A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 123: Formal Hearing (2)

... I opened my eyes, and as my vision slowly cleared, a hazy crimson fog stretched before me, blurring the boundary between sky and ground. The distinction between them was nearly gone. It felt like I was standing alone in the darkness—but I wasn’t. Someone nearby was calling my name.

"Deculein."

The man's voice, heavy with malice, weighed on my chest. A rare emotion stirred deep within me, something I hadn't felt in a long time—fear.

"My son."

Decalane, Deculein’s father and the former head of the Yukline family, was the one who led our lineage to greatness. He was the only man Deculein ever feared. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Decalane fixed his blood-red eyes on me and declared, "I have found the proper vessel."

His voice, his gestures, the way his eyes moved, and even the air around him stirred something deep inside me. The back of my neck grew tense, and goosebumps spread across my arms. It felt as though my very soul was trembling. Yet, despite all of this, something felt wrong.

Did Deculein possess such a mechanism at all? Was there ever a part of him that could acknowledge something as insignificant as fear? After all, wasn’t he a man whose mind had been, at least in part, shattered?

I began to question this emotion. It wasn’t something Decalane had created, but rather the result of an external influence—a reaction. It had to be the work of magical brainwashing, a deliberate intrusion by Decalane, once celebrated as the greatest Art Mage of his time.

I swept away the fog that veiled his figure and fixed my gaze on the image of Decalane, buried deep within Deculein’s subconscious.

"Deculein, my son," Decalane declared.

The man standing before me resembled Deculein, but he was even colder and more ruthless, embodying the Yukline family’s creed perfectly—Fear the demon.

"Bring it before me."

Deculein feared him, and that fear seeped into me as well. However...

"I am not Deculein," I stated.

I wasn’t overwhelmed by it. No matter how much brainwashing had been etched into Deculein’s body, for me, with the body of an Iron Man, it was nothing more than a cheap trick.

"My son."

I moved toward him without hesitation, seized his throat with both hands, and tightened my grip. In that moment, memories surged through me, as if a switch had been flipped, and an image surfaced.

"... Decalane”

Decalane had never been satisfied with Deculein, nor with Yeriel, during his time as the head of the Yukline family. What he sought was a vessel—a body to carry out his ambitions.

"Was it a new head for the family you desired?" I declared.

A sudden thought crossed my mind.

"Or perhaps..."

[Independent Quest: Family]

That day, I had destroyed Decalane’s personality along with Yeriel, but the system never issued a quest completion notice. This could only mean one thing—Decalane’s trial wasn’t over.

Hiss... Clunk!

The sharp hiss of the machine jolted me back to reality. The vision faded, giving way to the present.

"It's finished!" Adrienne announced.

I slowly got to my feet, glancing at the cylindrical machine I had just been lying in.

"Well, there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary!"

Its full name was the Magitech Brainwave Explorer, a machine developed on the Floating Island to probe deep into a subject's subconscious. Adrienne had ordered this test under the pretense of personal verification.

"Was this really necessary?" I asked, adjusting my clothes as I walked toward her.

"Of course! What if the candidate was a spy from another nation, allied with the Ashes, or a fanatic of the Round Table? We can’t take any risks!" Adrienne said, full of confidence.

"Is this machine genuinely capable of distinguishing that?"

"Absolutely! We've caught thousands of spies with it! Its effectiveness even changes based on whose mana is powering it!"

I kept my silence.

“And this time, it was mine!”

I gave Adrienne a slightly uneasy look. If that subconscious thought had made its way to the Chairwoman as well...

As if confirming my concern, she smiled brightly and said, "Don't worry! I know how to keep a secret!"

I shook my head in response to her words.

Hissss... Clunk!

The machine hissed again. This time, it marked the end of Ihelm's session.

"Oh, it looks like Ihelm is done as well!"

Ihelm sat up, drenched in sweat and panting heavily, huffing as though he had just woken from a nightmare.

"Have a seat here!" Adrienne gestured, and we both sat down. "The first round of personal verification is complete, and you both passed!"

"Thank you," Ihelm said, his face now clear after using Cleanse.

Adrienne turned to me, slipping the brainwave exploration results into her coat, and said, "By the way, Professor Deculein?"

"Yes, Chairwoman."

"I’ve finally understood parts of your thesis!" Adrienne exclaimed, admiration evident in her expression.

Ihelm shot me a glance, smirking as he asked, "Is that so? And what were your thoughts on Professor Deculein’s work?"

