A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 106: Ghost (1)

On a small island called the Inn, one of the many that orbited the Floating Island, Sylvia sat in a dining hall with a hundred seats. Her hair was disheveled, and her face showed clear signs of exhaustion. Across from her, a woman studied her intently.

“I didn’t expect you to succeed,” the woman stated. “I must admit, the blood of Iliade runs strong...”

Sylvia listened in silence, barely registering the words as she glanced out the window. Beyond the glass lay only clouds and sky. This Inn was, in fact, a small island—just large enough to serve as a resting place for mages traveling between the larger islands.

“... Are you paying attention?”

“Yes,” Sylvia replied.

“If you’re truly intent on pursuing the title of Archmage, tell me—who is the most likely candidate at present?”

“Chairwoman Adrienne.”

“Correct. She’s a master of destructive magic,” the woman replied as she lit a cigarette, an ember flickering in the air to ignite it. “If that Chairwoman ever truly lost her temper, she could bring down a portion of the continent. Few could stand in her way.”

Sylvia asked, “Is she that powerful?”

“Not just powerful. An Archmage of destruction magic is especially challenging to handle.”

In this world, there were mages who stood above the rest—Demakan, the only Archmage; Murkan, Demakan's brother; Rohakan, the Black Beast; Drjekdan, the Great Elder; and Adrienne, the Chairwoman...

"And myself," the woman said, gesturing to her chest as she exhaled a plume of smoke into Sylvia’s face.

Sylvia bit her lip, feigning indifference. Though her manners were rough, Sylvia knew the woman’s reputation well. Idnik, known as the Merchant, was one of Demakan’s three disciples and had been a close friend of Sylvia’s mother, Cielia.

“... You’re holding your breath, aren’t you?”

“Ang nott hongding... it,” Sylvia replied, her voice nasal from pinching her nose.

Idnik chuckled and said, "When times get tough, you should consider smoking. Properly refined tobacco isn’t harmful to a mage. And with your wealth, you could afford Dukelec. A pack costs around 500 elne, but it’s well worth the price."

Exhaling another puff of smoke, Idnik resumed the conversation, saying, "Mages like Adrienne, who excel in destruction, are particularly dangerous. If something goes awry, they could unleash a catastrophe capable of devastating the entire continent.

“That’s why she’s the leading candidate for Archmage—it’s safer to keep her in the skies than on the ground, the Celestial Realm."

"So, no one could stop Adrienne if she were to lose her temper?"

"The continent wouldn’t stand a chance, but a person might. Zeit, the northern weapon, is likely the only one who could face her alone. Even Rohakan wouldn’t be able to match her," Idnik said, crushing her cigarette in an ashtray. "Do you think you could become as powerful as Adrienne?"

Without hesitation, Sylvia nodded and replied, “Yes.”

“Your ambition is clear,” Idnik remarked as she retrieved a small notebook from her robe. She then stated directly, "It is true that Deculein was responsible for Cielia's death."

Sylvia’s heart had tightened. It was one of the reasons she had sought out Idnik, who had been her mother Cielia’s closest friend in their youth.

“You came to me because of that, didn’t you? And take this,” Idnik had said as she handed Sylvia a new robe and a badge, the emblem of her promotion to the 8th rank, Regallo. “A rapid advancement.”

Sylvia silently removed her tattered navy Solda robe and donned the new red one.

“With your abilities, you could reach Monarch rank within three months—the same rank as that accursed Deculein. You might even surpass him within half a year...”

Despite Idnik’s praise, Sylvia remained silent. She knew her talent had been acknowledged by the Floating Island, but...

“It is true that Deculein was responsible for Cielia's death.”

She felt no joy. Instead, her heart grew colder, and her mind heavier.

***

Zeit had opened the Knight’s Tournament. Normally, the main event would close the show, but Zeit wasn’t the main event.

