To be the Villainess

O38.

Chapter 38

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third person

THE ROYAL hunting grounds buzzed with tension and anticipation. Nobles of every rank gathered, each at their own tents, meticulously sharpening their weapons and exchanging competitive glances. Two days had passed since the Emperor announced the Hunter’s Festival, and the air was thick with excitement and the scent of steel. Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as the Emperor rose from his grand, throne-like chair, his figure draped in luxurious, dark robes that hinted at an ominous authority.

A smirk tugged at the Emperor’s lips, his gaze sharp and predatory as it swept over the nobles. “Today is not for the faint of heart,” he began, his voice rolling out like thunder. “It is a day for the bold, the ruthless, and the cunning.” He let the words hang in the air, fueling their hunger. “For each beast you slay, you will be rewarded with points. Drudges, our weakest quarry, are worth 5 to 7 points.” The mention of even the lesser beasts stirred murmurs, a ripple of excitement and greed passing through the audience. “Fiends, with their sly tricks and fierce nature, will earn you 15 to 20 points.”

The Emperor’s smile widened as he continued, savoring the crowd's growing fervor. “And for the brave few among you, the Dreadspawn—beasts wielding dark powers—await, worth up to 50 points. But tread carefully, for they are relentless.” He paused, then leaned forward, voice dropping to a sinister whisper that compelled the nobles to lean in, hanging on his every word. “Those of unwavering courage may challenge the Oblivion beasts, worth up to 120 points. And at the pinnacle,” his eyes gleamed with a malevolent thrill, “the Abyssal creatures. Legends themselves, they offer up to 300 points for those daring enough to face them.”

The nobles’ eyes glinted with bloodlust and ambition as he continued, each one imagining the spoils they could claim. The Emperor straightened, casting a look of satisfaction at the nobles’ expressions—hungry, eager, willing to risk it all. “Extra points will be awarded for first strikes, solo kills, and flawless victories,” he declared, driving their competitive spirits to a fever pitch.

As the nobles gripped their weapons, ready to prove themselves in this ruthless hunt, the Emperor lifted a hand for silence. “One last thing…” He let his voice hang for effect, watching the tension coil. “There is a humanoid monster lurking in these woods. Bring her head to me, and I shall grant you the Duke’s title.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd, and every head turned toward the Grand Duke seated beside the Emperor. Eyes flickered with a newfound hunger—this wasn’t merely about hunting monsters. For some, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rise to the highest ranks, to claim power that seemed almost within reach.

The Emperor’s grin broadened, revealing a hint of malice as he surveyed the eager faces before him, reveling in their lust for blood and status. “Fight well, honor your house, and may the bravest stand triumphant,” he said, his tone rich with dark promise. “Good luck.”

The nobles didn’t need to be told twice. They surged from their tents, weapons in hand, eyes gleaming not just with excitement but with the bloodthirsty determination to hunt not only beasts but also a title, a legacy—perhaps even immortality. The thrill of the hunt was no longer just about survival or glory; it was about seizing destiny itself, no matter the cost.

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arthemice

I looked up at the trees, their dark branches stretching ominously above me. My wrists were cuffed, and my body was still weak from days in the dungeon. Here I was, standing alone in the heart of the forest, uncertain of what to do next. It had been two days since they’d thrown me in that damp cell. No one had visited me—no one except Darious. He’d brought food, a pillow, and a thin blanket. Together, we’d tried to find a way for me to escape, but Darious... he didn’t have the power to pull it off. His abilities were limited to shielding and swordsmanship, and with the palace’s knights and guards on constant alert, breaking out wasn’t an option—not with just the two of us. He’d promised to gather information, to return as early as possible with any hope he could find.