[{"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-81":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},571540,820,"Chapter 81: The Old Mage Has a Flexible Moral Bottom Line","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-81",81,"\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Take down a Calamity?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte didn't believe that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Calamity was a manifestation of the world's elemental forces. Although it was already shocking enough that Viktor could defeat a Storm Dragon King, saying that he'd defeated a Calamity before…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The power difference between a Storm Dragon King and a Calamity was simply too enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn't want to make Viktor angry. Even though she didn't believe him at all, Cocotte still nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, even she had never seen what a Calamity really looked like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the fact that a Storm Dragon King had been beaten to death by a human mage for the first time was enough to shatter her worldview quite a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group talked as they walked. Soon, the storm around them began to calm, and a long-missing ray of light broke through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've arrived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte, who didn't know when she had woken up, suddenly spoke from behind Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian also stopped and looked ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight before her eyes made her feel slightly uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding walls seemed alive, constantly bulging and sinking. Between the ruins floated stairways that twisted like slow-moving tentacles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the floating clouds were slightly distorted, reflecting shifting faces and morphing without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As those clouds gradually faded away, she finally saw the sight known as the Skyland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pure white structure stretched upward, its twenty-four wings endlessly fluttering, so radiant that the light reflecting off it seemed to tear the sky open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The building was divided into seven circular layers. On the uppermost layer stood three towering statues, three human heads, half-broken, fused together and suspended in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Led by Cocotte, they arrived at the third circular layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they pushed open the slanted gate, a pure white light shone down from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the hall of the Council stood only one familiar figure, Haim Horn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a vision of the mind, his face couldn't be seen clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thousand people would see a thousand different faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only his eyes were unforgettable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Welcome to the Mage Council, Lord Viktor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haim's voice was gentle and reassuring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please forgive the Council's abrupt reception. The other councilors are occupied with important matters, I hope you can understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They only appear once a year, during the Grand Mage Council.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor nodded. That, he understood well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had met all the elder mages of the Council before and knew their identities were far from ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People of such high standing naturally had much to attend to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haim and Cocotte were both administrators of the City of Mages, though their situations were different. Cocotte lived in Endymion only because she had no choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she held the title of councilor, she felt more like the Council's mascot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mage Council consisted of twelve members, each one a powerhouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In game terms, they were all above level 48, peak fourth-tier mages, though only a few had reached the fifth tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haim also noticed the princess standing behind Viktor. He bowed slightly and said, \"Welcome, Your Highness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Haim, Aurelian hid behind Viktor, uneasy. In her eyes, this mage was a weirdo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt nervous, she could sense just how powerful he was the moment she entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this faceless mage seemed to know her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be surprised, Princess Aurelian,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The wisdom of mages encompasses all things. And among our Council, there is one member you might already know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian looked confused. The illusionary mage didn't hide anything and said, \"Rachel Azure, the headmaster of your Empire's Academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But he's currently in the Empire, repairing the damaged academy. You won't be seeing him today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haim looked at the princess, but though he was secretly astonished, he didn't show it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mages were all shrewd people. The moment he saw Aurelian, Haim understood that Viktor had already handled everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mage Council might be independent of any nation, but that didn't mean it was stronger than them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let alone the Empire's immense power, no mage in their right mind would dare provoke Aubrey Sol, that monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, even if the princess hadn't come, Haim had already planned to agree to Viktor's request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more he looked at Viktor, the more impressed he became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor's overwhelming strength in the Magic Canyon had made Haim realize that this man was worth any price to recruit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering Viktor's high position in the Empire, he was even the princess's private tutor, that status alone was quite intimidating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor met every requirement the Council could ask for, except morality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for morality?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, my god, mages had a very flexible sense of morality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a mage didn't do bad things, that already made him a good person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough with the flattery. Where's the thing I asked for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Haim could even figure out how to start, Viktor had already cut straight to the chase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be impatient, my friend. What's yours will always be yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Haim's face was hidden, his amused tone made his smile clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand, and two rifts in the void tore open, from which fell a robe and a staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black staff's shaft was carved with ancient runes, and a gem with a crimson gleam was embedded at its top, brilliant and mysterious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The robe's collar flowed with faint purple patterns that spread down its seams; its red-black fabric looked simple yet refined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These two items were custom-forged by the dwarves' finest magical craftsmen, priceless treasures.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, these are gifts from the Mage Council to you, Lord Viktor. Free of charge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled lightly and gestured, and the two pieces of equipment floated toward Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor examined them, and their attributes appeared before his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Staff: Urust]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Effect: +700 Spell Power, +50 All Resistances, +40% Casting Speed]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Skill: Copy: 30% chance to instantly duplicate the last spell without consuming mana. Increases chance by 15% when equipped with 'Gaia'.