[{"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-40":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},571449,820,"Chapter 40: No Grudge? Then It’s Not Too Late to Make One Now","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-40",40,"\u003Cp>\"Henny? It's really you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you doing here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica was pleasantly surprised. She hadn't expected to run into someone she knew while wandering behind the academy's back mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, she was also a bit curious about what Henny was doing here, on this deserted mountaintop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Henny saw Erica, the cold aura around her instantly faded by more than half. Her eyes dodged slightly, and her voice came out hesitant and stammering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"N-nothing… I just came here for a walk, that's all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica didn't know that Henny had been expelled, and Henny didn't plan to tell her either, she didn't want to make Erica worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Erica's sudden appearance surprised her. She asked curiously, \"What about you? Why are you here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why haven't you been coming to the academy lately?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Henny's question, Erica puffed up her cheeks angrily and explained, \"Father must've gone crazy or something. When he came back, he locked me up for days!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And yesterday, he went even further, out of nowhere, he decided to hire me several private tutors!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Duke Levi had also warned Erica to stay away from Viktor. It was only because of that warning that Erica learned Viktor had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By royal decree, both Viktor and Henny had been declared innocent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was something she couldn't tell Henny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling irritated, Erica kicked a small rock near her foot. The pebble rolled down the cliff, tumbling noisily against the stone face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just couldn't take it anymore today. While Father's not home, I snuck out. I wanted to come see if Professor Viktor was back at the academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had planned to sneak into the school from the back mountain, but instead, she ran into Henny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Henny heard Viktor's name, her heart trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She recalled what that Professor Devon had said, \"Professor Viktor most likely died in the volcano.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henny thought of that but didn't tell Erica. It seemed Erica still didn't know, and Henny intended to keep it that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Erica breathe in the fresh mountaintop air, Henny spoke calmly, \"Professor Viktor hasn't returned yet. These past few days, I've been helping to fill in for his classes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that, Erica's expression dimmed a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She'd really wanted to ask Viktor what exactly had happened that day at the volcano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after sneaking out with such effort, Viktor wasn't even at work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could only accept reality helplessly. \"All right then, I'll head back first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Father finds out I sneaked out again, he'll definitely lock me up at home and not let me leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henny opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but Erica hesitated for a moment, then added, \"I'll come back again tomorrow. If Professor Viktor returns, please let me know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henny nodded lightly in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She watched Erica smile brightly, her eyes full of hope, then quickly turn and leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'How nice… she…' Henny's gaze was filled with envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She envied Erica.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had a noble family background, astonishing talent, and flawless beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could live carefree, full of hope for the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But herself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spent every day in fear and anxiety, living through hopeless days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe that professor had been right after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Trash… only fit to stay in the garbage heap.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a daze, she looked again toward the direction Erica had left, but that dazzling figure was nowhere to be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henny shook her head and let out a bitter laugh at her own misery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Tomorrow, huh.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Fine.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she wouldn't have to expect anything more from the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything, her life included, would come to an end tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's continue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A burst of scorching flames suddenly erupted beneath Professor Devon's feet. The intense burning sensation shot up through his soles, searing him awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professor Devon felt his whole body covered in searing pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahhh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He woke up instantly, screaming in agony from the pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he became aware, his body was tied up, dangling unsteadily from the ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the flames subsided, his vision cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first thing he saw was Viktor, sitting calmly in a chair, wearing a cold, indifferent expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, fear filled Devon's eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Viktor! What are you trying to do?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'd kill me over an assistant? Are you insane?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you really want to make enemies with the Lesser family?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting in the chair, Viktor looked at him coldly and asked lightly, \"Have we not already been enemies?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devon froze, stammering, \"N-no… not before. Believe me, Viktor, there's no hatred between us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why, knowing Henny was mine, did you do what you did?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devon's eyes widened. \"You… you already know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No! Believe me, Viktor, at first I just didn't like you! I never meant to take it out on that… that Hen-whatever…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fireball, fierce as a charging tiger, shot straight at him, slamming into the wall behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devon trembled all over in fright, hurriedly shouting, \"Henny! I remember! It's Henny! That girl, yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was jealous! I was jealous that a mere assistant could teach Class One! Do you know? After you left, many professors were envious of that class. The instructor who leads Class One gets great pay and prestige!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor stared at him emotionlessly. \"All because of jealousy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How disgusting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes! Yes, disgusting! I'm disgusting, I know, I know! Please, Viktor, let me go! There's no hatred between us!