What is the goal of a villain? That's what I wondered for the first time when I read Luke's Journey, a fantasy story where the hero faces villains and saves the day while meeting important companions who join him on his journey. It was interesting at first, but then it became repetitive. In the end, the hero saves the world from destruction not because of the demon king who was important at the beginning, nor because of the great calamities in the world, but because of the nobles who only sought their personal benefit.
Once I finished the book, I read it again. It was repetitive but quite interesting. That's when I realized something: the villains only fed the protagonist, making him stronger and stronger, and I definitely don't want to do the same.
When I first opened my eyes, I found myself in a different world. I was lying in a bed with my head bandaged, and all I could see was the ceiling because I couldn't move my neck. It took me a while to realize everything that had happened. First, I learned from Curator Angeline that I had fallen from a horse while riding and cracked my head open.
Everything would have been normal if, first of all, she had been dressed in a somewhat different way. How do I explain it? I'd never seen a sane person wear that kind of clothing. It wasn't very revealing and seemed quite warm, but it was like seeing someone in cosplay.
Then I wondered what I was doing on a horse when I live in the city—I'd never get on a horse willingly; I'm scared of animals. When I asked where I was, all the supposed doctor said was, "Don't you remember?" Then she put on a serious face and started writing in a notebook. At that moment, I understood the blow was quite serious.
Because how could I have gone from playing Civilization Builder at home to falling off a horse in the countryside? Then it was a whole scandal. The doctor called a bunch of people I didn't know, and they started asking me about things I had no idea about. I honestly thought they were making fun of me because they brought up things that only existed in fantasy worlds.
That's when I saw who was supposedly my father. He was angry; I could see it in his stern gaze, but he didn't say anything. He just stared at me for a few moments and left. Then my mother came and started crying in front of me. If this was some kind of scam, I think I'd fall for it—they could hire such good actors.
Just to confirm something, the doctor showed me a mirror. There I saw myself. I touched my face doubtfully. First of all, I didn't have these beautiful features, but it was undoubtedly me. My head started to hurt. First of all, I recognized this person—he was the villain who appeared at the beginning of the story. He wasn't important because he was weak and couldn't use his family's influence on weapons or squandered money, as his father didn't allow it. In the end, he offended an important member of the royalty and was executed. The novel mentions that his father didn't even show up for his son's final moments. Sad, but he brought it on himself. All this was just to introduce the Iron Blood Duke.
Finally, I could move my neck. From time to time, I had headaches and saw memories of this body. They overlapped with reality, or I felt like I was back home only to wake up. It was so strange; it felt like reality was breaking. Not only that, the headaches were unbearable. I spent several days in bed because of it, but after three months, I had almost fully recovered, though I still couldn't get rid of the visions and memories.
The only thing on my mind right now is not to be consumed by this villain. His emotions sometimes overwhelm me; it's like living with someone else in my own body.
The academy was undoubtedly an important place, but I was lucky to be a noble instead of a commoner. Normally, most protests happen at universities, but the problem is that the protests and groups here aren't normal. That's why, even though this was supposed to be my first day at the Real Academy of Teaching (ARE), I was very nervous.
Right now, I was about to walk through the entrance door. I knew there was no turning back. I gritted my teeth, remembered my father's words: "You cannot miss under any circumstances." I swallowed hard. May God have mercy. I walked slowly, almost fearfully. I saw students as well-uniformed as me walking toward ARE. At least I wasn't alone.
Something hit my back. I turned instinctively—big mistake. "Hi, prince," said a mocking voice that invaded my memories. I saw images of a verbal fight. "You must be pretty happy to be able to bother all the inferior students here," I returned to reality and replied with a confused look, "I lost my memory," and left. It wasn't worth arguing with someone like that.
I walked all the way to my class, the highest of all—Class A in the end would be dethroned by the lowest class, D, but before that, some years would have to pass. The problem was that we were born in the golden generation—not of nobles, but of commoners. They were absolute geniuses. The hundred commoners who managed to enter ARE were capable of reaching S-rank—not all, but enough to change the world.
