[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-villain-s-pov":3,"chapter-the-villain-s-pov-the-villain-s-pov-chapter-31":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},336818,598,"Chapter 31 31: The Temple","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-31",31,"\u003Cp>- Frey Starlight Pov -\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huff...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a deep breath, my gaze drifting over my battle-worn body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha… I look like a mess.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Superficial wounds, nothing fatal—yet injuries I should have avoided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Life-or-death battles demanded absolute focus, total immersion in the fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But my mind had been elsewhere. How many times had I frozen at the sight of my opponents' corpses hitting the ground?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, they weren't far above my level. If a B-rank assassin—or worse—had caught me in that state, I'd be the one lying dead right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kill unnecessary emotions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I slapped myself and pressed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mages are far more dangerous than I expected… When I was transported to that separate dimension, I couldn't stop it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no defenses against magic spells—that was a disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need to do something about that...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clutched my skull, struggling to make sense of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A searing agony ripped through my body, forcing me to one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the hell is happening?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then I noticed it—one of the gashes on my arm was oozing with a thick, green liquid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that… poison?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pain intensified, the world spinning around me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it… Were those bastards' daggers coated with venom?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What an idiot I am…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were assassins. Of course, they'd try to kill me, not just defeat me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My reckless fighting had left me riddled with wounds—far too many for comfort. The poison had to be flooding my veins by now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cursed, gritting my teeth against the nausea and blinding pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have to do something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, I pulled out my personal device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luckily, I had a solution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I immediately purchased a new talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Poison Resistance] – 2000 Achievement Points\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Current Achievement Points: 6700\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn this system…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first talent cost me 500.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second, 1000.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now this one demanded 2000?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cost kept doubling every time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no choice. I accepted the purchase, and as soon as I did, a new talent appeared alongside my others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like a piece of my very essence had been ripped away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seconds later, exhaustion swallowed me whole, and I collapsed into darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft breeze brushed against my face as my senses slowly returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I opened my eyes, a familiar ceiling greeted me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Welcome back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many times had I woken up to this sight?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smirking, I pushed myself up, finding myself in the bed—the very place where it all began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bandages wrapped tightly around my body, covering my wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sluggish heaviness settled over me, confirming I'd been unconscious for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Ada entered the room, her face lined with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Frey… You're awake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah… How long was I out?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hesitated at first but sat beside me when she saw I was fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the sixth day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shot up immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That means the opening ceremony is tomorrow!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ada rushed toward me, alarmed by my sudden movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Frey, you're still injured! What are you doing?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she froze as I unwrapped my bandages, revealing my completely healed body—flawless, not a single scar left behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the incident with the Shadow Sect, my recovery had become unnaturally fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I grinned, extending my hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"See? I'm perfectly fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unbelievable...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ada hesitated, her eyes scanning my once-wounded skin. She even touched the areas where my injuries had been—only to find nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I slipped on a black, long-sleeved shirt and sat beside my sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that she was convinced I was truly healed, she no longer hesitated. She finally asked the question I had been expecting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Frey, what happened? I found you unconscious, surrounded by corpses… At first, the doctors shocked me when they said you'd been poisoned. Then I heard you have poison resistance… None of this makes any sense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a quiet sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only a matter of time before the world started noticing my talents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had been seen as talentless for so long—of course, reactions like this were inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the next half hour, I explained everything to Ada—how I had been ambushed and what had happened after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for my poison resistance, I simply told her I had awakened it recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So… someone wants you dead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled at her words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who would want me dead? The answer is obvious, Ada… There's only one damn old man who would pull something like this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ada placed a hand under her chin, deep in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, I wouldn't be so sure… Frey, a lot of people want you dead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, I was reminded of who originally owned this body—Frey, the bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he hadn't even done that many terrible things yet… Was there really such a long list of people who wanted me gone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I do agree with you… Leonidas is the most likely suspect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you find any evidence?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, they were professionals… They left no trace behind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused for a second before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I already informed Lady Carmen. She'll handle things from here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sighed, rubbing my temples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope she does...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oclas Mountains – Starlight Family Headquarters\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leonidas's office was thrown into chaos as the doors exploded inward, crashing violently against the wall behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, the old man didn't even flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He barely raised his head before his gaze met Carmen's—her cold, piercing eyes locked onto him like a predator sizing up its prey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, she struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, old man… Care to explain what the hell happened?