Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Struggling as a Villain Chapter 131: Chapter 130- Lesson(1)STRUGGLING AS A VILLAINC131: Chapter 130- Lesson(1)
In the Endless Hold, one is promoted based on their skill levels, and that only happens during the monthly inspection.
They can't have stronger prisoners mingle up with the weaker ones out of fear of what Richard intends to do: massacring all prisoners on each floor so he can accomplish his body counts.
However, there was a sudden change in plans since he was getting promoted during the weekly inspection. Surely, this shouldn't have been the first time for someone to slaughter those many men in one go, right? However, this sudden promotion has never happened before. That was why Richard was suspicious of the authorities' motives.
Regardless, he was currently taken to, not just a floor above but to the third floor.
There was a runic platform near the entrance of the Endless Hold--surprisingly, despite how much Richard searched, he wasn't able to find this entrance on his own--before the security guard spelt some incomprehensible words.
'What kind of language do they use? This is not the ancient language which every spell chanter speaks...' Richard was very intrigued about everything related to this jail.
Endless Hold lies between dimensions, meaning someone with Space-time magic created this place. And to let the structure not fall because of the rift stream--a force that travels between two dimensions and can tear the very existence of any being regardless of their strength level--means the chanter was still alive and was maintaining their spell.
Considering the age of the Endless Hold, all Richard could say about the spellcaster is,
'Crazy...' Well, that was something that came out of his lips naturally once he entered the third floor.
There was a large arena in the middle of which they appeared. There were numerous seats for the audience, which currently were completely desolate. The smell of blood was quite thick in the air, signifying the arena was used recently.
Richard was wordlessly pulled towards the gallery that was on the far north end. His wrists were tied with metal cuffs and the chain was in the hand of the officer.
"Do they organize battles here?" Richard asked casually, wanting to discern as much information as he could. This floor was new and there was no restriction on his ether--which had both plus and negative points. After all, just like him, others would be free to use their magical abilities as well.
"They do." The answer was short and didn't hold any information which Richard hadn't already guessed.
Silently following the officer, he was escorted through a similar gallery; however, unlike the previous floor, on this one, every cell contained only one prisoner.
Richard was also pushed into an empty one--allowing him to heave a sigh of relief. Having Brad was a little annoying but he was a good person. Richard was unsure how the new cellmate would be, but now he didn't need to worry about it.
"The meal schedule is the same. You can continue to work in forgery here as well." Saying those words, the officer walked away
Richard was baffled....forgery? Do they keep an eye on everyone's jobs as well?
'But didn't Brad say that they don't give a single fuck of what the prisoners do?' Richard hasn't done some marvellous jobs on the base floor... so why did the officer urge him to continue his work?
Weird.
For now, he inspected his room. There was a single bed, attached to the wall. A pot, a wash basin, and a mirror.
Truth be told this was a decent room--better than several guys who used to live as a bachelor back on earth.
Richard sat down on the bed and thought of his next move...but he wasn't allowed to think for long as suddenly a few men appeared before his cell.
'Bully...again?' Richard got up and neared them.
None of them were hiding their blood lust and were allowing their ether to fill the space. Richard wasn't intimidated since after facing those many men back on the base floor, although none of them had much magical capabilities, he had built endurance against unfavourable situations.
Just by their aura, he could tell that they were somewhere around rank D to C. The one in the front was the strongest one with the most prominent presence.
"Newbie, I heard you were promoted. Strange, I was hoping for someone strong...but you look like a twig."
Richard chuckled hearing that as he responded, "If you grow yourself like a bear, everyone surely will look like a twig to you."
The blond man's eyes darkened hearing that, and one of his lackeys sprang forward, electricity darting out of his fingers.
Richard widened his eyes and instantly jumped back-- but before the bolts could penetrate inside the cell, the blond boss held his subordinate's hand.
The white-haired prisoner slowly lowered his hand and the blue lightning disappeared.
'He is strong...and fast..' The person directed the spell without chanting, and chantless magic was something only those who have honed their skills to the finest could do.
Around him, he has only seen his mother and Lilia chant magic without a word spoken.
'So this is what the prisoners of the third floor look like?'
"Newbie, this floor isn't like the previous ones. You have to earn your place here." The blond boss spoke, this time in a provocative manner.
Richard's eyes turned solemn as he remained silent.
The blond boss spoke again, "Today at eight, come to the arena and prove your worth."
Saying so they turned and walked away. Richard stood at his place for quite a few minutes, thinking about what just happened.
Are they some wannabe Spartans or something?
Heaving a sigh, Richard lay down on the bed. Although he seemed to be tired of these bullies, it was not like he was going to miss the chance to assess the situation here. Based on his fight today, he might have to level up first to assassinate a crowd.
He looked at the clock and found it was only three. He had enough time so...
'System.'
[Ding!]
[Command accepted!]
His eyes were closed, and his consciousness drifted away to that dimension which Richard had given a name--House of Beatdown.
Inside the cage, the name flashed in the same shade as before, signifying the difficulty hasn't gone down despite Richard's level-ups recently.
[Sun WuKong]
[Attempt: 7]
Since Richard had only his bo staff available in the prison, he needed to become more efficient in using it. As such, he didn't materialize his batons, unlike previously, but rather his beloved staff.
The monkey king scratched his ear and tilted his head seeing the staff which originally belonged to him.
Richard twirled the weapon in his hands, letting the purplish current surge through.
His eyes burned with intensity as he locked onto Sun WuKong, who stood a few meters away, relaxed and smug, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief.
Using body enhancement he increased his pace and kept the staff held towards his back. His movement created ripples in the air as he finally reached his opponent and swung the staff low, aiming for WuKong's legs, the power crackling through its length.
WuKong jumped gracefully and landed on the staff, pinning it down and forcing Richard to remain in the same spot.
WuKong smirked, and with a back flip, he kicked Richard's chin--making him fall on his butt.
"Ow...it hurts." Richard winced as he rubbed his sore jaw.
WuKong stood before him, his expression unreadable, hands behind his back, utterly composed.
This attitude of 'attack me, I am all yours' annoys Richard, but this annoyance arrives because he is weak.
Gritting his teeth, he sprang back on his feet.
Richard narrowed his stance, adjusting his grip on the staff, muscles tensing as he analyzed WuKong's every subtle movement. No more wild swings or desperate bursts of ether--he would match the Monkey King's precision with his own.
Richard darted forward, his body moving with fluid grace, the staff sweeping low. But this time, there was no flaming flourish or crackling energy--just raw, disciplined force. WuKong's feet shifted, his body leaning just enough to avoid the sweep without moving more than necessary.
Richard followed immediately with a sharp thrust toward WuKong's midsection. The movement was swift and direct, intended to pierce through the small opening in WuKong's guard. But WuKong twisted his torso, the strike grazing past him by mere centimetres.
Without missing a beat, WuKong stepped in closer, closing the distance. His palm shot out, aiming for Richard's chest, but Richard spun to the side, narrowly avoiding the blow and countering with a sharp upward swing of the staff. WuKong blocked it with his forearm, the impact reverberating through both of them.
They turned standstill just for a moment before violent bolts travelled towards Wukong's arm.
WuKong smirked as he twirled his hand around the staff--uncaring of the thunder bolts--and landed a palm strike right in the middle of his chest--and this time, Richard wasn't able to block it.
"Agh!"
Staggering back, Richard coughed but didn't let his eyes wander away from the monkey king.
The short combat came to a pause as WuKong looked at Richard with a strange gleam in his eyes.
Just as Richard was about to leap into another exchange, suddenly the staff began to glow as WuKong raised his hand
"Ah!" Richard yelped as suddenly the bo staff escaped his grip and attached itself to its original owner.
With his widened eyes Richard looked at WuKong as he heard the Monkey King's voice for the first time,
"Let me show you, how it's done."
"..." Yeah, he is f*cked.
-----------**----------
A/N:- Some pain is required to learn a valuable lesson. Thanks for reading.
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Struggling as a Villain Chapter 132: Chapter 131- Lesson(2)STRUGGLING AS A VILLAINC132: Chapter 131- Lesson(2)
[Day-02]
Around two in the night, Lilia could be seen currently combing her hair and thinking about her master. Since time travels at a strange pace in the Endless Hold, he must have been there for quite a few days already.
She glanced at Allen and found the blond guy currently playing with puzzles while sitting on the ground. It looked like he was having fun, and there was no sign of fatigue on his face.
