A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 40: Emperor (1)

The Floating Island of Mages is a community that floats 1,500 meters above the ground, made entirely of magic and magitech. Known for its pioneering research, there's a saying that "All magic on earth passes through the Floating Island." However, it's an independent district where the extreme individualism of mages is most evident.

With few exceptions, only mages can enter the Floating Island. Even then, those below the rank of Monarch must pay a hefty entrance fee of 1,000 elne. Most visitors to the island gather around the central core, known as Megiseon.

Simply put, Megiseon is an ark containing a vast amount of magic and knowledge, enough to rebuild the continent in a century if it were destroyed. The creators of the Floating Island have a fanatical tendency to document and collect all magic, and Megiseon is the most positive manifestation of this trait.

One of the greatest honors for mages is having a spell named after them inscribed in the uppermost echelon of Megiseon. Currently, an auction is underway in the VIP Academic Auction Room on the ground level of Megiseon.

“We will restart the auction at 36,000 elne, as 1,205 people have already bid 35,000 elne.”

Since this is an auction on the Floating Island, the items up for sale aren't treasures but documents. Specifically, they are the midterm exam questions on Understanding Pure Element Magic, questions 1 through 8, from the Mage Tower of the Empire.

"... We will resume the auction at 37,000 elne."

A total of 10,000 mages, including remote participants, are involved in this auction. However, auctions among mages are extremely quiet. There is no chatter or shouting, only the faint sound of pens writing.

“Alright. With exactly 1,000 bidders at 40,000 elne, the final bid is 40,000 elne.”

The Pure Element exam questions crafted by Deculein drew significant interest from the mages on the Floating Island. Their quality, difficulty, and the promised artistic reward for solving all eight questions made them highly desirable. This type of item wouldn't sell anywhere else but on the Floating Island.

"The 1,000 winning bidders will receive their exam papers after providing a blood sample."

The blood sample ensures that only the buyer can access the exam papers, providing basic but strict security. This fundamental system of magical rights is rigorously enforced within the mage community, even in the illegal magic den known as the Ashes.

The protection period varies from one month to fifteen years, depending on the grade of the magic. Naturally, higher-level magic and records have longer protection periods. Deculein's exam received a high rating and was given a protection period of three years, which is exceptionally long for a university midterm exam.

"The auction is now officially closed."

The auction concluded quietly. Kreto, second in line for the throne, stayed until the end. He stood up, satisfied, to review the list of successful bidders.

“Ah, I see some familiar names of Addicts. Is this that popular?” Kreto asked his knight, Fassbender. As an imperial escort knight, Fassbender could enter the Floating Island despite not being a mage.

“Yes, it seems so. There were also remarks from Madam Adrienne...”

The Chairwoman of the Ethereal-rank praised the final question, highlighting Deculein's reputation as a Genius of Spell Interpretation. The fact that the eighth question was considered a work of art only added to its appeal.

"Additionally, Addict Rohas, who reviewed it in advance, offered high praise for the exam's potential value."

Addicts are individuals who live on the tenth floor or higher of Megiseon, literally addicted to magic and numbers. They assess the value of magic and records, track and manage the achievements of mages globally, and oversee the crucial promotion exams.

"Really? That sounds interesting," Kreto said with a grin as he moved to the auction room. He provided the required blood sample for the exam papers without the usual royal reluctance. "But will I be able to solve this?"

"Of course, Your Highness. Your magical talent is exceptional."

“But it’s a midterm exam paper. I didn’t study Pure Elements under Deculein.”

“It will be fine, Your Highness.”

“Only one out of 150 achieved a perfect score... Well, it doesn't matter whether I can solve it or not.”

Whatever the outcome, a new challenge was always welcome to Kreto. No matter how difficult it might be, as long as it was fun to solve, that was enough. If it brought new magical insights, even better.

“I'll give it a try. Fassbender, get the answer sheets ready.”

"Right now, Your Highness?" Fassbender hesitated briefly.

Kreto smirked, nodded and said, “I understand the situation, but it doesn’t matter. It's tradition. I saw Father last month, so a letter will suffice. I need to do this.”

At that moment, the exam papers were ready. Kreto took the thick stack of documents and breathed in their scent.

“... Ah, the smell of magic paper is always so pleasant.”

Just then, a tall man appeared in the hallway. Seeing him approach Kreto, Fassbender instinctively stepped forward. It was Deculein von Grahan-Yukline. His well-fitted suit revealed an athletic physique that rivaled most knights.

Deculein addressed Kreto, “While the questions may not be perfect, it is an honor that Your Highness has personally purchased them. I trust you will find them challenging, and I hope this experience proves beneficial for you.”

His sudden display of etiquette was impeccable, showing deep respect without lowering himself and exuding a full measure of dignity. Known for his stern demeanor, Deculein seemed almost deferential to someone of noble blood like Kreto.

Momentarily flustered, Kreto shook his head and said, “Th-there are no titles here on the Floating Island.”

“They do not apply to the royal family,” Deculein replied with a faint smile.

Kreto glanced at Fassbender and asked, "Is that so?"

