I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 413  [Event] [Semester-Exam At Vanadias] [1] Arriving At Vanadias

The most important exam of the second-year students was set to take place in Vanadias, the capital city of the Teraquins Kingdom. This wasn't just any ordinary exam— it was a significant event steeped in tradition, where certain exams were held in other countries. The goal was to immerse students in the diverse cultures of these lands and to foster unity, breaking down the barriers of racial discrimination that still lingered in some corners.

For this particular exam, Vanadias had been chosen as the location. Given the considerable distance from Trinity Eden Academy to Vanadias, the journey would have taken several days by conventional means. However, thanks to the preparation of special teleportation mana circles, fortified with the highest levels of security, the students were able to traverse the distance in less than five hours, arriving just on the outskirts of the grand city.

"Welcome to Vanadias. I am Toran," a middle-aged elf greeted us as we arrived. His long, flowing blond hair caught the sunlight as he displayed a warm smile. "Her Majesty the Queen has asked me to extend the warmest of welcomes to the prestigious Elite Students of Sancta Vedelia."

Toran was clad in the typical garments of his kind—a green light armor that appeared to be crafted from the very leaves of the forest, yet his attire also carried the formality befitting a representative of the elven court.

The reaction from the female students was immediate and predictable.

"Kyaa!"

"So handsome!"

"As expected of an elf, they're all so attractive!"

"Unlike our classmates, who seem so bland compared to these real elves!"

The girls—whether human, werewolf, or vampire—couldn't contain their excitement, their faces flushed as they gazed at Toran with admiration. The ones making dismissive comments about their male classmates were primarily from John's former class, as the girls from my class had their eyes fixed solely on me.

Wait, I suppose I shouldn't count John among them anymore, considering he had recently transferred to Amelia's class. Unbelievable, right? But he did it. He managed to convince Melfina that staying in Alvara's class would only lead to more issues, which, to be fair, wasn't far from the truth.

Anyway…

Since my awakening, I had become increasingly aware of the attention I was receiving. Their gazes followed me everywhere, and whenever I turned around... n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Kyaa!"

"I-I can't!"

"I'm going to faint!"

"Lord Amael!" That was the typical reaction. I couldn't deny that it felt good to be regarded more favorably than even the elves.

As I allowed myself a small, smug smirk, my eyes caught Celes staring at me with a sulky expression.

What now?

I quickly averted my gaze, trying to ignore the silent accusation in her eyes.

Everyone had arrived, except for Alvara, the Princess of the host country presiding over the Exam. She was likely with her family, who had been summoned for this grand occasion.

In some ways, it was a relief she wasn't present…

I glanced at Rodolf, who radiated a menacing aura since the incident with Cylien. His usual nonchalant composure had been replaced by something fiercer.

Cylien, still undergoing treatment, was unable to participate in the Exam—an unfortunate consequence of Alvara's merciless attack. The racist Princess had shown no restraint, leaving Cylien battered and sidelined. It was a stark reminder of the vast gulf between a Major Antagonist and a Main Heroine. Yet, despite the odds, Cylien had fought really well against Alvara, standing her ground longer than anyone had expected.

"Lord Toran, you've changed considerably," Professor Harvey said, extending a hand to Toran with a warm smile.

Professor Harvey, our main teacher, was naturally present for the event. Alongside him were Gamir Teraquin and James Raven, the teachers responsible for the other two second-year classes. However, Gamir was currently absent, leaving only the familiar presence of Harvey and Raven.

"Toran," James greeted with a brief respectful nod

Toran returned the gesture with a smile. "It's been five years, Lord Harvey, Lord Raven. In that time, I've ascended to the rank of Commander in the Teraquin Army."

"Really? Quite impressive, though I'm not surprised. You were always very talented," Harvey replied with a chuckle.

Despite his origins in the Teraquins Kingdom, Toran didn't seem outwardly holding some hatred toward other races, but then again, appearances could be deceiving. No way I can trust those elves.

As we were escorted towards the gates leading to Vanadias through a VIP route, I took a moment to absorb the surroundings. The trees towered above us, their leaves a lush, vibrant green. Unique decorations made of intertwined branches and blossoms adorned the trees, and even the massive gates crafted from what appeared to be white wood.

A gentle breeze carried the delicate fragrance of flowers, filling the air with a soothing aroma. The beauty of this place was almost otherworldly, a serene facade that belied the tension beneath the surface.

