The Villain Wants to Live

“…”

Sophien opened her eyes slowly. Her body was still exhausted, but odd sensations twisted around her mind. It felt like a dream that she had been submerged in for a long time.

“Your Majesty.”

“Hmm…?”

The Emperor raised her eyes to see the knight calling her. Keiron was standing like a stone statue nearby.

“Are you awake?”

“…Yeah. For some reason, I feel like I’ve dreamt for a long time.”

“Is that so?”

“The arrogant Professor?”

“He went back.”

Keiron, answering briefly, thought about Deculein. He had discovered the Emperor’s most important secret, Regression.

“He went back?”

“Yes, he went back saying today’s training was finished.”

The next day, that was, tomorrow’s Deculein left after experiencing Sophien’s Record of Regression in the underground [Devil’s Mirror]. After hearing that, Keiron cut down the devil – the Nescĭus – and regressed to today.

“Are you okay? How is your fatigue?”

But, it was still a secret from Sophien at Deculein’s request. Since it was for Sophien’s sake, Keiron readily accepted.

“It’s a little better… but still the same. Whenever I fall asleep… I dream for a long time. It’s like I’m returning into the past.”

Sophien mumbled as she looked up the ceiling. The thoughts in her dreams brought back memories. But, the vagueness of the scene grew deeper the more she fumbled for them; the reflection lost the more she disturbed the lake’s surface. Her tranquil eyes shifted toward Keiron.

“Keiron.”

“Yes.”

“You…”

She paused a moment, turning the words over on her tongue.

“…are you satisfied with your life?”

The Knight Keiron, selected by the Imperial Family at the young age of ten. He was selected, but when it came to the specifics of his life, there wasn’t much difference from becoming livestock for the Imperial Palace. About 100 young talents were selected from all over the continent. They grew up in the Imperial Palace, practically brainwashed, and were raised only as knights for the Emperor.

“With your appearance and skills, you could have enjoyed a more glamorous life than your current one.”

Keiron’s appearance was outstanding in most aspects, to the point that it summoned love and affection from the maids and the eunuchs alike.

“You know, if you just pretended to be slow-witted, the Imperial Family would have kicked you out already.”

“…”

Keiron listened to Sophien without responding. He needed considerable patience. Her words lacked consideration even by her normal standards, in which the Emperor herself, his entire life’s supreme task, denied herself.

“…Your Majesty. Are you aware of a pollack’s eyeballs? I, Keiron, have always thought that Your Majesty’s eyes are like those of that dead fish.”

“Should I pluck out your eyeballs myself?”

“But, Your Majesty once told me ‘I won’t resent you even if I die.’”

Keiron could comprehend what she said between the lines. That was an ability he developed while in service to Sophien, who was picky and sensitive. Sophien’s lips twisted.

“Hmph. I just said it to fire up your will.”

“I know that’s not true.”

At first, glance, what Sophien said appeared normal, but when associated with her miraculous life, it transformed into a more definite meaning.

“One day, I will fail to guard Your Majesty. And it probably won’t be just once.”

“…”

“Your Majesty, I wish to become a consistent knight. I wish to believe in myself. Not as myself in the past, which no longer exists, nor in the uncertain future. I pledge as a knight to you now.”

Sophien’s expression remained unchanged.

“Even if Her Majesty’s time changes, I will always be constant. Just like a metronome.”

The Emperor’s knight hoped that his master’s idleness would soon fade away. He didn’t want to see her suffocate just because she couldn’t be bothered to breathe.

“This incompetent knight wants to die before his master.”

“…Hmph. You’re a fool. It’s not part of your job to die before me.”

Sophien stood as she laughed at him. She walked, haltingly, through the corridors of the Imperial Palace with Keiron in step behind her. Soon, they reached the great hall of the Imperial Palace, where statues of knights stood in rows to either side.

“Your Majesty, where are you going?”

“I’d rather listen to Deculein’s lecture.”

“There’s still two days until the lecture. Do you intend to go directly to him?”

“You think I’d do that?”

Sophien suddenly stopped and looked back at Keiron.

“I’m looking for a cat. I use the red one when going out, and if I can’t find him, he’s usually milling about here by the knight statues.”

As soon as she said so-

Meow—!

