The Tale of the Redeeming Villain

This was the perfect time for Blake to get done with the company matter.

The situation was uncertain regarding what the cathedral would do to him that's why Blake thought the Capital wouldn't take any action for the time being.

And since Blake didn't inform about his departure from the Academy to anyone other than Professor Charles and most probably Headmaster, he thought he wouldn't get caught.

However, he trusted that old man back in the academy a little too much. And underestimated the Emperor as well. Not only the people from the church but the soldiers from the capital also knew that on this specific day, Blake would come to this meeting.

Maybe the people from the company were also involved in this and everyone cooperated to have him caught outside the Academy and only came to capture him once he resigned from the company. They could have appeared before he entered the city, but no.

'As I thought, everything was well planned...' Blake didn't have a choice but to get himself cuffed and follow where the soldiers led him.

If he didn't come here today, then there was a high chance for the Emperor to send soldiers to the academy and secretly have him abducted.

These people are blinded by their trust and belief in their God.

What shocked Blake was the involvement of Carlson.

Last night, when Blake met Catherine, Carlson's temperament suggested that he no longer harbored any antagonism toward Blake. He said he trusted Catherine's judgment and remembering the story, Blake also thought that Carlson indeed had such faith in Catherine that he wouldn't be lying.

However, he was proven wrong.

"You thought I forgave you? That was just to make Catherine believe that I was on her side." Those words reached Blake as he continued walking along with the two soldiers on either side.

"You were a fool to believe that I, the apostle of God and the ultimate judge would allow a criminal to roam freely." Blake cringed at the titles Carlson was giving himself but he said nothing.

The people from the church looked like they would kneel at any moment and pray to Carlson. Well, he indeed was the ultimate judge so nothing was surprising for Blake.

They walked through the forest and were heading toward the route from where they would probably board the carriage and head toward the Capital.

"Does Catherine know about this?" Blake asked the boy who walked just a few meters behind him.

Carlson scoffed, "You think I would tell her about how you would die like a worm? She is naive and innocent. Can't see what's right and what's evil."

The way he was talking seemed a little out of character. And also, he was shouting each of his syllables like he wanted everyone to hear him.

Is he mentally stable?' Blake wondered. Carlson wasn't that cliche shounen protagonist who even spoke his thoughts aloud. He is a calm and composed type of man who also can be really dangerous when someone tries to harm his loved ones. However, right now he was behaving like a Chinese young master.

'Did his personality change because Catherine took my side?' That seemed the most probable case.

However, he didn't think about it for long and asked the system,

'You have it prepared right?'

[Indeed, host. The temporary boost would begin the moment the host commands.]

Blake had considered every worst-case scenario before he left the Academy. That was when he asked the system if there was some way to temporarily make him overpowered.

The system said that it could grant him the strength that Blake had in his previous life for fifteen minutes along with every weapon he possessed. However, once the buff exhausts, Blake would be rendered motionless for at least an hour due to severe body aches. And also, he would need to fulfill a side quest in exchange for this buff as well.

Blake knew that something like what he was facing right now could happen, so he was fine to pay the price.

"Priest Alvin, I have a suggestion." Suddenly, while they were walking, Carlson spoke to one of the priests.

The Priest replied, "Yes, child?"

"It's already evening and traveling after sunset would be a little dangerous, don't you think? After all, we are close to the trade City."

Blake frowned after hearing those words from Carlson. What danger could threaten the Dragon of Ragnarok and these many elite soldiers?

However, "You are right about that....what should we do? Take shelter in the city?"

"No, that would be a hassle. How about we camp in the forest?"

Carlson's suggestion made the soldiers and the churchmen glance at each other in confusion.

"But Sir Carlson, camping here could be dangerous. There are numerous beasts around the forest." The commander of the battalion spoke in response.

"You don't need to fear beasts when you have a dragon as your ally."

Blake cringed really hard at that. He couldn't believe that Carlson said that with such bravado and everyone around him felt awe at the display.

'Seriously, why does this Protagonist have to be so....' Blake sighed and waited for what decision they came up with. If they camp here then his chances of escaping would elevate since the carriages they have brought must have a barrier artifact installed, which would be a hassle to break.

So in a way, they would be favoring him if they decided to camp here.

And thankfully,

"I think he is right. We should stay here for tonight and leave at dawn." Priest Alvin agreed and naturally soldiers from the Capital couldn't go against the people of God.

The preparation began as the soldiers started to take a round of the vicinity as a precaution. After all, setting up a camp near the shelter of some wild beast would be quite foolish.

"Here, let me tie him up to that tree. Why don't you guys help in the tent arrangement?" Carlson asked the two soldiers who were standing while holding Blake.

The soldiers glanced at each other before they saluted and handed the chains of Blake to Carlson.

Carlson led Blake to the nearby thick tree and began to wrap the long thick chain around the trunk. The chains were connected to the cuffs that bound Blake's wrist.

Breaking the chains was impossible at his current strength but once he accessed his old powers, he would rot them away in an instant.

Carlson rechecked if he had bound the criminal tightly before he stood in front of Blake with his hands resting on his waist.

Blake, with an indifferent expression, remained standing while looking at Carlson.

Carlson narrowed his eyes before he asked in a provocative tone, "What are you glaring at? Lower your eyes maggot!" His shout attracted other's attention as they paused to enjoy the drama unfolding.

Blake remained unwavered. It was not like he was glaring at Carlson, rather, he was just looking straight without any particular emotion in his eyes.

Those eyes irked Carlson, as he advanced forward and grabbed Blake's mouth with his claw-like hand.

"I said....lower your fucking eyes!" Blake's eyes widened—must be because of Carlson's strength, everyone thought.

Blake slowly did as he was told and lowered his eyes.

Carlson smirked and let go of his mouth before stepping back and rubbing his slightly saliva-coated hand against Blake's cloak.

"That's more like it. Now remain silent until tomorrow or this ultimate judge will execute you right away."

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A/N:- Dem...he is like a Chinese young master fr.