A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 43: Thesis Colloquium (2)

It was one week before midterms. While helping Julia with her assignment, Drent couldn’t help but notice Epherene’s paper on the desk in the club room. He had offered to help Julia in hopes of finding some inspiration, as he had been struggling with his thesis for a while during his slump.

However, Julia’s paper wasn’t particularly useful. When she left for the bathroom, he seized the opportunity to look at Epherene’s work. At that moment, he was struck by how impressive her ideas were. They seemed too brilliant to belong to a mere commoner. Drent ultimately decided to use Epherene’s concepts as his own inspiration. However...

“Since you appear uncertain, let us proceed to a simpler question. The Protective Fireball you just demonstrated—”

Deculein replicated the Protective Fireball that Drent had just cast. Even after seeing it only once, his Fireball was denser and more powerful.

“Can you truly assure that this spell will remain stable underwater, at any altitude, or deep underground?”

“Yes, yes, sir. I can,” Drent replied, regaining his composure.

I didn’t have enough time to fully master the thesis, but I had a sufficient understanding—

“How can you be so certain? Given the structure of this Protective Fireball spell as it is.”

The spell structure that Drent had described in his thesis materialized in the air. Deculein pinpointed the core of the magic circle.

“Which circuit in this spell fulfills the role of protection? Explain in detail, using supporting evidence.”

“Uh... well...” Drent stammered, unable to find the right words.

Deculein stared at him in silence, the tension in the room palpable. No matter how long he waited, Drent couldn’t provide an answer. Finally, Deculein’s cold voice broke the silence.

“I could ask hundreds of questions derived from this thesis,” Deculein said, his gaze filled with disdain and his mouth twisted in contempt. He continued in a withering tone, “Yet you cannot answer even a few of them. Can you truly call this your thesis?”

Drent gritted his teeth, anger boiling inside him. He was about to speak, but Deculein cut him off with a single sentence.

“Most importantly, I will overlook your gravest error.”

Deculein held the thesis in one hand and continued, “Attempt it once more, relying on your own abilities.”

With a flourish, the thesis ignited. The thick document quickly turned to ash and scattered. A murmur spread through the audience, even Sylvia’s eyes widened in shock. Drent couldn’t say a word; he let out a hollow laugh, too drained to respond.

Deculein knew everything. He knew it all.

Drent walked off the stage, leaving the hall in silence.

“No way. Who could answer after something like that?” Julia whispered furiously. Epherene felt the same, but something about the situation seemed odd.

— W-we will now hear from the second mage

The host stammered, clearly flustered. Twenty-two mages were still waiting for their turn in the Thesis Colloquium.

— Please remain quiet. The second presentation will be delivered by fourth-year mage, Solda rank Malone.

The next mage appeared, already pale and trembling. If he could, he would have gladly delayed his turn.

“S–S-Solda Malone here... Th-the thesis I wrote is...”

Mage Malone began explaining his thesis. Once again, Deculein listened and then asked questions, pinpointing the core issues.

“Yes, sir. The reason I set that spell to manipulation is...” Malone stuttered but managed to continue.

Deculein nodded in satisfaction and said, “That will suffice.”

Having witnessed the previous thesis being burned, Malone felt relieved. He bowed deeply.

“Thank you, sir!”

***

As soon as the thesis colloquium ended, I headed to my office.

Knock, knock—

It was Allen. He walked in, clutching some documents with a bright smile on his face.

“Professor! I’ve carefully selected these candidates.”

“Candidates?”

“Yes, sir. These are the mages who want to work under you.”

“... Just leave it on my desk and go.”

“Yes, sir!” Allen replied as he placed the documents on my desk and left.

I glanced through the papers and muttered, “Chloen... Groahn...”

There was no one exceptional, no named characters. They were all mages who wouldn’t have remained in the Mage Tower of the University without my leadership.

“Do they expect me to use them as laborers?” I muttered, tossing the list aside.

At that moment, I felt a small vibration in my pocket. It was a crystal orb. I infused it with magic, and a voice came through.

“Are you there?”

“Speak up, my former colleague.”

Charlotte was silent for a while, seemingly in deep thought. After a heavy sigh, her dry, cracked voice came through. “I have to leave now. There’s no time.”

“I understand,” I said, immediately pulling out a map. I had already determined the best route long ago. “Can you adhere to my plan?”

“What is your plan?”

“You must cross the Crebas Canyon.”

“... Are you serious?”

Crebas Canyon is a treacherous place filled with demonic energy. It belongs to no nation and is an abandoned path. It’s extremely perilous and notorious for being a place of fear, but it’s the only viable route for Charlotte.

“It’s a shortcut to the Principality of Yuren. Since no one claims ownership, there is no risk of diplomatic disputes with Leoc.”

“I am aware. I have considered it, but—”

“I shall guide you personally.”