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devon looked utterly pathetic, like a fat pig struggling in a slaughterhouse, so ridiculous it could almost make someone laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept babbling frantically, as if making promises, \"I'll apologize! I'll apologize to that girl!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll compensate her too! I can even grant her a noble title! A young baroness, how about that? Our Lesser family has that kind of power!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Believe me, Viktor, if you let me go, there's no irreconcilable hatred between us… right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hopeful expression spread across Devon's ugly face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor's cold voice cut through the air, \"What was the first thing you said?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devon froze, trembling as he tried to recall, \"'You're killing me over an assistant, are you crazy?'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor nodded approvingly. \"Good memory. And the second thing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"'Do you really want to make enemies with the Lesser family?'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devon wasn't stupid, he suddenly realized what was about to happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, he completely abandoned his dignity and begged desperately, \"No! Viktor! That was just me speaking without thinking!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor stood up, his long coat shimmering faintly with a dangerous red glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't like me because you know me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And since you know me, you should always remember what kind of man Viktor Clavenna is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devon's whole body trembled uncontrollably. He was terrified now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Madman. Viktor, he is a complete madman!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Viktor! Don't, don't!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scream like a pig being slaughtered burst from Devon's mouth, mingling with the sound of cracking bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt every limb shatter, the pain unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remained conscious only because Viktor had layered magical restraints over his mind, ensuring he could feel everything, but never faint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You said we hadn't made enemies before,\" Viktor said quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Viktor smiled, a bright, almost dazzling smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned close to Devon's ear, voice soft as a devil's whisper. \"Now, we're enemies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kill me! Viktor! Just kill me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devon's voice was raw with pain. He wanted to die, anything would be better than this agony and humiliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, even death was beyond his reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Someone else might take your life,\" Viktor said, pulling out a white handkerchief and wiping his hands firmly. Though he hadn't even touched Devon, his hands still felt filthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After wiping them clean, he tossed the handkerchief onto Devon's face, covering that mucus-streaked, tear-stained mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He released the restraints. Devon immediately fell unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence filled the room once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor narrowed his eyes and walked out of the mage's tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a teleportation spell, he appeared outside the academy. Looking up at the darkening sky, he took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The magical elements around him seemed slightly disturbed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Vega's voice echoed in Viktor's ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's a hidden magic array beneath the academy. Someone put it there on purpose.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe the demons' doing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor wasn't surprised at all, so Vega didn't continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It knew Viktor would handle everything. The bird simply opened its beak again and asked another question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that girl really has had her consciousness corrupted by a demon, what will you do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor thought for two seconds, then answered, \"Henny's a very capable assistant. With her handling things for me, I feel at ease.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's a fragile little ghost, but she doesn't deserve to keep living pitifully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vega ruffled its feathers on Viktor's shoulder. \"I like the way you put that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night fell swiftly, like a curtain being drawn. Countless tiny, glittering gems climbed across the dark sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time Erica returned to the manor gates, the house was already brightly lit inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart skipped a beat. Could her dear old father already be home?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be scared, don't be scared. If I act cute enough, Father will definitely forgive me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica took a deep breath and was just about to step into the courtyard, when suddenly, the main doors opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her father, Duke Levi, was walking out with a beautiful woman with purple hair. He was smiling politely, his manner refined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh???\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her dad was already sixty, where had this strange woman come from?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he planning to… have a second spring?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica puffed up her cheeks in protest. She absolutely couldn't allow that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She did not want to suddenly end up with a stepmother out of nowhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as she was about to rush forward, she overheard their conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope Duke Levi will keep an eye out for those 'filthy things.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand the gravity of this matter, Miss Kefra. I'll use every resource I have to investigate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica froze on the spot. Wait, this… wasn't quite what she thought it was?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her sudden appearance had already drawn their attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Levi glanced at her, raised an eyebrow, and introduced with a strained smile, \"Miss Kefra, this is my youngest daughter, Erica. You must be meeting her for the first time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kefra looked at Erica, her beautiful brows lifting slightly as her eyes narrowed into a seductive smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, it's our first meeting, but…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corners of her lips curled up. The next instant, she was already standing right in front of Erica.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her movement was so fast that Erica couldn't even catch a blur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pretty girl,\" Kefra said softly, \"can you tell me, where exactly did you go today?\"\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>",1782,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.313Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","2d73ed1bfc98f2a0b795acd0f8c813f7af41f96203efe75d95f0477da349588c","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-41","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-39",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]