Lilia has already put a few droplets of recovery potions in his food and has prepared several vials of them just in case.
Allen only ate enough food to stop his stomach from growling but did not fill it completely.
Lilia was relieved to see Allen being so diligent about this.
"Do you want me to bring more board games for you?" Lilia asked as she tied her hair in a ponytail.
Allen shook his head without letting his eyes wander away from the puzzle as he said, "This will keep me busy for tonight. Thank you for bringing me this."
Lilia smiled, "This much is nothing in exchange for what you are doing for us."
Allen's lips quirked in a soft smile as he continued to play the game.
However, soon, his puzzle pieces begin to shake--displacing them from their original spot and making Allen frown.
He turned toward Lilia and found her already on her way outside, as she commanded, "Don't leave this room, whatever happens."
"Yes!" Allen instantly replied and sprang to his feet. Directing his eyes on the bed, he focuses on his spell so he doesn't accidentally break the dome.
Lilia felt her barrier being challenged, which was set around the runic barrier in which the mansion always remains surrounded.
There was someone...no, more than one person attacking the barrier.
Rushing toward the front terrace, she looked towards the front of the mansion...only to find her eyes stretching wide.
More than a hundred white robe-wearing entities crowded before the mansion, and some of them were launching elemental attacks to take down the barrier.
'They are...from the church?!' Lilia couldn't believe that these people, who always remained so humble and respectful toward the Duchess, were now showing rebellion at such a crucial period.
Enhancing her voice, she called out,
"Do you realize the consequences of your actions?!" Her loud voice reverberated through the crowd and many of them raised their faces in her direction.
One of them, with the golden pattern stitched to his robe, stepped forward and responded in a snarl, "This is the divine punishment for accepting the evil! Scarlette Bellarine has been corrupted and now, it is our, the children of the benevolent one's, duty to eradicate the evil."
They raised their hands, from which the symbol of Light--the sign of life, shone brightly.
Lilia gritted her teeth. This was going too far. But who would have informed them? The Headmaster?
'Possibly yes....but still this was too sudden....' The Headmaster left just a few hours ago to help her master reach the Endless Hold. And even if he had informed the church after that, then how was he able to accumulate these many church workers here?
No, this was not an instantaneous thing...they were informed beforehand and gathered here on the words of someone whom they cannot defy.
"A deity?" Lilia mumbled under her breath, as a very strong feeling of dread crept up her spine.
"Surrender and your death will be merciful!" The leader of the group shouted as they, once again, began to attack the barrier, this time with greater force.
The whole mansion began to shake, making Lilia grit her teeth. Her barrier wouldn't hold for long, and the inner barrier wasn't very strong either. No one dared to attack the Duchess until now, that's why there haven't been many requirements for establishing a high-grade barrier just like the one around the Emperor's chamber.
And now, when she is so vulnerable, and her son is also not here, these people are now showing their true colours.
'This is bad...if words come out, the other rulers from different nations might arrive here as well...' Lilia needed to do something about these people. She needed to bring a deterrent into play so no one else could think of turning their weapons against the Duchess.
Grabbing her dagger, she took several deep breaths. She has no other choice but to fight these people with her all.
However, just before she could jump out and challenge the crowd, which had elevated to nearly five hundred, a dark portal appeared above the church members, making them stop using their spells and look up.
The air grew thick and heavy with the oppressive weight of dark energy. Low-ranking members of the church, unable to withstand its overwhelming force, gasped for breath. Their faces twisted in fear and agony as they fell to their knees, clutching their throats, the pressure building with every passing second.
Suddenly something massive plummeted from the swirling portal above. It struck the earth with a deafening thud, sending a shockwave that rippled through the ground. Cobweb formed around the entity's feet as he took a breath of fresh air.
The seven-foot-tall man had long flowing black hair and deep crimson eyes. He wore a three-piece black suit and currently has a very pleased expression on his charismatic face.
"Ahh~the air around this place....is so warm. I might get addicted to it." His voice was like a silent arrow, sending a shiver down the spines of many individuals around.
"Who are you?!" The Pope shouted at the man; demanding an answer. However, little did the others expect that those were the last words the Pope could have spoken before his body exploded from within, blood and innards splattering around.
The others who saw this found the adrenaline from them exhausting at an astonishing pace and their faces adapting the same shade of a sheet.
Many of them puked and fell down to their knees witnessing the gruesome sight.
The man grinned as he lowered his finger and turned towards the mansion.
With his gaze locked with Lilia's he loudly said, "Don't worry, my lady, I have got this sorted."
Lilia had no idea who this man was or what his intentions were, but if he was helping clean the mess, then like hell, she was going to stop him.
----------**---------
Richard was back in his cell--huffing and sweating like a dog in heat. He spent the longest duration in his subconscious until now. He was there, struggling against an undefeatable enemy.
However, unlike the previous times, he wasn't killed by the monkey king in an instant when he had the opportunity; rather, Richard was kept there--getting beaten and thrashed, which he was getting taught.
There can't be any better teachers than those who have fought Gods and survived. Monkey King is a Battle God who has fought several wars, and the experience he carries in those arms is something he shared with Richard.
And also, showed him how the legendary Bo Staff could be utilized to its fullest.
Richard has been scratching the surface while the Ruyi Bang held such strong and intense power that he nearly felt that he didn't deserve the mythical weapon.
However, he didn't have a choice. There was no other assistance for him other than Ruyi Bang, and it's not about whether he deserved it or not since Richard was well set on utilizing whatever help he could get to achieve what he came here.
'I have learned a lot...' Sitting down on the bed, Richard found his breathing finally returning to normal. He drank a few mouthfuls of water and looked at himself in the mirror.
Although he didn't have his hair anymore, he still looked good enough to be regarded as a model back on Earth.
[Ding!]
[Suggestion arrived!]
[Sun WuKong: Become one with your weapon and allow them to become a part of you. Only then, would you be able to truly utilize Ruyi Bang.]
Richard heaved a sigh. He has heard this before as well, but he still doesn't understand what it meant to become one with one's weapon.
Does he need to hear what it said? No, there is nothing comprehensible that comes from that vibration. Then what? Does he need to meditate while keeping Ruyi Bang near him? Exposing that staff in the open can be dangerous for now.
Haah, this was tiring and confusing.
He had a few hours before the battle so he decided to give his body some rest.
For some reason, he has been feeling a little too anxious since this morning when he heard that today is the weekly inspection. He wasn't this worried about it until yesterday....but now, he was....don't know why feeling this weird sensation kept tormenting him.
Clutching his chest, he looked at nothing constant. He didn't want to think about it but somehow he had a feeling that something big was about to happen...something that can harm his family in some way.
'I hope this is nothing but my overthinking...'
--------**-------
A/N:- We are reaching there. Thanks for reading.
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Struggling as a Villain Chapter 133: Chapter 132- BeatdownSTRUGGLING AS A VILLAINC133: Chapter 132- Beatdown
Richard didn't know what he was getting himself involved in. This was sick. He was two floors promoted just within a single week, and now, he was going out there, in an arena to fight someone who was possibly stronger than him.
Just a week ago, when he entered the Endless Hold, he didn't have much expectations against the prisoners on the higher floor because of their lack of strength. He was too reliant on his batons and potions. But, now, he has no options.
However, this was necessary. He has to discern the strength level of the prisoners here, and accordingly plan his next step, how he would be slaughtering them. No one was innocent here, so Richard didn't feel remorse at that thought.
However, just because of the same fact that no one was innocent here, it loudly stated that if he lost this battle, then Richard would die.
He never, even once, thought of escaping from a battle. He has always faced every challenge, and this time as well, running away wasn't an option. The situation was unfavourable and unknown, yet
'Why am I feeling excited?' He couldn't stop shaking in the thrill as he made his way through the corridor.
Mostly, every cell was now empty, and faintly, Richard could hear the loud chanting of the prisoners, coming from the same arena where Richard was going to fight.
The ground shook beneath Richard's feet, not from magic or the clash of powers, but from the sheer weight of the anticipation that filled the arena. The prisoners' roars echoed off the high, cold stone walls, amplifying the chaotic energy that crackled in the air. Their voices, sharp with excitement and bloodlust, melded into one deafening hum, drowning out all other sounds.
It showed the massive gathering of prisoners waiting to see him fight against one of their jailmates.
With a sharp breath, Richard finally entered the arena, and the muffled noises became vivid.
