Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 221

Chapter 221. Distortion (3)

Regardless of how things turned out, I couldn't let Hemmel go inside first.

With his skills, it wouldn't be difficult for him to bypass any traps and find whatever was inside.

If I left him unchecked, he might burn everything related to 'Milena', and then I'd have to carry 'Angelica' in its scabbard for the rest of my life.

"This has gotten annoying."

Of all times, I found myself in such a situation. And to top it off, I didn't even have 'mana'.

I am well aware that throwing oneself into danger is a foolish act.

Yet, I found myself walking toward the stone gate that seemed to lead to Milena's laboratory.

"Is it just ahead?"

I could sense a presence ahead. There seemed to be quite a number of people, making it difficult to advance recklessly.

Thanks to that, it wasn't hard to catch up to the slow-paced Hemmel.

"...... Why is this place near Lake Tarnan?"

A voice echoed.

It sounded like Hemmel's voice.

I turned the corner and redirected my gaze toward the sound.

And there, I saw about five individuals simultaneously turning their heads toward me.

A confrontation with enemies that needed to be subdued.

Considering the situation without any mana, battling would be challenging. I felt a cold sweat trickle down my back at that thought.

'A situation with no mana.'

Although a disadvantage, this situation could somehow work in my favor.

"...... Number 3?"

Not having 'mana' meant that unless they saw my face, distinguishing me was challenging with the 'naked eye'.

***

Fortunately, the physique of this so-called 'Number 3' wasn't very different from mine.

His clothes fit quite comfortably on my body, if not perfectly. The shoulders and arm areas felt a bit tight, but they were manageable.

"The cloth covering my face is quite uncomfortable though."

Yulian's obsessive tendencies were in full effect here. However, even though an unpleasant feeling surged from my core, I could tolerate it.

"I thought you were dead, but it seems you were lucky."

Dressed in 'Number 3's clothes, I listened to Hemmel's approaching words, carefully nodding my head.

"Yes, I was lucky."

Even while answering, I worried if Hemmel or his companions would notice something amiss.

I remained vigilant, ready to strike Hemmel's neck should they sense something odd and turn hostile.

"Hmm."

Luckily, Hemmel passed it without much comment. To be precise, he seemed uninterested in 'Number 3' and, by extension, in all his 'disciples.'

"Number 3, are you okay!?"

"Are you alright, number 3!?"

In contrast, the 'disciples' seemed to welcome Number 3's return warmly.

They moved to inspect my injuries.

"I'm fine."

When I reassured them in the same robe, my face covered, they showed signs of confusion and stiffened.

'Damn it...'

Judging by their reaction, it seemed 'Number 3' wasn't one to use formal speech with his comrades.

Though, it was unavoidable.

'What am I supposed to do if formal speech naturally comes out!'

Since I was masked, it would've been great if the 'Black Knight' persona took effect, but since it wasn't a 'full' mask, the 'character trait' didn't activate.

"Why, what's up, number 3?"

"Sorry, I'm a bit dizzy..."

"Oh, I see!"

Mumbling an excuse, the other disciples seemed to accept it and nodded.

"Not feeling well, huh."

"Well, you did get caught in a trap that drains mana."

"Being dazed makes sense."

Thankfully, they interpreted it positively. Now, I wondered just how foul-mouthed this 'Number 3' usually was.

"What are you doing? I can't see ahead."

At that moment, Hemmel's voice came through. He pointed his staff forward, signaling to us as the pitch-black darkness greeted us.

"Anyone, go ahead and light the way."

Hemmel essentially said, "One of you perish in my place."

I wasn't sure what this place was, but if there was a trap similar to the one at the entrance, losing a life could happen quickly.

"Alright, number 3. Off you go."

Hemmel chose me as the one to 'die in his place.'

'What a psychopath.'

Why did it have to be me?

They'd used that 'Number 3' at the entrance, shouldn't it have some leniency?

"What should I do?"

Marching into that darkness with just a torch was too unpredictable.

I had the artifact 'Rabbit's Eye Ring' as a 'key', but even then, there was no guarantee of safety.

'Do I make a pretense of marching out and slip away?'

I fiddled with the scabbard hidden in my clothing.

"Your abilities are useless here, so..."

"S-Sir, I'll go!"

"Number 2?"

At that moment, this Number 2 guy stepped forward and spoke.

