A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 89: Solda Promotion (2)

“Reylie from the Red Garnet Adventure Team,” Sylvia muttered, her voice cold as she clenched her small fists tightly.

“Iliade thrives on anger. Trials that do not kill only make Iliade stronger.”

This must have been the growth Giltheon had spoken of. Sylvia had once believed in the legendary deeds of Reylie and Dozmu, as described in the fairy tales. But now, they would pay for their betrayal. She was certain they would cross paths again during the exam, and she would never forgive what they had done.

“I won’t be fooled again,” Sylvia murmured, admitting to herself her inexperience.

Sylvia realized her naivety but was slowly beginning to grasp the harsh realities of battle. She glanced at the sky and saw that the sun was already setting. Reaching into her pocket, she retrieved a mana stone and created a bat, linking her vision with its own. As the bat flew off, Sylvia observed her surroundings through its eyes.

As Sylvia examined her map, she reflected on why Reylie had required three maps. Then, she recalled the Chairwoman’s remark just before the exam started—mentioning that a thousand examinees were far too many. At that moment, Sylvia finally understood the true significance of those words.

“It’s not a destination,” Sylvia realized.

The map didn’t indicate a destination; it marked a target. If everyone on this map was a target, the objective became clear.

“Targets,” Sylvia murmured, her eyes hardening with resolve.

Meanwhile, along the coast on the outskirts of the Training Island, Dozmu murmured as he strolled by the sea beneath the sky-bound island, “Giltheon is a peculiar man, offering money to those who would torment his own daughter.”

Reylie chuckled. As soon as they registered for the Solda exam, Giltheon had approached them with his unusual request.

“Dozmu, there’s no use in trying to understand mages. It’s pointless.”

“But we’re mages too.”

“We’re the ones who left because we couldn’t tolerate that society~” Reylie said with a shrug. “But I think I understand Giltheon’s intention. Sylvia is still inexperienced. He likely believes it’s better for her to learn from minor setbacks with us rather than face a catastrophic betrayal later on.”

Lions are known to raise their cubs with strict discipline.

Reylie took out a map. She had four in total, including Sylvia’s, and murmured, “Alright~ Now that we have them all...”

As Reylie received the maps from the supervisor, their purpose quickly became clear. The nine circles on each map represented targets, but there was no need to steal all nine. By overlapping just three maps, part of the hidden magic circle would emerge, and with Reylie’s insight, she could infer the entire circle from that fragment.

“Wooh!”

Zooom—

A blue passageway materialized with a faint hum—a Short-Range Portal.

“Finished~”

Reylie and Dozmu exchanged a quick high-five and moved toward the Short-Range Portal. But just as they reached it, Reylie suddenly hesitated.

“Hmm?”

Reylie felt a presence. Robed figures began to rise from the ocean beneath the Training Island, pushing through the underbrush as they moved inland.

"How did they manage to get up here?"

“... Must be the Altar,” Dozmu suggested.

Reylie pressed her lips together and said, "Perhaps. But for now, let\'s leave. This sort of matter falls under the Security Chief’s jurisdiction, doesn’t it?"

“You mean the seventh strongest?”

“Yep, that would be Professor Deculein’s job.” Reylie smirked, and with that, she and Dozmu stepped into the Short-Range Portal.

***

Night had completely fallen. I stared at Sylvia\'s reflection in the glass of the control tower before turning off the screen. A large moon hung in the sky, its pale light casting a soft glow across the room. Using it as my only source of illumination, I reached into my inner pocket and pulled out the Untitled Notebook—a diary filled with Deculein’s memories.

Inside were memories of a past unfamiliar to me—Sylvia and her mother, Giltheon and Deculein, Yukline and Iliade, and even Deculein’s father. As Kim Woo-Jin, I found myself hesitating, unsure if merging these memories with mine would alter who I truly was.

“... How ridiculous,” I murmured.

It was an unnecessary worry. This was just a diary. There wasn’t a single memory in it that my unwavering resolve couldn’t handle.

— Can you hear me?

Just as I was about to open the diary, the crystal orb in my pocket buzzed with Yulie’s voice.

