Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Chapter 51- Hunting(3)
“Please don’t panic after hearing what I am about to say,” Austin warned as he made Sebastian and Valerie sit in front of him; early in the morning.

When Valerie woke up, her Lord said that they wouldn’t be doing any training today since there was another urgent matter they needed to take care of.

She was baffled but considering how serious he looked she didn’t say anything and remained seated.

Sebastian was also startled when his master came to wake him up at four. It was quite unusual for his master to wake up before him, so Sebastian already guessed it was something urgent.

“What is it, Young Master?” Sebastian asked, a bit of anxiety reflecting in his voice.

Austin calmly told them, “I am being lured by a demon into the forest today.”

Valerie’s eyes widened and Sebastian frowned upon hearing that. However, before any of the two could have said something, Austin added,

“The demon has impersonated Rudolph and has invited me into the forest for hunting yesterday. He has asked me to not tell anyone, especially you, Sebastian.”

“Then we should hurry up and inform the authorities!” Valerie hurriedly spoke. The very thought of her Lord being targeted by the Demon made her much more apprehensive than she could ever have for herself.

Austin shook his head, “There were three Demons. If we take out the one who lost its life yesterday, there are still two left. That means the Demon could be anyone…a student, a teacher, or maybe the Headmaster. That’s why we cannot trust anyone.”

Sebastian nodded, “You are right. These Demons are brilliant in masking their presence and proficient in sneaking at places. I am assuming that it’s because of their skills that they were selected to infiltrate the academy.”

Hearing the butler’s words, the only conclusion Valerie could draw was, “That means…you are going with that creature?”

Austin slowly nodded, “I have to Val, or we won’t be able to capture the Demons. They can change their appearance, and since I am sure one of the two has taken Rudolph’s form, we shouldn’t risk our chances here.”

Although Valerie knew that her Lord was making the right decision here, she couldn’t help but feel worried about all this.

“My lord, there is a high chance for the other demon to be watching me all the time.”

Austin nodded, “Yes, Sebastian, that’s why I want you to remain before their eyes all the time, even when I go with the Demon into the forest.”

“Then I will follow you!” Valerie immediately added. If she could be near him, then at least she might have the assurance that nothing would happen to him.

However, “No, Valerie, your presence is too strong, and the Demons would keep an eye on you. Since I brought you here without letting anyone notice us, the demons would be thinking that you are in your dormitory.” After all, Austin stopped the time when he brought Valerie here.

Sebastian frowned, “Then young lord, are you planning to go with that thing alone?” In his voice, one could hear the reluctance.

Valerie also held the sentiment. Although she knew her Lord could protect himself, the opponent, this time, was not a regular human who would use predictive means to harm their nemesis. These demonic creatures are nasty and don’t hold any principles while battling.

Austin heaved a sigh, before suddenly a mask appeared in his hand, “Valerie, when you wear this mask, you’ll be able to impersonate Sebastian. The disguise will only last for ten minutes, so choose a spot where you won’t be visible to the demon most of the time. Occasionally, while wearing the mask, make brief appearances in public to keep the demon convinced that Sebastian isn’t following me.”

Valerie took the mask with a frown on her face. She has never heard of such an artifact before that allows such duration of disguise.

“Sebastian, drop a blood on that mask just when we are about to leave. And after that, remain hidden as much as you can. After class, I, along with the fake Rudolph, will leave from the back entrance of the school. Follow us silently, and wait for my signal.”

Sebastia nodded, “As you command, young master.”

———**———-

‘Really, young master has grown brilliantly in these few weeks. I am so proud of you, young master.’ Sebastian was on the verge of tears, seeing how seamlessly everything flowed according to Austin’s plan.

And now, the demon was standing before him, stripped of its arrogance as it clutched its mouth which was punched by Austin.

“You are weak, aren’t you? That’s why you were sent here.” Austin assumed, as he wiped his hand and got prepared for the battle.

The Demon narrowed its eyes and didn’t respond. There was still a chance for Kalwar to take the brat hostage.

