A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 79: Mask (1)

Near the Imperial University stood the well-known restaurant, Flower of the Pig.

"I’ll kill them!” Epherene shouted, tearing into her Roahawk. Sylvia watched, finding the sight rather amusing. “I will find them and I will kill them!”

Epherene’s paper had been torn in half. With so many people around, the identity of the culprit remained a mystery and would likely remain so.

“Foolish Epherene,” Sylvia said.

Epherene turned and glared at Sylvia, tears of frustration filling her eyes.

"Even if you find out who did it, there's nothing you can do. The torn paper won't magically reappear."

"... Are you here to mock me?" Epherene retorted.

With a scoff, Sylvia pulled out her own paper. Epherene's face immediately took on an envious look.

Woooom—

Sylvia's barrier surrounded the table, protecting the area around them.

“Assistant Professor Allen didn’t tell us the exam’s time or location. He only said not to lose this paper,” Sylvia stated.

"... Have you figured anything out?" Epherene asked hesitantly.

“No, not yet.”

How this paper related to their lessons remained unclear. Despite the uncertainty, Sylvia had faith in Deculein and his teachings.

Then how about this, if you don’t know yet...,” Epherene suggested hesitantly, watching Sylvia’s reaction. “Sh-shall we work together? We’ve done group projects before, remember?”

“Foolish Epherene.”

“Wh-why? I can help. I placed second, right after you,” Epherene said, putting down her Roahawk, desperation evident in her voice.

Sylvia shook her head and replied, “You don’t have your paper. I do.”

“... Well, I know that.”

“There will likely be more ambushes and sabotage attempts since we still have three weeks until the exam.”

“Sigh... I really want to cry,” Epherene said, pretending to sniffle as she took a handkerchief from her pocket.

Epherene wiped her eyes in a pitiful manner. Sylvia’s attention shifted to the handkerchief, which reminded her of the one adorning her Bearbie Panda, a gift from Deculein. The patterns on Epherene’s handkerchief were identical.

“You,” Sylvia said.

Sylvia's body moved before she could think. She swiftly grabbed Epherene’s wrist, causing her to flinch.

“W-what?”

“Where did you get that?”

“G-get what, this handkerchief?”

“Yes.”

"... It's a secret," Epherene said, shaking her head firmly, but Sylvia persisted.

“Say it.”

“Why should I?” Epherene frowned.

Why is she so interested in this? Is it too luxurious? Wait, could it be a rare treasure that even Iliade can't obtain? Epherene thought.

“If you tell me, I might consider working together. I can also buy you more Roahawk during the exam period,” Sylvia offered.

This time, it warranted serious consideration. After all, her sponsor was anonymous. Mentioning that she received support wouldn't be a betrayal. It wasn’t about the Roahawk; she wasn’t a child to be swayed by mere food. Moreover, maintaining good grades would ensure her continued support from her sponsor.

Glancing at Sylvia, Epherene said, “I didn’t steal it. Do you believe me?”

“If you didn’t steal it.”

Epherene hesitated briefly before answering, “... It was a gift from my sponsor.”

"Sponsor," Sylvia repeated, her eyebrow twitching as she clenched her fist under the table.

"Yeah, I didn't expect to receive any sponsorship either."

“You’re getting sponsored?”

"Yeah, I was surprised too. But that’s all I can say. It’s an anonymous sponsor, so it would be rude to ask more. I don’t even know who the sponsor is... But why are you suddenly interested? Have you seen this handkerchief before?" Epherene asked, her eyes widening with curiosity.

Sylvia narrowed her eyes in suspicion and said, “No, it just doesn’t seem to suit you.”

"... Fine, whatever. Since I’ve told you, we’re working together now, right?"

Sylvia silently cut her meat while Epherene observed her closely. Sylvia’s expression was always inscrutable, never revealing her thoughts. Epherene had never seen her smile. At first, Sylvia’s mask-like demeanor was off-putting, but now it didn’t seem entirely bad.

“I’ll take your silence as agreement,” Epherene teased.

Sylvia glared at her with disdain before putting a piece of meat in her mouth, chewing with deliberate force.