"I hear you."

— Ah, are you well?

Yulie, unfortunately, wasn’t able to enter the Floating Island. She had attended the previous Symposium, the Place of Verification, but strict rules barred her from coming back.

“I’m fine.”

— That’s good to hear. I’m relieved.

Her words were meant to be reassuring, but the concern in her tone was unmistakable.

I chuckled softly and said, “Is my well-being troubling you so much that it’s taking a toll on your health?”

— This is no time to be joking around.

Her response left me feeling somewhat embarrassed.

“... What is it?”

— I’ve been informed that a surge of demonic energy has rendered all airships on the Floating Island inoperable.

The airships, the only means of travel between the Training Island and the Floating Island, were now grounded.

— However, another flying object has been detected on the radar, suggesting an infiltration of the Training Island. We are now in a state of emergency, and I am en route as well.

"You’re on your way? But you just mentioned that the airships aren’t operational."

— There is another way. Please wait a moment; I will be there soon—

Zzzzt—!

The communication through the crystal orb abruptly ended, a clear sign that something serious was unfolding.

“Something’s gone terribly wrong!” Louina exclaimed as she stumbled down the stairs, bursting into the room.

She had opted to stay another night in the control tower. Holding a fountain pen, she was clearly winded.

“This is a catastrophe!”

"The airships, I presume?" I said.

"... You already knew?" Louina’s expression shifted to one of surprise.

"I was just informed."

"Oh dear. We\'re in the midst of a significant project... So why did you ask me to stay?"

It was because of the death variable. While I had managed to avoid it, its very existence suggested a serious danger. Even so, I hadn’t expected Louina to stay without question. She’d been surprisingly cooperative lately.

“... You’re not going to answer me, are you?” Louina said, pouting as she poured herself a cup of coffee. She handed me a sheet of paper filled with intricate spells, likely tied to her current project. “I’m stuck on this part, so if it’s not too much trouble, could you at least give me a hint?”

I said, “My revisions don’t come cheap.”

“If your revisions prove valuable, I’ll give you credit.”

I reviewed the document with Comprehension. The project involved a Remote Barrier—a crucial defense against demonic beasts. It aligned with concepts from a book I had recently studied, Advanced Grimoire: Principles of Barrier.

“It’s a barrier,” I said.

"This is a barrier, but the circuit is highly inefficient. Maintaining it for a day consumes twenty-two pounds of mana stones. No one would use something so impractical."

“Let me take a closer look,” I said, as I used Telekinesis to control the fountain pen she held. I began writing, guided by my intuition and knowledge.

Rustle— Rustle—

As my attribute amplified my thoughts and calculations, I evaluated the project with flawless magical insight, making precise adjustments at critical points. The process cost me around 2,000 mana points, but it was a worthwhile reward for Louina staying behind.

“... Take this.”

“Hmm? You finished so quickly, Boss. Did you just scribble randomly...”

She began reading my revisions with a skeptical look, but as she continued, her eyes widened in realization.

“... Oh, you didn’t. My goodness.”

Louina’s reaction was sincere. Being a genius herself, she understood it right away.

I shrugged and said, “I recently read a book that might benefit your research. I’ll lend it to you when you’re back. For now, you can help me with my work here.”

“With work, you mean security...?” Louina asked, her eyes still focused on my revisions.

“Indeed.”

“But will I be of any help? The Seventh—”

“Don’t refer to me as the Seventh Strongest.”

“... Why not? It’s true,” Louina said, blinking up at me. After a brief sigh, she nodded. “Well... I guess titles like that don’t really matter.”

Her tone carried an unexpected sadness.

“Alright, I’ll assist. You should be careful not to overexert yourself.”

Louina seemed unusually quiet. Without a word, I reactivated the glass window, and the distant sky gave way to the landscape of the exam field.

And then...

A suspicious group came into view on the screen.

***

As the night grew colder, Epherene dug a burrow. She reinforced the walls with supports for stability and covered the entrance with leaves for camouflage. Drawing on memories of playing make-believe survival games in the countryside as a child, she now used magic to replace the simple structures she once built by hand.