“Yes, Your Highness, that agreement was made about eight years ago,” Fassbender confirmed.

“Ah, I see,” Kreto said, clearing his throat and then continued with pride, “I’ll do my best to solve it.”

“Thank you,” Deculein replied with a respectful nod before taking his leave.

As Kreto watched Deculein walk away, he muttered, "He seems better than the rumors suggest."

“... Your Highness, I advise caution regarding appearances,” Knight Fassbender said, choosing his words carefully, aware of the history between Yulie and Deculein.

***

After completing the auction and getting back to the Mage Tower, I sat in my office and reviewed the deposited funds.

[40,000,000?]

It was a much larger sum than expected—forty million elne. Yeriel's advice to limit supply and create a naming premium had proven more lucrative than flooding the market. Notably, there are no taxes or fees on Floating Island auctions. Truly, the Wealthy Magnate does not lie.

However, it's too early to celebrate. I picked up the newspaper lying on one side of my office. Today’s emergency bulletin from The Journal, the Empire's largest news agency, contained only one line on a single page.

The 18th Emperor, Crebaim Bedeo Yudra von Eggers Gifrein, has passed away.

This was a major turning point. In three days, the palace gates would open, and I would likely visit the palace. Nine days after that, the succession ceremony would take place.

Following that, numerous significant changes were set to occur. Key figures had to be kept alive, specific locations had to be secured, various laws would be revised, and both minor and major events would unfold.

While Yeriel could handle the locations and laws, the most crucial person to save was... Maho, a kingdom’s princess with an independent storyline equivalent to a main quest.

Though she was currently staying in the capital under the guise of studying abroad, her death event would trigger immediately upon the Emperor's ascension. I knew this well from my time testing the game as a knight.

I did not want her to die. Beyond my personal attachment from using a keyboard and mouse, and the fact that I had designed and modeled her character, she was a fundamentally good figure who would become a great ally.

I was also curious. Wondering if the princess’s Escort Knights, like Charlotte, who performed escort duties in the game, would be the same in reality or not.

Knock, knock—

There was a knock at the door. Using Telekinesis, I opened it to find Allen standing there, just as I had expected.

"Professor, you have a lecture invitation!" Allen said, looking unusually excited. I wondered why he was so worked up over a lecture until I noticed it was for the Floating Island.

"A lecture on the Floating Island?"

“Yes, y-yes, sir! They requested you to give a lecture on the exam questions in about a week!”

The fee for his lecture was one million elne, about one billion won. While this was small compared to forty million, Allen’s red face showed that being invited to lecture on the Floating Island was a great honor for a mage. It was a significant achievement.

[Event Quest: Lecture on the Floating Island]

◆ Mana Point +30

My heart pounded because of Deculein’s temperament, and the system was even pushing me toward it. These Event Quests occasionally reward stat points. The type of reward usually varies by location. The Floating Island rewards magic power, the knights order rewards a mix of stamina and magic power, and adventurer groups typically reward stamina.

“Let them know I’m considering it favorably.”

It’s only thirty points, but it’s better than nothing.

"Yes, sir!" Allen responded enthusiastically.

***

After the Emperor's passing, many changes had occurred. Executions were halted, a temporary prohibition was enacted, and all schools were closed. Festivals and parties were postponed, and even underground activities like gambling dens and thief guilds went silent.

The Empire was eerily quiet. In a desolate annex of the Imperial Palace, Princess Maho's escort knight, Charlotte, was deeply troubled.

"Char~ why do you look so worried?" Maho asked.

A beautiful girl with jade-colored hair, who had been enjoying tea on the balcony, had returned and was now smiling at Charlotte.

"... Princess."

"There's no need to worry. I understand the situation. If my eldest brother loses, his vassals will try to use me. If my second brother loses, his vassals will do the same."

Maho's lineage was unique. She was second in line for the Principality and third for the throne of the Leoc Kingdom. When she first came to the Empire to study, she was fifth, but internal conflicts had naturally moved her up.

"Instead, they might choose to kill me and settle things between themselves. I’m aware of that too~"

In contrast to the smooth succession in the Empire, the Leoc Kingdom was mired in violent conflict. Maho had volunteered for what was essentially a hostage situation disguised as studying abroad to escape the chaos. The safest place for her was the Empire.

However, with the Emperor's death, foreign royalty could no longer stay in the Empire. Even Sophien did not favor this superficial hostage system. Therefore, Maho had to return to her homeland after attending the succession ceremony.

"A reply from the Principality has arrived," Charlotte said.

Maho’s homeland was a death trap. She would be killed as soon as she returned to the Leoc Kingdom, so Charlotte planned to send her to the Principality instead.

"Wow, really?! Really?! What did Grandfather say?"

“They said it’s possible—”

"He allowed it?!"

"Of course."

But the journey would be fraught with dangers. Although they couldn't bring an army into the Empire, assassins were likely to strike at the borders.

"Then we can just think of it as a trip~ Great, great~" Maho said with a happy smile.

