Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 390 : Awakening (5)

Alon descended into the depths and encountered Karsem once more.

After absorbing the general outline of the strategy, Alon started to organize his thoughts.

“If I were to summarize, his intention is to prolong this war of attrition until all fighting forces are depleted, then seize the territory.”

“Precisely.”

“Should this plan be exposed, and individuals like Babayaga attempt an escape, then there will be no alternative but to unleash the anomalous entities prematurely.”

Observing Karsem’s silent nod, Alon proceeded.

“You mentioned that confrontations with these anomalous entities occur every three days?”

“That is correct.”

“What is the strength of these entities?”

“Ah, regarding that, I believe I can provide a general explanation.”

This time, Lime, who had remained a quiet observer, stepped in to address Alon’s inquiry.

“To put it simply, you can consider the anomalous entities to be at a level that Babayaga could handle with relative ease.”

“Even if several of them were to converge on her?”

“...I believe she could manage up to five.”

“And what about the combatants below her tier?”

“With A-rank individuals, a single entity might be manageable, but from B-rank and onwards… they would require teamwork from two or three.”

“Approximately how many anomalous entities manifested in the most recent engagement?”

“While I couldn’t ascertain the precise figure, it was estimated to be somewhere between one hundred and one hundred fifty.”

Alon, contemplating the disparity in numbers for a brief moment, deduced the answer without much difficulty.

“Were the remaining threats dealt with by Seolrang?”

“Indeed.”

Responding to Lime’s affirmation, Alon began to process the information he had gathered thus far.

When reflecting upon the methods available up to this point, Alon found that truly viable options were scarce.

Or rather, from the outset, the number of variables requiring consideration was overwhelming.

The Colony where the conflict was to take place teemed with an immense population.

Certainly, disregarding them might simplify strategic planning, but Alon harbored no inclination to do so.

That was not the sole factor Alon had to weigh.

If anomalous entities were to appear immediately, what would be their number?

He also had to contemplate the potential form the divine-blood might assume.

Above all else, the most critical consideration was this:

Alon did not possess a pronounced self-awareness of his own standing, yet due to the constant input from Penia and Evan, he could readily perceive this subtle undercurrent of unease.

Was it genuine confidence, or was some hidden manipulation at play?

Following a fleeting moment of apprehension,

Alon posed a question to Karsem, just to be certain.

“Merely for clarification, Karaan is aware of my presence within the Colony, am I correct?”

“Most likely.”

“Then, is there a discernible reason for his inaction, given this knowledge?”

“...That specific detail, I cannot confirm.”

In response to Karsem's answer, which offered no easy resolution,

Alon concluded, as he had suspected, and momentarily set that line of inquiry aside.

Karaan’s motives were undoubtedly significant, but at this juncture, there was insufficient time to dedicate to deciphering them.

The window of opportunity afforded to Alon was merely around two days.

Returning to the primary objective, Alon continued his deliberations.

How much time elapsed in this state of contemplation?

Alon, who had been silently drumming his fingers until now, finally spoke.

“Let’s consider this approach.”

He began to articulate the strategy he had been formulating internally.

***

Upon the conclusion of Alon’s detailed explanation,

“Very well. We shall proceed according to this plan.”

“We will commence our operations with Seolrang starting late this evening.”

“My gratitude.”

Karsem and Lime promptly mobilized.

Alon, similarly, ascended to the surface.

“Seolrang?”

As soon as he emerged, he spotted Seolrang, who had not been part of their recent discussion.

Alon recalled Lime's earlier mention of Seolrang having briefly stepped out.

Seolrang, her usual effervescent smile gracing her features, called out.

“Master!”

“Where had you gone?”

“Ah! I had a brief personal errand to attend to outside!”

She then scurried towards Alon with quick steps, and—

“Ah!”

She halted abruptly, as if a sudden realization had struck her.

“Master! My apologies! I still have something I need to take care of, so I must depart again briefly!”

“You have further matters to attend to?”

“Yes! I should have completed this along with everything else, but it remains unfinished!”

With that, Alon observed Seolrang, who maintained her radiant smile.

“Understood.”

He soon gave his assent.

Leaving behind the parting words, ‘See you shortly, Master!’, Seolrang swiftly moved away into the distance.

“She is invariably cheerful, regardless of the circumstances.”

“Seolrang?”

“Well, yes. Typically, in such dire situations, one would expect a certain measure of somberness.”

“Mm—perhaps it stems from the fact that for her, as long as the Marquis is present, all is well?”

“That sentiment is certainly characteristic of her.”

Evan and Penia engaged in conversation as they watched Seolrang’s retreating figure.

However, Alon did not join their exchange.

His gaze remained fixed in the direction Seolrang had departed, recalling her demeanor from just moments prior.

Seolrang had, without question, been smiling.

A bright, unmistakable smile, as always; it was evident to anyone.

And yet, intriguingly.

A distinct, different impression began to form in Alon’s mind.

“Did something occur?”

It was possible that it was merely Alon’s perception at play.

Nevertheless, within Seolrang’s smile, Alon sensed not her usual lightheartedness, but an unsettling, peculiar dissonance.

A peculiar unease settled, as if concealment was the intent.

For a considerable duration, Alon's gaze remained fixed on the spot where Seolrang had vanished.

***

The subsequent day arrived.

Having verified the sun embraced the horizon earlier than anticipated, Alon directed a question to Lime,

“Was the execution of the plan completed without a hitch?”

