A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 29: Prepare (3)

Late at night on the library rooftop, Epherene leaned against the railing, gazing at the university below. Above her, the Mage Tower glowed a soft blue all the way to its peak. Below, the lights of classrooms, streets, and restaurants sparkled like stars. During exam weeks, the night seemed to vanish entirely from the university.

Epherene took out her Wizard Board from her pocket. It resembled a mini whiteboard with black edges and served as a communication tool for the Mage Tower mages. Officially named the Multipurpose Interactive Message Board, it was commonly known as the Wizard Board.

This magical device featured a remote bulletin board accessible to all Mage Tower mages, facilitating their communication. However, professors avoided using it due to its limited legal lifespan of seven to eight years.

Epherene made a post on the Mage Tower's Secret Board. She had already spent half of the 100,000 elne sponsorship on writing tools and grimoires.

Complete notes for Deculein's lectures (up to Week 4). How much could these fetch at auction? 1-page sample included.

└ 500 elne

└ 1,000

└ 2,000

└ 4,000

└ 5,000

└ 6,000, possibly more depending on the condition.

"Wow."

Startled by the rapidly rising bids, she deleted the post.

"... I suppose I'd buy it too if I had the money."

Deculein was indeed strange. Instead of keeping such efficient techniques and tips to himself, he revealed them openly. Most professors offered private lessons for a hefty price or required students to become their subordinates, under an oath of secrecy.

Mages, regardless of their wealth, were known to be wary of their successors and envious of their juniors. Deculein’s change this year was suspicious.

"Oh well," Epherene said, shaking off her worries as she took a deep breath and leaned on the railing again.

She suddenly wondered if her father had ever stood here, like her, contemplating unsolvable magic or the even more challenging questions of life.

"... Don't worry," she whispered as she pulled a letter from her pocket.

She used to exchange letters with her father every week. The voice and video messages in the letter that showcased his genius had long since expired, but his handwriting and the traces of those days remained.

My dear daughter, I am working on a gift for you...

Reading just the first sentence made her eyes well up with tears.

"I'll definitely complete your research, Dad," Epherene said, knowing that some of her father's research was in the letters she kept while the rest was hidden somewhere in the Mage Tower. She knew exactly where it was. "I will become a greater mage than Deculein. I'll surpass that enemy of ours—"

"That's impossible."

Startled, Epherene straightened up and whipped her head around so quickly she nearly strained her neck. It was Sylvia.

Epherene glared at her and said, "If you're here to start a fight, it won't work. Just leave."

Sylvia sneered, mischief dancing in her eyes and replied, "If Deculein is your enemy, then you must have taken private lessons from your worst foe?"

"What nonsense is that? Did you hear some strange rumor and believe it? Is that what nobles do?"

Sylvia's cheeks puffed with anger at Epherene's calm retort. Epherene had learned to brush off provocations with ease.

"Did you know?" Sylvia asked, her lips curling into a smirk. "Deculein hasn't set foot in his lab for three years, not since your father died."

Epherene laughed, taking it as a compliment to her father and said, "Of course. My father was a genius. Deculein couldn't do anything without him."

"But did you know," Sylvia continued, eager to share more. "For the past month, Deculein has been going to his lab every day? He cleaned it up, hired an assistant professor, and brought in new magical tools."

Epherene's smile suddenly froze.

"What do you think that means?" Sylvia smirked, clearly pleased with Epherene's reaction. As she turned to leave, her teasing voice lingered, "I honestly have no idea."

Click-clack, click-clack—

Sylvia's departing footsteps echoed in the stillness, leaving Epherene standing there, speechless.

"... No way."

She recalled her father's warnings about Deculein's constant surveillance, tracking his every move in an attempt to steal his research. He had confided that there was no secure way to send her his findings, nor any safe place to conceal them.

"No way."

He had reassured her, explaining that his research was hidden in a place Deculein could never discover. Though the barrier magic might weaken over time, Deculein would never discover its location unless he underwent a profound change of heart. He had left clues in the code games they used to play, intended only for her.

"No way..."

It couldn’t be. Her father had never been wrong. Deculein's resumed research couldn’t be related to her father’s work. No matter how many times she reassured herself, Sylvia’s words still echoed in Epherene’s mind.

