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I am The Supervillain.
Chapter 20 - The Unlikely Encounter - Part 1

Chapter 20 - The Unlikely Encounter - Part 1

Valerie and Fiona sat at a corner table in the bustling campus cafeteria. Fiona’s eyes were wide with disbelief as Valerie casually sipped her coffee, waving at passing students who recognized her. The videos of Valerie’s exploits—fighting Thor, breaking up a senseless beating of a villain by the Heroes of Astoria—had made her something of a campus legend.

“This is actually insane!” Fiona finally blurted, setting her fork down with a loud clink. “How do you even function with all that? You can see who’s evil, who’s not, and you’re just… okay with it? Like, don’t you feel anything for the people you’re supposed to punish? Any guilt?”

Valerie, mid-wave at a group of students gawking at her from across the room, turned back to Fiona with a shrug. “Nope.”

Fiona blinked. “Nope? That’s it? ‘Nope’?”

“Look, Fi,” Valerie said, leaning back in her chair, “I don’t feel guilty because they deserve it. The Yggdrasil System doesn’t make mistakes. Evil is evil.”

Fiona leaned forward, her voice dropping into a fierce whisper. “But what if they haven’t done anything yet? What if they’re just… I don’t know, thinking about it? Do you punish them for thoughts alone?”

Valerie paused, tapping her fingers on the table as she considered. “Well… if the system marks them as evil, there’s a reason. I don’t have time to second-guess divine judgment, you know? But it’s not like I can just go around ‘unaliving’ people willy-nilly.”

“‘Unaliving’? Seriously?” Fiona shot back, her tone dripping with disbelief. “Do you hear yourself? You’re talking about people like they’re NPCs in a video game. You can’t just collect EXP like it’s a goddamn farming simulator!”

Valerie shrugged, setting her coffee down. “If the Yggdrasil System says they’re evil, then they are. I mean, sure, it’s a bit tricky because, you know, there are laws and stuff. I can’t just—” she mimicked slitting her throat, “—you know, without consequences. Even the worst villains have legal protections. But I still need the EXP, so…” She trailed off, a wry smile creeping onto her face.

Fiona’s jaw dropped. “You’re telling me the only reason you’re not wiping out ‘evil’ people left and right is because you don’t want trouble with the law?”

“Pretty much,” Valerie said with a casual shrug.

Fiona’s expression darkened, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. “You’re talking about killing people like they’re nothing but EXP bags. Do you even hear yourself? You’re gonna lose your humanity if you keep thinking like that.”

Valerie rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “Look, I don’t see them only as EXP bags. They—” She stopped herself, biting back her words. “You know what? Forget it.”

“Wow. Really?” Fiona threw her hands up in exasperation. “You actually think they’re just EXP bags. You need therapy, girl. Like, immediately.”

Valerie waved her off. “Whatever. By the way, Professor Kohn canceled the last class today. Wanna head into the city? Blow off some steam?”

Fiona narrowed her eyes. “Wait, how do you know the class is canceled?”

Valerie grinned sheepishly. “Well… I may have gotten into trouble this morning for slapping Anderson yesterday. Kohn showed up to punish me or something, but she fainted instead. Couldn’t handle my aura.”

Fiona gawked. “Because of your skill? What’s it called again? ‘Death’s… merciless grip?’ Ugh, what a cringy name. Let me guess—Professor Kohn is evil too?”

“Hundred percent,” Valerie said without hesitation.

Before Fiona could respond, a loud thud drew their attention. A student had collapsed just inside the cafeteria entrance. Gasps erupted around the room as people rushed to help.

“Let me guess,” Fiona said, her voice tinged with dread, “he’s evil too?”

Valerie glanced at the unconscious student, her eyes narrowing as the Yggdrasil System overlaid a percentage above his head. “Eighty-two percent.” She grinned mischievously. “Might have to kill him at some point. The EXP reward is probably worth it.”

“Valerie!” Fiona gasped, horrified.

“Relax, I’m kidding,” Valerie said, throwing up her hands in mock surrender.

“Please don’t joke about that!” Fiona said, crossing her arms in exasperation.

Valerie leaned back in her chair, laughing. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave. Let’s just get out of here before someone else passes out.”