“Indeed. It was a close call, but we concluded all tasks in the pre-dawn hours. We also secured the cooperation of the other Babayagas.”

“Then, the subsequent phase is all that remains.”

“Precisely.”

Lime offered a resolute nod.

After a brief period of contemplation, Alon stirred from his seated position.

“Let us proceed to the royal palace.”

“Very well. As you had previously instructed, I dispatched word ahead of time.”

“As a precaution, I must inquire—was my entry into the palace sanctioned?”

“Yes. ...More than sanctioned, it was as if they had been anticipating your arrival.”

The pair descended directly to the ground floor, encountering Penia and Evan, who had been awaiting them.

“Marquis, as a defensive measure, shall I accompany you?”

“Negative. For defensive purposes, you are to remain and bolster our combat readiness.”

“Understood. Nevertheless, as a contingency, please refrain from exerting yourself unduly.”

“Acknowledged.”

This time, Alon turned his attention to Evan.

A mischievous grin spread across his face as he uttered,

“May your journey be safe.”

“You jest, surely you aren't implying you will follow?”

“Come now—how could I possibly accompany you to such a place? If I were to venture there, I might be cleaved in twain before you could even reach me, Marquis.”

“Hm~”

For a fleeting moment, Alon entertained the notion of forcibly escorting Evan out of sheer vexation, but he quickly dismissed the idea.

“In any event, have a secure journey, Marquis.”

“Very well.”

“Should you sustain any injuries, Marquis, someone may very well erupt into tears, wailing~!”

“Kindly cease your commentary.”

Penia retaliated by sharply pinching Evan's flank, evidently displeased by his shameless antics.

Concluding with Evan's yelp, Alon entered the carriage bound for the kingdom.

Not long thereafter, the carriage reached its destination at the royal palace.

Alon entered the royal premises unimpeded, proceeding directly to the audience chamber where King Carmaxes III resided.

“……”

No alteration was apparent.

The opulent artifacts adorning the route to the chamber, the distinctive architectural design, even the characteristic marble flooring.

Not a solitary element had undergone change.

“....You have arrived.”

“It has been some time.”

Even Carmaxes III himself, who offered Alon a greeting upon his arrival in the audience chamber.

Nothing had shifted.

For an instant, Alon harbored a suspicion that Karsem might have been mistaken or perhaps experiencing hallucinations.

However, this notion was swiftly dispelled.

“Karaan.”

“To think you still recall my name—what an unexpected honor.”

The reason for this revelation was proximity.

Standing adjacent to Carmaxes III, much like a personal aide, was the First Prince Karaan, exuding an unusual aura.

Alon understood.

The distinct power radiating from Karaan’s form was not of a magical nature.

“As anticipated.”

Had Karaan detected Alon’s scrutiny?

The prince's voice, laced with coldness, descended upon him.

At some point, a profound smile had settled upon the prince’s features.

“You arrived with full knowledge. Precisely as expected—so that despicable cur was hiding amongst those brats in their den, was he?”

For a moment, Alon considered offering a denial, but opted instead for candor, responding with a nod.

“Affirmative.”

“Tsk, what an annoyance.”

Clicking his tongue as if this outcome was preordained, Karaan resumed his discourse with unflustered composure.

“Consequently, what information did you obtain from that scoundrel?”

“Substantially, all of it.”

“And so, you have come to confront me?”

Karaan emitted a sneer.

Observing that smile, which conveyed an unshakeable confidence in the current predicament, Alon gleaned the sought-after details through his own methods and provided his answer.

“Prior to that, I wish to engage in discourse.”

“Discourse?”

“Indeed. Certain inquiries weigh upon my mind. Would such a conversation be amenable?”

In response, Karaan regarded Alon with an inscrutable expression before stating,

“Very well, then.”

He nodded, then lightly extended his index finger to prod the form of Carmaxes III, who occupied the throne.

And then—

Chiiiiik~!

The figure of Carmaxes III, who had been seated with regal composure on the throne mere moments prior, commenced to dissolve with a chilling sound.

His ocular orbs liquefied and cascaded downwards like molten wax, his gums receded into nothingness, and his teeth detached and fell.

Ultimately, all that remained upon the throne was what seemed to be the discarded skin of Carmaxes III.

Karaan visibly recoiled with a look of disgust, then casually flicked the detached skin aside.

Thud thud—thududuk—

The skin of Carmaxes III tumbled down the steps, a grotesque spectacle.

Alon observed the scene in silent contemplation.

“Ah—well, I would prefer it if you did not regard it with such intensity. It is merely skin, after all.”

With that declaration, Karaan assumed a relaxed posture, crossing his legs nonchalantly.

“What became of Carmaxes III?”

“As you can plainly see, the skin remains, while the body has dedicated itself to the Great One.”

He shifted his crossed legs with an air of complete indifference.

“……”

Alon lowered his gaze, directing another look towards the skin of Carmaxes III, idly rolling about the dais.

Suddenly, a profound sense of gratitude washed over him for his own constitution—a countenance incapable of betraying his inner turmoil, regardless of its intensity.

“Now then, shall we commence our exchange?”

Karaan's silken voice resonated, prompting Alon to lift his eyes.

“Ah, but before we proceed, there is one matter I wish to ascertain.”

And then.

“You—precisely what are you?”

“……Might you elaborate on your inquiry?”

“My question is precisely as stated.”

Suddenly, to Alon’s perception,

“I’m curious as to why you’re called the ‘Star-Eater’ among those Great Ones.”

Karaan’s question fell.