"No waaaaaay!" Epherene screamed, but doubt lingered, haunting her thoughts.

***

With only three days remaining until the Berhert meeting, I finally managed to complete the Beginner Telekinesis spell just in time.

"What a relief..."

Through sheer effort, I completed it on schedule. Pleased with myself, I took a shower in the annex bathroom—built separately because I often found it cumbersome to walk to the main house of the mansion.

Knock, knock—

As soon as I stepped out in my robe, there was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?"

"Sir, it's Roy."

"What is it? Speak freely."

"Yes, master. Our finances are in a precarious state."

I frowned and asked, "The finances?"

"Yes, master. At this rate, our funds will be depleted within two months."

I nodded. It made sense—I hadn’t been giving lectures recently, so my university salary was my only source of income. Meanwhile, the expenses were relentless—150 mana stones, various grimoires, ancient books, and more.

"Give me a moment."

I used Telekinesis to lift the safe hidden beneath the annex floor. The safe responded exclusively to my mana. I opened the lid.

"Let's see..."

My hand landed on the first item within reach—a porcelain vase—and I grabbed it. It was the Oriental Vase I had purchased at an auction for 2.5 million elne. Just as I was about to use the Midas Touch, I hesitated. My remaining mana was 1,635. To sell it properly, I'd need to use the full 3,000.

"Come back in three hours."

"Yes, sir."

Roy left, and I waited for my mana to recover. As I waited, I examined the vase using my Wealthy Magnate attribute. Its light still shone brightly. Midas Touch doesn't significantly enhance items with fully developed potential, only increasing a 30,000-value item to perhaps 30,300. However, this Oriental Vase was likely unappraised...

"Let's see."

After 150 minutes, my mana was fully recovered. I concentrated all my energy and used Midas Touch on the vase.

Ssssss—

Blue smoke flowed from my fingertips into the vase, causing its surface to shimmer with a soft glow. Then...

───────

[Vase of the Eastern Artisan Egehan]

◆ Information

A vase crafted with an artisan’s meticulous effort and magical talent.

Its potential has been awakened by Midas Touch.

◆ Category

Pottery ? Vase

◆ Special Effects

Flowers placed in this vase will never wilt.

The flowers will shed petals and bloom anew, each petal containing at least a Medium Fatigue Recovery Effect to a Medium-High Fatigue Recovery Effect elixir.

───────

The vase, originally worth 2.5 million elne, had become so valuable that I hesitated to sell it.

"Hmm..."

The vase’s design alone justified its original price, but now it possessed an endless regeneration effect.

"It’s best to sell it."

But the fatigue recovery effects were of no use to me since I never get tired. Additionally, cultivating and selling the flowers one by one wouldn't yield a substantial amount.

Knock, knock—

Right on time, Roy knocked again. I opened the door and handed him the vase.

"Get this reappraised and find a buyer. This should cover our finances for at least five, no, ten years."

"Sorry? Master, isn't this the vase you bought—"

Roy appeared flustered, but I was just as surprised. Beyond Roy’s shoulder, I saw Yeriel approaching with the demeanor of a loan shark.

"Hey, I heard you might need to borrow some money~"

Yeriel said she would stay for just one day, but it was already her third. The mansion was so vast that I hadn’t even noticed her presence.

"I knew you’d ask for money sooner or later. If you need some, I can lend it to you with just a promissory note—"

"That won't be necessary," I said, shaking my head. "I shall have this item appraised and put it up for auction. Roy, take it to the appraiser."

"Are you out of your mind?" Yeriel said, her face contorting with irritation.

I reconsidered and changed my mind and said, "On second thought, I realize I have some free time. We can go together."

Who appraises an item like this is crucial. There are scammers among appraisers and antique dealers, but my attribute should help me discern them.

"What? You just purchased it recently, and now you're selling it? I could simply lend you the money—"

"Quiet, Yeriel."

"What do you mean, quiet! You're about to lose money again! You'll get less than half of what you paid! How much did you spend on this?"

"2.5 million."

"You'll be lucky to get a million for it! Who invests in antiques and sells them in less than two months? What kind of idiot does that?"

Yeriel and Roy both doubted my confidence. It was a reasonable concern, after all.

