[{"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-195":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},759485,1006,"Chapter 195","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-195",195,"\u003Cp>Alon doesn’t know much about ‘Zukurak, the Scarred.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the beginning, Zukurak was a character created for DLC promotion, possessing ridiculously overpowered abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Alon, who took pride in clearing Psychedelia without relying on DLC, there was no need to know about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, his knowledge about Zukurak was very shallow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At best, I only know that the one inside that black armor is a Lizardman and that he’s strong.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was it—just those two facts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he knew nothing more, Alon could only be more confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was Zukurak bowing his head to him like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t even begin to guess the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he turned to Duke Merkiliane, hoping to find some clue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“???”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………But the Duke was staring at him and Zukurak with wide eyes, clearly at a loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……What do you mean by that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just as I said. I can’t believe the great one’s friend has truly reincarnated!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“R-Reincarnated?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Alon asked, Zukurak kept repeating the same words as if he were satisfied with his own assumptions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, there was Duke Merkiliane, who had started forming his own strange misunderstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the two of them, Alon hurriedly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, but I think there’s a misunderstanding. Not only do I have no idea who this ‘great one’ you’re talking about is, but I also don’t even know you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon spoke plainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zukurak tilted his head slightly and studied Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if wondering, ‘Did I really make a mistake?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But only for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zukurak suddenly burst into hearty laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You do not need to test me, my lord! Even though I am but a mere mortal, I have received power from the great one, allowing me to recognize and discern your aura.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Alon realize what Zukurak was seeing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because, in reality, he did possess an aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Alon never considered that his aura had any connection to the Lizardmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their lands were beyond Greynifra, the domain of the Elves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, that should be the case…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But then again, I thought I had nothing to do with the Primordial Elf, yet I ended up being connected to them. Could it be possible I have ties to the Lizardmen as well?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought flashed through his mind in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could fully process it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, since I’ve confirmed it, I shall take my leave! The great one will surely be pleased!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Alon could organize his thoughts, Zukurak bid him farewell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon considered asking something but remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, he had started to realize something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what he said, Zukurak, with his cheerful laughter, would never believe him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no need to go into detail about his trip to Greynifra or how he acquired his aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Siyan had made a request and Alon had traveled there with ease, the Allied Kingdom and the Allied Races never had a particularly good relationship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zukurak were the only one present, it wouldn’t matter. But with Duke Merkiliane around, there was no reason to explain everything in detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, I shall return once more with a letter from the great one!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, well, go ahead then. Marquis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon didn’t stop Zukurak or Duke Merkiliane from leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after they departed from the territory—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How does it feel to be considered the friend of someone incredibly great, even though you don’t know who it is?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……It’s complicated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon pretended to ask himself the question, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I figured as much. But what if it’s someone like Basiliora?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[? Why are you suddenly picking a fight with me?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not picking a fight. I’m just stating facts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You brat—! I should’ve swallowed you whole when I first descended—!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Evan naturally bicker with Basiliora, Alon shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon, preparing to deal with the mountain of work that had piled up at the Marquis’ estate, was in for a surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was far less paperwork than he had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, he was confused, but he quickly found out why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Radan took charge of the work?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the last time he saw him, Alexion now looked utterly exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him, Alon let out a quiet sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Come to think of it, he did mention something like that on his birthday.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan had confidently declared, “I know people who will do a great job!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as if to prove his words,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexion had neatly processed all the documents, leaving Alon with only the final approvals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He does seem competent… though he looks incredibly worn out.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his expression remained indifferent, Alon felt a slight pang of sympathy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His appearance was quite pitiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm, where have I seen that kind of face before? Ah—Penia looked like that too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, regardless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he had no intention of returning to the hellish workload he had endured before—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, I’ll leave it to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll do my best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t afford to let go of such a useful worker who had come rolling in on his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexion nodded with a strange expression—one that could neither be classified as a smile nor a frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Alon knew he had to compensate him properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since you’re handling such a tough job, I’ll make sure you’re paid fairly. How about this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon casually handed him a sheet of paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexion, still looking weary, checked its contents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll do my absolute best~!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saluted with an almost explosive enthusiasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he had just said the same words, this time, his voice was overflowing with sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘As expected, money is king.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon once again felt the power of wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After parting ways with the now jubilant Alexion—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Should I head to see Penia right away now that the work is done?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon was about to set off to see Penia when he suddenly turned his gaze toward the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still standing tall in the center of his territory ever since his birthday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—To be honest, it was still a little, no, very embarrassing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquis, what are you doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm? Oh, I was just looking at the statue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, do you know? I heard an interesting rumor when I returned to the estate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan, who had approached before he realized it, whispered in a hushed voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say the statue’s eyes sometimes move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……The eyes move?