Struggling as a Villain

Richard didn't know how and why but Nora was present here, under the guise of that blond elf. He saw her back then when he was fighting against James. She was the one who took away Rose.

'Was she Nora all along?' Although he knew that the elven princess had good control over her skill, her illusion was strong enough to fool him and the other apostles as well.

Regardless, he didn't think about it for long and entered the room where Nora pointed.

He slowly pushed open the door and was met by a very thick sweet scent…almost like honey was wafting in the air.

He narrowed his eyes, his guard up; ready to deflect any attack that might be targeted towards him.

…However, upon entering the room a completely unexpected scene greeted him.

"Ah, Richard…" On the bed, one person was sleeping(?), and another one was sitting.

The one who looked out cold was Eleanor and Ethan was sitting at the edge of the bed.

Richard was surprised before he raised his finger and shot a spell cancellation beam towards Ethan.

The silver didn't move, but he did flinch upon the sudden movement.

'There is no illusion…' Richard frowned before he asked, "Are you really Ethan?"

Ethan smiled helplessly, "Do I look more handsome now that you don't recognise me?"

Richard raised his brows, "Not a very good time to joke, bud." Inching closer to the bed, he asked, "How did you tackle her? From what I could smell, she used some kind of aphrodisiac?"

Once Richard entered the room, he knew Eleanor's intention. However, he didn't expect the protagonist to be actually not under Violette but rather sitting there casually.

Ethan heaved a sigh, "I somehow was able to utilize this blessing…" Raising his hand, Ethan allowed the divine essence to wrap around his hand.

It was faint blue, very pure and condensed. Richard felt repulsed standing before the energy, however, it wasn't severe enough to make him react.

"The time I spent in comatose…or when they took control over my consciousness in order to brainwash me, I actually dug deep within my consciousness."

With his brows drawing closer the silver head added, "I noticed something strange…"

"Strange?" Richard asked.

"Yes, strange. Since…I thought I was receiving these powers from someone or something…however, when I reached deep within my consciousness, I found a huge ocean."

Richard raised his brows, "Hmm?"

"Yes, ocean. Like a huge reserve of water…but instead of water, I found a very small stream of water directing toward somewhere uncertain."

Richard was unsure what he was talking about…rationally that is. There was no theory related to what resides within Ethan in the novel. It was just stated that the protagonist was blessed with divine energy, which he utilizes to power up his spells and enhance his strength. It allows him to wield any weapon in existence and some other skills.

But the ocean….maybe, "It's your own reserve which you didn't realize until now?"

Hearing Richard's words, Ethan didn't show any surprise. He somehow expected it but needed confirmation from someone.

"I can't be sure, but considering how once I got a hold of the stream, I was able to return to my consciousness…it might be true?"

Richard was unsure if his theory was right, but from what Ethan was saying, it might be the case. Ethan actually possesses the Divine Essence, and that incident allowed him to realize his powers.

And if there hadn't been something special about Ethan, then the Goddesses wouldn't have favoured him for this long. After all, despite him showing favour towards darkness, those deities forced their apostles to bring him back.

And then there were those wings Elizabeth described…which said that Ethan has the potential to ascend his human restrictions.

'Is it the connection with the All-father after all?' Regardless, they didn't have the time to ponder over for long so Richard urged,

"Let's get going, Ethan. The others are sleeping-"

"Sorry to interrupt you, Sir Richard, but I cannot come with you." Ethan apologetically refused, surprising Richard.

"What are you saying? They tricked you to come here and you don't want to come back?"

Ethan sighed, "If I wanted to come back I had more than enough chances to escape. But trust me, Sir Richard, it would be best for me to stay here."

Richard frowned and wordlessly urged him to continue.

The silver head added, "I have seen to what length they can go to have me…and to not let something like that happen again, or worse than that, I have to remain here … until the Great War starts."

"And what after that? Are you willing to fight from their side?" Richard asked; he showed no displeasure.

Ethan shook his head, "I don't know…and won't know until I don't find out the whole situation of the deities and the Death God. After I discern the whole situation then I will decide whether I would be participating or not."

Richard heaved a sigh, "At this point, even I can't be sure what's the whole story."

Ethan smiled, "It must be frustrating." Richard nodded to that.

The room turned silent for a few minutes after that before Ethan extended something to Richard and said, "Can you give this to Eli? Please?"

Richard took the paper before informing him, "She was a broken mess when I came here. It was her who said you are in trouble so I decided to come here."

Ethan felt guilty for making Elizabeth sad because of himself and his decision to come here without telling her anything. In this world, if there was someone who actually cared for Ethan for who he was, not because of his powers or anything else, then it was Elizabeth.

Richard heaved a sigh, "Are you sure you don't want to come along? I assure you I can keep you hidden and the Scarlette clan will provide you protection."

Ethan shook his head, "I know what I am doing. Trust me, Richard."

The redhead had nothing to say after that. He handed Ethan the same communication artifact which he had given to his mother in the past.

"With this, we can communicate once a day. I will give the other one to Elizabeth."

Ethan's eyes widened and soon tears welled in them.

With his head parallel to the ground, he gave a crisp bow before thanking him, "Whatever you hand done for me, I cannot be any more thankful. When the time comes, I will repay your kindness. I promise you."

Richard urged him to get back up since receiving such formal thanks was quite…embarrassing.

He then looked at Eleanor before his anger began to surge.

Ethan stood beside him before reminding Richard, "She has the strongest connection with the deities. Hurting her would alert all the apostles…please think rationally, Sir Richard."

The flames around him slowly extinguished, as the redhead sighed and thanked him.

However, the flames of anger in his heart have yet to be subdued, 'Not today, but on the battlefield, you will repay for every single sin you have committed…'

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.