A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 44: Hadecaine (1)

The Dotun Mountains stretched along the southern outskirts of the Empire. Within the dense forested slopes, Charlotte traveled with Maho.

“... Mana can be absorbed by anyone, but the quality and quantity of the mana accumulated within the body vary from person to person. Theoretically, the quality of mana is divided into ten grades. For example, an ordinary person is in the ninth or tenth grade, while someone slightly better would be in the eighth grade.

“From the seventh grade and above, one can aspire to be a knight or a mage. If someone reaches the sixth grade, they can become a mage professor or a combat knight, depending on their background and efforts,” Charlotte explained earnestly, as the princess from the imperial palace was very curious.

“Aha~ I see! That’s amazing, amazing! So, how do you measure these grades? Can I find out the quality of my mana too?”

They had walked for two days and nights without rest, yet Maho remained energetic. Charlotte smiled slightly, appreciating her spirit.

“There is no precise way to measure these grades yet. They are usually determined by the intuition of skilled individuals, often through combat. However, people in the fifth grade are extremely rare, and those in the fourth and third grades already hold significant positions on the continent.”

“Wow, wow. If the fourth and third grades are that high, what about the first grade?”

“The first grade is more of a theoretical concept. If it exists, it would be akin to a god. As for the second grade, from what I know, there are only four individuals. They include Drjekdan from Berhert, Gerfried the Imperial Guardian Knight, Demakan the Archmage, and Adrienne, the Chairwoman of the Mage Tower of the Empire.”

“Wow... I recognize all those names... What about Professor Deculein?!”

“Well, I’d place him around the fourth or fifth grade.”

Initially, Deculein's mana quality was in the sixth grade, but as Charlotte mentioned, he had now advanced to the fifth grade.

“In any case, please continue to persevere a bit longer.”

“Okay!”

The princess followed diligently up the rugged mountain path. She appeared small and delicate like a doll, which had initially worried Charlotte. However, seeing her perseverance, Charlotte smiled proudly.

“We are nearing our first destination.”

“Yes, Charlotte. Let’s maintain our effort!”

As they continued walking, her subordinate knights, Ron and Gedeur, appeared somewhat uneasy.

Ron whispered to Charlotte, making sure the princess couldn’t hear.

“Boss, no matter what, trusting Deculein and choosing Crebas—”

“It has already been decided. There is no other path. Moreover, they would not have expected us to take Crebas. We have not encountered any sudden attacks on our way here.”

“True, but—”

Whoosh—

A dagger flew from somewhere. Charlotte quickly grabbed the princess and released her Defensive Qi.

Ron and Gedeur drew their swords and said, “... Boss! Proceed ahead! We will follow after handling this situation!”

Daggers flew from unseen attackers, but a volley of arrows intercepted them from the mountain peaks. These arrows came from the adventurers they had hired with all their savings to guard the princess from afar.

“I trust your words! You must all survive and return! That is an order!”

“Yes!”

Leaving the rear to them, Charlotte sprinted forward with Maho at full speed.

***

Hadecaine, a city where rich hearts and vibrant culture coexist. Known for its mild climate year-round and its abundant entertainment and food, this capital city of Yukline territory had been chosen as the destination for the mage department's Educational Retreat.

“Why is this station so confusing...”

She had only taken a train once before, a one-way trip from Juhale in Iliade to the capital.

“Ephie, over here!”

“... Phew, I almost got lost.”

Luckily, her club members found her first, and Epherene boarded the train with them. It seemed they had rented an entire car, as everyone inside was wearing robes.

“Wow, I can’t believe we’re actually going to Hadecaine for the Educational Retreat.”

“Right? I was planning to visit during the vacation,” Julia said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The other members looked equally enthusiastic.

Epherene, unfamiliar with the continent’s geography, asked, “Is Hadecaine that great?”

“Of course. Haven’t you ever been there, Ephie? Not only does the Mage Tower, but every department at the university begs to go there every year, yet the Thesis Arsonist always refuses.”

“Why?”

Deculein’s nickname was the Thesis Arsonist. After the colloquium incident, he had gained several fearsome titles, such as the Arson Executioner and Fire Demon, becoming a terror to the mages in the Mage Tower. However, Drent had been expressing his gratitude toward him.

“I don’t know. Anyway, Hadecaine is full of fun things to do. It's a great place.”

"... Ah, so that's why everyone was talking about going shopping there."

"Exactly. I heard Hadecaine is full of handsome men and beautiful women."

Indeed, within the Mage Tower, Deculein had no rivals in terms of looks. Across the entire university, only Lawein from the Knight Department could compare.

Epherene asked, "So, is Professor Deculein coming too?"

“Yeah. I thought he wouldn’t, but he is. The Thesis Arsonist is on this train...”

