[{"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-281":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},759571,1006,"Chapter 281 : The East (3)","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-281",281,"\u003Cp>Alon, despite his confident tone, didn’t actually know much about the monstrous creatures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His confidence stemmed from the fact that he had someone who could help him in various ways when crossing the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Of course, it’s a bit far, so I’m not sure if I can ask for help right away.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either way, he had to try reaching out to know for sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon pulled out the communication orb he had received from Alexion to contact Radan and pushed his mana into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the orb started to hum and vibrate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon looked down at it, stroking his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What if Radan can’t help me?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he’d probably have no choice but to rest and wait, even if it takes time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was pondering this—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Brother!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan’s face appeared not long after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while. How have you been?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Of course I’ve been well, brother! What about you?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been doing fine too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exchanging simple greetings, Radan, excited and bubbly as always, and Alon quickly moved on to the main topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m sorry to ask this, but can you help me out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Of course, brother! What is it?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Radan readily agree without question, Alon felt a sudden sense of pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After explaining the whole situation, Radan responded—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Understood, brother! I’ll come right away!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He twitched as if he were about to dash off immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon asked calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for offering to help. But just out of curiosity—how long do you think it’ll take you to get here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[To where you are, brother?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an important matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hazad said this has been going on for two months now...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant the sea would likely stabilize in about four months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So if it would take Radan over two months to get there, it wouldn’t be worth the trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, given the situation, if it’s going to take too long, you don’t have to come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon added more details about the current circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan paused for a moment, then nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Don’t worry, brother. I’m coming right away! It won’t take that long! Jus—]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised two fingers energetically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Two days is enough, brother.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was full of confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon, on the other hand, was taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Two days??”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yes.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, did you understand what I said correctly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It just didn’t seem possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distance from Raksas to here was incredibly far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It’s possible, brother. Just wait for me!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan curled his lips into a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Then I’ll see you soon.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly shut off the orb and disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon stared blankly at the mana orb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquis, what did Radan say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He said he’s coming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, that’s great news... But why do you look so uncertain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without expression, Evan was now able to gauge Alon’s inner thoughts based on the mood alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...He said he’ll be here in two days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Two days? Not two months?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan looked baffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe he just doesn’t know where this place is?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To be honest, I think that’s quite likely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Two days… is that even possible?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan tilted his head in genuine confusion—until something came to mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! Maybe it is possible after all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Possible how?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know, that floating ship in the sky… Ah, but come to think of it, it didn’t seem all that fast last time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan murmured to himself briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, either way, if he says he’ll be here in two days, we should wait and see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon decided to place his trust in Radan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please, let him come quickly. Please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Did you really want to go East that badly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia was nervously pacing beside them, clearly eager for the Eastern journey to proceed quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped and smiled brightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I want to go. It’s the place you’ve always wanted to visit, right, Marquis?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that the only reason?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With complete sincerity, Penia stated her case, and Basiliora, who had been reading the mood, snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hmph, that’s not it. She found out from a book that the East has an ancient library with precious magical knowledge—kuack!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia quickly surrounded the book she had been reading with mana and pressed down on Basiliora.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[S-Stop! Why am I being treated like this just for telling the truth~!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Basiliora didn’t give up and continued shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia ended up sitting on the book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kraaaagh~! Too heavy!! I’m getting squashed!!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t say I’m heavy!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she began wrestling with Basiliora over her weight again, Penia suddenly noticed Alon’s gaze and subtly shifted her eyes away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, unlike others, I really hope the Marquis uncovers the secret.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan chimed in as if waiting for his turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph, you’re just excited about all the beautiful beast-women in the Eastern lands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia’s sharp comment made Evan flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Th-That’s not true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not true? The moment I told you the Easterners are beautiful and like humans, your eyes changed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I was just curious— I’ve never had thoughts like that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan brazenly denied it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That was a lie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I made that up. You looked so bored, I just wanted to give you something fun to imagine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh, that was a li— Gah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan, openly disappointed, quickly swallowed his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Penia earlier, he glanced over at Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Penia smirking, Basiliora screaming, and Evan still watching cautiously—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon thought, ‘There really is no one in this world I can trust.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Meow?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the black creature tilted its head innocently amidst the chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was late afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Radan...??”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan really did arrive in just two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Alon, whose default was a blank expression, widened his eyes slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while, brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan was breathing heavily, clearly exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his pale face, Alon pushed down the urge to immediately ask, “How did you get here?” and spoke instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you overexert yourself getting here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, brother! When you call, I have to come running.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled brightly, flashing perfect teeth, but he still looked tired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon ushered him inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After giving Radan a moment to catch his breath—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon learned how he had managed to arrive so quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You used this to get here so fast?