The Villain Wants to Live

「Restricted access area」

Epherene was sneaking down to the underground portion of the Magic Tower Library.

“Why are the stairs…?”

So long. She checked Deculein’s map again.

“I’m sure it’s here.”

There was something in this basement. She still didn’t know what, but the earthquake’s epicenter was down here. There was nothing wrong with the Professor’s map…

Thud—

Just then, she hit the flat floor.

Epherene looked around cautiously. It was dark, but it was neat. It was an office-like dungeon.

“…Where am I?”

Epherene skulked forward. There didn’t seem to be any security-related magical devices.

Poke-

Someone poked her shoulder.

“!”

Epherene covered her mouth with both hands. Shaking, she spun around.

“…”

There was a woman in a black suit behind her. She sneered.

“Stupid Epherene.”

“?”

It was a familiar greeting. No, it was too rude to be a greeting.

“Who…?”

“Who else would it be? It’s me, Sylvia.”

Sylvia. Even with her introduction, Epherene still looked puzzled.

“You’re so stupid; you don’t even recognize me.”

Sylvia took her glasses off. Only then did her Epherene’s eyes widen.

“What.”

It was weird. Sylvia was the same age as herself, but she looked way more mature now. As if she was the only one who grew older.

“Did you dye your hair?”

“That’s not important now, you stupid Epherene. What are you doing here?”

“…Oh, that-”

Suddenly, Sylvia furrowed her brow.

“More importantly, you stole it, right?”

“…Huh? Stole what?”

She said, glaring at Epherene.

“The picture I drew on the island. You stole it.”

One of her paintings of Deculein on the Voice’s Island was stolen. It was a long time ago, but the investigation revealed that the most likely culprit was…

“Epherene. Answer me.”

“What painting? What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“…Don’t play dumb.”

Sylvia twisted her lips and shook her head.

“Your mana has already been detected.”

“Forget it. For now, shh.”

Epherene placed her finger to her lips.

Clank—

Upstairs, not far away, the heavy ring of a lock clicked into place.

“…Huh? How? I cut it.”

“I made it again. Hide first.”

Sylvia said so and expressed her magic. She painted over the floor on which they stood, and dug a hole; they hid inside.

—Wow. Your talent is still there. It’s comfortable.

Sylvia snorted.

—And you’re still stupid.

—…Even when I compliment you, you don’t change, huh?

—If you had only admitted that you stole the painting, I would have treated you kindly.

—Damn. I said I didn’t steal it.

—I said I detected your mana.

The sound of several footsteps approached.

“…It’s amazing.”

It was a familiar voice even to Epherene. Professor Ciare of the destruction class. What’s amazing? Epherene’s ears perked up.

“It is.”

Professor Relin answered. What was that fat guy planning now?

“After consuming the elixir, as they say, the quality of mana is changing.”

At Relin’s words, Sylvia and Epherene looked at each other.

“Yes. I know, right. Pedel was the first to take it, right, Professor Relin?”

“That’s right. Seeing that a newcomer who was nothing is now called a supernova or something… it’s a bit cheeky, though.”

Ciare, Relin. The conversation between the two was very suspicious. No way; are both of them joining the Altar?

“Still, it’s like we’re on the same boat now, so we just have to share it quietly.”

Ciare sounded excited.

“Yeah. Indeed, the University Magic Tower has become the Yukline family institution, so what does that matter now? Our necks are hanging in the hands of that plagiarism professor now.”

“Oh, right. The elixir will be delivered soon.”

Ciara responded.

“They keep their promises. So three seconds, two seconds, one second from now-”

Whooong—

Magic resonated, and two elixir bottles were created in the middle of the room. As Relin said, their delivery had arrived.

“…Let’s go back now.”

“Yes. Let’s go.”

Relin and Ciare went up the stairs again after taking a bottle each. Epherene and Sylvia watched the two go.

* * *

“…I mean, I said I didn’t steal it. Why do you keep chasing someone innocent?”

The two people argued with each other up to the cafe on the first floor of the tower.

“There is no one who would steal it if not you. Your mana was detected-”

“That detection must be wrong. Which one disappeared for you to be making a fuss like that?”

“…”

She wasn’t able to answer that. How could she say it was a painting of Deculein? Did this girl know that and was pressing her?

“You’re so shameless.”

“What. Rather, Sylvia. Can you give me some identification so I can stay here?”

“…ID.”

Sylvia raised an eyebrow.

“Yes. Can’t you do that with the three primary colors or something? I can’t go back and forth like this. Something might happen in the tower.”

“Indeed. Your identity has already been destroyed.”

Because of her father’s affair, she became estranged from Deculein, and she robbed his office.

“…Yes. If I get caught, I’ll be arrested right away.”

Sylvia sneered. Then, she made a card of identification. Magic tower’s janitor?

Epherene shook her head.

“No, not like this. Can’t you make one for a tower wizard?”

