Rise Of The Villain : In a World Ruled By Anomalies

Chapter 75 : Resolving Past Grudge

The car engine hummed steadily as it moved through the evening roads, the faint glow of city lights reflecting off its polished surface. Inside the car, Arthur and Julia sat in the back seat, while James drove quietly from the front.

A brief silence lingered—

Until James spoke. "The Brandon family, in this country, is one of the families that is steadily increasing its influence. They host auctions like these regularly... inviting the most influential figures to build connections and strike deals."

Arthur rested his head lightly against the seat, his gaze unfocused.

James continued, "The rich can also... enjoy themselves here freely. All types of deals take place—drug trafficking, slavery, and even the buying and selling of stolen items."

Julia’s expression hardened slightly.

"They do everything they can here," James added, his tone calm but heavy. "Many high-ranking officials in this country are closely related to the Brandon family."

He paused briefly before continuing, "The Takahashi family is also invited... as we are one of the major names in this country."

Arthur let out a quiet breath. "Can I just say one thing?"

James nodded slightly while driving. "Ask away, Mr. Arthur."

Arthur glanced sideways at Julia. Both of them looked equally bored.

"When will we reach the auction?"

For a moment—

James’s eye twitched slightly.

"It seems I am boring you with all these details... my apologies."

He cleared his throat. "We will reach the auction in ten minutes."

Arthur sighed in relief. "Good... I was afraid it would take longer."

After that—

No one spoke.

The car continued moving forward in silence.

Ten minutes later—

The car slowly came to a stop.

They had arrived.

The Brandon family’s auction house stood before them.

It was massive.

The estate stretched wide, its grand architecture illuminated by golden lights. Marble pillars lined the entrance, while intricate designs covered every visible surface. It looked less like an auction house and more like a palace built for royalty.

Luxury cars of all kinds were lined up outside—sleek black sedans, rare sports cars, and customized vehicles that screamed wealth and power.

Guests were arriving continuously.

Men and women dressed in expensive attire stepped out of their cars, each carrying an air of authority and status. Almost every individual had at least two bodyguards standing behind them, their presence sharp and alert.

Arthur stepped out of the car, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

"Wow... this really is a gathering of the wealthiest people."

James stepped beside him. "It is... and not just from this country, but from all over the world."

Julia adjusted her posture slightly, clearly wanting to get this over with. "Let’s go inside... I just want to finish this as soon as possible."

Arthur nodded. "Yeah... let’s go."

As they began walking forward—

Julia quietly tucked her hand into the crook of Arthur’s elbow, linking their arms together naturally.

Arthur glanced at her briefly—

But said nothing.

They approached the entrance.

Security guards immediately stepped forward, their expressions serious. "Invitation."

Before Arthur could respond—

James stepped forward and presented the pass. "I am their attendant for the evening."

The guards examined it carefully.

The moment they saw the name—

Yuichi Takahashi.

Their expressions changed instantly.

They bowed their heads respectfully and stepped aside. "Please proceed."

As the trio entered—

A maid standing at the entrance approached them gracefully, holding a silver platter.

On it—

Various masks were arranged neatly.

Each one different.

Elegant.

Mysterious.

Just like those worn at a masquerade ball.

Arthur and Julia both looked toward James.

James gave a small nod. "Even if they indulge in their... activities here, it doesn’t mean they want their identities exposed. This is for anonymity... and security."

Arthur smirked slightly. "Well... that just makes it more fun."

Without hesitation, he picked up a mask.

Julia followed, selecting one as well.

James also took one for himself.

As they moved further inside, the atmosphere shifted.

The grand hall opened up before them, filled with round tables and luxurious seating arrangements. People sat in small groups, talking quietly, exchanging information, and making deals even before the auction had officially begun.

Soft music played in the background, blending with low murmurs and occasional laughter.

Arthur and Julia walked forward calmly, observing everything.

Then—

Suddenly—

A couple bumped into them.

"Ah—sorry, we weren’t looking ahead," the girl said quickly.

Arthur waved it off. "Don’t worry—"

Then—

His eyes widened slightly.

’...Woah, what the hell is this?’

Before he could say anything—

A loud voice interrupted.

"Hey! Can’t you watch where you’re going? You almost injured my precious daughter!"

Arthur slowly turned his head.

The moment he saw the man—

A wide smile spread across his face.

"Well... well... the gods aren’t that bad after all, it seems. The man i really wanted to payback has come before me himself."

The man standing in front of him was—

Jafar Clington and Liana Clington.

One of the reasons that arthur got exiled.

And the couple they had bumped into—

Liana...

And a brown-haired boy with sharp green eyes.

Arthur’s smile deepened.

’I never thought I’d meet Oliver like this... huh.’

Both Liana and Oliver were dressed elegantly.

