A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 72: End of Semester (2)

The counseling room was silent. Sylvia seemed to be crying, but she made no sound. I watched her quietly. The untouched teacups sat as the ice inside them melted and clinked softly. The sunlight streaming through the window gradually shifted.

"I do not like to see people cry," I said.

At that moment, she lifted her head. Her eyes were moist, but no tears fell, just as she said.

"I was moved by your praise," Sylvia explained. "Professor Deculein, you are known for never complimenting anyone."

Her voice and expression remained unchanged as she made her excuses. I took a handkerchief from my pocket.

"But you praised me, thank you."

"Dry your eyes," I instructed, handing her the handkerchief.

Sylvia took it with both hands, her eyes sparkling like watery jewels. Just then, twenty minutes of counseling had passed.

"I'll be going now," Sylvia said, glancing at the clock.

She stood up, neatly folded the handkerchief, and slipped it into her pocket. After giving a polite bow, she left the room.

As I watched her small frame retreat, I said, "Remember my advice."

Sylvia paused at my words. Without turning around, she nodded and walked away. Outside, I could hear Allen’s voice.

"Have a good day!"

The office door opened and then closed.

"... Does she underestimate herself?" I mused aloud.

Sylvia was a brilliant mage. She could have easily been appointed a full-time professor next year. Spending time under another professor would have been a clear waste, not just for her, but for the entire world. But Epherene was different. She was perfectly suited for the magic I have been researching, and she could grow even more under my guidance.

"Professor," Allen called from outside the counseling room, poking his head in. "Debutant Epherene is scheduled in ten minutes! Please take a rest until then!"

***

Epherene, always seen in her blue robe symbolizing a Debutant and carrying a large backpack she had bought for thirty elne, walked down the hall. Since value for money was her top priority, from a distance, it looked like she was carrying a large brick.

Today, the backpack felt especially heavy, clinking with every step. A small cat figurine attached to the bottom of her bag brushed against the back of her robe.

"Ow, my shoulders hurt," Epherene murmured.

When she reached the elevator, she set her bag down to rest for a moment.

Ding—

The elevator quickly reached the first floor, and Epherene was startled as she picked up her bag. Inside stood Sylvia. Though it wasn’t unusual to see another Debutant, the atmosphere was tense. Sylvia glared at Epherene with a cold, piercing gaze filled with silent, simmering anger.

Epherene hesitated and asked, "What is it now? What's your problem?"

Epherene half-expected Sylvia to launch into one of her usual ways of calling her. Instead, Sylvia brushed past her and muttered, "Nepotism."

“... What does she mean by that? Nepotism?” Epherene muttered, feeling uneasy.

Her horoscope had already warned of a rough week, and Sylvia’s attitude wasn’t helping. Maybe it was time for another tarot reading. Pressing the button for the 77th floor, Epherene muttered to herself, trying to shake off the unease.

Ding—

She reached Deculein's office.

"Welcome, Debutant Epherene," Allen said cheerfully.

"Yes," Epherene replied, as she followed him into the counseling room.

Inside, Professor Deculein sat with his eyes closed, seemingly meditating. Epherene hesitated, unsure if she should interrupt. Deculein was an imposing figure, too distant and formidable to approach casually.

"Professor, Debutant Epherene has arrived," Allen announced.

Deculein opened his eyes, nodded slightly at Epherene, and said, "Sit."

"Yes, sir," Epherene said, sitting down and immediately taking off her backpack. She spoke with determination. "I’m here for career counseling, but I also have questions about the Solda promotion exam."

"Solda?"

"Yes, sir," Epherene confirmed, pulling documents from her bag. She had prepared extensively for the exam since the end of the first semester. Placing the papers on the desk, she explained, "These documents show my participation in various departmental classes."

This was her eighth attempt to find a professor willing to recommend her for the Solda exam. Initially, she had approached newly appointed professors, but their recommendations carried little weight. Professors like Relin had only belittled her, offering nothing but harsh words before dismissing her.

"Here, I have evidence of my involvement in the Common Magic Research Club, where we identified the precursor to the Baron of Ashes incident, as well as other community service activities," Epherene continued confidently, her tone reminiscent of a child reciting in a debate competition.

Her enthusiasm masked the anxiety and nervousness she felt in front of the imposing Professor Deculein.