A red-furred cat purred, perched on the shoulder of a statue. The little guy jumped up to sit on Keiron’s head.

Meow—!

Keiron spoke as if to answer his cry.

“Cats instinctively look for the safest place.”

“And that’s your head.”

“…”

*****

In the separate building of the Yukline mansion, late at night. Or dawn, perhaps. No, maybe early morning.

Scratch- scratch-

I was writing a lecture. In a trance, the flow of time was no concern of mine.

Scratch- scratch-

The traces of the fountain pen were recorded on the walls and in the air endlessly, marking figures made of odd combinations of lines. Geometric shapes and techniques spread infinitely from the center to the outer edges.

I moved my pen using [Psychokinesis].

[Pure Use of Soil and Fire: Manipulation]

Scribing lectures that were used only once every other week and only four times in a semester. But, I would continue until its completeness reached at least the level of the milestone grade.

Scratch- scratch-

The milestone was an honor given only to the discovery of the century or knowledge evaluated as such by the Floating Island. I didn’t know if just one lecture could be recognized as a milestone, but it was worth the attempt. This could also be considered a quest achievement.

Scratch- scratch-

Of course, this world’s thousand-year-long magical history couldn’t be led by me, who is only a year old. So, I prepared something else.

“…It is possible.”

The [Characteristic]’s magic circle. In other words, a magic technique interpreted with my [Understanding]. Namely, after magically observing the [Characteristic] as a whole and combining it with existing magic techniques to transform them into new magic. Therefore, I was fusing the attributes of [Iron Man] into magic right now.

Because of that, the nature of magic that would result from this would never be growing tired. A magical fire created by this theory would never extinguish, and soil would never lose its quality.

Dudududu…

However, the scribing process was agonizing. As if extracting my very bone marrow to use as ink, it felt like I was tearing off a part of [Iron Man] from my body.

Whiiiiing—

My eardrums were ringing, and my eyes were shaking, but there was no time to stop.

“…”

Thanks to Epherene, who came from the future, I realized one truth. These days, the devil and the Altar were sticking to Emperor Sophien, so the main quest was in full swing. I couldn’t stop them by growing stronger myself.

“…Now.”

So, I would utilize [Understanding] like I am now. I would devote myself to teaching this [Characteristic]. Deculein held certain limitations to Deculein, but great talents that could be cultivated were scattered through the continent. There were many Named that would grow with just one word of proper advice.

Although I was born with a villain’s fate and couldn’t stand directly as the main character, I could become their dark helper…

Snap—!

My fountain pen broke, but I didn’t need another.

“…”

I took a step back without saying a word. It wasn’t enough, so I took two steps back. It still wasn’t enough. So, three steps, four steps, five steps…

“…That’s it.”

An outcome that was visible only when you stood at the center of the annex. My magic circle filled the entirety of the space. The records originating on the large blackboard then scrawling out onto the inner walls of the building weren’t enough, so they spread into the air and embroidered the sky like celestial bodies. In the center of it, I closed my eyes and exhaled.

“…”

My theory was alive and moving. My magic claimed its worth. Even if the overflow were weak, it felt like a step closer to the truth of the world.

…It felt strange. I opened my eyes, ignoring my disorientation. My mana was almost entirely exhausted, but the lecture that I had prepared since submitting the plan to the Floating Island was completed in almost a month.

“Is this the difference between the rough draft and the final version?”

It was difficult to convey a theory that only I knew to others. Therefore, the effort and mana that I devoted to it were a dozen times that of the rough draft.

“…It’s too big.”

Suddenly, a smile tugged at the corner of my lips. The technique covered the annex endlessly, its enormous size making it hard to put it in my head, but anyway. An instructor’s lot was to convey lessons. The rest of the understanding was up to the students. If someone had the talent to not understand all of this even a little… they would be disposed of. It meant they wouldn’t be among those who could help me with the quest.

“The rest is…”

I saw the condition of Memorize using [Vision].

◆Memorize Status

: Beginner – Intermediate Psychokinesis (79%)

┏ Beginner – Intermediate Fire Control (53%)

┣ Beginner – Intermediate Earth Control (48%)

┗ Metal Enhancement (89%)

It was still fucking Beginner – Intermediate level. How difficult was the intermediate level to reach? The Memorize of [Psychokinesis] was unbelievably slow.