"Damn..." All he could do was exclaim upon seeing hundreds of prisoners filling the stands and wildly howling. They all were pumped up enough to tell that already a battle had occurred here ...and also, the dead body of the prisoner, who was getting carried away, was another significant piece of evidence.
Chains clinked as some banged their fists against the metal railings, while others stomped their feet on the ground, shaking the stands. The walls seemed to shake as the crowd roared, their voices echoing through the stone halls. The sound was deafening, a storm of howls and jeers, as every prisoner in the stands called for blood, waiting for the next fight to begin.
Richard could see several blood blots around, the ground being torn from several places and the other several signs of crazy battles just made him recall the indoor gymnasium of the academy.
Compared to this...the academy's arena seemed like a children's park.
Suddenly someone jumped from the audience and stood in the middle of the arena, with his eyes turning towards Richard.
Richard raised his brows...so there was no referee or anything huh? People jump in and fight?
'...this can be dangerous.' He didn't think about 'what ifs' and stepped forward
He didn't want to expose his staff from the get-go so he decided to present himself as a mage as far as he could.
The loud reverberation of the cries and hooting, elevated as Richard finally appeared in their vision.
Several tomatoes and eggs were thrown at him, but Richard easily dodged them and continued his walk towards his spot.
The man he had to fight was a tall person of six feet and some inches in height and broad, muscular shoulders. He has straight brown hair that stood and fell after reaching a few inches above his head. He wasn't wearing a shirt and only pants, and on his bare chest, one could see a massive scar stretching from his collarbone to the side of his waist.
The man looked intimidating but because his control over his ether was excellent, Richard couldn't discern his power level.
The man crossed his arms on his chest and said, "I am Dino, Eric's friend. He told me about you. An arrogant brat probably from a noble family."
Richard was surprised how people easily guessed the fact that he was noble-born. However, he didn't show any intention of speaking as he heard the brown-haired adding,
"Let's see if you are all barks or you got some teeth to bite as well?" He provoked, fingers gesturing for Richard to come at him.
At that precise moment, nothing was audible to Richard--no howling, no anxiety for his family, no stress for his ambition...all Richard could feel was his loudly thumping heart and the heat his body radiated.
Extending his left hand, he launched,
"Hell Blaze!" A torrent of raven-red flames extruded from the top of his finger and soon took the shape of a roaring dragon as it approached the man.
Dino narrowed his eyes, and a smirk lifted his lips as he slightly tilted his left foot, and a several-foot-tall, thick mud wall was erected before him.
*SHWAMP*
Hell Blaze struck the mud wall but did no significant damage to it, except for solidifying the mud wall
Richard gritted his teeth; this was the worst match-up.
Summoning a flame lance he shot it towards the hardened mud wall, breaking it into pieces, but he was a fool to think that Dino would remain at his spot.
"*Agh*" Just as Richard turned towards his left, he felt something hitting his back, knocking the air out of him, as Richard staggered forward.
Just as he was about to fall, Dino held Richard by his collar and lifted him into the air--only to find flames bursting from Richard's back, urging Dino to release his grip before he burned his hand.
Richard jumped and landed back on his feet. His back hurts but not enough to make him yield.
He didn't wait for another second to launch into action, his hands full of flames as he leapt towards the big man.
Dino was faster than he expected as the man jumped up and his place was replaced by a mud wall.
Richard barely had the time to pause, and in the next moment, he sensed several spikes advancing toward him from above.
"Shit!"
Richard cursed as he enhanced his body and leapt back, barely avoiding those sharp spikes.
However, due to his haste, he forgot to notice Dino, who appeared just behind Richard and struck his elbow at the exact right position as before.
"Agh!!" Richard cried in pain, not only because of the elbow strike but because several mud spikes stabbed his shoulder and legs.
"Booooooo~"
"Borrrrriiiiing!"
"Kill! Kill!"
The audience booed as Dino stepped away and allowed Richard to fall down.
He was injured but far from defeated.
Pushing his hands against the ground, Richard sprang back on his feet, only to find his eyes widening as a massive rock orb flew in his direction.
Richard jumped because the boulder was directed at his leg...and once again, he failed to evade the flying kick of Dino that struck him square in the face--sending Richard flying in the air.
The crowd sneered and spat at the bad performance of the kid while Dino felt disappointed having his night wasted on the brat.
However, something unexpected happened. Richard, who was about to hit the wall, suddenly turned in the air, landed on the wall gracefully and remained suspended in the air for a blink before shooting toward Dino like a dart.
Dino, in a panic, tried erecting another wall, however,
"....I can't use my ether?!" The realisation was a lot less shocking than the strength in Richard's punch when he hit Dino with his enhancement devoted all to his fist.
**BOOOOOOM**
A deafening explosion occurred as Dino was the one who was sent flying this time. Blood sprayed like a fountain as he struck the arena wall, creating a dent in it.
However, despite that punch destroying his lower jaw, the man didn't fall to his knees and remained standing with his head hung low.
The crowd had already turned silent the moment Richard landed that blow, as they stared at Dino and Richard alternatively.
There was a strange gleam in Richard's eyes which didn't exist a few moments ago.
And on the other side, Dino moved his hand and supported his hanging jaw.
"Heh~" The brown-haired smirked, seeing his blood after such a long time. He believed that he was fighting against a spoiled brat and the match would soon come to an end.
But now, Dino has a different opinion.
Taking out a vial from his pocket he downed it in one go, letting his jaw heal at an astonishing pace.
Stepping forward, he shouted, "You got my interest, boy! Now don't disappoint me!"
Dino lunged toward Richard and the battle restarted.
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A/N:- I hope the battle scene was entertaining. I am trying to improve it. Thanks for reading.
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Struggling as a Villain Chapter 134: Chapter 133- GoddessSTRUGGLING AS A VILLAINC134: Chapter 133- Goddess
There was something certain, this brat wasn't sheltered and weak like those whom Dino used to face when he served as a knight.
This person was good. With his blood lust, ether control and body movement it was evident that he has fought and killed people before.
Earlier when Dino was attacked, he believed that his opponent was a bonafide Mage, but now, his opinion took a one-eighty.
'He has shaped himself through pure combat...' That stance which the bald-head adapted was different from before. It showed that his opponent was no longer in the 'observation' phase.
He wants a fight. And Dino was well set on giving one.
Planting his hands on the ground, Dino summoned a network of mud walls that shot up between him and Richard, each one forming at unpredictable angles and random intervals. The walls created a jagged maze, twisting and turning with no discernible pattern.
Richard's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing as the unnatural layout blocked his view of the battlefield—and, more importantly, his opponent.
The booming voice came from his left. "Dodge!" It commanded, urging Richard to shift his focus. Instinctively, he took a defensive stance, turning towards the sound. But before he could react further
"Khak!" A heavy mud ball smashed into his back, knocking him forward and sending pain shooting through his spine. Richard clenched his teeth, frustration growing as he realized how expertly Dino manipulated the element. The mud wasn't just a barrier; it was a weapon in Dino's hands, striking from the shadows of the maze he had created.
Dino moved like a phantom within his own creation, his figure nothing more than a blur darting from one corner to the next. He knew every inch of this chaotic battlefield, using the walls to his advantage, launching attacks from Richard's blind spots without ever slowing down.
Richard gritted his teeth and stomped his feet on the ground. The flames roared to life, creating a temporary barrier against the relentless mud attacks. The heat intensified, scorching the ground around him and providing a brief moment of respite.
Dino stopped in his tracks, eyeing the flames with a gleam in his eyes. A slow, predatory grin spread across his face. Without hesitation, he coated his arms in thick layers of hardened mud, the earth wrapping around his limbs like armour. The mud hardened and cracked with an audible snap, forming gauntlets of stone.
His feet dug into the ground, and with a burst of speed, he charged directly towards the firewall.
The audience roared in thrill as they saw Dino charging from the front. His aim was precise, aiming for Richard's head which was currently within the bounds of the flames.
"Ahhhhh!" With a twirl, he entered the flame ring and smashed his fist with utmost ferocity, enough force to take down an ice pillar.
....however, he severely missed his target as Richard, with his eyes closed, ducked under the fist.
"Ah!" Dino only glanced at the boy for a single moment, and in the next, he found something hitting his exposed side with enough force to knock out his breath.
"Fuck!" Dino spat through clenched teeth; his body flung backwards. He crashed into the ground, rolling uncontrollably until his back slammed against one of the mud walls he had erected. Pain radiated through his side, and for the first time in the fight, panic flickered in his eyes.