No, he couldn’t have been. His match was unique, pitting him against eleven knights at once. It was an unequal duel, almost a breach of chivalric code, yet Zeit stood there without even drawing his sword. Meanwhile, the knights opposing him appeared more tense than any warriors I had ever seen.

Boom— Boom— Boom—

The drums sounded, signaling the start of the duel. The eleven knights charged forward, and Zeit threw a punch. But his fist wasn't directed at any of the knights—it struck the space between them.

The impact of his punch resonated through the air, sending shockwaves that shook the entire arena. His long white hair, the symbol of Freyden, whipped around like the ghostly aura of a wrathful spirit.

At first glance, it might have seemed as though he was tearing through the fabric of space, but I could see it clearly. Zeit’s punch wasn’t just brute force; it was a wave.

Just as sound waves travel through a medium, his punch had carried its force through the air, delivering a blow as powerful as if it had struck directly. It was like the difference between a sword and the wind generated when a sword is swung.

Normally, the wind created by a sword—the blade force—would be far weaker than the blade itself, but natural laws didn’t seem to apply to Zeit. For him, the force of the sword and the sword’s wind were identical. Whether it was the blade or the air surrounding it, both could cut a person in half.

Therefore, the waves of his punch carried their full strength, traveling through the air without diminishing.

Booooom—!

With that one punch, the impact reverberated through the arena, striking the knights with such force that it seemed the air itself was attacking them—blows raining down on their heads, ribs, and backs. The power of Zeit’s technique was staggering, extending the reach of his punches far beyond what was visible, making them impossible to evade.

As a result, the arena itself crumbled. The eleven knights who had dared to charge him were knocked out in an instant, and the waves of Zeit’s mana continued to ripple through the space, battering it relentlessly until they finally faded away.

“Hahaha—!”

The match ended in under a minute. Zeit's boisterous laughter echoed through the hall, soon drowned out by a deafening wave of applause and cheers.

Amid the noise, Zeit locked eyes with me and said, “Did you witness that, Deculein?”

One against many—he had the power to decimate thousands, even tens of thousands, on his own. One against one—there were few in the history of the continent who could endure his chaotic and destructive might in single combat. He was, without a doubt, the most devastating knight in the world.

“Yulie,” I called, turning toward her.

Yulie responded, “Yes?”

"Do you believe that, someday, you'll be able to defeat him?"

Zeit would one day tell Yulie that if she could defeat him, she would be free to live her life as she pleased. It would become a central part of the main quest, closely tied to the official storyline. In many ways, Yulie would be Zeit’s only true rival.

“Yes.”

Zeit's attacks often traveled through space and air, relentlessly overwhelming his opponents, but Yulie possessed the ability to freeze them all.

“Of course.”

But in her current state, defeating him was out of the question, even if given all of eternity. Her growth had stagnated long ago—ever since she reconciled with me, to be precise.

"I do not fear anyone."

Yulie's response was a perfect example of a knight’s bravery, yet I sensed that the moment was drawing near.

The time when I would have to let her go was slowly approaching.

***

Two days later, in the Head Professor's research lab, I installed the Component Analyzer that had arrived from the Floating Island. This advanced piece of magitech resembled a glass dodecahedron, about the size of a washing machine.

The entire surface had been crafted from enchanted crystal, designed to analyze the components of any object placed inside. I had anticipated a lengthy delivery time, but to my surprise, it had arrived sooner than expected.

But then...

“Wow. This device is remarkable,” Allen commented.

“Yes... it's practically luminous,” Louina observed.

“Haha... As expected of Professor Deculein, whose intellect is recognized even by the Floating Island... But, Professor, have you had the chance to use this device yet?” Relin asked.

Not only had they shown up, but several other junior professors had also coincidentally visited my lab, their gazes lingering on the Component Analyzer with thinly veiled envy.