***

Meanwhile, Yulie sipped her coffee at a cafe near the Mage Tower. Deculein would be in his study reviewing papers until midnight, giving her a brief moment of rest. No one would dare attempt a kidnapping at the Mage Tower, nor interrupt Professor Deculein's private research.

"... Time has flown by," Yulie murmured to herself, gazing out the window at the campus.

Memories from the past began to surface. If she walked a little further, she would reach the training center of the knight department, then the knights' square, and finally the grand main building of the Imperial Knights Order.

Serving in the Imperial Knights Order had been the dream of all knights. Yulie had once served there, but now it was just part of her past, an irretrievable and unchangeable memory.

"Yulie!"

Someone called her name, making Yulie look up with wide eyes.

"There you are."

At the entrance of the cafe stood knights Gwen, Raphel, and Sirio, her colleagues from the Imperial Palace training sessions. They approached her with smiles and extended hands.

"Are you here to observe the knight exams?" Yulie asked.

"Hmm? Oh, yes, among other things," Gwen responded.

Yulie was simply glad to see them, but Gwen looked apologetic as he scratched the back of his neck.

"I have something for you," Gwen said, handing her a letter bearing an imperial seal.

Yulie’s eyes widened in surprise as she exclaimed, “Oh! It’s about that mission!”

“Yes, but it looks like you’re currently on another mission...”

“It’s fine. This mission is also with Professor Deculein,” Yulie replied cheerfully.

Gwen's expression grew more troubled. Yulie's joy at the prospect of participating in an important mission shone through, reflecting her true knightly spirit.

"... Read this," Gwen said.

"Okay!" Yulie replied enthusiastically, breaking the seal.

However, her excitement vanished as soon as she read the first sentence.

Confidentiality Agreement

"Confidentiality...?" Yulie asked, staring blankly at Gwen, her eyes demanding an explanation.

Gwen sighed and said, "Deculein made a deal to take your place on the mission."

"... Sorry?"

"He's taking over the mission, Yulie. You won’t be joining him."

Yulie read the letter silently, grasping the clear message from Eunuch Jolang.

Your fiancé, Deculein, is concerned for your safety. Consequently, you are hereby instructed to withdraw from the mission. Additionally, the existence of this mission is classified and must not be disclosed to anyone.

"... Yulie?" Gwen called softly, her voice tinged with concern.

Yulie remained silent for a long time, her expression utterly bewildered.

Her expression shifted, and she finally crumpled the letter in her hand, demanding, "... Is this letter official?"

"Yeah. Deculein, that jerk," Gwen said with a wry smile.

Yulie stayed silent, rolling her tongue in her mouth as her cheeks puffed in and out—a habit she had when truly angry.

"Why—"

This time, Raphel answered, “Why?”

Yulie shifted her gaze past Gwen to Raphel, who stood with his arms crossed.

"Deculein knew about your injury."

“... My injury?” Yulie repeated.

Gwen nodded, shrugging and said, "Yeah. He knew you hadn’t fully healed and were pretending otherwise. Somehow, he knew everything. The mission site, the underground of the Imperial Palace, is filled with demonic energy, which is especially harmful to your injury."

Yulie had sustained the injury during a mission. At the time, she had been on the brink of death, but she thought she had fully recovered.

"Deculein probably wanted to disqualify you from the Instructor Knight position because of your injury. He likely sensed your weakened mana immediately. As a head professor of the Mage Tower, he would have known. He told us to keep it quiet, but this time, let him handle it," Gwen muttered.

She continued, "He likely kept your injury a secret from the Imperial Palace to protect your career without mentioning it to you. That’s just how he always handles things."

Yulie understood the gravity of her condition. If it worsened, she would be unfit to serve as a Guardian Knight. The injury was that severe.

"You know how much Deculein despises the eunuchs, especially Jolrang. Yet, he accepted the mission in your place," Gwen added. "Well, it makes sense... You got injured because of him in the first place."

The Yukline family had a notoriously bad relationship with the eunuchs. Though all the high-ranking noble houses had disputes with the eunuchs, Yukline’s clashes were particularly fierce.

"Anyway, it's only until you heal, Yulie," Gwen said. "If we fail this mission, we'll wait until you recover. It means we can't do it without you."