Charlotte smiled bitterly at her joy and said, "I am making every effort to secure adequate protection, Princess. Knights, adventurers, and even mages from the Mage Tower."

"Hmm? But we don’t have much money, do we?"

"That is not a concern, Princess."

Although Maho had only three escort knights, they had saved funds for this very day.

"Hmm..." Maho pondered before rummaging through a drawer and pulling out a cute little treasure chest. "I have some money too~ I saved my allowance, and I have a lot of jewels we could use—"

"No, that's not necessary, Princess."

"Why? Don’t we need a lot of money to make this trip safe?"

Maho was absolutely right.

"Here, take it, Charlotte~" Maho said, handing over all her savings. Though it was a small amount, Charlotte accepted it without a word and walked out.

"Sob... sniff..."

As soon as she left, tears began to fall. Charlotte walked down the hallway, wiping her eyes, and looked out the window. Summer greenery was spreading across the land. "Even in summer's warmth, the kingdom remains frozen..."

Charlotte left the annex and walked along the path outside the Imperial Palace, wondering aloud, "Which adventurer group should I choose?"

Combining her and Maho's savings amounted to about five million elne, enough to hire an adventurer group for protection. Although Charlotte mentioned the knights order and the Mage Tower to reassure the princess, she knew the knights wouldn’t get involved in political matters, and the Mage Tower was a different story altogether.

While pondering this, she spotted a familiar figure in the distance. It was Deculein von Grahan-Yukline, the head of Yukline. He had come to pay his respects to the late Emperor.

Although the heads of noble families couldn't get close to the Emperor's coffin, the act of coming to pay respects was a gesture of loyalty. Even if they couldn't see him, being turned away at the door was a way to show their devotion.

"... Long time no see," Deculein called out first. Charlotte, who was about to walk past him, turned to face him with a slightly uneasy expression. Deculein, however, seemed genuinely pleased to see her. "You look just the same as ever."

"... The same? Do you mean back in our university days?"

"Ah yes, we do have that history as well," Deculein nodded, reminiscing about the old days.

Charlotte smirked and said, "You haven't changed either. I heard you caused quite a negative commotion recently with some tough exam questions."

"That's only partly true. It wasn't negative at all; everything said was praise."

"What?"

"I made forty million elne from it."

Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise.

Deculein continued calmly, "Are you going back to the Leoc Kingdom or the Principality of Yuren with the princess?"

Charlotte’s expression hardened, suspecting that Deculein was mocking the princess's predicament. Gritting her teeth, she replied, "Don’t make me speak harshly on such a somber day, especially after such a long time."

"Take this," Deculein said, pulling a small crystal orb from his pocket. It was a communication device.

He handed it over casually, thinking of their university connection, but Charlotte refused to take it.

"... What’s this about?"

"A lifeline for a colleague heading down a dangerous path."

"What?" Charlotte asked, naturally suspicious.

Deculein looked at her indifferently and asked, "Charlotte, how close were we?"

"We weren't close enough for you to call me by my first name."

"I bear a grudge against Leoc as well."

That was all he said. He knew she wouldn't understand if he claimed to know the future, had seen her through a monitor, or had created her. In the game's setting, Leoc was far from a good country. It was almost beyond redemption.

"So, I’m offering you this lifeline to defy them and assist you."

"Get lost."

Deculein’s eyebrow twitched. He looked at her with restrained anger and let the crystal orb fall to the ground and asked,"Do you still have the luxury to be picky about allies? Or are you just refusing help and failing to protect your master?"

The orb bounced and rolled across the floor.

“Do as you wish,” Deculein said, brushing past Charlotte.

The princess’s knight didn’t bother looking back. She walked with dignity, but then stopped abruptly and looked at the crystal orb lying on the ground.

***

That was how I got to know Charlotte. Whether she used the crystal orb or not, there were many ways to save her. The quest to escort Maho would begin after the succession ceremony. So for now...

“Hoo, hoo, hoo,” Allen said, sitting next to me in the waiting room on the Floating Island of Mages, visibly nervous.

I found it absurd. He wasn't even the one giving the lecture—I was.

“Why are you the one who's nervous?”

“S-sorry? Oh... I’m sorry, I just...”

Knock, knock—

The door opened, a robed mage entered and said, “Professor Deculein, it's time to prepare for your lecture.”

"Of course," I said, adjusting my attire before standing up.

Following the mage’s guidance, I approached the lecture hall door on the second floor of Megiseon. A nameplate was attached.

Deculein, Monarch Rank: Understanding Pure Element Magic (Exam Papers Required)

“I-I’ll be waiting in the back. If anything goes wrong, a-anything at all, please call me,” Allen stuttered, his face flushed red.

I nodded and opened the door, stepping onto the podium. The attendees numbered well over five hundred, but the crowd felt oddly familiar. Among them were many familiar faces—Relin, several professors and assistant professors from the Mage Tower, and even some Debutants like Sylvia from the Mage Tower of the University.

One face, however, stood out the most. The Chairwoman, wearing a conical wizard's hat, looked straight at me with a disconcerting smile.

“Greetings,” I began, initiating my lecture without giving her another glance.