Became the Patron of Villains Novel MTL - Chapter 218

## Chapter 218

“What serendipity to find you here!”

Eliban greeted Alon with an overly dramatic show of pleasure as Alon appeared perplexed.

“I certainly didn’t anticipate crossing paths with you.”

“Nor I!”

Eliban, wearing a radiant grin, also offered a small bow toward **Yutia**, who was positioned beside Alon.

“Good day, **Cardinal**. It is pleasing to encounter you here.”

“The pleasure is mine. Have you been faring well, **Eliban**?”

“Quite well, thank you.”

Alon, observing the wide smile on the man’s face, inquired,

“I was informed you were stationed in **Ashtalon**. What brings you this far? And where are your colleagues?”

The most recent intelligence Alon possessed was that Eliban had been handling peculiar dimensional **rifts** appearing in **Ashtalon**.

Seeing him here was quite perplexing.

“My associates are waiting back at the headquarters, and I traveled north for some urgent business.”

“Urgent business?”

“Indeed!”

A cheerful affirmation.

Could Eliban genuinely have matters to attend to in this northern area?

Alon mentally reviewed any pertinent information.

…It wasn’t, of course, entirely out of the question.

According to the initial plot of **Psychedelia**, **Eliban** would indeed have numerous missions in the north after a period of time had elapsed.

**Rifts** were appearing in the territory, but that was not the primary concern.

The actual reason was the invasion of the **barbarians** and the arrival of the **Outer God**, **Ulthultus**.

However, that was only if the events unfolded following the original scenario.

**Ulthultus** had already manifested years ago—and **Alon** had personally defeated it.

In other words, to **Alon**’s knowledge, there were no major impending dangers left in the north.

The only threat remaining was the sporadic **rift** occurrences.

‘It’s similar to how the **Horizon** became accessible in the **DLC**. Perhaps new assignments were introduced along with it…?’

As **Alon**’s silence stretched on, **Eliban** picked up the thread of the conversation.

“I heard there’s a concealed **dungeon** in the north, so I came to clear it out.”

“A concealed **dungeon**?”

“Yes. I was tasked with retrieving a certain object from within.”

“I understand.”

This sounded like an assignment incorporated in the **DLC**.

Since **Alon** could roughly deduce **Eliban**’s presence, he chose not to question him further.

They shortly arrived inside the **outpost**.

***

“This report concludes the current situation in the north.”

As soon as they entered the **outpost**, a **knight** protecting the base gave a situation report to **Deus**.

Listening nearby, **Alon** found one specific detail strange.

Something—

“…A **divine descent phenomenon** has occurred?”

“Yes.”

A **divine descent phenomenon** impacting the **monsters** in the **snowy mountains**.

It was a manifestation where unusual **crystals** sprouted on **monsters**—a precursor to an imminent **Outer God**’s arrival.

Hearing this, **Alon** involuntarily grimaced internally.

‘A **divine descent**, showing up at this precise moment?’

As far as **Alon** was aware, with **Ulthultus**—one of the **Chaos Gods**—vanquished, there should have been no further **Outer Gods** manifesting.

‘Furthermore, if the **divine descent phenomenon** was first noticed in the north, it implies the **Outer God** is likely to materialize here.’

Typically, the **divine descent phenomenon** would spread across the continent when an **Outer God** descended.

However, the region where it initially appeared was usually the deity’s intended landing site.

And as far as **Alon** knew, no such manifestation had recently appeared anywhere else.

That could only point to one conclusion.

An **Outer God** was coming down upon the north.

The instant he grasped this, **Alon**’s thoughts spiraled into confusion.

Now that the **divine descent phenomenon** had commenced, it would not be surprising if the **Outer God** arrived at any moment.

But what bewildered **Alon** even more was the fact that an **Outer God** was descending here at all.

‘Who exactly is making the descent?’

To **Alon**’s knowledge, the only **Chaos God** that appeared in the north was **Gwaeryeonnanshin**.

There were three other **Chaos Gods** who hadn’t appeared since **Kylrus**, but they were meant to descend in entirely different territories.

‘Did they add new **Outer Gods** in the **DLC**?’

This left **Alon** with two viable explanations.

First, one of the **Outer Gods** he knew was descending.

Or second, a new **Outer God** had been introduced in the **DLC**.

After a quick consideration, **Alon** dismissed the second possibility.

He hadn’t bought **Psychedelia**’s **DLC**.

That **DLC** had been designed to reduce the game’s difficulty by introducing powerful allies from various races to assist the protagonist against the **Five Great Sins**.

It was improbable that it would also introduce new **Outer Gods** to increase the game’s challenge.

That left only the first option.

‘One of the **Outer Gods** I’m familiar with is descending. And given that **Ulthultus** has already been defeated… there’s only one viable candidate left.’

