A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 36: Exam (1)

Yulie and her knights order arrived at the scene of the incident, just past the fourth station and less than an hour away from Berhert.

“... During the first attack, Professor Deculein managed to secure the train and, along with Knight Veron, rescued the survivors,” the official from the Ministry of Public Safety explained, emitting a wave of magic.

“However, during the second attack, the entire train fell off a cliff, and it seems that Knight Veron was among those who fell. Miraculously, the VIP car carrying Professor Deculein got caught at the bottom of the cliff.”

“I see,” Yulie and her knights order said, fully understanding the situation. The official showed them some photos copied from Roen. Yulie asked, “This area is so remote that we can only rely on eyewitness accounts. Have you seen the knight?”

“Yes.”

Yulie had already read the article and seen the photo of Deculein, calm inside the train suspended in midair.

“There might be a few more photos you haven’t seen. Take a look at this one,” the official added, showing another picture of the assassins’ corpses. “It seems the Head Professor subdued them. A mage of his skill is truly a one-man army,” he said with a chuckle.

But the knights did not laugh. Sensing the serious atmosphere, the official spoke again with a serious tone, “In summary, both of them did their best to handle the situation, but it appears Knight Veron fell victim to the second attack.”

“... Thank you,” Yulie said, bowing her head politely. She glanced around at the snow-covered landscape, which seemed endless and overwhelming.

Rockfell, sitting on the tracks, muttered, "... What a fool. He worked so hard, only to die escorting a train."

Yulie didn’t hear Rockfell’s words. Her ears rang with a dull ache. She thought she was used to losing comrades, but memories of Veron’s unfortunate life kept resurfacing. He had risen from nothing, chased his dreams relentlessly, and had finally glimpsed success after countless efforts...

Yulie asked the official, “Is there anything left from him that could serve as a memento?”

“No, there isn’t.”

“Then do you know who was behind this attack—”

“That’s very difficult to say. The journey to Berhert is meant to be free of accusations, but since only Knight Veron was killed in this incident, we are unsure whether to investigate further...”

Yulie nodded, understanding the dilemma. Just then, a voice reached her, “My dear sister~”

Startled, Yulie pulled a crystal orb from her pocket, one she didn’t recognize and said, “Wh-what is this for?!”

“Hello~ I heard about the incident, so I decided to contact you,” Josephine's voice echoed from the orb.

“When did you put this in my pocket?!”

“When you weren’t looking, of course,” Josephine replied with a chuckle. “Anyway, your subordinate was attacked. Aren’t you curious about the details?”

“... The details?”

“Yes. As the queen of the social circle, I have many sources,” Josephine said. For some reason, she had access to vast amounts of information; almost all rumors in the social circle flowed to her. “Would you like to hear what I’ve gathered?”

Yulie was suspicious of Josephine, but there were no public issues surrounding her. In fact, Josephine's reputation was more impeccable than anyone else's in the world.

“If your methods are illegal—”

“They're not. Listen. The sudden attack was likely planned by the magic family of the Leoc Kingdom. Fifteen years ago, two heads of Leoc’s families were killed before a meeting, and they’ve been seeking revenge ever since.

“They didn’t target Deculein specifically; they aimed at any imperial head. Deculein just happened to fall into their trap. This rumor is already well-known among the Magical Realm.”

Yulie was stunned. That meant Veron was struck down by an indiscriminate attack.

“But here’s the strange part,” Josephine continued. “It was Raon who recommended Terh choose Veron for the train escort.”

“... Raon?”

“Yes, he’s one of Galak’s trusted men. Galak is a subordinate of Lott, and Raon is Lott’s brother and a businessman connected to me.”

Galak, Raon, Lott. Yulie frowned at the unfamiliar names.

“Don’t you know? Here’s a name you might recognize... Let's see,” Josephine said. Before she could hear the rest, Yulie looked around at the knights. They were wandering along the tracks with sorrowful expressions. “Glitheon. His younger brother is Galak.”

Yulie’s eyes widened.

“You know Glitheon, right? But you probably don’t know Galak. On the surface, they’ve been estranged for over 30 years, but they can’t pull the wool over my eyes. Whether they truly fought or just pretended to, they now help each other. Glitheon has Galak handle the dirty and ambiguous tasks for him.”

“What does Glitheon have to do with this sudden attack?” Yulie asked.

“I’m not sure yet. I just find it suspicious that Galak specifically recommended Veron for the train escort. That’s all I know. You know the price, right? You owe me a meal sometime soon.”

“... Okay.”

“Alright, bye-bye,” Josephine said as she ended the call.

“Glitheon...” Yulie muttered, thinking about him. She had heard of his infamy from Zeit. However, his supposed turnaround had occurred over ten years ago, and in this situation, it seemed like mere coincidence. But regardless of the truth...