"It was exactly what I expected! I really liked it! Even though it’s just a theory, the Floating Island will definitely praise it!" Adrienne said, giving a thumbs-up.

Ihelm’s smile grew wider.

"And regarding the hearing," Adrienne continued, "it might be long or short! In addition to the witnesses you’ve both prepared, the board has invited common witnesses for review! We’ll be reassessing both your achievements and standings in the Magical Realm!"

"Of course," Ihelm replied with confidence, and I gave a nod in agreement.

Adrienne smiled and said, "All right! You both have about two hours, so use this time to rest and get ready!"

***

"The strategy is as outlined below."

As soon as Ihelm returned, he immediately set to work preparing for the hearing, collaborating with dozens of his subordinates—professors, mages, and members of his family.

"First, we must address Deculein’s poor record of published theses. Over the past four years, he has submitted only one, and even that, as confirmed through Adrienne’s interview, remains an untested theory lacking experimental validation," one of Ihelm’s subordinate presented.

Boasting about achievements or offering promises wouldn’t be effective. The most effective strategy was to attack Deculein’s character directly.

"Therefore, we will challenge the uncertainty surrounding his thesis and highlight the reputations of those who previously worked under him."

Ihelm listened calmly. Although his subordinates worked diligently, he felt a twinge of guilt, knowing that all this preparation was nothing more than a distraction. The real trap was something even his closest followers were unaware of.

"We will also address why, despite holding the title of Head Professor, Deculein has only three subordinates—the root cause being a fundamental flaw in his personality and..."

Ihelm already knew the truth behind Deculein’s recent thesis, The Invention of Pure Elements and the Four-Categories Magic Founded Upon It. He knew who the true originator of that idea was. In fact, every one of Deculein’s past papers, without exception, belonged to him.

"... Therefore, we intend to pose questions to the witnesses that specifically focus on Deculein’s personality."

Deculein was bound to fall into this trap. His arrogance was towering, and he despised anyone who dared tarnish his reputation. If he was still the proud Deculein that Ihelm knew, he would inevitably expose his Achilles' heel by walking right into this snare...

***

Sophien arrived at the Mage Tower without announcing her visit. She had left a magic doll behind in the Imperial Palace and disguised herself as a common witness, hidden beneath a robe. She thought this would make things far more entertaining.

Sophien scanned the hearing hall, which was divided into four sections. Deculein’s faction was seated on the right, Ihelm’s on the left, with the board’s judgment seats at the front and the common witnesses positioned at the back. She quietly took her place among the witnesses.

Keiron had been standing against the wall, posing as a statue since the day before. Outside, Yulie paced anxiously, likely unsettled by the pressure of her soon-to-be husband’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Alright! Alright! Alright! Everyone, please take your seats!" Adrienne called out, her sharp voice cutting through the air as she entered. Sophien watched her closely. "The first hearing will begin shortly."

Archmage Adrienne had an unmistakable presence, something that distinctly separated her from ordinary humans.

“Mmm!”

Adrienne and the board members took their seats at the judgment panel, while Sophien quietly observed from her place.

“Candidates Deculein and Ihelm, please enter!”

As the doors opened, Deculein and Ihelm entered. Ihelm had a group of people trailing behind him, while Deculein stood with only one assistant professor by his side.

"As I expected," Sophien said with a smirk.

A pitiful man, without a single soul he can truly depend on. Arrogant and burdened, always trying to take everything on himself. That’s Deculein, Sophien thought.

“The first phase will be cross-examination with the common witnesses!” Adrienne announced.

The hearing proceeded according to the agenda. Adrienne had first called the common witness she had arranged to the stand.

"Kindly introduce yourself!"

"I am Astal of the Floating Island," Astal replied, a dedicated student of Deculein’s advanced lectures and a spiritual leader to the scholars of the Floating Island.

"Astal, the Addict. I understand you have reviewed most of Professor Deculein’s recent papers," a member of Ihelm’s faction inquired.

"Yes. I have reviewed all of Professor Deculein’s papers from the past decade."

“What about his latest thesis, The Invention of Pure Elements and the Four-Categories Magic Founded Upon It?”

"I have reviewed the outline, but nothing further. However, I am personally looking forward to it."

"I see."

Sophien glanced at Deculein. While Ihelm’s faction worked tirelessly, Deculein remained completely calm, almost serene, as if he were playing chess in the heart of a battlefield.

"And what is your assessment of the outline?" a member of Ihelm’s faction inquired.

"Initially, I found it somewhat far-fetched."