"Professor Deculein, you’re fortunate. The Floating Island rarely grants access to such advanced technology. Could it be a result of your advanced lectures? I requested one myself, but they informed me it would take three years," Louina said, her gaze fixed on the analyzer.

"Leave," I commanded.

"But, Professor, perhaps once you've finished with it, we could take turns—"

“Leave.”

“Come on, Professor, perhaps we could arrange a schedule to use it after you’re finished? We wouldn’t need it for long, maybe just a week, or even a few days—”

“I have extensive work that requires its use. Now, out.”

“But... ow—”

Despite my efforts to chase them away, they continued to argue among themselves, setting up their own turn order as they reluctantly left the room.

“I was the first to hear about it, so I should be first. Don’t forget, it’s me Louina.”

“Oh, please. Seniority matters here. I, Relin, should go first.”

“I... I need it for my research too... I’m Professor Deculein’s assistant...”

Thunk—!

I closed the door with Telekinesis, then placed the Artificial Core into the Component Analyzer and powered it on.

Whirrrrr...

A low hum filled the room as the analyzer went to work, resonating like a microwave. As it processed the Artificial Core, a faint, ominous energy seeped out, stinging my nose. My heart began to race, and a surge of anger welled up within me—the blood of Yukline reacting violently.

Knock knock—

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. I opened it with a flick of Telekinesis.

“Professor, I’ve brought the research report,” Epherene said, presenting the compiled material she’d been studying. “This one covers the Harmony of the Four Elements lecture. The remaining twelve volumes will be completed shortly.”

I took the report without a word. It was about 43 pages long, summarizing her study of a single grimoire.

As I skimmed through it, I shot a sharp glance at Epherene and said, “This is disappointingly mediocre.”

“... Sorry?”

I wasn't satisfied. It wasn’t merely lacking—considering her talent, it was nothing short of trash.

"Is simply reciting the book's content the best you can provide in this report?"

“I, um—”

"Articulate your own realizations. Move beyond mere comprehension to true insight. In its current state, this is worthless, not even deserving of correction."

Riiiip—!

I ripped the report in half.

“No! Ah, ah!” Epherene gasped, her eyes widening in shock. She stared helplessly at the torn pages, then bit her lip in frustration.

"Redo it."

"... Yes, sir," Epherene replied, bowing her head before leaving the room.

Shortly after, the Component Analyzer completed its analysis—Dolan’s Heart, Decrion Spores, and Human Blood Vessels and more. The analyzer meticulously broke down the components of the Artificial Core, even identifying the collection period and assembly date—ten years ago, in winter.

“It is certainly an impressive device.”

With this information, I began my investigation, aiming to uncover the secrets connected to both Decalane and the Altar. Satisfied, I encrypted the Artificial Core and secured it. This was just one of the many versatile applications of the advanced attribute, Encryption.

***

Late at night in the assistant research lab.

"... Did he really have to tear it up? Unbelievable," Epherene muttered to herself as she began rewriting the entire report. "Seriously."

What more could he possibly want from me? How am I supposed to grasp insight beyond understanding? Isn’t just understanding something as advanced as Harmony of the Four Elements should be impressive enough?

“Ugh... I wonder what Sylvia’s doing right now.”

She’s probably living comfortably with all that money. Maybe I should’ve gone to the Floating Island too.

“... Tsk,” Epherene clicked her tongue and continued writing. A letter from her sponsor, along with a certificate of sponsorship, lay beside her on the desk.

Sponsorship Certificate: Epherene.

Once again, my Sponsor had deposited another 100,000 elne this time! Well, anyway...

Scratch, scratch—

As she meticulously documented her understanding, attempting to draw out every possible insight, the morning sunlight gradually seeped through the window.

“This should do...” Epherene murmured, nodding as she reviewed the report.

At precisely eight in the morning, when Deculein was due to arrive, Epherene gathered her stack of papers and headed to his office.

“Professor, I’ve completed the revisions,” Epherene said as she handed him the document with confidence. Deculein, who had just arrived, hadn’t even taken his seat yet.