Richard slowly rose back to his feet, his senses flaring higher than before.
With his 'Perception Burst' he could make out the fine details around him. Every movement in the arena, from the faintest gust of wind to the smallest tremor in the ground, became part of Richard's awareness. He didn't need his eyes anymore—he could feel the battlefield.
Dino raised his hands, summoning over a hundred mud darts that hovered ominously in the air, glistening like darkened arrows. With a fierce grin, he locked his eyes on Richard, ready to unleash his barrage. "Feel the weight of my power!" he shouted, launching all the darts at once.
But Richard remained calm, eyes still closed, listening intently. He could hear the whistling of each dart slicing through the air, approaching him from every direction like a swarm of angry hornets.
He kept his head low, allowing the air around him to guide his movements as he materialized his staff in his hold. With a surge of energy, Richard slammed the Ruyi Bang into the ground, the impact sending a shockwave rippling outward.
The air crackled with a violent current, and as he swung the staff upward, all the mud darts shattered into fragments, exploding in a shower of dirt and debris. The sound echoed like thunder, and the arena fell momentarily silent, the audience watching in awe as the shards scattered harmlessly around him.
Dino's eyes focused on that staff as he realised that this might turn messy if he didn't pay attention.
Richard lunged into the air, using his staff as a propel, and twirled thrice while being airborne.
"Hupp!" Increasing his weight near the end, he struck the staff on the ground, sending a massive surge of gale across the battlefield, and severing all the mud walls which were blocking his vision.
Dino barely had the time to erect several walls in front of him to protect him from the shockwaves, however, he committed a grave mistake by blocking his own vision.
"Huh?" His instincts flared, ringing loudly as Dino felt something above him.
This sensation was new to him...yet he fairly understood what this feeling was
The dread of death.
"Hell Blaze!" Richard launched his deadliest attack from a few inches above, releasing a torrent of violent flames which engulfed Dino from head to toe.
"Ahhhhhhhh!!" The cries of the prisoner echoed through the silent arena as Dino tried fighting away this excruciating sensation.
Richard landed on the ground, smoke erupting from his body; however, since the body count increased by one, he didn't remain standing to check if Dino had died and made his way out of the arena.
Returning to his cell, Richard finally released the Perceptive Burst...and found his vision turning blurry. His body was spasming because of those many combination of attacks, and also, the utilisation of Ruyi Bang at its five percent took a heavy toll on him.
Falling on the bed, Richard closed his eyes and fell asleep.
-----------**----------
Lilia couldn't believe her eyes. Outside the mansion, hundreds upon hundreds of church workers were dropping dead and resurrecting in the next instance.
It didn't help that new batches joined them out of nowhere and the ferocity of their attacks was elevating.
The crimson-eyed man was still dominating the field; however, considering the undying forces and the increasing numbers, Lilia didn't believe that he would be able to keep them away for the rest of the days until her master returned.
"Take this!" A priest raised his left hand, the symbol of light releasing a bright radiance, and making the raven-haired clench his teeth.
In front of the essence of Light, the being who derives their essence from Darkness always feels weak and annoyed.
Extending his hand, the seven feet tall man released a reddish dark matter from the tip of his finger, that pierced the Priest's head and drained the life from his eyes.
However, only a moment later, the priest returned to life and continued to channel the energy toward the man.
Gritting his teeth, the raven-haired curled his body, and in the next moment, several large blood-red spikes erupted from his body, slaughtering numerous church members in an instant.
However, more than anyone else, the man knew that this wouldn't be enough to kill them.
'Exactly what is causing those shitty Goddesses to interfere with the mortal world so much?'
---------**--------
Marcus returned to the academy nearly at the same time when Scarlette's mansion was attacked.
After leaving Richard at the doors of the Endless Hold, he went to meet the Prince, but unfortunately, the boy was currently too terrified to meet anyone, so he made his way back to the Academy.
"Haah...long day..." Although he wasn't injured, at this age, it becomes weary for him to battle for that long. The clones were inhumane beings with no fear of death nor any remorse for their action.
'But still...it's quite unsettling that the parent one still is alive...' Marcus heaved a sigh and sat down on his office chair.
He had a lot of work pending and naturally, he wasn't going to sleep tonight as well.
*Tick*
Just as he picked up the fountain pen, he felt a presence in the academy which wasn't here until a moment ago
The old one's eyes sharpened as his figure dissolved in an instant.
"The dormitory..." To be specific he received that presence from the girl's dormitory.
Marcus' pace was unreadable under the dark sky as he appeared before the warden; startling the woman.
"H-H-Headmaster?!" The bespectacled woman instantly sprang to her feet, witnessing Marcus here at this time.
"Come with me, "He commanded before climbing the stairs. Since it was already past midnight there was no one roaming around.
Marcus hurriedly walked through the corridor and only stopped before the only door which was parted.
Marcus went inside without another thought to check whether the student was safe...however, despite how much he searched—phyiscally or through his skill—he couldn't find anyone at all.
Walking out of the room, he asked the warden, "Whose room is this?"
The warden didn't think twice before responding, "It was allotted to student Hawkbridge. Amelia Hawkbridge."
---------**--------
A/N:- Don't worry, he won't take long to return. Just a few chapters. Thanks for reading.
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Struggling as a Villain Chapter 135: Chapter 134- OfferSTRUGGLING AS A VILLAINC135: Chapter 134- Offer
For the next thirty days, Richard continued his life as usual. He fought one enemy every single day, got himself injured, returned to his cell and slept.
He was slowly gaining control over 'Perceptive Burst', and his stats were elevating at a gradual pace.
The system has only allotted a single quest in these thirty days, and the reward wasn't very attractive as well.
But, well, since he got himself such a massive levelling-up venue, he wasn't bothering with the system.
If there was any problem with his current life then it was the slow number of death count rising. He didn't know how he would do a massive massacre when the warriors here were veterans and clearly held years' worth of experience.
Currently, he had finished a battle, and while covered in his blood and with his left shoulder broken, Richard returned to his cell. He hasn't gone to check the working quarters here and only left the cell for either to fight or eat.
As of now, his stats look like,
[Name: Scarlette Richard]
[Race: Human, Elemental Ascended]
[Age: 16]
[Rank: C]
[Str: 70]
[Spd: 65]
[End: 66 +10-> 76
[Int: 38]
[Mgc: 982]
[Luk: 50]
[Available stats: 30]
[Special skills: Burning, Hammering]
[Skills: Self-regeneration -> D-> C+
Telekinesis-> C+ {1000 Kilograms}
Barrier-> F {Two layers}
Enhancement-> A-
Detection-> D+ (550 meters)
[Spells: Fireball- D
Amber Arrow- D+
Hell Blaze- S
Flame Maze- C
Molten Platform- D-.
Perception Burst- B
Flood of Flames- A]
[Inventory: Bo-staff: ???]
...
There was no doubt that the progress he could have achieved in a year in the outside world was made possible within a month here.
Slowly walking towards his cell, Richard first had a few mouthfuls of water.
While he was gulping down eagerly, he heard an unfamiliar voice,
"It's strange..."
Richard spun on his feet, his fingers curled in a punch as he targeted the unfamiliar person with his body being enhanced.
With the current force, he could have easily made a crater on the ground...however, that punch was easily blocked by a thin stick that the man held.
*SWIISH*
The air ripples when the two sides collide, creating shock waves and making the bedsheet flutter.
Richard maintained his eyes on the man who wore a three-piece red and back suit and had long black hair. His eyes held multiple shades, making him look nothing but creepy.
"Who are you? How did you get in here?" Richard demanded in a stern tone. Although his current condition didn't suggest that he could hold a conversation, he not even once thought of yielding.
The man heaved a sigh before suggesting, "I will say you should sit down first."
"No, you tell me your identity." Richard insisted.
The man shook his head from left to right before waving his thin wooden stick around, and suddenly, a warm sensation penetrated through Richard's skin, spreading around his body at an astonishing pace.
However, Richard wasn't able to fight back since it wasn't an offensive spell in the first place. He very well knew that the man just healed him.
Richard's consciousness regained stability but his question persisted, "Who are you?"
The man sat down on the bed and after draping his left leg over the other, he said, "I am a part of the administration that runs and manages the Endless Hold. You can call me, Blaze."
Richard's lips parted as he stared at the man in disbelief for a moment. Someone from the administration came to see him. But why? He didn't even have killed more than forty people on this floor yet.
