I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 826: 22 Months Ago

The transportation harbor platforms of Edenis Raphiel, floating in the middle of the vast ocean, could hardly have been livelier that morning.

During every Academy admission period, operations began exceptionally early and continued well into the night. The transfer platforms rarely slept during those weeks.

As soon as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, the harbors would already be bustling with activity.

Today, however…

Today was different.

The moment dawn arrived, it seemed as though an entire armada had emerged from the morning mist.

Ships of every size stretched across the sea, their sails catching the golden light as they steadily advanced toward the colossal floating platforms.

It was exactly what everyone had expected.

The Holy Saintess of Eden would reveal herself to the world today.

No one fortunate enough to receive an invitation would willingly miss such a historic occasion.

Some had complained beforehand that everyone appeared to have chosen the very same day to arrive, creating an inevitable congestion despite Edenis Raphiel’s meticulous planning.

Still…

None of them truly had the right to complain.

Today had been specifically reserved for the newly admitted students of the Holy Academy and their accompanying families.

In theory, separating arrivals by date should have significantly reduced the traffic.

Instead, everyone had arrived at precisely the same conclusion.

If today was the day of the Saintess’s first public appearance…

Then today was the day to enter Edenis Raphiel.

As a result, the platforms were more crowded than anyone had anticipated.

There was nothing to be done about it now.

The ships had already arrived.

The Knights of Edenis Raphiel maintained perfect order despite the overwhelming numbers.

Thousands of them stood stationed throughout the enormous harbor.

Their armor gleamed beneath the morning sun, forged from immaculate white steel trimmed with elegant gold. Every knight wore a matching helmet adorned with a pair of majestic white wings attached to either side, the symbol of the Knights of Edenis Raphiel.

They looked less like ordinary soldiers…

…and more like celestial guardians.

Each squad had been assigned to a different dock, checkpoint, or transfer sector, ensuring that the constant flow of arrivals never descended into disorder.

Although every vessel had already undergone an extensive inspection before even entering the security perimeter surrounding the platforms, a second, even more thorough examination awaited once the ships reached their assigned berths.

No exception was ever made.

Not even for royalty.

Edenis Raphiel trusted no one more than its own protocols.

To further reduce congestion, the administration had also strongly encouraged visitors to consolidate their travel whenever possible.

Rather than dozens of noble families each chartering their own ship, relatives and allied houses were advised to travel together aboard larger vessels.

The recommendation had been well received.

One such vessel now slowly approached the harbor.

Calling it a ship almost felt inadequate.

It resembled one of the great ocean liners built to transport thousands of passengers across entire continents, although this one was noticeably more luxurious. Every surface reflected the sunlight. Its white hull shimmered against the sea while golden decorations adorned its balconies and railings.

Even from a distance, one could immediately tell, this was a vessel reserved for the highest ranks of nobility.

The ship had departed only a few days earlier from the New Celesta Empire.

Aboard it traveled many of the Empire’s most influential noble houses.

Slowly, escorted by harbor guides, it approached one of the most prestigious docking areas.

The Royal Berths.

Reserved exclusively for royal families and the highest-ranking dignitaries.

One of the stationed knights let out a low whistle.

“Now that is a ship.”

His companion glanced toward it before nodding in agreement.

“No kidding.”

“I wonder how much Eden that thing costs.”

The second knight stared at the approaching vessel for a few moments before answering.

“Millions.”

He paused.

“Hell… definitely hundreds of millions.”

“You really think so?” his companion laughed. “Remember, we’re talking about the world below. Compared to Edenis Raphiel, everything down there is practically cheap.”

The first knight chuckled.

“I suppose you’re right.”

He folded his arms.

“Guess that makes us among the wealthiest people here simply by being citizens of Edenis Raphiel.”

“Oh, absolutely.”

His friend grinned beneath his helmet.

“You’d probably have women lining up for you the moment you tell them you’re from Edenis Raphiel.”

“You think?”

The first knight laughed.

“Damn… maybe I should retire down here. Women back home are all proud, impossible to impress, and arrogant as hell.”

His companion snorted.

“Can you blame them? Competition up there is ridiculous.”

Both men burst into laughter.

Their conversation continued casually until the massive vessel finally aligned itself with the designated berth.

The docking mechanisms extended.

