Stuck as a Villain!

Chapter 179: Reward

The chaos around the city subdued slowly as Seth assured the local police that no harm would be inflicted on the citizens from here on.

Truth be told, after what had happened upon these four's arrival, the local police would have long pushed Seth&co out of the town if not for Seth's status as the son of one of the most prominent figures in Ranghaur.

Anabelle still had the one-eyed Oni in her binds as all of the four, faced the Old man. His face was aged and wrinkled with his eyes barely visibly through his hanging skin and a dusy covered bald possessing some strands of his ash shade hair. His body was leaning slightly forward, supported by a thick staff as the old man stood with a soft smile while facing the four.

"You can release the restraint now, child." Despite the suggestion, Anabelle didn't let go of the shackles since she could believe no one if it was about Seth's safety.

However, the man soon shook his head before he tapped his staff once on the ground.

*SHLINK*

A radiant bright light erupted before Anabelle widened her eyes as her soul energy disconnected with her spell, releasing the monster in the process.

Seth glanced at Anabelle and told her to calm down wordlessly. Anabelle looked uneasy but she didn't insist and nodded in assent.

'He looks the same but his powers and trials are nothing like the canon...' Seth concluded that the Old man, despite being the same as what he anticipated by appearance, possessed more skills and denser soul energy than he should've.

This Old man was strong...to the point, that Seth felt uneasy in his presence. Like a claw of raven was always attached to Seth's back, ready to damage him dearly any moment the Old man felt like it.

Not to talk about the grade of trials this Old man presented to them was basically incomparable to what was written in the novel. Fighting some goons could never be compared to defeating this behemoth currently sitting cross-legged with an amused expression.

"You must be wondering why this trial and why it was so tough. But first of all, I want all of you to know that it would take a lot more than this to defeat my pet and all those creatures awaiting us."

A chill ran down Maya's spine hearing those words before she raised her query, "I am aware that this Oni didn't use its full abilities but what's with 'those creatures'? Are there any more on the level compared to this one?"

Maya wasn't foolish to think they defeated the monster just by that much effort nor did they ever face the direct assault of the monster whatsoever. What the monster only did was to either dodge or escape the target region of the four.

The agility and battle instincts the monster possessed made it evident, how the Oni was merely testing its opponents' skills, nothing more.

However, Maydeath had a hard time digesting the fact that there were more beasts like this one who were above Tier 1.

"Ignorance is such a bliss..." Maydeath narrowed her eyes at the passing comment of the Old man before he properly added, "Something is about to change and so you all four as well. Mayhem is approaching and you four aren't prepared to face it. The brutality of your future would exhaust your lives and nothing could save you from the ultimate demise."

Grave silence ensued amongst the four upon hearing the words. The words could be regarded as anything but assuring.

With his brows frowned Seth spoke up, "Is the Mayhem you talk, is the approaching Emergence?"

Seth wasn't explicit with his words since he couldn't give away the secret of his future knowledge. The Emergence he spoke of was the eruption of high-crowned temples that would begin an age of chaos and slaughter.

The final showdown. A war that would decide everything.

"Hmm...you aren't wrong, but there's something more than that, which I am not worthy to speak about. So let me ask you something before I can decide whether you deserve the treasure piece or not."

Seth knew the Old man was now particularly talking to him. Without any movement, Seth held his ground as he wanted the man to continue.

While Seth got to know something grave about the upcoming events that would change the face of this world, he still was focused on the treasure piece which would help him strengthen his individual self and also pave the way to find Laila.

The Old man remained silent for a bit before he lifted his brows and asked in a stern tone, "In between the paths of a peaceful life with true immortality and a route of struggling mortal world, what would you choose?"

Seth's frown deepened at that...he didn't know why this old man was asking such ridiculous things when his main task was just to hand over the treasure piece after the trial they underwent.

Well, since nothing was transpiring according to what was written in the plot, he didn't bother contemplating things and asked the first thing that struck his mind upon hearing the man's words.

"And which one of these two routes allows me to remain by the side of the people whom I love?"

Anabelle and Maydeath took a glance at Seth with a fleeting fervent look before they trained their eyes back to the Old man.

Arata had a complicated expression and lots of things already swirling in his head but he didn't interrupt them and remained silent.

"Hmm...immortality is a blessing that very few individuals can attain and it takes a lot of sacrifices to become a resident of the heavens."

Seth had no trouble responding to the original question, "Then, I would rather struggle for my whole life rather than become an isolated fool to live an excessively boring life."

There was no debate about it. Well, it was true that Seth wanted to live a life where he didn't need to get stressed because of an uncertain future and the ridiculous dangers this world possesses but truth be told, these extreme dangers are what make his life exciting.

Not to talk about that he has to live behind so many people whom he has promised to keep happy.

The Old man smiled at the response before he muttered under his breath, "Wise decision."

And with a tap of his staff, a blinding light enveloped the Old man and the Oni before both of them disappeared in an instant.

"Wait! That treasure piece?!" Arata yelled since the purpose of all this would be proven futile if they didn't gain the treasure piece

However, while lifting a single white pearl Seth assured the others, "Don't worry...I already have it."

*****

A/N:- Now that I think about it, we are heading toward the final arc. I will develop all the relationship and give proper time for romance from here on.

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