Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 287 : Treatment (6)

“The view here is absolutely stunning.”

As they journeyed toward the location where Rangban had concealed his secret, Evan spoke up while surveying the horizon.

Penia gave a supportive nod at his remark.

“Indeed. The Eastern Kingdom is renowned for its picturesque landscapes.”

“Hahaha, I am truly grateful for such kind words.”

The fox-eared girl acting as their guide seemed delighted by the praise, her voluminous tail swaying behind her. A look of satisfaction crossed her features.

“Scenery like this always makes me feel a bit sentimental,” Evan remarked playfully, brushing a hand through his hair.

“Isn’t it less about sentiment and more about your basic instincts?” Penia retorted instantly.

“Why would you say that?”

“Just look at you. You’re already starting to flirt—it’s obvious your instincts are working overtime.”

“I wasn’t always like this, but lately, it feels like everyone is ganging up on me.”

[That is simply because your patterns have become incredibly easy to read. To be honest, it is somewhat pathetic.]

Seeing Evan’s flustered expression, Basiliora didn’t miss the chance to provoke him further.

“Be quiet, you oversized pet snake.”

[Tsk tsk. Even when the truth is right in front of you, you choose to ignore it. You truly are the perfect example of a dim-witted human.]

As the trio engaged in their usual energetic bickering, Radan watched with a calm expression, long since accustomed to their antics.

Alon shifted his attention away from the group and toward the fox beastkin leading the way.

“If it isn't a bother, may I ask you something?”

“Certainly. I could never deny a request from the esteemed guests of His Majesty.”

The fox girl bowed with grace. Clad in traditional attire that resembled a hanbok, her swaying tail gave her the unmistakable appearance of a gumiho.

“This might be a delicate subject, but I’ve heard rumors that the Eastern Kingdom is facing some trouble.”

“Ah…”

The fox girl paused at Alon’s careful inquiry, a hesitant smile touching her lips.

“Yes. As you may have heard, the Eastern Kingdom is currently enduring a period of great unrest due to the insurrection led by General Cheonga.”

“Cheonga… is that the name?”

“It is.”

The fox girl went silent for a moment to collect her thoughts before providing Alon with a detailed account of the kingdom's internal strife.

To summarize the situation—

“So, General Cheonga has initiated a coup.”

“Yes. Supported by other high-ranking officers, he has seized control of the eastern provinces and continues to wage war.”

Alon thought back to Historia’s face for a moment before speaking.

“I was under the impression that Historia had been called in to assist. Won’t that bring a swift end to the conflict?”

Alon wasn't entirely sure of the Eastern Kingdom’s total military power. He could only guess based on DLC data, which suggested this region was a mid-to-late game area where the sins began to manifest more frequently.

However, he knew Historia was exceptionally powerful—perhaps even more so than the version he remembered from Psychedelia. Even a tiny glimpse of her true potential was enough to prove her overwhelming dominance.

“From what I understand, Great Race is helping us, but even for beings of that caliber, it won’t be an easy task.”

“Are the enemy forces really that formidable?”

“They command tens of thousands of troops. Furthermore, General Cheonga and his fellow commanders have all achieved the state of ‘Doknyeom.’”

“Doknyeom…?”

“Oh, I apologize. I believe in the West, you refer to it as ‘Derivation.’”

“You’re talking about Unique Abilities.”

“Precisely.”

A dark shadow crossed the girl’s face as she nodded in confirmation.

“And lately, rumors say that General Cheonga and his allies have gained even more terrifying power.”

“…Are they manifesting a dark aura?”

“Yes, exactly that. How were you aware?”

“We are dealing with the exact same phenomenon on our side.”

Pieces of the puzzle began to click together in Alon’s mind. It was becoming clear—the Abyssal Beings were originally the creations of Duke Komalon. Alon had assumed that with the Apostle of Sloth dealt with, production would have ceased.

Yet, these monsters continued to emerge.

As Alon fell deep into contemplation—

“I see… Regardless, I truly hope Great Race can bring this matter to a resolution.”

Alon nodded, sharing the fox girl’s sincere wish.

***

While Alon traveled toward the destination Rangban had indicated, a different scene was unfolding in the eastern sector of the kingdom.

A man dressed in lavish robes—the prince and acting regent of the Eastern Kingdom—was in consultation with a subordinate.

“Was the missive delivered?”

“Yes, My Lord.”