Heavy chains locked into place.

The enormous ship gradually settled against the platform.

Then one of the knights suddenly looked upward.

“…Hey.”

“What?”

“Look.”

Both of them instinctively raised their heads toward one of the upper observation decks.

A lone young woman stood quietly against the railing.

Her elbows rested lightly upon it as she gazed across the immense harbor platform below, a floating structure so vast that an entire shopping district could have comfortably fit upon it.

The morning breeze gently carried strands of her long, glossy pink hair behind her. Her delicate pink eyelashes framed a pair of beautiful pink eyes that seemed to sparkle beneath the rising sun.

Even from such a distance…

She was breathtaking.

There was an elegance about her that naturally drew attention without her making the slightest effort.

One of the knights blinked.

“…Damn.”

“Yeah…”

His companion couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“She’s gorgeous.”

“No kidding.”

He let out another whistle.

“Like… unbelievably gorgeous.”

“I guess even the people down below produce someone like that once in a while.”

The first knight immediately nudged him with his elbow.

“Watch your mouth.”

“Huh?”

“She looks like she’s from one of the royal families or a maybe ducal house.”

He lowered his voice.

“Show some respect. Or better yet, keep quiet.”

The second knight rolled his eyes.

“Oh, come on.”

“Seriously.”

“If someone important overhears you insulting one of their ladies, we’ll be lucky if we only lose our jobs.”

The other knight simply scoffed.

“Oh, relax.”

A smug grin spread across his face.

“No one’s stupid enough to lay a hand on Knights of Edenis Raphiel.”

“Yeah, right.”

The first knight folded his arms, his gaze still lingering on the arriving ships.

“I’ve only ever heard bad things about the kingdoms down there. Every other story is about another war, another assassination, another kingdom trying to wipe out the next. It’s like they only know how to kill each other.”

He shook his head.

“Not even about a year or two ago, there was that whole Utopian War.”

His expression turned slightly more serious.

“I heard millions of casualties.”

His companion clicked his tongue before letting out a small laugh.

“Yeah…”

“They’re never beating the accusations of being savage nations, are they?”

The first knight chuckled as well before exhaling quietly.

“…Can you really blame them, though?”

His companion looked at him.

“They live all the way down there.”

He gestured toward the distant horizon beneath the floating platforms.

“The furthest people from the Gods.”

“Meanwhile…”

He raised his eyes toward the endless sky above? The archipelago could be seen right above them.

“We’re practically beneath Their feet.”

“We receive Their blessings every single day.”

The other knight grinned proudly.

“You’ve got that right.”

A stern voice suddenly interrupted them.

“Enough talking.”

Both knights immediately straightened their posture.

“Prepare to receive the passengers.”

“Yes, Commander!”

Without another word, the two hurried toward their assigned positions as the massive imperial vessel finally completed its docking procedures.

***

“You keep reminding me that you’ll kill me at the end of the year if I screw things up.”

Edward sighed for what felt like the hundredth time.

“Seriously… don’t you have anything better to do?”

Walking beside him, John merely let out a snort.

“I’m just making sure the message gets through.”

He shot Edward a stern look.

“So behave yourself.”

Edward rolled his eyes .

“What are you, my nanny?”

He paused before snapping his fingers.

“Oh, right.”

“Layla sent you to babysit me.”

A smile slowly spread across his face.

“Although…”

He looked John up and down.

“If you wore a maid outfit, I’d probably listen a lot more.”

John’s eyebrow twitched.

“…Do you want to die?”

Edward laughed.

“If you kill me, Layla will never forgive you.”

“So be it.”

John answered without hesitation.

“I’d rather lose my sister than let her marry a future mass murderer.”

Edward grimaced.

“You seriously think I’m going to become the Edward from the game? It was a damn game. Grow up.”

John snorted.

“Who knows?”

Edward glared at him.

“What? I’m literally the reason Celesta is still standing.”

“Bullshit.”

John answered immediately.

“If you’d kept your mouth shut and stopped interfering, everything would’ve gone exactly like it did in the game. Jayden would’ve handled everything.”

Edward scoffed.

“That’s the biggest load of crap you’ve said all week.”

He folded his arms.

“I don’t know about you, but this version of Jayden is way worse than the game’s. He’s hornier, more distracted and somehow even more useless.”