"Exactly~" Sirio chimed in from behind. Gwen glared at him, and Sirio muttered as he stepped back, "I guess I'm not supposed to say anything..."

"... Alright, I understand. Please leave now," Yulie said, formally requesting their departure.

The trio hesitated but eventually left Yulie alone. She then placed her hand on her collarbone, feeling the distinct lump beneath her skin. The touch sent a wave of hot pain through her. She had thought she had overcome it, but recently, the scar seemed to be resurfacing.

"Did he know... this time too?" Yulie wondered, thinking of Deculein.

There was a time when I couldn’t comprehend the depth of his love. It was overwhelming, suffocating, almost violent. That’s how he used to be. But now, he has undeniably changed. Remarkably so. Some say it’s all an act. Reylie and Rockfell insist that I shouldn’t be fooled by it.

"It’s all an act!"

Startled by the sudden voice, Yulie trembled as if struck by a jolt of fear.

"If not, then forget it!" said the Chairwoman of the Mage Tower, standing beside the table and smiling brightly at her.

"... Was I speaking aloud just now?" Yulie asked.

"No! It's my mind-reading magic that I created! I only heard up to you saying 'Some say it’s all an act'," the Chairwoman chirped cheerfully.

Yulie glared at her and replied, "E-excuse me! With all due respect, it is inappropriate to read someone's mind without their consent!"

"Ah! Why are you yelling? I didn't think it would work! You frightened my baby!"

"... Your baby?" Yulie asked, noticing the leash in the Chairwoman’s hand for the first time. A small dog with fluffy fur was attached to it.

"Ormae Spartizan Adrienne the Second! Are you okay?!"

"Woof! Woof!"

"You scared him!"

Yulie stared blankly at the dog and replied, "Oh, okay..."

The dog panted with its mouth open, giving the impression of a smile. Its bright face, protruding snout, and large, round eyes were so adorable that Yulie felt captivated by its charm.

The Chairwoman, noticing her reaction, asked plainly, "Hmm, do you like dogs?"

"Sorry? I, um, I mean I do—, no. I’m on duty."

"Hmph!" the Chairwoman said, chuckling and placing Ormae Spartizan Adrienne the Second on Yulie's lap.

Yulie’s cheeks turned red instantly. The dog barked once, causing her stern expression to soften. However, in the next moment, she quickly released a burst of condensed mana qi.

"Please stop. I’m serious," Yulie said.

The Chairwoman was trying to use her mind-reading magic on Yulie again.

"Fine, I won't do it again. Now, buy me a cup of coffee!" the Chairwoman said.

"... It feels like just yesterday that I was walking across this campus," Yulie said, steering the conversation away.

She kept her eyes on the view outside, disregarding the Chairwoman’s remark. Annoyed, the Chairwoman called for a cup of coffee herself.

***

Tick-tock— tick-tock—

Midnight marked the end of another day. I was in my lab, working late into the night, meticulously reviewing my spells.

"... I’ve reached an impasse."

Epherene's father's idea had led to the research I'd dedicated the most time to in this world, spanning 3,000 pages. Now, this magic thesis had hit a wall. I glanced at the documents spread across the table. The thesis, with its detailed spells, magic circles, calculations, and logic, was specific and systematic.

However, the biggest problem was my lack of talent and mana to complete this concept. The mana and skill needed for unrefined magic were immense. Static mana could be supplemented with mana stones, but the lack of innate talent was painfully clear. This research demanded mastery of all four elements, yet Deculein's talents were limited to Earth and Fire.

"Tsk."

Even as Iron Man, my head throbbed. It was likely due to the revolver blow to my skull three days ago.

"That's enough for today," I declared, lifting the research materials with Telekinesis.

After storing the numerous documents in the safe, I left the laboratory. Just as I was about to take the elevator, I noticed Allen's office.

Assistant Professor Allen

A small room tucked away on the 77th floor still had its light on. I walked over and knocked on the door.

"Mmmp!"

Allen, who had been sleeping on his desk, woke up suddenly and mumbled incoherently, "Wh-why're... y'h-here... s'late... Prof'ssor?"

"What are you saying?"

"... Professor, you are here quite late."

