Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Austin has been in the waiting area for the past two hours, calming himself down as he sat and recalled whatever happened in these few minutes.

An hour ago, the demonic army launched an attack on the human realm and Austin has already lost two of the most precious people to himAnd the one who was dearest to him was on the verge of leaving the world.

Even when Austin was trying to digest the fact so he could look forward, he simply couldn'tHe never anticipated that things would go in such a disastrous direction.

The Parasite King would succeed in harming him so brutally, breaking him emotionally and nearly ending his life as well.

He severely underestimated his foe just because Austin had slaughtered the Demon Lord's daughter with ease.

Selner warned him more than once that the Generals of the Demon King are far more intelligent and experienced.

Despite being in a rage, they use their minds calmly and make rational decisions to break their enemies.

However, Austin believed he had everything planned, and that he would simply overwhelm him using Scar....

but, the ace he was saving became the cause of his loss.

He acted up based on his impulse, and now, he was here, hiding from reality and supposed to prepare for the battle.

'Why should even I try to save myself anymore...

Valerie is gone...

' A life without Valerie...

even if he tried to, he couldn't think of spending a life of which she wouldn't be a part.

Every trivial thing in his day-to-day life would remind him of her.

Her waiting for him near the fountain.

Sharing the same desk.

Having lunch together.

Austin waiting for her in his room, so she knocks on his window and jumps inside his room sneakily.

How will he live those moments again?

It would be a slow death for him.

He would die every single day while remembering her.

So, the question appears in his mind, 'Should I even stay here?

'[Yes, you should, Host.

Since there is still hope that you can save your lover using the Elixir.

]Hearing those words, a very faint ember of hope appeared in his eyes...

but then, "I saw her falling before my eyes ..

a normal parasite wouldn't have been able to damage her to that extent.

"[But she was weak at that time.

And I brought you here after a few seconds she fell.

If you return and feed her the Elixir then I have a very positive feeling that you will be able to see her again.

]Austin bit his lips, tears welling up in his eyes as he shook his head, "Please don't...

don't give me false hope...

it's painful...

" Living with the hope that he would be able to save Valerie one day...

only to lose her once he gets out and face reality.

He couldn't do it.

He wasn't strong enough.

"You are not alone in this," Austin froze as suddenly he felt warmth enveloping him.

He couldn't see anyone around but there definitely was someone hugging him...

and that voice...

it belonged to the system.

"It will be okay, I promise you.

She will be fine.

You just need to be strong enough to protect her this time.

" She continued to speak, softly as if she was singing a lullaby and calming down a child.

Austin slowly nodded, wiping his tears he hummed, "I trust you.

"None of them spoke after that.

Austin just remained kneeling there, taking some time to calm himself down before he could think of something....

"Ah...

thanks, System.

"After a few minutes of sitting quietly and sipping some water, Austin let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

That small gesture of support meant more than he could express.

Without it, he might've thrown himself back into the fight, not caring whether he lived or died.

[The system will make sure the host reaches the life he truly desires.

]There was no face, no voice filled with warmth—just plain text on a screen.

Yet, somehow, Austin felt like she was smiling at him.

A soft, quiet kind of smile.

He couldn't help but return one of his own before leaning back and scrolling through the earlier notifications.

"Hmm...

so I can stay here until I conquer the sixth dungeon, huh?

"[Yes, host.

That will be enough for you to absorb the third fragment.

]Austin raised his eyebrows.

"But...

will the soul fragments even appear in here?

"This place wasn't real—not in the way the world outside was.

The dungeon was like a frozen stage created just for him.

Time didn't move here.

Nothing from the outside could reach in.

That's why he wasn't sure.

[The soul fragments are locked away in a cage.

That cage doesn't follow the normal flow of time and space either.

A witch created it, after all.

]Austin blinked.

"You know that much?

"[Ehe~ praise me more.

]A quiet chuckle left his lips.

He gave a small smile, the kind you give someone who always shows up for you.

"You've done well," he said, meaning it.

So that meant...

even while being here, he could still absorb the fragment.

That was one less thing to worry about.

As he read further, he noticed two more things: the shop items were now cheaper—and the dungeon's difficulty had gone up.

"Why raise the difficulty, though?

And why tell me to clear the sixth dungeon when I only need to reach the fifth to become an A-rank?

What's the reason, System?

"[Ding!

][You'll soon reach the point where your soul can absorb the third fragment.

But since you're reaching that point faster than usual, your soul might not be strong enough to handle it.

That's why the sixth dungeon is important—it'll help grow your soul, like making a bigger cup to hold more water.

This way, there's less risk.

]The System's voice was as calm as ever.

No emotion, but somehow still comforting.

Austin slowly nodded, taking it in.

"That's...

actually a smart way to do things.

" Austin hummed.

After reading the last two notifications, Austin's eyes shot wide open.

"You… removed the restrictions on my skills?

"[Yes, host.

All time limits on your skills have been lifted—except for Soulwarden Vein, which still places extreme strain on your soul.

Still, abilities like Berserk can carry dangerous after-effects if used too recklessly.

Please proceed with caution.

]"…Damn.

"Austin sat there for a moment, stunned.

His mind buzzed with possibilities.

No more timers.

No more holding back.

The thought alone made his heart race.

Just how easily could he overwhelm his enemies now?

The idea of chaining Kinetic Surge over and over again until his foes couldn't even move...

or activating Absolute Barrier and calmly standing in the middle of a horde, drinking tea like it was just another afternoon—It almost felt unfair.

With one simple change, the System had tilted the balance in his favor.

The battles ahead suddenly seemed far less daunting, and far more exciting.

Austin leaned back, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"You really want me to win, don't you?

"The System didn't reply.

But somehow, he felt the answer was already clear.

Austin sighdd and looked into his inventory.

He has already lost Ashen Maul, and during his encounter with the Parasite King, Raijin crumbled into dust.

Now, he has only his Shard, Wisp, and God's Wrath.

Although he could buy a few weapons, Austin decided to save those points for now and, this time, buy a high-ranking weapon.

Something like,[Name: Arthain][Rank: A][Type: Long-Range Weapon][Description: A high-grade magic pulse gun capable of unleashing a variety of specialized projectiles.

From explosive Dust Bombs to scorching Lava Bulbs, precision-based Gravity Pulls, and corrosive Venom Strikes—Arthain offers both versatility and power in the heat of battle.

][Price: 32,000 → 16,000]He was now focused on increasing his arsenal and adding all kinds of weapons rather than depending on a single type.

There were many artifacts and tools as well he would need for the battle.

Not to talk about he was quite close to breaking through to the next stage as well.

He has lost many things, but he still has hope...

that he can make things right.

"Haah...

I think I am now ready to face the challenge.

"Austin looked at the vast ocean before him.

He has to defeat the final boss of the fourth dungeon.

A being whom he even couldn't touch previously.

However, now, with Valerie's life on the line, he knew he could do it.

"System, start the trials.

"[Command accepted!

]The resting zone turned red before the barrier was lifted, leaving Austin face-to-face with the giant Kraken.

He took a deep breath, his left hand holding his Shard and his right one holding the boomerang.

'Just a few moments Val...

I will save you.

'°°°°°°°°°°A/N:- For the next two chapters, things would happen in fast forward so Austin finishes his trials.

Thanks for reading.