The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Inside, the corridors were dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the ornate walls. I moved with purpose, my mind already shifting gears from the lesson I had imparted to Maris to the pressing matter of the Deadly Hollows. The air was thick with anticipation, the stillness of the mansion a stark contrast to the chaos that was to come.

I made my way to my private study, a sanctuary of sorts, where the weight of the world seemed to lessen just a fraction. The room was filled with books, maps, and various artifacts, each meticulously organized. I sat at the massive mahogany desk, its surface clear save for a few essential documents and the map I was about to scrutinize.

Unfurling the map, I traced my finger along the marked locations, each one representing a known hideout of the Deadly Hollows. These vermin had spread like a disease, their influence corrupting everything they touched. Tonight's encounter had only solidified my resolve to eradicate them. I needed a precise and efficient plan to strike at their heart.

As I pored over the details, a soft knock on the door drew my attention. "Enter," I called, my voice cutting through the quiet. The door opened to reveal Alfred, my trusted butler and confidant. His expression was calm, but I could sense the concern lurking beneath his composed exterior. "Spout it, Alfred,"

"Good evening, Master Draven," Alfred greeted, stepping into the study. He moved with the grace and silence of a seasoned servant, closing the door behind him. "I take it your outing was eventful?"

I nodded, motioning for him to join me. "Indeed, Alfred. I need your assistance in gathering additional intelligence on the Deadly Hollows. Their base of operations, key members, and any recent movements. We're preparing for an assault. I've gathered some on my end, but I just need to make sure,"

Alfred's eyes widened slightly, but he merely bowed his head in acknowledgment. "As you wish, sir. I will mobilize our men and contacts immediately." He turned to leave, but I stopped him with a raised hand.

"There's more," I said, my tone grave. "We need to acquire a specific magic artifact. It's crucial for the success of our plan. Without it, we risk being outmatched."

Alfred's brow furrowed, but he nodded again. "I understand, sir. I will ensure we have all the information we need. Is there anything else you require?"

I leaned back in my chair, considering. "Yes. Prepare the traps and make sure our resources are ready. This operation which I'll tell you in the form of notes must be flawless. I also want Maris to be part of this, but in a controlled manner and if it went according to my calculation, she would meet them at the right moment.

She needs to experience real combat, but I will not throw her into the lion's den without preparation."

Alfred's concern was palpable now. "Master Draven, forgive my candor, but are you certain this is wise? Miss Maris is still very young and inexperienced. If anything were to happen to her…"

I met his gaze, my expression firm. "She has potential, Alfred. Great potential. But potential means nothing without experience. She must learn to harness her power and use it effectively. This will be her trial by fire, but I will ensure she is not alone."

In the game, Maris is one of the characters that fare greatly at the University of magic tower. I've seen her with my vision, and her ability in illusionary magic would prove very valuable in future upcoming battles, especially big-scale wars.

Alfred sighed, a resigned look crossing his features. "Very well, sir. I trust your judgment. I will see to the preparations immediately. I'll mobilize our men for the preparations,"

With Alfred gone, I returned my focus to the map, my mind whirring with possibilities. The artifact in question was a relic of immense power, one that would tip the scales in our favor or the enemy's favor.

It's called the Devil's Gauntlet.

Just like how the Deadly Hollows, which appeared at the game as an organization that aimed at people and kidnapped them to absorb their mana and make it theirs with their typical rituals, this artifact is something like a huge booster for their organization.

In the game, the moment their organization got the artifact, their threat level increased greatly for the adventurers from B+ to AAA in such a short time.

Securing it would be no easy task, but it was a necessary risk. I began sketching out the strategic plan, identifying the best approach to infiltrate the Deadly Hollows' lair and the most efficient way to set traps that would incapacitate their numbers without alerting the rest.

Hours passed in a blur of calculations and contingency planning. The room grew colder as the night deepened, but I barely noticed, engrossed in the minutiae of the operation. Every detail had to be perfect; there was no room for error.

A soft rustle of fabric signaled Alfred's return. He moved quietly, placing a stack of documents on the desk. "These are the latest reports on the Deadly Hollows, sir. Our contacts have confirmed their main hideout is heavily fortified, but there are weak points we can exploit. Additionally, I've found some information on the artifact you mentioned.

It's currently in the possession of a black-market dealer known as Varik. He's… not one to part with such items easily."

I smirked at that. "Varik, you say? I've dealt with him before. He can be persuaded when the right pressure is applied." I skimmed through the documents, absorbing the new information. Alfred's meticulous work never ceased to impress me.

"Excellent work, Alfred. This will be invaluable. Make sure our operatives are ready. I want this to be executed with military precision." I stood, rolling up the map and securing it. "Now, it's time to put our plan into motion."

As I moved to leave the study, Alfred's voice stopped me once more. "Sir… please, be careful. You are putting yourself at great risk."

I turned to him, a rare smile touching my lips. "I appreciate your concern, Alfred. But you know as well as I do that some risks are worth taking. This is one of them. The Deadly Hollows is sure a threat, and that girl, Maris… she must be prepared for what's to come."

Alfred nodded, his expression a mix of resignation and loyalty. "Godspeed, Master Draven. I will ensure everything is ready."

With that, I left the study, my mind already on the task ahead. The mansion was silent as I made my way to the armory, selecting the weapons and tools I would need. Each piece was chosen with care, each one a part of the larger plan. I donned my gear, the weight of it both familiar and reassuring.

Unlike when I faced other people with kindness, in front of Alfred, I could feel calmness and peace even when I acted out of character in kindness. There is no turmoil of disgust and disdain from my stomach that usually happened.

Maybe it's because of Draven's favorable impressions towards the loyal butler as well.

One thing that I'm absolutely sure of now is that at one point, Draven has the same emotion as mine. Looking at how the Deadly Hollows deprive the girl's family, and the bullies bullying the small weak kid, it all disgusts me, and I could feel the remnants of his soul feeling the same way.

Stepping out into the night, I felt a sense of purpose settle over me. This was more than just a mission. It was a necessary step towards restoring balance and justice. The Deadly Hollows had sown chaos and suffering for too long. It was time to bring an end to their reign of terror.

I made my way through the quiet streets, my destination clear. The first phase of the plan involved acquiring the magic artifact from Varik. It would not be easy, but I relished the challenge. As I approached Varik's lair, the shadows seemed to deepen, the air growing colder. I could feel the presence of danger, but it only sharpened my focus.

The building was nondescript, blending in with the surrounding structures. But I knew better. Inside, it was a fortress of illicit goods and dangerous individuals. I slipped through the alley, my senses heightened. This was a delicate operation, requiring both finesse and force.

As I reached the entrance, I paused, taking a deep breath. The next steps were crucial, and there was no turning back. I steeled myself, ready for whatever lay ahead.

The door creaked open, and I slipped inside, the darkness swallowing me whole.

The hunt had begun.

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