"If you're that concerned, feel free to accompany us."

"No, it’s not just a concern, it's downright stupidity! Hey, are you even listening?!"

"Hey?"

Yeriel stopped yelling at my single word. Then she muttered in a much quieter voice, "... It's not that I'm worried... it's just that what you're doing makes no sense... Just kidding! I knew you'd waste money—"

"It's not a waste. I'll prove it to you, so come along."

"Your stubbornness is truly remarkable..." Yeriel said, her face full of anger and frustration. "Fine, let’s see how this ends."

I smiled and stepped outside. Yeriel followed, muttering under her breath about sticking it out to the bitter end.

***

An hour later, Yeriel and Deculein arrived at the appraiser’s office.

"Wow..."

Yeriel truly believed Deculein had lost his mind lately. He seemed overwhelmed, neglecting Yulie and fixating on the upcoming Berhert meeting. In reality, Yeriel had anticipated this moment. Deculein often behaved erratically when he became too intense about something.

"This is... extraordinary," the appraiser continued in awe, the most renowned in the capital, as he examined the vase Deculein had bought just two months ago.

Yeriel was momentarily stunned.

"Extraordinary, you say?" Deculein asked.

"Yes. It holds not only aesthetic value but also... something I can't fully identify..."

"It's not that you can't identify it; you just don't want to reveal it."

"N-no, that's not it. I just—"

"This vase prevents flowers from wilting and turns their petals into an elixir that relieves fatigue."

The appraiser’s eyes widened, and he quickly bowed. At the mention of an elixir that could relieve fatigue, Yeriel flinched.

"Ah, yes, indeed! I hadn’t realized, but if that's true, it possesses incredible magical properties!"

"Exactly," Deculein affirmed, his eyes sweeping over the appraiser’s office as he placed a fresh flower into the vase. "There’s no need to take this to Luten. We will demonstrate its effects by growing this flower and then organize a small auction at Haileich."

Then, Deculein handed the appraiser a Yukline Fountain Pen and said, "The Yukline crest will draw attention. I will make sure you receive a commission."

"Thank you, sir! I’ll do my best. With enough competition, we could secure at least ten million, maybe even fifteen million!"

In that instant, the vase’s value skyrocketed from 2.5 million to at least ten million. Yeriel and Roy stared in astonishment.

"Excellent. Inform everyone, and Roy, take charge of the auction venue arrangements."

"Yes, sir. Understood."

"That’s all for today. We’ll see you next time," Deculein said as he headed out. Yeriel hesitated for a moment before following him.

"... You were lucky. Congratulations to you... sir," Yeriel said, casting a sidelong glance at him as they walked.

"Yeriel, Roy, return to the mansion with the vase."

"Where are you going?" Yeriel asked.

"I have matters to attend to at the Mage Tower."

"... Why have you been frequenting the Mage Tower so often lately?" Yeriel asked, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"You don't need to know, Yeriel."

"If you’ve found someone new, I hope it works out~ Maybe it’s time to move on from that strict fiancée of yours."

"That's enough," Deculein replied, getting into the car without further explanation and driving off immediately.

"Seriously, he always does as he pleases," Yeriel grumbled as she and Roy found themselves standing in the middle of the street.

They couldn’t really complain, though. It was a rare chance to explore the capital’s luxury district.

"Roy, you’ve been working hard lately. Pick something you want. I’ll buy it for you," Yeriel offered kindly.

"Sorry? No, it's fine. I—"

"Take it when it’s offered. I’ve noticed how hard you’ve been working lately..."

They strolled through the luxury district together. That day, Yeriel bought Roy a 5,000-elne suit and a 300-elne wallet for herself.

***

At the end of the week, I returned to the Mage Tower and began reviewing the exam questions. To prepare for the midterms, I decided to revisit the exams Deculein had set three years ago.

"This is... difficult."

The exam was challenging at first glance. The questions seemed complex for complexity's sake—unnecessarily convoluted. Deculein had confused the exam's difficulty with his own superiority, leading him to create such impractical tests.

"Allen, are you around?" I called through the crystal orb.

Allen arrived swiftly, within 30 seconds and replied, "Yes, sir! I'm here!"

