A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 94: Second Semester (3)

In the dimly lit research lab, Deculein’s voice cut through the darkness, “What is it that you’re searching for?”

Epherene quickly let go of his shoe, her hands fumbling over the floor as she stammered, “I was just... cleaning the floor.”

"Do you expect me to believe that?"

“... It does clean—I-I’m sorry,” Epherene stammered as she awkwardly stood up, fumbling for an excuse. “The door was open, so I thought I’d lock it up... and then I-I saw the lights were off...”

"There are times when darkness is essential," Deculein said, snapping his fingers.

Snap—!

The lab lights flickered on, and Epherene's eyes widened in astonishment.

“Woah...”

The room was filled with floating sheets of paper, each marked with intricate magic circles and complex spells. Thousands of them drifted in the air, forming a dense cloud of calculations beyond Epherene's ability to understand.

Snap—!

With another snap of Deculein’s fingers, the papers were swiftly drawn into his briefcase, which appeared to be a magical item.

Epherene looked on in awe and asked, "Is that your personal research, Professor?"

“No, this is preparation for class.”

“Sorry? This is for a class?”

“You speak too much. Leave now,” Deculein commanded, his tone allowing no room for dispute as he walked out, neither scolding nor punishing her.

Epherene watched his figure retreat, surprised that he hadn’t scolded her.

Flip— Flip—

She hesitated briefly, then crouched down and swiftly checked a few tiles, hoping to find something before leaving the lab.

“... Oh.”

“Get in,” Deculein commanded, standing by the elevator as he waited for her.

Scratching the back of her neck, Epherene mumbled, “Y-you waited for me.”

Deculein remained silent, pressing the close button as she entered the elevator.

Ding—

As the elevator descended, the silence seemed to stretch endlessly for Epherene. She stole glances at Deculein, recalling Gindalf’s claim that Professor Deculein might actually care for her.

The idea seemed absurd, but ever since, she found herself viewing his actions in a new light. Despite him being her father’s enemy and a frustrating professor who assigned impossible tasks, something about him felt different.

“Um, Professor Deculein—”

Ding—

When the elevator doors opened, Deculein turned to face her.

Epherene quickly shook her head, stammering, “Oh, no, no, it’s nothing...”

Without a word, Deculein reached into his inner pocket, pulled out a ticket, and stated, “Take this.”

Epherene examined the ticket. It was an invitation to the Lokralen Academic Conference. Lokralen... The name was familiar.

“You will accompany me,” Deculein stated, his tone leaving no room for discussion, before turning and walking away.

His long strides quickly carried him down the hall as Epherene glanced between the ticket in her hand and his distant figure.

“... I don’t get it. Why is he like this?” Epherene muttered with a sigh.

***

Early the next morning, I made my way to the highest floor of the Mage Tower.

“Hmm!” the Chairwoman exclaimed as she took my course syllabus and the materials for the first lecture.

Pure Utilization of Earth and Fire: Manipulation Category

◆ Overview: An advanced course focusing on the in-depth utilization of the earth and fire elements. Designed for a deeper understanding of element property.

◆ Level: Advanced (6 credits, open to Soldas and above).

◆ Description: ...

“The concept is solid! But keep in mind, a course for Soldas and above isn’t the same as a Debutant-level class! Debutant courses are exclusive to the Mage Tower, so there’s no issue, but advanced courses are graded by the Floating Island, not me! It could get downgraded to intermediate!” the Chairwoman explained enthusiastically.

“That’s acceptable,” I replied with a nod of agreement.

Advanced-level courses were rare, even on the Floating Island.

“Where are the related documents?!”

“Here they are,” I replied, passing over the meticulously crafted materials.

These documents, developed with a deep level of Comprehension, were intended to form the backbone of the course. They concentrated solely on the manipulation of earth and fire elements, with a level of detail approaching that of a thesis.

“I hope this course gets the Unlimited Advanced rating! That would really boost our Mage Tower's reputation!” the Chairwoman exclaimed, stamping the syllabus with approval.

Thud—!

“Yes, I hope for the same.”

