[{"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-369":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},759659,1006,"Chapter 369 : Consciousness Returned (1)","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-369",369,"\u003Cp>Alon stared blankly at the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he knew the truth, it had only been filled with the Milky Way, but now countless eyes were packed into that space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were all different in size and form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet what was certain was that they were eyes—thousands, tens of thousands of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon silently gazed up at them and let out a hollow laugh without realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...So that’s what it was?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first thing that came to his mind was Psychedelia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The game that had given him the rough knowledge of what would unfold in this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The game that bestowed upon him the knowledge to save the children destined to become the five great sins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Alon did not perceive this world as a game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had long since realized that this place was not a mere realm of zeros and ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the dullest fool would have figured that out by now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather, what he recalled was the ending of Psychedelia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each time he cleared Psychedelia as Eliban, the playable character, capturing every sin, the ending would change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Depending on how the player controlled Eliban, countless branching endings existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, even after eliminating all the sins, the weakened Allied Kingdom would be invaded by the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other times, even after reaching the end, the player’s accumulated infamy would drag them into a tragic ending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen many other endings depending on the various classes Eliban had taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And among those, of course, there were endings that were called happy endings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ending where not a single one of Eliban’s companions who had formed bonds with him died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ending where, by miracle, the Allied Kingdom lost no influence at all, and the Empire never invaded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any player would call it a happy ending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, there was a common thread across all those numerous endings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the final phrase that would appear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was a bad ending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or a happy ending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phrase that appeared before the player never changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘You alone have escaped destruction.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the line that made countless players question, speculate, and complain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some claimed it was a hint toward a sequel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Alon had taken only mild interest in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had searched it online.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had checked wikis gathering player speculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the end, it was nothing but conjecture with no official explanation, so he quickly lost interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, in this moment, Alon finally understood the meaning of that line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The end of Psychedelia was not truly an end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter which ending Eliban reached, that was merely the outcome of stopping the sins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What lay beyond was never shown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hence the phrase:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘You alone have escaped destruction.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Putting together the puzzle of a truth he had not wanted to know, Alon let out a hollow laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The countless eyes above the blue night sky were still staring down at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could feel countless gazes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could feel emotions as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vroooom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive sound began to echo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not the sound of a magic circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor was it any kind of machine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not a resonance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was, quite literally, a strange sound produced by the world itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet that sound instantly devoured the emotions of everyone present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers were consumed by fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knights trembled in dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mages alternated between tension and resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tck—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a tiny sound, as if something had snapped—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Milky Way visible to all—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eyes visible to Alon—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, to a select few—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Began to fall toward the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Wow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers gasped in awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who had been steeped in terror had their hearts stolen by the Milky Way that rained down like a waterfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Alon was not the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[AAAAAAAAAAA]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Rottingrottingrottingrottingrotting]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Rrrrrrr]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What entered Alon’s ears first were grotesque, horrifying noises that made his skin crawl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Killkillkillkill]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I will kill the god of earth and I will]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[This time, for sure—]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next were curse-like murmurs filled with inexplicable meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murmurs thick with regret and rage, directed at no one he could identify.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the final voices were—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-[Now I can finally see]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-[Show me, let me witness it]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-[Finallyfinallyfinallyfinallyfinallyfinally—]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Words that Alon’s mind could not comprehend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question slipped from his mouth before he knew it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had never imagined that those things above would fall right here, right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Because we were holding it back.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As though to answer his doubt, One Who Bears It spoke softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The rest is up to you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those final words, the figure vanished completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the empty space where half an answer had been left behind, Alon murmured—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, his vision swayed wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though briefly confused, he quickly realized the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had simply been too shocked to notice earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body was far from normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though partially healed by the divine power of the Primordial Elf, his body was still covered in wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both his hands, when he wiped his face, came away soaked in blood from his eyes and nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon stared blankly at the bloodstains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I should rest for a bit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those words, he simply closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice calling him from behind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the bizarre sounds coming from the falling meteor shower—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All faded far into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When had it begun?