[{"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-182":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},759472,1006,"Chapter 182","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-182",182,"\u003Cp>Alon blankly stared out the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive statue stood in a pose he was all too familiar with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, he made his way toward the statue and was able to meet its creator(?).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Deus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the massive statue, Deus bowed his head deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon pointed at the statue with his finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a gift from me to you, Marquis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was filled with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon silently gazed up at the statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing it up close, the statue, which was in the pose of the North Korean Leader, appeared even larger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly, it was absurdly massive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, it was a little embarrassing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh… well, so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please ask anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon had many questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just a few—quite a lot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the reason he couldn’t easily open his mouth was…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no idea where to start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, after staring at the statue for a while,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you even bring this here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked to resolve the biggest mystery first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I first used a reduction spell to shrink it as much as possible. I didn’t like the idea of shrinking your statue, Marquis, but it was necessary for transport.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deus answered without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is there anything else you’d like to ask?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several times, Alon almost let out the words, “Isn’t this a bit much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he held back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, he had no choice but to hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon quietly observed Deus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was as calm as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere was serene, and aside from the small smile on his lips, there was no significant change in his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But most importantly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike his composed face, his eyes sparkled like stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a child eagerly waiting for praise, as if saying, “I did good, right? Hurry up and compliment me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Deus always been capable of making such an expression?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not wanting to dampen the pure enthusiasm in his eyes,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I like it, Deus. Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon approved of the statue that resembled the North Korean Leader, and Deus’ lips curved up in a clearly satisfied smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m glad it pleases you, Marquis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But, if you look at this, you’ll be even more surprised.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s more?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Alon’s pupils could fully dilate,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With an air of absolute confidence, Deus ordered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prepare it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his signal, the knights who had accompanied him swiftly moved into formation and soon brought forth a massive target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, a magic circle unfolded from the diamond-adorned eyes, and a colossal magic cannon blasted forward, obliterating the target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deus looked even prouder now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon once again blankly stared up at the statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ridiculously enormous structure, large enough to overlook the entire territory, in the exact pose of the North Korean Leader… and it even fires magic cannons?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, he swore he could hear a voice shouting, “You, too, must stand in admiration!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearing his throat, Alon shifted his gaze to Deus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deus stood tall with his shoulders squared, exuding an air of pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him, Alon came to a realization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Deus… You have the taste of a child.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though it was a bit embarrassing, he couldn’t bring himself to disappoint Deus after receiving such a grand gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……It’s magnificent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Alon became someone who liked statues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It shoots beams from its eyes?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……That’s actually pretty cool.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Meow?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Basiliora and Evan, gathered in front of the statue, voiced their admiration—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You came too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, it’s your birthday, Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Though, come to think of it, have we ever celebrated my birthday before?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t the time to rain on the parade, so Alon simply nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to thank me. Ah, and your present should be arriving soon… Oh, perfect timing, it’s coming in now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Radan’s pointing finger, Alon turned his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there, approaching through the north gate, was a massive something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the Sea King God, a creature from the deep sea. I caught it for you, Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dragon’s head, exuding overwhelming majesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And strangely, he felt a slight sense of familiarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Sea King God.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Psychedelia, it was a monster that any mage player would inevitably encounter at least once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, despite its name, it wasn’t an actual god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just an enormous, dragon-headed, mysterious creature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, its scales could be refined into extremely efficient magical armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve never seen a living one before, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Psychedelia, no matter what path one took, the Sea King God could never be seen alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only ever treated as  crafting material.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing its original form was fascinating, and for some reason, it felt strangely lifelike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if it could spring to life at any moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>RUUUUUUUUMBLE—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sea King God’s head started thrashing wildly the moment it crossed the north gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that… alive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Alon was silently shocked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, there it goes again. Just a moment, Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan dashed out casually, as if it was nothing unusual, and smacked the Sea King God’s head a few times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, it calmed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan let out an awkward laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, Brother. I definitely trained it, but it’s being a bit troublesome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Is that thing actually alive?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan tilted his head as if Alon had asked an obvious question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, of course. It’s a pet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A… pet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon looked at the Sea King God again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It let out a mournful whimper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasn’t the end of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s… bigger than mine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although more than half of it had already passed through the largest avenue of the Marquis’ estate,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its body still continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is ridiculous…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, Deus muttered with a voice full of defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan grinned, wearing an expression of “I’ve won.