“Well, off you go! I’m getting sleepy!” the Chairwoman said, waving her small hand as she began arranging a bed right on her desk. “Adrienne the Second! Come here!”

“Woof! Woof!” Adrienne the Second, a small puppy, barked as it jumped onto the desk.

The Chairwoman drifted off to sleep beside the small dog, and I quietly exited the room.

Six hours later, news spread quickly across the Floating Island, but only when it involved matters of magic. Gossip about events in the Empire or rumors of affairs held no interest here. However, when a significant magical discovery or a new theoretical paper emerged, it took less than half a day for the entire island to be buzzing with the news.

"Rumah says it’s an advanced-level coase?" Rogerio remarked

The news of Deculein’s advanced lecture had already made its way to Rogerio, carried by a casual remark from Grand Prince Kreto, whom she had encountered by chance.

“Yes, that’s correct,” Kreto affirmed.

"Ya think it’ll get that label, Grand Prince? I mean, it’s at the Mage Tower, not the Floating Island."

Lectures at the Mage Tower typically remained within the beginner or intermediate levels. Naturally, not all beginner classes were identical, and intermediate courses varied greatly in difficulty.

However, an advanced-level course belonged to an entirely different category. In the Magical Realm, an advanced course was one that could drive generational progress or introduce groundbreaking concepts. This was why the Floating Island had been particularly stringent when granting such a lecture rating.

For the past twenty years, no advanced-level course had been conducted outside the Floating Island. The perception that the Floating Island was the pinnacle of academia in the Celestial Realm, while the Mage Tower served as the center of research in the Mortal Realm, was far from accidental.

“Who can say? If it’s from Sir Deculein, it might very well receive the advanced lecture rating,” Kreto said.

Advanced courses were uncommon, even on the Floating Island. Few high-ranking mages possessed both the time and the aptitude for teaching such demanding classes, and those who did often only held them at their convenience.

"Well, Your Highness, callin' him Sir is a bit excessive, don’t ya think? As a Grand Prince of the Imperial Palace, ya really oughta be idolizin’ no one."

“I’m just a fan, that’s all, hahaha” Kreto replied with a light laugh.

Only then did Rogerio notice something unusual about Kreto’s attire.

“Now that I’m lookin’ at ya, ya dressed just like Deculein too, ain’t ya?”

"This is the latest trend in the capital."

“Hmm. If it does get the advanced rating, that’d be wicked to see. But let’s be real, it ain’t too likely,” Rogerio said, slurping up her spaghetti.

At the table next to them, someone mentioned that Deculein was working on an advanced lecture.

“But you could attend it at the Mage Tower, couldn’t you? I’ve long since graduated, but you’re technically still on leave,” Kreto remarked.

“Yeah, that’s wicked true, but if it gets that advanced lecture stamp, the Floating Island folks’ll be all over it. They’ll scramble to lock down a hologram or a transcript, or somethin’. You think so too, right?”

The Floating Island, the wealthiest place in the world, was home to scholars consumed by their pursuit of knowledge. Their motto was simple: if something wasn’t for sale, they’d take it by any means necessary. While they were willing to pay any price, refusing to sell made you their enemy.

“Yes, I believe so.”

“So I heard there's a big academic conference comin’ up at Lokralen. You ain’t goin’, Grand Prince?”

“I wasn’t invited. My research has been lacking attention as of late.”

“... Hmm. That right?” Rogerio muttered, her eyes narrowing as she pulled out her own Lokralen Academic Conference invite. “How ’bout I give ya one?”

***

Two weeks before the semester began, Solda Epherene sat in the Common Magic Research Club room, browsing through the Wizard Board.

From the Solda level onward, your category becomes crucial. Unless your attributes are exceptionally unique, the main distinction comes from the category you choose. Therefore, ensure that your courses are aligned with your category...

This was advice from a senior mage.

“... So, category is everything,” Epherene muttered, folding her arms as she contemplated her own path.

A mage's core disciplines were divided into eight categories—Summoning, Elemental, Destruction, Support, Ductility, Manipulation, Enchantment, and Harmony. However, these distinctions grew even more defined upon reaching the rank of Solda.

