[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-villain-s-pov":3,"chapter-the-villain-s-pov-the-villain-s-pov-chapter-244":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","THE VILLAIN'S POV",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},336681,598,"Chapter 244: Refining Talent (2)","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-244",244,"\u003Cp>\"Then what do you call everything I've been doing all day?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey grumbled, but Phoenix chuckled, his eyes glowing with familiar energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can consider it a warm-up. Honestly, if not for the training you're about to receive, the Temple wouldn't even be worthy of having you right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That finally caught Frey's interest ... and Phoenix knew it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What you're about to attend is a secret training session. Only wielders of the Legendary Weapons are allowed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey's eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I take it Snow will be there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of anticipation crossed Frey's face. What would happen when Balerion, the Black Dread clashed against the sacred blade Vermithor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one question lingered more urgently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Will you be leading the session?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phoenix shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unfortunately, I don't know much about how to fight with legendary weapons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clearly,\" Frey muttered, recalling Phoenix's chaotic, brute-force fighting style that blended close-quarters brawling with wave controlling. A warrior like that could never teach swordplay properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then who's in charge of the training?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey asked, and Phoenix simply smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll find out soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He deliberately left Frey in the dark, walking ahead as they headed to a secluded training ground, hidden far from prying eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, three others had already arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow, Daemon, and surprisingly ...Danzo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey didn't understand what was happening. These weren't the people he expected to see in a training for legendary weapon wielders, but Phoenix took the lead and explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, now that everyone's here... we've got two wielders of the Seven Great Swords, and two bearers of the Burning Shields.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That made Frey turn instantly toward Danzo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Danzo... you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Danzo clenched his fist, his eyes never leaving Daemon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're not the only ones who got their hands on some fancy toys.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phoenix nodded in approval and gestured for Danzo and Daemon to follow him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good. I'll be handling these two myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Frey and Snow looked at one another in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pardon me,\" Snow asked, \"but what exactly are we supposed to do? Are we just supposed to fight each other?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey exchanged a glance with him, but Phoenix simply waved as he walked away with the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your instructor's already here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a dreadful chill crept up both their spines. They leapt apart instinctively, putting distance between themselves and the figure that had appeared behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a few steps behind them now stood a woman neither of them had ever seen up close ... only on screens or at grand ceremonies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore nothing but a tattered black dress and a golden helmet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your reflexes aren't bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former Vice Director stepped toward them, raising her right hand as a massive golden greatsword extended from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Snow and Frey muttered the word at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman before them calmly removed her helmet, letting fiery red hair tumble freely down her back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Melina, wielder of the Claymore,\" she said. \"I'll be your instructor... Champion of the Church , and Champion of the Victoriad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, they understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given their status as wielders of the Seven Great Swords, it only made sense that their instructor would be one of their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arm yourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Melina wasn't one for small talk—and with that single word, the battle began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response, both Snow and Frey instantly grew serious, honoring her command without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come, Balerion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ignite, Vermithor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the sealed training ground, three of the Seven Great Legendary Weapons were summoned, each one releasing an ominous aura as their inevitable clash drew near.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Melina took one step forward ... and then vanished with the second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey barely reacted in time. She appeared like a ghost behind him, and he narrowly blocked her strike. The obsidian blade of Balerion met the golden claymore with a thunderous clash, sparks of fire bursting from the impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer difference in raw power sent Frey flying across the arena, crashing hard against the distant wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Melina adjusted her stance immediately as Snow rushed in, attempting to capitalize on her momentary focus on Frey. But she parried his flaming strike with ease, wielding her three-meter blade with terrifying grace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want a surprise attack to work, you must either be fast enough not to give your opponent time to react—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She swung, her sword moving like a machine, trapping Snow within a flurry of golden arcs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"—or strong enough to finish them in a single blow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, intercepting a dark slash launched by Frey from across the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using his speed, Frey reappeared above her, aiming a downward strike cloaked in shadow aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She blocked again ... this time the force of his strike cracked the ground beneath her feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Melina nodded, unfazed. \"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey kept up the pressure, and Snow joined in. Both had already realized this was a two-on-one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Melina's strength far exceeded theirs. Even together, they posed no real threat to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then again, this wasn't a fight to the death ... this was training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them became locked in a whirlwind of steel, their clashing auras ... gold, black, and white ... mingling in a chaotic storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From time to time, Melina's voice echoed between strikes, laced with aura-enhanced clarity:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your strikes are quick, but far too predictable. Rely more on swordsmanship than instinct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explosions followed her every movement as she gracefully danced between Frey and Snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have a terrifying arsenal of elements under your belt, but you favor only a few ... especially Star Aura. Learn to use your full potential.