Deculein looked at her and asked, “Did you work through the night?”

“Yes, sir.”

Epherene bit her lip, holding back her thoughts. Deculein nodded, hung his coat on the rack, and started reading the report. His sharp eyes swept over the pages, scrutinizing the content with meticulous precision, as if dissecting every word.

“... Gulp.”

Epherene swallowed nervously as she waited for his verdict.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally said, “This is insufficient. Take it back.”

“... Sorry?”

“I said it’s insufficient.”

“Ah, um. Could you clarify what exactly is—”

"Figure it on your own," Deculein said, handing the report back to her, his expression as cold and distant as ever.

“... Yes, sir.”

Grateful that the report hadn’t been torn apart, Epherene staggered back to the assistant research lab. By the time she arrived, Allen and Drent had already settled in, unpacking their bags at their desks.

“Oh? Miss Epherene, did you stay here all night?” Allen asked.

“No... How about we grab some breakfast together?”

Later, Epherene joined them for breakfast, venting about Deculein the entire time, before returning to spend another six hours revising her report.

“Whew! It’s definitely getting better,” Epherene muttered, pleased with her progress. This time, she was confident it would be accepted. Of course, the thought of the twelve remaining reports was still daunting...

Five minutes later, Epherene stood once again in Deculein’s office, nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Deculein reviewed the third report, and his response was as curt as before.

"Are you incapable of grasping what I’m saying?"

“... Sorry?”

“I’m not looking for a standard report from you. I know the contents of this grimoire better than anyone. Don’t merely recount what’s written—demonstrate creativity. Present the insights you’ve uncovered through your own exploration,” Deculein said as he tossed the report aside in frustration. Epherene, stunned, could only stare at him.

“A single moment of insight holds more value than hundreds of pages of a report.”

“But, but still—”

“Leave.”

Thud—!

The door slammed shut behind her, signaling her third failure.

“Oh, I can’t believe this...” Epherene muttered in frustration as she tore the report she had worked so hard on into shreds.

Rip, rip, rip—!

She tore up the pages and stormed back to the research lab, determined to discover that single moment of insight Deculein had demanded.

... Six hours later, she made her fourth attempt.

“Is this honestly your best effort, or have I set my expectations too high?”

Despite submitting three carefully considered pages, Deculein still found the result unsatisfactory.

“Epherene, tell me—am I demanding too much from you?”

“... No, sir. I will try again.”

After bowing her head in resignation, Epherene returned to the assistant research lab to begin another report. She worked tirelessly throughout the day, and by the following morning, just as Deculein arrived, she was ready for her fifth attempt.

“... Do you lack common sense?”

Once again, she lacked common sense—her efforts had ended in failure.

“I’m sorry. I’ll take my leave now,” Epherene said.

“If this is the extent of your abilities, don’t waste your time returning.”

Epherene returned to the research lab, sank into her chair, and gazed absently at the wall. Battling the drowsiness that loomed over her, she began to jot down notes on a blank sheet of paper.

Tick-tock— Tick-tock—

After enduring five rejections over the span of two days, she began drafting her sixth report.

Tick-tock— Tick-tock—

Evening faded into night, and night gave way to early morning. By 3 a.m., the steady ticking of the clock echoed through the room.

Tick-tock— Tick-tock—

I feel like I’m going crazy. Did Deculein make me his assistant just to mess with me? Epherene thought.

“Have I done something wrong...? I might end up committing murder at this rate...” Epherene muttered to herself as she stood and dragged herself over to retrieve her sixth report. “... Is he still in?”

The door to Deculein’s office had been left slightly ajar. Epherene stumbled over and cautiously peeked inside.

Whoooo—

The room was pitch-black, completely void of light, and Deculein was nowhere in sight. He had either left or simply forgotten to lock the door.