We continued our journey through tunnels illuminated by glowing flowers, their soft light casting ethereal shadows. Elven guards, tall and imposing, passed us by, their gazes sharp and scrutinizing. There was no mistaking their distrust.

"They are our guests, students of Trinity Eden," Toran declared to the two guards stationed at the gates ahead.

The guards, their expressions unreadable, studied us for a moment before one of them moved toward a control board. With a few deft motions, he activated a mechanism, and the gates began to open, revealing a bright light at the far end—a passage leading directly to the capital.

"Enter in groups of five," one of the guards instructed.

We complied, each of us stepping forward in five, passing through what seemed to be archways. The process was swift, yet something about it felt unnerving. What were they checking for? I suspected it was a security measure, designed to root out any intruders from Utopia.

"You, stop," one of the guards commanded, singling out a boy from the line.

"And you as well," he continued, pointing at another.

"And you too."

It didn't escape my notice that those who were stopped were predominantly human. I sighed inwardly, feeling a familiar pang of disappointment.

I had harbored a faint hope that things might be different, but it was clear that such hopes were in vain. This country harbored a deep-seated hatred for us—humans and half-breeds alike. For that, we had the Queen to thank.

But could it really be helped? The elves, with their long memories and deep-rooted grudges, still resented us for the death of their King—a crime they would never forgive or forget.

It's quite dumb to condemn the majority for the sins of a few, yet that's the logic we faced in this land.

"You... hmm, no... you're fine," one of the Elves muttered as he initially tried to single out Celes, his eyes leering with barely concealed intent. But when recognition flashed in his eyes, he quickly released her, his demeanor shifting to an awkward compliance.

Others, less fortunate, were asked to step aside for a more thorough inspection.

"You three, over here," the same Elf commanded as he turned his attention to my group. I wasn't surprised; I'd expected this. The Elf's gaze settled on me and two others—a human girl and a vampire one.

He didn't recognize me, of course. My appearance had changed drastically since my days as a public figure in Sancta Vedelia. My former visage, plastered across the news, was my past one.

"Certainly," I replied with a kind smile, though the two girls beside me seemed visibly uncomfortable, their unease amplified by the Elf's unsettling stare.

"We're in times of war; cooperation is essential," he muttered as he began to inspect me, though his actions lacked the professionalism one would expect from a soldier.

The so-called inspection was nothing more than a cursory pat-down, a pretense to justify his wandering hands. The Elf wasn't looking for masks or signs of altered identity—his interest was clearly elsewhere. He barely took ten seconds with me before his attention shifted to the girls behind me, his eyes lighting up with a predatory gleam. One of them, if I remembered correctly, was a classmate.

"You may go," he dismissed me with a wave, but I didn't move. I lingered, watching as he turned his full attention to the two girls, his smile widening.

"Raise your hands," he instructed them, his voice dripping with false courtesy.

I grimaced. This wasn't an inspection—it was an excuse for him to indulge in his perversions. Even among the supposedly noble Elves, it seemed perverted scum were still abundant.

"Uh, yes…" the girls stammered, reluctantly raising their hands. They were clearly uncomfortable.

The Elf took his time, starting with their shoulders, then trailing his hands slowly down their arms…

"U-Um…" one of the girls murmured, her voice trembling as his hands lingered far too long. The situation was becoming unbearable, his perverse intentions blatantly obvious.

As his hands reached towards the chest of the vampire girl, I'd had enough. With a swift movement, I kicked the back of his knees, sending him sprawling.

"Ugh! W-What?!"

"Have you had enough fun, you disgusting Elf?" I asked, my voice dripping with contempt as I snorted in disgust.

The human girl and the vampire immediately took refuge behind me. The Elf had crossed the line the moment he leered at Celes, and now he had the audacity to prey on these two. I was very annoyed.

"You!" He spat, trying to regain his footing.

"Shut up," I snapped, cutting him off as I stomped on his chest, pinning him to the ground. With a swift motion, I slipped his sword from the scabbard hanging at his waist. The blade felt cold in my hand, but I raised it high above his most vulnerable parts, my amber eyes glowing with cold intent.

His face drained of color. "W-Wait!"

I paid no heed to his pleas, thrusting the sword downward without hesitation, but before I could strike, my arm was seized, halting my movement.

I looked up and met Toran's gaze.