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The heart of the city buzzed with life. Valerie and Fiona strolled through the bustling streets, their laughter weaving through the vibrant chaos. Neon signs glowed above them, and street performers entertained clusters of passersby. They ducked into shops, browsed trinkets, and indulged in sugary snacks. Yet, amidst the cheer, Fiona’s unease lingered like a shadow. Her eyes darted nervously to the side every time someone collapsed after crossing Valerie’s path.

“Fi…” Valerie’s voice broke through the hum of the crowd, soft yet carrying an edge of vulnerability. She stopped walking, forcing Fiona to turn toward her. Her usually sharp gaze had softened. “Are you scared of me? Because of…?”

Fiona froze for a moment, her smile faltering before she plastered it back on. “No, of course not!” she said quickly, her tone a little too bright, a little too forced.

A faint shimmer flickered in Valerie’s crimson irises as her interface lit up:

—The individual is lying.

Valerie’s lips pressed into a thin line, her shoulders sagging slightly. “You know… you can’t lie to me, Fi. I have a skill for that too,” she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Caught, Fiona sighed, rubbing the back of her neck as she glanced away. “Alright, fine. I’ll be honest… A little bit, yeah. I am scared. I mean, Val, you’re not exactly human anymore. You’re a demigod, soon to be an actual god. That’s… a lot to process.”

Valerie held Fiona’s gaze, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. “Fi, I’ve never been just a human. My mom… she wasn’t from this planet. So, yeah. I’m different. I’ve always been different. And now? Now, I’m…” She trailed off, her voice dropping as if she didn’t dare finish the thought.

Fiona stepped closer, her hand reaching out to tap Valerie lightly in the shoulder, “You know what? Who cares?” she said, her voice warm and steady. “I don’t care if you’re a demigod, a god, or whatever else the universe decides to throw at you. I’m here. And I’ll make sure you stay human—maybe not physically, but in here.” She tapped her finger gently against Valerie’s chest, right where her heart would be.

Valerie’s interface stayed silent. No warnings, no lies detected. Just truth.

A genuine smile spread across Valerie’s face, one that reached her eyes. For a moment, the weight of her new reality felt lighter. “Thanks, Fi,” she said softly.

“No need to thank me,” Fiona replied with a wink. “You’re stuck with me, whether you like it or not.”

With that, they resumed their walk, the unease between them dissipating. The city’s energy seemed brighter, their laughter mingling with the life around them. For now, they were just two friends enjoying the day, finding solace in the fact that even gods need someone to remind them of their humanity.

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Morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the dormitory hall, illuminating Valerie and Fiona as they stood by the door. Both were clad in sleek, armored uniforms, the polished material reflecting their anticipation. Today was pivotal—the day mentors would be assigned. Yet, despite the crisp morning air and the buzz of excitement, Valerie’s face betrayed her unease.

She adjusted her gloves absentmindedly, her crimson eyes flickering with worry. “This is bad, really bad,” she muttered under her breath.

Fiona, ever perceptive, stopped mid-step and turned to her friend. “What’s wrong, Val? You’ve been fidgeting since we got ready.”

Valerie hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. “The Oracle System… I don’t have it anymore. What am I supposed to do now? How do I explain it to the professors?”

Fiona frowned, then placed a reassuring hand on Valerie’s shoulder. “I forgot about that... I honestly don’t know. I promise we’ll figure it out once we get there, okay?”

Valerie gave a weak smile. “I wish I had your confidence.”

Fiona grinned. “Borrow some of mine. Let’s just get to class first. We’ll deal with whatever comes next.”

“Should I just tell them what happened?”

“Absolutely not. Can you even imagine? if the news broke out, you would be swarmed by reporters, paparazzi, bootlickers and worse of all, Villains. Also, the Government will keep an eye on you—”

“Fi, I get it. Let’s just go!”

The two made their way across the campus to the grand gymnasium. Its towering dome loomed above the students gathering within, all buzzing with excitement and nervous energy. Inside, rows of glowing orbs lined the room. Freshmen were already placing their Oracle Systems against the spheres, their glowing interfaces lighting up in sync.

