[{"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-24":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},571433,820,"Chapter 24: I Understand the Logic, But Why Can the Crow Talk?","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-24",24,"\u003Cp>A blue magic circle appeared out of thin air on top of the volcano, and within it, a figure gradually became real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Erica.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without interrupting the existing magic circle, she had temporarily extended its casting range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had to be said, this really was the most effective method she could think of right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The biggest difference between a Second-Rank Mage and a Third-Rank Mage when using teleportation magic was the disparity in their mana reserves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And mana reserves determined teleportation distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica took a sip of potion, recovering some mana, and only then barely managed to release a teleportation circle with enough range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, she had already reached the top of the volcano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of her, was the crater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The temperature at the summit was already beyond what a human body could endure. The moment Erica set foot on the ground, the scorching heat made her head spin and ache violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she hadn't already cast several fire-resistance spells in advance, she probably would have fainted instantly in this unbearable heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She patted her chest, looking down, her face showing lingering fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pressing her palms together, a white magic circle began to rotate between them, releasing thin streams of cold air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She cast the spell on herself, barely maintaining her body at a constant temperature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing that, Erica finally looked around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, there was nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the volcano's crater, which seemed as if it had just erupted. The rocks around it glowed red like pieces of burning iron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blazing heat, even the air itself looked distorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica had hoped to find some kind of answer atop the volcano, but the scene before her was not what she had imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The suffocating heat made her dizzy, her vision blurred, and a wave of weakness spread through her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'No… maybe I should leave here.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She still had enough mana left to cast teleportation magic and escape, even if it only took her partway down the mountain, that would be better than staying here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light began to glow faintly between her hands as a new teleportation circle took form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Erica's heart jolted violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The half-formed circle instantly vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A low, sorrowful wail came from the crater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pain seemed to resonate directly with Erica's heart, and she fell to her knees, unable to endure it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her knees were instantly burned by the searing ground beneath her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"W-what… is going on…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica forced out the words with difficulty. Her heart felt as if something invisible had gripped it, squeezing painfully tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That mournful cry, something only she could hear, continued to echo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a daze, the volcano began to quake, and a surge of lava shot skyward from the crater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the slow flow of red-hot magma, Erica felt as if she were witnessing the volcano's blood being spat out in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, that blood was about to become the weapon that would take her life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica gritted her teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that moment between life and death, she made a split-second decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every remaining trace of magic surged forth, forming a barrier that separated her from the flowing lava.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't want to die, at least not like this. Not so pointlessly, not so miserably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the little mana she had left was nowhere near enough to sustain the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lava began seeping through the weakening shield, inching closer and closer to Erica's legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body started to tremble uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, almost in the next instant, a flash of white light erupted from within the volcano's crater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica seemed to forget the danger bearing down on her. Her eyes locked onto that burst of white light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What… is that?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mages and knights stationed in the town and halfway up the volcano all noticed the violent tremors coming from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the sign of an imminent eruption!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mage shouted, but everyone could already see it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The molten lava spewing from the crater was the most undeniable proof.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the Third-Rank Mages looked grim and tense, ready to unleash devastating war magic at the Duke's command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such powerful magic could suppress the volcano entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Levi stood confidently, just about to cast his spell, he had even planned to have Erica continue channeling mana into him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Erica, can you still hold on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked out of habit, but no one answered him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Duke Levi turned around, Erica was nowhere to be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Erica!? Erica!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Panic flashed across his face. He searched frantically around their base, but she was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could she disappear at a time like this!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke grew increasingly anxious. At such a critical moment, with the war spell about to activate, her disappearance was disastrous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had gone up the volcano… the danger would be unimaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't want to believe Erica could be so reckless, so he continued searching midway up the mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, all the mages who were waiting to release their spells stood frozen in confusion. Why had the duke suddenly halted the formation at this crucial point?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of the Third-Rank Mages looked at him nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Grace! If we don't activate the circle now, the volcano will erupt completely!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's no time left!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke roared back, \"No! Absolutely do not activate the circle!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Grace! What on earth happened!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone asked in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Erica's missing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Duke Levi said this, everyone went pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Erica was on the summit right now, then the moment the massive spell descended, she would be torn apart instantly by its magical pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if they didn't activate the spell…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eruption would turn into a catastrophe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Levi's eyes were bloodshot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had to choose, he would rather give up his honor, his position, even abandon the chance to save countless lives, than sacrifice Erica.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, everyone was urging him to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even one second sooner might prevent the eruption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But without his command, as the primary spellcaster, the formation could not proceed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a blinding white beam shot skyward from the crater, piercing the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned toward it. The brilliant light tore through the black storm clouds and illuminated the night sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For an instant, the true moonlight poured down upon the land, breaking through the gloom and reflecting in the astonished faces of all present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tick! Tick!