[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-reincarnated-as-the-villainess-s-son":3,"chapter-reincarnated-as-the-villainess-s-son-reincarnated-as-the-villainess-s-son-chapter-227":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Reincarnated As The Villainess's Son",{"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},1366126,1806,"Chapter 227  [Hollow Town] [9] [Ritual]","reincarnated-as-the-villainess-s-son-chapter-227",227,"\u003Cp>In front of me stood a living Redom...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...With no skin on its body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I drew in a deep breath as the Redom let out a painful cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its body distorted, blood dripping down from its form to the ground below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned as I heard Arianell gasp, walking closer to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distinct smell of blood suppressed every other scent in the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why didn't we see it?\" Arianell whispered softly, grabbing onto my wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't reply but looked at the beast closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around its hind legs, it was bound by the branches of the surrounding trees, hovering just above the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dripping blood was collected in a small incline carved into the ground, slowly sliding deeper into the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced at the pitiful beast one last time before I turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A-Azariah?\" Arianell quietly called, grabbing my hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can't do anything about it,\" I replied, looking at her seriously. \"There's no point in saving it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least kill it—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not now,\" I cut her off, grabbing her hand. \"Let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though I wanted to free it from its suffering, I couldn't do it now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't want to mess things up to the point where they become beyond my control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking down, I followed the path of the carved incline on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It led us deeper into the forest, with the Redom's blood still slowly moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this some kind of ritual?\" Arianell asked, my hand still holding hers. \"But why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Stay quiet,\" I whispered, glancing back at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Say something, Azariah,\" she replied, her voice defeated. \"You always do this, keeping everything to yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't reply, instead tightening my grip on her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If what I'm thinking turns out to be true...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Azariah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not hiding anything.\" After a long pause, I replied, \"I'm just confused—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My words halted as I felt someone's gaze on me, making my scalp numb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked up, and right above us, I saw a human eye bigger than a football.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eye watched us without blinking, with no head or corresponding body attached to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Az—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't look,\" I whispered softly, looking back at her. \"No matter what happens, don't look at the eye.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confusion and anxiety were clear in her eyes as she gently nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without saying anything else, I moved forward, ignoring the eye, which quietly floated behind us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is that?\" Arianell whispered as we moved deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...A creeper,\" I replied softly. \"A type of spirit, native to hell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"W-wait, what?\" she whispered, \"What is this thing doing here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How would I know?\" I whispered back as the forest began to open up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light coming from the deeper part of the forest now illuminated the area, making me break the magic circle in my hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I already knew what I was about to see, so I drew deep breaths to calm myself down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arianell,\" I whispered softly, looking back at her. \"No matter what happens after this, do not scream, okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What?\" she replied, confusion filling her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just do as I say,\" I responded, and she reflected my seriousness by nodding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking further for a few seconds, we quickly got a clear view of the source of the light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faintly discernible collapsed building appeared in front of us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames engulfed the entire structure, making it resemble an altar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naked women floated around the building, their eerie laughter echoing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I recognized one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman who lived near the graveyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carved incline on the ground made a circle of blood around the building, glowing softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahh—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned and quickly placed my hand over Arianell's mouth, muffling her scream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at me, her eyes filled with unfiltered horror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pressed harder on her mouth while I brought my face closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They will be fine, don't worry,\" I whispered, looking into her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded softly, and I turned back to the altar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around the area, the kidnapped children were bound to poles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long nails dug into their shoulders, legs, and hands, keeping them from falling to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...A clear cut across their stomachs, blood dripping from the wounds and mixing with the Redom's blood on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clenched my jaw as I looked up at the top of the altar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And to my dismay, my fears came true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There at the top, a broken staff handle levitated, radiating killing intent so powerful it made my mind numb just by looking at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...One-third of Goddess Anant's primordial weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one holding part of her divinity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I bit my lip as I slowly backed away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arianell looked confused as I dragged her along with me, my hand still covering her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking for a few minutes, I finally let go of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know that!\" I yelled back, glaring at her. \"But if I save them now, everyone in the town will die!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Azariah, we need to save them,\" she said, looking at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We need to return to the town,\" I replied as I turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey! No!\" she yelled, grabbing me and twisting me around to face her. \"We can't just leave them here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know that!\" I yelled back, glaring at her. \"But if I save them now, everyone in the town will die!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can't explain right now,\" I replied as I walked out of the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Azariah, please just tell me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will, but first let's get out of here,\" I whispered, glancing up. The eye still followed us like a shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Covering my mouth with my hand, I thought for a bit longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I've already confirmed everything I needed to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All that's left—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Azariah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning around, I glared at her as she kept shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's happening?\" she asked, her voice pleading. \"At least tell me something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Placing both hands on her shoulders, I looked into her eyes. \"Arianell, for once, just trust me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"B-but—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just trust me,\" I cut in, my voice serious as I gently squeezed her shoulders. \"I will save everyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked into my eyes for a moment before nodding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine,\" she grumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good girl,\" I smiled, patting her head once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glared at me, but I ignored her as I made my way out of the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just as we stepped out, the eye that had been observing us disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arianell, I have very important work for you,\" I said, turning around and looking deeply into her beautiful eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do me a favor and go back to town and meet with Aimar.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just do it,\" I said, my voice serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what about you?\" she asked, \"Where are you going?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have some work,\" I replied as I turned around, \"I'll see you in town.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey! At least tell me something!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She yelled, but I didn't listen. Instead, I continued down the unpaved road toward the graveyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after a few seconds, I turned around to look back at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was heading back to town, her steps heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[She seems angry.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I know.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I watched her retreating figure, and just as she entered the town, I turned and started walking again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eerie silence and darkness made it hard to move, but I quickly arrived at the graveyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of children laughing and playing echoed, and I turned toward the noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I drew in a deep breath as the house came into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...Don't show fear.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I reminded myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'No matter what happens, don't show any fear.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Small lanterns illuminated the house, their light flickering as the wind howled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening the small gate, I walked inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both children, laughing and playing, stopped and turned toward me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bull was still bound to the tree, lazily lying on the ground, staring at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neplh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both children whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes turned pitch black, jaws dislocating with a cracking sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their mouths hung open as they both shouted in a demonic voice,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"GO AWAY!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neplh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A misty wind rushed past them, freezing both children in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced at them one last time before turning to the bull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Children are annoying, aren't they?\" I said casually, grabbing a nearby chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Placing it with its back facing it, I sat down while keeping my eyes on the bull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You understand my tone, right?\" I asked, looking at it. \"It's quite different from the historical language of the past.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resting my hands on the chair, I looked at the bull, whose eyes were now fixed on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ragnar did a number on you, didn't he?\" I asked, and immediately felt a chill run through my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring it, I continued, \"...Look what you've turned into.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A suffocating silence lingered between us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now I knew taunting wouldn't work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need to talk,\" I said, my voice serious, as I stared at the animal. \"Answer me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I waited for a long while but heard nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence dragged on so long I began to doubt my judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sigh, I stood up from the chair, looking away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does thou want?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft whisper echoed in my ear, making my heartbeat drop.\u003C\u002Fp>",1530,"2026-06-05T21:29:08.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","35e08c4307378f8ee4ec3e0bdb2e7d7d5d0cc0163a92bde8e99c9af7520fa48d","reincarnated-as-the-villainess-s-son-chapter-228","reincarnated-as-the-villainess-s-son-chapter-226",556,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Freincarnated-as-the-villainess-s-son-cover.jpg"]