I’m the Main Villain but the Heroines Are Obsessed With Me chapter 82

82 – 36. Taking Care of the Back (2)

Magicians are solitary beings.

Not only do they confine themselves in secluded chambers to enhance their skills, but they also deny themselves freedom if they cannot obtain satisfactory results from their research.

Can’t you feel the loneliness just by looking at them?

“It’s not bad to be engrossed in something. There’s no reason to view it negatively when you work hard. But it’s true that compared to others, they are lonely, right?”

Unlike the swordsman who improve their skills by colliding with each other, magicians tried to solve problems alone.

Even if they communicate, they did not attempt to have conversations with non-magicians.

“Perhaps it’s because their way of life itself is different.”

A life slightly different from the majority of people who live through communication.

Because of that, while people sent reverent gazes to the magicians, they kept their distance.

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Such social atmosphere became the driving force for the magicians to create their own sanctuaries.

“That’s the Magic Tower. One exists in each of the four cardinal directions of the Empire, untouched by people’s footsteps, the cradle of magicians.”

Starting with the Black Magic Tower in the north, the White Magic Tower in the west, the Blue Magic Tower in the east, and the Red Magic Tower in the south.

“Worshipping fire, which was the most powerful weapon of humanity, and pursuing the extreme of fire magic.”

At first, Ian thought that they might not be much different from other magicians.

And why not? What kind of place is the southern part of the Empire?

“With a pleasant climate, there are also many things to see. It’s completely different from the vast plains like Volkanov.”

People living in a comfortable place always had smiles on their faces,

In reality, the people in the southern part of the Empire were all passionate in nature, and it was a place where festivals were held without fail.

That was why.

“If they are people from the south… I thought they might be a little different from other wizards. I thought they would get along well with people and have a bit less authority.”

The reason I thought the enemy’s tower would be different.

Considering the characteristics of the people in the south, I had some expectations that they would be even slightly different.

But it didn’t take long for me to realize that my thoughts were completely wrong.

“I was foolish. These guys are the same. No? They are even crazier.”

Ian sneered as he looked at the enemy tower that had collapsed while on guard duty.

It was beyond belief that he had even harbored the expectation that they might be different.

“At least other towers would come up with brilliant ideas and wouldn’t go crazy and activate explosive magic inside the tower.”

The scale of the explosion was evident from the scorched walls, and the lingering mana could still be felt on the skin.

For now, all he could do was watch. But if the second squad succeeded in clearing the debris, they would go in and search.

– Is Ian going in there?

“Yeah. If Ariel enters, I’ll go in with her. I have to keep an eye on her so she doesn’t do anything reckless.”

– Ariel is such a fool! She’s so annoying!

Neltalion seemed displeased with having to enter the building.

Or more precisely, he probably didn’t like the fact that this situation arose because he had to take care of Ariel.

“If it weren’t for that, we could have resolved it quickly and had some fun.”

This situation wouldn’t have happened if the demons hadn’t targeted Ariel all of a sudden.

If it wasn’t for her, he would have been resting comfortably by now, so it was only natural that Neltalion felt frustrated in his current situation.

Quickly finish it or console me. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem like it will take long.

Certainly, I heard that the interior of the current building is divided into two paths due to collapse.

There, Ian’s role is to follow from the rear of the 3rd platoon. If Ariel’s danger is detected, immediately support towards the 1st platoon.

It might feel like babysitting, but it was a familiar task, so there was no problem.

It was the moment when Ian, soothing his mind by touching the handle of Levreion, heard the device he had put in his pocket ringing.

Beep!

The moment Ian, who wondered if it was time, checked the contents with a smile.

[Cease border duty and gather at the entrance of the building, 3rd platoon.]

“Let’s go, Neltalion. I’ll buy you something to eat when it’s over.”

– Yeah! Sounds good!

It was the moment to deal with the enemy threatening Ariel.

***

“…Hey… Hail… Ili… Are you listening?”

Feeling uneasy.

I feel anxious and don’t know what to do.

I closed my eyes and opened them, and I kept breathing, but there was no particular effect.

‘If Ian has defeated the demon king. If he’s not a traitor…. then what have I done?’

“…Hail… Ili… Wake up!”

The head of the Miles family and the swordmaster of the empire, in the position of Haili, where demons were an unforgivable race.

How difficult a life I had lived because of them.

‘Knowing how hard a rejected life is. I… What on earth have I, as a person, done.’

While magic may, in some ways, resemble sorcery, the perception difference between a wizard and a sorcerer was entirely different.

Although they often heard that living in a different world, wizards at least received awe and respectful glances.

In contrast, sorcerers were treated with disdain.

‘You know it. How painful it is to be met with cold gazes.’

Disgusting. A human utilizing the power of demons.

Those who didn’t even know well chewed up and pointed fingers at the people of Mylerus in that way.

‘You know what it’s like to live a life where you’re never welcomed.’

Even if they were called demons, such gazes did not change.

Black sorcerers deemed the detour worthwhile, urging humans to become demons, but sorcerers even distanced themselves from demons.

Living a life where you’re never welcomed, and hating it, they sharpened their swords like relentless obsession.

Living as a sorcerer. Seeing how hard it was to live amid hatred, they had seen it enough.

How many times had the sword swung? I don’t know when it started, but instead of the name Haley Mylerus, he began to be called Swordmaster.

In that moment, Haley could see.