Richard leaned back on the wall across from the man before asking, "What do you need from me?"
"An answer. It's related to the purpose for which you came here." Blaze says while pointing his stick towards Richard's left arm.
Richard didn't show any movement and just narrowed his eyes. On his left arm was the mark of evil, but making it obvious was never in his mind.
"I don't know what are-"
"Oh, you very well know. You came here to gather the sacrifices to please the evil god who has inflicted punishment on your mother."
Richard clenched his fist; so they knew it all along. The headmaster said that the administration doesn't give a single fuck about the prisoners so they, most probably, would overlook Richard's evil mark.
However, from what he has seen until now, his sudden promotion and this unexpected visit of an administrator...it seems that Richard has become an exception for them.
Blaze grinned before asking, "Do you want me to help with your mission and send you back home early?"
Hearing those words, Richard was baffled as he immediately retorted, "You don't have the authority to release any prisoner from the Endless Hold. Stop spouting nonsense."
"Generally, yes. A warden or administrator doesn't have the authority to go against the rules which the almighty creator of this establishment, created." Blaze spoke, with his left hand on his chest and a dramatic expression he adopted.
However, soon he smiled and added, "However, your talent aligns with the Sentinel's interest; as such, he asked me to forward a message to you."
Richard was feeling this situation to be quite fishy as he kept his eyes narrowed on the man. Many things he was saying don't make sense.
The Sentinels are the beings who founded the Endless Hold and the beings who live away from the chaos of the outside world. The battle between Demons and Gods was never of their concern. And those mysterious beings are showing interest in him?
"I can't believe in you..." Richard slowly uttered.
Blaze didn't react in any manner which suggested that he was not expecting such a response.
However, since he was short on time, he went on with the proposal, "Mister Scarlette Richard, your work was well-liked in the forgery back on the base floor. And I offer you one prisoner in exchange for one blade you remoulded. And if you can craft one, I will increase the number of prisoners by ten."
Richard was left speechless. He was trading human lives for his average blacksmithy? But why?
'No...this isn't as simple as it looks...there is something more to it...' Thinking back, the inspection officer also told Richard when he brought him to the third floor that the forgery was available on this floor as well, indicating that he should continue to work there.
'Did I unconsciously make something overpowered?'
Richard was contemplating his next move when suddenly Blaze stood up and spoke in a heavy tone,
"Mister Richard, you have two options now; first, I go back and we pretend this meeting never happened. In that way you can continue to live as you want, but at a risk that you might not be able to leave on your accord." Richard gritted his teeth hearing that but didn't interrupt him,
"Second, you will accept my deal and accomplish what you came for. And as soon as you achieve your goal, you will be free to leave. And that is a promise."
"I need a binding vow." Richard immediately responded with his head leaning a little and fist clenched.
If he really provides what he was offering in the second option then Richard would utilize all his time in the forgery from here on, despite the hidden motive they have. However, before that, he needed insurance so that his efforts wouldn't go to waste.
...truth be told, now that he has gained the attention of the Sentinel, it would be quite difficult for the Headmaster to pull him out. So this might be his only option.
"A binding vow? Quite an amusing thing...but here we go." A familiar parchment which gave out a purplish glow, appeared before Blaze as he extended it toward Richard.
Richard read the terms before biting his thumb and dropping his blood at the bottom of the contract.
The parchment glowed and then disintegrated, signifying the establishment of the contract.
Richard looked at Blaze who was now smiling in contentment, as he offered his hand for a shake.
Richard took his hand as he heard the man saying, "I hope we can benefit each other with this."
"Same here."
----------**----------
Amelia returned to her senses after what seemed like hours.
Parting her eyes she found herself currently bound to ropes and sitting down on a wooden chair.
She tried moving and breaking her restraints, but it was all futile. Not to talk about, her ether was suppressed as well.
The last thing she remembered was that she was trying to draw Richard's face on paper...when someone attacked her from behind...and then she found herself here.
"Ah, you are awake?" Hearing that voice, Amelia turned stiff.
She...knew this voice. She has heard this voice just a few hours ago.
And when that person walked out of the shadows her doubt was proven to be right.
"E-Ethan?!"
---------*--------
A/N:- Ah, this arc is so messed up. But everything will be pieces together soon. Thanks for reading.
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Struggling as a Villain Chapter 136: Chapter 135- Hidden skillSTRUGGLING AS A VILLAINC136: Chapter 135- Hidden skill
The next day, Richard went to the forge which was located nearly at the same place as the base floor.
For some reason he was being ignored by other prisoners...maybe because they got the word that someone from the administration came to meet him? Might be possible.
But, well, he didn't build any connection on this floor, so he didn't particularly mind their behaviour.
"Woah..." Entering the chamber, Richard was surprised to see the difference between the forge on this floor compared to the one back on the base floor.
The workshop where Richard has to remould swords is a small, enclosed space, filled with the warmth of burning coal. The forge sits at the centre, its flames glowing bright, casting light around the room. In front of the forge is a sturdy anvil, marked with years of use.
Tools like hammers, tongs, and chisels hang neatly on the walls, ready to be used. Nearby, a large grinding wheel waits to sharpen the swords once they're shaped. Buckets of water sit close by for cooling the hot metal. The room is simple but equipped with everything Richard needs for his task.
There were more tools for the smithy and enough space for Richard to lie down from time to time to relax. There was fresh drinking water available as well, along with a small cabin if Richard wanted to rest for a few minutes.
'This surely is not the original design of the forge...' He could tell, that the administration was trying to provide him with facilities so that Richard could spend as much time as he could in this place.
"I wish they would add a lunch counter as well..." Heaving a sigh, he rolled his sleeve and drank a potion which he bought from tokens.
Yes, this floor has a potion shop.
Wearing an apron he picked a sword which was bent in a 'L'. It was fairly easy to remould swords which are awkwardly bent.
Going through the same process which he recently learned, he first raised the temperature of the metal by several folds and brought it upon the anvil. He never felt the need for safety goggles, so he went on with hammering the sword back in shape.
His eyes carefully calculated the heat required at regular intervals to keep the blade hot enough to adapt to changes but not lose its form.
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
Hammer hitting the blade which was now returning to its original shape, sounded like a harmonious melody to his ears. He loves the way his craftsmanship allowed a wasted piece of metal to regain its formal glory.
Once he was satisfied with the shape and length he dipped the whole weapon inside water while holding its handle.
Flames no longer burn him as much and truth be told, this whole process was quite comforting.
Once the blade cooled down, Richard brought it to sharpen.
The grinding wheel was large and worn from years of use, turned by a wooden crank. Richard settled the sword carefully, angling the blade just right. With a firm press of his foot, he began to turn the crank, the stone wheel coming to life with a steady, low hum.
Sparks flew as the edge of the sword met the spinning stone, casting flickers of light into the workshop. Richard's hands moved with practised precision, guiding the blade along the wheel's coarse surface. The rough grind smoothed away any remaining imperfections, slowly honing the sword into a sharp, deadly edge.
It took him exactly eight minutes and a usable sword was in his hold.
Richard inspected the sword he just forged, trying to discern what actually made them so interested in him.
Holding the sword with both hands, Richard tried to swing it—only to halt when a familiar person entered the forge,
"I would not recommend you doing that," It was Blaze once again, who mysteriously appeared before Richard.
"Why do you say so? Not like I will damage your equipment or anything..." He nonchalantly said. Richard has trained with swords in the past so he can fairly manage it.
However, Blaze had a different opinion, as he slowly extended his hand toward the sword and said, "Generally, nothing much would happen with a simple swing. However, "As he said, suddenly the backside of the forge was parted and a massive hall came into view.
Richard watched in awe at how precisely time-space magic was manipulated to change the structure of the Endless Hold.
Blaze stepped toward and held the sword with both hands, as he said, "But if you know the trick,"
Without warning, Blaze swung the sword with a swift, powerful motion. The air around the blade seemed to ripple as it sliced downward. In an instant, a fiery burst of energy erupted from the blade, creating a massive vertical slash in the air. Molten lava spewed forth from the crack, flowing like a river of fire.
The ground shook as the lava hit the concrete surface, melting it on contact. Cracks formed and spread, the molten liquid tearing through the solid ground with ease. The once firm floor crumbled, dissolving into fiery rubble as the heat continued to rise, smoke billowing upward.