"I’m sorry, Veron. I couldn’t even recover your body..." Yulie whispered as she knelt on one knee and looked over the edge of the cliff. Loose stones tumbled down into the mist-covered abyss. Veron's body lay somewhere at the bottom.

***

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In the fifth week of my lecture on Understanding Pure Element Magic, the class was naturally canceled due to the Berhert incident. Instead, I assigned some homework.

Write a thesis paper on one type of Pure Element Magic.

Knowing they would likely dislike it, I added that it was optional, but there would be a penalty for not doing it.

After that, I focused on creating exam questions at my mansion. This time, they were entirely original. Although I was inspired by previous exams, the process and results of these questions were distinctly different.

I also dedicated myself to improving my magic, successfully integrating the Basic Fire Control technique into my Beginner Telekinesis. Now, I could remotely control fire with Telekinesis. For about a week, I immersed myself in training, studying, and preparation. Today, when I finally reviewed the exam questions I had created, I couldn’t help but be impressed.

“... Excellent,” I murmured.

The exam papers radiated a golden aura, a reaction from the Wealthy Magnate attribute. There were eight questions in total.

The first two focused mainly on theory, while the rest emphasized application and utilization. Questions 7 and 8 were particularly challenging, requiring at least a Debutant-level understanding. If questions 1-6 were univariate functions, then 7 and 8 were multivariate functions. Those who put in the effort would gain a lot of insight.

Feeling satisfied, I left the annex. As I made my way to the main house, I ran into Roy.

“Ah, Master. Here are the auction results,” Roy said, handing me a document. It included the final bid amount and a check for the Vase of the Eastern Artisan Egehan.

“... It sold for a high price?”

The vase fetched a staggering twenty-one million. After fees and taxes, I would net around thirteen to fifteen million, which was more than double my expectations.

“Yes. We had the petals analyzed by the Mage Tower and found they were beneficial for both fatigue recovery and skin care. This attracted not only noblewomen but also many adventurers to the auction—”

“I understand. This should suffice for the mansion's finances, correct?”

“Yes, sir. It certainly will.”

“Have you received any other messages from Yeriel?”

“No, sir.”

I had spent around nine million elne in Berhert. Since I hadn’t heard from her for a week, it seemed she had decided to let it go this time.

“Delivery, package!” a voice shouted from the mansion gate. “Count Yukline! There’s a package from Berhert!”

The man shouting had an unusual aura and wore an adventurer’s ID card around his neck and said, “Please sign here for me!”

“... Do adventurers usually do deliveries?” I asked as I signed.

“Haha, we’ll do anything for money. Take care!”

The box he handed me was heavy, and my heart raced with anticipation.

“Roy, you can rest now.”

“Yes, sir.”

I pretended it was no big deal as I went up to my room in the main house. The box was secured with layers of safeguarding magic. I authenticated it with my biometric data and slowly opened it.

Many thoughts swirled in my mind as I wondered how it could possibly be ready in just a week. Maybe the old man had rushed the work, or perhaps it was because of my flawed Yukline blood. These worries weighed on me as I opened the package, but when I saw what was inside, I was momentarily stunned.

───────

[Rockelock's Yukline Staff]

◆ Information :

A staff made by the master Rockelock and dedicated to Yukline.

Exclusive to Deculein von Grahan-Yukline.

◆ Category :

Equipment ? Staff

◆ Special Effects :

Stores 500 mana.

It functions as a supportive circuit, naturally enhancing the performance of spells cast by the wielder.

◆ Item Attribute

───────

It had the beauty and performance of a relic and even possessed the Item Attribute.

───────

[Ironwood]

◆ Description :

The inherent ability and nature of the wood.

It has the highest material potential of any wood.

───────

[Self-Learning]

◆ Description :

The staff independently understands the magic cast through it and adapts to use the magic more efficiently.

───────

[Aesthetic Item]

◆ Description :

Not only is its design beautiful, but it also adapts its appearance to match the wearer’s attire.

───────

[Yukline Bloodline]

◆ Description :

It exhibits exceptional power during exorcisms or banishments.

───────

The staff perfectly matched my attributes, retaining only the good parts and filtering out the rest.

“... Only nine million elne for this...” I muttered. It was an incredible bargain. I touched the staff, feeling like a child with their first smartphone.

“... Ahem.”

Getting excited over a staff felt childish. With only three days left until my next class, I needed to prepare for the lecture. My eyes kept drifting toward the staff, though. Fortunately, I had already decided on the lecture format and wrote the proposal to book the classroom. The final class before midterms would be called Comprehensive Review through Practical Lessons.

***

On Wednesday, Deculein's final lecture before the midterms, Epherene arrived on the fifth floor of the Mage Tower. Today's class was not in the usual A Class on the third floor but in the Purpose Floor on the fifth.

“What is he planning now...? ”

There were only three classrooms on this floor, and Epherene's mouth dropped open as she opened the door to one of them. The room was vast, with a domed ceiling, a central rectangular stage, and seats for the audience all around—more like an arena than a classroom. Many mages were already gathered, speaking in hushed tones.

