I Am The Game's Villain

Classes had resumed their normal flow after the minor incident that had occurred a couple of days ago. Today, however, I arrived early at the academy. My goal was to have a conversation with Melfina Indi Zestalla, the headmistress. Several matters had been weighing on my mind since my arrival in Sancta Vedelia, and one of them was the need to create a physical body for Annabelle and Samara. They currently relied on my mana, which was both dangerous and inefficient.

But, above all, I simply wanted to restore them to a proper existence. I had initially wanted to achieve this with Mary, but it turned out that Persephone had never truly been dead. Now, my priority was to get authorization to temporarily harness the power of the Holy Tree of Eden, as I needed its divine energy to create flesh-and-blood bodies for my companions.

[<You do realize that breaking this divine law will place you on the Gods' blacklist, Amael,>]

'Yes, I'm aware,' I replied with a confident smile.

Initially, I had planned to wait until I became stronger, but I couldn't bear the thought of waiting any longer. I had already lost Mary because she was contracted to me and couldn't access her full potential. I refused to let the same fate befall Annabelle or Samara.

[<Amael... we're talking about Gods. I won't be able to assist you in my current state, even if I wanted to. And if I were to force myself, I'd vanish like Nevia,>]

'I understand, don't worry. I won't burden you.'

I had no intentions of using Cleenah or any other means to escape the wrath of the Gods who might seek retribution for breaking their laws.

Nevia's situation had been different. Even before becoming my Legacy, she had been in a weakened state. I didn't know the reason behind it, but her fierce battle with Leon and her month-long training with me had taken a toll on her.

A month ago, I had been at my lowest point, imprisoned by Charles. I had lost Elona and my abusive father on the same day, and now I was locked away without any contact with Aunt Belle, Annabelle, Layla, or even Miranda.

It had been Cleenah and Nevia who had kept me sane during that time. Cleenah provided emotional support, while Nevia had given me hope. We had trained together for a full month in preparation for the Second Game. It was a short time to truly prepare for such a dangerous challenge, but it was better than no training at all, and Nevia's guidance had been invaluable.

Now, however, I was on my own. I had relied too heavily on luck and sudden surges of strength in the past year, but I was determined to approach things differently this time.

As I reached Melfina's personal office, I followed the protocol and knocked on the door, waiting for permission to enter.

[<It's unlike you, Amael. You usually burst open doors without waiting,>]

'I'm trying to maintain a good student image.'

[<How long do you think you can keep that up in the Academy? Outside, it's already in shambles.>]

'Are you referring to the Jiren incident? I merely scolded him in place of his neglectful parents.'

[<I'd say there's a fine line between scolding and traumatizing from your perspective, Amael,>]

'I suppose.'

"Enter," came Melfina's voice from inside. I grasped the doorknob and pushed the door open.

Melfina was seated behind her desk, but to my surprise, there was another person with her. He bore a striking resemblance to Melfina and Celeste, with white hair, but unlike Celeste's teal eyes, his were a striking shade of blue.

I had seen this individual a few times during the Game.

He was Evan Indi Zestella, Celeste's older brother by two years and the current Student Council President.

"Oh, Amael? It's quite surprising to see you finally gracing my office with your presence," Melfina commented, clearly taken aback.

As I closed the door behind me, I felt a sense of relief. Finally, I could converse with someone who knew me well.

"I didn't have much reason to visit, to be honest," I replied with a smile as I took a seat.

Melfina's lips twitched at my response.

Evan, however, seemed puzzled. "Who is he, Grandmother?"

"I've mentioned him to you before, Evan," Melfina sighed. "He's Oryanna Olphean's son and Connor's cousin."

"Connor's cousin..." Evan stared at me in shock, his gaze shifting to my hands. "Why are his hands bound? What has he done?"

"It's not the time for that, Evan," Melfina responded firmly.

Only a few rare people were aware of what had happened in Celesta as it was a far country but of course Ante-Eden was a very well-known criminal organization so the heads of the Houses were probably aware of what had happened. I mean that day, the Holy Garden of Eden literally floated about the Dorian Capital.

"Indeed. This is not the time for that," I added, nodding in agreement, my gaze shifting to Evan. "I'd like to speak with your grandma alone."

Evan narrowed his eyes, clearly suspicious of my request.

For a brief moment, his mana fluctuated, and I could sense the formidable power he possessed. He was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, on par with Cyril, Kendel, and Dentiel. His strength was befitting of the Student Council President and Celeste's older brother.

I offered a small smile and rested my chin on my hand. "I'd appreciate it if you could step out, Student Council President."

Evan looked displeased, asserting, "I could easily discipline you for this behavior."

"Enough, both of you," Melfina intervened with a sigh.

"Grandmother?" Evan protested, clearly unhappy with me not receiving reprimand for my impudence.

"Amael is always like this. Trying to reason with him can be exhausting," Melfina explained. "You may leave now, Evan."

"No," Evan firmly refused. "I will stay here and listen. I'm the Student Council President and your grandson."

I chimed in with a mocking tone, "Annoying as well."

Melfina scowled at me. "Amael."

"Fine, fine," I conceded with a shrug. "Your beloved grandson can stay."

Evan couldn't resist a parting jab, muttering, "You bear no resemblance to Connor or Christina. You're more like a wild outsider."

Ignoring his comment, I refocused on Melfina. "I need to gain access to the Holy Tree for ten minutes."

"....."

A heavy silence filled the room as my request to spend some alone time with the Holy Tree settled in.

"Headmistress?" I waved my hand, attempting to prompt a response from her who seemed to have a hard time processing my request.

Evan, the Student Council President, couldn't conceal his astonishment. "Is that supposed to be a joke?"

"No, it's not," I replied, maintaining a calm demeanor. "I simply need some time alone with the Holy Tree."

It would be a shame if nobody uses its power correctly after all.

Evan was quick to object, his tone frosty. "You expect us to believe you? You are a criminal and a sinner here."

"And?" I raised an eyebrow. "I am an Olphean, a member of one of the Great Houses of the esteemed Sancta Vedelia. Furthermore, I hail from the Falkrona Family. I trust I don't need to emphasize their influence and prominence beyond these walls. Given my heritage, I should have no trouble accessing all the privileges this place has to offer."

Evan couldn't help but grimace at my reference to my noble status and family backgrounds, though I was merely being honest.

[<Arrogant as well.>]

Melfina appeared puzzled by my request and questioned, "Why are you asking me for permission? You should request an audience with the Prophetess herself."

I explained my reasoning. "I considered that, but our farewell with the Prophetess was quite tumultuous. I'm uncertain if she'd grant my request."

"You even caused trouble with Claudia?" Melfina asked incredulously. "What happened?"

"It wasn't much, really. Samara just destroyed the place and threw tables at her," I replied nonchalantly what had happened after I summoned Samara back then.

"W-What...!" Evan exclaimed in shock at my words.

Melfina massaged her temples, clearly developing a headache. "Samara?"

"Indeed, Samara," I confirmed. At my words, Samara materialized behind me, donned in a striking dark dress.

Evan was left in a daze, staring at Samara. "What kind of power is this?"

I smiled and patted Samara's hair. "She was just being protective of me. Can't blame her."

Samara nodded with a hint of menace, "I'll do it again if necessary," before coiling her arms around my neck.