At the Mage Tower, half the mages focus on a single category, a practice referred to as Intensive Category Specialization. The others either study two or more categories equally, known as Multiple Categories, or prioritize one as their primary focus while maintaining another as a secondary, known as Primary and Secondary Categories.

Epherene nodded in understanding. Most mages typically chose no more than two categories. Some ambitious or reckless ones might attempt to tackle three or more, but the overwhelming number of required classes often made this an impractical choice.

“... I wonder which categories Professor Deculein specialized in?”

“Professor Deculein? I heard he’s mastered four-categories—Manipulation, Ductility, Destruction, and Support,” Julia replied, sitting beside her.

Epherene glanced over, noticing the new artifact necklace Julia was wearing. It seemed the Flower of the Pig had become quite popular, and Julia had indulged in a pricey piece. Epherene felt a twinge of envy.

“So, Deculein has mastered a total of four-categories?”

“Yeah.”

“... Then I’ll do the same.”

Epherene resolved to follow the same path, choosing Destruction, Support, Manipulation, and Ductility as her focus. If Deculein had mastered all four, she believed she could too.

“What? Are you serious, Ephie? Do you know how many classes you’ll need to take?”

“Hmph. It’s fine. You have no idea how much I’ve been studying lately.”

Professor Deculein had assigned thirteen advanced theory books. Whenever Epherene hit a wall, she would dive into related papers, and if those didn’t help, she’d seek advice from newer professors like Kellogg.

“Right... you’ve practically been living in this club room.”

“Yeah.”

Epherene had turned the room into her makeshift bedroom, complete with pillows, blankets, and other essentials. The time spent walking back and forth to the dormitory seemed like a waste.

“If you’re aiming for four-categories, you’ll need to take at least twelve classes this semester, all of them core requirements,” Julia pointed out.

“... Ahem,” Epherene muttered, clearing her throat as she scanned the course registration list on her Wizard Board. “... What? Professor Deculein isn’t teaching Debutants anymore?”

Epherene’s attention shifted to Deculein’s course on the list.

Pure Utilization of Earth and Fire: Manipulation Category

◆ Instructor: Head Professor Deculein

◆ Course Overview: An advanced course focusing on the in-depth utilization of the earth and fire elements. Designed for a deeper understanding of element property.

◆ Primary Textbook: Authored by Head Professor Deculein

◆ Credits: 6 credits, 3 hours per week, held biweekly

◆ Enrollment: Selection by Professor Deculein based on applications

◆ Course Level: Pending confirmation based on lecture rating

“Wow, a 6-credit course?” Julia remarked with a hint of amusement.

Epherene stared at the course details, puzzled and said, “How can it be 6 credits if it’s only every other week? Is it just because he’s the Head Professor?”

“Who knows~? Ephie, you really shouldn’t take this class. It’s going to be ridiculously hard.”

“... No, it’s worth it. With 6 credits, this single class would complete my entire Manipulation category.”

“Even so, it’s going to be tough. If you slip up even once, recovering will be difficult. Plus, he’ll be selecting the students—not everyone who applies will get in.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Lately, Epherene had been full of confidence. She had already completed two advanced grimoires and was halfway through a third. Yet, she was well aware that there was a significant gap between mastering advanced grimoires and tackling an advanced course...

“I can do this. After all, I’m my father’s daughter,” Epherene said, clenching her fist and nodding firmly.

***

At the Hall of Learning in the Imperial Palace.

“The construction of the Roharlak Concentration Camp is nearly complete, or so I’ve been told,” Sophien remarked.

I looked at her with slight disbelief. As our lessons continued, Sophien’s posture became increasingly relaxed, and now she was fully reclined.

“... Yes, Your Majesty.”

“This brings me to another matter—Marik’s mana stones are now circulating freely in the market. The merchant groups that have been manipulating prices must be suffering significant losses.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Sophien smiled faintly and traced a finger through the air, her tone taking on the air of a lecture. "And yet, several merchant groups appear untouched by these losses. The reason is simple—they didn’t spend a single coin to mine those mana stones. And why? Because they received them at a bargain or even for free from the Altar in the Land of Destruction."