"My grades are all A+ as of the midterms, and if I maintain them until the final exams," Epherene added, neatly stacking her documents on the desk. "Additionally, at the Mage Tower—"

"That's enough," Deculein interrupted, having listened in silence. Epherene froze. "Take these back."

Her expression hardened, and she bit her lower lip slightly before responding, "But I’ve checked all the requirements for the Solda exam. If you could just review them—"

"There’s no need," Deculein interrupted.

"... Oh, yes, sir," Epherene replied softly, her breath trembling slightly. She wasn’t entirely surprised; she had expected this to some extent. She began to pack her documents back into her bag.

"If you maintain your grades through the final exams, you will automatically qualify for the Solda rank."

"... Excuse me?" Epherene asked, her eyes widening in surprise, her face lighting up like a child's.

"If you place in the top three overall, there will be no reason for me not to recommend you for the exam," Deculein clarified.

"Oh, thank you, Professor. I will do my best," Epherene said, scratching the back of her neck.

"... If I pass the exam, I will apply to join you, Professor," she added quickly, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Deculein replied indifferently, "I won't prevent you. The burden of effort is yours to bear."

"Yes, sir," Epherene replied, hiding a smile.

Epherene thought that Deculein was playing with fire by accepting her. She wondered if he would remain composed when she surpassed him effortlessly in a year or two. On the Floating Island, Epherene recognized Deculein as a genius driven by effort, yet her spirit of challenge remained as strong as ever.

“Well, I’ll be heading out now,” Epherene said, preparing to leave.

"Wait," Deculein commanded, his voice stopping her in her tracks.

Epherene's heart raced as she wondered if he had sensed her thoughts or noticed something amiss.

"You haven’t used the check yet," Deculein said.

Epherene was taken aback. She wondered aloud, "Would you take it back if I don't use it...?"

"That won’t be the case. It was a reward on behalf of the Mage Tower, not from me personally."

"Oh... Actually, I haven’t found anything I want yet, so I’m saving it for when I really need it. Like insurance," Epherene explained.

Deculein nodded silently, indicating she could leave. Epherene gave a slight bow and exited the room.

"Have a good day, Debutant Epherene," Allen called out cheerfully.

"You too, Assistant Professor," Epherene replied.

Epherene closed the office door behind her and leaned against the wall outside, letting out a deep breath.

"... That was intense," Epherene sighed, muttering to herself.

Deculein’s presence was overwhelming, making every minute feel like an hour and pressing down on her with an invisible weight that kept her heart pounding.

"I can't figure out what he's thinking."

Deculein's motives were inscrutable. He had undeniably claimed her father's achievements, which drove her father to a disgraceful suicide at thirty, branded a failed Solda-ranked mage.

At the Hadecaine Educational Retreat, Epherene had directly questioned Deculein about the incident, but he neither confirmed nor denied it. A clear denial would have been more satisfying.

"Maybe he's trying to say it’s all up to me."

Still, Deculein was the least concerned with class of students among the professors at the Mage Tower. He treated Epherene fairly, despite her vow to expose his flaws.

"I’d better get back to studying," Epherene muttered, hefting her heavy backpack as she walked away.

***

Leaders, politicians, and entrepreneurs across the continent often claim there are no dreams, no hope, and no life in the Ashes, insisting that it is filled with nothing but ash.

Arlos knew that was nonsense. Life existed in the Ashes. There was hope, and there were children. Although it wasn't an ideal place to raise kids, it didn't mean Arlos had any particular affection for the area.

By nature, she was highly ambitious. As an orphan from a border kingdom, achieving success in the broader world seemed impossible. So, she had settled for the Ashes as the next best option.

Arlos, known unofficially as the best puppeteer on the continent, had her puppets scattered throughout the Empire. Connected to her soul, they behaved like living beings, yet none resembled her true form. This was due to her complex about her appearance. She was too beautiful, attracting countless unwanted admirers.

“Welcome,” the hotel staff greeted.

Today, however, Arlos visited the Black Crain Hotel in her true form for the first time in a while. The Black Crain, a newly established prime-grade hotel in the capital, had some of the highest rates in the city. Despite the cost, it perfectly suited Arlos, who often found everyday life filled with inconveniences.

“I have a reservation,” Arlos stated.

“Yes, Miss Sollette. Your reservation is confirmed,” the staff responded.