With a smirk, Blaze finished, "...you can do much damage to whatever is in front of you."
Richard looked at the scene with his mouth parted agape.
He, not even in his wildest dreams, could have thought that he would end up making such a monstrous thing with his mere one-week experience.
Blaze stepped forward and rested the tip of the blade on the ground.
Looking at Richard he asked, "Do you know about weapon infusion or enchantment?"
Richard slowly nodded, "Yeah...I had those back in the Duchy." The metal batons, to be precise.
"Yes, you must have one. Given the rarity of those tools I can expect only the Duchess to get her hands on one."
Taking a long breath, Blaze said, "This process involves imbuing a weapon with mystical properties, enhancing its abilities beyond the limits of mere steel or wood. You can add magic to a needle and make it more deadly than a scythe."
"I am aware, but why are you telling me that?" Richard asked.
"Because you, my friend, just enchanted not only this but many other swords without even realizing."
Richard raised his brows. It's not like he wasn't expecting that response, but still, it was baffling to know that he learned magic imbuing without any prior training or explanation on how it's done.
Blaze added, "Only a few selected dwarves from ancient times were able to add magical elements to their weapons, and they seldom sold them to anyone. That's why there are so few enchanted weapons in existence as of now."
"True...and those which are available are expensive enough to make one spend all their life worth of fortune."
Blaze nodded, as he said, "You have a gift for enchantment, Richard. And that's what makes you so special. Continue to build more weapons, and don't limit yourself due to any reason."
Gesturing toward the forge, he said, "This is your playground so let loose and show what you have-"
"Where is the prisoner?"
Blaze blinked in confusion and awkwardness, being interrupted like this.
He allowed his hand to return to his side before inviting Richard, "Come with me,"
Outside the chamber, a single prisoner could be seen currently kneeling on the floor with his face covered with a black fabric.
Richard's left hand was enveloped in flames, as wordlessly he stepped forward and stabbed the man in the chest, making his death as quick as possible.
There was no fighting back, and the strangest part was that the other prisoners, who were having lunch just a few meters away, seemed like they didn't even notice their comrade getting killed just now.
Richard glanced at the death counter, and fortunately, it went up by one.
Richard heaved a sigh and got back up. Fortunately, there was no trickery in this.
Although this method was like a cheat shortcut, if he could reduce the time of returning back home through this, then Richard was not going to ask for anything else.
"Anything would you like to ask or complain about before I leave?" Blaze asked, to which Richard said,
"If possible arrange a lunch-"
"Ah, it's already there." Blaze pointed inside the chamber.
Richard turned around, and indeed, there was a familiar window for food ordering that could be seen.
"Than-" Just the moment he turned around to thank the man, he found that there was no one standing there.
Richard shrugged and returned to the forge.
Washing his face with freshwater he turned towards the bunch of swords piled up in a corner as he muttered,
"Let my imagination go wild huh..."
If he can really enchant his weapon then what if he makes something from the scratch?
But there was something that kept him bothered since yesterday.
For what do they want these many deadly weapons? What are they planning?
----------*---------
A/N:- We will see a time skip in next chapter. Thanks for reading.
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Struggling as a Villain Chapter 137: Chapter 136- PrepareSTRUGGLING AS A VILLAINC137: Chapter 136- Prepare
Amelia had a good impression of Ethan until now. She has heard about him from Richard once or twice, and even during the assessment, he behaved quite well with others.
His involvement in helping Richard was something that made her feel that he might become an ally on whom Richard, at some point, could rely.
However, she was wrong. Utterly wrong.
When Amelia was at her most vulnerable stage, and Ethan was aware of it, he took advantage of her situation and kidnapped her.
And now, she was sitting in some random place, being tied by ropes and her ether completely suppressed.
In an icy voice, she asked, "What intention do you hold for abducting me? Are you risking your life for a few gold coins?"
Ethan raised his brows, and asked in pure astonishment, "The only thing you can think of is ransom? Really? Do you think I would dare touch the daughter of the renowned Duke for money? Ah, I expected a lot more from you, Amelia."
His voice held that edge that made him look different from how he had presented himself until now. For a moment, she thought it was Ethan's clone currently in front of her, but with the Headmaster's presence in the academy, it was highly unlikely for the clone to dare enter the island once again.
Then it means the person in front of her is, indeed, Ethan.
Sitting down on the ground, Ethan calmly told her, "I don't hold a grudge against you, Miss, but since you chose a problematic partner to build a romance with, you're involved in his mess as well."
Amelia's gaze darkened, "What Richard is doing is none of your concern."
Ethan's smile vanished as, with a snarl, he spat, "It has to do with me, Amelia. Your boyfriend has chosen to resurrect something which shall not exist. He has taken the side of evil, and I, as the Emissary Of Light, hold the responsibility to stop him."
"So you chose the method of a coward and kidnapped me to stop Richard, huh?" Her insult was met by silence, making Amelia growl.
Leaning forward, she stated in a grave voice, "Listen, Ethan, I don't know what is the matter with you, but the moment I realise that I can become a hindrance to Richard's goal, I swear I won't think twice before killing myself. So it's better you steel your nerves since my death would bring hell upon you."
Ethan's eyes no longer held amusement as he stared at Amelia blankly for a few moments before getting up.
"Don't make much noise, Miss Amelia; no one is gonna come to save you." Saying so, he disappeared from the place.
-------------**------------
It has been eight months since Richard began working under the contract and regularly got into contact with Blaze.
He has been remodelling swords for eighteen hours a day, one hour in other activities and the remaining time in bed.
He has gotten used to his work so much that even while being half asleep, he ends up hammering a sword back into its original shape without a single error.
Once in a while, he went to battle people in the arena as well; however, considering the number of people he had slaughtered, it was inevitable for only a few of them to be here.
To not completely desolate the floor, Richard asked Blaze to bring prisoners from other floors, and he readily agreed.
At some point, Brad and Jasmine arrived on the third floor through a monthly inspection as well. And thanks to Brad's presence Richard was no longer getting bored during work.
And about Jasmine...then she somehow reminded him of Violet. Awkward, mysterious and devoted to serving him.
She brought him his lunch, arranged his bed, and even sometimes massaged his shoulders after work. Considering how blissful she looked while serving him, Richard also didn't feel the guilt of making her work for him.
About his kill count, then, he had already reached seventy-thousand eight hundred, and only twenty thousand two hundred remained before he could leave this place and heal his family.
His stats have improved as well, but he wasn't focusing on that.
Thanks to the fact that he can now build a whole weapon from scratch allowed him to hasten his kill counts.
Now, back to the present.
"Here you go," Brad extended the leather belt towards Richard which he had to bind around the handle of the blade he was making.
With careful hands, he wound the thick leather belt around it, pulling it tight. His fingers worked with a steady rhythm, securing the belt in place with small knots. As he tugged the last end, the sword felt different—gripped better, more sure in his hand.
He stood, testing the feel by swinging it lightly in the air. The new grip held firm, offering more control with each move.
Satisfied, he rested the newly made sword inside the bracket before seeing it disappear instantly.
He looked at the counting panel and found he had gained over twenty targets for today.
"It still baffles me," Hearing those words, Richard raised his brows as he heard Brad adding, "Like you forming a contract with the authorities and then having prisoners being served to you like this. Seriously, you are one lucky bastard."
Richard shrugged, "Maybe I am. After all, I didn't think that with that pace with which I was killing people, I could have reached anywhere near my goal within time."
Brad sighed, "Maybe you are destined to become a blacksmith and Endless Hold made you realise your talent."
Richard hummed, "You might be true. I was also thinking of having my own forge once I return. After all,.the way I have become addicted to this I don't think I will be able to live for more than a few days away from hammer and anvil."
Brad was about to suggest something when suddenly Jasmine appeared inside the cell, "Master, I have brought a blueberry jam sandwich for you~"
There was a happy smile on her face, as she hoped inside the forge.
Brad has nearly forgotten about her previous attitude which she maintained back on the base floor towards the others.
"Huh?" Noticing Brad Jasmine uttered, "You are still here? Annoying..."
...well, not completely he has forgotten.
"Okay then, I will be taking my leave," Brad said as he retired for the day and returned to his cell, which was just across from Richard's.
Richard chuckled seeing that reaction as he washed his hands and took the sandwich from the girl.
Looking at her flushed cheeks, and stretched lips, he couldn't help but ask, "How can you look so happy about something so trivial?"
