I Am The Game's Villain

"You are leaving?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, dear," Mom said, donning a coat. "I was called to Edenis Raphiel with all the other Heads. We have an important meeting."

"I see. Well, have a good trip," I said with a smile.

Mom grinned and stroked my hair. "Thanks. I need some reassurance since I'm going to hang around these annoying fellows."

By annoying fellows, you mean the other Heads, Mom?

"Please, Mom, don't create another problem and restrain yourself," Christina pleaded.

"You should trust your mother on that, young girl," Mom sulked and embraced Christina. "Take care."

"I will, Mom. Leave the Kingdom to me," Christina said confidently.

Oh, without Mom, Christina had to remain in the Kingdom to take care of it, I see.

"You too, Amael," Mom hugged me tightly and patted my head again. "Take care of yourself and of your sister too."

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Goodbye, big sister!" Annabelle then rushed to Mom and hugged her. Novel Fire - novelfire.net

"Come here, little girl!" Mom caught Annabelle, even though she already looked like a twelve-year-old. "Promise me to study diligently while I'm away."

"I will!" Annabelle nodded her head.

"Then I will keep my promise too," Mom said, glancing my way.

Huh?

What promise?

Annabelle cast a resentful glance my way before averting her gaze in a sullen manner.

"Samara, promise me you'll safeguard our family, alright?" Mom's request was met with a nod and a gentle smile from Samara, who received a pat on her head.

"Time to go!" Mom exclaimed, vanishing in an instant, inadvertently sending plates clattering on the table.

"Mother! Oh!" Christina exclaimed, visibly distressed.

"I'll handle it, my lady," Blaire swiftly cleared the mess, earning gratitude from Christina, who, in turn, prepared to address the city's pressing matters.

"Have a nice day, sister," I said, concluding my pancake breakfast.

Christina grinned and playfully flicked my forehead. "Best of luck on your last exam for the trimester, little brother."

"Thanks," I replied, watching her departure. Turning to Samara, I urged, "Stay with her in my absence."

Samara nodded and began to leave, but I gently grasped her arm, pulling her into an embrace. I sensed her initial tremor, but she soon relaxed, her cheeks tinted with a subtle blush. "One day, when everything is settled, I want you by my side, Samara. Until the very end."

"Yes," Samara affirmed, her embarrassment evident as she disappeared from my embrace.

There's no time to waste—I must expedite the creation of bodies for both Samara and Annabelle. They deserve lives of their own, free from my influence.

With a casual wave to the sulking Annabelle and the rest, I left.

…

…

The upcoming days held immense significance, not only due to the impending trimester exams but more crucially, the imminent threat of Behemoth's attack. Safeguarding the Horn became our top priority, demanding important attention.

However, a new complication surfaced—I couldn't rely on my usual knowledge this time. My interference with Nora might have altered their entire plan.

"Everyone should be here," Professor James Raven surveyed the assembled group, comprised of over 200 individuals standing in front of the academy. Today marked the final trimester exam for both Second and First Year students, transforming it into an Interclass examination with the inclusion of the First Years.

"Looks like you are quite hated.," John remarked.

Glancing around, I observed a noticeable void within a five-meter radius—people deliberately kept their distance, driven by either fear or disdain. Countless hostile stares, mostly from elves, bore into me.

"You're stuck with me now," I retorted to John, dismissing the animosity surrounding me and pointed at Amelia with a smirk. "You added one more just yesterday."

John subtly glanced at Amelia, who maintained her focus on the professor. The fatigue under her eyes, artfully concealed by makeup, didn't escape my notice. However, what intrigued me more was Celeste's uncharacteristically serious demeanor, a stark contrast to her usual self from the previous day.

Well, if she's motivated, that's good.

Professor James Raven proceeded with the details of the final exam, emphasizing its group battle nature. He outlined the criteria for evaluation, emphasizing the importance of protecting and cooperating with one's groupmate. Furthermore, he stressed the significance of quick-witted retorts during encounters with opposing groups.

"The assessment will comprise three rounds for each group, facing opponents chosen initially at random and later based on accumulated points. My colleagues and I will handle that aspect. Your objective is to acquire all four bracelets from your opponents," he explained, displaying a white bracelet as a visual aid. "Each group member will receive such bracelets, worn on the wrists. Losing a bracelet renders you unable to participate further, leaving your group at a numerical disadvantage. Exercise patience, study your opponents, and refrain from reckless engagement."

"I will now reveal the groups," Professor Raven announced, unveiling the pairings.

The revelation took ten minutes, leaving me slightly taken aback by some unexpected combinations. Regardless, there was no time for dwellings.

"I count on you, Senior," Roda Moonfang expressed confidence in Victor.

"Likewise, Roda," Victor responded with a smile, forming part of a group with two others.

Selene's cold gaze toward Victor and Roda did not go unnoticed. Unfortunately, she ended up in John's group, making him uncomfortable being with a Yandere other than his own sister.

Observing John, whose mood had soured even further, I inwardly sighed and wrapped my arm around his shoulders.

"What the hell are you doing?" John glared at me, attempting to break free, but I maintained a firm grip.

Staring at him with a seriousness that mirrored the weight of our circumstances, I spoke, "We've died once, John. This is our second life, a chance to live better and make our wishes come true, or perhaps, live the way we always wanted."

"..."

"You've been fixated on Layla for too long, and I'm here. Now, focus on yourself. I'm not dictating what you should do, but a girl like her shouldn't be missed just because of fear. Those bastards, whoever they are, will meet their end. We'll be the ones standing at the top, with one hundred percent of the Games completed in a Happy Ending," I concluded with a grin.

John looked at me for a moment before removing my arm and departing with a light scoff.

"Are you that scared, Johnny?" I shouted.

"Fuck off," he showed me his middle while joining his group.

A true tsundere.

Smirking, I shifted my gaze elsewhere.

Oh.

Celeste found herself teamed up with Lykhor, and the two engaged in serious discussion about their exam.

Turning my attention to Alvara, I observed her alongside her brother, Allen, who had evidently recovered from my earlier altercation. His usual smirk had vanished, and he now stood with his head lowered, resembling one of Alvara's loyal dogs. Alvara, true to form, remained aloof, hanging around her umbrella without sparing a glance for her three groupmates standing silently behind her.

Shifting my gaze again, I spotted Elizabeth.

Right...

We shouldn't make this awkward...

Numerous eyes were still fixed on us, observing our interactions.

"Well, good luck, Elizabeth," I said, approaching her.

"To you as well, Amael," Elizabeth replied before surprising me with a soft embrace. Her emotional control surpassed mine, evident in her composed demeanor.

Returning the hug, we both retreated simultaneously, a shared flashback crossing my mind as soon as I touched her.

"Um, I'm leaving... good luck, Amael," Elizabeth said, departing with a slightly flushed face.

"R-Right," I nodded, equally embarrassed, and sighed as the awkwardness lingered.

It's fine.

I will get used to it.

I hope.

Now…

Another sigh escaped me as I turned around, reserving my attention for the most challenging member of my group.

Seated on the bench while the others engaged in conversation, Alicia Angelica Raven caught my eye. She tenderly cared for her rapier on her lap, wearing an indifferent expression that made it unclear whether she even noticed the group assignments.

Setting aside the apprehension of our other two groupmates, I decided to confront the situation and approached her. The atmosphere was tense, and others seemed too intimidated to approach either of us.

Well, I couldn't blame them for that.

"We're in the same group," I spoke to Alicia once I stood in front of her.

Alicia's pale hand paused in its work, and she raised her gaze. Her nearly cold, indifferent crimson eyes locked onto mine.

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