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, raindrops began to fall, like spirits descending after a calamity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy rain poured down, striking the mountaintop and splashing onto the flowing lava.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain seemed almost magical as it fell upon Mount Vesuvius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in that instant, the volcano lost all its fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its searing heat plummeted rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like molten metal suddenly doused with cold water, releasing clouds of steam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one felt hot anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, under the sudden downpour, they all began to shiver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flowing lava gradually solidified, and the glowing rocks returned to their original black color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...The eruption of Mount Vesuvius… has stopped?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mage finally said what everyone else was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain soaked Duke Levi's hair. He squinted toward the sky, his face complex, uncertain what to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Near the top of the volcano, Gwen lifted her head, feeling the raindrops hit her face. Seeing the moonlight break through the clouds, she exhaled deeply in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been close to that flash of white light and had felt its terrifying power firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lava blocking her path had cooled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stood, gripped her silver sword, and with firm resolve, ran toward the summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica stood frozen, staring blankly at the sky, her mind completely blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When that magic appeared, she had been the closest to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That power… was absolutely not something a human could possess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kneeling in the rain, she closed her eyes, letting the downpour soak her completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, there was no longer any danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under that immense magical power, all threats had vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eruption of Mount Vesuvius now seemed like heaven's cruel joke, a beautiful prank played on everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had teased them again and again, making them think it was about to erupt. And just when everyone's nerves were stretched to the breaking point,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The volcano fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its prank had succeeded, drawing everyone's attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tears streamed down Erica's cheeks. She couldn't even tell if the water on her face was from the rain or her own tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was terrified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had almost died on this mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had almost left not even a body behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had almost paid the price for her arrogance and pride…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sobs attracted a flame weasel. Even under the pounding rain, steam rose from its wet body, blending perfectly into the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It bared its fangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was very close, so close that with just one powerful leap, it could rip out her throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Erica's mana was completely spent, her spirit exhausted. She had no strength left to resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She kept crying, unaware that death was creeping closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, the flame weasel lunged, letting out a chilling screech.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica realized what was happening, but she was too weak to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was going to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fiery serpent, hot as molten lava, streaked past Erica's cheek and struck the flame weasel head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It all happened in the blink of an eye. The creature was instantly reduced to ashes, leaving not a single trace behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica froze, forgetting to cry, staring blankly at what had just happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she heard a familiar voice behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I should have taught you this before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A mage must always put her own safety first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spun around sharply, seeing Victor, swaying unsteadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Professor! You…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice trembled with joy, but before she could say another word, she noticed the molten lava flowing across Victor's body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It dripped to the ground and solidified with a hiss of steam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next second, Victor lost consciousness and collapsed beside the crater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica was stunned. She rushed to his side and reached out to touch him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, so hot!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body was burning to the touch. Even the slightest contact caused burns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Victor! What happened to you? Victor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring the pain and the risk of severe burns, Erica gathered the last traces of her magic, coating her hands with a thin layer of ice as she tried to lift him up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heat seared her palms, but she didn't care. Desperately, she struggled to support Victor's weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, her burned legs gave out beneath her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a thud, both of them collapsed onto the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luckily, the volcano's temperature had already dropped, otherwise, they would have been roasted alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wave of bitter emotion welled up inside Erica. She hated herself, hated her arrogance, hated her own helplessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything she'd learned at the Academy now felt like useless baggage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, she stubbornly kept trying to lift Victor again and again, even as his body's heat continued to burn her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hated her weakness, but she didn't regret climbing the mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she hadn't come, who would have found the wounded Victor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would have died here for sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again and again, Erica tried, standing, falling, standing, falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She barely moved even two meters, yet she kept going.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no magic left, she could rely only on her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor had saved her, so now, she would save him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little girl.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden voice spoke beside her, making Erica freeze mid-motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned left and right, searching for the source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no matter where she looked, there was no one else on the summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a one-eyed crow stood at the crater's edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Victor's pet, the one that never left his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica had even fed it before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, her eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how hard the rain fell, not a single drop touched that crow's feathers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its plumage gleamed as if polished, untouched by the storm. In the rain, it stood out like a being apart from the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one-eyed crow opened its ugly beak. Beneath its single eye, a blue light flickered, radiating an aura of intelligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you really want to save him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>patreon.com\u002FXenosX\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰\u003C\u002Fp>",2042,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.313Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","e44bd6c34c2be77eb602c12feb580bdd567cfd84ab7b1da3afb87f6d54520dfc","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-25","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-23",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]