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leonidas's response was indifferent, almost dismissive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Explain what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know exactly what I mean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How would I know if you don't tell me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carmen slammed her hands onto his desk with enough force to nearly splinter it. She leaned in, close enough to feel his breath, her tone dripping with mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How long do you plan to keep playing these games, old man? A whale like you, trying to swim in a fish tank… Haven't you had enough?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leonidas remained unreadable, his expression carved from stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As I said… I have no idea what you're talking about.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carmen's temper was infamous, and Leonidas's nonchalance only fueled the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm talking about Frey, dammit!\" she snapped. \"He abandoned his position, walked into hell itself, and barely made it back… So tell me—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She grabbed the old man by his collar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why the hell are you still after him?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment—a fleeting second—Leonidas's eyes darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A memory surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Himself, collapsed on the ground. Defeated. Humiliated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before him stood a man in his early thirties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A closer look revealed the resemblance—Frey's face, but older.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, Frey's father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man gripped a massive sword, his black, vortex-like eyes swallowing Leonidas whole, stripping him of every ounce of pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene was burned into his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leonidas had vowed never to crumble again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sharp motion, he shoved Carmen's hand away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For the last time… I don't know what you're talking about.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carmen took a step back, a mocking smirk curling her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still clinging to that inferiority complex against your brother's family?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just words—yet the sheer pressure that erupted from Leonidas's body was heavier than any blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice rumbled like distant thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Carmen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Watch your mouth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carmen studied him, intrigued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both of them were masters of the Stardust Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both were the only living practitioners to reach the seventh level of it .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both held the rank of S+.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, they were equals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Leonidas was older.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And no one knew what he was truly capable of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing this, Carmen chose her battles wisely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, fine… No need to get all worked up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just before stepping out, she paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leonidas… Our time is over. Step aside for the next generation. Either that…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or find a whale your own size to fight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leonidas understood the warning hidden beneath her words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Carmen left, silence filled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single strike of his fist reduced his newly replaced desk to dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't expected Frey to survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That strike team was more than enough to take down a B-rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, a D-rank child had walked away alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was someone backing him from the shadows?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the only logical explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Frey was about to enter the Temple—beyond Leonidas's reach, under constant surveillance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old lion sat there, his mind racing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, his brother—Izan Starlight, the Second Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the third—Abraham Starlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, Frey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fist clenched tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won't fail this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His resolve remained unshaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battle against Frey was far from over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Frey Starlight Pov -\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood before a colossal gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress my awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Towering walls stretched skyward, with a shimmering, transparent barrier forming a dome over them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dome that protected a sacred place—a city in its own right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had arrived at the Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today had been a series of shocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, stepping into Belgrade, the capital where the temple resided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, witnessing the Aerial Tramlines—massive trains suspended in the air, weaving through every corner of the vast metropolis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, standing before the temple's entrance, on the verge of a new beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The place was massive. Even from where I stood, I could see dozens of skyscrapers piercing the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahead, an endless line of students moved forward, each undergoing rigorous security checks before being granted entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no reason to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bidding my sister farewell, I walked straight to the front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because I was one of the elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A towering man with a sharp gaze blocked my path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sheer presence was suffocating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that I couldn't sense anything from him only meant one thing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was leagues above me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single, cold word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Frey Starlight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a split second, his expression shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as quickly, it vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With effortless precision, he tapped away at a holographic tablet in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange sight. Like a gorilla in a suit, flipping through digital documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Frey Starlight. Elite Class. Rank B-9.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After confirming my identity, he gestured forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, I stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had entered the Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>",1734,"2026-05-30T03:41:22.067Z","2026-06-01T04:30:13.202Z",1,"novelbin.me","fd7a25ff32a41c47c509036edd64612c20e892417cd51aec2403e4bf16eaae63","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-32","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-30",866,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-villain-s-pov-cover.jpg"]