The staff at the hotel treated customers like nobility, which Arlos particularly appreciated. Though many people fawned over her, genuine aristocratic treatment was rare and hard to come by unless one was actually a noble. Despite appearances, Arlos cared about such formalities, though she rarely showed it outwardly.

"Here is your key for the 37th floor," the staff member said.

Arlos had booked the 37th floor under the alias Sollette. While the top floor was the penthouse on the 50th, she hadn't yet accrued enough status or points to reserve it.

"I'll have the foie gras with a side of Laperin for dinner," Arlos requested.

“Yes, ma’am,” the staff replied.

Taking the key, Arlos rode the elevator up to her floor. Her reflection in the ornate mirrors showed her dressed in a sharp suit that, apart from her slender waist, was entirely masculine. She habitually fiddled with her necklace, a charm she considered a symbol of good fortune, though she couldn’t remember how or when she had acquired it.

Arriving at her room on the 37th floor, she settled into a chair and pulled out her tablet. Similar to the Mage Tower’s Wizard Board, it was used to communicate with her current cooperative relationship with the Altar.

“Deculein translated the runic language but destroyed the compiled summary of the texts.”

"The runic letters contain what we seek. The language of God resides in Deculein's mind. He must be captured alive. Set the bounty at thirty million elne," the Altar instructed.

News from the Floating Island had swiftly led the Altar to place a thirty million elne bounty on Deculein’s capture.

"... He knew who I was," Arlos mused, recalling how Deculein had addressed her by her real name.

“Until now, he was just an ordinary, lowly villain.”

Today’s Deculein was markedly different from the Deculein of the past. This was evident from the information her Office had gathered.

"... He’s worth keeping an eye on, if only for knowing who I am," Arlos muttered.

Deculein was certainly a threatening figure, but he wasn't the reason Arlos had come to the Empire today. She had no intention of participating in his kidnapping, at least not yet. Arlos only engaged in battles she was certain to win. Discarding her tablet, she picked up a pamphlet.

Haileich Relic Auction

Arlos read the pamphlet aloud, "Homeren’s Carved Ring."

She had at last found a treasure that truly delighted her. After years of earning money for just such occasions, it was time to indulge and invest in a gift for herself without any hesitation.

***

After completing all the counseling sessions, I opened the system shop in my office.

───────

[Lv.2 System Shop]

1. Adventurer’s Breeze...

......

5. Qualitative Enhancement of Mana (Stage 2):

The character's innate mana is qualitatively enhanced. Slight increase in mana output and efficiency.

20 coins

───────

"... There’s no need to wait any longer," I decided.

I had accumulated enough currency through my recent efforts, and now was the time to use it. Since the week was packed with various schedules and I wasn't sure when I'd have another chance, it was better to do it now. With that decision made, I activated the Mana Quality Enhancement (Level 2) from the system menu.

[Mana Quality Enhancement (Level 2) has been applied.]

[You can now harness mana with greater purity.]

The system notification appeared. I observed it calmly, expecting the usual pain to follow. The first level had only caused a mild warmth, so I assumed it would be similar this time.

Suddenly, a sharp pain, as if my ribs were being torn apart, made me cough up dark red blood. Clutching my chest, I gasped for breath as my heart spasmed.

“... Ugh.”

Fortunately, the pain lasted only a moment, but the bloodstains on my desk were irritating. Using Telekinesis, I gathered the blood droplets and burned them at a high temperature.

Knock, knock—

"Professor, Professor Louina is here to see you," Allen announced.

"Send her in," I replied.

“Yes, sir!”

The door opened, and Louina stepped inside.

"Hello, boss. It’s me...” Louina said, but after taking a few steps, she paused and started sniffing the air.

“What brings you here?” I asked.

“Sniff, sniff— sniff, sniff—”

“Have you become a dog since I last saw you?”

“No... not at all. Calling me a dog is quite harsh, boss,” Louina replied.

As she came closer, she paused again, staring at my lips. I took out a handkerchief and wiped my mouth. A bit of blood stained the fabric, causing me to frown. It was disgraceful to appear so untidy.

“State your business,” I demanded.

“H-h-here, boss,” Louina said awkwardly as she approached and handed over some documents. “This is the proposal for the research I’m planning to start...”

This seemed to be my first task as the newly appointed Director of Planning and Financial Coordination at the Mage Tower. I took her documents.