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon looked down at the item Radan handed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar wing-shaped ornament worn around the ankle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Rune of Relentlessness.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the game, it was a relic that could be obtained from a mini-game held in Raksas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It consumed a set amount of mana but doubled the number of tiles a player could move in one turn, making it a must-have item for players who enjoyed thief builds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thieves, who always landed critical hits when attacking from behind, greatly benefited from being able to move over longer distances each turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I didn’t think it’d be this helpful for simple travel, though.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon glanced at the Rune of Relentlessness with renewed appreciation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s all this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, I used all of that to get here, Uncle Evan. That artifact eats up a lot of mana.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon, noticing Evan’s curiosity about the artifacts laid out and Penia drooling over them, spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must be tired. Rest for about a day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can go right away, brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no need to push yourself. I’m grateful you came rushing here as it is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan looked deeply moved by Alon’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is it really that touching?’Alon thought, but he wasn’t tactless enough to ruin the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply patted Radan’s shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, after letting Radan rest well—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are we heading out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll prepare the ship, supplies, and map. Some skilled folks put it together, so it’ll hold up against one or two attacks, no problem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before heading East, Alon paid Hazad a visit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was there to collect the supplies Hazad had promised to prepare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just give me the supplies and the map.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? You don’t need the ship?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I already have one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...You do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hazad looked puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he shrugged it off shortly after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Alon asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, you looked a bit uneasy earlier—did something happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, it’s not from our side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just heard something odd from the elves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Something odd?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Apparently, some elves have been dying recently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All of a sudden?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hazad nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They weren’t attacked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most say it’s natural causes—some elves are nearing the end of their lifespans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the weird part is how simultaneously it’s been happening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hazad downplayed it and said goodbye, and Alon left shortly after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve got everything now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then let’s head East.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once everything was ready, Alon’s group began their journey toward the eastern sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t long before they arrived at the shore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All right, please step back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the group stepped back, Radan pulled a small key from his pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he whispered something under his breath, he thrust the key into thin air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wuuung~!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy ripple appeared in the air where nothing had been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud! Kagagagagak~!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a massive ship began to materialize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM~!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a thunderous noise, a colossal dark vessel fully emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the group stared in awe, Radan shouted—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, you may board now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once everyone was on board, the ship began to move forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? There’s no one operating it, though?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoa...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Alon was puzzled that the ship moved without a navigator or helmsman, Penia quickly realized how it worked and gasped in amazement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s powered by mana?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Alon muttered the question, Radan smiled and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, brother. This ship, ‘Zaebo,’ runs on my mana.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zaebo?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, that’s its name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Another relic from Raksas?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. It’s one of my most treasured items.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It certainly looked like something worth cherishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ship alone was impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was something else that surprised him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about that flying ship we saw before? Aren’t you using that one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, that one can’t be used for long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, it burns through mana stones like crazy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon agreed with Radan’s explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it had poor fuel efficiency, it’d be unsuitable for a voyage lasting over a week.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, if you prefer, we could use that one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan asked hopefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Alon shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, that’s not necessary. I’m just worried. There are a lot of strange creatures roaming around this season—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t even get to finish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>SKREEEEEEEE!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after they left the shore, a spine-chilling cry echoed around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon quickly turned his gaze toward the sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He heard Evan cursing just as he widened his eyes in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless monsters were swarming toward their ship as if they had been lying in wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So many that they were impossible to count.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a moment ago, the sea was calm and blue—now it teemed with beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each one was different in shape, but all were massive, big enough to not only cover the sea but blot out the sky as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overwhelming scale almost made Alon laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was no time to reroute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should he freeze them with Reverse Heaven?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could he freeze that many at once?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it’d be better to just blast them with Meteor—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon racked his brain to find a way to eliminate the monsters,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Penia, now serious, began chanting a spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry, brother. I’ll take care of this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radan nodded with confidence, then thrust his spear into the deck of Zaebo and turned it like a key.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unlock.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he spoke—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>WUUUUUUUUNG~!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blue light began streaming through the air from the dark ship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like mechanical circuits, streams of intricate mana lines were drawn across the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive surge of mana exploded outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lines tore the sky apart, revealing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Weapons?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spears, swords, blades, hammers, axes—and even more whose use couldn’t be identified—began pouring out from blue rifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these weren’t ordinary weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were familiar to Alon, others not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet all were relics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relics that could be obtained from Raksas’s coasts, each one with unique powers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thousands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like Alon’s meteor storm, the weapons filled the sky, an endless rain devouring the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Radan’s whisper—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A barrage of light shot downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sea of blood arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>",2033,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.412Z",1,"novelbin.me","fd4bc7a6812335c1f5828917bab9384e76718d60eda9ea26b27ac24ba292e583","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-282","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-280",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]