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it a ghost story?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It spread like one, but it seems like more people have been claiming to see it recently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon looked at the statue’s two eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If those things actually moved, that would be terrifying.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how many times he looked at it, the diamond eyes were somewhat overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, since it appeared so suddenly, I suppose a few ghost stories are bound to pop up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Ah, now that I think about it, what happened to that creature? The one Radan brought back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, that one? We released it into the pond in the garden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……The pond?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, you should be able to see it if you head that way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Evan, Alon moved toward the window overlooking the garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kyah— So cute!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why does it look like a snake but not seem creepy at all?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look at those bright, sparkling eyes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, he saw the Sea Deity being showered with affection by the maids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t seem to dislike the attention, either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if enjoying the entire situation, it wiggled around in the pond while accepting the snacks the maids offered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon and Evan were left speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, isn’t that a freshwater pond?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Can a creature that lived in the sea survive in fresh water?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, since it seems to be doing just fine, I guess it’s not a problem?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……I suppose so. Ah—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did something come to mind?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was thinking it’s about time to open my gift.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Gift? Oh, you mean the one Yutia gave you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nodding, Alon returned to his desk and took out the box Yutia had given him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had told him to open it a month later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, after all this time, Alon quietly stared at the unopened box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, carefully, he unwrapped it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside was a brooch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brooch embedded with a dazzling red gemstone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A brooch, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon took it out and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan, observing from the side, commented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, a gift is ultimately about the sentiment, but after waiting a whole month, don’t you think it’s a bit underwhelming from your perspective, Marquis?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first glance, Yutia’s brooch didn’t seem as grand or powerful as some of the other gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not disappointing at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon wasn’t the slightest bit disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. As you said, gifts are about the thought behind them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gently running his fingers over the brooch,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon then placed it into the breast pocket of his coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is more than enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he realized it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh……?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft smile had spread across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear and unmistakable smile that anyone could recognize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that expression,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Lately, he changes his expressions so easily when it involves those kids.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan couldn’t help but have that thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Merkiliane had been traveling for about an hour since leaving the Marquis’ estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to glance at Zukurak beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm-hmm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zukurak was even humming a little tune, clearly in a good mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Duke Merkiliane had absolutely no idea what was going on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hadn’t even had a proper conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zukurak had simply declared that he had confirmed something and that they should leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Not that he could have easily inserted himself into their discussion to ask questions, anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, since he hadn’t been able to grasp anything properly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can I ask you something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Merkiliane questioned Zukurak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before, you said you came to confirm whether the Marquis Palatio was a god, correct?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……And did you finish your confirmation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You judged that just by looking at him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Merkiliane’s frown deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As I recall, you had already seen the Marquis before. Isn’t that correct?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Then, if you could tell just by looking, why couldn’t you confirm it back then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A reasonable question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zukurak smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because, at that time, I was overwhelmed by something else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Something else?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……No, thinking about it now, perhaps the great one deliberately hid his power. I can sense it so clearly now, yet back then, I only felt that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zukurak trailed off, lost in his own musings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Merkiliane found no answers in this conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what he could see, Marquis Palatio was just a noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……Of course, not an ordinary noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless, even if he was special, claiming he was a god was an entirely different matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the end, this is too absurd to believe so easily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the only conclusion the Duke could come to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zukurak let out a chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t need to force yourself to believe it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because you’ll soon be convinced by those who are about to catch up to us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zukurak threw out another cryptic remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“??”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Duke Merkiliane’s expression twisted in confusion—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm— They’re finally here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muttering to himself, Zukurak turned his gaze forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there, emerging from the shadows of the forest under the setting sun—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Elves?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—A group of elves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha! These pointy-eared bastards. I was wondering when they’d finally show themselves, after lurking around the Primordial One’s domain for so long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Zukurak’s boisterous laughter, Duke Merkiliane heard it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chilling voice carried through the air—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do not approach the Primordial Elf, lizard.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1952,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.412Z",1,"novelbin.me","156ba5f139d96d6335dbabb33ef01696113fc6f1057e4e867bec6a95ebc27a83","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-196","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-194",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]