[{"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-256":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},759546,1006,"Chapter 256","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-256",256,"\u003Cp>\"...Rioche?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Alon called his name with a bewildered expression, Rioche gave a deep smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Though I'm now known by the name Hazad.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Rioche’s confident expression, Alon looked even more confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Alon had met Rioche in the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he never expected Rioche would become a god of the Lizardmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, Rioche was neither a god nor anything close to one, and above all, they weren’t close enough to be called ‘friends.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It’s awkward to talk while standing, so come with me.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rioche soon led Alon somewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon took just one step onto the stairs— they had already arrived at the top of the pyramid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Have a seat.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Rioche’s lead, Alon and Evan sat on the chairs placed before them, and a brief silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon was the first to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Which part are you referring to?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly as I said. From what I remember, in the past, you were—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ah—starting from there, huh.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rioche nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It’s a bit of a long story, but I’ll try to summarize it.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He calmly began to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some time had passed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...That’s how it happened.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon quietly organized the contents of the story he had just heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, to summarize, after I disappeared, you began to gather faith, not as a king but as a god. Is that correct?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yes. After you left, the great threat named Baarma disappeared and peace returned—but the problem didn’t end there.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did something else happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Alon’s question, Rioche nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The elves and Eastern nations remained peaceful, but the Lizardmen were different.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon gave a look that asked him to go on, Rioche continued the story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[As you know, I was more of a chieftain than a king—just a leader uniting various tribes. The tribes under my leadership followed me only temporarily, depending on the situation.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[When the war ended, the tribes split again and began fighting amongst themselves. The weakened tribes from the Baarma war quickly became prey for others, leading to chaos.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you became a god to stop the war?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rioche slowly shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[That was part of it, but it wasn’t the main reason. To be more precise, there was another reason.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Another reason?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yes, but that’s not something I can reveal right now. It’s a personal matter. Still, aside from that, I began deifying myself and gathering faith—and eventually became a god.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Well, it was so difficult gathering faith that I even faked my death and resurrection for a hundred years just to pull it off,] Rioche said with a dry chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon felt he could guess how Rioche managed to become a god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hmph, talking however you please, aren’t you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar voice was suddenly heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Alon and Evan turned their heads—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Magrina?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than Magrina’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Alon, she immediately smiled brightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Did you arrive safely, Brother? This is a magical projection.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Alon realize her form was translucent and let out a soft gasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...How? I never accepted anything like this.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crystal orb placed on one of the desks had suddenly activated, and a hint of panic appeared on Rioche’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response, Magrina narrowed her eyes and looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A look completely different from the gentle gaze she usually showed Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Who do you think gave you that magical orb in the first place?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[......Isn’t this a clear breach of etiquette?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Etiquette aside, you seem to be hiding a lot from my brother. Isn’t that more of a breach?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that, Rioche averted his gaze with a guilty look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon and Evan stared at him simultaneously, Magrina revealed the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Brother, he used your divine authority to become a god.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...My divine authority?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Magrina nodded and explained the whole situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, after hearing everything, Alon responded—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So in short, he forged a connection with me, the one who defeated Baarma, to gather faith. Is that it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Exactly. Even though you two weren’t even that close, he shamelessly called you a Celestial Saint and all that... how cowardly.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Magrina’s gaze turned even colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rioche cleared his throat awkwardly and turned his eyes elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Well, you see... trying to gather faith on my own was really difficult. I’m not as talented or gifted as you are, you know... ahem.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began making excuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All signs of dignity were long gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan, who was standing nearby, now wore the same expression as Magrina, as if he too understood the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rioche, embarrassed, cleared his throat again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...Anyway, I never intended to completely cover it up. If I did, I would’ve just pretended not to know you from the start.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Well, I guess it’s fortunate you had at least that much conscience left.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rioche groaned at Magrina’s sharp words but kept speaking resolutely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Anyway, it’s true that I became a god with your help. So now, I plan to return the favor by becoming your strength.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...My strength?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yes. I acknowledge you as a god and plan to share divine power with you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You’ll possess the same power as me. What do you think? I may have shamelessly used our supposed bond, but doesn’t this outcome benefit you too?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rioche’s proposal, in fact, was not disadvantageous for him in any way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the conversation on the topic matured—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, and there’s one more thing I need to tell you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They want to see you in the East as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rioche brought up a new topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...The Eastern Kingdom?