Struggling as a Villain

Within the closed space situated in a faraway land, secluded and inaccessible by those who don't know the exact location of the place.

The surroundings gave the impression that the room was carved within a cave. The rocky walls, the damp smell, and the faint sound of running water created an ambience that resonated with the residents. Ether stones embedded in the walls cast a soft glow, lighting the hall just enough for everyone to see each other's faces.

The atmosphere of the place remained far from pleasant, a testament to the fact that none of these people knew each other on a personal level, but were connected by a common thread. The thread of belief and devotion.

Around the round table, there were twelve seats; however, three of them were left vacant, signifying the absence of the members who should have been playing a vital role in this meeting. However, what no one expected or could have envisioned, came to reality.

The apostles of Light had betrayed their God to take the side of Darkness.

"We are gathered here to discuss the next course of action which could bring us closer to our goal." The blond girl with elongated ears began. Her whole demeanour oozed with calmness, and her beautiful face was mesmerizing enough to prevent anyone from stopping her from taking the lead.

The girl continued, "Our goal, as I'll briefly explain again, is to bring the Emissary of Light closer to an immortal state. This way, when the Death God descends, we'll have someone from our side able to confront that darkness."

"And how will we do that? By training him? And why him? Why can't we, the apostles of light, can do it?" The dark-skinned man with a shaved head asked, as in general.

The apostles of light were aware of their existence as special beings from the moment they were born. However, they were told about the Emissary of Light, Ethan that is, recently.

Now, having the mindset of being the pillars of light against the Death God since childhood, only to be told that they were only responsible for protecting the Emissary, would surely affect the Apostles. Of course, negatively.

A long, curly, green-haired woman, who was petting a small fox, answered that question that began with a sigh, "How foolish can you be, Theodore? We are called mortals for a reason."

The man, Theodore, snarled, "Then what's the point of being an apostle?"

"Are you regretting the decision of siding the light now?" A slim black-haired boy, who looked no older than twelve years old, asked with a thin frown knitted on his brows.

Theodore's mood worsened, however, he was aware of the consequences of answering that question recklessly. So he stayed silent.

The blond elf continued, "Lord Ethan is the only hope that can save us and all humanity from their impending doom. As such, we have to make him see on which side he should rely."

The news about Richard being involved with Darkness, and Ethan being closely connected to the evil worshippers has reached the ears of the Apostles. And it created a strong surge of urgency, bringing them together for a meeting for the first time.

"How can we do that? Brainwashing him?" This time it was a young girl with twin tails and bright, unblinking blue eyes who asked.

"Foolish." The youngest one in the room, the same boy who gave Theodore the warning, mocked.

"Are you here to insult others or do you have any suggestions to provide, James?" The woman with the fox asked.

The boy, James, heaved a sigh before relaying what he had in mind, "We can just make him see what is the reality of Darkness and let him decide whether he wants to stay there or...." James allowed his words to trail off, considering it wasn't necessary to finish.

The blond elf looked contemplative hearing that, while Theodore asked, "How can we accomplish that? Make him read history books or something?"

The twin-tailed girl bluntly said, "Did you drop some brain cells en route, Theodore?"

The red-eyed male growled, his aura intensifying, making the room appear smaller than before. However, none of it was enough to make any of them flinch here except for one beside Theodore, who instantly hid herself under the table.

"Stop it, you two. We need a plan here." The green-haired woman chided before she directed her eyes toward the person who was the reason why they all were present there.

The elven woman asked, "Eleanor, do you have any suggestions?"

Finally, the teenager with violet hair leaned forward and without looking at anything particular, she said,

"We first need to break his trust in Richard. And for that, there are a few sacrifices we need to make."

A simple set of words escaped her mouth but it was more than enough to make others feel the weight of the determination and rage she has been containing within herself.

Eleanor hasn't forgotten anything. Betrayed by Emily, the insult she received from Elizabeth, and the disappointment she saw in Ethan's eyes.

And especially, that threat from Richard.

She hasn't forgotten anything, and now, Eleanor's whole existence is devoted to getting back on those people who have somehow inflicted wounds on her.

And when the dust settles, she will disappear with Ethan and start a new life. Just the two of them.

'You might not understand me now, Ethan, but soon, I will make you see that you can't trust anyone except for me...'

---------**--------

The next morning, Richard and Amelia were summoned by the Headmaster, for obvious reasons.

Inside the office, there were two more people: Lucy and Max.

Richard stood close to Amelia with their hands connected, ever since he entered the Academy. And this gesture was not something which the others didn't notice.

"I heard from Lucienne and Professor Max about the whole ordeal. However, if you may, Student Amelia, can you tell us what happened from the beginning. So we can reach a conclusion? Please don't force yourself if you can't talk about it though." Very calmly, Marcus asked.

Amelia glanced at Richard and after receiving a nod from him, she told the whole thing that happened last night in her room.

From Kevin appearing in her room to the fact that an unidentifiable being showed its presence, she didn't leave a single detail out of the statement.

The other three listened to her words intently, frowning at the mention of the darkness she defined in her statement. They had suspicions of Kevin being involved with Ambrobates and after listening to Amelia, they were sure,

"Someone manipulated Kevin and converted him into an Ambrobate. I sensed the Aembr from him last night." Max added once Amelia finished.

Marcus offered some water to the girl and suggested she sit down. Upon Richard's urging, Amelia sat down across from the Headmaster while the other three remained standing.

Marcus looked at how protectively Richard was standing behind Amelia, which ushered the older one to ask, "You are paranoid, Richard, aren't you?"

"Can you blame me?" The redhead asked, "Amelia has been attacked twice at a place where students should feel the safest in the academy. And both times, the warden and the security soldiers were unable to catch the intruder."

The allegation was justifiable, and so was his frustration.

Marcus heaved a sigh before apologizing, "I should be blamed for what you have faced, student Amelia. As compensation, tell me what I can do."

"Just release us from this matter. I don't want Richard to get involved in this mess anymore." Amelia wanted Richard to have a normal student life for once, but again he was dragged into a matter which surrounded him by rumours and contempt.

Marcus looked troubled. He cannot just let this slip. After all, Richard attacked a Professor. If he doesn't take any action, then other students will also become rebellious and might even disrespect their teachers.

Sensing the severity of the matter and the dilemma in which the Headmaster was stuck, Max suggested, "Headmaster, announce to the students that I was under Kevin's control, and Richard was just trying to bring me back to my consciousness."

Lucy gasped, and Marcus was also shocked hearing that, "Don't you understand, Max? You will lose your job as a Professor here."

Max smiled in defeat, "I have a lot of other jobs I can do to survive, however, if the students start to go against the teachers, the very foundation of the academy will be shaken. I cannot let that happen."

Lucy had a frown on her face, but she didn't say anything here, knowing she could not stop Max from taking his life decision.

Marcus also looked troubled, considering this was probably the best option they had to keep things in order.

Amidst the growing silence, suddenly Richard spoke, "I have a better option," Every eye turned towards the redhead before the Scarlette heir voiced something completely unexpected,

"I will simply apologize to Professor Max."

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A/N:- Character development? Thanks for reading.