[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-am-i-the-villain-or-not":3,"chapter-am-i-the-villain-or-not-am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-135":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Am I the Villain or Not?",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},571787,820,"Chapter 135: Press 1 to Get a Catgirl","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-135",135,"\u003Cp>Tick-tock! Tick-tock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the dim stone chamber, the swaying candlelight kept flickering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the wall, a slender black shadow appeared long and stretched under the faint glow of the candle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the source of the firelight, a man was tied up with iron chains, clearly standing against a wooden stake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brown burlap sack covered his head, and his entire body was covered in bloody wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, someone loosened the sack, removed it, and threw it aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the man opened his eyes, the darkness mixed with specks of light made him feel momentarily uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When his eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, he widened them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moved his body, and the sound of steel clashing entered his ears, his limbs were completely locked down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he lifted his head, he saw countless mysterious people surrounding him in a circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were wrapped in black-ash cloaks from head to toe. Half their faces were covered, leaving only a pair of eyes exposed, staring at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You! Do you know who I am?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people around him didn't speak, but a voice sounded from the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do YOU know who I am?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya sat on a leather chair, one leg crossed over the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She held a sharp carving knife, idly polishing her nails as if she were simply bored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man focused his eyes. When he finally saw Liya's delicate face clearly, he froze on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya Clavenna.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Clavenna family was now extremely famous throughout the entire capital, with a reputation no less than the royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, in the city of Briston, the Clavenna family was practically able to cover the sky with one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a stray dog walking by on the street would have to wag its tail twice at Victor and bark \"woof woof, my lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What, you say stray dogs can't talk?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drag it away and stew it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, he would never have imagined it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had just been eating and singing in the most luxurious restaurant in Briston.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly, his vision went dark, and he was actually kidnapped by the Clavenna family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man's body trembled uncontrollably, his lips kept shaking, and cold sweat drenched him from head to toe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Liya… you… what is this…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What, never seen a kidnapping before?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya spun the carving knife once in her hand and stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her movement, the cloaked mysterious figures followed behind her and closed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man's body shook violently, fear seeping into his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya lifted the carving knife and pressed it against the man's throat, lifting his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her seductive eyes carried a hint of amusement, her tone laced with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Weren't you just asking us whether we know who you are?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm quite interested now. Go on. Tell me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man's mind instantly went blank, even forgetting to tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His throat stuck with saliva he didn't even dare to swallow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing beside Liya, Leon said softly, \"Miss, his name is Hannah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's a transporter for the Lesser family, delivering goods for them both north and south of the Empire.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya raised an eyebrow as she listened to the report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? From the Lesser family?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know what kind of grudge your family has with ours, and you still dare to wander here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold sweat dripped down Hannah's forehead, rolling along his nose, and he didn't dare move a muscle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Liya, I… I just got lost…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lost?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya suddenly flicked her wrist, and the carving knife flew straight at Hannah, stabbing hard into the wooden plank behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could even feel the sound of impact and the slicing wind as the knife hit the board.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hannah's breathing grew heavier. If it had been just a hair closer, the speeding blade would have slit his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya looked at him with squinted eyes and smiled lightly, \"The Clavenna territory is so big, yet you just happened to get lost right in front of my house?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hannah trembled and closed his eyes, not daring to say another word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya reached out, and Leon, understanding immediately, handed her an alarm clock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wound the clock tightly and placed it beside the man's ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>DANG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crisp chime burst out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ticking followed right after, continuously echoing like the death knell of a grim reaper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where's the cargo hidden? Say it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you can't say it before the alarm goes off, your head moves to a new home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the first tick, Hannah screamed in terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His facial features twisted together, his expression agonized, like he was about to burst into tears any second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crying?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cloaked figure stepped forward and slapped him across the face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PAH!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sharp crack, his almost-crying wail was abruptly cut off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya touched the alarm clock, smiling sweetly, \"Crying also counts as using up your time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riiiiing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clock suddenly shook violently, metallic ringing echoing through the narrow, dim basement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around them, the chilling sound of blades being drawn rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hannah widened his eyes, staring at the silver daggers glinting under the candlelight, and he frantically nodded, \"I know! I'll talk! I'll talk!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That batch of goods… is hidden… at Sano Port!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya smiled and picked up the alarm clock again, rewinding it so the hand made another full turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hannah froze, staring at her in confusion, \"Miss Liya, you… what are you doing…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Giving you one more round of time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya narrowed her eyes and smiled, \"Only one hiding spot? I don't believe it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hannah forced a smile, his face stiff, tears squeezing from his eyes in fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"R-really only one, really only one!