I Have 10,000 SSS Rank Villains In My System Space Chapter 422: Riven Surprise?

"Alright... done.. So now... are you satisfied?" Riven’s voice emerged quieter than before, not weak, but held back, as if something within him had been compelled into place. As he spoke, he slowly withdrew his hand, the same hand that had been extended toward Nancy moments ago. Its divine golden radiance gradually faded, dissolving into the air like dying embers. With that fading light, the change in Nancy became undeniable.

The wounds that had ravaged her body—the broken ribs, the internal damage, the poison that had been consuming her strength, the fatigue that had hollowed her out—everything vanished, erased as if it had never existed. Her breathing stabilized, her posture steadied as she slowly pushed herself up from the ground. Her movements were cautious at first, almost disbelieving, as if anticipating pain's return at any moment. But it did not return, and that absence...

And that sudden, complete relief caused her lips to press together tightly, emotions flickering across her face—something raw and restrained. Yet, she forced it down, shaking her head slightly as if refusing to allow herself to linger in it.

Razeal observed her rising, his gaze steady. Once he confirmed she was fully healed, he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, acknowledging that a part of the situation was resolved. But before anything else could be uttered...

"Don't ever threaten me like that again," Riven's voice interjected, sharper this time, carrying a warning no longer veiled by humor or curiosity.

His eyes locked onto Razeal, his expression serious in a way utterly different from before—grounded, deliberate. "...or I'll ensure you comprehend the consequences." There was no exaggeration in his tone, no theatrics; merely a clear boundary established.

Razeal tilted his head slightly at that, finally looking at Riven again. For a moment, he studied that expression, the seriousness, the shift in demeanor. Then, he let out a light scoff, a faint smile forming as he shook his head. "Sure," he replied, almost casually, the chuckle that followed soft yet dismissive, as if the warning itself lacked the weight it was intended to bear.

Riven offered no response to that, his gaze lingering for a second longer before shifting away. The tension between them remained, but contained, for the moment.

"You alright?" Razeal inquired then, his attention returning to Nancy. His tone was noticeably different—calmer, more composed, as if the confrontation they had just endured didn't weigh on him the same way it did on everyone else.

Nancy took a moment before responding, her hand instinctively moving to her ribcage, pressing lightly against the area that had once been shattered. It was as if she needed to confirm again that the pain was truly gone, that she was... whole.

"Yes... I'm fine," she stated slowly, her voice still carrying a faint hint of exhaustion, but steadier now, stronger than before. As she lifted her head to meet his gaze, something else resided in her eyes—something more complex than mere relief...

"I heard... everything that happened to me was because of my brother?" she asked, her tone quieter and more measured now. A pause followed, a hesitation, as if the words themselves were difficult to articulate.

"That it was... a lesson for him... wasn't it?" The question hung between them, heavy and unresolved.

Razeal exhaled softly at that, a faint sigh escaping him. His eyes briefly flickered towards Riven from the corner of his vision. *So he told her... almost everything, huh?* he mused, not particularly surprised, yet not entirely pleased either. Still... he didn't answer her immediately, because what could he possibly say?

That it was intentional? Yeah, she knows that...?

Then? Yeah, what she said is true? That it wasn’t even entirely her brother’s fault? Perhaps she knows that too... at least she can understand that, right? And actually... none of those answers felt right for him to utter, as none of them would ease what she had endured. Thus, he remained silent, his gaze returning to her without offering a direct response.

Nancy watched him for a few seconds, discerning the meaning behind his silence. Then, she gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "I see..." she murmured, her eyes lowering to the ground as she absorbed his unspoken reply. She wasn't fully understanding, not fully accepting... but acknowledging it nonetheless.

The quiet stretched for a moment before she spoke again, lifting her gaze slightly as another thought surfaced in her mind.

"What about the empire?" she inquired, her tone shifting, concern now threading through it. "I heard... from him... that something happened." Her eyes briefly flickered toward Riven before returning to Razeal. "Is everything alright?"

And there it was—the underlying worry, not just for herself but for others as well, because once more... she imagined it might have happened because of her.

