Struggling as a Villain

How much does Richard trust the knowledge of the novel he carried from his previous life? By now, absolutely zero.

He knew that everything written in the novel was real and happened at some point, however, there are things which happened differently than what was described in that novel.

There was a chance that one of the apostles had written and published it after reincarnating on Earth? To glorify the Protagonist, the being to whom they are devoted, they showed that Ethan sacrificed himself after using the Scythe, which belonged to Zulcriz.

There was a high chance.

That's why he couldn't trust the knowledge he carries. He has to ascertain through which means the God of Death was sealed the previous time so it doesn't happen again.

Regardless of whatever people believe, Richard knows that Zulcriz's existence is necessary. And not only because Richard was the inheritor of darkness but also because he knew the importance of Death.

The blind servitude toward the deities, those twisted beings, would be the end of this world one day. It wasn't the right method of judging people. How much one devotes themselves to the Gods to decide their fate...what kind of bullshit logic is that?

That's why death was necessary. Zulcriz was necessary.

Elizabeth hesitated; something that surprised Richard.

He raised his brows, "Is there no longer any urgency?"

Elizabeth flinched before she hurriedly shook her head, "No...it's not. I just don't want to give you an unsure answer."

She dove inside her mind and dug out the memories of that battle.

She was lying on the ground, a simple swing of the scythe it took to scatter the four supporters of the Emissary.

And when Elizabeth came back to her senses, "Ethan was....levitating." She muttered under her breath, "He had wings...on his back."

"He was shining and the energy he radiated still makes me tremble. It wasn't just any divine essence you might have faced until now...it was the truest form of magic."

Her eyes turned dazed for a moment as she added, "He was...the absolute being. The beginning of everything."

Richard had a severe frown on his forehead, "Can you be more clear?" He seriously cannot discern the essence of her words and the devotion she suddenly showed in her eyes.

Elizabeth corrected her posture and explained it to him in simple terms, "He...was the beginning. In front of Death, Ethan was standing as the symbol of Life. I have never felt any other apostle or divine awakened release such energy. It was like, he was blessed with something else...something more."

Richard narrowed his eyes, as the first being that came to his mind was 'All-father'. The creator of all the deities and every universe.

On the side of Light he might be, he never actively participated in the war nor showed any sign of helping out his daughters.

Then...could it be possible that seeing the champion of his daughters losing, the Almighty One blessed Ethan and allowed him to seal Zulcriz?

Wait, "Was Zulcriz sealed or was he..."

"No, Ethan failed to kill the God of Death and in the end, after sealing Zulcriz, Ethan crumbled away." The last bit came a bit shakily, showing how she was still grieving over something that was reversed.

Richard sighed, "I understand." He signalled towards Emily and the blond girl instantly took down the barrier.

"Haah...*huff* *huff*" Elizabeth instantly fell to her knees once she was out of the barrier

To weaken the link between Elizabeth—one of the apostles—and the deities, Richard increased the intensity of his Aembr. That explains why Amelia and Lilia were breathing roughly as well.

He apologized to them with his eyes before asking, "Why don't you guys go inside and take a rest? I will be back by tomorrow evening anyway."

His words made it clear that Richard was going, and for some reason, no one showed surprise.

Richard raised his brows, "What's with that reaction? Did you guys expect my response?"

Bellarine chuckled and answered in everyone else's stead, "Even if you don't accept it, baby, it's true that you are weak to tears."

Richard rolled his eyes, "Please. Weak, me? And in front of this girl who once tried to take my life?"

At once, everyone frowned.

"....uh-oh."

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"Go and sleep." The dark-skinned man immediately got up upon hearing the words.

He was in a daze for a few moments before he turned his eyes toward the blond elf and glared, "I know what I should do. Go and sleep if you want to."

Tia sighed, "Look, Theodore, it was already a long day for everyone here. And after what happened back in the academy do you think anyone would think of retaliating even if our location is revealed."

Theodore wasn't able to refute instantly, but still, he hesitated, "Everyone else is asleep, are you sure you can guard their room alone?" The room in question belongs to Ethan, where Eleanor was also staying for tonight.

Tia nodded indifferently, "I did little to no work today and elves don't sleep for weeks without damaging their health much. You can go, Theodore." She added the last bit a little firmly.

The taller one sighed before he nodded, "Okay then if you insist. But don't brag about it tomorrow."

"Don't worry; I won't take your job."

Theodore scoffed before he made his way out of the gallery, heading toward his room, where his beloved bed awaited. God, he was tired.

Tia heaved a sigh as she sat down on a stool and looked outside the window. It was raining tonight and just like the disturbed sky, her heart was restless as well.

She was silently sitting on the stool and was not particularly paying attention to the surroundings....or so what it seemed,

*Tug*

She raised her hand and tugged onto air...no, looking closely she indeed had held onto something which was not visible to naked eyes.

Without moving her eyes, she said, "You actually came."

The shroud from the person was removed, only to expose a certain redhead from behind the veil.

Tia raised her eyes and looked at Richard before telling him, "They are there." Pointing toward the room adjacent to them, she added,

"Go save him."

Richard frowned, "Nora?" Seeing those eyes he couldn't help but feel that this girl wasn't the one she is pretending to be.

Tears welled in her eyes, as she added, "Please...save him."

Richard heaved a sigh before responding, "I will."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.