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment his consciousness naturally returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he knew it, Alon had awakened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And immediately, he began to hear various reports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first was that he had been unconscious for over two weeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the second—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eliban, who was believed to have vanished along with One Who Bears It, was still alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that didn’t mean he could simply go ask him questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They said that Eliban had fallen out of the sky right after One Who Bears It disappeared, but had been in a coma ever since.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Alon felt quiet relief deep down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very least, he hadn't wanted Eliban to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as long as Eliban was alive, there would come a day when Alon could ask him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meaning behind the last words Eliban had spoken to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon had no idea why Eliban had used that title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was true that Alon had taken care of him since he was very young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But frankly, it wasn’t to a degree that warranted being called ‘father.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it really be that Eliban had wanted to call him father just because of that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After thinking briefly, Alon soon shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had been something more in Eliban’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more his thoughts continued, the heavier Alon’s chest felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, there were many other things he wanted to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How everything had been handled afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether the children were safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What became of the countless eyes that had fallen from the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was desperate to know everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone might question him for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why not just ask if you're curious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a reasonable point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there was something he wanted to know, he could simply ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was gathered in his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People who could answer each question one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the reason Alon did not ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or more precisely—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason he could not ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was because Alon had regained only his consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, only his consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, Alon was currently in a state where he could not move his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was, in essence, no different from a vegetative patient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, upon regaining consciousness, he had feared he might never get up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he soon threw that fear aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he quickly realized why he couldn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How long will it take before I can move again?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon calmly examined his own body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how he looked at it, it was far from normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a wreck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To a degree where natural recovery was practically impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, his body was steadily recovering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he was not using the divinity of the Primordial Elf, his body was still regenerating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At any rate, at this pace—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt he might be able to open his eyes within a few days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And thanks to Rine’s predictions—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could accurately estimate how long it would take to wake fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though there was one problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To be honest, the chances are high that there will be issues with his memory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a slight flaw in her prediction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Godfather, he used his power far too excessively this time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But... wouldn’t that cause damage to the mana hole or something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thankfully, the mana hole is intact. However, the control device you used to restrain that impossible level of mana most likely sustained damage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please don't worry too much. In the worst-case scenario, it should only result in short-term memory loss. If it goes beyond that—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it goes beyond that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s end it there. Honestly, I doubt it will go that far. Mm~ but if it does, then it would probably be best to recount all the memories and experiences you've shared with him, wouldn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Memories and experiences?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Even in this state, the subconscious can remain awake. If we speak to him in advance about familiar memories, there’s a higher chance his memory will return.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“However, do not include any unnecessary content. If the memories return incorrectly, it could cause problems.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Incorrectly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He may remember things exactly as we tell them—even if those things never happened in reality.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rine’s calm voice echoed in the room where everyone had gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, silence fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That... that would be bad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll have to be extremely precise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. We should tell the Marquis exactly as it happened.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, whenever we have time, we can recount some memories from the past.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, they all spoke with determination and slowly left the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, late that night—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yutia came to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Um... when should I begin speaking?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sat down and, in a remarkably calm voice, began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It starts with a story from when I was eight years old.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She began to share her memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Although Seolrang keeps saying my actual age is over two thousand, that’s obviously nonsense. Back then, I was definitely eight years old when you saved me, My Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her memories—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exchanging letters with you was always such a joy. Oh, and just to be clear, Seolrang’s words aren’t true, all right? There’s no way I’m over two thousand. How could a human live that long?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Are these really memories...?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon felt cold sweat build as the topic of conversation drifted in an alarming direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, he felt that even if he could open his eyes right now, he probably shouldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>",1802,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.413Z",1,"novelbin.me","3f57fa26aec3d7662e2d7793ec69d7eddfb52cd6cf1bd900fd63d43912d7839b","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-370","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-368",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]