I Am The Game's Villain

The Location-Card acted as a versatile teleportation device, intricately linked to our mana and blood. A simple ritual involving pouring mana and a drop of blood onto the card would whisk us away to the designated location of our respective Mana Beasts. This magical convenience bestowed upon us the agency to decide when to confront our formidable adversaries on the ensuing day—whether it be the rejuvenating dawn, the languid afternoon, or the tranquil evening. Nevertheless, with the impending finality of the exam on the morrow, discretion in timing became paramount; wrestling with a Mana Beast as dusk approached held little appeal.

Elizabeth, with a nod and a warm smile, signifying both courtesy and purpose, made her exit. My curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but ask, "Where are you off to?"

She turned, a hint of confusion dancing in her eyes. "Back to the castle, to prepare and secure a good night's rest."

"Ah, I see," I responded, a nod of understanding accompanying my words, as Elizabeth gracefully took her leave.

Cain, ever vigilant and following her like a shadow, shot me a scowl before trailing Elizabeth.

A true stalker.

[<Aren't you a bit too smitten with little Elizabeth, Amael?>]

"Huh?" A puzzled expression etched across my face in response to Cleenah's question.

I could almost hear Cleenah's audible sigh. [<Among all your classmates, she's the only one you willingly engage in conversation with. It's as if you harbor a crush on her.>]

"Do I?" I quirked an eyebrow.

[<I'm the Goddess of Beauty, Amael. I can discern those glances.>]

"In that case, you must know what my gaze on you signifies," I remarked, wearing a smile.

[<...>] Cleenah fell into a thoughtful silence in response to my words.

How long?

How much longer, Cleenah, will you continue to ignore me?

Even if I wished to conceal them, I couldn't hide the feelings I harbor for you. I'm certain you've been aware of them for quite some time now.

Initially, I entertained doubts regarding her claim of having a boyfriend. However, as time passed, I began to accept the truth. Yet, despite this revelation, I found myself incapable of letting go. She had been a steadfast companion, accompanying me through both the darkest and brightest moments of my existence.

As the conversation with Cleenah veered into a slightly uncomfortable realm, I decided to shift gears. "Speaking of Elizabeth, I don't know why, but I feel drawn to her. It's not love or anything; I'm just curious about something."

[<If you say so…>] Cleenah responded with a pout in her tone.

These exchanges only deepen my affection for you, Cleenah.

Shaking off the sentiments, I turned my attention toward the castle. There was little else to occupy my time, and I wasn't particularly in the mood for aimless wandering. The upcoming Event, set to transpire after tomorrow's exam, loomed in my thoughts. While I entertained the notion of preparation, the formidable nature of my adversary left me unsure about what measures I could take. My lack of knowledge about his whereabouts only added to the uncertainty. He had made his presence felt during the incident with Celeste, promising a dramatic encounter tomorrow.

Despite these musings, a smile found its way onto my face. "Come out, Samara."

In response to my summons, Samara materialized before me, clad in her customary white dress, an embodiment of grace and beauty. Her dark, flowing hair complemented her ethereal appearance. As a hybrid of vampire and elf, her striking beauty was expected.

"Want to hang around a bit?" I inquired.

Samara's deep blue eyes met mine. "If you want, Edward."

I grinned and playfully pinched her cheeks, coaxing a hesitant smile from her. "Smile a little, and don't hide that pretty face, Samara."

"I will… try," she replied, attempting a smile that felt somewhat forced.

"Alright, come on," I said, dragging her along as we explored the city together.

Though it was a gradual process, I was determined to bring genuine smiles to Samara's face, to help her forget the shadows of her past.

"...!" Samara seemed to sense my intentions, her eyes shimmering with understanding as she gently grasped my hand.

Amid the curious gazes of onlookers, we traversed the city, reveling in the freedom to do as we pleased. These fleeting moments of relaxation were a rare treat, and I soaked them in.