"Have you been waiting for me?" I inquired with a soft chuckle.

"Oh. It’s rather impolite to leave before you," Allen said, scratching his head and smiling awkwardly.

"In that case, we shall depart together."

"Oh, certainly, sir! Just a moment! I'll get the logs!" Allen exclaimed as he hurried off somewhere.

As I waited, I took a look around his office. The bookshelves were impeccably organized, with no trace of dust or dirt. His logs, student records, lecture notes, and grade books were all neatly arranged. It was the office of a highly diligent assistant professor, but it felt impersonal. The space was so pristine it resembled a tidy storage room more than a functional office.

However, there were no personal traces of Allen in the office. No scent, no stains, not even footprints. This was true not only for this office but also for my office and the Mage Tower. It was as if he had a professional habit of erasing all evidence of his presence before leaving. I was uncertain of his exact profession.

"There is little time remaining..."

I was keenly aware that Allen's departure was imminent. On his desk, I noticed the book I had gifted him, Understanding Pure Elements: Yukline Edition. He appeared to study it diligently, but the pages were filled with question marks. Thankfully, they were only in the advanced sections, not the basics.

"Professor," Allen announced as he returned just in time. "I've brought the updated list of mages applying to work for you! I believe you'll find it more satisfactory this time..."

Allen handed me the document. While the new list was an improvement over the last, it still fell short of my expectations.

I placed the document in my inner pocket, looked down at Allen, and said, "Allen."

"Yes, sir?"

"The semester's end is approaching. This must be a significant time for you as well."

The end of the semester was a busy and crucial time for everyone in the Mage Tower. It was the perfect opportunity for someone to disappear without attracting attention.

"Oh, yes, sir. But I'm managing! The assistant professor position keeps me quite busy," Allen replied with a sheepish grin.

His expression was both familiar and slightly audacious. I pondered how much longer he could conceal it.

"Allen, how long have you served by my side?"

"Ever since you were appointed as the Head Professor, sir!"

"I see."

I wondered what opportunity he had been waiting for all this time. Whether it was assassination or mere observation, I didn't know his purpose. If he was leaving, it meant he had either achieved it or was about to. I wanted to understand his true intentions.

Although I saw no signs of the death variable around him, I knew from experience that such signs could be concealed. Even Josephine had managed to deceive me.

"... Allen," I murmured, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I appreciate all that you have done."

A brief phrase that hinted at farewell.

Allen's eyes widened as he responded, "... I'm sorry?"

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a mix of light and shadow on his face, revealing only pure surprise and sudden doubt. I tried to gauge him. If he could be so easily exposed, he would have been caught long ago.

"I once informed you that you had passed my test," Deculein stated.

"Oh, yes, sir!" Allen said, clasping his hands over his chest. "You mentioned that when you made me an assistant professor. You said my diligence alone helped me pass the test. But you also mentioned there would be another stage—"

"The first stage was diligence; the next is trust."

"Trust..." Allen repeated softly, his expression blank.

I offered him a faint smile and said, "Allen, you have indeed earned my trust."

"Wh-what?!" Allen stammered, his plump cheeks trembling with surprise. I detected a hidden emotion within his quivering expression.

"I cannot keep someone I trust in the role of assistant professor indefinitely."

"Th-then..."

"I intend to appoint you as a full-time professor beginning next semester."

Allen's eyes brimmed with tears.

I couldn't tell which parts of him were genuine and which were false. That’s why I kept him close. As the saying goes, “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”[1]. If Allen was my enemy, it would be disappointing, but this felt like a way to persuade him.

"So, you must also place your trust in me," I said, wiping the corner of his eye with my gloved finger. A transparent tear clung to the black leather. "And remain in this Mage Tower."

Allen's expression gradually hardened. Whether it was from shock or if he was revealing his true emotions, I couldn't tell. I met his eyes and continued.

"Furthermore, if you need my permission," I said, meeting his gaze. "Stay by my side."

At that moment, the moon disappeared behind a cloud, and a message appeared, casting a shadow over my face.

[Villain’s Fate: Death Variable Avoided]

◆ Reward Acquired: Store Currency +2

1. Said by Michael Corleone from the movie The Godfather. ☜