[{"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-348":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},571750,820,"Chapter 348 - 351: Is It A Tradition In Your Empire For Mages To Fight In Close Combat?","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-348",348,"\u003Cp>Hearing Viktor's self-introduction, the demi-humans were slightly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although they looked like humans, having lived in the forest for so long, their habits were still like those of beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With information blocked, and most demi-humans barely able to read, even though the broadcast of Viktor's naval battle had once spread across various countries, that naturally did not include the demi-humans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demi-human slaves wouldn't get to see it, and those living in the jungle would only focus on hunting and the dangers of daily life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, how could the kingdom's demi-humans possibly recognize a mage from the empire?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And among those demi-humans who could understand Viktor's words, especially those who had just been rescued from slavery,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>their fur bristled, their eyes widened, and their sharp fangs were bared in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor's single word, \"master,\" made them recall all the oppression they had once suffered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though they had broken free with the help of their kin, those painful memories still brought them an overwhelming sense of suffocation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demi-humans also knew pain. Having tasted freedom, they could no longer endure living in captivity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They opened their mouths full of sharp teeth, stretched their necks, and under the pouring rain, howled angrily toward the gloomy sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The long, echoing cries of beasts mixed with the heavy rain, making the air itself unbearably noisy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those roars made Viktor frown slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding rain seemed to grow more violent because of his annoyance, large raindrops swirling wildly with the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chaotic rain almost blocked everyone's vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like a waterfall falling from the sky, smashing completely onto the golden ground, exploding into white sprays of water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless demi-humans felt a chill at their ankles, sensing something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking down, they discovered that the water level in the auction hall had risen significantly, already submerging their ankles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the water kept rising, Viktor's indifferent voice echoed above everyone, \"Make another sound.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I'll drown all of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The roaring stopped instantly at that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The visibly rising water level finally forced the demi-humans to shut their mouths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the anger hidden within the rain remained just as intense as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boss Tiger also watched this scene, his tiger face calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that Viktor in front of him had the power to threaten all of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he wasn't just making empty threats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he flooded this place, the kingdom's nobles here would likely be buried along with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Viktor was not from the kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the tiger-man didn't understand nations, he understood factions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor wasn't even on the same side as those kingdom people, so why would he care about their lives?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Boss Tiger couldn't ignore it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the flood swallowed everything, he himself could escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the remaining demi-human kin would all perish under the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't gamble with Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arrogant human in front of him was undoubtedly the strongest mage he had ever seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Controlling the weather, flooding a city, even turning his own body into flowing water, making it impossible to strike him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very likely, he was at the same level as that duke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But looking at Viktor, a surge of extreme excitement rose deep within the tiger-man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could clearly feel his heart pounding rapidly, blood rushing through his limbs and brain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His breathing grew heavy, his muscles slightly bulging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though a sense of powerlessness spread through his body, he was still thrilled, a kind of excitement that drove him to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the male tiger also knew that if they truly fought, he didn't know when he could defeat Viktor, or if Victory was even possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they clashed, he would have to defeat the opponent in the shortest time possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But against such a powerful mage, that was almost impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the fight dragged on too long, once the kingdom's reinforcements arrived, regardless of the outcome, it would be difficult for him to lead the demi-humans out of the royal city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After weighing it again and again, the tiger-man suppressed his excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even clasped his fists toward Viktor in a gesture of respect, \"Your Excellency is probably not from the kingdom. There is no grudge between us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We only want to rescue our kin and, at the same time, teach these shameless kingdom people a lesson.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's both take a step back. If you do not interfere, in the future, we will surely repay you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the other noble lords couldn't help but feel anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But along with anger, there was also a deep sense of helplessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of them even slumped into their seats, their bodies going limp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Viktor didn't help, then even if all the lords present attacked together, they likely wouldn't be a match for this tiger-man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among those present, only a few counts could be considered strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most were viscounts, or wealthy merchants with no real strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truly powerful counts and marquises already had high enough status that they had no need to attend this kind of auction meant to strengthen noble ties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this was inside the royal city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one had expected something like today to happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even King August had only brought a third-tier Hilda as his guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such a gap in strength, they had no way to defeat that tiger-man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention the other demi-humans, who were also not weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Viktor didn't step in, then the nobles present, even August himself, might die under that tiger-man's claws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people already felt deep regret and anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this had been on their own territory, with sufficient troops, how could these demi-humans act so arrogantly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How had these demi-humans chosen such a perfectly timed moment to attack the royal city?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, they could only place all their hope firmly on Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, Viktor listened to the tiger-man's words without responding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hands were in his pockets, his expression calm, as if weighing the pros and cons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deep blue windbreaker behind him swayed continuously in the air, crackling under the heavy rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before this, we indeed had no grudge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, despair rose again in the hearts of the nobles and merchants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the next second, Viktor's words made them overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But you just hurt my person, threatened the princess of our country, and tried to take my maid away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, we have a grudge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the tiger-man froze for a moment, recalling the knight and catgirl from the private room earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But threatened the princess?