Villain Transmigration: Author Transformation

A loud bang struck the door, opening it as though it went unhinged, and loud thuds echoed through the lobby of the house.

Athan strode without turning on the lights and had the golden rays of light grace the path. After him were Nero and Marianne, wobbling their limbs as they came in.

Few more steps, and they dropped on the floor, sprawling as they were tired and dizzy from the rush flight.

It was almost more than a couple of days that they finally reached Athan's secret abode. Through harsh weathers, they flew adrift as time was of the essence. He paid no mind to their wails as he had to put much effort into the next step.

"Both of you should get up; there's no time to waste now that we've returned."

"...At least be considerate…" Nero answered groggily, his emerald eyes almost went dull as he rested his snout on the ground. 

Marianne anchored her arm on the ground to get up with a low moan that escaped her lips. "I agree—feel like fainting already—" But then the sudden onset of vertigo had her propped against the cold, wood floor.

Meanwhile, Athan kneaded his head not from their reaction, although they couldn't be blamed for it as they pushed themselves to their limits. He jammed his hands into the storage pocket and grabbed a potion—of shimmering light reflected off its glass containing a tangerine liquid that was as bright as the break of dawn.

"Here, both of you should take these."

Nero let out a misty breath as soon as he opened his mouth, and down his throat, the tonic devoured.

However, Marianne's eyes widened after seeing the tonic in her eyes as soon as she caught them. 

"This— it can't be!"

Athan smirked at her reaction, which he somehow looked forward to as it was of a common sight.

Even without Mystique's prior words of knowledge, he already was several steps ahead and continued to work on what he knew; however, this was a newly upgraded—as the future tonic, which he used, was different from what he had developed of the present times. 

Although he had implemented it, he could only hope for the best despite being a prototype.

There was still a lot to work on for his side.

"You think Mystique was the only one who knows about her secret formula?"

"No, but—" She blinked a few times before darting his way. "I don't think she was ever this close to you, even with such 'arrangement' for whatever both of you had—"

He lowered himself, almost at the eye level of Marianne's squatting position. "Believe me when I say we're, by far, is a better place than before." He then beamed at her before taking a deep breath and glanced at the tonic, one last time, that was fogging out of the coldness.

It was somehow a lie and not that he had to make a fuss over it, as long as he could convince to work for him instead of Mystique.

The villainess was somehow suspicious of her actions after knowing that she wasn't the type of person to let it off the hook.

Pulling the cork out of its rim let out a fizzle, a familiar ringing to her ears. The sweet fruity scent lingered and wafted to her nose. 

Her senses perked up, shuddering from its authenticity.

The tonic was the real deal.

It was irresistible that she jugged it until the very last drop. Marianne licked her lips, not wanting to let the savor drink go to waste.

"This is a lot sweeter than Lady Mystique had recently made!" Marianne chimed as she rotated the vial into scrutiny. "Perhaps even better than its—Wow! I could feel the sudden rush of energy filling me up to the brim!" 

She stood upright, taking a look at her surroundings with such marvel. Not that the place was a whole new world to her.

"I could see such details so clearly! I feel so alive as well—Spectacular!" She burped a little, covering her mouth out of embarrassment. "This is a lot better than what I had recently."

Athan tried to hide as much emotion as he bore his approving gaze, but it almost shattered from the latter words she spoke of—it was a good opportunity for him to probe.

"Oh? Through Mystique? How recent?"

On the other hand, Marianne tapped her cheek with a gleeful hum. "I supposed the other day, and she said that it was her latest creation—like a parting gift as you will."

"... I see. Don't worry, that won't be the last time you'd ever get the taste of it." Athan stood tall and proud of what he realized the gist. "For as long as you're able to do your job well, I shall reward you generously."

"Many thanks to Your Highness." She dusted her coat before she then grabbed the hem of it and gave a graceful bow.

"Now, trot along. We have a lot of things to accomplish." He turned around and to the living room; he went with her and his familiar behind him, following closely.

He took a stop on one of the doors along the alley from the basement. Going in was no different, with a bland ceiling and walls in such a small passageway.

But it bore contrast the moment he opened it for Marianne to see: it was a spacious room with chandeliers casting the polished wood flooring and wall-mounted mirrors to a bright glow.

The abode Athan had was a secret place, and it was one of the private spaces he had to seek when things hit hard for a hot moment.

But for now, this would also be Marianne's secret quarters; her skills in portraying such a skillful dance would come into play the moment he would be able to get the weird treasure in the future' Grand Auction' held at one of the biggest auction houses established within the Capital.

'Recently, eh? I gauged how much she knew the future! Considering we were graced to turn back time and have these surreal memories...'

After all, this might also be one of her ruses, downplaying him once more. 

The winter sentinels proved that fact it wasn't mere coincidences but a fair warning of how she advanced in such a short time.

He couldn't hide the deep rage he had known—so much for a word 'recently' to boot.

'You dare underestimate me again. I will be the one to have the last laugh.'