[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-became-the-patron-of-villains":3,"chapter-became-the-patron-of-villains-became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-156":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Became the Patron of Villains",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},759446,1006,"Chapter 156","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-156",156,"\u003Cp>Spiritual Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragonkin, who had sealed themselves away and been imprisoned for a thousand years, long past mere centuries…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kuaaaah!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Shut up already.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While modifying an artifact for Alon in real time, they pondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About the “black thing” clinging behind Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What in the world is that?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By sealing themselves, the dragonkin had lost most of their power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even their name and abilities had been scattered somewhere in this world when they sealed themselves, leaving them even weaker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, the dragonkin could still see the two eyes behind Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the divinity they had possessed since the age of forgotten gods made it possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A being that can interfere with eternity…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the “blue one,” the “black one” actively interfered whenever they tried to speculate about it—without Alon noticing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With overwhelming power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That power…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made their entire body shudder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though they were in a spiritual form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just by scattering its residual echoes, it could erase their very existence without hesitation. A terrifying force unlike anything they had ever encountered before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, even if it hadn’t threatened them, there was little the dragonkin could deduce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, despite their lack of understanding, it didn’t seem like the black one intended to harm the last remaining mage in this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they couldn’t grasp that enigmatic existence completely, some intentions could be inferred through its actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…No, it almost seemed like it was helping.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, the dragonkin let out a heavy sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they wanted to imagine what it was, they had far too little information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Just what is that thing, that he carries something so terrifying behind him…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muttering softly, they could do nothing but drift blankly through the spiritual plane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About two weeks later, as they neared the end of their desert crossing…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Godfather, I think I’ll be heading back now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. My work here is done, and there’s something I need to take care of.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You seem to have a lot to do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Alon’s words, Rine let out a small chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Most things are handled by my capable secretary, so I’m not that busy. But there are still some things I must do myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Like preparing a gift for you, Godfather.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…A gift for me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon was momentarily puzzled but responded nonetheless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I don’t need anything too extravagant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had felt just a tiny bit disappointed when no one had prepared a gift for his last birthday, that didn’t mean he was expecting anything grand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, a bigger gift would be nice, but ultimately, what he truly wanted was for someone to remember his birthday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, this is something I genuinely want to give you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I want to give you a gift you’ll never forget.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you insist, I won’t stop you. But don’t overdo it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rine slowly shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want to build a relationship with you too, Godfather.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…A relationship?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Like Seolrang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is Seolrang suddenly being brought up here…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief moment of contemplation, Alon spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Seolrang or you, you are both like family to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. If you’re preparing a big gift just because of that, you really don’t have to. No matter what you think, I truly see both of you the same way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cared equally for all of the Five Great Sins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, do it for me too. That thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. The one you did for Seolrang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike before, Rine was now being surprisingly direct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon hesitated for a moment but then placed his hands gently over her ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm~ Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of it, Rine smiled once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Are you satisfied?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then that’s good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A simple exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, the commotion around them grew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What is that? It seems meaningless.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh, you’re so clueless. Well, I guess a snake without hands wouldn’t understand—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hah, another human brat acting up. So, do you know what it is, then?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What is it?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Didn’t you say you knew?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I lied.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Basiliora stared at Evan with an expression that clearly said, This bastard…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they watched this nonsensical exchange, they finally emerged from the desert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well then, I’ll be off now, Godfather.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright. I’ll visit sometime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll come see you on your birthday.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon parted ways with Rine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after his carriage had traveled far into the distance, Rine turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…The relationship between me and Godfather… isn’t just that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She whispered softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I want something deeper than anyone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her jade-green eyes shimmered faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More than anyone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She walked forward, quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon arrived at the Marquisate of Palatio’s territory about two weeks later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the moment he saw the estate…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Is this really the marquis’ estate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t help but be shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had only been gone for a month, yet the estate had grown even larger and more magnificent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, that was fast. It’s only been a month, but everything’s changed so much. Is this thanks to magic construction?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Magic construction?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, apparently if you have enough money, you can hire mages to rapidly build structures.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did he understand why the estate had changed so dramatically in such a short time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when he stepped inside the house…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you alright…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, um… I think I’m fine. Maybe. Maybe not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There stood Penia, looking utterly exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Did something happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked like she had been wrung dry and completely withered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling a little uneasy, Alon asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia gave a self-deprecating smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A lot happened—Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, as if she had suddenly realized something, she snapped back to attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing happened!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hurriedly corrected herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, really. Absolutely nothing happened. Right. Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Penia’s energy suddenly dropped, her movements slowing, Alon briefly wore a strange expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, he understood why she looked so utterly exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, did you actually finish all of this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Didn’t you tell me to do it before you left?