I’m the Main Villain but the Heroines Are Obsessed With Me chapter 84

84 – 36. Because Rear Guard Duty is Familiar (4)

In Ian’s memories, Ariel was no different from a brat.

Receiving love from family and those around him was good, but due to his excessively inflated confidence, he even thought of himself as a special person.

‘Princess Syndrome was already severe, and awakening as a hero made it unstoppable…’

From that moment on, Ariel’s thoughts became reality.

Ariel Volkanov was a transcendent existence bestowed from the heavens. Others, no matter how hard they tried, began to see themselves as merely supporting characters, unable to stand out.

‘Actually, that statement was somewhat true. Even without much practice, it was almost impossible for others to surpass me due to talent.’

Being the child of Kilian Volkanov, a master-class powerhouse in the entire continent, was not enough. He had to awaken as a hero.

It was difficult for ordinary people to catch up with such a catastrophic talent through effort alone.

Always triumphant, even when facing strong enemies, he believed that victory was only a matter of time.

But that self-esteem was soon shattered.

‘All because of the existence called a country.’

Ian Volkanov.

Originally, he was the appearance of an irregular that should not have existed.

Created by the powers of the Goddess of Peace, Eris, and the Demon King Belphegor, the being that overwhelmed the warrior Ariel possessed extraordinary talents.

Furthermore, the memories of the future in his mind made it impossible for Ariel to catch up, even if he struggled to his death.

‘He started acting strangely from the moment he began to realize that he was gradually falling behind. He tried to draw attention to himself, including sudden actions that were not discussed in advance.’

Now, having lost his memory, he may not know, but from the words of those around him, it can be inferred that it was quite severe.

‘One thing for sure is that the previous Ariel was not a leader of the party but rather the culprit behind the chaos.’

I don’t like to frame it that way. But hearing what others say, even Ian couldn’t have positive feelings about Ariel.

However, now it was different.

‘Was the meeting with Hexasar the catalyst…’

What they talked about between them is unknown. Since their relationship ended so badly, they might have quarreled.

One thing certain is that Ariel is showing a different side from before.

‘Of course, it seems to have reached its limit, but you know.’

Judging from the situation, Bianca seemed to be releasing the barrier, and Celia seemed to have suffered an attack while guarding her.

Reyna was helping Ariel, restraining with arrows, but that was all, and it was purely Ariel’s responsibility to withstand the enemy’s onslaught.

Seeing Ariel under attack from the front lines, Ian frowned.

‘Not good. If I had been a little late, it would have been dangerous.’

The black sacred robe had been torn into shreds by the enemy’s claws and fangs for a long time. Between the torn parts, red blood was flowing.

Blurred pupils and trembling arms. The meaning of that was simple.

‘I have to help him.’

If he doesn’t rescue Ariel now, he will die.

Safely protecting his younger sister from the enemies’ lair was the top priority.

‘What should I do? Should I just go down, push them back, and then block the monsters?’

For a moment, I considered such a plan. However, it didn’t seem particularly good.

‘Just pushing them back won’t necessarily get me out of the enemies’ attack range.’

It wouldn’t be a problem to block the attacks of the trolls and minotaurs in the front. However, there was a possibility that ghouls or imps hiding behind them might leap out and attack Ariel.

‘What I need to do is not sweep away the enemies, but protect Ariel. I must not forget that.’

Then how should I do it? It was at that moment, during a brief moment of contemplation.

‘What’s that?’

There, familiar structures began to appear on the wall.

Though not clearly visible due to being burnt, Ian was certain of its identity.

‘Emergency bunker. It seems like something I often saw in the Blue Tower when playing games.’

Facilities prepared everywhere for situations where one couldn’t evacuate in the event of an unfortunate incident.

While this place might be different, generally, it could protect against external dangers and store emergency kits and survival items.

‘If I use that, I might be able to safely protect Ariel and her party for 12 hours no matter what method I use to get in…’

If I utilize that, could I not safely protect Ariel and her party?

It might be a bit narrow for four people to enter, but right now there was no time to worry about that.

“Neltalion, get ready to manifest your hand. When I go down, I’ll open the bunker and put them in. Can you do it?”

– Yes! I can do it!

Once the plan was set, there was no need to hesitate.

“Let’s go.”

Opening the floor of the ventilation duct, Ian threw his body downward towards the unknown below.

My conversations with my colleagues had a significant impact on Ariel.

The already straightforward Hexasar, fueled by strong liquor, lost restraint. Confessions of past mistakes poured out of him.

She had to endure words as sharp as daggers.

It might feel unpleasant, and her pride might take a hit.

But Ariel didn’t view it negatively.

“It was the path I chose.”

She realized that avoiding mistakes wouldn’t lead to growth. If she ran away, she’d never truly understand Ian, who had sacrificed so much for her.

It was tough to endure, but she listened to Hexasar’s words and reflected deeply.

“It’s too late to just regret. Still… things need to change.”

When everyone said she was wrong, Ariel ran, believing she was a special being and they were ordinary people who couldn’t understand her thoughts.

But she realized that was wrong, and her efforts so far had been a burden.

No matter how much she thought about it, there was only one way to wash away the accumulated mistakes.

“I can’t be a burden anymore. I can’t harm someone with my shortcomings.”

It might be too late. She might hear words like, “Do you think you can repent and change now?”

“I know. I understand.”

She knows a simple apology to Ian, who sacrificed for her, is not enough. She knows that even if she bows her head and lives a lifetime, it won’t be sufficient.