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their pace continued to quicken, as though both boys were desperate to prove something ... if only to themselves. They still couldn't land a hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're both used to fighting one type of enemy. That's why you're struggling against the range of the claymore. In situations like this, treat your opponent as if they're wielding a spear.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, ma'am!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without realizing it, both Snow and Frey began responding like disciplined students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it wasn't every day one got to train with an SS rank swordswoman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite her youthful appearance—early thirties, at most—Frey and Snow both knew better. The deeper a person's connection to aura, the longer they maintained their vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew? Melina might have been the same age as Carmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, Frey's real training finally began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elsewhere, Danzo and Daemon stood face-to-face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daemon didn't look thrilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there any point to this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" Phoenix replied casually. \"I want you two to go all out. That way I'll know just how hard I need to hit you when it's my turn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His plan was simple: to turn tanks like them into real monsters, he had to push their durability and resilience to the absolute limit ... through pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike Daemon, Danzo was eager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slammed his fist into his palm, sending a shockwave through the air that made Daemon raise a brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know, I didn't think the chance would come this soon ..the chance to settle the score.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think you're capable of that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daemon scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silver glow burst around Danzo's body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll find out soon enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silver aura swirled tightly around Danzo's body, radiating with a brilliance that nearly blinded the eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within that wave of light emerged Danzo, clad in a towering silver armor that made him appear far more massive. The helmet of the armor was shaped like the gaping maw of an enraged dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Silver Dragon Armor…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daemon muttered, before a wide grin slowly spread across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that's where it ended up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That armor was the prized weapon of one of the largest guilds in the Empire. It had belonged to Danzo's father—Adam Smasher—until recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, it had been passed down to the son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughing, Daemon tore off his shirt, revealing the ominous tattoo etched across his chest and shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's see what you've got!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash of golden brilliance erupted around him as his own colossal armor materialized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phoenix watched with a pleased smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Golden Dragon Armor… and its Silver twin. Two of the SS-class relics.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were the most powerful dragon-forged armors ever crafted by human hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, they belonged to two boys who hadn't even turned eighteen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This generation… is terrifying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before his eyes, the two clashed like colliding tanks—armor against armor, no weapons, just raw fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly the way Phoenix liked it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's make this damned academy worth something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, he would draw everything out of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Elite were essential to the Empire ... and to the coming war with their ancient enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were the talents destined to lead the charge one way or another, which is why they received so much investment and attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the title \"Elite\" didn't mean equality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, they bore the same name… but within their ranks, the differences were stark. Only a few truly possessed monstrous potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were fated to rise and shine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others… to be forgotten and cast aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among those students ...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was a girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriana ... The bookworm. The coward. The one who had always carried herself in a way unbecoming of the elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She now sat alone in her dark room, fixated on something in her hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her room was stark .. eerily so, especially compared to other girls'. Sitting on the floor, Adriana clutched something tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, the longer she looked at it, the more her smile widened…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Revealing a face no one had ever seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there were a word for her expression now ...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be disturbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon closer inspection, the object in her hands was a photograph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A photo of a particular girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sansa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh… how adorable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriana spoke softly, recalling the princess's display of power. The demonic shadows that shredded her opponents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In those fleeting moments, Adriana had barely managed to maintain the mask she'd worn until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahh… my dear Sansa…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lifted her head to gaze at the room around her—walls, floor, ceiling—completely plastered with pictures of the princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens. Hundreds. Far, far too many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the same unsettling smile, Adriana's eyes softened further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really are… perfect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something had definitely changed in that room.\u003C\u002Fp>",1698,"2026-05-30T03:41:22.346Z","2026-06-01T04:30:12.387Z",1,"novelbin.me","e6dbc1dc20e9a60feea5c50fbd32a901fa407121773a118b54cd82332a93aa2e","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-245","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-243",866,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-villain-s-pov-cover.jpg"]