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. It’s quite far, so it’s best to visit when you have time later. But I’d recommend going when your schedule allows it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who exactly wants to see me in the East?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Alon’s question, Rioche shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, I don’t really know either.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could it be that someone like you—someone who was once in the past and became a god—exists there too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not it. But the king of that land said he wishes to meet the Marquis Palatio, and asked me to make sure to pass that on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon fell into brief thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Eastern Kingdom, huh...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eastern Kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As far as Alon knew— like the lands of Greynifra and the Lizardmen, it was an island nation to the east that only became accessible after purchasing DLC.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Who could it be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, no matter how much he combed through his past memories and existing knowledge— Alon couldn’t quite figure out who would want to see him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the people he saved in the past, there were no Easterners he had built a relationship with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For now, understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tentatively concluded that he’d visit if the opportunity arose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus ended Alon’s audience with Rioche.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon exited the great pyramid-shaped temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, Marquis. It looks like the urgent matters are taken care of. What are your plans now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, we’ll also need to drop by the Teriana Colony,” Evan added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s head to the colony one last time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon made his way toward the colony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>####\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center of the continent— A wasteland between the Allied Kingdom and the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A barren desert where nothing lived and no creature could easily be found.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an underground chamber located somewhere within that wasteland—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmmm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man quietly stroked his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of him knelt a masked man, his entire body covered in black robes, maintaining silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say Marquis Palatio has returned from the dead... Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, that’s correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked man bowed his head deeply as he answered the man’s question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s soft murmur echoed in the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked man cautiously glanced up to observe him— and soon, a look of surprise appeared on the face hidden behind the mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for good reason— at the corner of his master’s lips— was a clear smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he ever seen his master smile before?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked man tried to recall but quickly shook his head inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his knowledge— not once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had never seen his master smile before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which is why he blankly stared at him for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? Surprised?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The master’s sudden words brought him back to his senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He realized he had committed disrespect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly lowered his head and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I apologize. I was being rude—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly tried to explain, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, it’s fine. After spending so long with me, it’s only natural you’d find this surprising.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man shook his head instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he asked the masked man,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, is there anything else to report?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, there is one more thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It concerns the mutants that had recently drifted toward the border from the United Kingdom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mutants—ah, the ones spilling out of the jungle, you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How many were there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Approximately 130 units.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And the result?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All were taken care of. We also eliminated all remnants of the Maw, as previously reported.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked man bowed again in respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response, the man said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good work. You may go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave a dismissal order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked man vanished without another word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, as silence filled the room—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congratulations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman appeared, leaning on the man’s chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the man, the woman also had heterochromatic eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Suddenly...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean suddenly? You’ve been dying to meet him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...That’s—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Am I wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if she already knew his thoughts, she spoke with certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man remained silent for a moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sis, enough with the teasing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you’re going to meet him, aren’t you? That strange guy’s predicted time has already passed anyway.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, that’s true, but...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—No. The King of Curses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who led the Curse Weavers lowered his head and muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I do want to meet him—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then should we go say hello?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sis, isn’t this a little too sudden?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You want to see him soon, don’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, we should prepare some gifts or something—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hearing he was still alive, you’ve been gathering all kinds of gifts for the past 300 years, haven’t you? And now you want to prepare even more?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve been secretly helping him through the information guild this whole time, haven’t you? Barely charging him any money. If you just mention that to him, I bet he’ll be thrilled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...You think so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. That’s the kind of person he is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King of Curses—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sis, since we’ve made up our minds, we should strike while the iron’s hot, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go right now. To meet the one who saved us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nangwon looked up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And on the corners of his lips— there was an undeniable look of anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>",1784,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.412Z",1,"novelbin.me","56f3a8ff1c44bad944dafed46127769b66437afb709457bed2ca5e4b3ade7d3f","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-257","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-255",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]