“Yes, Your Majesty, that is correct.”

“With the mere opening of Marik, I’ve managed to reveal a significant number of corrupt merchant groups,” Sophien said, her calm smile giving way to a sharp frown. “Deculein.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Here. Take this,” she said, handing me a list of thirteen merchant groups. Her voice grew colder as she added, “Whether you mark the Scarletborn as traitors or criminals, deal with them as you see fit.”

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will see to it that all their assets are seized for the Imperial Palace."

Sophien furrowed her brow and tilted her head slightly as she said, "If you wish to take them for yourself, I have no objections."

"It is wiser to avoid holding onto wealth that could bring misfortune."

Consolidating too much power in Yukline would be imprudent. Though Sophien appeared displeased, she refrained from pushing the matter, whether she understood my reasoning or not.

"... Fine. Do as you wish. But understand this—I will soon begin a thorough purge of the Scarletborns."

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“And you will be responsible for capturing your share.”

“I’ve already completed my investigation and gathered significant information. I’ll have good news for you soon.”

“Hmm. Is that so?” Sophien murmured, raising an eyebrow at my response.

The day I had promised Karixel was drawing near. Soon, I would capture him and deliver him to Roharlak.

“Yes, Your Majesty. If the operation succeeds, I’ll use one as an example by imprisoning them in Roharlak. However, before that...”

I met Sophien's gaze in silence. She seemed to understand, a soft chuckle escaping her lips before she uttered a single resonant rune, ?????, which meant vibration.

"Your efforts have been commendable," I said, rising to take my leave.

Still reclining, Sophien looked up at me and said, “... Deculein.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You always manage to trouble me... No, only you trouble me,” Sophien went on, her hair disheveled, her once sharp eyes now dulled with indifference. Today, more than ever, she seemed burdened by an overwhelming sense of ennui. Her voice took on a more probing tone. “Deculein.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Do you not fear me?”

It was the kind of question that would make any subject of the Empire’s heart skip a beat, but I didn’t pause to consider its meaning.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I shook my head and said, “No, Your Majesty, I do not fear you.”

“How arrogant of you... But why is that?”

“I’m not certain. It’s strange, but,” I said, holding Sophien’s clouded gaze, “there is nothing in this world that I fear.”

It was the truth. The eventual end of my life, the distant loss of my identity as Kim Woo-Jin, or even the thought that Yulie might one day despise me—none of these filled me with fear. Instead, I found them distasteful. Rather than fear, what I felt was closer to revulsion—an emotion that seemed distinctly Deculein.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. You’ve absorbed the lesson well.”

The lesson concluded with only a few words, yet I found it completely satisfying.

"Good. Now leave, you arrogant thing. But the next time you come back, make sure you’ve captured the Scarletborn," Sophien said with a laugh.

***

In mid-August, on a road in the eastern continent, Karixel, concealed in the carriage’s luggage compartment, gathered his resolve once more. He had already arranged for his three children to be cared for by his wife and brother and had handed over his responsibilities at the Cradle of the Tree to Elesol. Now, everything else depended on him.

“... Captain, do you truly trust that professor? It’s not too late to reconsider,” said Deuhal, one of the Scarletborn accompanying him to the concentration camp.

Karixel shook his head and replied, “I’ve made my decision to trust him, so don’t question it. It’s not a matter of trust, just a straightforward deal. Deuhal, you haven’t mentioned this to anyone, have you?”

To fool the world, you first have to fool your own allies. This was why he hadn’t informed anyone in the Cradle of the Tree, not even his wife or children. There was always a chance that information could slip out from somewhere.

“Of course not. This remains strictly between us—”

Thud!

The carriage suddenly jerked to a stop, causing Karixel and Deuhal to swallow nervously.

Thud, thud, thud.

Three footsteps echoed, sharp and precise. It seemed the driver was engaged in a brief scuffle, but then, without warning, the entire carriage exploded, fragments scattering as it was launched into the air. Time stretched as Karixel’s body lifted with the wreckage. In that suspended moment, he glimpsed a pair of eyes fixed on him from the ground—Deculein’s.

