A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 110: The Record of Regressions (2)

Sophien slowly opened her eyes. Her body remained heavy with fatigue, but an unusual sensation clung to her thoughts, as if she had been dreaming of something from the distant past... something that seemed to have lasted for a long time.

“Your Majesty.”

“Hmm...?” the Empress murmured as she lifted her gaze to see the knight who had called her.

“You’re awake,” said Keiron, who had been standing like a statue.

“... Yes. It feels as if I’ve just awoken from a long dream.”

“Is that so?”

“Where is that arrogant professor?”

“He has returned, Your Majesty,” Keiron replied briefly, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Deculein. The Empress’s most guarded secret—her regression—was now known to him.

“Returned?”

“Yes. He departed once the lesson was over.”

Deculein from the next day—or rather, tomorrow—had revealed that Sophien’s history of regressions was stored within the underground Demon’s Mirror. After learning this, Keiron had slain the demon, Néscĭus, and regressed to the present day.

“Are you feeling less fatigued, Your Majesty?” Keiron inquired.

For now, the secret remained with Sophien. Deculein had requested this for Sophien’s sake, and Keiron had agreed.

“It’s somewhat better... but it lingers. Each time I sleep, it feels as though I’m returning to the past... as if I’m dreaming of days long gone,” Sophien murmured, gazing up at the ceiling, lost in thought as she tried to recall the memories from her dream.

But the more she tried to grasp the faint images, the deeper they sank, like a small stone sinking into a lake. Eventually, her calm eyes shifted to Keiron.

“Keiron.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Are you... content with your life?” Sophien asked, as if reflecting on the sudden, strange feeling that had surfaced within her.

Keiron had been selected by the imperial family at the tender age of ten. Though labeled as a selection, his life in the Imperial Palace had been scarcely different from that of livestock. Over a hundred young talents were handpicked from across the continent. They were raised—or rather, indoctrinated—within the palace, trained solely to serve the imperial family as knights.

“With your looks and skills, you could have led a far more illustrious life than the hollow honor you possess now.”

Despite the slightly odd center parting of his hair, Keiron’s appearance had always been striking. Even the palace maids and eunuchs had admired him.

“If you had just pretended to be a little less competent, the royal family would have dismissed you on their own,” Sophien concluded.

Keiron listened quietly to Sophien’s words. It had taken considerable patience. The Empress, who was the purpose of his life and his ultimate duty, had spoken more carelessly than usual, belittling herself in a way he wasn’t accustomed to.

“... Your Majesty, there’s an expression—dead fish eyes. I’ve always thought your eyes resembled those of a decaying fish,” Keiron said.

“Should I pluck out your eyes myself?” Sophien replied.

“But you once told me that even if Your Majesty were to die, you would not hold me responsible.”

Keiron had developed the ability to read between the lines—a skill he had honed from years of serving the exacting and sensitive Sophien.

Sophien curled her lips and replied, “Hmph. I only said that to keep you motivated.”

“I know that wasn’t your true intention, Your Majesty.”

On the surface, her words had seemed ordinary, but when linked to her miraculous life, they had taken on a deeper meaning.

“At some point, I must have failed in my duty to protect you, Your Majesty. And it has likely occurred more than once.”

Sophien gave no response.

“Your Majesty, I strive to remain a steadfast knight. I want my very existence to reflect my convictions. Whether in a past that never was or a future that is uncertain, I will pledge my loyalty as a knight.”

Once again, Sophien had remained expressionless.

“No matter how Your Majesty’s time may change, I will remain constant, like a metronome.”

The Empress’s knight had hoped for an end to her lethargy, not wanting to witness the sight of her struggling to breathe simply because it took too much effort.

“A worthless knight like me should die before you, Your Majesty,” Keiron concluded, his voice heavy with resolve.

“... Hmph. You’re such a fool. Dying before me is not your duty,” Sophien scoffed, rising from her seat with a feigned sneer.

She walked unsteadily down the palace corridor, her fatigue evident. Keiron followed close behind. They soon reached the hall, where rows of knight statues stood in silent formation.

“Your Majesty, where are you headed?”

“I’m going to attend Deculein’s lecture.”

“The lecture is still two days away. Do you intend to go in person?”

“Do you really think I’d do that?” Sophien retorted, stopping abruptly and turning to Keiron. “I’m looking for the cat. That red one is my host body to possess for leaving the palace, but when it goes missing, it’s often perched on one of these knight statues.”

“Meow—!”

As if on cue, a red-furred cat meowed from the shoulder of one of the statues. It then leaped gracefully onto Keiron’s head.

“Meow—!”

In response to the cat’s call, Keiron remarked, “Cats instinctively seek out the safest place.”