Valerie slowed as they approached, her unease growing. Fiona shot her a quick glance but said nothing, staying close for support.

Just as Valerie stepped toward the line of orbs, a professor in a flowing crimson robe intercepted her. “Miss Nordin, Miss Allen,” he said, nodding curtly. “You’ve been reassigned. Follow me.”

Fiona and Valerie exchanged confused looks but followed without question. The professor led them to a smaller, more private chamber adjacent to the main gym. Here, the atmosphere was different—intense and almost suffocating. A series of larger, differently colored orbs sat atop pedestals. This was where the top ten students, the elite, would receive their mentors.

The tension in the room was palpable. One by one, students approached the pedestals, their Oracle Systems glowing brightly as they connected. Valerie, however, stood frozen at the back, her heart pounding.

Valerie leaned closer to Fiona and whispered, “Maybe I should just tell them, you know? About everything.”

Before Fiona could respond, a voice, deep and commanding, echoed behind them. “What is it that you wish to reveal, child?”

Both girls turned to see the source of the voice. A towering man stood before them, his presence almost suffocating. Taller than Valerie—an impressive feat—he had jet-black hair streaked with silver, a face that carried the wisdom of a seasoned warrior, and eyes that seemed to pierce through one’s soul.

Valerie’s chest tightened. There was something about him—an air of familiarity she couldn’t place.

The man addressed Fiona first, his tone firm but respectful. “Miss Allen, your mentor awaits. If you would be so kind as to join him.”

Fiona gave Valerie a concerned glance before nodding. “Catch you later, Val.” With a reassuring pat on Valerie’s arm, she disappeared into the crowd.

Valerie turned back to the man, studying him. “Do I… know you? The way you speak—”

“I am Ryuu Oda,” he interrupted, his voice steady as steel. “From this moment forward, you are my disciple, child. You may address me as master.” He bowed deeply, his movements deliberate and dignified.

Caught off guard, Valerie hesitated before bowing back. Her crimson irises flickered as her judgment interface activated.

Judgment: 8% Evil Tendencies

Punishment: None

Execution: Forbidden

“I do know you,” she murmured, squinting at him. “I think. Or maybe… doesn’t matter. Anyway, about the Oracle System—I don’t have it anymore. Kind of a big deal.”

Ryuu’s lips curled into a faint, almost amused smile. “You have no need for such trivialities, child. Now tell me, what have you learned thus far about being a warrior?”

Valerie’s eyes widened slightly. The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. “Wait.. wait a minute… being a warrior? I’ve heard this question before…I knew it—you’re the Azu—”

“Answer the question,” Ryuu cut her off, his voice sharp enough to silence her excitement.

“Yes, master,” Valerie muttered, regaining composure. She scratched her neck awkwardly. “Uh… something about purpose? And how a good warrior doesn’t need a big sword or whatever?”

Ryuu’s expression hardened. “Pathetic,” he said bluntly. “You have learned nothing. But worry not, child. I will carve these lessons into your mind with my steel.”

“Oh, great. Sounds… comforting,” Valerie muttered, averting her eyes.

Ryuu turned his gaze toward the nearby arena. “Prepare yourself. We will spar here, before the Academy’s eyes. This place has an unhealthy obsession with parading its talents. Let us indulge their whims.”

Valerie’s energy shifted instantly. Her lips curled into a grin. “Yes, of course. I’ll beat you this time, old man.”

As they walked toward the gymnasium arena, Valerie caught sight of Fiona conversing with her mentor—a tall man with flowing blond hair and piercing emerald eyes. There was something hauntingly familiar about him. Valerie squinted, but for some reason, her judgment interface failed to activate.

“Weird,” she muttered under her breath. “That’s new.”

Shaking it off, she turned her focus to the sparring match ahead. After all, she was about to go head-to-head with the legendary Azure Oni for the second time. Her blood raced with anticipation.

The gymnasium roared with cheers, the applause echoing off the walls as mentors sparred with their students. Yet, the Azure Oni stood still amidst the noise, his gaze sharp and unimpressed, like a general watching a poorly disciplined army.

“This,” he muttered under his breath, “is what they call the future of heroes? A shameful display. No discipline. No honor.”