Crebas Canyon is only three to four hours away from Hadecaine by horseback. As the coordinator for the mage Educational Retreat, I could arrange the schedule to ensure a smooth journey without wasting time.

“You will guide us yourself?”

“Indeed.”

“... I heard the forces of the Leoc Kingdom ambushed you in Berhert with a sudden attack.”

I frowned. Was Leoc Kingdom behind the attack? How could Charlotte know something I did not? It appears my information network needs to be rebuilt and fortified.

“Was the sudden attack severe enough to compel you to take personal action?”

“Charlotte.”

“What is it?”

“I am deeply versed in politics. My intelligence and insight far surpass yours.”

“What? You arrogant—”

“I want your princess to live and benefit my family and domain. This is a transaction, not a favor. Why are you involving personal feelings? Are you truly that foolish?”

Charlotte’s interrogative tone annoyed me. Still, it seemed to be the answer she needed, as she replied with more confidence, “... Understood. If you complete this mission, the princess will grant you any favor.”

“Is the agreement finalized?”

“Shall we meet at the entrance to Crebas?”

“Correct. If you cannot reach it, you do not deserve to live.”

“Understood. I trust your skills are as impressive as your words.”

The connection was cut off.

I sat back in my chair and muttered to myself, “... Is this my chance to test it?”

Indeed, Crebas Canyon was a dangerous area. It’s filled with demonic energy, almost like a dungeon, and demons appear frequently. However, the Yukline attribute in my bloodline grants me an advantage.

───────

[Yukline]

◆ Grade:

Bloodline

◆ Description:

A unique bloodline ability that grants power against demonic energy.

When confronting demons or in areas with high concentrations of demonic energy, you can purify and harness the energy as your own.

The purified energy’s quality increases by one level.

This ability also makes your personality more volatile.

───────

This bloodline attribute allows me to convert unrefined demonic energy into a power source. In places like Crebas, where demonic energy is thick, my mana restrictions are lifted. Therefore, Crebas Canyon is like a home ground for the Yukline family.

“... I remember the route perfectly.”

Thus, Crebas Canyon was undoubtedly the right choice. I had cleared it this way in the game. Charlotte must have also considered Crebas as an option.

Knock, knock—

Then, there was a knock, followed by the door bursting open. To my surprise, it was Zeit.

“Professor Deculein!”

“... Sir Zeit, what brings you here?”

“Let’s have dinner tonight!” Zeit suggested with a hearty laugh.

I glanced at the clock. It was three in the afternoon, too early for dinner.

“Ah, I thought we should have a meal together at least once a month. I heard you haven’t seen Yulie much lately. We’ll go ahead and prepare, so just bring Yulie along,” Zeit suggested, his gaze and tone carrying a hint of suspicion.

He had the massive frame of a bear, but his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's.

***

It was 6 p.m. Yulie was getting ready to leave her mansion. Tonight's dinner had been insisted upon by Zeit, making it impossible for her to refuse.

“From now on, I will visit every month to oversee your progress,” Zeit had previously declared.

Yulie sighed as she donned her light armor and cloak. She glanced at herself in the mirror, noting the fatigue etched on her face. She hadn’t rested for even an hour a day lately, juggling the investigation of the Veron incident and the overwhelming workload following the Emperor's death.

It had been over two weeks of such grueling days. She had shouldered all these burdens alone, refusing help from any investigators, thieves' guilds, or adventurers.

Knock, knock—

A servant's voice came through the door. "Master, it is time!"

Yulie nodded and stepped outside. She had planned to ride her horse, but a gleaming car approached from the other side of the mansion. Narrowing her eyes, she saw it was Deculein. As she walked closer, the window rolled down.

“Get in.”

“Did Zeit asked you to do this—”

“He is suspicious of our relationship. Get in.”

Hesitating, Yulie nodded. After informing her servants that she would be back, she climbed into the car, which started immediately. The atmosphere inside was initially awkward. Yulie wondered if the promised month had already passed, while Deculein stared out the window.

Deculein broke the long silence and asked, “... Are you still investigating that incident?”

Yulie remained silent.

Deculein looked at her and continued, “It would be wiser for you to desist. You should not overexert yourself—”

“I’m fine,” Yulie interrupted firmly, clearly dismissing his concern.

Deculein said nothing more. The luxury car moved quietly along the clean road, creating a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.

“Yulie, you are quite obstinate,” Deculein remarked, almost casually.

She didn’t respond, so he turned slightly to look at her. Yulie had fallen asleep, her back straight and her hands resting neatly on her lap. Exhausted, she had drifted off without realizing it. Deculein chuckled softly and watched her. Her steady breathing was soothing. When a strand of hair fluttered toward her lips, he gently brushed it aside.

