Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Chapter 74: Chapter 73- Sick father"So students, we are concluding the classes a little early today so you all can take it easy a little and take your time to prepare for tomorrow.

" It was the period just before recess when the teacher announced.

"Every student gets only one chance to prove their worth and make a name for themselves.

Some will succeed, others might fail—but never forget what was already decided the moment you stepped into this prestigious school.

You are the chosen ones, destined to walk a harsh path, one that leads to glory.

"Austin heaved a sigh and stopped listening.

It wasn't like he didn't respect the teachers, but because of their restrictions and fear of the student's background, they had to be very careful even while speaking.

Although the Headmaster has abolished exploiting one's status to intimidate others, especially teachers, in the past, there have been several incidents where the Professors had to pay the price for their actions against certain students.

'The fake liberty of speech is almost laughable...

'Glancing at Valerie he found the girl intently listening to the teacher.

She is the top student and the chief of the disciplinary committee, so it was natural for her to be so attentive in class.

'Don't look at the teacher so carefully...

I might get jealous...

' With a smile, he stared at her back for another moment, before calling out,'System, tell me something.

How many dungeons are there in total?

'[There are a total of ten dungeons that the Host needs to cross before the Host would reach the epitome of humanity.

]Austin raised his brows, 'Epitome?

'[Indeed, host.

There are two stages of the system; the first one is called (Warrior Struggle) and the second stage is (Path to Glory).

]Austin raised his brows, 'When will I enter the second stage and what is different in the second stage compared to the first one?

'[That information cannot be disclosed as of now since it would take a few hours for the system to upgrade.

As for the requirement to reach that stage, the host needs to reach a hundred points in the overall progression.

]Austin hummed, he somehow guessed it.

With the current rate, he would become a B-rank once he conquered this dungeon...

or maybe the one after this one.

He couldn't be sure since there was no parameter he could use to keep a record of his status.

'I think it would be best to search for a beast to hunt.

' After a bit of thought, Austin asked, "Can I request another dungeon right after this one?

"[Ding!

][In exchange for 300 points, the host can request the Second Dungeon instantaneously.

][Note: Further, the cost of the dungeon generation will rise as the Host continues to progress.

]'....

' Austin was a bit taken aback by that huge amount being asked.

He fought with his life on the line for an hour to earn those points and now, the system was asking it so simply just for doing its job.

'...

and what if I don't spend my points?

'[Then the host would have to wait for the system to randomly summon a dungeon, like the first time.

]'...

and how many days that may take?

'[From one day to one year.

]"...

" This is just purely asking him to sacrifice those hard-earned points.

Sigh.

So he has to utilize those points since before the tournament, he needs to make sure he has reached B-rank.

Well, he won't get his rank officially evaluated, but he surely would need that strength to not lose against the opponent; Headmaster Philius would choose for him.

'System, is there any reward for my Shard to upgrade?

'[Your Shard is a part of your Soul, and your Soul Energy is progressing alongside your Combat stats.

]Austin hummed; understandable.

The evolution of his Soul Shard would allow him to realize his affinity with an element.

Although he was more suitable as a fighter, having a few spells would allow him to remain versatile during a battle.

"Austin?

" The blond Prince jerked out of his daze as he looked to his left and found Rudolph standing there.

"Yeah?

""You...

free?

I want to discuss something with you.

"He sounded serious, which made Austin curious.

However, when he looked to the other side, he found Valerie standing there, uncertainty written on her face.

"Is it okay if I invite Valerie along?

"Rudolph glanced where Austin's eyes were directed before he assented, "Yeah, sure.

""Where are you going?

Can I also come?

" Rhea suddenly appeared before them as she asked with a soft smile.

Rudolph looked troubled, and from his expression alone Austin guessed what it could be.

That's why he suggested, "Don't you have some training to finish?

Why don't you wait for Valerie in the training ground?

"Rhea understood that the matter could not be shared with her, and as such, she smilingly said, "Okay, then, see you guys around.

"Rudolph felt extremely bad letting her go.

He generally doesn't hide anything from her....

but informing her about this would only increase the mental burden on the girl.

Rhea was already too stressed because of her recent defeat, and the upcoming tournament.

As such, Rudolph didn't want to add another source of stress to her.

Austin urged, "Shall we go?

" Rudolph nodded before Austin approached his lover and extended his hand toward her.

"Is everything all right?

" Valerie asked as she held his hand.

The familiar warmth made her heart flutter, but she chose to not let her get distracted.

"Rudolph has some news to share...

possibly about the Capital.

"Rudolph's father was the Commander of the Imperial Legion and someone who was an integral part of the council.

As such, Austin guessed it must be about the Council or something that happened in the capital that caused Rudolph so much anxiety.

If he was guessing it right, then Drenovar must have made some moves.

They followed the bigger guy to the garden since the Common Hall must be too crowded to talk peacefully.

The back garden of the campus was not completely devoid of the populace, but surely, it wasn't as noisy.

As they reached the resting bench, Austin noticed the dust and dried leaves settled on the bench.

Taking out his handkerchief, he cleaned the seat for Valerie before gesturing for her to sit down.

"Thank you.

"Austin smiled at the girl before dusting off the seat for himself as well and sitting beside her.

Rudolph, whose seat was still covered with dust, stared at his friend in betrayal, "Seriously dude, you chose your lover and forgot about your bro?

"Austin shrugged as Rudolph took out his handkerchief, and after cleaning his seat, he also sat down.

"So what is it?

" Austin asked.

Rudolph made sure that no one was listening to their conversation before he asked, "Did you recently receive any letter from your mother or brother?

"Austin shook his head, "No, what happened?

"Rudolph frowned, a little troubled about the fact how blatantly they were ignoring him, even about these important family matters.

In a grim voice, he said, "Your father might not be well.

He looked extremely pale and weak during the recent council meeting.

Maybe it was because of the stress but his case is quite concerning.

"Austin had a severe frown on his face; this was unexpected.

This wasn't part of the plot, but maybe—because of Drenovar and the strain of the war—it had started to take a toll on him.

However, something told Austin that this wasn't just the stress.

'Is Aiden planning to remove father...

but as of now, even if the King dies he wouldn't receive the throne right away....

' The most annoying trait of the first Prince was his unpredictable nature.

He can never predict Aiden's next move because of his twisted nature.

As such, it wouldn't be a surprise that he might have targeted his father to gain control over Eryndor.

"Austin...

I think you should go and meet him.

You might have grudges against him, but he is your father.

" Rudolph added, sounding resolute.

Austin wasn't surprised that Rudolph was suggesting something like this despite being aware of how Austin have been treated by his family in the past few years.

The close bond he shares with his family, especially his father, makes Rudolph believe that family members should always forgive each other, regardless of what crime they might have committed.

'More than any familial feelings I might have for that man, I need him as the King to not let Eryndor meet its demise.

'Austin couldn't let the King fall or Eryndor will fall.

And that would be disastrous in several ways.

"Austin...

" Hearing her soft voice, Austin turned to look at her.

Valerie had a concerned look on her face as she asked him wordlessly, what he wanted to do.

Releasing a long long breath, he finally made the decision, "After my trials, I will go and seen him.

"---------**--------A/N:- We are approaching towards the downfall.

Not of Eryndor, but of a certain silver-headed bastard.

Thanks for reading.