[{"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-197":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},759487,1006,"Chapter 197","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-197",197,"\u003Cp>After asking about Arrows, Alon immediately threw the next question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was about the story he had heard from the mysterious man in the mirror within the World Tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…The technique that defies the heavens.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know something about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at Alon’s question, Kylrus, lost in thought, continued speaking to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Contemplate the anomaly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Recognize it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perceive it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do not run away… huh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if savoring the words, Kylrus muttered the sentence Alon had conveyed slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, lowering the hand that had been stroking his chin, he looked at Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… seems to be a teaching.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this how mages teach techniques and mental images?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What nonsense are you spouting? Of course not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“? Didn’t you just say it was a teaching? Doesn’t that mean it’s a lesson about the technique?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Good grief. Even with such power, you’re still a novice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kylrus let out a sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told you last time. Fundamentally, every mage possesses a mental image, but each takes a different form. Therefore, the methods of obtaining a mental image and their types all vary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In other words, it’s rare for the training methods to overlap when acquiring a mental image.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kylrus continued explaining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Despite that, the reason I judged this to be a teaching is that I believe there’s a hidden meaning in those words.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then can’t you tell me what it is?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Let me ask just in case. Do you think that if I explained those words to you, you would obtain a mental image?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Wouldn’t I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kylrus did not answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, Alon could see it. What it meant to curse someone with your eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief silence,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before anything else, I want to ask whether this technique is necessary for you, or rather, whether it’s something you can even learn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why do you think the man in the mirror left his teachings in such an obscure manner? Do you think he twisted the words just to mess with the learner?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That wouldn’t be it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then? Why do you think he conveyed it in such a convoluted way?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon pondered for a moment before answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…If, as you say, this is a teaching, then maybe it’s because I need to realize it on my own?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least you’re not a complete novice. That’s a relief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But one thing to keep in mind is that what’s important in obtaining a mental image is not just the realization, but the process of reaching that realization itself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, the process of arriving at the result is more important than the result itself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. A mental image is built up from the ground. The goal isn’t to attain realization, but rather, the process itself is what matters. A mental image is ultimately formed through the process of realization, and as a byproduct, you naturally reach enlightenment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So in the end, I can’t receive your help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Correct. However—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kylrus let out a thoughtful hum before adding,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a bit strange.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What part?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The talk about ‘against the heavens.’ That part is certainly—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if something didn’t quite fit, Kylrus pondered over it several times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you truly wish to obtain a mental image related to going against the heavens, go to the north.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The north?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He offered new advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, to the coldest place at the center of the north. You might find some help in your process there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know something about ‘against the heavens’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not exactly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He left it at that, saying he had only heard about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now then, novice, if you’re done asking questions, let’s begin the lesson.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kylrus stood up in front of Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon also faced him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it. But how will the lesson be conducted?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Obviously, through combat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Combat?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, from now on, you will fight me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, you haven’t taught me anything yet—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll start learning now. By seeing for yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those words, Kylrus suddenly began forming seals with his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although his face remained expressionless, Alon was utterly flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he didn’t hesitate to form a counter-seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From this moment on, I will try to kill you. So, fight me with the resolve to kill me in return.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What if I actually die?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry. This is the mental world. Even if you die, you won’t actually die. You’ll just be ejected from here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Kylrus completed an unusual sequence of hand signs, just as he had demonstrated before,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So grit your teeth and face me. Fight to claim what is mine as yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He uttered those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spiritual Faith.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, shadows began creeping up, coiling around Kylrus’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His figure was instantly swallowed by the darkness, as if sucked into the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And a moment later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kylrus emerged, looking completely different from before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mask, formed of black shadows, covered only the lower half of his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His once-white robes turned black, fluttering in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fabric, rippling like flames, seemed to veil the ruined world behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes, now in the form of reverse pupils, gleamed with paradoxical dark light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Alon felt threatened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His opponent hadn’t even moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was merely standing still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, that alone was enough to completely overwhelm his entire body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…! Spirit Wood—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon, belatedly regaining his senses, tried to chant a technique—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—But he couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was back in reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What in the world—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Don’t worry. This is the mental world. Even if you die, you won’t actually die. You’ll just be ejected from here.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kylrus’s voice echoed in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon let out a hollow laugh without realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly looked down at the fading remnants of the Footsteps of the Past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had returned to reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant he had died inside that world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fleeting sense of emptiness passed through his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But only for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking a deep breath, Alon calmly replayed the recent battle—no, that futile death that wasn’t even a fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The moment Kylrus put on that mask covering his lower face, I chanted my technique, and then my memory cut off.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last thing he could barely recall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that the shadows had spread widely beneath Kylrus’s feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon let out another hollow laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I expected that he wouldn’t last long.