“Oh, Ephie!” called Julia and Ferit, her club members, as they approached Epherene.

Epherene naturally joined the group of commoners, standing opposite Sylvia, who had just returned from the Berhert meeting and was surrounded by nobles. Epherene glanced at Sylvia, but Sylvia ignored her.

At exactly 3 p.m., Deculein entered. His presence instantly silenced the crowd. As always, he moved with noble grace, carrying an extremely luxurious-looking staff.

“Greetings,” Deculein said as he stepped onto the central stage. Looking down at the mages, he continued, “Today's class is Practical Magic Combat Training.”

Magic combat. An unavoidable and essential challenge for mages. The Debutants grew tense.

“Additionally,” Deculein said, snapping his fingers. The veil around the edge of the arena lifted.

“Huh?”

“What’s going on?” Epherene and the other mages asked, shocked to see hundreds of people already in the room.

“This will be a public exercise,” Deculein announced.

A brief commotion erupted among the mages, but Deculein quickly silenced it with his firm voice, outlining the Course Progression and Objectives

“You may engage in combat using any magic, but you must use at least three Pure Element spells. I will focus solely on the process, not on who wins or loses. I hope you learn from this practical experience. Professor Relin?”

“Yes, right here,” said Relin, the professor of the Support Studies Department, as he appeared, waving cheerfully to the mages and the audience.

"Professor Relin will ensure there are no casualties, so you don’t need to hold back."

“Haha, trust me, everyone—”

“We will begin. First up, Eurozan.”

“... Yes, sir!” Eurozan, who had been daydreaming, said as he raised his hand and stepped onto the stage.

“Choose your opponent. You can pick anyone here.”

“Uh...” Eurozan said, hesitating before awkwardly selecting his friend Roton. They soon faced each other.

“Begin. You have three minutes,” Deculein said.

At Deculein's command, the two awkwardly exchanged spells. Eurozan's fire spread like a thin curtain, enveloping Roton. Roton manipulated the fiery curtain with his magic.

Sizzle—

The flames evaporated, creating steam. Roton froze the steam, and the icy vapor, now metallic in nature, surged toward Eurozan.

Clang—

Eurozan blocked it with a barrier.

After that first exchange, the awkwardness vanished, replaced by seriousness. They continued casting, countering, and defending with magic, but the duel didn't even last a minute.

“Ugh!” Roton groaned as his mana points depleted, marking the end of the duel.

“Eurozan won, but the score will depend on the process,” Deculein said, while a floating fountain pen recorded everything in the air. “Next, Beck.”

Beck, a particularly unpleasant noble in Epherene's view, smirked and chose Ferit. Trembling, Ferit stepped onto the stage.

“Begin.”

The two exchanged attacks with Pure Element magic, but the disparity in skill was obvious. Ferit's supportive magic couldn't withstand Beck's destructive magic for even thirty seconds.

“Next, Rondo.”

The duels continued one after another, but Epherene was preoccupied with Deculein's earlier words, “You may choose anyone here.”

Meanwhile, the battles between the mages continued. Electricity crackled, and the ground trembled. Floor tiles erupted, and metal surged from the flames. Epherene couldn't help but be amazed by the Electromagnetic Windblast that combined wind and electricity. These magical duels awakened a certain impulse within her heart.

“Next... Epherene.”

Epherene finally heard her name called. Even so, she didn't choose anyone and walked into the arena alone. All the mages watched her in confusion.

Ignoring the others, she asked Deculein, “Is it really alright to choose anyone here?”

“Yes, you may choose anyone,” Deculein confirmed.

Epherene lowered her eyes for a moment, finally getting the confirmation she needed. She could choose anyone. Anyone at all. It was permitted.

“Epherene, enough hesitating,” Deculein urged.

Epherene slowly raised her head. Her ears felt numb, and her insides burned with intensity. It felt as if mana surged through every vein in her body.

“I choose,” Epherene said, slowly extending her finger. Her fingers, covered in scars and calluses from hard work, pointed toward Deculein. “Head Professor Deculein.”

Someday, I want to surpass you with my skills. I know I still have a long way to go, but that's why I want to see how far apart we are now. I want to challenge you at least once. Even if it’s too soon and the result is a crushing defeat, I don't mind. I just don’t want to miss this chance. She thought.

Everyone in the arena stared at her as if she were out of her mind. Even Epherene decided she must have gone crazy too.

“What the! Look at that crazy girl! Hey! Get down from there!” Professor Relin shouted in shock as he rushed over, but Epherene didn't lower her finger. She kept her gaze fixed on Deculein, and he didn't break eye contact.

“I choose,” Epherene repeated, recalling the emotions from four months ago when she first saw Deculein. “... I choose you, Professor.”

At that moment, she noticed a faint, twisted smile form on Deculein’s lips.