**Neltar**.

**Alon**’s expression subtly darkened as the name crossed his mind.

A being with four appendages, **jet-black skin** similar to a **demon**, and powers unmatched even among the **Chaos Gods**.

**Neltar** was notoriously difficult to defeat in **Psychedelia**, appearing only in the final stages of the game.

If he were to show up now, even if **Alon** prepared his **magic** and executed a perfect strike, victory would be uncertain.

“No.”

To be precise, with **Alon**’s present power, overcoming **Neltar** was almost impossible.

It wasn’t merely a disparity in strength—it was a matter of intrinsic incompatibility.

**Alon** was particularly susceptible to **Neltar**’s abilities.

Acknowledging this, **Alon** drew a deep breath, attempting to settle his thoughts.

Any guesswork at this stage was futile.

Too many contradictions existed between his knowledge and the reality unfolding before him.

Therefore, **Alon** decided to concentrate on his immediate objective.

‘How do I get inside the **Horizon**?’

As far as **Alon** knew, the means to enter the **Horizon** was both simple and challenging.

It was simple because the entrance was clearly visible.

The reason it remained difficult was because they were required to battle the **barbarians**.

Specifically, since the **barbarians** were blocking the route to the **Horizon**, there was no way to bypass a confrontation with them.

‘…Should I once again request **Reinhardt**’s assistance and attempt an aerial assault like last time?’

After the brief assembly concluded, **Alon** walked toward his quarters, lost in contemplation.

At that moment—

“My Lord.”

“…**Yutia**?”

**Yutia**’s voice reached him.

“You mentioned previously that you had urgent matters at the **Horizon of the Snowy Mountains**, correct?”

“That is correct.”

“Have you managed to find a way to reach it?”

“Technically, I have a way, but honestly, it’s not an appealing choice. I’d be forced into a fight with the **barbarians**.”

As if she could perfectly read **Alon**’s mind,

**Yutia** stepped closer.

“In that case, would you allow me to show you an alternative route?”

“…An alternative route?”

“Yes, I believe this path will enable you to reach the location without engaging the **barbarians**.”

“Such a path exists?”

Surprised, **Alon** asked again, and **Yutia** nodded.

“Yes, in fact, I only learned about it after my arrival here.”

“…A shortcut to the **Horizon of the Snowy Mountains**?”

“Yes. The **priests** who arrived earlier made the discovery.”

Recalling the **priests** at the **outpost** earlier, **Alon** questioned **Yutia**,

“Is the **Pope**’s mission connected to the **Horizon of the Snowy Mountains**?”

“Essentially, it appears our mission is linked to a **cave** that leads directly to it.”

“So, the route passes through a **cave**.”

“Yes, and the information is reliable.”

After a moment of thought, **Alon** agreed.

“…Very well, I will accept your help.”

“Think nothing of it.”

“No, I feel as though I am constantly relying on you. Is there anything you would like in exchange?”

**Yutia** smiled, her eyes crinkling with amusement.

“Will you genuinely grant my request?”

“As long as it is within my capability.”

“Hmm~”

She paused to think for a moment before replying.

“May I tell you at a later time?”

“I have no objection to that.”

“Then I will inform you next time. I would like to accumulate a few more things first.”

“…Accumulate?”

“Yes, I thought that if I assist you more and earn your greater favor, I might be able to make a more significant request later on.”

“But I am already willing to grant you a reasonable request—”

At that, **Yutia** hesitated briefly.

Then, still smiling, she fixed her gaze upon **Alon**.

“?”

As **Alon** tilted his head in confusion—

“Is that so—”

Breaking the brief silence, her voice echoed lightly.

“Well then, I have some duties to attend to, so I will take my leave now, My Lord.”

**Yutia** departed first.

**Alon** watched her receding figure for a time.

***

The following day.

At daybreak, **Eliban** set out toward the **dungeon**.

Meanwhile, **Alon** and **Yutia** utilized the shortcut that would allow them to avoid the **barbarians**.

A little later, **Deus**, who had left after them, soon reached the perimeter where they expected to encounter the **barbarians**—

“?”

A minor question entered his mind.

The reason was—

“There are no adversaries?”

The **barbarians**, who should have been visible beyond the perimeter, were nowhere to be found.

It was as though they had all vanished simultaneously.

Puzzled, **Deus** muttered,

“…An ambush?”

But his lieutenant shook his head.

“No.”

“Then where did all those **goblin-like barbarians** go? Even their **chieftains** are absent.”

“The soldiers reported that early this morning, they suddenly departed for a different location.”

“…Departed for a different location?”

“Yes.”

**Deus**’s expression darkened with confusion at his lieutenant’s report.

At that moment—

“This is the place?”

