I’m the Main Villain but the Heroines Are Obsessed With Me

9 – 5. Difference in Strength (1)

After ending his encounter with Celia, Ian returned to the training room.

His plan was to watch Igor’s training today.

But now that things have turned out this way, he couldn’t just stand there and do nothing.

“I have to obtain overwhelming results against Celia Wignorun… I can’t just sleep on it.”

He stared at himself in the mirror and concentrated mana in his fist.

Hwoack!

In an instant, a black energy began to surge in his fist.

It was not something created with Neltalion’s help. It was pure Ian’s mana.

Mana with dark attributes continues to grow in size continuously. Mana in its gaseous state gradually begins to transform into a liquid.

Once it had acquired a slight viscosity, the transformation ceased.

“Is this all for now…?”

In general, mana takes on three forms: gaseous, liquid, and solid.

Just starting to explore mana or having some training, one would manipulate mana in its gaseous state.

Even then, they would merely overlay gaseous mana onto themselves in a rudimentary manner. Progressing further, they could manipulate liquid state mana.

Mana that had taken on a distinct form displayed a different level of power and versatility compared to before. Those who reached this level were called mana experts in society.

“And those who can manipulate solid-state mana are called mana masters.”

Mana condensed to its limit transitions from a thick liquid to a solid state.

Solid mana possessed significantly greater endurance and power compared to its liquid state, allowing for not only martial prowess but also the creation of equipment.

“At this point, there are only five individuals who have reached that level.”

The Empire had a total of four masters.

“Emperor” Duke Vernogia, who was known as the Dragon Slayer, belonged to the Wigmorin family. The “Sage” of Matop and the last one was his father, Kilain Volkanoth Baejangbaek.

“In legends, there was even a rank known as the Grand Master.”

They were said to be at the pinnacle of mana. Some could overlay not just martial arts but even the space they occupied with mana, but Ian wasn’t at a stage where he could comprehend that yet.

Instead, he focused on the present.

Ian closely examined the mana in his hand.

The black liquid had a thick viscosity, but it began to evaporate not long after.

With this level, I can be considered an intermediate expert.

“Other academy students are either novice experts or the top tier of mana users.”

Thinking about that, Ian was certainly outstanding, but he couldn’t afford to be complacent.

“When I was practicing with the sword, I reached the high-intermediate expert level.”

Ian Volkanoth, the main villain, is a high-intermediate expert?

If that’s the case, Ariane, who’s facing off against Ian, and her colleagues must also be high-intermediate or intermediate-level experts.

For Ian, who had to compete with them, it was necessary to reach the high-expert level in the near future.

That’s why he couldn’t afford to be at ease in the current situation.

“I didn’t want to go this far…”

(Note: The translation is provided in consideration of word choice, phrasing, and the atmosphere of the excerpt.)

But for a moment, his heart weakened. Ian gathered his resolve.

“I really need to get a few hidden peace.”

The gear that was originally made for Ariel. Ian decided to take it to survive.

No guilt. Ariel took what was his. He just had to pay the corresponding price.

“Coincidentally, there were hidden peace where the training was taking place this time.”

He would seize it first.

Ian laid out his plan, assumed his stance, and extended his fist.

Shiik! Shiik!

There was still a long way to go.

***

“The phrase ‘prodigy’ doesn’t seem to describe this guy.”

Whenever he saw Igor, he always thought that.

This guy is definitely a genius.

“He has a bad habit, but his level is top tier.”

Although his pride in the martial arts he had used so far was considerable, Igor never expressed any dissatisfaction.

Even though it was tough to learn the techniques, he never shouted out to give up.

“In the end, I fixed all the bad habits. I brought him to a level where I can be somewhat lenient.”

All of this happened in just two days.

It was natural for Ian to be surprised when he saw Igor’s level.

Ian looked at Igor, who was diligently solving a written exam next to him.

He was sweating and gripped the pen as if it would break.

“Describe three ways to gain an advantage in a battle against troll forces…. Just attacking blindly would make you die. But I can’t use that as an answer either. Damn.”

As Igor was sweating profusely, Ian whispered softly.

“Seems like you’re in quite a bind.”

“What is it, Ian? Do you happen to know the answer?”

“Would I not know that?”

“Exactly! I heard you’re the top student! Can you tell me the answer?”

Ian held back Igor, who looked up at him with sparkling eyes, and let out a deep sigh.

“Hoo… Dealing with troll groups is simple. First, the trolls move in groups, but they always have a leader who controls them. So, first, you defeat the leader, then deal with the confused remaining trolls. Second, they make their bases in rugged mountains. Therefore, there is also a way to cause landslides using explosives or mana.”

“Wow…. So what’s the last method?”

“How much do I have to endure from you? Figure it out for yourself in the end.”

Egor, in response to Ian’s harsh words, grabbed his head with both hands and let out a groan.

“I’m so hungry that my head isn’t working! And isn’t some of it your fault too?”

Egor hadn’t forgotten what Ian had done to him.

How difficult the past two days had been?

He trained relentlessly from the first day of classes. If a satisfactory posture didn’t emerge, the demon in front of him even conducted early morning training.

Of course, he might endure the training alone. However, he was not accustomed to this life.

‘Training to death, doing assignments, sleeping, waking up, training again….’

Every day there were assignments during classes. After the hellish training with Ian, he had to return to the dormitory and do assignments.

Skipping meals was routine.

“Don’t forget, okay? I haven’t forgotten the menu I couldn’t eat because of you!”

“Is missing a meal that regrettable?”

“Don’t mock me! Hungry people shouldn’t be provoked.”

Egor grumbled, glaring at Ian.

“Anyway. I must eat lunch today. It’s the day for special salmon.”