Having passed his evaluation, Allen wore his assistant professor badge with evident pride. I tapped the stack of old exam papers from three years ago.

"Do you have the original version of these questions?" I asked.

"The original, sir?" Allen repeated, sounding puzzled.

"Yes. I probably made some modifications to this exam. Check the materials from three to five years ago and see if you can find the original."

"Understood, sir. I'll look for it!" Allen said, leaving and soon returned, his arms loaded with documents. "Here they are!"

"Good."

I examined the paper with my Comprehension and quickly realized its value. As I suspected, this was a truly valuable reference. From my own extensive studying, I know that a good problem can make you curse while solving it, but once completed, it naturally earns your admiration.

The sense of accomplishment is so genuine it sometimes makes you smile. In contrast to Deculein's exam, which was difficult just for the sake of being difficult, this one was genuinely challenging and highly engaging.

"Allen, these papers are for the magic exam, correct?"

Magic wasn’t mathematics, but even a written exam could have its unique elements.

"Ah, yes, of course!"

"Very well. You may leave."

"Yes, sir!"

I looked deeper into the exam with my Comprehension.

Example Question for Understanding Pure Element Magic

For the seventh question, I worked out the spell, deciphered the circuit's hint, assembled it correctly, and infused the magic circle with mana. The answer—the magic—then appeared.

It was like a painting blooming in midair, more vivid and clear than any natural landscape. The watercolor-like spread depicted a delicate and beautiful woman, with each color representing an element.

Her white dress symbolized wind, the sky in the background was water, the clouds were mist, and her beautiful features harmonized various elements. It was the perfect problem, perfectly fitting the course title, Understanding Pure Element Magic.

The scenery touched not only my eyes and mind but also my heart. Chills ran through my body, and I closed my eyes involuntarily. Deculein's unique aesthetic sense stirred something deep within me.

The beautiful painting seemed to console the mages who had struggled with the exam, yet it held a faint sense of anger. Strangely, this anger enhanced the piece, like a touch of spice in a dish, making the picture even more vibrant.

I couldn’t help but laugh. An inexplicable sense of jealousy washed over me, almost like desire. The old Deculein couldn’t present this problem in its original form. Out of jealousy and an inability to appreciate its beauty, he must have modified it, dismissing it as too easy.

But not for me. This problem is perfect in every way and fits the lecture’s theme beautifully. It truly deserves to be called a Head Professor’s Exam. I looked at the woman in the painting floating in the air. It wasn’t Epherene, nor did she seem familiar. It was unclear who this woman was.

Just then, there was another knock. I waved away the painting and opened the door. It was Allen.

"Professor! I found a few more papers. I'll be heading out now!"

"Good timing, Allen," I said as an idea struck me, stopping him from leaving.

"Yes, Professor?"

"Prepare yourself," I said to Allen, who looked puzzled.

"Sorry? Ah, yes, sir! What should I prepare?"

Allen was always eager and never questioned orders, a trait I greatly appreciated.

"Prepare to go to Berhert."

"... Sorry?" Allen asked, his innocent face showing he didn’t understand.

"I’ve chosen you to accompany me to Berhert as my companion and assistant."

Allen blinked in disbelief. His eyes and mouth slowly widened until he looked as if he could fit a fist in his mouth and said, "Wh-whaaaaaaaaat—"

"Close your mouth," I said, and Allen obeyed, though his eyes nearly popped out. To prevent him from panicking, I added, "You can decline if you wish. Berhert can be extremely dangerous—"

"Ah, no, no, it's totally fine! I can go!"

"Very well."

According to Berhert's regulations, an escort knight wasn't necessary, but having a companion assistant was mandatory, and I had no one else suitable. Yeriel was out of the question, and I didn't want to bring someone like Relin or another professor. Allen might not be the most dependable mage, but at least he wasn't a threat.

"It’s happening this Sunday. Make sure you prepare thoroughly."

"Yes, sir! I’ll prepare everything meticulously! Thank you! Thank you, sir!" Allen said, bowing repeatedly. I had expected him to feel burdened, but it seemed he had ambitions of his own. "I’ll take care of everything—food, magic tools, and whatever else we might need! And, and..."

His enthusiastic planning was quite endearing. I considered getting him a protective robe, just in case.