Liana wore a refined evening dress that enhanced her graceful appearance, while Oliver stood beside her in a well-fitted suit, carrying himself with quiet confidence.

Just then—

A voice echoed inside Arthur’s mind.

[Do you know that guy, host?]

Arthur responded internally, ’Of course I know him... he’s one of the main characters of the game.’

His gaze lingered on Oliver.

’That guy is Oliver Brown... from one of the branch families of the Imperius household. You could say they’re basically servants... and the Browns handle assassination work for them.’

Meanwhile—

Liana turned toward her father. "Father, don’t make a scene here... it was also our fault."

But Jafar didn’t stop.

Instead, his voice grew louder.

"Liana, please don’t say anything! These people are clearly looking down on us... can’t you see that? They’re not even apologizing!"

His voice rose further—

Loud enough to draw attention.

"We are close relatives of the Imperius family! And we will not take this humiliation lying down!"

The entire hall quieted.

People began whispering.

"Did he just say Imperius family?"

"Someone related to them is here?"

Surprise spread across the crowd.

Jafar’s smile widened as he saw the shift in their reactions.

Fear.

Respect.

Attention.

All directed toward him.

He raised his voice again proudly. "Oliver Brown is here himself, representing the Imperius family! And my daughter Liana will soon be engaged to him!"

"Enough!" Liana snapped, her face flushed. "Stop making things up!"

Before things could settle—

Arthur spoke.

Calm.

Mocking.

"Your father really is a clown... isn’t he?"

Jafar’s mouth twitched violently.

Liana glared at Arthur. "Don’t disrespect him like that! And he’s not entirely wrong... you could just apologize and end this here."

Arthur shrugged lightly. "Sorry... I don’t apologize to clowns."

For a moment—

Silence.

Then—

Laughter broke out across the hall.

Liana’s face turned bright red with humiliation.

Jafar clenched his teeth. "How dare you—!"

Arthur sighed inwardly. ’It really is comforting... cursing the people you don’t like out loud.’

Before Jafar could continue—

Oliver stepped forward.

"That’s enough," he said firmly. "Let’s stop this here. Liana, arguing with them is not good for our reputation."

Julia’s voice cut in instantly. "Do you even have a reputation?"

Oliver’s mouth twitched.

"You’re lucky I’m in a good mood today... otherwise I would’ve shown you the might of the Imperius family."

Arthur widened his eyes exaggeratedly. "Ohhh... I’m so scared. What are you going to do, Mr. Imperius?"

That was it.

Jafar snapped.

He charged toward Arthur, his fist raised, aiming straight for his face.

But—

Arthur moved effortlessly.

He sidestepped.

And with a simple motion—

Hooked his leg.

Jafar lost his balance instantly.

"Ah—!"

He crashed onto the floor—

Wincing in pain.

All this time—

James had been standing quietly to the side, watching everything unfold with bated breath.

’What are these two doing...?’ he thought, his expression tightening slightly. ’Picking a fight the moment they enter... have they lost their minds?’

The situation had already drawn too much attention.

And then—

A loud voice echoed through the hall.

"What the hell is happening here?"

The entire room went silent.

All eyes turned toward the source.

A woman stepped forward.

She looked to be in her twenties.

Her deep ocean-blue hair flowed smoothly down her back, contrasting sharply with her sharp brown eyes that carried both authority and danger. Her presence alone was enough to command attention without effort.

The moment she appeared—

Everyone straightened.

Some even lowered their heads slightly.

Arthur glanced toward James, his eyes subtly asking the question.

James immediately understood.

A faint smile appeared on his face. "That... is the head of the Brandon family... Lady Sunade."

Arthur’s gaze returned to her.

’System...’

A voice responded instantly inside his head.

[You were absolutely right, host... that is our target.]

Arthur’s lips curved faintly.

His eyes locked onto hers—

As if challenging her.

For a brief moment—

Time seemed to slow.

Then—

Without warning—

Arthur moved.

His fist shot forward—

Fast.

Precise.

It slammed straight into Oliver’s jaw.

The impact echoed sharply across the hall.

Oliver’s body lifted off the ground—

Flying backward with terrifying speed—

Before crashing into a wall.

"Boom—!"

The wall dented under the force.

Oliver slid down slowly, his body limp, shock written all over his face.

Arthur lowered his hand casually.

His voice rang out clearly.

"Imperius family my ass... I’m not afraid of any of those clowns."

Silence.

Absolute silence.

A hush fell over the entire hall.

No one moved.

No one spoke.

They couldn’t believe what they had just heard.

Challenging the Imperius family like that—

Was taboo.

Unthinkable.

Dangerous.

And yet—

He had done it so casually.

As if it meant nothing.

Across the hall—

A slow smile appeared on Sunade’s face.

Subtle.

Almost unnoticed.

’He is definitely one...’