“I’ll just leave this on his desk...” Epherene mumbled to herself as she placed the sixth report down.

But then she noticed something—a familiar sheet of paper on the desk. The room was too dark to see it clearly, but as she ran her fingers over it, the texture felt unsettlingly familiar.

“Why does this seem familiar...?”

It was fine, high-quality paper—the kind used for stationery. Beside it rested a quill, its tip stained with ink. Frowning in confusion, Epherene lifted her head and found herself face-to-face with a towering figure.

A pale white face loomed above her. The figure stood at least three meters tall, its enormous face nearly forty centimeters long. Its eyes had no whites, only blood-red pupils that glared down at her. Long hair draped over Epherene’s face.

Creeeek...

The figure's enormous mouth twisted into a grin, its lips stretching as if they might tear apart. Inside, hundreds of yellow, jagged teeth clattered wildly. A chill ran down her spine. This was unmistakably—a ghost.

“Waaaaaaaah—!” Epherene screamed, frantically gathering her mana in a panic.

She hadn't recognized the spell she cast; she simply unleashed it in a frenzy as she bolted, only to crash headfirst into a bookshelf.

“Argh!”

Epherene collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Her frantic spell triggered the alarm.

WAAAAAW—!

WAAAAAW—!

The white ghost glanced between the unconscious Epherene and the ceiling, then slowly vanished, as if it had been swept away by the wind.

***

The next morning, I visited Epherene’s hospital room. She had fainted the night before.

“A ghost?” I inquired.

“Yes, Professor...” Allen replied, his voice tinged with concern. Though Epherene breathed softly, cold sweat beaded on her forehead, and a deep wound marred her brow. “She woke up briefly, muttering something about a ghost, then drifted back to sleep.”

“What sort of ghost?”

“I didn’t get all the details. The doctor believes it was just a hallucination...”

A ghost. There were, of course, quests that involved ghosts. Like any school, the Mage Tower had its own ghost stories—known as the Mage Tower Legends. However, since I didn’t know every quest, I couldn’t be certain.

“Is there anything else?”

“The doctor isn’t certain. He’s unsure whether she’s merely asleep or if it’s something more... psychological,” Allen explained.

I quietly removed my gloves, gritting my teeth in frustration. Overcoming this compulsion was something I knew I’d have to face eventually.

Thud—

I placed my hand on Epherene’s forehead. Allen looked on in surprise as I activated my Comprehension. This was just one of its many applications.

Through it, I could understand her condition and see it reflected in my Sharp Eyesight. The process consumed a significant amount of mana, but if she had indeed encountered a ghost, I could narrow down the possibilities by identifying the specific Status Effect.

[Status Effect: Frightened]

"... How vexing."

It was nothing serious. I withdrew my hand, noticing a trace of sweat left on my palm. After wiping it away with a handkerchief, I rose and said, "Inform me when she regains consciousness."

“Y-yes, Professor.”

Just then, the door swung open, and Drent stepped in, saying, “Oh, Professor Deculein!”

“Get in.”

“Y-yes, Professor!”

I traded places with him and exited the room.

Five minutes after Deculein had left, Epherene slowly opened her eyes.

“Oh? Miss Epherene, you’re awake?” Allen said, hurrying over to Epherene.

“Are you feeling alright?” Drent asked.

Epherene gave a wry smile as she slowly sat up, touching her forehead and replied, “... I’ve actually been awake the entire time.”

“You’ve been awake the whole time?”

“Yes, ever since Professor Deculein entered the room,” Epherene said, scratching the back of her neck as she recalled what had happened.

Deculein had gently placed his hand on her forehead, as if out of concern. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, more unsettling than the ghost she had seen, but she tried to dismiss the feeling.

“So what happened?” Drent asked.

A shiver ran through Epherene, causing her to tremble slightly as she began, “Even now, just thinking about it makes my heart race. So, here’s what happened...”

She started to explain, slowly recounting the events.