The Villain's Story

A/N: Suggest me a title for the chapter…I don’t know what to name it.

“She has grown a lot.”

The man who entered the room of the Patriarch commented. He was wearing a full black business suit with a red tie, His hair was abyssal black and his eyes seemed lifeless.

He took the seat Sabrina sat on previously and placed his briefcase on the table before asking.

“No tea for me Father?”

This man was James Wellington, The second son of Hugo Wellington, The younger brother of Sabrina’s father and also her uncle. And a fellow user of the dark element as well.

“..”

Hugo Silently poured his son another cup of tea.

“Sabrina sure has grown splendidly.”

He commented once again. He hadn’t received a response after all.

“Yes, she has.”

Hugo smiled as he said. But this smile was only on the outside. Hugo was having mixed thoughts.

‘What does he want?’

“I want to inform you of the deal about the spatial rings.”

It was as if he had read Hugo’s mind. James took a sip of his tea, relishing the exquisite taste.

“Maragur Tea Leaves, each costing one hundred thousand studs. Quite expensive.”

He commented as his tongue figured out the tea leaves used in making the tea.

“Nothing to us though, isn’t it?”

Hugo smiled. James responded absentmindedly.

“Yes, nothing to our wealth.”

Hugo stopped smiling and asked him about the details of the deal.

“The Spatial rings are blowing up. We don’t have enough stock to keep up. Only a few were made, and Twilight isn’t sending any more. The one known as Maxwell is quite talented. And annoying.”

“Ho?”

Hugo was amused. This emotionless son of his called someone annoying and talented? This was my first. This was amusing…

“Yes, act surprised all you want. But that bastard sure knows business.”

Said James, Maxwell was truly one of a kind. To have dealt with this monster.

“Twilight will be unable to produce more Spatial rings because the manufacturer Alan Peccator is recovering from his injuries. And is out to train as well. Sir Oliver himself escorted him to this ‘training ground’.”

“How many do we have in stock?”

“67.”

“That’s low…”

“Yes, It was quite a hassle convincing our customer’s to wait more. I had to cancel a lot of pre orders as well.”

James explained emotionlessly. It seemed as if he was unable to express any emotion at all.

He seemed to be husk but not at the same time.

“Leave this discussion.”

Hugo ordered. And Poured themselves another cup of tea.

James nodded and changed the topic.

“What about Micheal?”

He asked. Hugo’s expression contorted when he heard Jame’s utter the name of Sabrina’s father.

“Wouldn’t you be glad nothing happened?”

Hugo cooked. His voice contained a hint of hostility.

“Hardly, I would appreciate it if he came back. I am not the gifted leader he is. The only thing I’m good at is Business.”

“Sigh…”

A sigh escaped Hugo’s mouth. What was he even getting angry over here?

He knew Jame’s actually would prefer if Micheal came back. He had no interest in leading the family after all. However, he was devoted to the Family…just his devotion was twisted.

Anything for the family. Anything.

That was his motto. He would do anything so that the family would prosper.

He was always like this, Hugo adored both of his sons…if only…if only…

He paid more attention.

“Don’t.”

“…”

Jame’s words silenced Hugo.

“Don’t blame yourself. I enjoy this.”

Hugo wanted to laugh at his words. The power of Darkness around James’s was thick.

“Do you really?”

Hugo questioned. He knew the answer but still he questioned.

“Do you really enjoy it? Being aware of what you have done?”

“It was all for the family.”

James argued back lifelessly. Completing his tea.

“…”

Hugo remained silent. James stood up and began to leave.

“Excuse me Father, I have business to attend to.”

As he was leaving, Hugo ordered him.

“Sabrina’s birthday is coming up. Make Ample preparations.”

James turned around and bowed.

“Yes, I will make it my utmost duty that the Jewel of Wellington has a luxurious birthday.”

He opened the door with his own strength, using the power of Darkness to aid him. He was the only one in the entire estate who could do it alongside Hugo.

“Do you really regret nothing?”

Hugo’s heavy voice resounded, and Jame’s turned back once again.

“You have asked me this question every time Father.”

The door started to close. And just as it was about to close…Jame’s said.

“No. I do not regret anything.”

It is for the family.

The door closed before Jame’s could finish his words, But Hugo knew what he was going to say. He had said this many times before. And his senile old mind still asked that question every time.

“Sigh…”

Hugo rested his head on his chair and lamented at himself.

He was such an optimistic, joyful young man…until he used that element.

Chaos was not the only element capable of corruption.

***********

[Inside Sabrina’s room.]

Sabrina gazed at a lustrous crystal Orb with tired eyes.

That was the reward for completing the Quest, her contribution.

She checked the orbs’ status. She was busy all this time and never had the chance to do so.

[tem Name: Essence Infused Mana Orb (Rarity: S+)

Description: The Essence Infused Mana Orb is an item that exudes an ethereal glow, pulsating with raw arcane energy. This orb is a concentrated reservoir of mana, the lifeblood of magic, radiating immense power within its mesmerizing core. Crafted by the most skilled enchanters of the ancient realms, this legendary artifact holds the potential to transform an ordinary adventurer into a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Properties:

Vast Mana Reserve: The orb contains an abundant quantity of mana, brimming with pure, untapped magical energy. Its capacity dwarfs that of typical mana crystals or potions, granting the wielder an extended duration of heightened magical abilities.

Mystic Empowerment: When grasped or equipped, the Essence Infused Mana Orb channels its mana into the user, infusing them with enhanced spellcasting capabilities. This augmentation bolsters the potency, range, and effectiveness of spells, granting the caster unparalleled mastery over arcane forces.

Regenerative Aura: The orb emits a gentle, soothing aura that gradually replenishes the wielder’s mana pool, ensuring a steady stream of magical resources during prolonged battles. This unique ability allows for persistently unleashed spells, minimizing the risk of sudden energy depletion.

Versatile Adaptability: The Essence Infused Mana Orb adapts to its user’s magic affinity, seamlessly harmonizing with any school of magical practice. Whether one leans towards fire, water, or even necromantic powers, this unparalleled artifact accommodates and enhances the user’s natural inclination, granting increased efficiency and adaptability in their chosen spells. 𝘪𝑎.

Limitations: 𝑖.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Expertise Requirement: Due to the orb’s immense power, it demands a certain level of mastery in magic to access its full potential. Novice or inexperienced spellcasters may find it difficult to harness its unruly potential, resulting in chaotic or unpredictable spellcasting.

Periodic Recharging: Despite its exceptional mana reserve, the Essence Infused Mana Orb is not an endless font of power. It requires periodic recharging through exposure to powerful mana sources, such as ancient ley lines, mystic fountains, or by means of skilled mana manipulation spells.

Heavyweight Artifact: Its potent mana concentration renders the orb slightly cumbersome, featuring a moderate weight that may affect the user’s agility or acrobatic maneuvers in combat situations. However, the power granted by wielding this legendary item tends to outweigh this slight hindrance.

Sabrina read the description many times…but she was too tired to be excited. Indeed the orb was heavy but if she enhanced herself with Mana it was alright. And this artifact was also perfect for her.

Regardless, she put it inside her Spatial ring and laid down on her bed, covering her head with her pillow. Tightly.

[Anything…][Orb of mysteries….power.][Orb of mysteries…powerrr][Anything]

[Anything…][dark child.][Child of Darkness…accept it.]

The voices still lingered in her mind.

[All those that use the darkness, will soon gaze into it, be encroached by it, be deceived by it. Transformed into something new.

And be corrupted by it.]

Updated from 𝘪.𝘤𝑜𝘮