“You want it too much. Why do you have to be a wizard?”

“I want to take Professor Ciare and Relin’s class. We need to know what has changed so we can deal with it properly.”

Sylvia agreed with that.

“There is a condition.”

“Condition? What?

It was easy to make an ID with three primary colors. Of course, if someone dug deep, such as searching through the personal documents of the tower or the student directory, they might find out that it was a fake ID. But as long as she didn’t stand out, that wouldn’t happen.

“Take my class.”

“…Your class?”

Epherene frowned.

“Yes. I’m a lecturer too. Anyway, there are still not enough people during the drop period so you can join in midway.”

“…”

“And one more thing.”

Sylvia wore a solemn expression.

“Give me a perfect score for my course evaluation.”

“…What?”

At that moment, in the cafe where the two were sitting, a tower staff member came by with a poster. Epherene and Sylvia’s gazes automatically turned to follow.

[Announcement of Her Majesty Sophien’s Teaching Wizard Selection Review]

◆ Qualifications: All wizards in the Empire registered on the Floating Island.

◆ Judging process: 1st theory test, 2nd practical exam, final interview with Her Majesty Sophien.

◆ Passing reward: 3 million Elnes, an artifact created by Chairman Deculein.

◆ 1st Theory Test Reference List: All magic books with at least Advanced level or higher for each series.

“…”

“…”

The person who put the poster up was already gone, but their eyes were still fixed on the paper. Epherene desired an opportunity to show her magic to Her Majesty the Emperor and win three million Elnes. Sylvia desired only one thing, the artifact that Deculein had created.

Gulp-

Epherene swallowed hard and said.

“…Wait. Wouldn’t it be bad if Relin or Professor Ciare passed this test?”

“It would be.”

“…”

“…”

It would be a very good excuse. The two of them went silent for a moment, then looked at each other and nodded.

…Fifteen minutes later. Again, the Magic Tower Library.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve studied. Studying for an exam brings back memories from the old days. Doesn’t it?”

“Epherene. You’re stupid, and I don’t think you’ll ever pass it.”

“Don’t start.”

The two were studying as they used to. Epherene focused on the manipulation series and Sylvia the harmony series.

“How difficult will the exam be? I think the Professor will prepare it.”

Sylvia seemed to be moved for a moment at Epherene’s words, but then she smiled.

“…It’s better if it’s difficult.”

Deculein. With the midterm exams he gave Sylvia, she overcame herself many times in solving it repeatedly whenever she was depressed. Perhaps that was the most decisive reason she wanted to be a professor.

-Hey. I heard you’re taking a new class.

Then, the voice of a female wizard came from the table next to them. Sylvia and Epherene focused on their studies without paying them much mind.

-Yeah. It’s freaking weird. Is it because a part-time instructor is teaching?

“…”

However, those words made Sylvia anxious. A new class taught by a part-time instructor?

—It’s about the seam of the four elements or something. The name of the lecture is already a bit strange, but the teaching is really bad too.

The name of the lecture. The teaching, too.

—It’s amazing how she passed as a part-time instructor.

Sylvia clenched her teeth.

“Pfft-“

She heard a laugh from Epherene.

“…Oh, sorry.”

—She teaches the hard way. I don’t even know what she’s trying to teach. She looked like she was from the common people. Are all of the common people like that?

“Pffft!”

Epherene’s laughter grew louder, and Sylvia’s face turned even redder.

—Kukuku. Indeed. You, the daughter of a countess, must be patient.

-Jeez. I guess so. It’s so annoying that I got caught in this weird thing while making up for my lacking grades. Part-time instructors don’t usually deal with shitty subjects like this. Who does she think she is?

-Yeah. Usually, external instructors only give easy lectures and good grades.

Crack—

Sylvia’s pencil snapped. Epherene grabbed her sides.

—Whatever. You know that, right? My father will try to take the test to select wizards as Her Majesty’s teacher.

—Oh, I know. Your father works in the palace.

—He’s really sensitive these days because of that…

Now it seemed that the gossip about Sylvia was over, but Sylvia’s heart was already broken. No, she was angry. How dare that idiot?

“Hey, Sylvia. Be patient. To become a good professor, you have to endure this, right?”

“…”

“Ah, but to say it’s a shitty topic. That was too much~.”

Sylvia wanted to kill Epherene.

“Hmm~. Sylvia, you’re not obsessed with lecture evaluation for no reason, huh? If you make a mistake, you will be fired-”

“Shut your mouth before I kill you.”

“…Oh, are you imitating Deculein’s tone? But it seems more urgent to imitate his lectures rather than the way he speaks-”

“I told you to shut it. Before I take your ID away.”

“…Uhuh, yeah, right.”

* * *

Meanwhile, the Imperial Palace.

“The population of the Empire and the kingdoms, that is, the continent as a whole, is flowing out to Annihilation.”

