Maybe I really am a Villian

Asher’s POV

It has been six years since I was reborn into this fantasy-like world.

This world has magic. People can fly, regrow limbs, and even live for hundreds of years—of course, as long as they aren’t killed.

As for me, I am the youngest son of House Astrean, a family famous for its mastery of spatial magic.

My father, Edward Astrean, is the current head of the house and a Peak Grandmaster Rank swordsman who can cut through space itself.

My mother, Selena Astrean, was Edward Astrean’s third wife and also a Peak Grandmaster Rank mage, specializing in healing and holy magic.

She was once a Saintess candidate of the Church... and then, well, you know how those love dramas go. I’d rather not think about it.

As for my previous life, I was just a normal 21-year-old guy with an average job, living a content life—until I died in a bus accident.

And now, here I am.

In this world people can cultivate to became strong.

The ranks in this world are:

Iron

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Diamond

Master

Grandmaster

Immortal

Saint

Each rank has seven stages, from 1-star to 7-star.

This world has three major continents and several smaller islands.

Around 50% of the planet is covered in water.

The three continents are inhabited by humans, elves, dwarves, beasts, and demons (such as vampires, ghouls, etc.).

The smallest continent—though still as large as Africa—is inhabited by beasts and is known as the Grimwood Continent.

It is home to Immortal-rank beasts and possibly even Saint-rank ones. However, these creatures have no interest in world affairs and live according to their own "laws of nature."

The other two continents are nearly equal in size—each as large as Asia.

One is inhabited by demons, while the other is home to humans, elves, dwarves, and other races.

Humans are the majority on this continent, known as Eldara.

Demons and humans have been at war for centuries—for resources or whatever reasons they have. I don’t know, and I don’t really care... at least not until I’m forced to participate, which I probably will be eventually.

Humans call the demon continent Desoloterra.

The human continent is ruled by two major powers: the Imperial Family and the Church.

My house serves under the Imperial Family as one of the three ducal families of the continent.

At present, my family is the strongest among them.

The elves and dwarves also have their own royal families, but due to their low population and fertility rates, their influence is limited—greater than a count’s, but less than a duke’s.

This world’s technology is comparable to 21st-century Earth.

However, everything runs on mana stones instead of electricity, and portals are used for transportation.

The biggest difference is the absence of pollution. Mana stones are a pure energy source and produce no waste after use.

Because of this, normal humans here are much healthier and live up to around 120 years on average.

As for awakened individuals—those who can use mana—their lifespan increases dramatically depending on their rank.

As I was lost in thought, there was a knock on the door.

"What is it?"

"The family head requests your presence in his office," the maid said with a bow.

"Alright. Lead the way."

I followed her to the office. Once we arrived, she left to attend to her duties.

I knocked.

"Come in."

Entering the room, I saw a man with a handsome face, black hair, and black eyes. He stood about 183 cm tall.

Beside him stood the head butler, Arthur Aslon—a 1-star Grandmaster. Though he appeared to be in his forties, he was actually around seventy years old.

"Good morning, Father," I said with a slight bow.

"Do you know why I summoned you?"

Edward asked in a neutral tone.

"How would I know? I’m not a prophet," I replied flatly.

...

For a few seconds, no one spoke.

Then Edward said, "It is time for you to begin cultivating and learning swordsmanship and spatial magic."

"Alright. But I also want to learn healing magic and biology," I said.

"For what reason?"

"I just want to."

After a brief silence, Edward nodded. "Very well."

"Okay then, I’m off to play games," I said as I turned to leave.

After Asher left, Edward spoke in a low voice, "Is he learning healing magic because of his mother?"

"I don’t think so," Arthur replied. "He simply seems curious about biology."

"What about the medical report of Asher that I asked for?"

"Everything is normal," Arthur said, then added, "You’re overthinking. I don’t believe Madam’s death left any trauma on him."

"Then why did he not express a single emotion at her death?"

"I don’t know."

"I just hope he isn’t thinking of revenge." said Edward.

"...Only time will tell," Arthur said.

"Arthur... do you think he blames me for her death?"

"You should ask him."

"I can’t. I’m afraid of his answer."

Five Years Later

In Edward’s office—

"What is it now?" I asked in a neutral tone.

"I wanted to know whether you intend to compete for the position of head of the house," Edward said.

"I don’t want it. Elder brother can have it—I don’t care. I just want to focus on perfecting my abilities," I replied without hesitation.

"What about your birthday banquet? Do you still refuse to host one?"

"I do. It’s annoying."

"...Very well. You may go. And congratulations on reaching Bronze Rank."

Asher then left the office and headed toward my personal training room—my lab.

As soon as Asher left, Arthur appeared beside Edward.

"So, what now?" Arthur asked. "It’s clear he doesn’t seek revenge. Otherwise, he would have competed for the position."

"...Nothing," Edward said. "But now I’m worried about his social skills. He is too honest with his thoughts."

"Isn’t that a good thing?"

"Yes... and no. What do you think he would say if he met the Pope?"

Arthur paused. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Then both spoke at the same time—

"’A delusional idiot believing in something that doesn’t exist.’"

...

That day, they made a decision.

No matter what it took—

They would never allow him to meet high-ranking figures.

Even if they had to lock him up in prison to prevent it.