Jasmin shyly giggled which made her bountiful bust shake, as she replied, "Satiating Master Richard's hunger gives me pleasure."
Richard halted while chewing and told her, "You gotta work on your phrasing."
She giggled mischievously hearing that, making Richard roll his eyes.
While eating, he asked her, "How long are you sentenced to remain here?"
Jasmine smiled in glee, "As long as my master is here."
Richard scoffed, "You know this isn't some grocery store where you can enter and exit on your will, right?"
Jasmine nodded, "I am aware, master, but don't worry, Jasmine will be with her master despite how challenging it becomes."
Richard didn't know what he should say here, so he focused on his dinner and once finished, he wiped his hands and walked out of the chamber.
There, Blaze was unexpectedly waiting for him with all the prisoners lined up to be executed.
Richard extended his hand toward them and released Hell Blaze upon the lot as he asked the man, "What do you want now?"
Every time Blaze appeared before him, it was something related to the forge. And as he expected, this time as well,
"We want you to make a scythe this time. We will be sup-"
"Not possible." Richard outrightly rejected it. He has recently got the hang of making a sword, and now, Blaze is asking him to make something so complicated, like a scythe.
Blaze's smile didn't falter; he was now accustomed to getting interrupted by Richard so he just continued,
"Naturally, we will supply materials for the weapon and as a reward, we will grant you a hundred prisoners!"
Jasmine beamed hearing that as with her fists bumped, she excitedly looked at her master.
However, Richard didn't speak for a brief moment before demanding, "Two hundred prisoners and a specific one from the fourth floor. His name is Hazard, a big fat man with a round tattoo on his head. You must know him, right?"
Blaze, with a wide smile, extended his hand for a shake as he said, "Deal. But you only got three days to make one, okay?"
Richard heaved a sigh as he shook his hand and said, "Guess, you guys want to overwork me to death."
Now Jasmine was glaring at Blaze, making the latter embarrassed as he said,
"I will now take my leave before your maid ends up clawing my face."
Saying so, Blaze bowed slightly and his figure disappeared.
Left alone, Richard turned toward Jasmine, and told her, "I need you,"
"S-So suddenly? I-I haven't e-even bathe-"
"Jasmine, focus. You need to help me pull this off, got it."
Hearing his words, Jasmine instantly nodded, "Whatever you command, my lord."
----------**---------
A/N:- Her picture will be posted in a few days. Thanks for reading.
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Struggling as a Villain Chapter 138: Chapter 137- SatisfiedSTRUGGLING AS A VILLAINC138: Chapter 137- Satisfied
Ethan left the hideout where he had held Amelia captive, and the first and only person he could see was the violet-haired girl named Eleanor.
She was in this with him. This place was suggested by her.
When Ethan received the Divine Decree, the person who approached him was Eleanor, asking if he was prepared to fulfil his duty as the Emissary of Light.
Naturally, he didn't reject it. Someone who hates Ambrobates down to his core and detests them to death, he had to fight against those who sided with evil.
However, going against the evil-worshiper wasn't his duty, given there were risks involved. He was commanded to take someone crucial into captivity.
Amelia is the only person within Ethan's reach who can play a vital role in weakening Richard once he returns.
Although Ethan was not sure of where Richard went, or how strong he would be when he returned, considering the decree arrived from the heavens, this matter was more severe than Ethan could ever expect.
That's why it was necessary to abduct Amelia, in case things go south.
"You did the right thing, Ethan." Hearing her words, he shrugged.
"I am just following their words." His indifferent answer didn't make her disheartened.
Seeing Ethan identifying his destiny and choosing the right path filled Eleanor's heart with elation and allowed her shoulders to slump in relief.
When the other three regressors warned her that harming the Duchess could cost Eleanor dearly, she had no other option than to rely on the Divine Ones. Fortunately, they listened to her prayers and made Ethan realise his path.
Walking beside Ethan she asked, "What are we going to do now? Should I put a barrier around the place?" They were still on the island, yet the headmaster hadn't been able to locate them for some unknown reasons.
Although Eleanor had confidence in her golems, fighting against a bunch of trained professionals sounded risky.
Ethan nonchalantly stated, "I have camouflaged this place with my divine essence. Unless someone is looking at us from point-blank range, we will remain hidden."
Eleanor was surprised, "When did you unlock that skill?"
Ethan didn't reply to her and continued to walk forward.
There was a lot on his mind, and discerning the limits of his powers was not one of them.
---------**---------
For the next two days, Richard continued to engage in a singular activity that revolved around the forge.
He had no idea how to forge the blade of a scythe, so he made a few prototypes.
For the first day, Richard devoted his whole time to the prototypes since he knew he would be able to craft the handle, grips, and other attachments with a little effort. What concerned him the most was the distribution of the blade's weight.
He did not feel satisfied with making it overly weighty or keeping it light.
The way he was pretty engrossed in making the weapon thoroughly surprised his helpers, given until now Richard had only worked with swords. But now, with scythes, it seemed he wasn't completely unaware of its mechanism.
"This one is pretty good, in my opinion. You can just refine and sharpen it, and you will get yourself the best scythe to present them, "Brad suggested while he held the curved blade Richard hammered yesterday.
It had the perfect weight balance, with the blade being heavy at the spot where it would connect with the handle, and the tip was the lightest part. From Brad's knowledge, this was an appropriate scythe blade.
However, "No, it's not good. I don't feel like it will make a good scythe. Too disblanced and feels incomplete. Swinging it with one hand could cause self-harm, and because of the extra weight at the tang, I feel the burden on the wielder's arm will lessen their pace of swing. Not to talk about the tip is not worth pricking the life out of its enemies. Too many flaws.
Don't show me that anymore."
Hearing Richard's detailed explanation of how bad the scythe blade was, even though Brad thought it was perfect, the brown-haired frowned.
However, before he could have said anything Jasmine glared at him with the expression, 'Don't dare say another word'.
Under the two-way assault, Brad yielded and dumped the blade.
Approaching Richard, he asked, "Why does it seem you are quite familiar with scythes? Didn't you say you are into batons and staff more?" Brad has become good friends with Richard in these few months. As such, he seldom hears about Richard's training and the battles he has gone through.
And in none of those stories, there wasn't any mention of a scythe.
Richard frowned, not because he realised it now, but rather because that question was something Richard had been asking himself for two days now.
"I can't say...." Letting those words hang in the room, he finally finished heating the material which was far different from normal metal.
Once it was hot enough, he pulled it from the forge and laid it on the anvil. Gripping the hammer tightly, Richard struck the steel, flattening and shaping it into a long, curved blade. Each blow was precise, forming the natural arc of the scythe.
His eyes narrowed, mind racing at what he could do to make it to his liking. Going with the manual didn't help; he wasn't satisfied with the design. He needed...something more precise.
He hammered the weapon while his mind went through several ideas and suddenly he muttered under his breath,
"No...only sharpening this won't do..."
Taking a thicker piece of steel, he heated it separately until it was malleable. With both pieces glowing hot, Richard laid the thicker steel along the back of the scythe's blade, where the spine would be.
Using a heavy hammer, he began to forge-weld the two pieces together. Each strike bonded the thicker steel to the blade, creating a raised spine that ran along the entire length. Richard focused on keeping the spine even but strong, adding just enough thickness to reinforce the blade without weighing it down too much.
"The hell...scythes are made to slice not to hammer. Why are you adding weight to it?" Brad questioned, which was met with silence
Richard didn't know why he was doing it, but he felt in this way the scythe would be efficient to use.
He hammered the spines and then reheated the blade once again.
Taking it out, he curved the tip a little more and made it thin like a needle near the tip.
And about the edge, then Richard went ahead and sharpened both sides to make it double-edged.
Each movement encouraged him to go on, almost like someone had put him under a spell.
Richard had a smile on his face when he moulded the weapon to his liking rather than adhering to the manual.
From time to time, Jasmine carefully wiped his back and neck with a wet fabric, only to store it carefully in a basket and take out another fabric.
Brad didn't even have to ask why she was keeping those sweat-soaked clothes, knowing her answer would creep him out.
It took him four long hours, but finally, Richard stood with the fragment of the weapon with a satisfied look on his face.
"Congratulations, master!" Jasmine beamed.
"This looks nothing like a scythe...." Brad sighed.
Ignoring both of them, well, not entirely, as he nodded towards Jasmine, he went to make a handle for the weapon.
