I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain

Chapter 4

An intruder? Me? The man burst into laughter, an unpleasant sound that scratched the eardrums. Unbelievable. You ruined the pawn that I personally chose.

Oh, really? Ians expression finally relaxed. I must say, its a pity, Dark Mage.

It was you who hid my seeds! He was undoubtedly referring to the contaminated bead of magic essence. After all, the young man was a messenger of the Dark Mage.

It must have been a hasty move to kill the boy, considering the invested magical power of the essence. Ian made a gesture as if he were putting something in a different dimension and severed the connection from the essence to the dark mage and smiled. Yes, I will make good use of it.

You arrogant scoundrel.

Zap! Zap! The mans body began to transform again, limbs twisting and swelling.

With a crack, Ians sword held in his grip, broke in half. Ian clicked his tongue in disappointment. It was a usable blade he had just obtained.

Let me make it clear who you have mocked with your tongue. I am-.

Boom! The face that was speaking was engulfed in a fiery explosion. Boom! Boom! Boom! Ian continued to throw fireballs, one after another. The baptism of fire did not cease until the man fell to his knees. He couldnt even finish the grotesque transformation.

Even in his charred state, within the hollow eye sockets, purple magical power burned filled with hatred. You! You crimson rascal! Its better this way! I will find you without fail. Dont forget! I, the one who will forever make your insignificant soul suffer, am-!

The broken sword struck the mans throat.

The detached head wobbled pitifully. Commander Sorcerer. With a fading voice, his eyes dimmed.

You talk too much. Ian approached with a body convulsing with rage. He raised his sword and plunged it into the charred body, the burnt flesh clung to the sword, creating a mess. Ian inserted his hand into the charred chest pulling out a black bead smaller than the Chiefs, but with the same violet magical power flowing through it.

There was more than one. Thinking back, there were Chiefs who led the tribes in the game. It wouldnt be surprising if it was an arrangement prepared by the unmentioned Dark Mage.

The sound of gasping came immediately after from the direction of the young men who had been watching from a distance. Ian could see a man writhing on the ground, screaming as he hastily took off his pants. Amidst the sudden display, even Ian was bewildered.

I-I committed a mortal sin, sir! The man, with his bare buttocks exposed, prostrated himself on the ground.

Just rolling around like this is a mortal sin. Tell me so I can understand. Ian spat out while furrowing his brow.

The man, hands trembling, pointed to the discarded pants. In my in my pocket. Theres another bead exactly like that one.

Approaching the discarded pants, Ian roughly rummaged through the pockets with his sword.

Among various odds and ends, another bead rolled out.

To Lou Sola, I swear I didnt know. I thought it was just a unique bead I could bring to my sister!

Shut up before I really kill you. Ian spat out. The mans mouth closed instantly. Ian rolled the essence between his fingers and looked around at the young men. Is there anyone else to be warned?

No, there isnt anyone else. Really, sir! The young men all nodded in unison.

Even if they are scoundrels, they wouldnt lie in a life-or-death situation. If they did, I would personally break their bones. The tavern owner added with a sidelong glance as he walked over. He wore the chiefs armor and carried the axe on his shoulder.

Yeah. Youll make sure of it. Ian shrugged his shoulders.

The tavern owner, looking down at the fallen man, spoke. Stop whining and clean up your filthy ass. Go take care of the body yourself.

The tavern owner asked, By the way, Red Sorcerer? I thought you were an inspector since you walk around with a sword.

Does that change anything? Ian asked, collecting the essence.

There was a contradictory tendency among the people of the Dark Ages to fear and underestimate sorcerers; therefore it was more comfortable to be regarded as an inspector or a fallen knight.

Nothing will change. And when you go back, make a deal with those scoundrels.

Turning his body, Ian shook the broken sword. Because of those scoundrels breaking their promises, my iron magic wand broke again. I have to make a new one.

The tavern owner laughed as if he had won. He added, looking at Ians back. But are you okay? You seem to have incurred the wrath of the Dark Mage.

Mind your own business. Ian retorted without even turning his head. You just need to keep your promise with me.

The tavern owner kept his promise well. From the day Ian returned to the village, he began to arrange quests for him. Of course, he didnt forget to provide him with a sword and armor before that. The sword was ordinary, but the armor was made of Kobold Chiefs leather.

It was the tavern owners idea. Ian received it, thinking it would be better than being completely unarmed, but it turned out to be equipment that could verify information. Although

it was only of advanced grade, it was still useful enough at the present moment.

It looks convincing. You dont seem like a sorcerer at first glance. The tavern owner spoke and laughed.

You have to be careful with your words.

Dont worry. Since you seem to dislike revealing that youre a sorcerer, Ive made sure those scoundrels know as well.

Dont count on that promise.

I will. Those guys are terrified of you. Theyre probably still trembling somewhere, you know.

As if proving his words, none of the clients referred to Ian as a sorcerer. They called him a hero or a knight, the hot titles of the village.

Anyway, the idea of making the tavern owner a business agent was successful. Since he stayed at the inn, clients began to visit his inn one after another. From simple requests like killing wild boars that overturned the fields every night to more significant ones like dealing with the water ghost coming out of the village well. The requests kept rolling in to the point that it was hard to believe this was just a small village.