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he understood that the mage in front of him was clearly just using this as an excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other party simply wanted a reason to keep him here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And...\", Viktor continued slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've already paid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As goods I bought, you're just going to walk away like this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So who is going to compensate me for that hundred million I lost?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Viktor say this, the nobles present immediately felt anger rising in their chests, their earlier joy turning into dissatisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just moments ago he told the auctioneer that the merchant guild should compensate him, and now he was turning to the tiger-man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he planned to profit from both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But their lives were still in Viktor's hands, so they could only suppress their dissatisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boss Tiger looked at Viktor, his clasped hands slowly lowering, a dangerous light flickering in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze was extremely sharp, as if it could pierce through Viktor's body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a massive pressure swept across the entire auction hall, heavy energy circulating around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tiger-man's breathing gradually steadied, each inhale and exhale carrying a clear rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body also swelled slightly, seeming larger than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like you intend to fight no matter what.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case, I have the same intention.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression became extremely serious, a fierce aura constantly bursting from his brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tiger-man raised his head and issued an order to the eagle-men in the sky, \"Take our kin and leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the eagle-women in the sky flapped their wings and nodded heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they circled in the air a few times, flew out through the dome, and let out a sharp cry toward the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screech!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The piercing cry echoed across the empty night sky, carrying far into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if receiving a command, all the demi-humans in the hall turned around at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than a dozen bull-men turned back and charged toward the already broken golden walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With heavy footsteps, they rushed at the front of the group, breaking through the structure and clearing a path for the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, they had to leave at full speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though they currently held the advantage, that was only because the kingdom's defenses were weak and many nobles had gathered in the auction hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the kingdom reacted and armies converged on the royal city from all directions,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>these few thousand demi-humans would be unable to withstand that steel army like a raging flood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had to withdraw before the kingdom's reinforcements arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chaotic footsteps made the ground tremble. Amid the overwhelming rumble, countless demi-humans hurriedly left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the demi-humans they had once raised and imprisoned gradually leave, the noble lords felt deep pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, these demi-human slaves had lived in their homes for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every meal they had eaten could be converted into heavy gold coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hoped Viktor would stop them, but Viktor simply stood there, his gaze completely calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just watched as the demi-humans gradually dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until, looking into the distance, their figures could no longer be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boss Tiger once again fixed his sharp, terrifying gaze on Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were filled with heavy fighting intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, only we remain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor's expression didn't change. He raised one hand slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, the female tiger-man who had been suppressed deep into the shattered platform felt her body lighten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she broke free, she sprang up from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a flip, she landed on her feet and immediately stood behind Boss Tiger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her orange fur was already soaked, dripping into the puddles below, creating ripples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after she shook off the water and recovered her state did Viktor speak again, \"Looks like your kin trust you very much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They were even willing to leave the two of you behind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Boss Tiger's somewhat relaxed pupils suddenly shrank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to before, he was now even more ferocious, his tone cold, \"In their eyes, I am their invincible king.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"King against king, general against general. Isn't that the rule your humans have always followed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor replied calmly, expressionless, \"But it seems two against one isn't very fair to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But it doesn't matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his words fell, green natural elements turned into vines, slowly climbing up his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his palm, brown vines extended, intertwining together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, they formed a sharp wooden blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Viktor conjure a sword out of thin air, the noble lords opened their mouths in shock, completely confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>August also stared at the wooden sword in Viktor's hand, his eyes wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What is Viktor doing?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'As a mage, is he really going to fight two demi-humans in close combat?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't help but turn his head toward Aurelian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only to find that the princess from the empire showed no surprise at Viktor's actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if it were completely natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, he recalled Aurelian's impressive close combat before, and then thought of Viktor's identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Councilor Viktor seemed to be… Aurelian's teacher?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Likewise, seeing the wooden sword in Viktor's hand, the two tiger-men also showed surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And along with that surprise came a trace of anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was clearly a powerful mage, yet instead of using his magic, he chose to fight them with a wooden sword?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the flames in the tiger-men's hearts ignited completely. They wanted nothing more than to burn that wooden sword in Viktor's hand to ashes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you… looking down on us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor let out a breath and slowly raised the wooden sword in front of his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression remained calm, his gaze as cold as ice, locking onto the two tiger-men, \"I'm just giving you a chance to challenge me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the fairest way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2039,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","0a841c5a5cdbb5b32f430a71aa243bee975a72c054a52713822c0716a9d29561","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-349","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-347",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]