The Novel’s Antagonist: I walk the path of a Villain - Chapter 85

Chapter 85: Nelia’s Worry

“THIS IS YOUR LAST COMBAT CLASS BEFORE THE EXAMS. SINCE SOME OF YOU NONENTITIES ARE STILL NURSING YOUR WOUNDS FROM THE TEST, I WILL NOT MAKE THINGS ANY HARDER. SO FOR TODAY, WE WILL BE REPEATING THE LAST COMBAT CLASS. HOWEVER, UNLIKE LAST TIME, YOU WON’T BE CHOOSING YOUR OPPONENTS—THIS TIME, THEY WILL BE ASSIGNED RANDOMLY!”

Loud as ever, the annoying bastard addressed us all, his voice grating on my nerves.

It was now three days after my talk with Selena, and as he had just announced, today was the last combat class before the main exams. But there was still the second test to worry about. I wondered how they were going to fit it in.

[DING!]

[MOVE 100 FEET TO YOUR COMBAT DESTINATION TO FIND YOUR ASSIGNED OPPONENT.]

I glanced down at my meta-watch, seeing an arrow pointing toward a specific direction. The place was crowded as hell, so I took my time walking.

Three days gone.

Three whole days gone.

And I still hadn’t seen Selena.

I have a bad feeling about all this.

I had tried asking Nelia what she thought about it, but whenever the topic involved Selena, she just got… jealous?

‘I DO NOT!’

‘Wait… Nelia?’ I thought, confused. This was the first time I had heard her voice in my head since the whole soul-merge incident.

‘Yes, me…’ she responded, sounding irritated.

‘Does this mean the connection is fixed?’ I asked.

‘No… I just had to be here…’

‘Why?’ I asked, even more confused.

‘Emotions rouse your blessing, dummy. Given that this is combat class, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out how things are going to go down for you.’

‘…Right.’ I rolled my eyes. ‘So, you found a way to fix the connection temporarily just to nag me?’

‘No… I fixed it to make sure you don’t do anything stupid, to protect you. Don’t get me wrong, I know you’re not completely an idiot.’

‘What’s with that phrasing?’ I raised an eyebrow, frowning.

‘Shut up and listen, idiot.’

I clicked my tongue in annoyance, itching to do something about the smart-mouthed fairy. Alas, I was powerless against her.

‘Lucas is here, and given how the hands of fate operate, I know there’s a high chance of you getting entangled with him.’

I nodded.

I had already avoided most of the confrontations I was supposed to have had with Lucas if this were still following the novel’s script. At this point, I wasn’t even sure if the plot was still holding together. Some of those moments—whether it was Lorelle acting as cannon fodder or serving as a stepping stone for Lucas—had a tremendous impact on the narrative in the long run.

If things continued this way, there was a real chance the story would collapse entirely.

But I doubted that.

I knew about it, after all.

The correction.

There will always be a force trying to steer me back onto the “right” path.

I can already feel it.

Eloisa, Liliana, and Shelly.

They’re already with Lucas. Liliana’s involvement might be premature, but it’s still unfolding as expected.

The upcoming battle between Lorelle and Lucas during the exams…

I chose the alchemy path, which means I have no idea how things will play out now.

But one thing is certain.

At some point, things are bound to take a turn for the worse.

‘Listen to me, Ryan. And listen carefully.’

I could hear the weight in her voice.

‘Don’t let your emotions control you. You have a tendency to dwell on the tragedies of your past life—always.’

‘…..’

‘Don’t do that. Please.’ Her voice trembled slightly. ‘I don’t want to see you in that kind of pain again. I don’t want the process to start all over.’

There was something raw in her tone. Something I didn’t want her to feel.

‘I won’t be able to stop it next time. So, please… don’t make me desperate.’

‘…Nelia.’

‘…..’

‘Even if it does happen, I don’t want you doing anything reckless.’ I hesitated before adding, ‘I don’t say this often, but… I don’t think I can bear the thought of losing you.’

‘Then you’re an even bigger idiot if you think I’d just stand by and watch you die.’ Her voice was laced with stubborn determination. ‘If you want me to be safe, don’t give in.’

‘I can’t control everything, Nelia. So promise me… this one thing.’

‘…..I can’t.’

I sighed.

‘You do remember that I’m your master, right?’

‘Save your breath, dear,’ she scoffed. ‘I’m not going to let you die. That’s final. And I need you to remember something—your life isn’t yours alone. If you die, I die

Not because I’ll do something reckless, but because I’ve already merged a part of my essence to fill the void in your soul.

So if there ever comes a moment when all you can feel is anger, hatred, and darkness… I need you to remember me.

I’m here.

Don’t let it consume you.

Because if you do, it’ll be over. IT will take over.’

‘…What?’

‘I don’t know exactly what it is,’ she admitted, ‘but it’s a version of you that knows only hate.’

‘…..’

‘Don’t make me say I love you, because I won’t. Instead, I’ll beat you to a cripple if you forget that I’m here for you.’ Her tone was sharp, unwavering. ‘Don’t think I can’t just because I’m weakened. I still have plenty of tricks up my sleeve.’

She meant it. I could tell.

“Understood, ma’am.”

I stepped forward, finally approaching a clearer space.

And then—

“…Oh, for fuck’s sake.”

The words slipped out the moment I laid eyes on the duo ahead of me.

Standing right where the Meta Watch had been directing me—acting like a complete lovestruck idiot—was Lucas.

And the one smiling charmingly at him?

None other than Liliana.

I sighed, dragging a hand down my face.

“I should’ve seen this coming.”

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

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