Naturally, it’s not the end.

“Soon… when the time comes.”

For that day, even now, couldn’t we at least reduce the trouble?

That was the reason.

Bam! Clang!

“Ugh! What strength!”

“Buoooo!”

“Kehheeek!”

In place of the fallen party members, she had been blocking the onslaught of monsters rushing in like mad.

Due to insufficient training, her body faced its limits, and her brain screamed that she couldn’t endure any longer. But every time that happened, Ariel clenched her teeth.

Bam! Swish!

“Krrrk!”

“Get lost!”

Kwaagwagwa!

They couldn’t collapse here. They had to support their comrades. It was at that moment when she, wielding her trembling arms, sent a counterattack.

Clang!

“Haa… haa….”

The moment the powerless Holy Sword fell from her hand.

When the sword falls from the hands of a knight, it signifies defeat. Therefore, she tried to reach out again to grasp it, but…

“…Please…. Please move!”

It had been a long time since the feeling in her arm was lost.

She stared bitterly at the motionless hand. But there was no sign of it moving at all.

“I can’t stop here…. The monsters are still…”

“Ariel! Look out! It’s dangerous!”

As soon as I raised my head at the sound of Reyna’s scream mixed with her voice, it appeared.

“Buooo!”

“Is this as far as I go…”

The Minotaur, with its giant axe raised high in the sky, ready to strike, was in sight!

As the corners of its mouth, glowing red, curled up, the axe began to descend slowly.

“If I get hit by that…”

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I’ll die. I’ll be split in half and lose consciousness.

But Ariel had a separate fear.

“I haven’t even apologized yet.”

I had only just decided to make an effort to wash away my mistakes… and now I have to end without producing any results.

With tears flowing from the realization, I closed my eyes.

Thud!

“Krehp! What the?”

The feeling of my body being restrained began to intensify painfully.

Why does it feel like my body is being held back when I swing the axe?

Curious, I opened my eyes and saw.

Crash!

“Kroaaa!”

“Is this a hand?”

Hanging in the air, caught by a giant hand made of mana.

But what was caught was not just her.

Comrades. Including the fallen Celia and Bianca, they too were caught.

Being caught by something was the worst situation, but at least this time was different.

There was something that didn’t feel like malice at all. The intention to rescue was even greater.

‘Who on earth…’

Could do such a thing? As I thought about it, my gaze followed the hand.

“Stay inside. If you come out, everything will be over.”

“Brother? What are you talking about…?”

Ian, blocking the Minotaur’s axe with a fierce look.

Ariel looked at him as if asking for some explanation, but Ian just held the sword strapped to his back without responding.

‘Could it be… no….’

The hand created by Ian opened the hidden door of the bunker and was putting the comrades inside.

Certainly, he would probably try to put himself in there too. The intention was simple.

‘Is he trying to sacrifice himself again?’

In place of his brother facing the limit, he would fight against a multitude of monsters with no guarantee of victory.

“No.”

That was absolutely unacceptable. It wasn’t a problem of getting help from Manya again. How could he enter without knowing if he could see him again?

“I’ll help too! So please.”

I’d rather fight together.

With that thought in mind, Ariel shouted until her throat was hoarse.

But Ian didn’t look back and simply spoke casually.

“Are you worried?”

“There are so many opponents! You might be in danger too, oppa.”

“That’s probably true. Not only are they individually powerful, but there are also a lot of them.”

“Yeah! That’s why!”

“But for me, it’s something I’m used to.”

How much effort had he put in up until now?

From the release to Leviathan.

He had fought a battle that everyone believed was impossible to win, and he had never once lost.

Just thinking about what he remembered would be enough. If he included what he had forgotten, it would be countless.

“That’s why.”

They couldn’t end it here.

After going through regression multiple times, wouldn’t it be a shame if this was the end?

“I’m inside. And don’t worry.”

Ian calmly turned his head and looked at his tear-stained younger sibling.

“Taking care of others is something I’m familiar with.”

“Ah… Ahh!”

Thud!

The bunker closed with a loud noise. Only after confirming that the protection system was working perfectly did Ian finally face the enemies.

“Grrr!”

“They’re charging in a pack.”

There were definitely a lot of enemies. However, Ian was not afraid.

[Confronting a large number of enemies! Adjusted according to the overall combat power comparison. Considerable adjustments have been made.]

[Using the Guardian’s Eunhwan! Temporarily changes the user’s attribute from Dark (暗) to Holy (聖).]

[Obtained the curse of Levriyon due to mismatched attributes! Mental erosion occurs!]

[Indomitable Will has been activated! Obtained strong resistance against mental attacks!]

[The clear condition of the urgent quest ‘Lure’ has changed! The enemies are opening a portal connecting Asteljia and the (former) enemy’s stronghold to lure monsters! Hold out for the 12 hours when the portal is deactivated!]

“12 hours…”

As long as he knew the path he had walked so far, no matter how many enemies there were, he wasn’t scared.

Whoosh! Thud!

He explosively poured out the mana within his body. The mana quickly spread and gradually transformed from a sticky liquid into a solid substance.

Thud!

The hardened mana of light eventually completely covered Levriyon. Ian raised the corners of his mouth.

“Come on. I’ll hold them off.”

“Kraaa!”

Monsters started charging with loud noises. Ian lightly unsheathed his sword and headed towards them.

Kwaaang!

At that moment, the darkness that had been sitting in the passage disappeared.