"Far-fetched?"

Someone from Ihelm’s faction smiled, satisfied with the answer they had been hoping for.

"Yes, however, Archmage Adrienne gave it her strong endorsement."

"Yes, exactly!" Adrienne interrupted. "There’s nothing far-fetched about that thesis. I can personally vouch for it! The original manuscript I reviewed will be sent to the Floating Island by the end of this month!"

"Oh!" Astal exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement as a broad smile appeared on his face. "In that case, I eagerly anticipate it!"

“... Hmm,” Ihelm’s faction murmured, before sitting down without another word.

Adrienne glanced at Deculein, silently giving him the opportunity to ask a question, but he remained still. Only his assistant professor shifted uneasily, fidgeting as though unable to stay seated.

“Well, if there are no more questions, we’ll proceed with the next witness!”

The questioning went on, with each common witness taking their turn. It was, in truth, a rather monotonous process.

Unable to contain her boredom, Sophien stifled a yawn and mused, This is tedious. A waste of time. I’ve yet to shake off my lethargy, and staying here any longer will only allow the ennui to seep back in.

"Let's pause for a short break!" Adrienne said.

At some point, four hours had slipped by. In truth, Sophien had dozed off for part of it.

“This is so fucking boring. I should just leave,” Sophien muttered, expecting Keiron to hear from nearby as she rose from her seat.

Tap, tap—

As she left the hearing room and walked toward the elevator...

“Leaving already?!” a small voice called out, stopping her. It was Adrienne, the petite Archmage. “Oh, just wait a bit longer. Things are about to get interesting!”

“... You were aware all along?” Sophien said, her eyes narrowing.

“Knew what~?” Adrienne asked, tilting her head with an innocent expression.

A wrinkle formed on Sophien’s brow as she muttered, “How cheeky.”

“Hehe! But you really should stay! I promise you won’t be disappointed. The highlight is about to begin!”

Adrienne said no more.

"I strongly recommend it, no cap!"

Sophien fixed her with a piercing gaze.

Ding—!

The Chairwoman held Sophien’s gaze, and as the elevator arrived, Sophien turned back toward the hearing room.

***

“Ah...”

Epherene sat with vacant eyes as the hearing unfolded. The crystal orb, supplied by Ihelm’s faction, had projected the entire process before her.

“Did everyone enjoy the break? Now, it’s time for each faction to present their witnesses!” Adrienne called out, her voice bright and cheerful.

Deculein's witness was Louina. She thoroughly outlined Deculein's integrity as the Director of the Planning and Coordination Office, emphasizing the profits the Mage Tower had earned under his leadership. She even presented detailed data to back up her claims.

"... At no point during the process did Professor Deculein demand any sacrifices from us or apply undue pressure—"

“That is enough,” Ihelm interjected, deciding not to press Louina further. Rising from his seat, he turned to Adrienne and said, “As Director of the Planning and Coordination Office, I recognize his competence. Now, we request to present our witness.”

Ihelm’s gaze briefly shifted toward Deculein, a faint smile playing on his lips, but Deculein remained completely unresponsive.

Knock, knock—

A firm knock echoed through the room. The moment had come. Epherene pressed the letters to her chest, opened the door, and stepped out of the witness waiting room.

Outside, one of Ihelm’s attendants greeted her and said, “Please, follow me.”

Epherene gave a silent nod.

Thud— Thud—

Her footsteps echoed down the corridor, each one amplifying the pounding of her heart. With every step, a wave of nausea surged within her.

Thud— Thud—

Finally, they reached the towering doors of the hearing room.

“... This way.”

Epherene paused at the threshold, drawing in a deep breath.

“I will open it,” the attendant said.

“... Okay,” Epherene replied, adjusting her clothes and bracing herself.

Creeeeak—

The doors slowly opened.

Ihelm, standing on the other side, cast her a graceful smile and announced, “... Ah, there she is. Our first witness—Solda Epherene.”

The room was filled with people. As she walked forward, all eyes followed her, but her steps remained steady until she reached the witness stand and took her seat.

“... Please, introduce yourself!” Adrienne said.

“I... um... I am Solda Epherene, an assistant under Professor Deculein and...” Epherene stammered, meeting Deculein’s gaze. He was watching her. Though her heart ached with sorrow, she didn’t look away.

Adrienne smiled warmly and added, "And?"

“... I am also the daughter of Solda Kagan, who was once an assistant to Professor Deculein.”

“Aha!” Adrienne exclaimed, her mischievous smile growing wider.