“Yes, it is.”

**Alon** looked up at the massive **cave** entrance before him.

“It’s immense.”

“Once you traverse this **cave**, you will see the **Horizon** you have been seeking, **Marquis**.”

Nodding, **Alon** suddenly remembered something and questioned **Yutia**,

“But isn’t this area controlled by the **barbarians**?”

“Hmm, I’m not entirely certain of that, but when the **priests** investigated, they said no **barbarians** ever venture here.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. So please proceed without worry.”

As he instinctively took a step forward at **Yutia**’s farewell, **Alon** suddenly paused.

“…Wait, aren’t you accompanying me?”

“No, as I mentioned yesterday, my responsibility is only to examine this **cave**.”

“I see.”

“Take your time. I will be occupied with my own duties here.”

Smiling, **Yutia** gave a slight wave of her hand.

**Alon** hesitated for a moment but ultimately said,

“Then, I will be on my way.”

He left her behind and stepped into the **cave**.

Before long—

As **Alon** disappeared from view, **Yutia**, who had been waving at him, murmured with a chilling smile, “You all arrived sooner than I had anticipated.”

She spun around, all traces of amusement gone from her expression.

And standing before her was—

“A woman.”

**Barbarians**.

Not merely one—

Dozens.

Hundreds. No—

There were so many that they distinctly stood out against the gray landscape.

Countless **barbarians** had encircled **Yutia**.

Tens of thousands of eyes fixated on her simultaneously, and the deadly intention and hostility radiating from their bodies were directed squarely at her.

And from among the eight **barbarian tribes**, the most formidable **chieftain**, a man who effectively led all the **barbarians** in terms of raw power, a giant more than eight feet tall—**Luraka**—stepped forward.

“Are you the one responsible for this?”

“What exactly do you mean?”

“I am asking if you are the one who severed all the **blessings** and **sorcery** that had been bestowed upon our tribe’s **sacred land** for the past one thousand years and dared to trespass into this forbidden sanctuary.”

A voice rough and untamed.

Nevertheless—

“And what if I am?”

**Yutia** calmly countered.

“Do you even comprehend the gravity of your actions? You have desecrated this **sacred place** and cut off the **magic** our tribe has maintained since we first settled in this harsh northern territory!”

As **Luraka** trembled with rage, **Yutia** let out a quiet, amused sound.

“Oh dear, how unfortunate. But you see, I had my reasons.”

“Rea…sons?”

“Yes, I required a passage to the **Horizon**. And this was the optimal way to get there without having him meet your people, was it not?”

“…What??”

“Did my words not register?”

“You mean to say that simply for that insignificant reason, you recklessly destroyed the **sacred land** and **sorcery** our people have preserved for over a millennium?”

Unable to restrain his fury, **Luraka** gripped his massive **axe** tighter.

Yet **Yutia** did not cease speaking, her red lips curling slightly.

“Insignificant reason? It held great importance to me. He found the prospect of encountering all of you quite wearisome.”

Not a hint of fear in her composure.

“So, do you imagine that **fool** will not confront us?”

“A **fool**, you call him.”

In that instant— a deep silence descended upon the scene.

**Yutia** savored **Luraka**’s word in her mouth for a moment.

Then—

“Since you’ve said that—”

She nodded.

“All of you will perish here regardless.”

The moment her hand slowly rose, her index finger pointing forward— countless **barbarians** charged at her, their sheer numbers overwhelming.

It was an undeniably massive display of force.

Their lethal intent solidified into a visible aura, painting the gray world in a dark red shade.

Their unrestrained, raw madness focused entirely on a single person.

Every **weapon** they wielded was aimed at one target— **Yutia**.

And just as their blades were about to make contact with her body—

*Whip—*

A single, delicate finger moved slightly.

From left to right.

Just once.

And then—

*Tick—*

From **Yutia**’s lips, a small noise echoed, like the sound of a clock’s second hand advancing.

At that moment—

*Fwoosh—*

The gray world was enveloped in a deluge of crimson.

Silence prevailed.

No, silence was forcefully imposed.

The bodies of the attacking **barbarians** no longer existed.

What remained was nothing but red **blood** and scattered **flesh**.

Nothing else.

Thus, a massive red circle was drawn around the girl at its center.

The **blood** left behind by the vanished **barbarians** depicted a scene of death, and their shattered remains awakened a primal self-preservation instinct in the others.

The bloodlust of the **barbarians** transformed into tense caution.

Their wild intensity morphed into an eternal, crushing fear.

And standing at the epicenter of it all— **Yutia Bludia**, utterly devoid of emotion, looked toward the terror-stricken **barbarian** who had insulted him.

*Tick—*

And indifferently, she pronounced—

A verdict of execution.