“And that would be your big dumb head,” Sophien responded.

***

The annex of the Yukline mansion lay quiet in the late hours of the night, or perhaps it was already early morning.

Rustle— rustle—

I was writing a lecture, completely absorbed, until time itself seemed to fade away.

Rustle— rustle—

The lines traced by my pen formed intricate, complex shapes that covered the walls and filled the air. Geometric patterns and spell formations spread outward from the center, expanding endlessly. I guided the pen with Telekinesis.

This lecture on the Pure Utilization of Earth and Fire: Manipulation Category was scheduled biweekly, only four sessions per semester. However, I aimed to achieve a level of completeness that would qualify it for a Milestone grade.

Rustle— rustle—

A Milestone was exactly what it sounded like—a prestigious marker awarded by Floating Island scholars to only the most significant discoveries or knowledge of the century. Whether this lecture would earn such recognition to be a milestone was uncertain, but it was worth the effort. Achieving it would also count as a quest milestone.

Rustle— rustle—

Of course, the thousand-year history of magic in this world wasn’t something I could easily overcome, especially being only a year into my study. Yet, I had prepared for this.

"... It should be more than feasible."

I had begun to imbue my attributes with magic. In essence, I was converting my Comprehension into magical spells. By viewing either the entirety or a portion of my attribute through a magical lens and merging it with existing spells, I was creating something entirely new.

At that moment, I infused the attribute of Iron Man into the magic, endowing it with the quality of endurance. The flames conjured by my theory would not extinguish, and the earth would remain steadfast. This was, in every sense, the purest application of earth and fire.

Creeeak...

However, the process of creation had been excruciating. It felt as if I were extracting marrow from my bones, tearing away pieces of the Iron Man attribute from within my body.

Whirrrr—

A ringing had echoed in my ears, and my head throbbed, but I had no time to complain. Thanks to Epherene, who had come from the future, I had come to a crucial realization. With demons and the Altar closing in on Empress Sophien and the main quest starting in earnest, I knew that simply growing stronger on my own wouldn’t be enough to stop them.

"... Now."

That was why I had decided to use my Comprehension in this way—I would dedicate it to teaching.

Though Deculein had his limitations, there were many virtuous talents across the continent that I could nurture. A single word of advice from me could spur significant growth in many named figures. While they were bound by the fate of a villain, they could still become powerful dark allies...

Snap—!

At that moment, my pen snapped. I didn’t need another. I quietly stepped back, but it wasn’t enough. I took another step, then another, continuing until I had retreated five steps.

"... It’s complete."

Standing at the precise center of the annex, I finally beheld the outcome. My magic circle spanned the entire room, radiating from the large chalkboard, climbing the walls, and extending into the air like constellations against the night sky.

In the midst of it all, I closed my eyes and exhaled. My theory had come to life, moving of its own accord. My magic was asserting its worth. It was a faint yet fulfilling sensation, as if I had taken one small step closer to uncovering the truth of the world.

... It was an odd sensation.

I opened my eyes, feeling a wave of dizziness. My mana was nearly exhausted, but I had finally completed the lecture I’d been preparing since submitting the proposal to the Floating Island nearly a month ago.

"This must be the gap between a draft and the final copy.”

Conveying a theory that only I understood to others was challenging. This was why the effort and mana I invested were tenfold what had gone into the draft.

"... It is rather immense," I said, allowing a faint laugh to escape as I observed the spell.

The spells had expanded to cover the entire annex. The sheer magnitude of it was almost too much to grasp, even in my mind, but that didn’t concern me. As the lecturer, my duty was to convey the lesson; it was up to the students to understand it. If they failed to grasp even a portion of it, I would show no mercy. It would simply prove they weren’t fit for the quest.

"Now, the final step is..." I declared, as I activated Sharp Eyesight to assess the status of Memorize.

◆ Memorize Status:

Beginner/Intermediate Telekinesis (79%)

┏Beginner/Intermediate Fire Control (53%)

┣Beginner/Intermediate Fluid Manipulation (48%)

┗Metal Enhancement (89%)

I was still trapped at that frustrating beginner/intermediate level. Reaching the next stage had turned out to be far more difficult than I had anticipated. The process of Telekinesis Memorize crawled along with agonizing slowness.

Knock, knock—

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts, accompanied by a voice announcing the arrival of morning.

"Your morning coffee is ready," Yulie said.

I stood there, staring at the door in silence.

"... Hmm."

Suddenly, a promising training method occurred to me.

"Professor, your coffee is ready," Yulie called, knocking softly on the door once more.

With only 300 mana left, I knew it would suffice since Telekinesis required very little. I opened the door.

