THE VILLAIN'S POV Chapter 8 8: A Step Towards Hell (2)

-Frey Starlight POV -

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"I will grant this world only one thing—my dick."

…

…

…

Accompanied by Ada, I traversed the massive hallways of the Starlight family's ancestral castle.

The sheer scale of the architecture left me in such awe that I moved with extreme caution, my anxiety preventing me from truly enjoying the magnificent surroundings.

A faint but suffocating pressure weighed on me from the distance—a phantom sensation resembling thousands of needles poking my skin from every angle.

I couldn't even begin to guess how many there were… Locations that contained such a high density of monsters were incredibly rare—likely few enough to count on one hand.

Keeping my gaze fixed on the floor, I continued walking, fully aware that these titans were observing my every move. I didn't dare act out of line… at least, not for the time being.

Every so often, Ada would glance back to monitor me, and I noticed a brief flash of sympathy in her eyes. She remained silent, and I followed her lead.

We crossed paths with various people as we moved. The Starlight family was immense—under the main house's banner, a multitude of branch families lived together.

Encountering so many individuals was inevitable. While most offered a polite bow as we passed, their eyes burned into me with a venomous intensity.

I occasionally questioned, 'Why is Frey so despised?' though the answer wasn't really necessary. His own memories provided all the context I needed.

If I recalled correctly, the first attempt on Frey's life in the original narrative occurred after his enrollment at the temple.

Even though his fate was to die in every possible branch of the story, he always managed to survive the initial third of the plot—after all, he served as the primary antagonist during the first year at the temple.

Therefore, in theory, I wasn't in any immediate peril unless I committed a massive blunder. Honestly, who would be bold enough to provoke the Starlight family?

"Well, well, look who decided to show up… If it isn't the family's sole disgrace?"

A condescending voice broke my train of thought. Standing at the end of the hall was a boy with snow-white hair in a bowl cut and sharp gray eyes. His noble outfit was a perfect harmony of blue, white, and gray.

Following behind him was a girl who looked just like him, though she was shorter and held her head at an angle of bored apathy.

'Who are these two? And what was that comment? The family disgrace?'

I began digging through Frey's memories to place them, but Ada—always the protector—stepped forward before I could find the answer.

"It has been some time, Emond, Clana. You have both matured quite well."

'That’s right… These two are twins, Frey's cousins. They are the same age as he is.'

The girl, Clana, responded with a small nod and a playful smirk, while the boy, Emond, strolled forward with light steps.

"Your beauty has only increased, Lady Ada. It is a pleasure to see you… However, I wasn't addressing you."

Emond made a casual gesture toward me. "Is something wrong, dear cousin? Hiding behind your big sister? Are you even a man? Hah?"

Oooooh.

Well, look at this. I hadn't anticipated anyone speaking to Frey in such a manner so soon…

I didn't remember writing anything about these twins, meaning I was currently dealing with the unknown—characters who were essentially nonexistent in my original notes.

I stepped out from behind Ada, wearing a smile. "Yes, yes, I am right here, cousin. How have you been lately?"

Emond’s brow furrowed before he forced a smirk of his own. "You seem quite eager to show off that grin. Is the title of Lord really that intoxicating to you?"

I gave a simple shrug. "Oh, absolutely. I am practically overwhelmed with joy. Actually, I'm so thrilled I want to shout 'I AM THE LORD!' at the top of my lungs for everyone to hear… Aren't you happy for me, Emond?"

Taking two steps forward, I closed the gap until we were standing chest to chest. "Your favorite cousin is about to be named the official Lord of this family… Surely, you must be crying tears of joy… Right?"

Emond's face shifted rapidly from mockery to a scowl, eventually settling on pure rage.

Nearby, his sister Clana looked delighted, as if she were enjoying a high-quality performance. Ada, meanwhile, looked as though she might step in at any second.

Emond leaned in further, standing so close it looked like we were about to kiss.

"Listen, Frey… Do you have no shame? After everything you've done, with those pathetic skills of yours… You still have the nerve to show your face here?"

"Do you truly believe you'll take the title of Lord? Someone as classless as you… A cursed bastard like you…" Emond was visibly boiling. Throughout it all, I kept smiling.

"Yes, I do. Honestly, who is more suited for it than me? You?"