Now, he needed the perfect handle to match its strength. He chose ash wood for its balance of lightness and durability. Taking a sturdy, straight branch, he began shaping it with his drawknife, smoothing it down until it had the perfect curve for a scythe.
He sanded the wood until it was smooth to the touch, then added two wooden handgrips for better control—one near the middle and one at the base. Next, Richard wrapped parts of the handle with strips of leather, tightening them securely. This would give him a solid, non-slip grip when wielding the weapon.
Satisfied with the handle, he attached the blade, securing it tightly to the tang with iron rivets. The final product felt balanced in his hands, strong yet light enough to swing swiftly.
"It looks marvellous." Jasmine complimented honestly.
"Yeah, now it looks intimidating as a scythe," Brad added while nodding in acknowledgement.
Richard smirked as he held the scythe over his shoulder.
Gripping the weapon he casually swung it....only to freeze in shock.
His lips parted and vitality escaped his eyes. Countless memories began to pour down his memory lane, and a shooting pain assaulted his mind.
Richard fell down to his knees, and despite how much Brad and Jasmine called out he wasn't able to listen to their voices at all
It was all ...blank.
What Richard failed to notice and will greatly shock him later was...
[Death Count: 18683/10000]
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A/N:- I hope you all liked the chapter. Thanks for reading.
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Struggling as a Villain Chapter 139: Chapter 138- ZulcrizSTRUGGLING AS A VILLAINC139: Chapter 138- Zulcriz
A deep-seated memory flashed through his mind, and while looking at it, Richard was completely detached from the real world.
There was darkness. Everywhere. The very fibre of this reality seemed to have weaved out from darkness. Anywhere he turns to, he is met by a complete void. Nothing felt real here.
This can be terrifying for others, but right now Richard couldn't feel any of those human sensations with which he has lived three lifetimes.
All he felt was peace...almost like he had returned home after a long journey.
There was nothing he could say while he saw 'it'. A being which cannot be defined in words as how terrifying it looked even though Richard was standing so far from 'it'.
Under normal circumstances, despite how much he loved challenging people way above his league, facing this entity would have surely forced Richard to retreat.
Those long limbs, wide shoulders, straight back and its body completely enshrouded in alive shadows, as the being emerged out of the depth of the abyss.
Richard's eyes were met by that thing's memory...of that time when the being was betrayed and disowned.
[Your love for that woman led you to forsake the very principles you once established. 'No being shall be freed from the bonds of death'—those were your words. Yet you, entrusted with the sacred duty of granting salvation to all, chose to abuse your authority for the sake of an emotion unbefitting an immortal..]
Those words echoed in the void, and the entity listened to each of those words in silence.
Richard could feel it...the deep wound of emotions. Regret and frustration enveloped him like flames on dry wood.
It was strange that Richard could feel and understand what the entity was suffering from, even though he had yet to see its face and know its identity. Forget about that he didn't know where he was at the moment.
[You have failed me, Zulcriz. Though your existence was contested and your methods questioned, I held my silence, trusting in your principles and believing in the betterment of the mortal realm. Never did I foresee the possibility of your straying from the path. Indeed, you have failed me.]
Richard narrowed his eyes, trying to discern what might have caused the entity to lower its head and who was the one who could even force such an almighty being to kneel before them.
Not to talk about this constant reminder of how the entity has failed to fulfil its duty. How and who was this woman who became the catalyst?
Hundreds of questions, but unfortunately, Richard cannot say anything as of now.
Finally, the silence was broken as the being enshrouded in Darkness spoke,
"Now, what? Are you planning to revive those methods of prolonged life span and again push the existence of mortals toward crisis?"
With a scoff, it continued, "I've watched how those
realms collapse. Mothers clawing their children, people killing each other for a scrap of food. Blood spilt like it was worth less than water. I've seen it all, and if I hadn't stepped in, nothing would've changed. The world would've kept spiralling toward ruin, and no one would've done a damn thing to stop it."
Richard's eyes stretched a little. There was a time when people used to live longer. He has read in the history books how the normal lifespan of a person extended up to five hundred years, and because of the low death rate, the resources were emptying up.
His homeroom teacher also said something similar to it. From her perspective, the Dark Star was that necessity which everyone called evil; however, it is an inevitable fact that without the appearance of the Dark Star, this world might not have lasted for this long.
Then if this entity brought the change....then...then...
'The God of Death?!' Richard couldn't believe that he was looking at the memories of that immortal who held the strength to go against the heavens and challenge every single deity, all alone.
The creator of the Dark Star and the one whom Ethan almost sealed in the previous timeline.
Wait...many things didn't make sense.
If the Lord of Death brought stability to the realms, then why was it getting opposed by the heavens? And if this being, whose voice was echoing through the void, can even make the Death God kneel before it, then shouldn't the holder of the voice be stronger than the deities, as well?
'This is so complicated...' Richard couldn't discern everything, but missing out on their conversation never crossed his mind.
[You must descend to the mortal realm, resume your duty, and continue to safeguard the realms as you have done before. This is your destiny, and facing your siblings is an obligation you cannot escape.....
The voice faded and the Zulcriz hung its head low.
Silence descended upon the void as Richard stared at the being still kneeling on the ground with curious eyes.
He had no idea why Richard was allowed to see the remembrance of the being with whom he had to do nothing.
There was no way of retreat which Richard could ascertain, so after a brief contemplation he took a step forward,
"Halt."
, and halted immediately when he was being called out. And this time, Richard knew that his presence was addressed.
"Confused you maybe, but this isn't the time. You aren't prepared to know everything." It commanded. Its words prohibiting any argument that Richard might have extended...if only he had his voice.
"Each step you take toward Death, you will know what you are and the reason for your existence. However, for now, "The being stood up, reflexively making Richard step back. The hulking form of the Evil Lord became even more intimidating once the Creator of the Dark Star turned around.
The pair of golden eyes stared at Richard, making him shiver. A vast ocean of strength he possessed in that frame. A being, more powerful than his mother and possibly someone who can engulf a whole realm with its presence alone.
Richard felt it. The raw sensation of death clawing at his back and shouting at him to run as far as he could.
But he withstood that force and resisted the urge to kneel. He was never told to, and not like he would ever yield.
He stared back at it. The face of death. The destination of every being and the being that originates from Darkness.
Richard was facing such an entity.
"I see you have made significant progress compared to the last time. However, this isn't enough...nowhere enough. To stand alongside me, you have to realise your origin and ambition."
With his tone becoming heavy and aura denser, the entity added, "And I won't be helping you with that."
Richard didn't back off hearing that heavy voice; rather, he stepped forward. His eyes never wavering and his determination seemed to have become alive through his fierce eyes.
He stood before the Lord of Death, and demanded, "If you want to return, you need me. Otherwise, I don't believe you would have let me see that vulnerable sight of yours. Am I right?"
Silence enshrouded the void after that. Richard held his stance with confidence and waited for Zulcriz to reply.
The chances of Richard ever regaining consciousness were slim, for the entity he now confronted held dominion over death itself. The very essence of mortality bent to its will, and standing against it meant defying forces no living being could hope to withstand.
However, the moment Zulcriz opened its non-existent mouth, something unexpected rolled out,
"I can never make a mistake. You are the right one," Suddenly, the being knelt before Richard and took out an essence of the darkness enshrouding it.
Extending the raven flame towards Richard, it said, "Become one with this. It will help you gain control over your immortal self."
The moment Richard heard 'immortal self' the first thing that came to his mind was, 'The elemental ascension...'
He extended his hand, and rather than taking the flame his body absorbed it.
The void soon began to break, and Richard's consciousness began to slip away.
In sheer desperation to gain a few answers, he asked, "Wait! When I meet your generals, what should I do?"
Through his fading subconscious, he heard its voice loud and clear,
"If they kneel, you spare them. If they defy, you annihilate."
Those were the last words Richard heard before he regained his consciousness...and the first person he saw upon waking up, was none other than Headmaster Marcus.
"Headmaster..." Groggily Richard asked as he raised his body with Jasmine's support.
Marcus, unnaturally sweating and looking nervous, turned his attention towards Richard.
Sitting before him, Marcus rested his hand on Richard's shoulders—making the latter nervous now—as the older one said, "Whatever I tell you, you must not lose your calm."
"Don't build the hype, and just tell me!" Richard demanded.
Marcus heaved a sigh before informing him, "Amelia Hawkbridge is kidnapped, and your mansion in the Capital is under attack."
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A/N:- Let there be carnage.
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