A Villain's Survival Guide

Lancelot Reignwood, Knight of War, the only Philosopher within the academy walls and the sitting headmaster of Helios Imperial Academy.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The rank of Philosopher alone was more than most ever attained in their lifetime, and his authority over his ability was considerable enough to reduce the entire academy to rubble without breaking a sweat or take on three to five Archmages at once.

Yet this was far from the Knight of War’s greatest accomplishment. That honour belonged to his place among the most decorated knights in the history of the Prism Empire.

His presence was a rare thing even for aristocrats, and King Alastair II himself had been known to struggle for it, and yet, here he stood.

’He didn’t even appear when the academy was attacked... Why would he come here to watch a mere simulation? They’re only first-years.’

Rosay thought. Though the harder she tried to piece it together, the further the answer seemed to slip from her.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The atmosphere sat heavily, and Lancelot’s cheerful smile wasn’t nearly enough to lighten it. Well aware of the unease his presence stirred in cadets and instructors alike, he settled into the comfortable chair in the room and gave his attention to the projections.

"Isn’t the spirit dragon overwhelmingly stronger than its peers? I think it’s an unfair advantage."

As though his words carried the weight of a command, every eye in the room turned to Alfred’s six-headed dragon.

The creature possessed multiple elemental magics, and its sheer size alone made its attacks explosive and destructive, making it all the harder for the other spirits’ efforts to matter at all.

Having been tense only moments ago, Celestial seemed to have found her footing again, and her curiosity got the better of her.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

She frowned. "What’s going on? Why are they retreating? Wouldn’t it be best if the spirits destroyed the citadel from the sky?"

A soft smile formed on Lancelot’s lips as he gestured toward a specific team.

"No, they are in formation. This is a test, isn’t it? They want to cooperate as a team while still making sure they shine individually."

With his gesture given, the team set off through the only entrance into the fortress.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

"Those are the knights. Behind them are the tanks and the casters, protected by the tanks. They will strategize their attacks so that everyone gets at least a moment to shine."

Cassius rested his elbow on the armrest, his fist supporting his chin.

"But what’s the point? If this is a test, why bother helping everyone else?"

Lancelot leaned into his seat, his expression darkening.

"I wonder that as well, Calamity Cassius."

His eyes shifted to Inspector Abigail.

"What do you think is happening, Inspector Abigail?"

She flinched at Lancelot’s voice but steadied herself shortly after.

"I think it’s because of Leomaris Runerth, Headmaster. Even though Alfred is the Ace, he’s the one leading the class."

"Really? The Apostle of Death?" Lancelot mused, turning to Rosay.

"Isn’t that your younger brother, Rosalith? I assume you are here to witness his prowess as well."

Rosay nodded with a soft smile. "Actually, I’m considering allowing him to assist the third-years on the mission regarding the terrorist attack."

Shock swept across the four instructors’ faces, mouths hanging open as they wondered if Rosay truly meant it, but the knowing expressions on the other Calamities said enough.

Inspector Mike looked displeased.

"What are you saying, Rosalith? I get it, your younger brother is talented, but isn’t this going too far? He’s still a first-year cadet."

Rosay’s expression made it clear that her mind was made up, and frankly, she had no say in the matter regardless.

Without Leomaris, her own allies were just as likely to backstab her as the enemy was. She had brought it up in front of the headmaster on purpose, to cut off any complications before they could arise. Especially considering Leomaris himself.

Lancelot let out a childish laugh, almost as though his years truly were as few as his appearance implied.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

"Don’t worry, Mike. I believe he will be just fine."

He gestured toward the cadet, silver-blue hair and blue eyes just like his, who was slaying the demonic penguins with practised ease, his spear tearing through them without so much as a struggle.

"That boy was the reason I came here, Lucius Cutler, the adopted son of Captain Andy of the Western Navy Reserve Squad."

His expression softened with affection.

"He’s a remarkable individual, and he speaks very highly of Leomaris. And mind you, this is someone who rejected my recommendation and scholarship just to become a mercenary and earn his own money."

He stared directly at Mike. "If someone that arrogant and capable speaks highly of Leomaris, then there’s clearly something special about him too."

Rosay wasn’t surprised, but she couldn’t understand it either. Her brother had always been a lout, someone the entire Runerth family, save for Rosemary, had used as a scapegoat for their agenda.

And now, all of a sudden, he was not only powerful but also a capable leader? What had happened to him?

’Did Mother do something to his body to make him like this?’

She pushed the thought away almost immediately.

’No... she’d never do that. She’s too obsessed with Leomaris to change anything about him... I guess I never really paid attention to my little brother.’

While the first-year cadets pressed forward with their mission, the spirits occupying the skies moved to the rear of the fortress and attacked from the cliff’s edge, herding every creature toward the citadel’s only way out.

At the entrance, the knights slaughtered as many as they could, though they never pursued those that slipped through, and those that did were met by the tanks, who destroyed them well before they could reach the casters.

On Leomaris’s instruction, the casters sent long-range attacks raining toward the centre of the fortress, working to force the Lord out by bringing the stronghold down around it.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Then Will shot abruptly to his feet, eyes wide, gesturing toward a particular figure: white hair, crimson eyes, black armour, and a uniquely forged dark sword.

"Who’s that?! Why is nobody talking about her? She just punched a hole through the wall with one kick!"

Rosay let out a weary sigh. "That’s Raine St. Claire... Leomaris’s fiancée."

Will’s eyes bulged, shock and a hint of envy written plainly across his face.

"Why does everything lead back to Leomaris? Why would someone like him be engaged to her?!"

Lancelot stroked his chin for a moment. "The St. Claire holy family? The house tied to the Church of Change?"

"Yes, it is."

Lancelot looked even more impressed. "This first-year batch is incredible. I’ve never seen this many impressive cadets in one batch before."

"She’s very talented. It’s hard to believe she never became a Calamity," Instructor Rohan said, the only trace of concern appearing on his face all day.

"I think I observed her Realism exam. She struggled to make logical decisions under pressure and let her emotions cloud her judgment. They say without her maid, her emotions override her logic," Instructor Stella said.

Lancelot rose to his feet almost immediately and excused himself, but before he could leave, Celestial stopped him.

"Won’t you wait for the showdown against the lord, Headmaster? I’m sure I’ll have a great deal to ask you."

Lancelot smiled awkwardly, much like a child trying to wriggle away from his crush.

"I’m somewhat occupied at the moment. But I’d be more than glad to see more of these first-year cadets. Leomaris in particular."

A gentle wave accompanied his parting words. "I hope we meet again sometime, Celestial ."

Rosay watched Lancelot leave, moving through the room as though he were no different from any of the cadets. Something struck her as peculiar about him.

He rarely seemed to pay attention, and yet he was well acquainted with every cadet, he knew them by name. That could only mean one thing: Lancelot, Knight of War, was always watching.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Then Will, who still hadn’t lost sight of Raine, spoke almost immediately:

"The Lord is coming! It’s running wild... completely enraged!"