[{"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-9":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},571418,820,"Chapter 9: That Was One Hell of a Show-Off!","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-9",9,"\u003Cp>\"You think gathering followers is something you can do just by talking?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Followers have to be sincere for it to actually work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Viktor listened to Vega's explanation, he tapped his fingers on the desk. Morning sunlight spilled across the books, and Viktor, sitting in his study, gave a small laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sincerity, huh? I'm not worried, I'll get it out of them one way or another.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vega squinted his eyes and made a low, discontented cooing sound. That was his way of showing dissatisfaction with Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe you're even more devious than the previous Viktor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You flatter me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor didn't bother arguing further and simply went back to reading his speech draft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't help feeling that ever since this damned bird had been bound to him, it had started to forget its role in helping to restore the faith of an evil god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking that, Viktor glanced over at Vega.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The raven was perched on the desk, nodding drowsily, half-asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vega always ate during the day and slept at night, barely ever moving around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was basically a living decoration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few days, Vega had already gotten noticeably fatter. When it perched on Viktor's shoulder, he could actually feel the weight pressing down more heavily than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, if Vega wasn't worried, then Viktor saw no reason to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he spent the quiet morning in the study, reading his speech notes and checking over Erika's homework.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By noon, Viktor had already finished grading Erika's assignments. As for today's lesson plan, thanks to Henny's careful preparation, he had memorized the main points easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Viktor stepped out of the study, he saw his assistant, Henny, rubbing her eyes as she came out of her room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Awake? Get ready, we're heading out soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor casually reminded her. She looked startled, like a frightened fawn, immediately coming to full alert and replying quickly, \"No problem, Professor, I'm already prepared!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor nodded, then instructed the servants to prepare a carriage for the trip to the Royal Academy of Magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured for Henny to get in with him, and though she was nervous as could be, she obediently climbed aboard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two of them sat facing each other. Henny kept her head bowed the entire time, not daring to look up, only stealing tiny glances at Viktor now and then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart was pounding so hard she thought it might leap out of her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her thoughts were in complete chaos, 'I-I'm actually riding in the same carriage as the genius Professor Viktor?!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Oh gods!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face grew hot, and she realized there was sweat beading on her forehead. She couldn't even sit still properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor noticed how stiff and uncomfortable she looked and considered saying something, but then decided against it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he spoke, it might only make her even more nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better to let her stew in her own thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And sure enough, as she fidgeted, her thoughts went wild, she suddenly realized that she'd actually slept at the mansion of the infamous nobleman Professor Viktor that very morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor caught the look of wide-eyed shock flashing across her face and couldn't help finding it funny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply watched her while she kept staring down at her shoes, both maintaining that silent, awkward posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a single word was exchanged for the entire trip. The only thing they did was quietly wait for the carriage to reach its destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the carriage finally came to a stop, Viktor spoke first, \"We're here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing his voice, Henny slowly lifted her head, visibly relaxing as she exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a long sigh, she hadn't expected such a short journey to feel so unbearably long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After stepping down from the carriage, Henny walked alongside Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that he was heading to his office, she gathered her courage and said, \"Professor Viktor, the dean asked that you visit his office once you arrive at the academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor nodded and immediately headed for the dean's office, with Henny nervously following behind like a timid deer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knock! Knock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After teleporting through the mage tower's transport circle, Viktor knocked on the dean's door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With permission granted, he opened the door and entered with his assistant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing before the dean, Viktor got straight to the point, \"Dean, I heard you wanted to see me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dean was an elderly, rotund man covered in all sorts of magical trinkets, he looked every bit the image of a traditional wizard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was also the most powerful person in the academy, a fourth-tier mage, known as a Holy Magus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A living legend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had reached that level more than twenty years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Viktor, the dean gently pushed aside his cup, capped his quill, and laid it neatly atop his open book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even simple movements seemed to tire him at his age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exhaling slowly, the dean leaned back in his chair and began, \"Professor Viktor, I heard about what happened in your class yesterday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor frowned slightly. He hadn't expected that the incident with Erika challenging him would reach the dean's ears so quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You handled it well,\" the dean said with a kind smile, then continued, \"though... don't you think you might've been a bit too strict?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If this keeps up, it could cause some dissatisfaction among the students.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that, Viktor shook his head calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I didn't handle it that way, they'd never learn to respect their teacher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was cool and matter-of-fact. He didn't think there was anything wrong with what he'd done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he was Viktor. And Viktor was not a man who tolerated disrespect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the dean quickly nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm... respect for one's teacher. A fine principle indeed. No wonder they call you a genius mage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, I called you here today for this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dean pulled out a piece of parchment from his desk and slid it toward Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is an invitation for a public lecture we're hosting. Take a look and see if there's anything you'd like to add.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor accepted it and carefully read through the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm sure you already understand,\" the dean said with a warm smile. \"Every lecturer holding a professor's position in our academy must give one open lecture each month.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're planning to promote your lecture to the public a month from now, inviting mages and professionals from across the realm. We'll even record it with magistone for broadcast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, Viktor fully understood what the dean was getting at.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, I hope you can refine your lecture material within the month. The academy will provide you with a hall large enough to seat several thousand attendees.