Meanwhile, Deculein sat in the VIP car with professors from various departments. There was Relin from the Support Studies Department, Retlan from the Spirit Studies Department, Siare from the Destruction Studies Department, Camel from the Ductility Studies Department, and many more.

Normally, so many professors wouldn’t attend a Debutant Educational Retreat, but given the destination, they had all quietly chosen to join. Each of them was cautious of Deculein.

“Everyone,” Deculein finally spoke. The professors perked up and listened attentively. “I understand you all attended the Mage Council recently.”

Only silence followed.

“Aren’t you going to respond?”

“Yes, well, yes. Hahaha... B-but we didn’t discuss anything important.”

“It didn’t seem like your discussion was insignificant.”

Relin waved his hands dismissively, shaking his head. The other professors laughed nervously.

“Not at all. We only discussed the exceptional midterms conducted by you, Head Professor Deculein.”

“... Haha, yes, that’s correct.”

“Absolutely.”

Those were the responses from Relin, Retlan, and Siare, respectively.

However, despite their attempts at flattery, Deculein's demeanor remained icy and intimidating.

“I can laugh it off now,” Deculein said, his voice remaining as sharp and biting as a winter wind. “But a time will come when you must make a choice.”

Louina was softer and more skilled compared to Deculein. Her family and supporters were also notable, though they didn't quite match the influence of the Yukline family. Understandably, the professors favored Louina.

“... The notion that you have a choice is a laughable illusion,” Deculein continued, his gaze piercing the other professors like a blade. “Let me be clear. You won’t even have the opportunity to choose.”

Deculein's words were chilling. The professors felt themselves shrink in their seats, nervously fidgeting with their fingers.

Chuff, chuff—

With a screech, the train started moving. Deculein, leaving the professors in a state of frozen terror, returned to reading his book.

***

The clear landscape of Hadecaine, coupled with its mild summer weather and the pleasant scent of the breeze, created an inviting atmosphere. The bustling streets were filled with smiling faces, making it seem like an ideal place to live.

The Educational Retreat was set at the luxurious Hadecaine Romance Hotel on the city's outskirts. With a stream and forest nearby, it was the perfect location for our gathering.

“... Debutants will be assigned to rooms of four. If anyone prefers a private room, they may book one at their own expense. Class representatives, step forward,” I instructed, explaining the rules in the hotel lobby before calling for the class representatives.

The representatives from the First and Second Departments of Magic hurried over.

"From now on, it’s up to you. There’s a forest out back, but ensure you use supportive magic for any activities you undertake."

"Yes, sir!"

It didn’t matter if they drank themselves silly or even passed out; that was the nature of an Educational Retreat. However, there must be no casualties.

"First, settle into your rooms."

As the Debutants chatted and headed to their rooms, I stepped outside the hotel. A car was waiting with Yeriel inside.

“Why don't you make an appearance at our Mage Tower? Your reputation has been growing lately," Yeriel said as soon as I got into the car. "By the way, how did you manage to predict it?"

"Predict what?"

"The rumor about Marik's opening is spreading rapidly," Yeriel said.

"It was a thorough prediction, taking into account the Emperor's disposition and various factors."

"... Well, whatever. You must also realize that opening Marik puts us at a disadvantage, right?"

"No," I replied. The opening of Marik would ultimately be beneficial, but proper precautions were necessary. "I must have included the countermeasures."

"I'd like to, but it costs too much money~ Someone spent two hundred million," Yeriel sighed, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"I will soon begin selling the antiques one by one. They will bring substantial profit, and I will return the two hundred million elne within the year," I replied.

In this world, mana functions like turns in a TRPG. That's why I don't always focus on enhancing the Midas Touch attribute. If I use 4,000 mana on Midas Touch, I can't practice other magic or memorize spells. However, now things are different. I need money more than ever.

"And why haven’t you given me ten million yet?" Yeriel grumbled, her lips curling downwards. "Hurry up and give it to me already."

“... Do you recall the relic appraiser’s office we visited?”

“The place where we sold the vase?”

"I intend to acquire it."

"Wait, what? Seriously? Ugh..." Yeriel's voice quivered with disbelief, nearly shuddering at the thought.

"Show some dignity."

"No, you. You're really testing my patience."

We continued our conversation until we reached the Mage Tower. Upon stepping out of the car, I instinctively looked up.

"... It appears the building has expanded significantly."

There were only nine Mage Tower of the University across the entire continent, each required to have at least seventy floors. Even at a glance, Hadecaine's Mage Tower of the Yukline Family seemed to surpass that.

“It’s to be expected with our ongoing advancements,” Yeriel remarked.

Yeriel and I entered the Mage Tower. Mages from the Mage Tower were waiting in the lobby.

“It’s an honor to meet you, sir. I am Degeric, the Master of the Mage Tower of the Yukline Family.”

Degeric was a young man who had passed the test under my evaluation using the Wealthy Magnate attribute.