"Number 3 is not in optimal condition. So it's more logical for me to go, as I have a higher survival chance."

"...... Hmm, your ability seems useful here."

"It would allow for better handling of the situation, wouldn't it?"

Impressed by Number 2's boldness, Hemmel nodded in agreement.

"Fine, go ahead."

After Hemmel gave his approval, number 2 turned his gaze to me, reflecting an intention to let me 'rest here.'

'This is embarrassing.'

I was deceiving them after all.

A sense of guilt started to creep in.

To follow Hemmel's orders, number 2 began walking down the dark path, relying on a single torch.

I've seen numerous scenes like this.

The ceiling might collapse, or spikes might appear.

If there weren't any traps, it would be like failing to meet your duty in creating the right environment.

"... Huh?"

Yet, everything was silent. There didn't seem to be any traps.

"Strange."

Watching him, Hemmel mumbled to himself.

"I can sense the presence of mana, yet nothing triggers."

Presence of mana.

When I heard that, I remembered the 'Rabbit's Eye Ring' tucked in my clothes.

"So, this prevents the trap from activating."

If I had known, perhaps it would've been better not to join up with them.

"Return, number 2."

Upon Hemmel's instructions, the disciple called Number 2 returned to us.

"Thank you."

I nodded to Number 2 to show my gratitude.

"No need to thank me. It was just natural."

Man, don't say things that stir feelings. Why must I feel this way toward those bent on killing me?

"We have to get out of here alive. We all have things we want to accomplish."

I told you, stop it!

***

"... There seems to be no end."

When it started feeling like we were endlessly going around in circles, Hemmel finally spoke.

"How far ahead has this Yulian gone? No matter how we pursue him, there's no sight of him."

I'm right next to you, fool.

Such words almost slipped out, but I held them back.

"This place truly is unpleasant."

"Did you notice something odd, Sir?"

"This is a shelter."

A shelter?

I focused on Hemmel's words, intrigued by this unexpected idea.

"Long ago, before there was 'magic', there was 'sorcery', and those who worshiped demons used it as a refuge."

They worshiped demons?

I wondered if he referred to the Dawn Society, but actually, the Dawn Society aimed more at worshiping the power of the 'Demon God's Chalice' rather than demons.

Moreover, in the 'ancient past' he was talking about, the Dawn Society didn't even exist.

"I see."

The scale was large enough for me to question whether 'Milena' had built such a place, but apparently not.

She needed a location to conduct her work secretly, and she chose this place.

"Yulian coming here implies a connection with that 'sorcery' guy..."

Thwack!

As 2 proceeded to speak at the front, Hemmel struck his face with his staff.

"Pay attention ahead. If something unfortunate happened because you were distracted, wouldn't it be troublesome to handle?"

"S-sorry."

He sure treats people like objects.

I felt no genuine resentment toward it, yet due to the kindness shown by the Number 2 guy earlier, I couldn't help but feel an odd sympathy.

'Why even follow Hemmel?'

Not exactly a section where I should focus my attention.

"The roads diverge."

Proceeding a bit further revealed a fork in the path.

"Number 3, number 4, you both split and scout ahead."

"S-sir!"

Upon another impending crisis, number 2 once again stood his ground.

His face was smeared with blood from being struck by Hemmel, yet he showed no hesitation in speaking up.

"How about we go in pairs?"

"P-pairs, you say?"

"Yes, wouldn't it be easier to investigate and higher survival rates?"

"Hmm."

Listening to Number 2, Hemmel nodded.

"Yes, if everyone dies, that would be troublesome for me."

Perhaps deeming it reasonable, Hemmel agreed.

"Alright then, number 2, you pair up with Number 3. Number 4 will go with Number 5."

Per Hemmel's instructions, I started walking down the left path with Number 2.

Traversing a dark path with only a torch was a fearsome venture, yet curiously, the way seemed vividly clear to me.

"... How's your condition?"

As I moved along, number 2 began speaking to me.

"If you don't feel alright, there's no need to say. I'll lead the way. If there's a trap or anything, as the healthier one, I can handle it better."

Time indeed came.

When I felt we'd distanced enough from Hemmel and his group, I pushed the scabbard against 2's back.

"Hmm?"

"Be silent."

Wordlessly, he seemed startled and about to glance back.

"If you turn, you die."

With a stern warning, I swiftly swiped the magic staff from his belt and tossed it aside.