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you have any suggestions, Professor Viktor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the dean spoke, Viktor realized that the academy's recruitment season was fast approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The school wanted to attract more talented students, and students, in turn, cared deeply about the academy's teaching staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a young, third-tier mage professor were to make a splash at this time, it would be an incredibly powerful way to draw new applicants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Viktor had a bad reputation, his skill and strength outweighed it. No one would care about his scandals if he could deliver results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if he pulled off this lecture flawlessly, those newspaper rumors about him would crumble on their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought of that newspaper article from a few days ago, and his promise to Gwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one would care about a professor's romantic entanglements if he was powerful enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he had flirted with a duke's daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, this would also solidify his position, binding him more closely to the Royal Academy itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that status, he'd have far greater freedom to act before his eventual death came in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Viktor nodded and agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No problem. We'll do it exactly as the academy wishes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him agree, the dean smiled and turned his gaze to Henny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How's your assistant? Are you satisfied with her work?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor glanced at Henny and replied, \"Having such a capable assistant is my good fortune.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he turned and left with her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henny followed behind him, heart pounding with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more she thought about the professor's words of praise, the more she felt her efforts hadn't been in vain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn't help but walk a little more lightly, her steps full of cheer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That afternoon's class went as usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, there were no \"industry observers\" present, after yesterday's events, no one expected any more gossip-worthy drama from Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He taught steadily, and the students diligently took notes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Erika didn't cause trouble, she was focused, writing page after page.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the bell rang, Viktor packed up his materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Class dismissed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he called, \"Erika, come to my office afterward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor handed back her corrected notes and pointed out a few mistakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For someone at your level, it's still too early to use teleportation magic easily, but your approach isn't wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor taught, and Erika listened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere between them was calm and almost harmonious, as if they'd both forgotten that he had flirted with her at her birthday banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't bring it up, and she, of course, kept it buried inside as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After passing on his knowledge, Viktor nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's all for today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erika hesitated, then asked cautiously, \"If I have questions later... may I come to you for guidance again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She still disliked him deeply, but there was no denying his mastery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the private tutors her father hired couldn't match Viktor's teaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could make the most complex subjects seem simple and clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, she didn't realize that Viktor was just relaying what Vega, the encyclopedia-like evil god, told him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a being like that feeding him answers, teaching students was effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor thought for a moment, then replied, \"We'll see. I've got a lot of work to do myself, but if I have time, sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that was just lip service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor never worked overtime. When the clock struck, he was done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, he felt a sudden stir in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mage's Hand spell, had been activated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Liya used the Mage's Hand spell, Viktor, as the source of her magic, would be able to sense it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had only given it to her yesterday, and she was already using it today?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What were the odds?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't too worried about Liya, but since the magical source wasn't too far from the capital, he decided to check it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing up, he told Erika, \"I have some matters to handle. Lock up when you leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, right there in the office, he drew a teleportation circle and vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erika blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone at the academy knew that the mage towers didn't have physical doors, entry and exit were all done through teleportation circles inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Outskirts of the Capital]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya stared at the charred remains of a group of people, her expression frozen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The few mages beside her were trembling uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had seen it, an overwhelmingly powerful, advanced-tier spell unleashed from this woman's hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was magic far beyond their level, mere first-tier mages like them couldn't even imagine withstanding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she was that powerful, why had she asked for their help in the first place?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to her, they were nothing but small fry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya scratched her head, glancing at the carriage behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though she'd hung the crest of House Clavenna, they had still been attacked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Whatever.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She'd already sent word to Miss Gwen, she'd be here soon enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Liya and the others simply waited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten minutes later, a troop of knights in cold-steel armor rode up on warhorses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At their head, of course, was Gwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spotted Liya immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Liya! Liya!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her sitting on a rock, dazed but unharmed, Gwen dismounted and ran over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya smiled up at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Liya, are you okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen grabbed her hands, eyes full of concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me? Of course I'm fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But those bandits who attacked our caravan... not so much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gestured toward the side with her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen blinked. She'd been so focused on Liya's safety that she hadn't noticed the pile of charred corpses nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she saw them, she frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a knight, she was no stranger to corpses, but even so, this kind of gruesome, burnt death made her scalp prickle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Still... were those the work of the mages Liya brought along?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'No, that doesn't make sense.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Those mages barely had enough mana to light a campfire, let alone incinerate an entire group.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Then who did it?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ridiculous thought flickered through her mind, and she couldn't help but tease, \"Don't tell me you killed them, Liya? Haha, just kidding.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya tilted her head. \"What if I said yes, would you believe me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen, \"...?\"\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>",2157,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.313Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","c90a645b647c4f4ddfa0d8248c89cb6a906e8a4cee04860d54a3ca291ae300b3","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-10","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-8",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]