"Greetings," I said, shaking his hand before surveying the Mage Tower.

Although it wasn't as advanced as the Mage Tower of the University, the facilities were impressive, reflecting their efforts to keep pace.

"We also support the development of specialized magic. Among the local Mage Towers, only ours and Iliade’s have such capabilities," Yeriel boasted.

Specialized magic, known as Signature Magic, is distinguished from the other eight categories and is referred to as the ninth category. When an individual mage invents a spell, it is named after the mage. If the entire Mage Tower develops it, the spell bears the Mage Tower's name.

However, researching this specialized magic consumes enormous resources. While the conception or idea of a spell can be accomplished with a mage’s intellect alone, proving and experimenting with it requires a vast amount of magic stones.

Every aspect must be tested with these stones, from determining which category it suits best to ensuring it doesn't explode under certain conditions or cause unforeseen harm to the caster.

"Yeriel."

"Yes?"

"That should suffice. Now, let’s proceed to the stables. I require a horse."

"Already? Well, it doesn’t matter to me, but before that... Could you donate the midterm exams you wrote to the Mage Tower? On a free rental basis...?” Yeriel asked, her expression pleading and cute.

"I lack the time for such matters. However, should any mage in this Mage Tower be engaged in a thesis or research, I will review it for them. Consider this my gift."

"How is that a gift?" Yeriel asked innocently, her expression genuinely confused.

I glanced back at the mages who had been following us. They avoided my gaze, which irritated me. I singled out a young man who stood out due to my Wealthy Magnate attribute. He was small and cute, much like Allen.

"What's your name?"

"S-sorry? M-my name is Panien, Second Mage."

"Is there a thesis you are currently working on?"

"Pardon? Yes, there is, but—"

"I will personally review your thesis. You should regard it as an honor."

"Th-thank you, but I—"

Despite his reluctance, I pried it from his hands. When he looked like he might cry, I told him to hold back.

***

I arrived at the pasture behind the Yukline mansion, where the horses grazed freely. Many fine steeds roamed the fields.

“Breeding horses used to be a major business, but with the advancement of automobiles, it has declined... It’s a pity because our stallions are excellent,” Yeriel said with a soft laugh as she stroked a horse’s mane.

“Continue your efforts. Horses possess advantages that automobiles do not.”

With the right equipment, horses could still prove valuable in dungeons and mines. Their resurgence was imminent.

“They will. I enjoy raising them, and although it’s not as profitable as before, it’s still worthwhile,” Yeriel said, patting the horse’s back and checking her watch. “I have to get back to work now, so pick any horse you like.”

“Yeriel,” I said, stopping her just as she was about to leave.

She looked at me, her face filled with curiosity.

I pulled out a luxurious box from my pocket and said, “A gift for you.”

Inside were a pair of exquisite gloves. Yeriel blinked in surprise, her expression a blend of confusion and amusement as she accepted the gift.

"Is this some kind of barter? Ah, barter. Yes, it’s a barter. The horse is much more valuable, but fine. Deal accepted," Yeriel muttered to herself before hurrying into the lord’s office with unusually brisk steps.

I wandered through the pasture, searching for a suitable horse. It couldn’t be too old or too young—I needed one still growing but promising, something that would catch my Wealthy Magnate eyes. I spotted a chestnut horse with a shiny coat and a soft mane.

Approaching, I mounted it. Despite never having ridden a horse before, it felt oddly familiar. This must have been the influence of my Personality Traits.

Clip-clop, clip-clop—

As I rode the horse, becoming more certain it was the right one, I prepared to use Midas Touch. While horses are living beings, Midas Touch uses my mana to unlock a target's potential, whether animate or inanimate.

Though it doesn’t work on humans, horses are treated as items or pets in this world’s system. I activated Midas Touch, and blue energy flowed from my fingertips into the horse.

Neigh—!

The horse reared up violently, but I held on firmly, refusing to be thrown off.

───────

[Yukline's Chestnut Horse*]

◆ Information:

A top-quality horse raised on the best feed, is inherently superior.

Midas Touch has enhanced its overall physical abilities and unlocked its potential.

◆ Category:

Pet ? Mount

◆ Pet Attributes:

Speed

Stamina

*Name can be set.

[Midas’ Touch: Level 4]

───────

"... As anticipated."

It was clear this would work; anything else would have been surprising. Pleased, I named the horse Red Hare—its red coat suited the name perfectly. Now, everything was ready. The operation was scheduled for 3 a.m. tomorrow. With ample time to spare, I decided to practice riding.

“Hyah!” I shouted, pulling the reins as I had seen in Korean historical dramas. The horse surged forward with incredible speed and power, nearly unseating me. I gripped the reins tightly, steadying myself against its powerful strides.

Neigh—!

The horse's strength truly lived up to the name Red Hare.