John looked at him with complete disbelief.

“You made him useless.”

Edward blinked.

“…right my fault, of course.”

“You kept trying to play wingman every chance you got. Treating it like a game thinking you were still sitting on your ass in your couchwith a remote controller in your hands. You practically encouraged him.”

He looked Edward dead in the eye.

“Besides, aren’t you embarrassed? If I were you, I would’ve killed myself already.”

“Oh, fuck off.”

Edward shot him an annoyed glare.

Silence gradually settled between them as they continued walking through the streets of Central Vedelia.

Edward eventually lifted his gaze toward the brilliant blue sky overhead.

For a few moments…

He simply watched the clouds drift by.

Then his smile slowly faded.

“…You know.”

His voice became quieter.

“If I really do end up following the wrong path…”

He kept staring upward.

“…Then yeah, you should kill me.”

John turned his head.

“If that day ever comes…” Edward continued softly. “I’d rather it be you.”

His eyes remained fixed on the sky.

“Not one of my girlfriends.”

John looked at him blankly.

“…Your only girlfriend is Layla. And Miranda’s probably going to slap you the next time she sees you.”

“Shut up.”

Another silence stretched between them.

This one lasted longer.

When Edward finally spoke again, there was a strange calmness in his voice.

“…No, I mean it. If I really have to die…I’d rather be killed by someone close to me.”

He lowered his head and glanced at John.

“A friend, a brother. Someone I trust.”

John stared at him for a second before shivering exaggeratedly.

“Don’t say that again.”

Edward instantly clicked his tongue.

“Layla’s going to be my wife. Which means you’re stuck as my brother-in-law for the rest of eternity, dumbass.”

“I’d rather die.”

“Then die.”

Without the slightest warning, Edward shoved him sideways.

John completely lost his balance.

A loud splash echoed across the plaza as he fell straight into the large fountain beside them, sending water flying in every direction.

***

“Huh—!”

John jolted awake with a gasp, his body lurching upright.

His breathing came in small bursts as he instinctively reached for his throat, his fingers brushing frantically against his neck before moving to his face. For a brief moment, he could almost taste water lingering in his mouth.

His head spun.

The dizzy sensation washed over him in waves before slowly receding, leaving only the heavy pounding of his heart.

“…John?”

The soft voice beside him broke through his thoughts.

Amelia had awakened the moment she heard him. Still half-asleep, she pulled the silk bedsheet up to cover herself before turning toward him, concern immediately filling her eyes.

“Are you alright?”

She gently cupped his cheek, her thumb slowly stroking his skin.

John remained silent for a second before giving a small nod.

“…Yeah.”

He forced out a faint smile.

“Just a bad dream.”

Beneath the blanket, however, his fists tightened around the bedsheets until the fabric wrinkled beneath his grip.

Amelia continued caressing his face before resting her head against his shoulder.

“It’ll be alright.”

Her voice was warm enough to calm almost anyone.

“We’ll be arriving soon.”

She smiled.

“And then you won’t have to stay on a boat ever again.”

She looked teasingly at him.

“The sea won’t be trying to swallow you anymore.”

John grimaced.

“I’m not scared of water.”

Amelia raised an eyebrow.

“Really? You’ve been saying that for years.”

She poked his side.

“I’ve offered to teach you how to swim properly more times than I can count. And every single time you somehow find an excuse.”

John shrugged.

“I just don’t like being soaked.”

“What a terrible match.”

She laughed.

“My Affinity is literally water.”

John couldn’t help smiling.

“Yeah. I noticed.”

She continued grinning mischievously.

Before she could tease him again, John leaned closer and kissed her.

Amelia immediately returned the kiss, wrapping both arms around his neck as her cheeks gradually turned pink.

Their lips separated only briefly before John kissed her again, longer this time.

“Mmh…”

A soft sound escaped Amelia as he lowered his lips to the side of her neck.

“Ah…”

Her fingers tightened slightly behind his neck.

“J-John…”

She breathed softly.

“We’re almost there…”

“It won’t take long.”

John whispered against her skin before continuing to kiss her neck.

His hand slowly reached toward the edge of the bedsheet—

-Knock! Knock! Knock!

A loud pounding suddenly echoed through the cabin door.

Both of them nearly jumped.

“HEY!”

“JOHN!”

