Chapter 226 (1) - The Narrow-Eyed Villain of the Demon Academy
Time flew by even faster, accompanied by the sound of a rewinding clockwork.
*Click-*
*Click-*
A door opened in the ceiling, and a woman descended.
She bore a striking resemblance to Fron, her every feature radiating mature allure.
Her beauty and sensuality were so captivating that words failed to form.
Fron's mother.
The architect of this prison.
She walked towards Rem, who lay sprawled on the ground.Upon seeing Rem's current state, a playful smile graced her lips.
“Oh my, this is unexpected. The child you chose isn't the one who became the co-ruler.”
Rem, her wounds automatically healed after absorbing all of Fron's Mana, was capable of speech.
Yet, she offered no response to the woman's words.
Unfazed, Fron's mother continued speaking in a leisurely tone.
“I'd love to see what you're capable of. Why don't you stand up? I promise I won't hurt you... much."
She added,
"That is, for now.”
At her words, Rem's body trembled.
But that was all she could do.
She lacked the will, the strength to even lift a finger.
“Sigh.”
Fron's mother let out a sigh.
“I don't know what transpired here, but you better get up. Or else, I might just have to kill you right here, right now.”
Rem finally shifted her gaze, her eyes locking onto the woman before her.
In that instant, realization dawned upon her.
This was the woman who had brought them into existence, who had imprisoned them here.
The same woman who had ordered Fron to kill the other children trapped within this prison.
Yet, Rem couldn't muster even a hint of defiance.
It was evident that she was no match for this woman, not in her current weakened state.
The sheer force emanating from her was overwhelming.
'Would Fron even stand a chance?'
The answer was a resounding no.
In the face of such overwhelming power, Rem had no choice but to obey.
She forced herself to rise.
“Good girl. You seem to be quite obedient.”
“Now then, pick up your sword and attack me. You must have a lot of pent-up frustration you want to release.”
Rem's eyes fell upon the sword lying on the ground.
The same sword Fron had used to end her own life.
A surge of anguish washed over Rem.
Why were they forced to live like this?
Why did Fron have to die?
Hatred festered within her.
She wanted nothing more than to tear the woman before her to shreds.
And so, Rem picked up the sword and swung it.
*Whoosh-*
*Whoosh-*
Her movements were clumsy, devoid of any form or technique.
A mocking smile played on her mother's lips.
“You killed the child I personally bestowed a name upon with such crude skills? I find that incredibly hard to believe. What trickery did you employ?”
“……Shut your mouth. Don't you dare utter Fron's name with your filthy lips.”
“My, my. It seems a disobedient child needs to be punished.”
With light, effortless movements, Fron's mother dodged Rem's attacks, taking one step closer, then another.
*Thud-*
Her fist connected with Rem's jaw.
Rem staggered, blood spewing from her mouth.
It was a simple attack, yet it sent shockwaves through Rem's body.
“Is that all you've got?”
“Shu
Rem swung the sword again.
*Thud-*
Her mother's fist found its mark, this time striking Rem in the abdomen.
*Whoosh-*
Undeterred, Rem swung the sword once more.
*Thud-*
But her attack missed its target.
Her mother's fist, however, did not.
It slammed into Rem's stomach with brutal force.
Rem doubled over, her body contorting into a crescent shape.
Blood and saliva dribbled from her lips.
Her mother frowned, disgusted by the sight.
“How unsightly.”
Rem, lying on the ground, couldn't retort.
*Crunch-*
Her mother pressed her heel onto Rem's head.
The sharp point of her shoe dug into Rem's skin, drawing blood.
The pain was excruciating, but Rem refused to give in.
With a final burst of strength, Rem reached out and grabbed her mother's ankle.
Her mother let out a surprised gasp, almost impressed.
“What incredible tenacity. Any other child would have perished by now. I wonder what drives you so.”
Rem remained silent.
Or rather, she was unable to speak.
“Oh my, you've lost consciousness.”
Her mother leaned down and peered into Rem's eyes.
Rem's eyes were unfocused, her pupils blown wide.
Yet, amidst the haze of pain and unconsciousness, a spark of sharpness, of malice, remained.
A satisfied smile spread across her mother’s face.
“You possess potential. You’re worth nurturing. It’ll take some effort, of course, but…”
With a delighted chuckle, she snapped her fingers.
Illusions materialized around them, each bearing a striking resemblance to the children who had been imprisoned here.
But were they truly illusions?
They felt real, tangible.
One of the illusions reached out and touched Rem.
This was her mother's power—the ability to give substance to illusions, to make them act and feel real without expending a single drop of Mana.
It was a power akin to a 'Authority.'
And so, Rem, her memories suppressed, was carried away by these tangible illusions to an unknown destination.
At some point, consciousness returned to her.
“F-Fron… I’m sorry,” she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper.
I’m so useless. I couldn’t save you. I’m so sorry.
What should I do?
This was your life, not mine.
You deserved to live, not a worthless creature like me.
So…
'I will become you.'
From the moment she met her mother, Rem abandoned her own name.
Laurel Fron.
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