“Then, make sure to show some kindness; let me eat your salmon.”

“….Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

Suddenly yielding, Ian’s action surprised Egor, his eyes widening.

“You seemed very hungry, so I was going to offer, but… Do you not want it?”

“Well, upon further thought, Ian, you seem like a decent guy. I’ll follow you for life.”

Just a moment ago, Egor had a sharp retort, but now he chuckled as if to say, “When did that happen?” and resumed solving the problem.

Looking at him, who had become a bit worn out from recent events, it was somewhat regrettable. But it couldn’t be helped.

‘Egor’s role in this training is crucial.’

The goal of the tactical training for the second year was to hunt more monsters than other squads.

The mission assigned to the 3rd platoon in that training was important.

‘1. The 2nd platoon sets up defenses in a place where monsters are likely to appear and waits. When monsters appear, the 3rd platoon joins them in the hunt.’

Monsters could appear anywhere. Therefore, the 3rd platoon had to wait between the defenses of the 1st and 2nd platoons, moving continuously without resting.

That was why Ian had continued training Egor.

At night. Moreover, if the battle took place in a rugged mountainous area, it would consume a considerable amount of stamina.

Compared to basic stamina, Igor’s endurance in combat was not good. Therefore, what Ian could do for Egor was the best.

“Of course, I couldn’t just sit still.”

Ian began using mana, avoiding the gaze of others.

The mana, with its watery texture, maintained its long-lasting form without melting like before.

“I must have almost reached the level of an expert in the upper ranks. If Nathalion joins me here….”

It would be possible to aim for the upper ranks of expert.

Ian gently stroked Nathalion, who was sleeping soundly in his arms.

– Ian…. Warmth.

Nathalion, apparently enjoying being in Ian’s embrace, pulled him closer as if he would burst.

“Soon, I’ll be able to make you even stronger.”

– Stronger? That sounds good then?

“Yes. If you become stronger, you’ll be of more help to me.”

– I’m not sure…. But if it helps you, Ian…. I like it!

With the hidden peace that could be obtained from the training ground, Ian could help Nathalion grow.

Ian, who had set his goal, began to devise a plan.

***

Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, the day of the tactical training for the grade was approaching.

The training took place in the Goht territory, famous for its mountainous terrain.

The steep mountain paths and the night where visibility was poor took a toll on the stamina of the trainees.

But the excellent squad leader, Kainen, led the squad members to the target location in the shortest distance, taking breaks at appropriate intervals, and reached the destination first while conserving the squad members’ stamina.

Following the formation schedule set in advance, the trainees began to set up camps one by one.

Four camps consisting of three to four members. Four in total.

They waited in their camps until the monsters approached, then began the hunt.

Ian’s squad took their position 100 meters behind their camp.

Igor, who had been fidgeting beside him, looked restless. He tossed and turned.

“Hmm…. So, are we just going to wait here while others hunt the monsters? I wanted to confirm the effectiveness of the training by hunting the monsters, but it seems like it won’t happen.”

The assigned mission was as expected.

First squad. To assist the second squad in hunting monsters or eliminate variables that could harm allies.

“If this is the best we can do in this situation, I could send Igor on a reconnaissance mission beyond the camp. I will move organically, but….”

On the other hand, he wondered if there was a need to do that.

Honestly, would there be a problem if he personally caught the monsters?

“The platoon leader has never told the 3rd platoon not to hunt monsters themselves.”

Although the best option is to assist the 1st and 2nd platoons… If the 3rd platoon also discovers monsters, they were allowed to hunt them…

Just in case, I tried sending a message using the device. Kaien’s response was the same as before.

[Permission granted. Proceed under the platoon leader’s judgement]

Approval without any conditions attached. Kaien trusted his own judgement.

If he trusts me this much, I must prove it with results.

That was why.

“Igor, get up. We’re going to go hunt monsters in the front.”

“What? I-Is that really okay?”

“Don’t worry, even if it goes wrong, I’ll take responsibility.”

The one who started hunting directly was Igor.

‘The other platoons will probably resent it if our platoon hunts the monsters.’

Ian did not care about their resentment. There was no reputation that could fall further from here.

Rather, it would be better to show his overwhelming skills, proving that he is reliable, rather than just waiting and helping his platoon members.

Whoosh!

At that moment, an intense mana energy started spreading through the mountain.

The expanded mana eventually formed a huge dome surrounding the mountain.

“Krrr.”

Suddenly, monsters hidden within the mana spread started popping out, one after another.

Creatures with bodies made only of their club, with skin that seemed to be stuck together like rock.

‘They’re trolls… There are probably about 15 of them.’

Ian, who was suddenly surrounded before he could blink, remained calm.

Without hesitation, Ian made a quick decision.

“Igor, take care of the trolls in the rear first. I’ll handle the front and help you.”

Igor, who simply nodded his head in agreement, rushed towards the trolls.

Seeing that, Ian also adjusted his posture.

‘It’s starting.’

While the troll’s strength lies in the devastating power of their club, their most terrifying weapon is their skin.

Their tough, rock-like skin was able to deflect any hasty attacks.

To wipe them out in one go, a powerful attack was necessary.

“Ian reinforced his fist!

‘Well done, Nathalion.’

With his enhanced fist, Ian began to condense mana.

Mana, with its dense density, seemed to engulf Ian’s hand.

If it were like before, he might not have been able to maintain his form at this point.

But he was able to maintain it well due to his training.

‘Now, let’s try it out.’

Thump!

Ian, who had leaped with the power of akira, approached the frontmost troll.

“Grk?”

The troll, experiencing such speed for the first time in its life, helplessly bent over, clutching its stomach.

‘It’s over.’

Ian punched without hesitation.