“This is incredible~ So corat~ So corat~” Maiho exclaimed, clapping her hands in admiration.

“Corat? What’s that? Are there rats here?” Epherene asked, frowning slightly.

“It’s corat! In Yuren, it means comfortable.”

“... But didn’t you say you were from Leoc?” Epherene asked, her suspicion making Maiho flinch.

Maiho quickly laughed it off and changed the subject, saying, “So, are we spending the night here~?”

Epherene stifled a yawn and said, “I’m feeling a bit tired, but we can’t rest until we understand what these maps mean.”

Setting down her map, she added, “These circles keep moving. It’s really frustrating.”

Bubble, bubble—

The soup’s bubbling sound caught Epherene’s attention, drawing her to where Karixel was cooking nearby. The air was thick with a savory aroma that made Epherene instinctively swallow, her anticipation growing.

Noticing Epherene\'s reaction, Maiho asked, “By the way, Miss Epherene, where are you from~?”

“Me? I’m from the Mage Tower of the Empire.”

“Oh! Then you must know Professor Deculein~?” Maiho exclaimed, clapping her hands again.

Epherene replied casually, “Yes, I’ve attended his classes.”

“Wow! Amazing, amazing! So, would you say Professor Deculein is your mentor?”

“... Mentor? More like my greatest enemy.”

“Sorry?!” Maiho said, her eyes widening in shock. Karixel, who had been stirring the soup, also glanced at Epherene, equally surprised.

Epherene gave a bitter smile, shrugged, and said, “I’m just kidding.”

It wasn’t something she could easily discuss. Epherene held onto her anger, waiting for the day she could finally take her revenge. Lately, though, she had begun to experience brief moments of clarity. The truth was that Deculein and Yukline’s power was so overwhelming that it was becoming harder for her to fuel her resolve with anger alone.

Epherene had clashed with Sylvia and challenged the noble professors, but her defiance only led to reprimands and increasing isolation. Over time, she began to grow numb, gradually accepting the harsh reality of her circumstances. Perhaps this was what it meant to grow up.

Yet, despite everything, her faith in her father remained steadfast, and her resolve to uncover the truth never faltered.

“Here, the soup is ready,” Karixel announced, handing them bowls filled with pumpkin soup made from ingredients gathered on the Training Island and seasoned with spices favored by adventurers.

Epherene and Maiho both dipped their spoons into the soup and tasted it.

“Wow. This is delicious.”

“It truly is~ So delicious, delicious~”

“How did you prepare this? We didn’t even have any water.”

“Consider it a special talent of mine, haha,” Karixel said with a smile as he pulled out an empty cup.

Although the cup was empty, it quickly filled with water, prompting Epherene to gasp in surprise.

Karixel, wearing a modest grin, explained, “It’s a bit complex, but I like to call it the Midas Touch.”

“That’s quite practical. Could you teach me this magic?” Epherene asked.

“It’s not something that can be taught. It’s innate, haha,” Karixel said, scratching the back of his neck bashfully, leaving Epherene with a trace of disappointment.

At that moment...

“Shh,” Karixel whispered, raising a finger to his lips.

While Epherene and Maiho quietly ate their soup, Karixel closed his eyes, directing all his focus to the ground above them.

Rustle— Rustle—

The sound of several footsteps approached, right above their hiding place.

Karixel bit his lip and said, “We have to move. There are enemies directly above us.”

“Huh? Enemies?”

Staying underground would only result in them being cornered. Karixel quickly opened the ceiling, and Epherene and Maiho hurried out. Once above ground, they were met by several figures dressed in black robes. Rather than carrying wands or staff, these figures brandished daggers. Epherene immediately activated the bracelet on her wrist.

“... I apologize. This is likely my fault,” Karixel said, running a hand through his hair.

Epherene glanced at him, puzzled, and asked, “What do you mean, it’s your fault?”

Before Karixel could respond, Maiho shook her head sadly and said, “No, no. It’s my fault... I never should have...”

Epherene frowned, her confusion deepening as the air grew thick with tension, the intruders\' murderous intent sharpening with each passing moment.

