Struggling as a Villain

While Lilia was slowly shaving Richard's head, Marcus continued with his earlier explanation,

"You will be taken there on a trial, which barely gets executed for most of the criminals. However, since I have worked as one of the administrators of the Endless Hold I would easily pluck you out. But make sure you are done with your task by then."

Richard nodded, "Don't worry about that, Headmaster. Two years is enough for me to take those many lives."

Although Richard was not aware of their power levels and what kind of environment he would be sent to, Richard had the means and resources to strengthen himself and use his system to his advantage.

Hearing those words, Marcus felt slightly sad. The boy was not more than sixteen yet he was prepared to do a massacre. The little bit of innocence Richard had would surely get consumed in these two years.

However, considering the reason behind this sacrifice, Marcus couldn't say anything to stop him.

Releasing an audible breath, Marcus took out a hand-drawn picture of a man from his pocket before showing it to Richard.

"His name is Hazard; a person who was charged with several cases of r*pes and murders, years ago. I have investigated a little and currently, he is on the fourth floor."

Heaving a sigh, he added, "I won't tell you to do it but if you get the opportunity, kill this man."

Richard was surprised, "You are asking me to kill a man?"

Marcus nodded and gulped bitterly, "I...have lost someone close to me. That day, if not for your mother, I might have even killed the Emperor for sending Hazard to Endless Hold rather than letting me pass his judgment."

Richard had no information regarding Marcus' past but the deep regret he could in the man's eyes evidently expressed how much that person was close to him.

Making a mental note to ask about it later, he took the picture and memorized the fatty's face.

"Young master, have you thought of what excuse you would be presenting to your friends?"

Richard scoffed, "I don't have any."

"That...is depressing. Anyway, I would be informing the Professors that because of getting injured in the battle which he fought alongside me, Richard is taking a rest for a few days." Marcus suggested.

"That would be...for the best. But Headmaster," Marcus raised his brows as Richard finished his question, "I won't get suspended for being absent for so long right?"

There was a pause before Lilia and Marcus both broke into a chuckle.

Richard also smirked and closed his eyes before leaning back.

Lilia soon finished shaving his head clean and applying the moisturizing cream to keep his skin to protect it from dirt and dust.

Seeing her suddenly crouching down and collecting his fallen hair he suggested, "Just sweep them out?"

Lilia shook her head and said, "I want to keep them."

Richard was baffled by her words but he didn't question her.

Once done, Marcus urged, "Shall we go?"

Richard nodded and got up along with the man.

Marcus made his way outside and left the duo alone. Allen was already facing the other side; completely engrossed in his book.

Richard faced his fiancée with a complicated look in his eyes.

Holding her hand, he said, "Truth be told, it's quite unfair on you and Amelia that I am leaving you both like this."

Lilia, smilingly replied, "And that's the reason why we both respect you so much. Your dedication towards the people you love is extremely strong and admirable."

Richard helplessly smiled upon hearing those words, and once again, he admitted in his heart that Lilia was really a very strong woman.

Giving her a tight hug he whispered, "I will be back in no time, so just keep yourself prepared with another of those night dresses."

Lilia chuckled, "Once you return I will surprise you."

The flirting and joking helped the atmosphere to relax a bit, but Richard could sense how fast her heart was beating right now and how barely she was holding back her tears.

Separating from her, he kissed her forehead and slowly uttered, "I love you "

He waited for a moment but Lilia didn't say anything back, urging him to ask, "You won't say anything?"

Lilia shook her head from left to right, "You will only hear the response once you come back."

Richard didn't say anything to that and remained close to her until Marcus asked him to come out.

Richard glanced at the bed for the last time before his departure, as he uttered under his breath,

"Just a few days, then we can have a proper family reunion...'

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

En route to the place from where Richard would be sent to the infamous jail, Marcus told him, "You would be sent there with just a pair of clothes and nothing else. You aren't hiding anything inside your anus right?"

Richard was momentarily speechless that the man actually asked that. However, he soon replied, "No."

Marcus nodded as the carriage moved forward.

After a pause, Marcus asked in a hesitant voice, "Are you sure about this Richard?"

Richard raised his brows and looked at the man questioningly.

Marcus didn't turn towards Richard as he continued, "Once you summon the General of the Dark Star...people will somehow get to know about it. And I don't think I need to tell you what will happen then."

"People will abhor me." Richard plainly answered. Not like he didn't think about it before.

Allen spoke about it. He said that the ritual cannot be done in secrecy and the Dark cultists are hidden everywhere who would surely spread Richard's name as the new apostle of the Death Lord.

However, Richard didn't care about it. As the son of the Duchess, he cannot get exiled unless the Emperor wants to go against the Duchess. And if things come to it, Richard would reveal that he received the procedure of the ritual from the Emperor's office.

Elizabeth was already bloodthirsty. He would fuel her flame and take the Emperor down if he needed to.

He has more than five ways of preventing himself from getting exiled or sentenced. And about the academy, then surely the Headmaster wasn't going to expel him.

And Richard doesn't care about people's opinions of him. He was sure that once he explained things to Amelia, she would understand, and if the people close to him didn't think wrongly of him, Richard didn't give a single f*ck what the others would say about him.

Marcus was really concerned about the future that awaited the young man. His reputation would once again get tarnished and surely Richard would receive severe scorn and hatred from his fellow students.

However, since Richard had made his choice with which Marcus's interest aligns, the older one surely wasn't going to say anything against his decision.

"Here, "Taking out a pill, Marcus offered it to Richard, "Swallow it. It will improve your regeneration and natural defence."

Richard wasn't expecting a sudden gift from the Headmaster. He picked up the pill and thanked the man with a firm nod.

Gulping the pill, Richard inwardly called out,

'System, show me my stats,'

[Ding!]

[Name: Scarlette Richard]

[Race: Human, Elemental Ascended]

[Age: 16]

[Rank: D+]

[Str: 42]

[Spd: 48]

[End: 52-> +10]

[Int: 32]

[Mgc: 782]

[Luk: 41]

[Available stats: 70]

[Special skills: Burning]

[Skills: Self-regeneration -> D

Telekinesis-> C- {700 Kilograms}

Barrier-> F {Two layers}

Enhancement-> B+

Detection-> D (400 meters)

[Spells: Fireball- D

Amber Arrow- D+

Hell Blaze- S

Flame Maze- C

Molten Platform- D-.]

[Inventory: Bo-staff: ???]

...

His stats were a little more detailed compared to Bella's, and earlier, before facing the cultists, he distributed his stats points a little into his strength and speed. They were ridiculously low; signifying how much he was relying on enhancement.

Those spells he learned from the system were all at their best level but consumed a lot of ether. And those which he learned by himself and his mother are still developing.

Given the place he was going, he needed AOE spells, and Richard had them. Hell Blaze, for example, can spread in a vast area, and it burns until it turns its target into ashes.

Although a lot more preparation was required, he could have earned more weapons from the system to put into inventory, but there was no time. He has to do with what he has.

He knew what he had to do and he was prepared for it mentally. His goal was clear and he had all the intention to accomplish it.

'Whatever it takes...'

Finally, the carriage came to a halt and Marcus told Richard,

"I am leaving some clothes here. Change into them and cuff your hands before coming out."

Richard nodded before Marcus stepped out.

Looking at those black and white clothes, Richard sighed. He had just recently gotten used to wearing high-quality clothes, but maybe it was time for him to remember who he was before returning to this world.

A survivor.

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

A/N:- Thanks for reading.