The Novel’s Antagonist: I walk the path of a Villain Chapter 85 Nelia's Worry

"THIS IS YOUR LAST COMBAT CLASS BEFORE THE EXAMS. SINCE SO OF YOU NONENTITIES ARE STILL NURSING YOUR WOUNDS FROM THE TEST, I WILL NOT MAKE THINGS ANY HARDER. SO FOR TODAY, WE WILL BE REPEATING THE LAST COMBAT CLASS. HOWEVER, UNLIKE LAST TI, YOU WON'T BE CHOOSING YOUR OPPONENTS—THIS TI, THEY WILL BE ASSIGNED RANDOMLY!"

Loud as ever, the annoying bastard addressed us all, his voice grating on my nerves.

It was now three days after my talk with Selena, and as he had just announced, today was the last combat class before the main exams. But there was still the second test to worry about. I wondered how they were going to fit it in.

[DING!]

[MOVE 100 FEET TO YOUR COMBAT DESTINATION TO FIND YOUR ASSIGNED OPPONENT.]

I glanced down at my ta-watch, seeing an arrow pointing toward a specific direction. The place was crowded as hell, so I took my ti walking.

Three days gone.

Three whole days gone.

And I still hadn't seen Selena.

I have a bad feeling about all this.

I had tried asking Nelia what she thought about it, but whenever the topic involved Selena, she just got… jealous?

'I DO NOT!'

'Wait… Nelia?' I thought, confused. This was the first ti I had heard her voice in my head since the whole soul-rge incident.

'Yes, …' she responded, sounding irritated.

'Does this an the connection is fixed?' I asked.

'No… I just had to be here…'

'Why?' I asked, even more confused.

'Emotions rouse your blessing, dummy. Given that this is combat class, it doesn't take a genius to figure out how things are going to go down for you.'

'…Right.' I rolled my eyes. 'So, you found a way to fix the connection temporarily just to nag ?'

'No… I fixed it to make sure you don't do anything stupid, to protect you. Don't get wrong, I know you're not completely an idiot.'

'What's with that phrasing?' I raised an eyebrow, frowning.

'Shut up and listen, idiot.'

I clicked my tongue in annoyance, itching to do sothing about the smart-mouthed fairy. Alas, I was powerless against her.

'Lucas is here, and given how the hands of fate operate, I know there's a high chance of you getting entangled with him.'

I nodded.

I had already avoided most of the confrontations I was supposed to have had with Lucas if this were still following the novel's script. At this point, I wasn't even sure if the plot was still holding together. So of those monts—whether it was Lorelle acting as cannon fodder or serving as a stepping stone for Lucas—had a trendous impact on the narrative in the long run.

If things continued this way, there was a real chance the story would collapse entirely.

But I doubted that.

I knew about it, after all.

The correction.

There will always be a force trying to steer back onto the "right" path.

I can already feel it.

Eloisa, Liliana, and Shelly.

They're already with Lucas. Liliana's involvent might be premature, but it's still unfolding as expected.

The upcoming battle between Lorelle and Lucas during the exams…

I chose the alchemy path, which ans I have no idea how things will play out now.

But one thing is certain.

At so point, things are bound to take a turn for the worse.

'Listen to , Ryan. And listen carefully.'

I could hear the weight in her voice.

'Don't let your emotions control you. You have a tendency to dwell on the tragedies of your past life—always.'

'…..'

'Don't do that. Please.' Her voice trembled slightly. 'I don't want to see you in that kind of pain again. I don't want the process to start all over.'

There was sothing raw in her tone. Sothing I didn't want her to feel.

'I won't be able to stop it next ti. So, please… don't make desperate.'

'…Nelia.'

'…..'

'Even if it does happen, I don't want you doing anything reckless.' I hesitated before adding, 'I don't say this often, but… I don't think I can bear the thought of losing you.'

'Then you're an even bigger idiot if you think I'd just stand by and watch you die.' Her voice was laced with stubborn determination. 'If you want to be safe, don't give in.'

'I can't control everything, Nelia. So promise … this one thing.'

'…..I can't.'

I sighed.

'You do rember that I'm your master, right?'

'Save your breath, dear,' she scoffed. 'I'm not going to let you die. That's final. And I need you to rember sothing—your life isn't yours alone. If you die, I die

Not because I'll do sothing reckless, but because I've already rged a part of my essence to fill the void in your soul.

So if there ever cos a mont when all you can feel is anger, hatred, and darkness… I need you to rember .

I'm here.

Don't let it consu you.

Because if you do, it'll be over. IT will take over.'

'…What?'

'I don't know exactly what it is,' she admitted, 'but it's a version of you that knows only hate.'

'…..'

'Don't make say I love you, because I won't. Instead, I'll beat you to a cripple if you forget that I'm here for you.' Her tone was sharp, unwavering. 'Don't think I can't just because I'm weakened. I still have plenty of tricks up my sleeve.'

She ant it. I could tell.

"Understood, ma'am."

I stepped forward, finally approaching a clearer space.

And then—

"…Oh, for fuck's sake."

The words slipped out the mont I laid eyes on the duo ahead of .

Standing right where the ta Watch had been directing —acting like a complete lovestruck idiot—was Lucas.

And the one smiling charmingly at him?

None other than Liliana.

I sighed, dragging a hand down my face.

"I should've seen this coming."

Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give more motivation!

Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give more motivation!