Emperor Sophien recited the situation in the continent while reading a book.

“This is because of the book of Revelation spread by the god of the Altar. All those revelations are being met.”

Sophien’s enemy was the god of the Altar. Sophien was cultivating herself right now because her ultimate goal was that god’s death.

“The ministers tell us to oppress them, but what religion is so easily suppressed?”

Sophien shook her head.

“Rather, it is a religion that enjoys oppression. It makes them stronger. So, for now, I will leave them alone.”

It didn’t matter if she did. Although the population outflow was at a deep level right now, if it were legally blocked, it would only intensify the phenomenon. All humans belonged to a race that longed for things that should not be done and cherished useless pride.

“The reason why it doesn’t matter if I leave them alone-”

It was simple.

“Because I will kill God. I’ll kill him and bring back the inhabitants of this land, and it will be over.”

Saying so, Sophien was full of confidence.

“There isn’t much left. No god will be able to beat me.”

Lia thought to herself while looking at Sophien. If there was anyone who could kill God, it must be Sophien. This was one of the main quest branches in the first place. As long as Emperor Sophien was her ally, the ending could be reached even if the player’s force wasn’t particularly strong.

“…Hmm.”

Sophien put her book down, and Lia bowed her head.

“The Count must be sponsoring the arts.”

“Sponsoring the arts?”

“Yes. He’s sponsoring them anonymously and will occasionally visit exhibitions. You should go and show him Your Majesty’s insight.”

This was also the case with Kim Woojin, the motif of Deculein. He had such a cute side that he went to some exhibition hall every day and came back only after looking at paintings for several hours. Perhaps Deculein would also visit the exhibition halls when his head was a little dizzy.

“The Count is sincere when it comes to art. Also, sharing hobbies is like sharing emotions.”

Sophien’s eyes widened.

“…Indeed. Sharing hobbies is sharing emotions. That’s right. Good. Keiron, tell me immediately when the Professor visits an exhibition.”

Keiron responded.

—Now.

“…Now?”

-Yes. Deculein is now in an exhibition hall.

* * *

…I was visiting Haylech, a wealthy village on the islands. I was leisurely admiring works of art inside the most glamorous hall they had. I didn’t have much time to be carefree lately, so I should enjoy it while I could.

“It is the work of the artist Bachal. It is especially popular with critics these days…”

The curator’s words flowed through one ear and out the other as I examined the portrait with aesthetic sense.

“…It’s just a fake.”

“Yes?”

The curator was bewildered. I passed by him without a further word.

As I was about to leave the exhibition hall, I suddenly noticed a person. As she was walking down the hallway, she met my eyes.

“Hmm? Deculein?”

She wore a robe to hide her appearance, but since we’d known each other for so long, there was no way I couldn’t recognize her.

“…Your Majesty.”

“Shh. I came here to quietly appreciate art. Quietly. I don’t want to make a fuss.”

“…”

I nodded. Sophien came up to me and said:

“To think that I would meet you in a place like this. First, guide me.”

“There’s not much to see.”

“Hmm. Were they all just too flashy?”

“Yes.”

There were no emotions in the exhibition halls of this wealthy village. They didn’t have an artist’s soul, or at least not the type I liked. Sophien nodded as if in agreement.

“There is nothing more distasteful to look at than art that focuses only on the appearance. They say there is a city called Rahal.”

“If it’s Rahal, isn’t it a slum?”

“There are artists in the slums.”

“…”

Slum hygiene was lacking, but their art was intriguing. After all, Van Gogh was also a master of bad luck who lived his entire life in poverty.

“Huhu.”

Sophien smiled a little.

“By the way, Professor. When will the tutoring wizard come to teach me?”

“I am preparing for the theory test now.”

“Theory?”

“Yes.”

I was making the test to be given to the wizards of each series.

“I heard that as soon as you made the announcement, tens of thousands of people from the Imperial Tower and thousands of people from the Floating Islands rushed to sign up.”

“Yes. Becoming Your Majesty’s teaching wizard is an incredible experience in one’s career.”

“…Hmm. How many successful applicants do you expect?”

I smiled a little.

“…I don’t know.”

Because the target of teaching wizards had been broadened to all wizards of the Empire, I was considering a difficulty level that most insects couldn’t even imagine.

“In the first test, ten students per series… that’s what I expect.”

“Ten? Just that many?”

“Yes. This is the process of selecting a wizard to teach Your Majesty, even temporarily. It should not be a routine test.”

“…Huhu.”

Sophien grinned. Then, she muttered and held out her hand to me.

“Grab it. Let’s go to Rahal together.”

…At that moment.

─────!

A huge explosion shook the world. At the same time, mana mixed with dark energy tickled the tip of my nose.

Smoke?

“…It seems like a terrorist attack.”

Sophien nodded, clicking her tongue.

“Come back after taking care of it. I won’t wait long.”