Valerie glanced at him, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. “Old man… I meant…Master, why are you even here? You are a supervillain.”

Ryuu Oda, the Azure Oni, folded his arms across his chest, the scars on his forearms catching the light. “I am here, child, because I gave my word—a promise made long ago. You will come to understand its weight in time.”

Valerie tilted her head, trying to read the man beside her. “A promise? To who? What kind of promise?”

Ryuu’s piercing gaze met hers. “One that ties you to it, though you may not yet realize it. For now, let your questions rest. You will have your answers when you are ready to bear them.”

Before Valerie could press him further, their names were called. The sparring had been unremarkable so far, but the atmosphere shifted as they stepped into the arena. Whispers rippled through the crowd.

“That’s the new professor, I heard he was a formidable hero in the past…”

“And Valerie Nordin… She fought Thor himself!”

Ryuu stepped into the ring with quiet dignity, shrugging off his dark blue suit jacket. He folded the sleeves of his shirt to his elbows, revealing forearms etched with scars—marks of countless battles fought and won.

Valerie, watching him, leaned closer. “Master, should we use swords?” she whispered.

“No,” he said, his voice firm and calm. “The world must never know of the swords we wield, least of all yours. That side of you must remain in shadow.”

“I don’t know why, but Got it,” Valerie said, nodding.

Ryuu turned to face her fully, his presence commanding respect. “Prepare yourself, child. Land a single blow, and the match is yours. But know this—your strength alone will not carry you.”

Valerie smirked, rolling her shoulders. “Are you sure you can handle my punches without your armor, old man?”

The corner of Ryuu’s mouth twitched in faint amusement. “You speak with the confidence of a lion, yet you are but a cub in the wild. Begin.”

Valerie lunged forward, her fist aimed at Ryuu’s chest. With a subtle shift of his weight, he sidestepped, her punch grazing empty air.

“Too slow,” he said, his tone measured, almost disappointed.

Grinding her teeth, Valerie spun into a high kick. Ryuu didn’t move until the last moment, his body swaying like a reed in the wind as her kick swept past him.

“Power without precision is meaningless,” he said.

She growled, charging at him with a flurry of punches and kicks. The speed of her attacks increased, each strike more aggressive than the last. But Ryuu moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, dodging her blows effortlessly.

“Control your anger, child,” he said, his tone almost fatherly. “It blinds you to openings and exhausts your strength.”

The students and mentors watching struggled to keep up with the fight. To them, the two figures were blurs of motion, their movements too fast for the untrained eye.

“Stand still and fight me properly!” Valerie snapped, frustration mounting.

Ryuu’s eyes narrowed. “A warrior does not demand the battle to suit their weaknesses. Adapt, or be defeated.”

Valerie roared, leaping into the air for a downward strike. This time, Ryuu stepped into her attack, catching her wrist mid-air. In one smooth motion, he flipped her onto the ground.

“Reckless,” he said, his tone carrying a mix of disapproval and patience. “Your body is a weapon, child, but you wield it like a sledgehammer when you should be holding a blade.”

She slammed her fists against the floor and pushed herself up, panting. Her muscles burned, her body screaming for rest, but she refused to stop.

“Again,” she growled, her movements slower now, but more deliberate. She feinted a right hook and followed with a spinning elbow strike, catching Ryuu off guard for the briefest moment. Her elbow grazed his shoulder.

Ryuu stepped back, raising his hand to signal the end of the match. The crowd erupted in applause, though Valerie barely heard it over the sound of her own heavy breathing.

“You have landed a blow,” Ryuu said, his voice calm and steady. “But only just. Your movements are wasteful, your technique unrefined. You fight as though you are at war with yourself.”

Valerie sank to her knees, sweat dripping from her brow. “So… did I pass?” she asked, a weak grin on her face.

Ryuu extended a hand, helping her to her feet. His expression softened, though his tone remained firm. “You have potential, child. But potential is a seed—it must be cultivated, or it will wither. Discipline will be your greatest weapon. Remember that.”

As they exited the arena, Ryuu leaned closer. “Next time, child, I will not be so lenient.”

Valerie smirked, her exhaustion giving way to determination. “Good. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”