Struggling as a Villain

Albert had a feeling that there was something wrong with the master he served.

Yesterday, after Richard woke up, he had been acting a little out of place. The first factor that Albert noticed was the suppression of Richard's ether—something which no magician attempts to do in their right mind.

Suppressing your Ether could lead to numerous difficulties. It was like restraining your life force from working in the way it generally does.

The next thing Albert noticed strange in Richard was his treatment towards the servants, which was pretty tame. Compared to that time when a maid could get thrashed by him just upon speaking a little louder, the current Richard was obviously quite gentle.

Not to mention, the young master also decided to train yesterday, and in combat no less. For someone who usually lazes around all day and has a particular dislike for weapons and martial arts, Richard was exhibiting some quite strange behavior.

Under normal circumstances, one should have been elated by the fact that their young master has improved his personality. However, Albert couldn't swallow such a drastic change all of a sudden.

However, Albert had a different opinion.

What if his master was under the influence of a dark mage? There are several mages in this world, and some possess unique skills. Albert had personally seen sorcerers with mental interference abilities. There was a chance that Master Richard was also under the influence of one of those wizards.

That's why he has decided to monitor Richard from up close and if he indeed finds something strange, then the Duchess would have to know.

*******

[Richard's POV:]

"Come at me, young master." The butler remained rooted in his place with no weapon in his hand. If I hadn't recalled memories of Richard then I would have thought that Albert was taking me lightly.

I took a long breath and assumed a natural stance that couldn't be called orthodox. I have learned to use weapons in the wild so my technique held no sharp edge, just blunt force.

Once I knew I was ready, I left my spot and advanced towards my opponent with my gaze turning sharp—being prepared if he decided to move at the last moment.

However, he showed no sign of movement, allowing me to retain my decision of striking the side of his neck.

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Swinging my blade in a horizontal slash, I aimed at the spot that had been the most useful against zombies.

However, the opponent I am facing right now wasn't an undead. As such,

*DHAK*

With his palm appearing in a flash, he blocked the strike and my weapon came to a standstill.

I didn't waste time dwelling on my utter failure; I immediately launched another attack from the opposite side. However, every strike I aimed at him was effortlessly parried.

Slash, stab, hammer—I unleashed everything in my arsenal, every technique I had painstakingly learned, but it was futile. Albert deflected each blow with the ease of swatting away a fly. He was an impenetrable iron wall, an immovable fortress that I couldn't even hope to dent.

Annoyed, I tried to hit his chin with an inverted slash.

"Huh?" Something unexpected happened. This time, Albert didn't raise his hand to block the attack. Instead, he allowed the wooden blade to strike his chin. In an instant, he lowered his head, trapping the blade between his chin and chest with a precise, calculated movement.

Before I could pull the sword away he held the sword from the middle and with a smooth movement—

*Crack*

Under my widened gaze, Albert broke the sword from the middle like it was a twig for him.

I backed away with sweat forming on my forehead.

This guy...I knew he was dangerous but this was a little absurd.

"Young master, I suggest you utilize your ether or this battle won't last long." He suggested—amusement evident in his voice.

My eyes narrowed in annoyance. This butler was flying a little too high.

I had two options: First, to continue my battle with another sword and try to be a little tactical this time. Or....do what Albert suggested. However, more than anyone, I know how little control I have over my magic.

'But who cares....' With a snicker, I held the broken blade with both of my hands and focused on that flow that was traveling across my body.

The fiery sensation I felt yesterday, I just had to control it. I couldn't let the world burn this time, just the blade.

'Concentrate....focus....' Repeating the mantra didn't help but I could feel the vibe so it was okay.

*Shwang*

Suddenly I heard it...the familiar sound of flame cracking through the wood.

My hands trembled slightly. The scene from yesterday flashed before my eyes—the vivid memory of being engulfed by the fiery dance of death.

But for someone who has seen humans eaten alive right in front of my eyes, this much couldn't stop me.

My eyes went blur past the flame and locked on Albert's. He remained rooted at his spot while I conjured the ether.

Whether I should be thankful or cautious of his behavior was something I decided to think about later.

My current priority lay in landing a strike on the person.

'Fuuu....' Exhaling another deep breath I charged at him. With my long strides, I was before him in three steps with my flaming blade raised above my head.

Time seemed to have paused in that moment when I began to slice it down and unlike before I could see what Albert would be doing to counter my attack.

Just as he raised his forearm to block my blade, I smirked and released the hold from my sword—startling my opponent. I didn't give him time to realize before clenching my fist and directing it towards his exposed torso.

*Dhak*

A loud reverberation echoed in the training field. Without knowing I had used all my strength behind that attack which could easily make a man kneel in pain.

However,

"Not bad, young master." It wasn't that Albert was too strong to show any reaction to my attack; it was that he remained calm because my punch never even landed on his stomach.

If I saw through his defense then he sensed my tactics and raised his leg to dodge my punch.

"Ughh....fuck!" I cursed out aloud, once the pain finally shot back into my arm.

"What the fuck is wrong with your knee?" I spat while rubbing my numb punch.

The bespectacled bastard chuckled before he continued, "You not only showed great control over your magical power but also used some underhanded tactics to land a blow."

"In short you are calling me a loser," I asked with a blank expression.

The way he chuckled again was irritating but his following words made me feel a little better,

"You realized that defeating your opponent wouldn't be possible through normal means so you just took a little different path."

"Yeah, yeah." I shrugged before telling him, "I am going back. Have breakfast prepared."

"As you wish, my lord." He gave a light bow as I walked past him—heading towards the mansion.

*******

Albert kept on looking at the distancing back of his young master.

Although he was quite impressed by the performance, the cloud of doubt became even more dense.

The battle tactics and proactiveness Richard showed were not something someone could learn in one day. The traits which Richard showed were of someone who has gotten involved in conflicts numerous times.

Not to talk, even after realizing that Albert was way out of his league, Richard didn't show any sign of anger. Rather, he seemed motivated.

It was too good of a change that Albert couldn't help but feel a little suspicious.

'Should I....tell the Duchess?'

*********

A/N:- Uh-oh. I apologize if the fight scene looked dull. I am new to this so give me some time to develop my skills. I will do better next time.

Drop some comments and PS to show appreciation and help me remain motivated.