Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 225 - 224- A challenge(1)

William didn't have a good feeling about this.

Not only because it was a plan made by a kid who had yet to face his first war but also because this plan would put them in a vulnerable spot if the demonic army went against what they had anticipated.

Standing at the top of the palace, he looked at the town before him. A slow sigh seeped through his lips.

"You are being worried for nothing," A pair of moon-white arms wrapped around his chest as a familiar voice reached his ears.

"We have a lot to lose here. Soldiers are human too, and the plan Austin presented would sacrifice hundreds of soldiers if the Demonic army decided to go against what he had predicted," he responded in a stern voice.

It never came across their mind to leave any side, which connects the shore with the mainland, unguarded.

But the main forces would be congregated at the front side where Charlotte would be creating barriers.

"He is no ordinary kid, you know. If he had prepared a plan then it means he has something else…a second plan in mind."

Hearing his lover's voice, William frowned, "You seem quite confident in him?"

"It's because you always remain busy with your training that you don't pay attention to what is happening in the world." She stepped toward his front, matched his gaze, and told him, "He…recently went to the other side."

"…!!" William was taken aback. There was no point in asking which place is this 'other side'.

"…why did he go there?"

"To save his father-in-law," Heaving a sigh, she added, "Although I didn't get much info from the teacher(Selner), it seems he hunted a strong demonic warrior to rescue the man."

William's brows were still tense, it was slightly unsettling and unbelievable that a mere teenager was able to dive into the dark world and return alive.

"He is close to the Teacher and also has been one of those who went against the demonic army in Drenovar." She further added to make her point about the confidence in Austin more concrete.

Cupping her beloved's cheek, Charlotte added, "Age doesn't make you a warrior; it's the experience." With her gaze growing distant, she added, " It's what is at stake that decides who would stay and who would run away. And that kid has a lot at stake. So trust him, Will."

William closed his eyes and leaned his face in her touch.

She is the only being who always says things that calm his heart down.

"Okay, I will be cooperative with him…just for your sake."

Charlotte smiled, "I knew I could convince you."

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Austin was currently in the training hall inside the main palace of the Ademerg.

He was here just to spend some time since the two hours of the dungeon had already expired.

He has yet to reach the final boss of the fourth dungeon. The mobs of the fourth one were as strong as the mid-boss, so it was getting quite difficult.

However, he wasn't rushing and taking his time. If he was destined to join the war without reaching rank A and gaining the other fragment of his soul, then so be it. He would play the role of assistance in the war and support Valerie to the best of his abilities.

Just as Sebas, System, and Selner said, he was getting desperate to break into A-rank for the sake of power. However, brute forcing into a rank sounds self-harming so he refrained.

"What happened in the meeting?" Suddenly, a familiar voice brought Austin's arms to stop the dagger mid-swing.

He didn't turn toward him to respond, "They agreed to my plan."

"Heh~that's…quite unbelievable." Rudolph grinned.

"I know, right? However, it wasn't me who did the convincing. The Top-ranker got trapped by his comrades." Austin said with a chuckle.

"Quite funny it seems, it is for you."

Both teenagers were startled to hear the voice from so close.

They instantly turned toward the person and saw a green-haired female standing there.

"Well, we did force Will into it. So, the kid is right." Another voice, this time deeper, resonated as Rudolph turned toward the person and froze at his place.

'Huge…' Rudolph was himself quite tall and broad…but in front of Darius, he really seemed like a kid.

Austin's brows raised, "Do you need something from me?" He asked the lady—Thea, the S-rank positioned at the third place in the world ranking.

She had long green hair that cascaded down to her waist, framing a petite figure that, despite her size, boasted a generous curve at her chest. Her face was adorably youthful, lit up by bright golden eyes and a cocky smile playing at her lips.

To Austin, she came across as power-hungry, fiercely enamored with battle, and unmistakably arrogant. Still, at least she wasn't a traitor — a rare redeeming quality in his book.

"Well, we are told to assess our junior…that whether you are prepared to face an army or not?" A grin extended her lips.

Austin narrowed his eyes…assess, huh?

"Is it an attempt to bully us?" He asked plainly but showed no sign of backing off even if it was.

"Oh, I would love to bully my cute junior but the orders are just to test you two." Thea chuckled, her sharp fang making her playfully dangerous.

The woman standing before him was already nearing her thirties, her body seasoned by countless battles — and perhaps even a few wars. It was important to remember that in this world, ranks weren't awarded through simple assessments or evaluations. To ascend, one had to accomplish more than their predecessor — and then defeat them in direct combat.

Her title as the third strongest human warrior wasn't just for show; it was a hard-earned mark of her prowess.

"Shall we go there and brawl things out, champ?" Darius suddenly rested his hand on Rudolph's shoulder, making him momentarily flinch.

However, Rudolph would be the last person on this planet who would deny a call for a battle.

With a grin, he summoned his Shard and nodded, "After you, senior."

As the two giants made their way to the other side of the arena, Thea asked, "So, what about you? Are you not going to accept the challenge and try to impress your senior."

"I don't find pleasure in impressing anyone but a certain person in the world. And you are not her." Thea's expression faltered—for the first time her charm wasn't working on a younger guy—as she heard him adding, "But, I will respect your position and accept the challenge."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.