God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 535: The True Villain

Gabriel remained silent as the flood of memories replayed before him.

For the first time in ages, a sense of deep conflict churned within him.

He had eliminated Torin. He had severed ties with Black Star without a second thought. They were classified as adversaries, dismissed as hindrances, and their stronghold dismantled purely for his own benefit. However, upon witnessing this revelation, the situation no longer appeared as straightforward as it once seemed.

Black Star was far from blameless.

Torin, too, was not without his transgressions.

Yet, Gabriel found himself unable to label him as a straightforward villain any longer.

If players had annihilated his own kin, if they had inflicted harm upon those dear to him while gleefully discussing rewards and quests, would his own response have differed? Gabriel knew the answer even before the question fully formed in his mind.

No.

He would have acted with far greater severity.

His gaze drifted to a memory depicting Torin amidst a tableau of fallen bodies, gasping for breath, his visage streaked with blood and rain. The man had been utterly shattered that night, and from the crucible of his brokenness, he forged a blade aimed at every outsider he could ensnare.

Gabriel understood that particular path with unnerving clarity.

An objective, born from profound pain, could ultimately blossom into sheer madness. Torin had endured immense suffering, but at a certain juncture, the lives of others ceased to hold any significance for him. Players, regardless of their innocence or guilt, became indistinguishable in his eyes.

Gabriel's fingers clenched subtly at his sides.

Within that segment of remembrance, he perceived a disquieting reflection of himself.

He, too, had committed grievous acts in pursuit of his objectives. Darius Aston lay dead due to Gabriel's judgment of him as a future threat. General Aston was no more because circumstances dictated such a harsh resolution. Neither individual had any connection to Sutre. Neither had been responsible for the devastation of his world. Yet, they met their demise simply for occupying space too close to his intended path.

A soft sigh escaped his lips.

"Perhaps I am the true villain here."

The words felt alien upon utterance, yet he did not retract them. He was acutely aware of the trajectory he was on. He had never purported his methods to be honorable.

Tranquility is not solely the product of unwavering justice.

Survival is not bestowed upon those who scrupulously maintain their innocence.

He briefly closed his eyes, then reopened them.

"If I achieve my goal, my future self will undoubtedly express gratitude."

His voice, though low, carried an unwavering resolve. Any ensuing guilt could be deferred. His objective took precedence. The world had unequivocally demonstrated that weakness invariably invited greater suffering.

At this precise moment, the memory shifted once more. The scene now unfolded within a discreet, concealed meeting chamber. Torin was seated opposite a delegation of players, whom Gabriel recognized as members of the formidable ChaosKnight Guild. Their expressions were taut with apprehension, and their equipment suggested they were no novices among the veteran players.

"Commence," Torin commanded, his voice resonating with unyielding authority.

The foremost individual inclined his head and stepped forward to introduce himself. "As you are likely aware, we represent the ChaosKnight Guild, an esteemed order within the Holy Church. Our superiors have dispatched us to solicit your assistance in eradicating a contingent of heretics."

The man positioned at the center offered no immediate response. A few moments later, as the messengers began to exhibit signs of impatience, he finally spoke. "Pray tell, who is this individual you wish for my Black Star clan to eliminate?"

"His designation is Sir Broken, though your kind would know him as Gabriel Reyes," the leader of the messengers declared, his voice thick with palpable fury.

You. Upon hearing his name, Gabriel couldn't suppress a raised eyebrow. He had to concede, the sheer tenacity of the ChaosKnight Guild was truly commendable.

Torin's eyes ignited with an enigmatic spark. His thoughts remained inscrutable, but a slow, expansive grin, disturbingly akin to that of a serial killer, began to stretch across his features. His immaculate white teeth gleamed as he tilted his head upwards, finally fixing his gaze directly upon the speaker.

Badump! Badump!

The bearded messenger felt an intense pounding within his chest, his heart hammering relentlessly. A single bead of sweat traced a path from his temple down his cheek, landing with a faint splash upon the polished oak surface of the table.

‘What is this immense pressure…?’ he questioned inwardly, his frown deepening as he surreptitiously scanned his surroundings.

The others experienced a comparable sense of unease, their breaths growing shallow and ragged.

"So, your intention is for me to dispose of Gabriel Reyes, the Most Valuable Player from the Inter Guild Display Event?" the man inquired with a sardonic smirk.

The head messenger struggled to swallow, the sound of saliva traversing his throat echoing awkwardly in the profoundly silent chamber. His lips parted. "Y-yes! Should you succeed in eliminating him, our guild will not only provide a generous reward, but the Church itself will bestow its favor upon you."

He seemed to regain a measure of confidence as he added, a strained smile plastered on his face, "Furthermore, a strong alliance would be forged between your lineage and our guild. With our considerable resources and enduring influence, we would undoubtedly prove to be an invaluable asset."

The head messenger believed his persuasive argument had landed, only for the man to erupt into a cascade of chuckles, as if presented with the most ludicrous jest imaginable.

His laughter, strangely disquieting, only served to heighten the palpable anxiety permeating the room.

His laughter ceased abruptly. His voice dropped to an icy, chilling tone, and his sharp gaze fixed upon the lanky man from another world. "What makes you believe I can be bribed?"

"T that..." The player gulped, a sensation he’d experienced countless times since arriving, and his bladder suddenly felt strained.

"B because you are the leader of the infamous mercenary clan, Black Star. Furthermore, you possess Hero Rank..."

"Precisely correct... however," the man stated, rising slowly from his seat. The shadow persisted on his face. Towering over six feet, his entire demeanor grew even more imposing and commanding. "It appears you and your guild are quite unaware of the sort of person I am."

The player’s eyes narrowed as he struggled to form words, but before he could utter a sound, the man snapped his fingers. A slender, swift flash of light materialized in the air, too quick to track but luminous enough to be seen.

To the astonishment of all present, the chief messenger's neck severed. His head detached and dissolved into glittering fragments.

"F f***! He actually killed him!"

"Save yourselves! He’s a madman!"

The remaining individuals attempted to resist, but they were vanquished repeatedly, ultimately being sent back to the starting village.

The recollection accelerated thereafter.

Various scenes flickered past.

Gabriel observed the entire sequence silently until the memory’s progression slowed once more.

This time, the entrance to Black Star’s stronghold materialized before him.

It was nighttime.

The atmosphere was tranquil, yet an unsettling pressure permeated the area. Torin emerged from the base, accompanied by several assassins. His countenance had aged, bearing a closer resemblance to the man Gabriel had previously battled.

Opposite him stood a figure clad in a pristine suit.

The man sported a monocle over one eye.

Gabriel’s eyes instantly contracted. "He actually appeared in person."