Losing his temper, Emond shouted, "Yes, I—"

But a slender hand from behind cut him off before he could finish.

Clana rested her hand on his shoulder, her eyes sharp and threatening. Emond immediately restrained himself, regaining his cool.

He backed away a few steps and let out a quiet laugh.

"So, Frey… You're claiming that a Dark attribute user like yourself is actually qualified?"

"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not… Who can say?"

I was clearly baiting Emond at every turn, but it looked like he had a plan this time. A cunning smile spread across his face.

"In that case, why don't you prove it, Frey?"

"Hm? How exactly do we do that?"

"It's quite simple…"

He pointed at me and then at himself as he issued his challenge. "You and me. A duel. I want to witness the true strength of the family's future Lord. Shall we?"

Observing Emond's self-assured posture, I couldn't help but frown.

I took a quick look at his hip, where a longsword was resting in its scabbard.

Emond believed he had me trapped. Tilting my head as if I were confused, I asked,

"And why exactly should I bother with that?"

"What did you just say?"

"I have nothing to prove to someone like you, Emond. Now, get out of my way. I don't have all day to waste playing with you."

Ignoring Emond's stunned silence, I walked past him and called out to Ada.

"Let's go, Ada."

"Yes."

In a heartbeat, we left the twins in our wake, continuing toward our goal.

Behind me, Emond's voice echoed, dripping with frustration. "Frey, you coward! Get back here!"

He was talking to a wall—I didn't even turn my head.

…

Casting a sideways look at me, Ada said, "You handled that situation well."

I shrugged. "I suppose."

Emond was merely a child, so this was the most efficient way to handle him. I didn't have the spare time to babysit a sixteen-year-old. Furthermore, I was fairly certain I would have lost that fight.

I wasn't sure of Emond's exact power level, but I knew he was stronger than me. Every member of the Starlight family practiced the "Stardust Style," which required at least a Light attribute to perform.

Compared to Emond, who had likely spent his whole life training, my single month of work and recent Rank F status were completely meaningless.

I was called the family disgrace because of my Dark attribute… but ultimately, it was the ideal attribute for the fighting style I intended to master.

We'll see who has the last laugh.

…

…

After moving past the twins, we reached a massive door engraved with the Starlight family crest.

"Frey, this is the Regent's office."

"The Family Regent?" I felt compelled to ask... Even though I had Frey's memories, they were like a giant, disorganized library filled with endless scraps of data.

I could look things up, but finding specific info in that mess was a challenge.

Ada, who seemed used to my lack of knowledge, answered with a neutral expression.

"The Guardian of the Family... he is one of the most influential figures after the Council of Elders. He has served us for decades. While he is technically a servant, his power earns him immense respect in this house. After all, he attained S- rank quite some time ago."

My eyes widened. An S- ranker… serving as a butler?

A rank like that would make him a legendary hero anywhere else. Yet, within the Starlight family, he was just a servant...

Perhaps I had underestimated the weight of this family name.

Ada gave a soft knock, and the door opened immediately, showing the room inside.

Surprised by the instant reaction, I saw an elderly man standing within—straight as a spear. He was dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, radiating elegance. White leather gloves covered his hands; his left hand was on the handle while his right was held neatly behind his back.

A well-groomed beard sat on his chin, and his long silver hair was pulled back. His sharp eyes scanned me from top to bottom.

"Lady Ada… Lord Frey…"

The butler gave a graceful bow and signaled for us to enter.

"Please, enter. I have been expecting your arrival."

"Thank you, Vulcan."

Ada gave a smile as she walked in. I gave a slight nod and followed her.

Being greeted this way by an S-rank Awakener... I couldn't shake the feeling that something was strange—especially since I was only a Rank F.

We took our seats on a sophisticated couch while Vulcan sat across from us, a table separating us.

Behind him was a clean desk, and to the side, a door—likely leading to a private washroom.

The office was large and polished.

From the tea on the table to the carefully placed snacks, it was obvious Vulcan had prepared for us. Everything looked as if it had been arranged just seconds before we walked in.

His attention to detail was incredible.

Noticing Vulcan pick up his teacup, I followed suit and took a sip.

Without a doubt, it was the finest tea I had ever tasted.

I composed myself, shifting my focus back to the old butler, who I noticed hadn't stopped watching me since the moment I stepped through the door.