Razeal offered a slow nod to her inquiry. "Yeah... regarding that," he commenced. Yet, as his gaze fell upon her more intently, he discerned the subtle shift in her countenance—the slight dimming of her eyes, the barely perceptible tensing of her shoulders. It was as if she was already assigning blame to herself, preemptively accepting responsibility for something she did not fully grasp. This realization caused him to pause for an instant before continuing. "Well... don't trouble yourself over it," he stated, his tone deliberately softening, not to dismiss her concern, but to alleviate it.

"I don't believe you are the cause of his actions," he added, shrugging slightly. "Perhaps a small part," he conceded, his eyes briefly flicking back towards Riven.

"But I doubt he would go to such lengths merely to make you feel regret," he concluded. Although his words held a trace of humor, a deeper layer of observation and awareness of Riven's true nature lay beneath them.

Nancy observed him as he spoke, her expression easing somewhat, though the burden did not entirely lift. After a moment, she offered a small nod, accepting his words for the time being, even if they didn't fully resolve her inner turmoil.

The moment hung in the air for another second before Razeal shifted his attention once more, focusing back on Riven. His expression returned to a more neutral, composed state, as if completely resetting the dynamic between them.

"So..." he began, his voice steady, "What is it that you desire?" This time, the question was not a challenge or a provocation; it was direct and intentional, signaling his readiness to address the true reason for Riven's presence.

"Oh, nothing of great significance, really. There's no need for you to concern yourself with the details." Riven replied casually, almost dismissively, as if the prior tension had evaporated. Then, with equal ease, his familiar, disarmingly charming smile reappeared. It was the same smooth, almost captivating expression, suggesting that all that had transpired was now set aside, forgotten, and buried beneath an air of casual indifference. The abruptness of his shift was unsettling.

"Well... perhaps one small thing, though." He added this as an afterthought, his tone regaining its usual playful cadence. He then raised his hand slightly, casually gesturing with his thumb over his shoulder, unconcerned, as if the matter he was indicating held minimal importance.

"Here. Take your possessions." His gesture pointed to an object suspended behind him—a peculiar, unnatural entity that had remained hovering in the air throughout their exchange, existing as if it were a tear in the fabric of reality itself.

"Just a reminder... in case you've forgotten," Riven added, his gaze returning to Razeal with that same relaxed smile, as if he were merely an old acquaintance returning a misplaced item.

At this, Razeal's own gaze slowly, deliberately shifted towards the eerie floating eye, an object he had been consciously ignoring despite its undeniable presence.

The instant his eyes focused on it, clear information flooded his mind:

[Dimension Eye (EX Rank)]

For the first time, something truly unsettled him internally.

EX rank...? Seriously? he pondered, his mind tensing. He had recognized its power, but never at this level—not even close to his estimations. It appeared he had profoundly underestimated its capabilities. This was beyond any normal scale, something that should not be readily accessible. This was, in fact, the very first time he had encountered an EX-ranked artifact.

Yet, outwardly, his composure remained absolute. His expression stayed calm and controlled. "Nah... that thing isn't mine," he stated plainly, shaking his head. "So, no thank you."

This was not merely a refusal; it was a calculated decision. Internally, his thoughts were crystal clear: it was too good to be true. More importantly, when an enemy actively offers you something so powerful, you refuse it. He hadn't wanted it before, even in desperation, and now? When he had the freedom to choose? Accepting it would be foolish, even if it was an EX-ranked artifact.

Riven's smile did not falter. If anything, it seemed to deepen slightly, as if he had anticipated this exact reaction.

"Now, now... don't deny it... I know you understand its nature and its potential," he said, observing Razeal intently. "So why don't you... come and claim it?" His tone shifted subtly, not forceful, but undeniably tempting.

"Don't be shy... I am certain... somewhere within you, you crave power of this magnitude. Power that transcends all limits... the kind that could make the entire world bow before you." He gestured again towards the eye. "Here... take it."