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the two, Alon thought,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is that really the important thing right now?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He briefly glanced at the statue, then shifted his gaze back to the Sea King God.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its horn was bent at an odd angle, and it was dragged along, wrapped in heavy chains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Where do I even start questioning this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that even the kind of monster… no, animal you can keep as a pet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. I’ve trained it well, so it should be great as an ornamental pet, Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ornamental… pet, huh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon was skeptical if ornamental was really the right word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Isn’t that a sea creature?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure, but it can breathe on land too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Judging by its size, there’s no way we can keep it here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, don’t worry about that, Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a confident tone, Radan walked toward the Sea King God, now standing beside the statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon followed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, shrink.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Radan’s command,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sea King God, which had been nervously darting its enormous eyes around—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fsssssshh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Began to gradually shrink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……This is the Sea King God?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Turns out it can keep its body small most of the time. That’s why I brought it as a pet instead of having it stuffed. I’ve heard there are even bigger ones deep in the sea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shiver shiver shiver—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sea King God trembled, seemingly understanding Radan’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Or maybe it’s just scared?*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deciding not to think too hard about it, Alon spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……So, I just keep it like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. But if you don’t like it, Brother—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Radan’s words were directed at Alon,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tremble tremble tremble tremble—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sea King God shook even harder, staring at Alon with pleading eyes, as if its fate depended on his answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Seriously, how did this happen?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……No, I like it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Alon nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I knew you would, Brother! That makes me really happy too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan grinned with satisfaction, and the Sea King God finally relaxed, its body going limp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘……………Why do I feel like this isn’t the end?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon was starting to get genuinely worried about what others might bring next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Huh? You already have a snake, Brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I am not a snake! I am the great Basiliora, the revered one!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eh, kind of feels like a snake to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I am BASILIORA!!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm—your scales are pretty black, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Don’t ignore me!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, definitely black.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I SAID DON’T IGNORE ME!!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Basiliora flailed in rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan, completely ignoring the outburst, seemed lost in serious thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Could you give me one more month?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan glanced at the Sea King God.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll bring you a black one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……There’s a black one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I’ll have to find out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is that really necessary?’ Alon thought, but soon realized—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Maybe it’s an obsession?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could already guess the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan had a personality that demanded everything to be in perfect pairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glancing down, Alon noticed that the Sea King God had somehow ended up clinging tightly to his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……There’s really no need to go that far.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan clicked his tongue, a bit disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon could distinctly feel the slight trembling vibrations of the shrunken Sea King God against his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the situation settled down, Radan and Alon finally had a chance to catch up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello, Godfather.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rine had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the encounter with the Apostle, her complexion had improved significantly, and Alon felt a quiet sense of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if she had been waiting for this moment, Rine pulled out a small gift box from her coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A present for you, Godfather.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking the box, Alon felt an odd mix of relief and warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all the extravagant, unimaginable gifts he’d received since early morning,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worry had started to outweigh any sense of anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Rine’s gift appeared completely normal(?) at first glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, it wasn’t huge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone made Alon feel satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yes, this is the kind of gift I wanted.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing grand—just something heartfelt from the kids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Like a father receiving presents from his children.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that didn’t mean he didn’t appreciate the thought behind Radan and Deus’ gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s just that, maybe next year, if they were to prepare gifts again, something simpler would be nice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please open it, Godfather.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Rine’s urging, Alon carefully opened the box, making sure not to tear the luxurious wrapping paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the gift was revealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Alon was utterly bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the box was a single, tiny button.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……What’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Rine, Radan and Deus exchanged triumphant glances, mouthing, “We’ve won.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Rine smiled sweetly and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you press that, the Lord of Lartania’s head will explode, Godfather.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said it like it was the most casual thing in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan and Deus, who had been quietly celebrating their victory, froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their expressions shifted to pure confusion, as if they couldn’t process what they had just heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“???”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, Alon was just as bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>",1817,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.412Z",1,"novelbin.me","503b6cc8d97819e6a75f5566282d709da0273b29b2ad3fda2a43e0532c0934be","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-183","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-181",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]