The Narrow-Eyed Villain of the Demon Academy

‘I’m sorry, Crete.’

I apologized to Crete internally.

I only said it to provoke Pria.

I never intended to trivialize Crete's death.

As expected, Pria reacted exactly as I'd hoped.

“...How dare you utter his name with that filthy mouth.”

“Is there a rulebook somewhere on acceptable names?”

I don't remember writing anything like that.

Pria's sharp aura wavered, threatening to slice me.

I gave her a sly grin.

“Are you trying to start a fight you can't win?”

“Anytime, anywhere. You'll suffocate before you can even blink.”

*Kuooooooooo-*

Pria unleashed a torrent of mana, pressing down on me.

Even with gritted teeth, I knew this was my chance.

Good.

Finally, I can use my power.

“Ms. Fron, thank you.”

“...What are you talking about? Are you trying to say your last words before you die?”

“Not at all.”

I knew why Fron allowed Pria to use her mana to restrain me.

It was so Pria wouldn't detect my own mana.

Pria's mana manipulation ability…

Even I couldn't hide from it.

‘…She’s almost as skilled as Samuel.’

The magical prodigy I acknowledged.

Maybe even more so.

Pria, even with having absorbed Crete's power, was a formidable opponent.

But that didn't mean I couldn't defeat her…

“Let me show you.”

*Crack-*

*Crackle-*

I shed Fron’s mana shell that was holding me back.

A black aura erupted from me, spreading in all directions.

My mana was so dense, even Pria flinched, her body stiffening.

“...That's not just Bares' mana.”

Pria stared at the ominous energy emanating from me.

Of course.

This was the mana breathing technique devised by Adel, the strongest villain.

Pria, being one of the most knowledgeable about mana, must have recognized the terrifying power of Adel's technique.

But it's too late to turn back now.

You'll regret making me your enemy.

“Let’s begin.”

“...”

*Swish-*

We both assumed combat stances.

I drew the red dagger and the Fang of Darkness, one in each hand.

Pria closed her eyes, preparing to unleash her magic.

Fron shouted in that brief opening.

“Adel, let yourself fall under my charm!”

“What? What are you talking about…?”

“There’s no time, hurry!”

“It’s not like I can just decide to be charmed!”

I couldn't understand what she was talking about at a time like this.

Well, I knew why she was saying that.

Charm ability.

If Fron used it on me, it would enhance my physical abilities and strength.

But she had tried before, and I was never affected.

I thought it was useless.

But now, charm?

“Is there a way…?”

“...Yes, but that's the only thing I can think of.”

Fron’s voice trembled.

It wasn't out of fear, but rather, embarrassment.

Why is she embarrassed?

I blinked my small eyes at her.

With her ears bright red, Fron whispered,

“...Do it.”

“Huh?”

“Tell me you like me!”

“Um…?”

My mind went blank.

I forgot about Pria preparing her magic and stared at Fron.

Like me?

As in,

"I like you, Ms. Fron!"?

My head throbbed.

I tried to stay calm.

“It's not like I dislike you, Ms. Fron. I actually quite like you...”

“That's not it! See me as a ‘woman’ you fool!”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Why would that matter?

Fron hurriedly explained.

“My charm ability only works on men who perceive me as a woman. If you’re not affected, it means you don’t see me that way!”

“...Hmm.”

That's right.

I've never thought of Fron as a woman.

She's pretty and kind, but I don’t feel the same way I do about Luna.

To be precise, it's the same feeling I get when facing Samuel.

What good is beauty…

When her personality is like that?

And personally, I find Luna prettier.

“That's impossible, and by now, Pria…”

I snapped back to reality and looked at Pria.

That's when I witnessed the most absurd scene.

“Why did you stop talking? You can continue.”

Pria was staring at me and the blushing Fron.

*Whoosh-*

I quickly backed away, gathering my killing intent.

The space around my daggers rippled as powerful black mana enveloped them.

Damn it.

What is she thinking?

I couldn't understand why Pria hadn't attacked when she had the chance.

The unknown is scarier than any powerful attack.

As I stared at Pria with a pale face,

*Thump-*

*Thump-*

Pria started walking.

Straight towards Fron.

“I apologize, but I can’t allow you to go any further.”

“It’s alright, you can step aside.”

“What are you…”

Pria acted as if she had forgotten she was about to fight me.

She smiled gently as she approached Fron.

There was an unspoken pressure, but it didn't feel like she intended to harm Fron.

Access 5 advance chapters with the 'Position Exchange I' Tier ($10), or 10 advance chapters with 'Eye of Arrogance' Tier ($18), or 20 advance chapters with 'Sword Lacquer' Tier ($35), or 30 advance chapters with 'Fighting Spirit' Tier ($50)

Bonus chapter on reaching milestones.

Join our discord server for latest release updates and novel discussions.