‘While being engaged in battle, I need to get past that butler’s reach and grab the Prince.’ Kalwar planned its immediate course of action—only to find its eyes widening, as it saw something advancing towards it.

**SHLINK**

The demon ducked in the last moment as a wooden tool flew past the spot where its head was a moment ago.

“Nice dodge!” Austin cried, as he sped towards the Demon and swung his dagger.

*Cling*

The metallic scent of its blood reached the Prince’s nose before Kalwar flexed its sharp claw and dropped it toward Austin’s shoulder.

Kalwar’s claws slashed down, but Austin dodged, the tips tearing his sleeve. In a flash, Austin summoned his dagger and slashed upward, cutting deep into the demon’s arm.

The demon hissed and swung a kick. Austin jumped back, but the edge of the kick caught his shin, making him stumble slightly. Gritting his teeth, he spun around, throwing a broken plank toward Kalwar’s legs.

Kalwar jumped, landing with a crash before leaping at Austin with wild eyes full of rage. It was too fast, a blur of movement that made Austin tense, his dagger raised.

The demon appeared from the left, and Austin swung his dagger, but that was a feint, as the demon slashed its claw and damaged Austin’s right side.

“Agh!” Austin staggered back, pain shooting through him.

Kalwar vanished again, turning into mist. Austin’s heart raced as he spun in circles, trying to track the demon’s movement. The air felt thick as Kalwar moved around him, hitting from all angles.

One moment, the demon was behind him, and the next, its claws tore into his shoulder. He barely had time to turn before Kalwar appeared on his right, leaving another shallow cut.

Austin’s breaths were shallow, and blood stained his clothes. Kalwar was everywhere—quick and relentless—wearing him down bit by bit.

“What happened to you now, Prince?! Can’t keep up the grin anymore?” The Demon mocked, still not traceable with that damned skill of its.

Austin remained standing, his head hanging low, and his Shard held tightly in his left hand.

It was then,

*CLANG*

Kalwar’s eyes widened as its claw was parried by the dagger, even though Austin wasn’t even looking at it.

‘A lucky guess!’ Kalwar refused to believe that the weakling was able to dodge the attack with his pitiful senses.

He vanished again and attacked Austin from the front, only to be met by the same conclusion.

*CLANG*

Magically, Austin’s Shard appears before its claw and blocks Kalwar from enjoying the slow torture he is inflicting.

Kalwar growled in frustration, disappearing again into the mist. He reappeared behind Austin, his claws slashing downward with deadly force.

*CLANG*

The dagger shot up, blocking the attack without hesitation. Austin didn’t even flinch, his head still hanging low.

“You’re toying with me!” Kalwar spat, rage fueling his every move. He vanished again, zigzagging in unnatural patterns, aiming for Austin’s side.

*CLANG*

The shard was there, perfectly timed, deflecting the strike. Kalwar snarled, retreating only to attack from above. His claws came down like a guillotine, eager to crush the blond.

*CLANG*

The dagger rose to meet him, sending sparks flying. Kalwar’s movements grew frantic, each strike more desperate than the last. Left, right, above, below—every attack was met with the same, precise block.

Austin didn’t move. His feet stayed planted, his breathing steady, as if Kalwar wasn’t even worth the effort.

“You’re not even looking at me!” Kalwar roared, his voice trembling with disbelief. He vanished again, attacking from every angle in rapid succession.

*CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!*

The dagger danced, blocking every strike with an almost mocking ease. Kalwar stumbled back, panting, his claws trembling.

“How….” The demon spat, couldn’t believe its eyes that a mere weakling was able to catch up with his renowned skill.

Austin finally looked up, and the first thing his eyes caught was the system screen,

[Adapt is in use!]

[Remaining time: 30 seconds]

Tilting his head, Austin muttered, “Now, it’s my turn.”

———**——–

A/N:- The Demon is a C-rank, if you are wondering. Well, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reading and drop a comment.