Feeling playful, he pinched her soft cheek. Her face twitched slightly in response. Realizing he was being silly, Deculein took a book from his briefcase and started reading, though none of the words registered in his mind.

After a while, he spoke to the driver, “It will take approximately half a day to reach our destination.”

“Yes, sir.”

Thanks to the driver's skillful driving, the car circled the same road several times. It was already 8 p.m., and the agreed meeting time of 7 p.m. had long passed. Deculein alternated between reading his book and watching Yulie. He was surprised when he glanced at the clock and saw it was already 9 p.m. Time seemed to pass in chunks. Finally, around 10 p.m., Yulie woke up.

Yulie stirred, her eyes heavy with sleep. She glanced around and, startled by the view outside the window, jumped in surprise.

“Are you awake?”

“Is it already nighttime...?”

“It is already quite late,” Deculein remarked as she looked out the window in surprise.

As the car came to a stop, he took out a pocket watch. The driver stepped away, mentioning a problem with the vehicle.

“It is 10:30 p.m. Dinner must have concluded long ago. This is the first time I have missed an appointment.”

“Wh-why didn’t you wake me...?”

“Avoiding an awkward dinner is more effective in dispelling suspicions about us.”

Yulie pondered his words, then blushed. Deculein gazed at her steadily, his eyes serious.

“Yulie.”

“... Yes?”

“Upon reflection, it appears our contract now carries an implicit deadline.”

Yulie's eyes widened in surprise.

“Zeit is suspicious, so we won’t have more than a year. You must become a guardian knight within that year. You will be the youngest in the Empire’s history, as you’ll only be thirty then,” Deculein said as he reached out to smooth Yulie's hair, which had become disheveled while she slept.

She didn’t resist his touch, sensing the sincerity in his voice.

“If you do not become a guardian knight within that time, you may have to marry for convenience. Therefore, do not remain idle. Do not act foolishly. I may change my mind and not let you go.”

Yulie looked into his eyes, her questions unspoken.

After a long pause, she finally asked, “Why do you show such emotions toward me? There are many women more beautiful than I am, with hands not rough from wielding a sword, who are less frustrating and more open-minded. But why...”

Deculein gazed silently out the window, moonlight reflecting in his blue eyes.

“... Yulie,” Deculein began, his lips almost forming a smile. “I detest the notion of fate or destiny, yet sometimes, I feel there are things that cannot be altered.”

He continued gazing at the moon.

“For me, that’s you.”

Yulie understood his meaning but was also puzzled. Deculein had never been like this before; something significant must have happened to cause such a change in him.

“... I see,” Yulie said, sighing deeply.

Deculein spoke again, “To prevent me from reverting to my old self, it is best for both of us if you keep your distance.”

Deculein leaned forward. Startled, Yulie tensed, ready to defend herself.

Click—

Deculein simply opened the door for her.

“Rest well tonight. Although we missed dinner, Zeit will be satisfied that we spent time together.”

Yulie stared at Deculein, uncertain of what to say.

“Are you not getting out?”

“... Yes. Thank you. Goodbye,” Yulie said, finally nodding as she stepped out of the car.

A gentle breeze blew. She didn’t know how long she had slept, but the night was dark, and her heart felt calm. Her mansion was visible in the distance.

Deculein’s driver approached Yulie and asked politely, “Has your conversation concluded, ma'am?”

“Yes,” Yulie replied.

“Then, I bid you farewell, ma'am.”

He got back into the car, which drove off. Yulie watched until it disappeared, then returned to her mansion.

“Oh, Master, you’re back?!” the servants said, greeting her in the living room.

Yulie treated her servants without formality. Smiling slightly, she said, “I’m hungry. Could you make me dinner?”

“Ah yes, right away!” the servants responded promptly, hurrying to prepare the food.

It was the first time in two weeks she had requested a meal at the mansion, so they put their best effort into it. That night, Yulie enjoyed a delicious dinner and had a restful sleep, lying in bed without thinking about work for the first time in a while.

As she drifted off to sleep, Deculein’s words echoed in her mind. “I detest the notion of fate or destiny, yet sometimes, I feel there are things that cannot be altered....”

For some reason, she felt that she wouldn't have nightmares tonight.

***

... On the way back in the car.

“Would you like me to drive around a bit longer?” the driver asked.

I shook my head and then instructed, “Return to the mansion.”

“Yes, sir.”

A sigh escaped me, followed by a faint chuckle. Today, I decided I needed to distance myself from Yulie. As time passed, I knew I would come to love every aspect of her.

Damn my personality. Damn Deculein. I knew the process of distancing myself would be difficult. Therefore, Yulie had to become a guardian knight. She needed to be the one to distance herself from me...

“We have arrived, sir.”

“Well done.”

I got out of the car and walked through the garden toward the front door. A hawk perched on a shrub branch watched me closely.