***

Clang-clang-clang-clang—

The clashing sounds echoed as sparks flew. Her sword moved swiftly, deflecting the Wood Steel with precision. Each strike sought an opening, but her fluid swordsmanship allowed no approach. The blade danced through the air, slicing as gracefully as falling petals.

The Wood Steel bent under the impact, losing their trajectory as they dropped. Not a single one of the twenty blades managed to leave a scratch on her.

Clang, clang—!

Yulie proved to be a formidable sparring partner, provided she didn’t overuse her mana. I didn’t need to hold back my Telekinesis since my magic wasn’t yet refined enough to overpower her.

Clang—!

Finally, with a sharp metallic ring, the last piece of Wood Steel snapped in two. I ended the session just as my mana dwindled to a single point. My progress in Telekinesis had advanced by exactly one percent.

“Yulie,” I called.

“Yes?”

“You show impressive skill.”

Yulie smiled as she sheathed her sword and said, “Winter is near, Professor. It’s the season of Freyden.”

“It’s only September.”

"... You’ve grown stronger too, Professor."

"Indeed. I no longer require protection."

Yulie paused briefly before nodding. “... I see. By the way, Professor.”

She had reached into her coat and pulled out an envelope.

"A letter from an adventurer has arrived for you."

I accepted the letter and tore it open. The message within had been brief.

It’s Arlos. The Altar obtained a body, but it wasn't my creation.

As soon as I finished reading the line, the paper ignited and was consumed by flames.

Yulie asked, "What did it say?"

“It’s not something you need to concern yourself with.”

The Soul of God was real, and the Altar intended to use it for resurrection. This was an unavoidable Main Quest that couldn’t be halted, but the timing was far too early. At this rate, we had perhaps six months. To delay the quest as much as possible, killing Néscĭus became the top priority.

“I see.”

“... I will explain more later,” I stated.

"If it’s personal, there’s no need to share."

Fortunately, Néscĭus, a little demon, wasn’t particularly powerful and could be dealt with by any well-trained named character. However, its ability to fly and take on different forms depending on the observer made it a challenging opponent.

Just then...

"Knock, knock," a voice called out, mimicking the sound of knocking.

We both turned toward the source of the sound.

“Hello, Professor~ Hi, Yulie~” Josephine greeted us with a cheerful tone, her voice light and playful.

I stared at her face. Josephine had the ability to extend her shadow into every dark corner of the world, each shadow a part of her singular existence. For her, Néscĭus’s form always remained the same.

Moreover, Néscĭus’s defense mechanism involved adopting the form of a person’s greatest fear, but fear was an emotion Josephine simply didn’t possess. A sociopath more terrifying than the demon itself, she was practically Néscĭus’s worst enemy.

Josephine smiled sweetly and said, "Oh my, why are you staring at me like that?"

Yulie pressed her lips together tightly.

I turned to Yulie and said, "Yulie, step outside for a moment."

"... Yes," Yulie responded, quietly stepping back without another word.

As soon as Yulie had moved far enough away, I stepped toward Josephine.

Before I could reach her, Josephine stepped closer and whispered in my ear, “Deculein, you killed Veron.”

Whoooosh...

A gust of wind swept through the room as she delivered those final words. Her hair grazed my neck, sending a chill down my spine. I narrowed my eyes on Josephine.

With a faint smile, she continued, "You haven’t forgotten who Veron was, have you? The knight my sister looked after the most."

***

Epherene abruptly awoke, her eyes snapping open. Morning had already arrived, and she found herself seated at the desk in the assistant’s research lab. Blinking in confusion, she glanced around, her mind still clouded with lingering drowsiness.

“Was it a dream?”

It felt strange—peculiar and odd.

All day long, I was being chased by ghosts... but then I opened my eyes for a moment, and now I'm at my desk?

"... Was I dreaming?" Epherene muttered as she glanced at the clock. It was Wednesday, just five minutes before noon. “Oh?!”

She sprang up as if triggered by a spring. Today was the day of Deculein’s lecture, and being late would bring severe consequences. Epherene hurriedly slung her bag over her shoulder and rushed out of the lab. Deculein’s advanced lecture took place on the 80th floor of the Mage Tower, a restricted level.

Ding─!

“Please wait! Hold the door! I’m coming too!” Epherene called out, managing to catch the elevator just in time. Inside, she promptly examined her reflection in the mirror.

“An advanced lecture... though if the content doesn’t measure up, it might get downgraded to intermediate...” Epherene chuckled as she touched her puffy face.