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Penia’s resentful expression, Alon shifted his gaze back to the research journal she had brought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was so thick it could practically be classified as a legal textbook, making Alon’s mouth slightly part in astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, what I meant was just a ‘preliminary’ summary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Huh? What?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I clearly said to just compile the magical array sums according to the formula.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But isn’t the combination method included in the sum?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, it’s not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What? Then what the hell have I been doing this whole time…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia’s face went blank with despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon felt a little guilty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he hadn’t explicitly instructed her to do all this, the fact remained that she had put in a tremendous amount of effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wondering if there was any way he could compensate her, Alon suddenly let out a quiet ‘ah’ and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Would you like to take this, if it’s alright with you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He handed Penia a glass vial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes, filled with exhaustion, injustice, and frustration, now fixed on him with suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon awkwardly met her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I heard it’s a very high-quality catalyst.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A high-quality catalyst?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t entirely sure of its effects—he was just repeating what Seolrang’s secretary had told him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, Rine seemed to think it was incredible too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he figured it should serve as a decent reward for Penia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She took the vial with a doubtful expression and carefully infused a bit of mana into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Gasp!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She immediately recoiled in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-Where did you get this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia’s voice trembled, and even Alon was puzzled by her extreme reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“T-This is unbelievable! Even in the Twisting Forest, this would be impossible to find—it’s an absolutely incredible catalyst…! With this, I could finish experiments I hadn’t been able to complete, no, I could repeat them at least five times over!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muttering rapidly to herself, she clutched the vial tightly, her previously resentful eyes now shimmering with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if all her prior suffering had been wiped away, replaced with the thrill of listing all the magical experiments she could now attempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehehe~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she even started letting out a strange giggle, Alon was once again reminded that she was, at her core, a born magician.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does this count as compensation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes, absolutely!! More than enough!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her twirl around in place like a child given a kitten, Alon recalled something the servants had mentioned earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that I think about it, I heard Yutia came to see you. Did anything happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A casual remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia abruptly froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stiffly forced herself to move, like a broken machine, and answered in a forcedly cheerful voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, of course! Nothing happened at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Absolutely nothing happened. Not at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her response was incredibly awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, I-I should get going.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…? Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her eyes suddenly welling up with tears, she hastily fled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What exactly happened…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her retreating figure, Alon could only wear a puzzled expression once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About two weeks after the Marquis of Palatio had returned…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the land of the elves, Greynifra, Philde and Perion arrived near the Palatio Marquisate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm-hmm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You seem to be in a good mood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perion glanced at Philde, who was humming happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Philde nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course! I much prefer wandering through human towns over staying in Greynif.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s… an unusual preference.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s called curiosity. Instead of locking myself in a room to research magic, I’d rather travel the world while doing it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…But isn’t what you actually do just lounge around and drink?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, is that so? That’s fun too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as Perion pointed it out, Philde leisurely took another sip of her drink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perion watched her with skepticism, then shook his head slightly and continued speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, Lady Philde.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you ever seen the ‘Primordial Elf’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nope.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…But the ‘Soul Eye’ allows you to see souls. If you’ve never seen the Primordial Elf’s soul, how do you distinguish it from others?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Philde pondered for a moment before giving a simple answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Excuse me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t distinguish them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perion’s expression hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So… does that mean you lied to Her Majesty?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his reaction, Philde chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lied? No way. There’s a method, of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…And what method is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Listen closely. The soul is always structured to match the body perfectly. If a soul doesn’t belong to its body, there’s a mismatch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So if I just check for a soul that doesn’t align with its body—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Philde casually took another sip from her bottle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though honestly, I think the chances of that happening are less than 1%.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That rare?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve never seen it happen before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then isn’t the probability effectively zero?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re the one who was suspicious, weren’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perion remained silent for a moment, then came to a realization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You just wanted an excuse to leave, didn’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe a little? But hey, I am checking, aren’t I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Philde let out a bizarre laugh, making Perion’s eyes turn cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…And this woman is supposed to be a mage of the ninth circle?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed, but only for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, this is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still tipsy and in a good mood, Philde flicked her fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, the distinct elven spirit magic activated, and a hidden magic formation silently spread around the outer walls of the marquisate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing its immense scale, Perion let out a low whistle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment of silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with her eyes closed, Philde suddenly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Found him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A playful smirk crossed her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the magic formation projected an image of the Marquis of Palatio inside his office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now then, let’s take a closer look~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a lazy voice, she activated the ‘Soul Eye.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perion saw it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The face that had been smiling just moments ago suddenly froze with an expression of pure horror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he heard it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…The soul doesn’t match?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A whisper of disbelief slipping from her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>",2024,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.412Z",1,"novelbin.me","09fa0fe40a2d692ffb7e7b0f35b5c5b0df841c21ea78d5f9bd53d3c5e7d02e60","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-157","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-155",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]