‘I realized. When I used something other than the power of demons. Only then could I be acknowledged by people.’

The changing appearance of people, like turning the back of the hand. Just a few years ago, the sight of relatives who pointed fingers, criticizing for using the power of demons, now looking at him with admiring glances.

At the same time, he made a decision.

‘I didn’t need to strive for the recognition of those who are different inside and out. From the beginning, they only wanted to see what they wanted to see.’

Let’s walk our own path without seeking their approval.

Let’s not get accustomed to a world filled with hatred. At least, let’s become a different person, even if only for ourselves.

Having sworn to do so, I ardently endeavored to keep that promise.

‘But why did I end up doing such a thing?’

“Haley…! Why are you… Where… Are you in pain?”

What was the reason I couldn’t trust Ian?

Every time I witnessed his joy in revealing the sword and growing, feeling like I had conquered the world, where did that version of myself go?

‘Why did I…’

Was it because I couldn’t believe his words and ended up cursing him?

Had I adapted to the world I once abhorred?

I asked myself these questions endlessly, but no answers came.

As long as I had committed such an act, there was nothing respectable about facing Ian.

‘Did I do such a thing to Ian? Did I not even consider listening to his words, even a little?’

“Haley? Haley!”

In that moment when vacant pupils stared into space and I unconsciously continued walking.

Thunk!

“Haley! Snap out of it!”

“What… Melissa, what’s going on?”

It was the moment when Melissa Francis, a nursing officer and a friend, grabbed my shoulder.

Looking at her with surprise, Melissa squeezed out a smile and said.

“They’re searching hard. What if you, as the squad leader, are distracted elsewhere? I don’t know much about the kids in 1st Squad because I’ve been called away too.”

“Oh, right. Sorry….”

“Did you get hurt anywhere? If you need a break, let me know. We’ll be stopping after the vanguard, so you can rest.”

“No, it’s not that bad.”

Even though Haeley tried to smile at Melissa’s assurance, her gaze lingered on her.

Unable to guide her, perplexed as a nursing officer who had been called away, it seemed she couldn’t refuse the help she might be receiving.

As the squad leader guiding the newcomers, she couldn’t afford to be lost in distractions.

Seeing Melissa’s composed appearance, Haeley let out a deep sigh.

“Really… Focus a bit. Even though it’s a relatively less dangerous area, we’re still in the middle of a mission.”

“Sorry. Did something happen?”

Something did happen indeed.

Melissa recited the message that had come from the front lines.

“Aria’s party sent an alert. They found a suspicious space during the search. No signs of enemies, but just in case, they asked for permission to investigate. What should we do?”

“A suspicious space.”

It probably wasn’t something secretive.

Most likely, it referred to a gap created when a building collapsed, as expected.

‘If it’s a gap, it’s right to check it. It could be a perfect hiding spot for enemies.’

In a situation where one needs to hide from others, a small crevice is better than a room with a wide open entrance, isn’t it?

If one were a demon, they would actively utilize the gap created when the building collapsed.

“We should conduct a search. Still, just in case, it might be better if I go in with them.”

“Hmm… I think so too. But it seems like there’s more than just one or two of those spaces.”

“What?”

As Haley’s pupils dilated, Melissa checked the message that Celia had sent shortly after.

“According to Celia’s message here, there seem to be at least six similar gaps.”

“That’s a big problem….”

There could be many places where enemies might be hiding.

It wasn’t just a matter of having more places to search. It couldn’t be dismissed as a trivial problem.

Even if it became more troublesome, the real issue was not knowing where they were hiding.

‘If we want to ensure safety, it would be best for me and the vanguard team to check each one individually… but if we stumble and make a false move, the ones hiding elsewhere are likely to escape.’

A situation that required a dispersion of personnel. However, if they were divided like that, the assurance of the safety of the novices would become uncertain.

‘What should I do… Would it be better for me to go in with them? What if someone hiding elsewhere seizes the opportunity to escape?’

Could she prevent the escape of those she wasn’t confident against?

Once again, she found herself at a crossroads.

In the end, Haley had no choice.

“Ariel’s party will continue the search as planned, and the remaining members will quickly form teams to search elsewhere. I’ll accompany the novices who are relatively less skilled.”

“Is that okay?”

“I have no choice. The safety of the novices is important. Missing the demons could lead to a bigger problem. And if an issue arises, I can always go to support immediately.”

Sending Ariel to the most suspicious area was a difficult decision. But Haley trusted her.

She had learned swordsmanship from her and, facing demons, wouldn’t she have an overwhelming advantage?

Even if her physical condition wasn’t great, with the help of the party members by her side, she could compensate for any shortcomings.

After Haley’s words came to an end, Melissa tilted her head and began to scheme.

It was right at that moment, after dividing the plan, when the leading group shifted their feet towards the gap they had found.

Ding!

“Uh… Why is this happening?”

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The moment Melissa, with a bewildered expression, manipulated the device and caught Haley’s attention.

With a worried expression, she pushed the screen towards Haley, and they could see.

[Ariel Volkano and 3 others – Communication lost]

“Communication lost? What’s happening!”

“Haley? What do we do? We can’t reach the leading group! According to what the kids who arrived at the location of the leading group are saying, the entrance they entered is blocked by a magical barrier.”

“Isolated? Ariel?”

The moment the novices were in danger.

Upon hearing the news of the leading group’s isolation, Haley’s hands trembled.