Villain? Nah. I'm just here for the harem.-Chapter 27: Freedom

I am finally free.

Stepping out of the prison, the cool air of the cave brushes against my skin, a stark contrast to the stagnant air I had endured for a week. As I take my first steps outside, a familiar presence rushes toward me—Nyx. He had been captured alongside me, but now, he's finally back where he belongs. His small form trembles slightly, as if he was just as relieved as I am. I place my hand on his head, reassuring him.

Now, you might be wondering—how did this happen? Why am I being released so easily?

You remember what I whispered to Evelyn before I passed out, don't you?

I told her about the true villain, the one responsible for the massacre of Iris's village. The same man who handed her the book of dark magic, setting her on this path of bloodshed. In the original game's storyline, Iris would have eventually hunted him down and killed him. But this world isn't following the game's path anymore. Everything has changed.

I don't know his exact whereabouts, but I know someone who does—or at least, someone who can find out. Zara Blackthorn, the cunning thief we encountered in the abandoned warehouse. She has connections everywhere, and if anyone has information, it's her. I had instructed Evelyn to seek her out in my stead, using my name as a token of credibility. And judging by the fact that I'm standing here, I assume Evelyn succeeded in gathering the intel she needed.

The cave's exit looms ahead, light streaming in from the outside world. Evelyn stands there, gazing at the sky, her usual commanding presence replaced by something more... serene. I approach her, curious.

"What are you thinking about?" I ask.

She doesn't turn to face me. Instead, she keeps her gaze fixed on the sky. "Nothing."

A pause. Then, she speaks again. "Ten years ago, on the night of the massacre... my parents were there. They were invited to the festival. I didn't go because I was training to become a knight. When I found out what happened... it was too late."

I see the faint glimmer of tears in her eyes, but she quickly blinks them away. "But now, I've avenged them. I thought I would feel something—relief, closure... but I don't feel anything." Her voice is steady, yet hollow.

I remain silent, letting her speak. I know that feeling all too well.

She exhales slowly, then turns to me. "But because of you, I found a new goal. I want to be like you."

I raise an eyebrow. "Like me?"

She nods. "You fought to protect someone who the world deemed a villain. You stood against overwhelming odds because you believed she deserved to live. I admire that."

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I scoff lightly. "I'm not as noble as you make me out to be."

"You are," she insists. "Power itself isn't evil. Even holy magic can be used to harm. It's all about how you wield it."

I don't have a response to that.

So we simply stand there, side by side, staring at the endless sky in silence.