’m a Solda, after all. The Imperial Palace Garden is also a magical space," Epherene replied.

The Imperial Palace Garden, where all four seasons coexisted, was the most renowned magical space—a testament to its enduring mystery.

"Exactly~" Allen continued. "Lokralen is another magical space, where the past and future intertwine. The past three years are certain, but as for the future, it’s around ten years... though the specifics remain unknown."

"Wow, that’s amazing."

"Yes, but be careful!" Allen cautioned, raising a warning finger. "It’s an extraordinary magical space, but it's also infested with monsters—and many who enter end up becoming monsters themselves. It’s classified as a Vermilion-level danger zone." _{ƒreewebηoveℓ.com}

Vermilion-level. A shiver of fear ran through Epherene. The danger levels were ranked in order—Black, Red, and then Vermilion.

"... But why would they hold a conference in such a dangerous place?"

"The conference has only been held for a few years—about three. Mages discovered ways to harness the space."

Since Lokralen had only recently emerged as a magical space, its mysteries remained vivid.

"The conference takes place just once a year, on a specific date, giving us a rare opportunity to tap into future knowledge."

"... Ah!" Epherene exclaimed, as both she and Drent’s eyes widened in realization.

"Yes~ Though the area is teeming with monsters and fraught with danger, the value of holding the conference there outweighs the risks. However, removing any materials from Lokralen is strictly forbidden, as doing so will result in transforming into a monster."

"Transforming into a monster?"

“Uh...” Allen hesitated, flipping through the travel brochure until he found the page he needed. A bright smile appeared on his face as he continued, “If anything is taken from Lokralen, it becomes contaminated by the distorted mana of twisted timelines. The world’s resistance will immediately take hold. What kind of monster you’ll transform into—no one can predict.”

"Hmm~ I see. I get it now."

“Very well, let’s be on our way,” Allen said, stepping outside with Epherene and Drent.

Just then, Deculein stepped out of his office.

When Allen noticed Deculein, he quickly approached and said, "You look exceptionally splendid today, Professor!"

Deculein's appearance was immaculate, his attire more perfect than ever, adorned with equipment crafted by the Midas Touch.

"Let’s move out," Deculein commanded.

Deculein's preparedness hinted at a certain level of tension, and rightfully so. This main quest, The Lokralen Academic Conference, would finally herald the arrival of the Archmage of the Celestial Realm, a being far beyond the reach of ordinary mages.

***

Rattle-rattle—

Rattle-rattle—

The VIP compartment of the train rocked smoothly.

Lokralen was a magical space that formed in the southeastern corner of the Leoc Kingdom after a meteor impact.

Originally owned by the Leoc Imperial Family, Lokralen's rights were eventually sold to the Floating Island for a sum of one billion elne. After the purchase, a dedicated branch was set up to continue research, culminating in the establishment of the Lokralen Academic Conference in the Continental Year 955.

“... Hmm,” Drent nodded, engrossed in the pamphlet he was reading, while Epherene lay sprawled on the sofa, fast asleep, and Allen was absorbed in knitting. It was a calm, peaceful moment.

I, on the other hand, was lost in thought, pondering the progression of the quest. Yulie’s situation lingered in the back of my mind, along with a number of other pressing concerns, but for now, concentrating on the main quest before me seemed the most practical approach.

[Main Quest: The Eccentric Lokralen Conference]

◆ Store Currency +1

◆ Mana Point +50

I couldn’t be sure which Archmage would show up at this conference. The hints I’d picked up from the company and the scenario were vague at best.

Screeeech—

The train's speed slowed with a screech, signaling our approach to the destination. I began packing my things, and Allen quickly tucked his knitting tools into his robe pocket.

Drent woke Epherene and said, “Epherene, we’re here.”

“Ah, yes, yes. Let’s go.”

Clunk—!

The train jolted to a stop, and we all stepped onto the platform together. Lokralen's people were there to greet us immediately.

“We welcome you, Professor Deculein. Traveling to Lokralen by horseback will be more convenient,” one of them said, presenting us with four horses.

I nodded, though Epherene and Allen appeared a bit uneasy, likely unaccustomed to horseback riding.

"We’ll split into pairs, Drent," I said.

“Yes, Professor,” Drent said.

As a noble’s son, he was skilled at horseback riding and mounted his horse with ease. Allen followed reluctantly, settling behind him, while Epherene’s face twisted with unease.

“So, am I to ride with...?”

I mounted the horse, and when Epherene hesitated, I used Telekinesis to place her on the saddle behind me.

“Aaaah!”

"Let's move out."

“Yes, Professor. Hyah!”

Clip-clop— Clip-clop—

Clip-clop— Clip-clop—

“Oh, ow, woaaaah.”

“Woaaaaaah...”

“... Hm?”

“Wow...”

As Drent walked ahead, he nodded politely to a passerby and said, “Ah, hello, sir—ugh!”

“Ugh... why is he so heavy... ughhh...” Epherene groaned under Drent’s weight as we finally reached the hotel’s front desk.

“Ah~ So we should only speak with those who wear the 958 badge, right, Professor?”

“Ah... I suppose there could be some who would try to deceive us!”

“Phew, I thought my shoulder was about to give out...”