"Th-then, I shall head out now. Th-thank you."

Before I could say anything, Louina hurried out, not making any further appeal for her project. She must be confident it will be approved. Seeing her accept Yukline's protection wasn't entirely displeasing. I reviewed her proposal.

“Hmm.”

As expected, Louina, with her Wealthy Magnate attribute, left nothing to be desired. I stamped her plan approved without hesitation.

Clunk—!

***

Wednesday at 3 p.m. signaled Deculein's final class before the end-of-term exams.

"Please form a line, everyone!" Assistant Professor Allen directed, organizing the 150 Debutants by their categories.

The Harmony category, known for its selectivity, had the fewest mages with just eleven, while the Support category had the most, with thirty-five mages.

“Stand ready,” Deculein commanded, addressing the 150 students assembled in the open field that served as today’s classroom. “As this is the final class of the semester, there is nothing more to teach. Today, we will test your application of your category and identify any deficiencies. Step forward in groups of five.”

The first group comprised five mages with the Support category.

“Demonstrate the magic you are most confident in,” Deculein instructed, observing each spell with keen interest.

“... Eurozan. Wind Armor. Good utilization.”

“Green Earth. Element transformation of the area is useful for monster subjugation,” Deculein noted.

Deculein identified each spell without fail. This might seem normal for a professor, but there was more to it than that.

“Crystallization is classified under the Support category, but its magic circle contains Harmony attributes. You overlooked this, which is why you failed.”

“Ah... yes, sir!”

Deculein could even identify failed spells and provide precise guidance on how to correct them.

“I will try again!” Debutant Ferit exclaimed, taking his advice. He succeeded on his next attempt.

"Good. Next group of five, step forward..."

Deculein's Sharp Eyesight allowed him to observe others' magic circles with precision. Over the past six months, his enhanced Comprehension had filled his mind with countless magic circles. What started as a shallow pool of knowledge had now expanded into a vast ocean.

Of course, this knowledge was different from Memorize. He couldn’t cast every spell he knew. Memorize involved the body remembering and casting spells without incantations. However, Deculein used a theoretical approach for all other spells, except for Telekinesis, which was inscribed on his body.

Therefore, Deculein's magic and knowledge were steady and reliable. This unwavering consistency made him an ideal mentor. To the Debutants, who were unaware of his true capabilities, Deculein was like a living encyclopedia of magic. His nearly supernatural perceptiveness was truly remarkable.

“Epherene,” Deculein said.

“Yes, sir,” Epherene said as it was finally her turn. "Here I go."

Epherene prepared to showcase her most intricate spell, weaving and intertwining circuits into a complex pattern. This mixed-category spell was designed to be challenging to decipher, even for Deculein. He examined Epherene’s magic circle intently for about thirty seconds.

“Soprano. A complex spell with minimal practical benefit for you.”

“Oh!”

The spell, Soprano, was a special magic combining the Pure Elements of wind and sound. Its effect was subtle, changing all sounds in the area to high-pitched soprano tones. This spell acted as a stepping-stone, a simpler spell learned to become familiar with the structure before mastering Silence.

However, Soprano’s interference with spatial sound made it unnecessarily complicated and not well-known. Most other Debutants likely mistook it for a type of singing.

“Epherene, were you trying to play a prank or to show off? That will result in one penalty point,” Deculein stated.

“No, please! Let me try again. Just don’t give me a penalty point!” Epherene pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation.

Contrary to Epherene’s expectations, Deculein had already identified the spell. Hastily, she demonstrated a proper one. The ground beneath her rumbled and transformed into a crater.

Deculein nodded and said, “Rage of the Mountains. A challenging spell, but its scale is too small.”

“Yes, sir. I’ve been concerned about that as well.”

“To enlarge the scale, increase the size of the magic circle. I will provide further details later,” Deculein stated.

“Ah, yes, sir. So... will there still be penalty points?” Epherene asked.

“Yes.”

“Ahhh!”

Ignoring Epherene’s plea, Deculein shifted his attention to the next student.

“Next, Sylvia.”

It was Sylvia’s turn. She had been glaring at Epherene, but she straightened up as Deculein approached.

“... Yes, Professor,” Sylvia replied.

She closed her eyes, focusing intently as she began to cast her spell.

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