“AMELIA!”

Tyler’s booming voice echoed through the room without the slightest hint of subtlety.

“WE’VE ARRIVED!”

“HURRY UP!!”

The silence that followed lasted only a second.

John closed his eyes.

“…”

Amelia looked at him.

“…”

Neither of them needed to say anything.

That amount of noise had been completely unnecessary.

Then again…

It was Tyler.

Neither of them expected anything remotely civilized from him.

John let out a long sigh.

“I’m going to kill him one day.”

Amelia couldn’t help laughing.

Another series of loud knocks shook the door.

“ARE YOU GUYS EVEN THERE?!”

“Yes, Tyler!”

Amelia answered this time.

“We’re here!”

“Now could you please give us a minute?”

“Okaaay!! BUT DON’T TAKE TOO LONG!!”

His footsteps finally faded down the corridor.

John rubbed his forehead.

“…We should’ve traveled earlier with Alfred and the others.”

The royal family of the New Celesta Empire had departed several days before aboard their own private vessel, probably like most royal families. He could have as well if he wished but it was unnecessary but now he regretted a bit.

It would have been far less crowded.

Far quieter.

And most importantly…

No Tyler.

Amelia smiled as she leaned comfortably against him.

“It’s nice traveling with our friends too.”

John looked at her.

“When you say ‘friends’…you’re not including that muscle-headed idiot, are you?”

Amelia giggled.

“That’s mean. You know Tyler genuinely considers you one of his closest friends.” John snorted.

“In his imagination, maybe.”

“He can be… overwhelming.”

She admitted with a small smile.

“But he’s a good person.”

She lightly bumped his shoulder.

“You should really try getting along with everyone for once.”

John looked into her green eyes for a moment before smiling.

“…Maybe.”

He leaned forward once more and kissed her lips gently.

“Go on. You should shower first.”

Amelia tilted her head innocently.

“You don’t want to join me?”

John immediately laughed.

“If I do that…we’re definitely going to be late.”

She laughed as well before climbing out of bed.

After gathering her clothes, she walked toward the spacious bathroom connected to their luxurious cabin, humming softly to herself before disappearing behind the door.

The sound of running water filled the room shortly afterward.

John remained seated.

His eyes drifted toward the ceiling.

For a long while…

He simply stared.

Eventually, he reached toward the bedside shelf and picked up his phone.

As expected, his lock screen displayed a photograph of him and Amelia together.

One of their favorite pictures.

It had been taken during a date months ago.

He unlocked the screen.

Several unread messages immediately appeared.

One from his father.

A relationship that had grown surprisingly close over the past year.

Another from Amelia’s family in Sancta Vedelia.

Her mother.

And Adrian Dolphis.

John smiled faintly.

The man had once despised him.

Life had changed both of them.

Now Adrian was someone John genuinely respected.

Scrolling further, one contact stood above all the others.

Eric Scarlett.

The latest message had been sent barely twenty minutes earlier.

[Wake the fuck up.]

He checked the rest of his inbox.

Nothing else required immediate attention.

As he continued scrolling…

His thumb suddenly stopped.

Edward.

His contact was still there.

John stared at it for several long seconds before opening the conversation.

Only a handful of messages remained.

The very last ones they had ever exchanged.

[Where are you?! Cyril used that damn spell!]

[I’ll be there soon. Don’t fight Cyril head-on. He’s dangerous.]

[Acting like the concerned friend doesn’t suit you. Just get here. I’m not letting that bastard do whatever he wants.]

[I’m serious, John. The Blood Moon Spell is feeding him. Don’t fight him until I arrive.]

[What the fuck do you even know about that spell?]

[Just don’t engage alone. I will be the one having to comfort Layla if something happens to you.]

22 months ago.

Those had been their final messages.

Nothing after that.

John quietly stared at the screen.

His thumb slowly moved toward the option at the bottom.

Delete Conversation.

A confirmation window appeared.

Do you want to delete this conversation?

His thumb hovered above Yes.

It remained there.

For several long moments…

He didn’t move.

Then…

Without pressing anything…

He simply locked the phone.

The screen went black.

John placed it back onto the bedside table.

Leaning his head against the headboard, he stared silently at the ceiling once again.

After another long moment of silence, he let out a quiet breath, pushed himself off the bed, and stood.