On a whim, an idea struck me. It might or might not work, but the prospect was exciting.

As the sky darkened, we made our way back to the castle. The unwritten rule was clear—students were not to linger outside during the late hours of the night.

…

…

At dinner, my curiosity about my three roommates got the better of me, prompting me to inquire about their exam outcomes.

"I passed it easily," Sirius chimed in with a confident grin.

"I was with Lykhor, but I passed as well," Victor added, casually crossing his arms behind his head.

My attention turned to John, who seemed more focused on his meal. Feeling my gaze, he simply shrugged. "Of course, I obtained it," he said, nonchalantly waving his Location-Card at me.

I couldn't help but narrow my eyes at him. "You knew about the method to reveal the card, but you didn't tell me, huh?" I asked, my tone edged with a touch of coldness.

John, undeterred, shrugged again. "I thought the Prince of the Olphean House knew at least how to do that."

"Right," I forced a smile, deciding to halt the conversation. Whatever retaliation I had in mind, John wouldn't escape it.

Changing the subject, Victor inquired about our plans for the upcoming Mana Beast battles. "When are you guys going to fight? I'll be in the morning," he declared.

"Afternoon for me," Sirius replied.

"I don't know," John answered casually.

"Morning as well," I chimed in. I had to schedule my fight for the morning, as the afternoon held its own set of potential events. A cold gaze at John was a silent reminder to keep his schedule clear for the afternoon.

….

Late at night, I cautiously rose from my bed, attempting to avoid making any noise. However, my efforts were thwarted by the unsettling sight of John's red eyes peering at me from the bed above. Any normal person would have been scared and might have ran away because of this guy's lunatic behavior late at night. Despite his unnerving nocturnal presence, I ignored him and silently made my way out of the room.

My destination was the western wing of the castle. This time, I exercised even greater caution, strategically jumping and hiding whenever a knight passed by. Samara assisted in diverting attention by creating disturbances elsewhere. After ten minutes of navigating the shadows, we reached the same door that eluded me on a previous attempt.

"Are you ready, Samara?" I asked.

"Yes," Samara responded, stretching out her hands.

I grinned and conjured the Anathemas Fire at the tip of my finger. Swiftly, I burned the entire outline of the door. A vibration that would have signaled an alarm was imminent, but Samara clenched her fists, and an invisible force neutralized all the beacons on the doors and corridor. Her presence was proving to be a significant advantage.

"I can't resist for long, Edward..." Samara cautioned.

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon," I assured her before rushing down the hallway. This part of the castle was reserved for the royals, so I had to tread carefully. The opulent doors and those leading to smaller rooms were immediately dismissed. Melfina's office had to be grand, probably at the far end of the hallway.

"It might be this one..." I approached a door adorned with ornate decorations and summoned the Anathemas Fire again.

Melfina would likely know it was me, but I planned to explain the truth—that I was seeking information about my brother's death. After melting the lock, which took considerable time even with the Anathemas Fire, I turned the knob and entered. A gentle fragrance greeted my senses, but I ignored it, quickly scanning the living room.

Several sofas, armchairs, a giant tv and other decorations adorned the living room. There was even a kitchen attached to it. Everything in this place looked extremely expensive. I'm pretty sure that even the parquet might be worth several millions of Eden.

What was I expecting from a room of a royal anyway?

In any case, this place seemed more like a suit. I checked the shelves but found nothing of significance—just girls' magazines, makeup, and even lingerie. The headmistress had a hidden girly side, it seemed. With no other option, I entered the inner room.

What?

I opened my eyes wide as I noticed someone sleeping on the large, princess-like bed surrounded by curtains.

"Wait... something's wrong..." I furrowed my brow. At that moment, I sensed Samara's mana depleting rapidly.

Shaking my head, I hurriedly checked the drawers. Lingeries and more girly items, but nothing relevant. I slightly drew back the curtain of the bed and cursed under my breath.

The person sleeping on the bed was Celeste.