Struggling as a Villain

The four Heavenly Demons are part of the God of Death. There was no explanation given why the God of Death created four fragments of its soul but what Richard knew was that there are different ways of pleasing each of the Heavenly Demons.

The strongest Heavenly Demon—Ithryx gets pleased when more innocent people die.

Draeth loves seeing women and children wail in despair and die painfully.

Vornyx desires to see the blood of criminals.

And Thalvorn greeds for the blood beasts.

All of this makes up the population of all living beings, and if you try to please all the four demons, you would be making the God of Death stronger.

The one who cursed his mother and sister was Vornyx. And from what Allen said, the only way of curing them is,

"To summon the Great Lord Vornyx."

Richard frowned after hearing that. There is evidence which suggests that if you summon those of the residents of the Dark Star, one could get one wish granted.

Richard thought for a moment before asking, "Can't I summon another Demon and ask them to remove the curse? It would be easier for me to go with Thalvorn."

To be honest it would be easier to please Thalvorn since there are numerous labyrinths and great forests where he could find hundreds of inhumane creatures. And hunting beasts wouldn't be unnatural for him.

However, "There is a chance, but it is believed that the Heavenly Demons don't interfere with others' Apostles. So there is a possibility that your hard work might go to waste if you try pleasing another Demon General."

Richard nodded and decided that he had to hunt down criminals to review his beloved. Now there is nothing that can change his resolve.

With his gaze on Bellarine, he asked, "How many people do I have to possibly kill to summon the Dark Lord?"

Allena walked to stand beside Richard before responding, "Around ten thousand while wearing the ritual mark."

Richard was taken aback, "And what about without that mark?"

Allen thought for a moment before answering with uncertainty, "Around a million?"

Richard's lips parted wide, as he thanked God for taking Allen with him rather than killing him back then.

Richard looked back toward the bed with a frown creasing his brows as he slowly mumbled, "Where can I find those many criminals?"

The local cells across the continents must have twenty to fifty criminals at most. And in the Capital, most of them would be less than a hundred. If he sums up the criminals across Eldoria, then he would get at most five to seven hundred.

Unlike in the previous world, here, criminals mostly get death sentences rather than lifetime imprisonment. So even if Richard roams around the world searching for every cell to slaughter those criminals, he doesn't have much hope of fulfilling the requirement.

Clenching his fist, Richard cursed under his breath.

After finally finding a way of reviving them he can't stop here. No, no...he has to find a way!

"I think I can help you."

Richard and Allen turned around at the same time and found a familiar white-haired old man standing there.

Allen took cover behind Richard, just in case while the redhead asked the Headmaster, "What do you mean by that?" He sounded wary, and he had all the reason to be.

Marcus was a God believer, and someone who despises evil beings and those who help them. Currently, not only was Richard shielding a cultist, but his mother could be seen enshrouded with darkness as well.

Richard was prepared for a battle here since letting anything happen to the two ladies was not something he could ever allow.

Marcus assured him, "Don't worry, I won't attack you or anyone present here. Rather, I would like to help you."

Taking a pause, he added, "I know a place where you can find thousands of criminals, and I have the authority to grant you access there."

Richard frowned, "I don't believe a single word you just said. You, the man who has fought numerous wars against Demons, will help me summon that Demon General?"

Marcus heaved a sigh before reminding Richard, "The four Heavenly Demons and the God of Death, all of them are destined to be revived since until this world exists death can never be stopped. And considering you are willing to kill criminals to save your mother and cousin, I am rather thankful to you."

Richard raised his brows in surprise, "And what if I had gone for another demon like Ithryx or Draeth?"

"Then I would have put you down myself." His tone held severity, and just for a moment, his killing intent washed over the place, making Richard gulp and Allen shriek in fear.

Taking out his glasses, the headmaster cleaned them as he added, "Look, Richard, Bellarine is a very important asset, not just for Eldoria, but for humanity. How she got involved in all this is not within my knowledge, but as her teacher, I know that Bellarine can never side with the Evil and betray her people."

With his voice turning a little serious, he added, "And not like I am offering my help only for Bellarine's sake."

Richard frowned, but before he could have asked anything, the Headmaster changed the topic, "The place you will be going is called The Endless Hold. Those who have committed grave sins are sent there. It is situated in a different dimension and time doesn't flow in there like ours. Even if you spend a whole year there, only a week would pass here, so you can take your time."

Taking a pause, he added, "I will send you there with some false charges, and exactly fourteen days later, I will bring you back under the excuse of bringing you before the Emperor. You have to finish your work by then."

"And what if you change your mind?" Richard asked. He was aware of this jail he had just spoken of.

A different dimension which contains culprits of the very early ages. Either you die there or become accustomed to living in hell.

Eden asked, "Do you have any other options other than taking my help? After all, your cultist friend doesn't seem to have enough energy to retain that time-freezing bubble for long."

Richard glanced at Allen and found the blondie slowly nodding as he said, "I won't be able to contain them inside for more than ten days. At best, twelve."

Richard had no other option. He couldn't go ask for Deities' help since he knew they would never help someone who has been blessed by a Demon. Rather, they might send some apostles to finish Bellarine off.

He can't rely on anyone else since his mother has numerous enemies across the globe, so he has to be careful with whom he shares this news.

After a few moments of silence, Richard nodded, "Okay, I will trust you."

"I thought so." Marcus turned around soon after, and just as he was about to step out, he asked Richard, "If you want to call someone here to take care of your family, then you should do it now. We will be leaving in seven hours."

Leaving those words Marcus disappeared.

Not many people Richard could trust when it comes to his mother's safety. The only person he could think of was Lilia...but how could he bring her here when there was so little time remaining?

'Think Richard think...' With his brows knitted he was contemplating when suddenly a familiar voice called out from behind,

"Young master?!"

Richard turned around, and with his gaze widened, he called out her name, "Lilia?"

"W-What happened to Madame Duchess?" Lilia's eyes were drawn to the bed where Bellarine lifelessly remained laid down.

Richard approached the girl and wordlessly hugged her first.

Lilia was jolted out of her daze by being embraced by her master. She could feel how tense he was and how much he needed to hug someone.

'Fortunately, I didn't hesitate...' After hearing from Amelia that Richard was in the capital and also that he couldn't be located, she didn't think twice before using the Teleportation portal to come here.

While his arms were still wrapped around her, he muttered, "Thanks for coming...I was feeling lost without you."

Although Lilia didn't know what exactly had happened, when she heard his voice, tears welled in her eyes as she soothingly rubbed his back and whispered,

"It's okay now. Everything will be fine, Richard."

Richard was really disoriented after what had happened in these few hours. Reuniting with his sister only to find her near the verge of leaving this world. And then discovering his mother to be in the same state. The revelation of their past...everything just was too complicated to process so suddenly.

But now, with Lilia here, Richard had a feeling that he would be able to save his family.

A lot of risk awaits him but Richard was prepared to take them all. He has reunited with his sister after such a long time and got to know about his mother's devotion towards him.

Now, nothing can stop him from rebuilding this family.

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A/N:- Read the author's thoughts.