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment Kylrus mentioned that training would be conducted in the form of a sparring match, Alon had somewhat anticipated this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was clearly weaker than Kylrus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even so, he hadn’t expected to be killed this easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he hadn’t just been idle for the past ten years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hoo—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now was the time to shake off his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of emptiness, he filled his mind with determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t a battle, but training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Winning or losing didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What mattered now was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Using the same magic that Kylrus used. If I can absorb all the techniques he used to control the Shadow Dragon…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image of Kylrus in the mental world was vivid in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing there arrogantly with a black half-mask covering his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just standing still, he exuded an overwhelming pressure that sent chills down Alon’s spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That means I can become like that too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon quietly clenched his fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A week later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To keep his promise to Penia, Alon left the Marquisate of Palatio.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm, first, I’ll visit the Magic Society, then stop by the Thunder Serpent Tribe in the Duchy of Luxibl, and after that, head north?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he mentally organized his travel itinerary while feeling the increasingly chilly weather, he heard Penia’s cheerful voice from ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A~D~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was so excited that she was even humming a tune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting beside her, Phelin watched his sister with an expression that was half understanding and half perplexed at her reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Evan spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquis, this trip seems like it will take a while. Is that correct?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, even if we move quickly, it will take at least four months.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh? Four months? I thought three months would be enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon clarified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are a couple of additional places I need to visit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s an item I need to find.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon thought of Footsteps of the Past tucked inside his coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It takes way too long to recharge.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the recharge time had always been long, he had never found it particularly inconvenient until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as he could enter the mental world once a month, it wasn’t a big problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now that his training had begun, it was becoming a serious obstacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one training session required an entire month, then he needed an artifact that could shorten that time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very least, he had to be able to use Footsteps of the Past once a day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I don’t know if things will go as planned…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he had to try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon continued pondering for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And exactly one week after they had set out, Alon arrived at the Magic Society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without even greeting the mages properly, he headed straight for the library.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, he wanted to exchange greetings with the mages and listen to some of the strange rumors he had picked up on, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia’s eyes were sparkling like a puppy that had just spotted a treat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the mages’ curious gazes, Alon went up to the library with Penia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hmm? It’s been a while.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief moment of hesitation— then, naturally, he encountered Heinkel, who greeted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“H-Hello~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia, stiff with nervousness, quickly bowed her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though her gaze toward Heinkel was filled with admiration,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon, noticing the adoration practically dripping from her eyes, got straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have a favor to ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Is it another request to learn magic, like last time?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. And this time, I’d like you to teach someone else as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Someone else—ah.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heinkel tilted her head slightly and pointed at Penia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You mean your betrothed?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant, the excitement on Penia’s face completely froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She began nervously glancing at Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Penia had already confessed everything to him, Alon wasn’t particularly flustered by Heinkel’s misunderstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Penia seemed to feel guilty as she darted her eyes around while looking at Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a casual shrug, Alon said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem, first, let me correct that—she is not my betrothed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Huh?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After clearing up the misunderstanding, he explained the full story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hmm, so that’s how it is?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. So if you accept, I’ll also share my magic with you, as you requested.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that, Heinkel turned to look at Penia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia hesitated, subtly shifting her gaze away and pursing her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ack—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She bit her tongue by mistake, and tears welled up in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in those eyes, there was unmistakable anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[No thanks.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I refuse. If this had been the offer from the start, maybe I’d consider it, but I don’t like people who lie.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unexpected response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eh…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia was completely shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a ghost whose soul had left its body, Penia turned pale white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her, Heinkel smirked to herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, this was the exact situation she had been hoping for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, her primary goal was to study Alon’s magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even so, the reason she had rejected his offer was simple—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia had lied to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She disliked liars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was merely an excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The real reason was far more practical—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to squeeze something extra out of this deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The thing trailing behind him doesn’t seem to be trying to cause harm. As long as I don’t ask about magic directly, it doesn’t even move…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During her previous lesson with Alon, Heinkel had realized something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as she didn’t show hostility toward Alon,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>that ‘eye’ wouldn’t pose a threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Now, what should I demand in return?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she pondered what else she could reasonably extort from him,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Hmm?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze suddenly landed on Alon’s brooch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brooch adorned with a red gemstone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, she wouldn’t have given it a second thought— it wasn’t particularly flashy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, instinctively, her eyes were drawn to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down her spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She met eyes with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red eye that was staring directly at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Spirit—]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You should stop while you can.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice that was both alluring and eerie.\u003C\u002Fp>",2068,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.412Z",1,"novelbin.me","435fb691b6f6404d43e668c24bd726d23f00f7af71ac7268af53dfd67cb22734","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-198","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-196",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]