I saw Professor Port enter, a tactical combat genius. When Class D reached Class A, he would take them to a much higher level. What should I do? The problem is that the commoners would become too influential in this empire and dethrone the nobles purely on merit. The benefits of mines and resources would be divided between commoners and nobles... It wasn't a problem for me since I was a duke, but it would affect all nobles. I didn't plan to stop them; I didn't want to interfere in the story.
"I see you're all excited to be here." His gaze was cold, like a hunter's. "Still, this is just the beginning. I've seen exemplary students from Class A fall to Class D. It can happen to anyone, even if you don't expect it. Be aware—you're nobles; the future of the country is in your hands." With that, he opened the book to the first page and began the class. I didn't understand any of it. In fact, halfway through the class, I just started doodling without worries.
I could read, and somehow I had technical knowledge about this world, even though I couldn't remember Ecate's memories. I could understand everything he had learned in those years I don't recall.
"I see they assigned you to Class A too," said a girl with a smile. I recognized her immediately—one of the main heroines, Lamina. "Yes, good thing you made it in too," I smiled uncomfortably while trying to escape this awkward conversation. I saw her sit next to me with a smile. "I don't want to get married," she said bluntly. Her eyes stared at me like a snake. "Not with you." I stayed silent for a moment, as if I couldn't comprehend what was happening. It was a shock even for me, who knew this heroine well.
"I can't do anything about it," she stood up and with a commercial smile said, "That's fine. I just wanted you to know. I thought it was important." I watched her leave. She was beautiful, but that was just her face. She was a snake—too intelligent to be demoted from Class A. She ended up betraying the nobles, which is why they descended in rank. Demotion wasn't just about status; the best teachers went to Class A, the resources, books, and important expeditions went to Class A.
I saw someone stand up in the middle of class—it was Prince Heir Sebastian. "Nice to meet you. I'm sure most of you recognize me. I know some may have only seen me in pamphlets, so let me introduce myself: I'm Sebastian, the crown prince. I hope from now on we all get along. If you have any problems, you can talk to me—we'll surely find a solution together."
His voice was as trustworthy as a politician's, and his neat, well-dressed appearance gave him a touch of confidence. Plus, his pleasant face made him likable. Without a doubt, he'd be popular. All the Class A students slowly started approaching him. His charisma was important, but most crucial was his power as crown prince.
I approached too and tried to talk to him, but there were too many of us. We started simple introductions among the group, and soon it was clear there were too many for real friendships. The cunning prince, with his charming smile, asked about noble ranks to then discard or accept people into his social circle. I figured he already knew the important ones, but out of courtesy, he handled accepting the key people.
In less than ten minutes, the prince's group was organized. There were no harsh words for those trying to approach with lower ranks; responses were polite, but status differences kept regular nobles away. And within that power clique, I was one of the chosen. Lamina was there too—her family were merchants, but the power they were gaining from discovering a secret formula to transmute magic stones was taking them to the highest economic level.
"Lamina, I heard you're married to Ecate." "Yes, he's super sweet, but we're not as close as we should be," she said with a slightly uncomfortable smile while glancing at me for support. "It's true, we're not as close as we should be." He changed the subject, starting to talk to others. He was perceptive—he intuited our relationship just by seeing us.
Soon the real training began. Practical classes ended, and they took us to a practice coliseum. Monsters made of magic appeared. "These are Mechas, monsters created from magic invocations—in short, there must be some summoner around here." He looked around until someone raised their hand timidly. "Good. You'll have to fight these. I'll tell you their weaknesses. Form groups."
To my luck, I ended up in the same group as the crown prince, who had to be quite strong. Our group of five was: the crown prince, Lamina, me, Asir, Mercuro. I was a mage, the crown prince too, Lamina too. Mercuro and Asir were the knights. "Let's do our best," said the crown prince with a kind smile.
"Alright, if the groups are formed, let's begin!" Immediately the world went dark. Before the scenery changed: "This place is infinitely large and simulates a dungeon. Take care of the monsters—the best teams will be rewarded with exclusive privileges." We looked at each other. "Has anyone fought in a dungeon before?" asked the crown prince. "Never," I replied. He pointed to someone else. "I have," said Mercuro raising his hand. "Alright, we'll follow what you say. We'll be the rearguard. Let's go."