Craaaash—!

Karixel crashed to the ground amidst the wreckage, his hand instinctively gripping his lower back as pain shot through him.

Deculein’s voice pierced through the aftermath of the explosion, saying, “Did you honestly think this could pass as ordinary cargo?”

The driver stammered, “Uh, I... I—”

“P-professor! Look at this man’s face!” stammered a knight, interjecting at just the right moment as he held up a sketch Deculein had provided earlier. Karixel had grown his beard and hair to match the sketch. “It’s the wanted criminal, Brolin!”

Deculein’s lips curled into a sneer, brimming with disdain and contempt. Karixel found himself almost admiring it, though he wondered if it was even an act at all.

“That face is familiar. You must be Brolin,” Deculein stated.

“Shit...!” Karixel spat, leaping to his feet like a coiled spring, but the knights swiftly subdued him.

The knights pressed him down with their full weight as Karixel struggled in vain.

Meanwhile, Deculein picked up Karixel’s bag and asked, “Is this all he was carrying?”

“Professor, there are several mana stones here as well,” a knight reported.

Deculein shook the bag, letting its contents spill onto the ground. Only common tools and utensils clattered out.

“Was he planning to establish a new household with this?”

“Professor, what should we do with these mana stones...? There are quite a number of them...” a knight asked, his voice dripping with anticipation.

Karixel carried the mana stones with him for this exact reason. Their greed served as the perfect distraction.

Using Telekinesis, Deculein placed Karixel’s belongings back into the bag and said, “These are evidence as well. Retain only the necessary amount of mana stones for proof, and handle the remainder as you deem appropriate.”

“Oh. Y-yes! Thank you, Professor!” the knights replied, bowing deeply without a hint of suspicion.

Karixel allowed himself a small, inward smile. Once those items from his bag reached the concentration camp, he would be able to secure his clan's survival.

“You worthless piece of shit!”

One of the knights suddenly struck Karixel in the forehead with his boot, knocking him unconscious.

***

Two days later, in the lounge of the Imperial Palace.

"Hmm... That arrogant man is quite skilled at following orders. Capturing the Scarletborn was as simple as fetching ice cream," Sophien remarked with a chuckle, savoring a scoop of pearl ice cream, a delicacy from Heodran territory.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. He is an exceptionally skilled professor," Keiron replied, adjusting the bandages on his wrist.

"And that man—Brolan, or whatever the name was—is being sent directly to Roharlak, isn’t he...?"

“Yes, Your Majesty. Though he’s guilty of organizing the sect, he hasn’t committed any other serious crimes, so it seems he’s avoided execution. In fact, for someone like him, Roharlak may prove a fate worse than death. Given his knowledge, keeping him alive could serve us in many ways.”

Sophien nodded before reclining back on her bed. She carelessly discarded the half-eaten ice cream and murmured with a lazy yawn, “But lately... I’m getting tired of eating... And your hand...? What’s with the bandages...?”

Keiron shrugged, rubbing his swollen right hand and replied, “Zeit was in the capital. We had a sparring session.”

“And you lost...?”

“No one on this continent can match Zeit. He’s become an even greater monster than my father ever was.”

Sophien chuckled at Keiron’s words. “So, an Empress’s Knight gets his ass whooped... What a complete idiot... If I actually gave a damn and trained, I’d take that bastard Zeit down myself.”

“Why didn’t you pursue training?”

“I couldn’t be bothered... But tell me, why is Zeit in the capital?”

“He’s visiting to inspect potential wedding venues.”

Sophien pressed her lips together. A wedding venue, most likely for Deculein and Yulie.

“Yes, that’s how it stands.”

So, he’s actually getting married. He claims to fear nothing, but even a lifelong commitment like marriage doesn’t seem to intimidate him.

“That’s how it is,” Sophien muttered, nodding casually, her face giving nothing away, while Keiron discreetly observed her.

Something about her calm, detached manner struck him as oddly amusing.

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