The Rise Of Third Rate Villain-Chapter 19 - The Truth Behind the Disease

"So, before we start anything, I'll tell you about your sister's disease," I said, leaning back with a casual smirk.

Mabel raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. "What do you mean by that? She has a mana overload, nothing else."

I sighed. "Really, Mabel? If it was just a mana overload, don't you think soaking in a hot spring infused with mana powder would've fixed the issue already?"

Mabel opened her mouth to argue—then stopped. A flicker of doubt crossed her face. ...Now that you mention it, she bathes in that water all the time, but... Her voice wavered. "It's not improving her health. It just... barely keeps her alive."

Her countenance turned dark and sorrow crept over her face like a dark cloud. Her lips trembled, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

I clicked my tongue. "Okay, okay, don't look so miserable. I told you I'll save your sister, didn't I?"

Mabel swallowed hard, forcing herself to focus. "Then tell me... what's the real problem?"

I met her gaze. "The disease your sister has isn't mana overload. It's something far worse—[Mana Corruption Syndrome] Or MCS, for short."

The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

Mabel's eyes widened. "Mana... Corruption Syndrome?"

I nodded. "It's a rare but deadly condition caused by prolonged exposure to unstable and impure mana. Corrupted mana accumulates in the body and gradually poisons the patient from the inside."

Mabel's hands clenched into fists. "Then why... why haven't I heard of this before? Not just me, but every doctor I've taken her to—none of them ever mentioned anything like this!"

"Obviously." I rolled my eyes. "Because this disease doesn't affect humans. Or any other animal in the empire, for instance."

Silence.

Mabel's expression twisted. "Then... why does my sister have it?"

I gave her a pointed look. "Did you forget who you are?"

Her breath hitched.

"You and your sister aren't human, Mabel. You're demi-humans. You have the blood of both demons and humans."

A sharp inhale. Mabel's whole body contracted, and for a brief instant she seemed poised to glass. "...So you're saying this is all because we have demon blood?" Her voice cracked. "Because we're different?"

Tears spilled down her cheeks. She bit her lip, shoulders tensing as she fought hard to hold back the tears stalking the edges of her composure.

I sighed. "Tch. Quit crying already. Look, what can it possibly matter what type of blood you or your sister has? That's irrelevant. Now it's only a matter of looking for the cure."

Mabel cleared her eyes with the back of her hand, and took a moment to compose herself. "Then tell me... where can we get the cure? Her voice was firm, but there was desperation underneath. "Even if I have to go to hell for it, I'll do it."

I grinned.

"Oh, babe, we're definitely on the same page."

Mabel blinked. "...What do you mean?"

I leaned in, my smirk widening. "Because we are going to hell."

Mabel paled. "Wait—what?"

"Obviously, babe. If you wanna save your sister, we have to go there. I shrugged. "But don't worry, I know a safe route."

Before I could react, Mabel launched herself at me, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug.

"What the—HEY!" I flailed, trying to push her off. "You're getting my clothes dirty!"

She just clung on tighter, sobbing into my shoulder. "Thank you so much, Master... I really thought I'd lose her. My sister... she's my only family left in this world. I don't know what I'd do without her..."

I stiffened. For a moment, I saw a different image—

A hospital bed. A frail figure. My cousin, dying from cancer, whose small hand could not hold on to mine.

I clenched my jaw.

"Alright, enough of that," I said, shaking the thought away. "Go sit down already."

Mabel hesitated before pulling away, wiping her tears. "Okay... But what do I need to do first?"

I smirked. "First of all, you have to prove yourself to my family....If you want to save up your sister as soon as possible that's step one"

Mabel straightened, determination burning in her eyes. "You don't have to worry, Master. I'll do my best."

----

I chuckled internally. Heh. Having her around, I've finally got my shot at the blade.

[Shinkoku: The Devourer of Light]

This sword was crafted along with none other than [Celestial: The Starforged Blade]—the same weapon used by the previous hero, Arden Ashbringer, to slay the last Demon King.

And now you're probably wondering—what does this have to do with Mabel?

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Well, remember how I said she's a demi-human? Her demon bloodline isn't just from any demon. Oh dear, her father was one of the best swordsmen fighting in the demon army. Not just any knight—he was also the half-brother of the previous Demon King.

And guess what? The sword is locked inside a dungeon that he created and which can be unlocked just by Mabel's blood as that was his dying wish to give his blade to his own daughter.

At least, that's what the novel said.

Too bad for her.

That sword? It's mine now.

To be honest, I wanted Celestial itself, but that's already in the hands of Alistair at this point in the story. If I want to match his strength, I need Shinkoku ASAP.

And so, dear babes please don't hate me on this instead of that sword I'm providing you your sisters life....

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