Knock, knock—

A voice that let me know it was morning came with the knock.

—It’s your morning coffee.

It was Julie. I glanced silently toward the door.

“Hmm…”

A good training method came to mind.

—Professor, I have your coffee.

Knock, knock-

My remaining mana was about [300]. But, since very little mana was consumed in [Psychokinesis], this much was enough. I opened the door.

*

Clang, clang, clang, clang—

Violent, clashing sounds and rising embers. The sword moved and bounced off the wood steel. They dug into the gaps the swordsman revealed, but their fluid swordsmanship wouldn’t allow any hit to connect. The wood steel bent around what it touched, then lost track of its goal and fell away. It couldn’t even scratch her.

Clang, clang—

Julie was still in good shape even without using much mana, so she made an excellent real-life opponent. There was no need to adjust the power of [Psychokinesis] as my magic still wasn’t enough to quash Julie.

Clang—!

A final, sharp sound of steel ringing out. Another piece of wooden steel was cut in two, and I broke off the sparring when exactly one was left. The skill level of [Psychokinesis] rose exactly by 1%.

“Julie.”

“Yes.”

“Your skill is good.”

Julie smiled and retracted her sword.

“It’s not long before winter. Winter is the season of the Freydens.”

“It’s still September.”

“…Professor has also gotten stronger.”

“Yeah. I don’t need an escort anymore.”

Julie paused but soon nodded.

“…Is that so? Oh.”

Then, she produced an envelope.

“A package from the adventurer’s guild came for the Professor.”

I took the letter. As soon as I opened the envelope, I saw its contents were brief.

[It’s Arlos. The Altar has the body. I didn’t make it.]

As soon as I read that one line, the letter caught aflame and burned.

Shwaaaa—!

“What is it?”

“You don’t need to know.”

[God’s Soul] existed. Those on the Altar were seeking the resurrection of God with their souls. Since it was an inevitable [Main Quest], their progress wouldn’t stop by itself, but it was still too early. If this continued at this rate, there was only half a year left. To delay the speed of their quest as much as possible, the pursuit of Nescĭus was the top priority.

“Is that so?”

“…I’ll let you know later.“

“It’s okay if it’s a personal matter.”

Fortunately, Nescĭus, typically a small devil, wasn’t strong, so a Named with a sufficient level could easily deal with it. However, because of its characteristic that allowed it to fly and change forms…

It was then.

“Knock, knock~!”

We looked back in the direction of the newcomer at the same time.

“Hello, Professor~. Hi, Julie~?”

It was Josephine.

“…”

I gently glanced at her. Josephine was a human who could spread shadows wherever there was darkness. All of those shadows were Josephine, so Nescĭus’s appearance would remain consistent with them. In addition, the demon’s defense mechanism was to take an appalling form to the one witnessing them, but she held no fear. She was a stranger sociopath than a devil.

In summary, she was a Named that acted as Nescĭus’s natural enemy.

“Oh my~, what’s with that look?”

Josephine smiled brightly as Julie bit her lip.

“Julie, move away for a little bit.”

“…Yes.”

Julie stepped back without argument. As soon as Julie moved far enough away, I approached Josephine. But even before I could reach her, she whispered in my ear as she approached.

—Deculein. You killed Veron.

At the same time, a wind blew past us.

Whiiiiing…

Josephine’s hair tickled the side of my neck, chilly energy creeping down my spine. I glared at Josephine, but she only smiled as she continued to speak.

—You haven’t forgotten who Veron is, right? The knight that my sister adores.

***

“…!”

Epherene hurriedly opened her eyes. It was already morning, and she was sitting at the desk in the assistant laboratory.

“…?”

She vacantly tilted her head, then looked around, blinking.

“Was it a dream?”

It was strange. Very odd. Bizarre. Obviously, after being chased by a ghost all day… she opened her eyes for a moment… and she was now at a desk?

“…Did I dream it?”

Epherene mumbled and looked at the clock. Wednesday, 11:55 in the morning.

“Huh?!”

Her body leaped up like a spring. Today was the day of Deculein’s lecture. She would be dead if she were late!

“Hoo, hoo.”

Epherene quickly grabbed her bag and left. Deculein’s advanced-class lecture was on the special 80th floor of the tower.