Ihelm stepped forward and addressed her, “Solda Epherene, it is understood that your father took his own life four years ago, is that correct?”

Epherene’s teeth ground together, tension building in her jaw.

Adrienne observed with amusement as Ihelm, in a calm and composed tone, continued, “I am aware of the reason behind it. I also understand why you’ve been called here today.”

From her seat, Empress Sophien swiftly grasped the unfolding situation. Adrienne’s earlier assurance that she wouldn’t be disappointed now seemed to carry some weight.

“The thesis that Professor Deculein submitted to the Chairwoman—what if the idea wasn’t originally his?”

The board members' eyes widened in shock, and even Ihelm’s faction shifted uneasily.

With a faint smile still lingering, Ihelm addressed the board, "Should this not be the first instance of such conduct, what measures should you plan to take in response?"

The board members leaned in toward each other, speaking in hushed tones. Astal, Louina, and the other witnesses exchanged uncertain glances, their eyes briefly resting on Deculein.

Board member Drummen inquired, "Are you suggesting that the thesis submitted by Professor Deculein was not originally his idea?"

Ihelm responded with confidence, “Yes. The origin and formulation of that thesis belong entirely to another individual.”

"Do you have any evidence to substantiate this claim, witness?"

Epherene raised her head and, drawing a bundle of letters from her coat, said, "These are the letters I exchanged with my father."

Deculein remained silent, his eyes closed, as if there was nothing for him to say.

Board member Drummen continued, pressing further, “Could it be that your father harbored resentment toward Professor Deculein and intentionally falsified the evidence?”

"My father mentioned... he embedded a magic marker, connected to his own blood, within the magic circuit described in the thesis."

Ihelm clapped, a sly smile creeping onto his face. The man he knew would never roll over so easily. For years, he had quietly laid the groundwork for Deculein’s downfall, biding his time for the perfect moment to strike.

“A magic marker! That’s rather clever—”

“I understand that the hearing will not be concluded in a single day,” Epherene interrupted Ihelm. “And if the investigation is not completed today, but is conducted fairly and thoroughly... then I believe the truth will be revealed. I have faith in my father, but...”

“Hmm, I see!” Adrienne said with a nod, briefly quieting the murmurs in the room. “Professor Deculein, do you have anything to say?!”

At Adrienne’s words, all eyes turned toward Deculein. He lifted his gaze to meet hers but remained silent, his expression revealing a trace of displeasure.

“Do you have~ anything to say~?” Adrienne teased, playfully drawing out her words.

“Heh!”

Unable to hold back any longer, she let out a burst of laughter. Epherene tightened her fists in her lap.

"Why are you laughing, Chairwoman...?" Ihelm asked, his confusion clear as the atmosphere in the hearing changed abruptly. The board members, equally unsettled, exchanged uncertain glances.

Adrienne gave a soft chuckle and said, “Oh, well, you were going to find out eventually anyway!”

Epherene glanced at Adrienne, who gave a small cough and cleared her throat, preparing to continue her words.

“Alright, I’ll reveal it now.”

Epherene stared at the Archmage, puzzled by her sudden shift in tone. She began to wonder whether some behind-the-scenes agreement had already been made or if her testimony had been a serious mistake.

"Professor Deculein submitted the thesis to me ten days ago. After completing my review, I forwarded it to the Floating Island."

Meanwhile, Sophien folded her arms, casting her gaze over Deculein, Epherene, Ihelm, and Adrienne in turn. A faint smile played at the corners of her lips. She was glad she hadn’t left halfway through.

“It’s true that Deculein is the first author of that thesis.”

Ihelm’s smile widened as Adrienne went on, while Epherene, tense with frustration, clenched her thighs. A rush of emotion welled up inside her, threatening to bring tears, but just then—

Adrienne’s voice softened as she added, “But! There’s a co-author, meaning it was a collaborative effort.”

The impact of her words struck Epherene like a punch, leaving her briefly stunned.

"W-what... Did you just say? C-co-author?" Ihelm stammered.

It wasn’t something the Deculein he knew would have done—no, it was something he would never have allowed himself to do. He was a type of person who would rather die clutching the thesis to his chest than tarnish his pride by collaborating with a co-author.

“And that name is...”

All eyes in the hearing room turned to Adrienne. Relishing the attention, her joy unmistakable, she prepared for the chaos to follow. With a playful smile, she raised her hand and pointed directly at Epherene.

“Kagan Luna. Your father, Epherene Luna.”