"I said I don't want it," Razeal reiterated, his voice firmer this time, his eyes narrowing slightly. "So stop playing these foolish games. You are well aware that I am not easily deceived." He then added emphatically, "And it does not belong to me.""But it does," Riven replied instantly, his voice now imbued with an odd conviction. "It is fated for you... therefore, it belongs to you. You cannot continue to evade this now. I mean, for how long can you truly run?" "Hey..." Nancy's voice emerged softly from his side as she moved closer to Razeal, still feeling somewhat frail but now steady. She leaned slightly towards him, her voice lowered to prevent others from overhearing clearly. "You should accept this," she whispered. "It is something incredibly potent... he confirmed it himself." Her gaze flickered briefly towards Riven before returning to Razeal. "You possess the ability to control the world's portals... and its rifts. I do not comprehend your reluctance, but I believe you ought to have it. Even if not for your own sake... at least take it from him." Her tone grew a touch more solemn. "You cannot simply leave something of that magnitude in his possession... can you?" Razeal looked down at her, genuinely surprised this time. And then, in a flash, everything began to fall into place. "Ohh..." he exhaled slowly, raising his gaze back to Riven. "Let me hazard a guess..." His tone transformed, becoming calm yet sharp. "That assault on the empire... you did not orchestrate it for her, did you?" His eyes met Riven's squarely. "You carried it out... to make me falter. To instill fear in me... that I might take this from you as well? Ah, yes. That aligns perfectly with your methods..." He gave a deliberate nod. "And... a commendable strategy." This time, a subtle smile graced his lips, devoid of warmth but brimming with understanding. Because now, the picture was becoming clear to him. Not entirely, perhaps... but sufficiently. And knowing Riven's character, this scenario did not feel at all far-fetched. Yet, even so... Razeal was certain of one thing: this would not be the sole, nor the ultimate, reason. But it was undeniably one of the contributing factors. "Perhaps..." Riven offered with a smile, accompanied by a slight nod, offering no concrete confirmation. His reaction alone seemed to suffice. "So... here, take it," he reiterated, extending his arm slightly, gesturing towards the hovering eye with an almost nonchalant persistence, as if offering a trivial item rather than an artifact capable of world-altering power. However, Razeal remained still. Not yet. "Well... perhaps I will," Razeal declared abruptly, his voice calm but laced with resolve as he looked directly at Riven, "if you fulfill a request for me." He tilted his head slightly. "How does that sound?" And as he spoke, even his own thoughts began to coalesce. Because truthfully... maybe he should accept it. Not to wield it... but to neutralize it. Allowing such an object to remain in an adversary's grasp? That would be sheer foolishness. He had already witnessed Riven's capabilities, observed the devastation he had wrought upon the empire. And if he could achieve such a feat once... he possessed the capacity to do it again. Perhaps even with greater severity. Razeal had no knowledge of the price Riven exacted to utilize the Dimension Eye... but that was irrelevant. If its use was possible once, it was possible again. And that alone rendered it perilous. Excessively perilous, considering Riven's ultimate objectives. Therefore, it must be taken... and concealed in a place beyond even the reach of gods. This notion settled quietly within his mind. The prospect of deities possessing access to EX-ranked power... was something he could not countenance. "Ohhh... really?" Riven's expression shifted in an instant, genuine surprise momentarily clouding his features before the familiar surge of excitement returned. He had not anticipated such an outcome, not with such ease. Naturally, this was his ultimate aim... but he had presumed Razeal would offer far greater resistance. After all, Razeal possessed knowledge. He had witnessed enough to grasp the concept of destiny, to actively flee from it. And yet, now... he was moving towards it. Even if only to relieve him of the eye. Still... that was sufficient. Because Riven understood something that Razeal might not yet fully comprehend... no one can perpetually turn their back on such power. Absolutely no one. "So..." Riven leaned forward slightly, palpable interest coloring his tone, "what is your condition?" he inquired, observing Razeal intently, his curiosity mingled with anticipation. "A portal... to Denvaar," Razeal responded without hesitation. Riven blinked. "...What?" "I require you to open a portal to the Kingdom of Denvaar," Razeal repeated, his tone unwavering. A brief silence ensued. "...That is all?" Riven's brow furrowed slightly, confusion eclipsing his prior excitement. The condition struck him as... minor. Abysmally minor. Suspiciously so. Razeal simply nodded. Riven's eyes narrowed, the shift in his demeanor immediate. Suspicion began to bloom as his gaze swept not only over Razeal but also over every individual accompanying him. Sofia. Maria. Levy. Aurora. Yograj. "You are all departing for there?" he questioned, his voice entirely devoid of its earlier levity. "Why? For what purpose, precisely?" His eyes returned to Razeal. "What is your scheme?" Razeal offered a simple shrug. A subtle smile, offering no explanation. And that silence... conveyed more than any words could possibly articulate.

