Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 176

Chapter 176: Chapter 175- The truth(2)
Many things didn’t make sense.

When was Austin that strong? A born talent? Strong enough to challenge the Demon Lord at his prime?

This didn’t make sense since even the original version of Austin didn’t show any talent worth being a Hero. It has always been Rhea—the being who was called the reincarnation of Hero Kane.

Then how…

“Madame Selner, can you start from the beginning?” Valerie asked. Somehow, she didn’t find it ridiculous after hearing the lady.

Selner exhaled a deep breath as she said, “Astaroth is an ancient evil born from the malice of the deities, a being shaped by the darkness of the immortals. Along with his immense strength, he possesses a wealth of experience that makes him all the more formidable.”

Taking a pause, she added, “With that experience, he got a hold on a technique which provided him the opportunity to never meet his end.”

With her expression turning grim, she added, “He could split his soul into multiple bodies, and Austin knew it. That’s why he sought to travel to the past—to hunt down and destroy most of Astaroth’s bodies before they could grow stronger. He was certain that Astaroth would keep a part of himself in hibernation to ensure his survival. By wiping out his past existence first, Austin planned to return to the present and end the battle for good.”

Selner spoke in a single breath, her brows slightly tense…as if she was upset.

Austin hesitantly asked, “But…he failed?”

Selner nodded grimly, “He underestimated the being who was born from the malice of deities. Although Austin was able to defeat the Astaroth of the past, he received severe lethal damage in return as well—leaving him with no option but to take his last breath in the past.”

Valerie was now slightly irritated, “But how is that Austin related to him? Can you be more clear about it-”

“Austin split his Soul….just like the Demon King,” Selner spoke in a stronger tone, “He imitated the technique even though it was forbidden, and divided his soul into four different fragments.”

Selner evidently seemed upset about Austin’s decision to attempt it, however, if Austing hadn’t split his soul at that time, his existence would have perished.

On the other hand, Valerie and Austin were in deep contemplation.

Now…things were making a little sense, even though it still was absurd.

“So the dead body we saw is a part of my soul?” Austin asked, unsurely.

Selner nodded, “That’s the third part. The fourth part is hidden somewhere by me. However, you are not prepared to consume the last two parts yet.”

“Wait, wait. You said two are left and two are already merged together…but Austin never found the other part of his soul.” Valerie spoke with utter certainty.

That statement made Selner look at Austin with her eyes narrowed.

Austin was visibly shaken at the gaze as he heard her asking, “You haven’t realized it yet, have you?”

Austin nervously muttered, “I-I have now…”

Selner nodded, “You should tell her as well. The guilt you might be feeling is unwarranted. You never were anyone else but Austin, remember that. You forgot about your real identity but that didn’t make you someone else, so stop hesitating and tell her.”

Austin took a strong gulp.

That was…one hell of a revelation.

Although Selner didn’t say anything straightforward, it was apparent to him what she meant by those words.

Valerie kept glancing between the two but couldn’t discern what they were talking about.

In the end, she trusted Austin to tell her everything later.

“When can I absorb the next portion?”

Selner didn’t contemplate answering, “Once you reach rank A, your body will be prepared to absorb it.”

Austin’s eyes turned round, “That’s why you were adamant on me leveling up.”

Selner nodded, “Yes…and the reason your Soul Energy isn’t progressing like your other stats, is because your soul is divided into several parts.”

It was amusing that despite sounding so absurd, it all made sense.

The reason why despite trying so hard, his Soul Energy never progressed was because his Soul was limited to a certain growth. He was incomplete since his soul was divided into several fragments.

And he had to prepare his body accordingly to absorb the rest of the components.

‘I don’t know how I should feel about it.’

….

Regardless of how many questions they might have, Selner brought them back to their starting point.

Before bidding her farewell, she told Austin, “Try to have Valerie’s company most of the time, since Astaroth would continue to send Demons your way.”

Austin nodded, “I will be mindful.”

Selner soon disappeared, and the duo were left alone.

Valerie was silent for a long time, waiting.

Austin knew what she wanted to hear.

Most of the things Selner said, she wasn’t able to comprehend.

However, she trusted that her lover would tell her everything.

Regardless of whatever the matter was, Valerie knew he wouldn’t conceal it from her.

She trusted him for that.

Austin didn’t turn to look at her when he suggested, “How about we take a walk?” It was apparent that he wanted to talk.

Valerie didn’t say anything and just held his hand and began walking.

Although they were immensely tired mentally and physically, nothing could stop the girl from listening to the whole truth.

Austin could feel how eager she was.

Well, he couldn’t blame her. This was about him and his past.

Previously, Austin has always been hesitant about his past. He always felt that if Valerie got to know that Austin was once someone else, she would feel betrayed

After all, she was in love with Austin, not a foreign entity taking over his body.

The reason why Austin’s perception changed toward her…he feared if she knew, she would be hurt.

However, today, Selner gave him the assurance that Austin has always been Austin.

His soul was just sent to a different world.

It also explains why Luke was so great in any sport he played.

And it also explains why his Shard started to show progression after Luke and Austin became one. It turned out, two fragments just merged and strengthened his soul.

It all made sense now.

However, he has to tell everything to Valerie. She deserves to know it.

Heaving a sigh, Austin finally began, “Valerie…I have lived another life, but not as Austin….”

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Should I skip the conversation and add what effect it had on Valerie? Comment and tell me.

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