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Liya only smiled as she took out a bottle of red potion from her pocket, waving it in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know what this is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hannah stared blankly at the red potion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Clavenna family's magic potions were famous throughout the entire Empire. One bottle cost a thousand Geo, and on the black market, it was even more expensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Priceless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the red potion in front of him, with identical packaging, confused him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A new product from my family. Two thousand Geo per bottle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Want to try it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the half-smile on Liya's face, a bad feeling slowly rose in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riiiing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The alarm rang again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya's smile grew even more delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elf behind her stepped forward and unsheathed his dagger in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bleed him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the dim room, a cold flash streaked across the man's neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with a warm sting, blood gushed out violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Hannah's eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt a wave of weakness engulfing his body, something warm being forcefully drained from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silently, he looked at the smiling woman before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only feeling that seductive smile… was like a demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bright moonlight shone through the thin, misty clouds and spilled onto the cool blue sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the port, dozens of cloaked figures stood quietly in an open area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the stockpile location forced out of Hannah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many guards were stationed here, patrolling and watching over the goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the cloaked figures moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their movements were swift and deadly, like leopards on the hunt, quietly killing off the patrolling guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They dragged the corpses into the darkness and tossed them into the raging sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night was their best camouflage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when the surrounding guards had been mostly cleared did they regroup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Large cargo crates, covered tightly with blue cloth, sat in the center of the square.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the gaps beneath the cloth, one could see the steel-cage-like material beneath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you leaned in quietly, you could even hear breathing from inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged nods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them placed a hand on the communication crystal at her ear, passing on the report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gloom drifted aside under the wind, and moonlight poured over the massive iron cages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the shadows had already taken full control of the area; the guards had been completely wiped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the bright moonlit port, only the cloaked, hooded figures remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya slowly walked out from the shadows, with Leon, dressed the same as the others, following behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment everyone saw Liya, they bowed respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Liya.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the last hiding spot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya circled the enormous cages, examining them closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright. Let me see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At her command, the shadows leapt up onto the platform and flung the large cloth aside, revealing the \"cargo\" within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the iron cages were living \"people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each had soft animal ears, catlike, doglike, and other distinct, nonhuman traits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They curled together in the cages, huddling for warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fluffy tails raised, pointed long ears twitching as they sensed the surrounding danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps feeling the faint light of freedom, they lifted their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the crowd watching them, fear and panic rippled in their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya looked at them and sighed, \"You poor children.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demi-humans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were similar to humans, but not truly human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had nearly human appearances, yet carried distinctive animal features.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Empire, demi-humans were rarely seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empire had strict racial divisions. Humans were supreme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, demi-humans were not allowed to enter the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if they did appear, they would either be forced out…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or be freely disposed of by whoever captured them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's right, demi-humans were not regarded as people at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To most, they were merely thinking, moving pets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Calencia Empire had no slavery system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone human, even a beggar, could not legally be bought or sold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that was only on the surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noble lords could naturally ignore the rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as they didn't go too far and flaunt it in front of the Emperor… someone would always \"look the other way\" for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what if someone wanted cheap, disposable labor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just buy some \"demi-human slaves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiring humans cost money and taxes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But demi-humans? They were stronger, more enduring than humans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as they were given food and water, they would work themselves to the bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as they didn't starve, they'd work until death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, perhaps feeling some pity, Liya sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From now on, you're free.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she finished, Leon drew the wooden sword at his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Green fluorescence flickered faintly on the blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dense magic surged upon it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With magic-infused strength, Leon slashed the cage twice horizontally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The huge steel bars split open, enough to allow escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The edges still flickered with green light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the demi-humans inside didn't move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They only shrank deeper into the cage in fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Liya gave a look to the hooded shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They immediately understood and removed their hoods, revealing their own animal ears, pointed, drooping, cat, dog, even long rabbit ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear message. They were the same kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, after seeing this, the demi-humans in the cage relaxed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their raised, tense ears slowly drooped down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya smiled at the demi-humans who finally dared to stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, do you believe me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I do believe.\" Suddenly, a sharp voice sounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone immediately looked up toward the source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unknowingly, a man had appeared, sitting atop the massive cage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his back rested a very luxurious greatsword, looking extraordinarily impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man looked down at the people below from his high vantage point, grinning slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the powerful pressure he exuded weighed down on everyone's heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing danger, Leon moved in front of Liya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man stared at Liya with a smiling squint, \"I was wondering why every shipment delivered to Briston kept getting stolen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So it turns out, the famous Clavenna family keeps a group of demi-humans as shadow guards.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold chuckle followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well now… that really opened my eyes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002FXenosX\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>🥳Joining P@treon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰\u003C\u002Fp>",1960,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","e81e9ea2c3f72b1f2259431b7ca4fae0f5c0bd1632e830484f3aee62fe3d2672","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-136","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-134",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]