Riven’s gaze sharpened, his mind racing to connect the disparate threads. First, a disruption of the world's established order, introducing a conflicting energy… an imposition of new laws and concepts. His thoughts solidified as he realized one of his associates had already embodied one of these nascent principles, his eyes briefly, precisely, falling upon Maria before returning to Razeal.

Then, Denvaar. A definite unease settled within him.

A brewing storm.

Riven felt it deep within his core, his instincts and divine perception screaming aloud. A silent alarm was sounding just beneath the surface.

What is your objective...? His thoughts accelerated. Why that particular kingdom? And why now? Did he truly return from Atlantis for this very kingdom?

Because Riven understood one immutable truth: Razeal never acted without profound purpose.

If Razeal was bound for Denvaar, then something significant resided there.

Something of great importance. And whatever that something was, Riven felt an urgent need to uncover it.

Yet, despite the whirlwind of calculations, overlapping possibilities, and instincts screaming a warning of a hidden danger, Riven’s expression remained utterly impassive. He simply offered a calm, controlled smile, as if nothing had changed. A subtle nod followed.

"Very well… the conditions are accepted," Riven stated, his voice smooth and almost nonchalant, betraying no hint that he had just agreed to terms he did not fully comprehend.

"Ooh, excellent news," Razeal exclaimed, spreading his arms slightly as he turned back to his companions, a faint, satisfied smile gracing his lips. "Consider the task complete, everyone. A direct portal to another kingdom, without any fuss or delay." His tone was light, carrying an almost mocking ease.

His inflection held a subtle amusement, as if he were recounting a mundane transaction rather than a tense negotiation where he had, mere moments before, openly issued threats.

The others exchanged fleeting glances, offering quiet nods in acknowledgment.

However, a palpable confusion lingered amongst them.

The current dynamic between Razeal and Riven was utterly incongruous with their recent interaction.

Only moments prior, hostility had crackled in the air, so potent it bordered on lethal intent, as if Razeal had explicitly threatened Riven's family. And now… this? Casual accord? Agreements reached with effortless grace? A peculiar, almost courteous understanding between two individuals clearly representing opposing factions in a much grander conflict?

It simply did not compute.

Nevertheless, no one dared to voice their bewilderment.

In this tense atmosphere, silence felt infinitely safer than an inquisitive question.

Nancy, however, had not been a passive observer.

She had absorbed every word, every unspoken implication, every subtle shift in tone. Now, standing there, her mind meticulously processed the unfolding events with quiet intensity. Though her expression remained neutral, a profound realization was dawning within her, solidifying into a decision.

Abruptly, she turned her head, her focus locking onto Razeal.

"Are you departing the empire?" she inquired.

The question was direct, devoid of hesitation, yet her gaze was weighty, sharp, and probing.

"Yes," Razeal confirmed simply, slipping both hands back into his pockets. "I am."

No further explanation was offered. No details were divulged.

Just a stark confirmation.

Nancy held his gaze for another beat.

Then, as if a conclusion had been firmly reached, her resolve solidifying before the words were even spoken aloud.

"Take me with you." The statement was delivered with crisp finality.

At this, Razeal paused.

"Huh…"

It wasn't a refusal, but rather a moment of genuine surprise, as if the request had arrived far sooner than he had anticipated.

Nancy continued, her voice now softer, yet unwavering in its steadiness.

"I find myself in a similar predicament," she stated. "And I have a strong feeling that you are the only one here who truly grasps the situation and can offer me assistance."

She faltered for a brief moment, her expression tightening almost imperceptibly, before she pressed on.

"And I cannot return…"

The sentence hung in the air, incomplete for a fleeting second.

"…to my family."