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mage Robe: Gaia]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Effect: +5000 HP, +50 All Resistances, +30% Spell Power]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Skill: Veil: Every 360 seconds, creates a magic shield that blocks one enemy attack. After the shield breaks, it stuns all enemies within 5000 meters for 1 second.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The equipment's stats left Viktor quite satisfied, without doubt, they were perfect for his current level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could speak, Haim continued, \"Lord Viktor, crossing the Magic Canyon has already proven your strength. You are worthy of a seat among the Council.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flicked his finger, and a round insignia floated toward Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the silver disk were engraved three half-broken human heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Viktor accepted it, a faint thread seemed to link him with Endymion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A councilor's identity, what a novelty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, no player had ever reached this position before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A councilor of the City of Mages always enjoyed the Council's full support and protection. This identity carried great status in any nation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This position was decided unanimously,\" Haim said. \"From now on, Cocotte will no longer serve as a councilor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There could only be twelve members. With Viktor joining, one had to step down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, that person could only be the \"mascot,\" Cocotte.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She merely pouted and said, \"I don't mind, as long as I can keep sleeping.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vega squinted and spoke to Viktor through their mental link.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[\"So mages always have such flexible morals?\"]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Haim, when he'd first corresponded with Viktor by letter, their negotiations had been full of gunpowder and tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, he was grinning like an old chrysanthemum, just short of engraving flattery across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Vega understood these mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor's strength was far beyond that of a normal fourth-tier mage, so great that even Vega couldn't comprehend it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before meeting Viktor, no one could have imagined that a mage could possess such terrifying offensive power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Weren't mages supposed to be elegant?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Calm, calculating, and mysterious, reciting noble incantations,' That was what Vega thought a mage should be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor? He only matched the \"calm and calculating\" part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His magic was pure violence...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After everything was settled, Haim prepared to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Viktor, now that you've joined the Council and matters are done, I'll take my leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you have any further questions, you can ask the former councilor, Cocotte.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have fun, Lord Viktor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Haim.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Haim was about to leave, Viktor called out to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned, curiosity in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Viktor, is there something else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you forgotten something?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor stood with his hands in his pockets, staring calmly at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hyjal, the power source of Endymion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Councilors had the right to visit Hyjal, where natural energy was immensely abundant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any mage who trained there would see their magic power grow significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Viktor's request, Haim fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, he had been trying to avoid this topic all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recent prophecies about Hyjal's instability had left the Council uneasy, so everyone was avoiding the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could make up an excuse, Viktor spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't forget why you came to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When you ask for someone's help, you need to show sincerity, Mr. Haim.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Haim sighed and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he couldn't avoid it, he might as well go along with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well, Mr. Viktor. Please, follow me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian still seemed dazed. Much of what her teacher and the high mage said was beyond her understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was a councilor? What was Hyjal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't know much about Endymion, but she was clever enough to know when to stay quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she didn't ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haim turned to her and said, \"Princess, you must wait here in the Council chamber for a while.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only councilors may enter Hyjal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian looked toward Viktor. When she saw him nod, she nodded as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte yawned and pointed to herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, what about me? Can I come too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. As a former councilor, you still have the right to enter Hyjal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haim Horn grasped the emblem on his chest and drew a line in the air with one finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the void, twisted branches extended outward, sprouting leaves as a dark, deep passage appeared before Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiny eyes blinked on the buds, all staring at Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the passage to Hyjal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come, Mr. Viktor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cocotte, you too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Haim's guidance, Viktor stepped into the lush, shadowy path, Cocotte trailing behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The narrow path spiraled downward into the depths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their feet fell on a transparent walkway, aside from the few plants at the start, everything else was pure darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a separate dimension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the group reached the end of the path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as if they had passed through a transparent wall, and before Viktor's eyes appeared a gigantic emerald-green magical tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its sprawling roots reached deep into the void. Viktor looked downward, just like in the game, Hyjal's true source couldn't be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The colossal tree before him looked as if it had been cut in two, its upper and lower halves separated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the jagged split in the trunk floated fragments of bark-like magical matter orbiting a glowing orb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That green orb pulsed continuously, channeling energy into the great tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its upper branches extended toward the sky, leaves brushing the dome. Around its crown circled seven rings of white light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each ring represented one layer of Endymion's structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Viktor, we've arrived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This… is the deepest part of Endymion, Hyjal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1881,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","2472cb78b80a1bb75a7cbde0a45f2f2c3515ea41b09fc89a9e7706fa6e5b2e73","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-82","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-80",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]