Karixel stepped forward and said, “I’ll take care of this.”

A ghostly aura enveloped the assassins, their sharp mana merging with murderous intent, forming a tangible and menacing aura.

“Both of you, please run—”

Before Karixel could finish, the assassins lunged—only to freeze in midair as a voice, cold and sharp, sliced through the tension.

“This is your only warning,” the voice continued, chilling the air around them.

The assassins stumbled, their jump disrupted, forcing them to land unsteadily.

“Unauthorized personnel are prohibited from entering Training Island during the exam.”

The intruders turned in the direction of the voice, their eyes searching the darkness.

"You are hereby banished from the exam area."

Rustle... Rustle...

The man stepped out from the shadows, the leaves rustling softly underfoot as he drew closer.

“If you disregard my warning and take even a single step closer to harm these examinees,” Deculein said.

Wooooosh—

A low hum filled the air as twenty Wood Steel shurikens hovered beside him, each one targeting the assassins.

"I will end your life," Deculein concluded.

The assassins stayed perfectly still, fully grasping the weight of Deculein\'s words. Cold sweat appeared on some of their foreheads. His reputation worked to his advantage today—the seventh strongest on the continent, an opponent acknowledged by Rohakan. These titles resonated in their minds, causing a shiver to run through them.

Even veteran assassins, accustomed to the inevitability of death, hesitated when confronted with a pointless demise. It wasn’t the prospect of dying that gave them pause, but the futility of such an end. They understood they couldn’t hope to match Deculein’s power, especially when they hadn’t even reached Rohakan’s level.

"Let\'s go! Now!" Karixel shouted, taking advantage of the moment to flee with Epherene and Maiho.

As the trio vanished from sight, the assassins had no choice but to flee in the opposite direction. Despite their swift retreat, Deculein wasn’t about to let them go without consequence. A Wood Steel shuriken darted after them, swiftly closing the distance.

***

In a forest far more tranquil than where Epherene was, Sylvia obtained her third map from her assigned target.

“H-here, take it, Miss Sylvia. It’s yours,” the man stammered as he handed it over.

Sylvia added the map to the others, layering the three together. Following Reylie’s method, she deciphered the hidden magic circle and activated a Short-Range Portal.

Zooom—

A blue passageway formed in the air with a faint hum. Sylvia cast a glance at the male mage she had taken the map from. He knelt on the ground, swallowing nervously as he stared at the portal. Sylvia stepped into the portal without a word.

“Arrrgh—!”

Three seconds later, the male mage followed with a scream. The portal wasn’t restricted to a single user, so there had been no need to fight him.

“P-Phew... Phew...” the man gasped, collapsing to the ground, struggling to catch his breath.

Sylvia ignored him and took in her surroundings. The chamber was dimly lit, with long pews lining the dark walls. Around twenty wizards who had passed the exam were scattered throughout the space, some eating while others rested. But Sylvia’s focus remained on two figures, Reylie and Dozmu.

“Oh!”

When Reylie met Sylvia\'s gaze, she flinched but quickly forced a smile as she walked over.

“Ah, M-Miss Sylvia, you made it after all,” Reylie said, her tone exaggeratedly cheerful.

Sylvia remained quiet, her golden eyes burning with a fierce, icy resolve.

Reylie hesitantly extended her hand toward Sylvia and said, “Oh, come on~ Please, don’t look at me like that~ I was certain you’d make it here~”

“Don’t touch me. I’m holding back,” Sylvia warned.

“... Ha... haha... haha... There’s an explanation for all of this...” Reylie stammered, her voice trembling under the pressure of Sylvia’s imposing presence.

Feeling the tension rise, Reylie darted a nervous glance around for Dozmu, only to find he had already disappeared. She silently cursed him for abandoning her at such a critical moment.

“Hmm. Twenty of you are present?” the exam supervisor\'s voice cut in as he appeared.

Reylie promptly turned her focus to the supervisor, as Sylvia clicked her tongue in frustration.

“Few have arrived so far,” Mimic, the supervisor, noted in a youthful voice. “But I’ll provide some advance notice now. Please pay attention. The second test is Mentor and Mentee.”