“And what of the preparations?”

“They have guaranteed success. I am told they have made extensive plans specifically to neutralize Great Race.”

“Are you absolutely certain?”

“They gave their word that there is nothing to fear.”

Birang nodded, pleased by the servant's report.

“Is there anything else to address?”

“The internal opposition has been dealt with. We have secured all necessary support, so all that remains is for you to take the throne tomorrow once the dust settles.”

“Perfect.”

Birang smiled at the flattery and turned his gaze toward the window. A grand palace dominated the view. After a long silence, he whispered to himself.

“If only my father had simply abdicated in my favor…”

The reason Birang had allied himself with the traitorous General Cheonga was simple: his father. Specifically, he had discovered that King Urang intended to bypass him, the first prince, to name the second prince as the successor.

In reality, this wasn't a matter of favoritism; Birang was simply incompetent and unfit to rule. This was a fact obvious to everyone except Birang himself.

The only reality he accepted was that the throne was his by right, and the current king had to be removed. To achieve this, joining forces with the general was his best path to power.

While the general fueled the war outside, Birang orchestrated the betrayal from within. By yesterday, every piece was in place.

Birang pushed any lingering doubts aside. If the general was as skilled as he believed, then handling some old fox wouldn't be an issue.

There were still some wild cards, however. Guests of the king had arrived just yesterday. Birang’s brow twitched with irritation. He had even enlisted 'that person' to blockade the sea, yet they had still managed to break through. Their presence was a nuisance.

But the feeling was fleeting. He took a deep breath to steady himself. He didn't believe a few outsiders could dismantle a plan of this magnitude.

“I am looking forward to tomorrow.”

With a cunning grin, Birang envisioned the dawn of his new era.

***

“Is this the spot?”

“It is.”

It was late afternoon, and the sun was dipping toward the horizon when Alon reached the mysterious site. On the surface, the area appeared unremarkable.

Four massive sarasu trees rose from the center of the clearing. Between them was a stone staircase descending into the earth. Despite the simple appearance, Alon felt a strange prickle of familiarity—a sense of déjà vu. He stopped for a moment, observing the scene.

“I’ll be going down now.”

“Good luck.”

“We’ll be right here waiting, brother.”

“As will I.”

Alon walked toward the entrance alone, leaving his companions behind. The king’s orders had been specific: he had to enter the depths unaccompanied.

Thud—thud—thud—

The sound of his boots hitting the stone stairs rang out in the quiet air. As he descended, the natural light faded away, replaced by a growing darkness. Just as the echoes of his movement began to fade—

Alon stopped, stunned by the sight of the subterranean chamber before him. The scale of the space was impossible.

“…?”

Alon felt a jarring sense of spatial distortion. He had only walked down about twenty steps, yet when he looked up, the entrance was nowhere to be seen. The ceiling was so high it was lost in the gloom. It was a complete defiance of logic.

However, Alon didn't dwell on the impossibility. He moved deeper into the cavernous hall. The chamber was strangely illuminated; despite being underground, everything was perfectly visible.

As he walked further, he discovered the source of the radiance. A pond filled the center of the room, and within it floated unique lotuses that pulsed with light. In the middle of the water sat a serene pavilion.

It was a scene straight out of a mystical dream. Mesmerized, Alon stepped onto the bridge leading to the structure. As he reached the center, a soft glow emanated from his clothes.

He reached inside and pulled out the white magatama the king had given him. It was shining brightly. Looking at the pavilion, he noticed a small indentation perfectly sized for the artifact.

Click—

The magatama slid into the slot as if it had always been there. Alon breathed a sigh of wonder, but it was short-lived. A sudden wind swept through the chamber, drawing the glowing lotuses toward the pavilion. They swirled together in a frantic dance, merging into a single point.

Before his eyes, the flowers coalesced into a human shape. Alon’s eyes widened in shock. He blinked, trying to focus, but though the figure was right in front of him, he could not truly "see" them.

It was the same sensation he had felt when facing Yongrin before his ascension—a presence he couldn't fully comprehend. It didn't make sense. Alon now possessed various divine authorities and could perceive Yongrin clearly. He was much stronger than before.

And yet, this being remained a blur to his senses.

Tension filled his body as he stared at the entity. At that moment—

[I have been expecting you, mage—or should I say,]

A regal, resonant voice filled his mind.

[Star-Eater.]

The voice spoke his name.