We entered the dungeon fearfully. Lamina was trembling; I was too. I'd read how these dungeons were in the novel—at least we wouldn't get hurt. "Careful, I sense something from that path." The dungeon was narrow; we probably couldn't cast spells conveniently. Lamina was lighting the way with light magic. The dungeon seemed alive; the rocks pulsed.
"I'd read about this in books but never imagined it like this," said the prince. "The dungeon seems alive," said Lamina. "Be careful, there might be traps," I said. Suddenly, a loud rumble and furious footsteps heading toward us. With a quick motion, I cast a movement restriction spell—it was classic for fighting beasts. During my stay at the duke's house, I'd practiced spells countless times to achieve the same mastery as before, and I partially succeeded. But my style had changed too much because we were two different people.
The minotaur's movements were greatly slowed, but its steps carried more weight and force. "Good job," said the prince. A fire arrow shot out at high speed, breaking the wind and exploding with force in the dungeon. The sound of burning flesh and the heat of the fire were clearly felt. "Incredible," said Mercuro. The minotaur fell as if it couldn't continue. One hit took it down—this guy was at least B1 mage level. His power was otherworldly; royal blood surely ran through his veins.
I saw him extend his fist for a bump. I gave him a smile and we bumped fists. At some point while advancing, the environment changed—we could see stones lighting the path. "This is where it really gets dangerous," said Mercuro. "Why?" asked Lamina. "The real problem isn't the monsters in most cases, but the dungeon environment. Some are loaded with power that leaves you unconscious or too weak; others swallow you alive with collapses, or sometimes there's water and you drown. That's why even the strongest mages don't enter dungeons—only specialized teams should. We might die if we go further, though of course it's all an illusion."
Instinctively, I swallowed hard, looked at my hands, and felt my body. This was undoubtedly real. "No more talk—we have to advance," said the prince. I looked at him bewildered. "Alright, it's just an illusion. The best for all of us is to get first place. Let's do our best," he said with a dazzling smile. There were no more words, and the others continued.
For a moment, I stayed behind, thinking of going back, but just imagining being split in two by its horns terrified me. "Come on, hurry," said Lamina while waiting for me. I had no choice but to keep going.
Inside the cave with shiny crystals, there were small insects. Mercuro stopped. "I smell something," said Asir. "Don't let those bugs sting you—they're dangerous," said Mercuro as he walked through the middle of the bugs confidently but slowly so as not to alarm them. The bugs approached him but didn't land on his skin; they just ignored him. We'd have to go single file.
At the end was Lamina, in the center the crown prince. We walked without issues until splash—the sound of something being crushed echoed in the cave. I looked back and saw Lamina with her hand smashing the insect on her skin. She was a viper, but I guess she's pretty bad at incursions.
The next moment, the blue blood from the insect started burning her body, and all the bugs turned toward where their companion's blood had spilled. It was a silence where only the flapping of the insects could be heard. "Run!" said Mercuro. We didn't wait; the bugs started landing on clothes and bodies. There were too many to eliminate. The path was long and full of those bugs.
The prince turned, seeing how Lamina was starting to be stung by the bugs and her skin corroded. The blood mixed with that liquid turned green. I watched the scene in horror. At one point, Lamina's body couldn't continue and she fell to her knee, holding herself. Then she tried to reach for something with her hand. I watched horrified as her head exploded.
I kept running. "This is all fake, all fake, all fake." It was just mana-constructed beasts. We stopped in a bug-free spot and sat for a moment. "What was that?" asked Asir. The prince and I were still catching our breath. "Magma—they melt minerals and store them in their bodies to feed. They're a plague but immune to fire and evaporate water, so you can't drown or burn them."
"We have to stay calm. Anyway, none of this is real—it's just a simulation using summons," said the prince with a tense voice and terrified face. He'd lost his usual shine. "It's true, all this is an illusion," I said, trying to evade reality. No one had even tried to save her—no one did. "This is just a test. Don't let it affect you," said Mercuro seriously. "Follow my instructions and we'll pass this trial."