Ding—!

“Please wait! I’m getting in!”

Epherene, who managed to get on the elevator, checked her appearance with a mirror.

“Because it’s an advanced-class lecture….”

She fiddled with her swollen face and smirked. If the lecture’s content were proven to be nothing special, it would go down from advanced-class to intermediate, no longer to be taught on the 80th floor. She heard that it was very difficult to maintain the advanced-class status even on the Floating Island. Epherene was curious how long Professor Deculein would maintain the status.

Ding—!

She arrived on the 80th floor but was surprised when she carelessly stepped out. The landscape that greeted her was the stadium on the special floor of the tower. An endless ceiling stretched above her.

“Wow…”

There were also many people already waiting inside. Among them, it appeared only herself and Drent were Solda-ranked, plus a senior named Leol. The others included Prince Kreto, a cat, an Imperial wizard, Addict Astal, Professor Louina, Relin, and even Rosario, who returned to school for a while specifically for this class. Numerous famous people were casually sitting around the classroom.

“Epherene, here.”

Drent hesitantly raised his hand. He was overwhelmed being surrounded by this much authority. Epherene sat down next to him, wearing her hooded robe.

“Solda Epherene, nice to meet you.”

“Yes, Professor…”

It was about midday; she could tell without having to look at a clock. And, exactly at noon, Deculein arrived on the 80th floor.

Step— step—

He appeared without a second of error, walking forward with his regular stride.

Step— step—

He wasn’t intimidated in the slightest by the high-ranking wizards. Rather, he was more imposing than anyone else there in his flawless suit. A moment later, standing at the lecture desk, he spoke like he was talking to regular students.

“Nice to see you.”

Epherene swallowed. The atmosphere around her suddenly changed at that moment.

“First of all, I will give you the prior notice about the lecture. This is the tower and my lecture, so all of you are my students. Please be aware of that.”

It meant that he would use informal language.

“Also, the class is four hours once every two weeks, but I can end the class early at any time.”

Deculein intended to end the class and run off as soon as he received any messages from Keiron.

“Do you have any complaints so far?”

“I do.”

“Me, too.”

A total of 4 people raised their hands as if they had been waiting. They were the Etheric Rose Rio, Addict Astal, Epherene’s senior Leol, and Prince Kreto. Rose Rio spoke first.

“It doesn’t matter if you speak informally, but isn’t it too much to cut off the class in the middle~?”

Astal, the most famous scholar and magic journalist on Floating Island, agreed with her.

“That’s right. We were sent by the Floating Island, so we must assess the class correctly.”

Epherene took a deep breath as soon as she saw him. She thought he was just an old man given Addict Astal’s status and reputation, but he was a handsome young man.

“However, it is difficult to assess if the class is cut off partway. Please reconsider that.”

Epherene was surprised again. So everything else was fine, but he didn’t want the class to stop in the middle. As expected, he had a great desire to learn.

“Then.”

Deculein nodded. As if he understood everything, he gestured lightly.

“Get out.”

Gulp—

The door opened as their four chairs began to move. They were escorted out by

[Psychokinesis].

“If you’re not satisfied, you can leave through that door.”

“…”

“…”

“You won’t leave?”

None of the four said anything further. Their faces were full of complaints, but they lowered their hands. Deculein nodded with a laugh.

“Good. If there are no complaints, I’ll say a few things before we start the lecture.”

He placed his briefcase down on the lecture table. Then, he put on his glasses.

“First of all, the title of the lecture is [The Pure Use of Soil and Fire: Control Series].”

Some of the students took out their magic notebooks, while others just crossed their arms as if they were confident they could memorize everything. Deculein slowly continued talking.

“During the first three classes, I will teach you the meaning of Pure Use.”

Pure Use… Epherene wasn’t the only one confused about its meaning.

“What is Pure Use? How is it different from regular use? You may or may not be wondering that.”

Epherene glanced around.

“But I’m not your nanny. If you can’t follow, give up.”

Then, they thought, what do you mean not a nanny? What do you mean to give up if we can’t follow along?

Here, there weren’t only students from the tower but also Imperial wizards and addicts from the Floating Island, so wasn’t he being too arrogant?

“Then, let’s start now.”

Click—!

Deculein flicked his fingers.