Of course, most of the requests were trivial, not triggering a quest window. Nevertheless, Ian didnt refuse and continued to solve the requests without a single failure.

Phew. After washing his face, Ian wiped off the moisture with a clean towel. His gaze swept across every nook and cranny of the spacious room. It was a habitual gesture to check if anything had changed overnight. Of course, nothing had changed.

Suddenly, he realized that the view of the room had become quite familiar to his eyes. It was natural when he thought about it since it had already been a month since he started living here. During that time, the best room in the inn had become his. It had good sunlight and the biggest, cleanest bed.

Youll probably think this was a good time later. Ian muttered quietly as he left the room.

Are you awake, Mr. Adventurer? As he descended the stairs, he caught the eye of a maid cleaning the hallway. Among the nicknames that had stuck to Ian, this one bothered him the least.

Yeah. Prepare breakfast for me.

Yes, please wait a moment. Ill prepare it with your favorite meat and eggs. The maid put down her mop. She was one of the few people in town who wasnt afraid of Ian. In fact, she was behaving too casually, which was annoying Ian.

Ian sat down and added, Also, bring me a beer.

Yes, the maid answered and went to the kitchen.

Left alone, Ian tapped the table with his index finger. The number of requests from the village was decreasing rapidly and the moment of leaving the town was getting closer. He would have to wander and move around until he reached the next town even if he didnt feel like it. He knew adapting to a peaceful daily life was like slowly killing oneself and he hadnt killed anything in the past week or so. The only times he came close to shedding blood was cutting off the wrist of a person trying to cheat him out of a reward and cutting off the finger of someone harassing the maid. Once everything is settled

A plate was placed in front of him. Eggs, mashed potatoes, and grilled meat. It was a bit heavy for breakfast, but Ian picked up the knife and fork without hesitation. There were rarely any food-like things in this world.

What are you thinking? The maid sat down across from him, placing a glass filled with beer.

You dont need to know. Ian replied, causing the maid to pout her lips. Ian added, his voice low, When did the tavern owner leave?

About an hour ago, I guess hes bothering people by asking if they need anything. The maid made a clicking sound with her tongue.

Ian was one of the reasons tavern owner could live comfortably in this inn. The tavern owner received an introduction fee from the clients, instead of just taking requests. However, since he took the change honestly, Ian didnt bother to stop him, besides he was also working hard to bring in requests.

You seem to be wishing at least some remnants of kobolds would come out.

Right. Ian nodded, munching his meat. If he were to say that, it would mean that he was really out of work.

Still, this is the first time the village is as peaceful as it is these days. Its nice. The waitress rested her chin on her hands and looked at Ian. Its all thanks to you.

Okay, wait a minute. Ian replied sternly. The problem will come back soon.

How do you know?.

Because its obvious. This is the dark ages and this village is without a proper defense force. It was common sense.

While Ian focused on the food again, the maids voice continued. Can I just ask you a question?

No.

Mr. Adventurer, why are you trying not to reveal that you are a wizard?

Ian looked at her, her curiosity sparkling in her bright eyes. In the end, he gave in and answered. Its troublesome. Besides, I dont really like magicians who order others around.

Are magicians really as arrogant, ominous, and selfish as others say?

Wellsomewhat. Ian suddenly remembered the first magician he had encountered in the swamp. While traveling together, the old man saw Ian using magic of various attributes and became curious about his secret. Ian kindly replied that he wouldnt be able to do it, but of course, the old man didnt give up. Instead, he tried to find out the secret himself by opening Ians skull. Obviously, that attempt was not successful and the old mans throat was cut. Ian learned a lesson that day, he shouldnt get involved with magicians if he could help it.

This was one of the things that had completely changed from when it was just a game. The NPC magicians back then would reject or be wary of those who were not from the same faction, but they wouldnt come rushing in trying to pry open your skull.

Well then, what do you like, Adventurer? The maid asked again.

Ian suddenly stopped moving as various things passed through his mind, like a cola to wash away the greasiness of these dishes or some Jgermeister. Unfortunately, most of the things he liked couldnt be found in this world. Ian bit his tongue and instead blurted out, Treasure. Money.

Oh. The maid looked at him with a speechless expression.

Ian didnt respond anymore. Ian had almost finished the food on the plate when the tavern owner returned.

Ohare you awake? Awkwardly greeting Ian, the tavern owner hesitated while holding the doorknob.

Ian finally clicked his tongue. What is it? Speak up. Dont waste my time.

The tavern owner scratched his cheek. Well, someone came to see you.

A request?

Im not sure about that, but Before the tavern owner could say something, the closing door opened again. Behind the young man who opened the door stood another figure, a person wearing full plate armor.

It wasnt just any armor. It was a proper full-body armor that didnt reveal any flesh. The helmet, resembling an eagles or falcons beak, completely covered the face. On the hilt of the sword at his waist was a decoration in the shape of deer antlers, the symbol of Agelran.

Ian could guess that the guest who came to see him was an elite knight of the Agelran Kingdom. Someone who shouldnt be in such a remote village.

But that wasnt the reason Ian raised his head in surprise. Somehow, he looks familiar? It was because he had seen the shape of that full-body armor somewhere before.