A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 238

Chapter 238: Sylvia (1) Part 1

The Red Garnet Adventure Team walked through the Hadecaine mansion together, taking in the surroundings. From the main gate to the front entrance, from the entrance into the halls, and from the halls out into the central garden that spread out in exquisite beauty—beyond that garden, another door led them into another corridor.

“... My, Hadecaine feels even larger than before. It just keeps growing more and more each time I visit,” Ganesha said, marveling at its size, comparable to a university campus.

Ria, Leo, and Carlos felt much the same.

“Because it is the Hadecaine,” Ria replied.

"Hey, Leo. Seriously, stop touching me," Carlos said.

Squeak, squeak— Squeak, squeak—

At the faint sound of squeaking complaints, Ria glanced over and barely held back her laughter.

"Hmm? Why, Carlos?" Leo asked.

"Ria, stop trying to sneak a touch. I already told you—no touching."

At the moment, Carlos had taken the form of a tiny hamster, sitting quietly in disguise on Leo’s palm—a technique of stealth and concealment he had perfected himself.

"Oops—sorry, Carlos. You’re just too squishy—I couldn’t help myself."

"Touch me one more time, and I’ll bite."

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry.”

In any case, the Red Garnet Adventure Team was making their way through the Hadecaine Castle, heading to take part in the test.

“Dude—what the actual fuck!”

At that moment, someone let out a loud curse—and no one needed to look back to know exactly who it was.

“Dude, seriously—are we freakin’ walking to another continent?! Like, is Deculein even showing up or what?!” Jackal griped, thumping the flat of his long sword against the hall floor with every step.

Without a word, the elderly butler gestured to the area around them.

“... What the hell’s that even mean?” Jackal said, his face twisting like he’d tasted spoiled wine.

“Might I suggest you consider the numbers,” replied the elderly butler, seeming unmoved by the man’s savage glare.

“... Numbers?”

Then, not only Jackal but also Ria and Ganesha looked around—and sure enough, the crowd had clearly thinned. When they had arrived, there had been close to a thousand adventurers.

“... That’s three thirty-seven,” Jackal muttered, reading every single trace of mana in the corridor.

"The test has long since begun. As for those adventurers unfit to proceed, I imagine they are lost somewhere within the mansion's halls."

“... Wait—Deculein’s actually here? Like, he’s the one runnin’ the test right now?”

"The master is observing," replied the elderly butler, shaking his head at Jackal's remark.

“From where—”

“Here.”

At that moment, a voice came—Deculein's—and every adventurer flinched, their eyes snapping to the source. Through every window in the corridor, he could be seen, seated in each one.

"I have no need to walk the world. Mirrors serve me—they open the way, and through them, every step you take is mine to witness," Deculein said.

Leo quickly slipped the hamster out of sight, and Ria and Ganesha positioned themselves in front of Leo, blocking Deculein's view.

“The test has now served its purpose. Let us begin,” Deculein added, his eyes sweeping across them like a blade before offering the slightest of nods.

"Yes, Master," replied the elderly butler, his fingers pressing a hidden switch in the wall.

Vrrrrrrrr...

A set of stairs had now appeared in the middle of the hallway.

“If you would, this way downstairs.”

The adventurers said nothing as they walked down the stairs. At the bottom, they found a long hallway lined with private rooms on either side.

"As a rule, each room is reserved for one person. Inside, you will find a helmet, a seat, and a biosignal transmitter. Once equipped, you may proceed with the test."

"But then the hamster can't join," Leo whispered into Ria’s ear, leaning close to her.

"Excuse me! What about pets?" Ria asked, springing up with her hand in the air.

At that moment, all eyes landed on her, and many couldn’t help but sneer.

“Mmm... it’s fine. I guess that’s just how it is,” Ria replied, letting the thought go and already moving on.

"Mhm. Carlos already left."

“... Oh?” Leo murmured, staring down at his open palm.

“... Oh.”

"The Voice... There’s a way. There’s always a way," Rohakan said. "God? You mean the one from the Altar, the one trying to play god? Hmm~ If I’d had ten more years in me, I would’ve handled him myself.