The Novel’s Antagonist: I walk the path of a Villain - Chapter 54

Chapter 54: EMERGENCY TEST

“Damn it,” I groaned, glaring at the notification once more.

[NOTICE! NOTICE!! NOTICE!!!]

[ALL STUDENTS ARE TO HEAD TO THE VR LAB]

[EMERGENCY TEST]

Damn it.

How could I have forgotten this?

“But weren’t the exams supposed to start at least three weeks from now? What the hell is an emergency test?” he muttered, a deep furrow etched between his brows.

“Stop whining. I should be the one complaining,” I snapped, glancing at the figure displayed on my meta-watch.

1.9.

There was still a little progress to make before I could cross over to the next stage. But even if I did reach Level 2, it was pointless.

The lowest-ranked students in the first years were Level 4—and those were considered the weaklings. So what would I even be considered?

Ahead of and behind us were groups of students, all heading toward the VR lab.

This actually happened in the novel too, but I had completely forgotten about it.

It was during this very test that Lucas showcased his insane talent. And while doing so, he managed to save Ariana. It was here that she genuinely began developing feelings for him.

Speaking of Ariana…

I hadn’t seen her in a while. She didn’t even hang out with her friend Eloisa anymore, and then there was Rizel.

Could it be because of what I said to her that day?

Sigh.

I just hope she’s okay. Even though I may not really like her, it doesn’t mean I hate her. I just don’t want to get involved with her—or with anyone, for that matter. Perhaps I fear emotional connections. Perhaps I’m just using what I recently discovered as an excuse to cut ties with Selena.

But I can’t help it.

Those memories of Renay… they haunt me.

She died because she loved me too much.

And I died because I wanted her back. The guilt of her death consumed me.

And now?

Now, I’ve discovered she’s dead again—gone for good this time—and that hurts more than I want to admit.

“Tsk. What the heck do they even want us to do?!” he screamed, ruffling his hair in frustration.

Honestly, it was understandable. We had only resumed a week ago, and now, out of nowhere, a test?

But I guess it was to be expected. We didn’t go through any entrance examinations—just direct admission. Naturally, that meant a lot of us who didn’t qualify to be here were here.

Case in point: me.

In the novel, Lorelle had already merged with his blessings. Not only that, but he had done so at least three years ago. If I were him now, I’d be at Level 7 or 8. He was powerful enough in the storyline to accept a challenge from the protagonist, though that didn’t mean he could win—not with all the plot armor Lucas had.

“I don’t know,” I said with an exasperated expression.

I did know. I just hated it.

It was some vampire den attack—a simulated one. If things went the way they did in the novel, we’d be assigned teammates once we got to the lab.

“Could it be a tournament?” he asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Keep dreaming.

Such a test would favor individuals like you—those aiming for the path of the Magic Knights. The academy is well aware of this, which is why the evaluation not only assesses one’s ability to adapt and survive in challenging situations but also tests resilience and teamwork.

“What weapon did you choose?” I asked, my gaze fixed on him. He glanced at me sideways before responding, his tone calm but deliberate.

“A sledgehammer. Why do you ask?” His eyes locked with mine, searching for hidden intent.

“Nothing much,” I replied with a smirk, my voice light with amusement. “Just wanted to prepare some countermeasures in case we cross paths.”

He narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering in his expression. “Wait… Hey, you chimera bastard, don’t you dare—”

But I was already tuning him out, my attention captured by the marvel in front of me.

Breathtaking.

The room was a pristine white, an expansive hall filled with an array of intricate devices. My eyes were immediately drawn to one: a VR pod, as described in the novel. Yet, the novel’s description didn’t do it justice.

The device was circular, with glowing runes etched into its surface, pulsating with arcane energy. It was nothing short of a masterpiece. A single word from the novel echoed in my mind, perfectly capturing the sight before me: breathtaking.

“WELCOME, MAGGOTS!”

The booming voice jolted me back to reality. Of course, it was him again—the loudmouth. Couldn’t he just talk like a normal person for once? Must everything he said sound like a war cry?

Everyone around me stiffened, dread settling over the group. It was clear no one was thrilled to deal with him. Trouble always seemed to follow wherever this guy showed up.

“NOW LISTEN UP!” he barked, his voice sharp and commanding. “THIS IS YOUR FIRST ASSESSMENT FOR THE GRADING EXAMS. THERE WILL BE ANOTHER TEST LIKE THIS—WITHOUT WARNING—SO YOU BETTER BE READY AT ALL TIMES.”

His grin widened, sharp and predatory, as if he relished the tension in the room.

“THIS EXAM IS DESIGNED TO MEASURE HOW PREPARED YOU ARE TO ENTER THE ACADEMY. WE DON’T TAKE WEAKLINGS, AND WE SURE AS HELL WON’T BABY YOU. ONLY THE BEST OF THE BEST WILL MAKE IT THROUGH.”

Then came the part that made my stomach sink.

“NOW, ONTO THE TASK AT HAND. WE’RE GOING ON A VAMPIRE HUNT. I HOPE YOU’RE ALL READY FOR IT!”

He cackled, his voice grating against my nerves, as I sighed deeply.

The story was just beginning—and it promised to be a long one.

….

Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!

Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!

Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!

Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!