If the lecture were deemed unsatisfactory, it would be demoted from advanced to intermediate, and Deculein would lose his position on the 80th floor. Maintaining an advanced rating was said to be quite difficult, even on Floating Island. Epherene wondered how long Professor Deculein could manage to hold onto it.

Ding─!

The elevator arrived at the 80th floor. As Epherene stepped out, she found herself taken aback. The special floor of the Mage Tower resembled a vast stadium. The space was immense, with a ceiling that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky.

“Wow...”

The place was packed with people. Among them, the only ones in their Solda rank were Drent and a senior named Reol.

The rest included notable figures like Grand Prince Kreto, a cat, mages from the Imperial Palace, the addict Astal, Professor Louina, Relin, and even Ethereal mage Rogerio, who had temporarily returned to the university just for this lecture. The lecture hall was filled with renowned individuals, all seated in their chairs.

"Epherene, o-over here," Drent called out hesitantly, his voice reflecting how overwhelmed he was by the crowd. Epherene pulled her robe’s hood low over her face and took a seat.

Seated right next to her, Professor Louina greeted her, “It’s good to see you, Solda Epherene.”

“Yes, yes, Professor...”

Then, noon arrived. She didn’t need to look at the clock to confirm it. The moment Deculein set foot on the 80th floor, it was exactly noon.

Thud— thud—

He arrived with flawless timing, striding forward with a deliberate pace.

Thud— thud—

Despite the presence of high-ranking mages, he exuded more authority and confidence than anyone else. He was impeccable in his formal suit.

Finally, standing at the podium, he addressed them with the same composure he would show to ordinary students, saying, "Greetings."

Epherene swallowed hard as the atmosphere in the room suddenly grew tense.

“To begin, I have a few announcements regarding this lecture. This is the Mage Tower, and this is my class. As such, you are all students here. Remember that.”

This indicated that he spoke to them with authority, regardless of their rank.

"Furthermore, this lecture will be held every two weeks for a period of four hours, though I reserve the right to conclude it early as I see fit."

Deculein was ready to end the lecture early if he received a message from Keiron through the Message Paper he carried.

"Are there any objections?"

“Yes.”

“I do as well.”

Four students raised their hands, as if they had been anticipating this moment. Among them were the Ethereal mage Rogerio, the addict Astal, Epherene’s senior Reol, and Grand Prince Kreto.

Rogerio was the first to speak, adding, "I don’t mind ya bossin' us around, but ain't it kinda over the top ta say the lecture might just get cut short~?"

Astal, the distinguished scholar and renowned magic journalist from Floating Island, supported her, saying, "I agree. Those of us dispatched from Floating Island bear the responsibility of thoroughly evaluating this lecture."

Epherene’s eyes widened in surprise when she saw Astal. With his reputation, she had expected an elderly man, yet he was a strikingly handsome young man.

Astal continued, "However, if the lecture were to be cut off midway, it would be difficult to provide a proper assessment. We respectfully request that you reconsider."

Epherene was impressed by their unwavering commitment to learning. They accepted everything else without protest, but the thought of the lecture being interrupted was something they simply couldn’t tolerate.

"Very well," Deculein said, nodding as if he understood their concerns. With a graceful gesture, he responded, "Then leave."

The door swung open with a bang. The chairs of the four students who had raised their hands slid toward the exit, guided by Telekinesis.

"Should you have any complaints, you are free to leave through that door. ... Will you not leave?"

None of them spoke. Though their faces showed clear displeasure, they gradually lowered their hands. Deculein nodded with a smirk, as if finding their reaction amusing.

“Very well. If there are no further objections, I’ll begin with a few comments before the lecture,” Deculein stated as he placed his briefcase on the lectern and adjusted his glasses. “First, the lecture is titled The Pure Utilization of Earth and Fire: Manipulation Category.”

Some students pulled out their magic notebooks, while others simply crossed their arms, trusting their memory.

Deculein spoke deliberately, stating, “In the first three lectures, I will instruct you on the concept of pure utilization.”

Hearing the term pure utilization for the first time, Epherene couldn’t help but wonder what it actually meant.

Utilization means using something. So, what on earth is pure utilization supposed to be about? Epherne thought.

"Throughout these lectures, some of you will come to understand the essence of pure utilization and how it differs from ordinary practice, though others may fail to do so."

Epherene cautiously surveyed her surroundings, taking in the scene around her.

“I’m not here to guide you every step of the way. If you find yourselves unable to keep up, you’re free to leave.”

With that, he made his stance clear—he wasn’t there to hold anyone's hand. The participants included mages from the Imperial Palace and addicts from Floating Island, but he paid them no mind. Arrogance never bothered him; he embraced it.

Snap—!

“Let us begin,” Deculein commanded, snapping his fingers.