A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 96

Chapter 96: Lokralen (2)

Epherene looked toward where the older Epherene had pointed. The dark hallway seemed empty—at least, it appeared that way.

In a hushed voice, Epherene asked, "What do you mean we could all end up dead? Why?"

"It’s extremely dangerous," the older Epherene replied. "That’s why, in 964, they decided to abandon the entire Lokralen region. What’s happening now is just the delayed process of that decision."

"An extreme danger?"

"Yes. You know it was a meteorite that caused Lokralen, don’t you?"

"Of course! I just heard about it."

"The microorganisms in that meteorite absorbed mana and grew into a massive monster that devours timelines. If it escapes Lokralen and spreads into the world, the entire continent will be destroyed," the older Epherene explained.

Her expression hardened, and Epherene was stunned by the mention of world destruction.

"Its scientific name is Kaidezite. If it consumes you, whether in the past, present, or future, you’ll be trapped in a single moment of time. We call it section looping."

As Epherene listened, a sudden dizziness overwhelmed her. The older Epherene steadied her, puffing out her cheeks in a gesture of apology.

"Sorry. Processing knowledge from such a distant future takes a lot of mental strength. Although I’m supplying the mana, the mental strain is entirely on you."

"R-right..." Epherene muttered, rubbing her temples before glancing at Deculein. As usual, he seemed completely unfazed. "... Why is the professor perfectly fine?"

"That professor?" Deculein asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Oh, my apologies. Professor, why are you unaffected?"

"It’s mental strength. Simply put, if someone has a mental strength of 50, then 50% of the mana cost to process future knowledge is reduced. If their mental strength is 10, then only 10% of the cost is reduced. Professor Deculein’s mental strength is likely around 99," the older Epherene explained.

"No way... 99? But this place is dangerous, right? We need to get out of here."

The older Epherene shook her head and said, "No, I can’t. I have to stay here and keep them at bay."

"Alone?"

"Yes."

"... You must be really strong," Epherene said, still in awe, as she shrugged.

So she’s me in the future. What an impressive future. I guess I really am amazing...

The older Epherene seemed to read her thoughts and smiled warmly. She then turned to Deculein, who was staring down the hallway, and asked, "Professor, can you see them?"

Deculein gave a slight nod. His Sharp Eyesight clearly revealed the time monster known as Kaidezite, lurking not far from Epherene. It hesitated, as if recognizing her, but did not attack. It was undoubtedly a threat, yet there were no signs of death variables.

"Epherene," Deculein called.

"... Yes?" Epherene replied.

"It’s time to leave. The conference is about to begin."

"Oh, I just need a moment—"

"Let’s go now."

The older Epherene placed a hand on Epherene’s shoulder and said, "It’s alright. You’ll see me again tomorrow. The conference lasts four days, remember?"

"Can we speak openly now?"

"Yes. It came to devour both of you, but it must have retreated because I’m here. It’s afraid of me."

"Wow, really? It’s afraid of just one of you?"

"Of course~ You can’t imagine how powerful you’ll become... But I have a favor to ask of both you and the professor."

Deculein and Epherene turned their gazes toward her.

[Lokralen Academic Conference: The Archmage’s Request]

◆ One Advanced Attribute Catalog

Deculein’s eyes widened, not at the rare reward of the Advanced Attribute Catalog, but at the title of the quest. He quickly composed himself and turned his gaze to the older Epherene.

"What’s the favor?" Epherene asked, her admiration for her future self leaving her nearly overwhelmed.

"Deep beneath this archive lies the meteorite, the very core of Kaidezite. However, the door to it is blocked by a rift in time. The host that Kaidezite consumed likely holds the key," the older Epherene explained.

"The host?!"

"Yes. It’s been trying to find a way to escape Lokralen. I’ve kept it contained so far, but it seems to have acquired a host. With only one body, I’ve been guarding the most dangerous area... but now there are two of me~"

Epherene flinched and said, "W-what do you mean? That’s creepy!"

The older Epherene chuckled and said, "Haha, so I have been wondering... Dear Professor, would you be willing to grant me a favor?"

In response to older Epherene’s question, Deculein glanced at his wristwatch. It read 6 p.m.

"Very well," Deculein replied with a nod.

An Advanced Attribute Catalog—an opportunity far too valuable to ignore, no matter the cost.

***

"Deculein! You’re heah?" Rogerio, a woman in a Ethereal-rank with pink hair, called out as soon as I stepped out of the archive.

"It appears we’ve been crossing paths quite often lately," said Kreto, who was accompanying her. Both of them were from 958, the current year.

"It’s a pleasure to see you, Grand Prince Kreto," I said, offering him a polite greeting.

"Haha, the pleasure is mine, Professor Deculein. I must say, your presence has been missed," Kreto replied, nodding with a satisfied smile.

"Hey, what about me? Am I inviiisible or somethin'?" Rogerio asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Oh, Professor Deculein! It is me, Delpen!"

"Professor! It’s me, Relin!"

Several people recognized me. Among them were Relin from 958, Delpen from 960, whom I hadn’t met before, and Essensil, who was also attending the Berhert Meeting this year.

— Attention, everyone. The conference will commence shortly. Please proceed to the conference floor on the second level.

A sudden announcement echoed through the hall.

"Shall we proceed?" I asked.

"Indeed."

I walked alongside Kreto, with Allen, Rogerio, Epherene, and Relin trailing behind.

"Welcome everyone!"

We arrived at the conference hall on the second floor, where a middle-aged man in a suit, with blonde hair, greeted us.

"I am Lokralen, the president of the Lokralen Academic Conference! Although Lokralen isn’t my real name, I changed it out of deep admiration for this place. Yes, that’s right! I’m an Addict too, but a rather sociable one!"

"These tickets grant you entry to the conference rooms. Anyone may give a lecture, and you can attend up to three sessions. We offer lectures from both the future and the past, hahaha," Lokralen said with a chuckle as he introduced the list of conference topics.

The selection was rather eclectic. One room offered lectures like Rupigel’s Elements from 958, another featured Galley’s Continental Mine Exploration from 960, and yet another had Derron’s Mysterious Herbalism from 963.

"Oh~ Hahaha! You’re with Professor Deculein! No wonder you’re filled with such bright curiosity~!"

"Well! To answer your question, it’s generally safe within this conference building. The speakers in these rooms deliver one-sided lectures, which you’ll essentially be overhearing them. Although it will still drain some mana and mental strength, you should be able to manage at least one session."

"Oh, I see."

"Hahahaha~" Lokralen laughed heartily, brushing back his hair with a rather ostentatious gesture, and said, "Any knowledge you gain within Lokralen will likely become hazy once you leave. It will linger in your unconscious mind, like a distant memory."

"It’s like ripples on water. Even a forgotten memory can suddenly resurface—whoosh—and spark new ideas and inspiration—pop! The ripple may not be identical to the original, but it’s enough to foster further development. Do you understand now?"

"Now, let’s proceed with the conference! Please select the lectures you wish to attend. Oh, and Professor Deculein?"

I focused on lectures related to medicine. First, I attended Brahann’s Pharmacology Lecture, then Mollan’s Newly Discovered Herbs of Year 963, and concluded with The Intersection of Medicine and Magic. Allen accompanied me through all five hours, dozing off intermittently.