I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 480: Alvara Freydis Teraquin SS [3]



-BOOM!

The deafening explosion reverberated through the palace, shaking the very walls of Alvara's royal quarters.

"Ah!" She cried out, jolting upright in alarm. Her heart raced as her wide eyes darted to the windows, where a glow of flames flickered high against the night sky.

"What... what's happening?" She murmured, her face draining of color as a cold sense of foreboding crept over her.

Her movements were hesitant but swift as she stumbled to her feet, trembling. The muffled sound of frantic footsteps and shouting reached her ears, growing louder by the second.

"Don't waste time! Find them quickly!"

"Round up all the royals!"

Her breath hitched as unfamiliar voices echoed in the corridor. They weren't the familiar tones of her people.

The footsteps grew heavier, closer, more menacing. Frozen in fear, Alvara stood rooted for a moment. Then, breaking free from her paralysis, she dropped to the floor and crawled under her bed, her slender frame trembling as she pressed herself into the shadows.

-THUD!

The door to her room burst open with a violent kick. Alvara's heart pounded in her chest as she saw boots stomping across the wooden floor.

From her vantage point beneath the bed, her eyes darted to the swords glinting in the intruders' hands-swords slick with fresh blood.

Biting down on her lip, she cupped her hands over her mouth to stifle her breathing, willing herself to stay silent despite the terror coursing through her veins.

"Strange... I could've sworn someone was in here," one of the intruders muttered.

"Forget it. We don't have time to waste," another growled. "The King's bound to figure out the ruse any moment now."

"Still what a stupidly good King he is? Leaving his castle alone just to save a couple of Elves?"

"Whatever. We've already got that Elaryon princess."

"...!" Alvara froze.

There was only one Elaryon princess in Vanadias: Bryelle.

Peeking cautiously from her hiding spot, she caught sight of the men. One of them--a hulking Human—had Bryelle slung over his shoulder like a lifeless doll. Her blondish hair fell like a curtain, obscuring her face, but the slackness of her limbs told Alvara everything she needed to know.

The intruders weren't just Humans. Among them were Halves and even Hybrids-a dreaded mixture for Elves like Alvara and Bryelle.

Her gaze locked onto Bryelle's unconscious form, and something extremely dark surged through her. For a brief, unguarded moment, a faint but unmistakable killing intent flickered in her green eyes.

It was a mistake.

"Found you."

Alvara flinched, her blood running cold as a hand clamped around her arm. She turned her head to see a man grinning at her with a twisted expression. His normal-toned skin and crimson red eyes gave out his identity as Half Vampire likely mixed with Human blood. "L-Let go of me!" Alvara shrieked, struggling fiercely against his hold. But her captor was strong, his strength far surpassing hers.

Her frantic attempts to free herself only seemed to amuse him further, his grin widening as he leaned closer.

"You should've stayed hidden, little elf," he snickered. "Now, you're coming with us." "Wow, isn't this the Teraquin Princess? We've really hit the jackpot," the man carrying Bryelle sneered. "She's bound to fetch a fortune."

Alvara's stomach churned as the meaning behind his words sank in. She wasn't naive-she understood perfectly. They were to be sold, their lives stripped away, likely to become slaves in some distant, merciless land.

Her face turned ashen, but her fear fueled her struggle. She kicked and squirmed with renewed ferocity. "No! Let us go! My father will beat you"

-SLAP!

The sharp crack echoed through the room, and Alvara's words died in her throat. Pain flared across her cheek, the stinging sensation radiating down her jaw. Her head snapped sideways, and for a moment, she was too stunned to react.

She lifted a trembling hand to her face, feeling the heat of the angry red welt left by the blow. Her wide, disbelieving eyes filled with tears. Never in her life had she been struck. The pain wasn't just physical-it cut into her pride, her sense of safety, everything she thought untouchable.

"Wow, look at that," the man who struck her said mockingly. "You've gone quiet. That's better."

Before she could react, he grabbed her arm and hoisted her onto his shoulder as if she were nothing more than a sack of goods. A wave of nausea and disgust churned in her stomach at the unwanted touch, her skin crawling where his hands held her.

"Let's move," he barked to the others. "Before-ARGH!"

The words never finished as a blade pierced his back. He staggered, dropping Alvara to the floor with a pained groan.

"What the―URGH!" The man carrying Bryelle suffered the same fate, collapsing with a sickening thud as blood pooled beneath him.

The last intruder didn't even have time to react before he too fell, a swift and silent kill.

Alvara gasped as she hit the ground, her limbs weak and trembling. She forced herself to look up, and her blurry vision focused on two familiar figures.

"Freydis! Are you okay?!"

Alvara's teary eyes widened in recognition. "L-Leena..." She whispered, her voice breaking.

Leena rushed to her side, wrapping her arms around Alvara's quivering frame. Alvara clung to her tightly, burying her face in her shoulder as sobs: her body.

"It's okay," Leena whispered softly, her voice tinged with anguish at seeing the usually smiling Alvara in such a state. She stroked Alvara's hair gently, offering what little comfort

she could.

Meanwhile, Kendel crouched beside Bryelle, who stirred faintly in his arms. "Bryelle, are you hurt?"

"Elder brother...?" Bryelle murmured, rubbing her eyes as she began to regain consciousness.

Kendel exhaled in relief. "Good. Hold on tight." He slung her onto his back securing her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Bryelle shivered, her memories rushing back. She clung to Kendel as if her life depended on it, her small frame trembling against him.

"Elder sister..." Bryelle glanced at Leena, her eyes still glassy with fear.

Leena offered her a soft, reassuring smile and patted her head. "It's going to be fine," she

said.

Bryelle nodded weakly but stole a glance at Alvara, who was still clinging desperately to Leena's sleeve, her tears soaking the fabric.

"Let's move," Leena said. She helped Alvara to her feet, steadying her as they made their way out of the room. Before leaving, Alvara quickly took the golden umbrella her father gifted her.

The group moved swiftly as they navigated through Alvara's large quarters. Finally, they reached the large windows leading outside.

Kendel adjusted Bryelle securely on his back as he prepared for what lay ahead. "Let's go." Leena nodded, her arm wrapped firmly around Alvara's trembling frame. With synchronized movements, they leaped from the highest floor, their mana-reinforced bodies absorbing the impact as they landed silently on the ground below.

"We'll hide in the forest," Leena said as they moved swiftly under the moonlight. "The secret

hut-our old hideout."

Kendel chuckled softly despite the dire situation. "I thought you might have forgotten about

it after all these years."

"How could I?" Leena replied, a fleeting grin crossing her face before the weight of their circumstances pulled it away. "We just need to wait until His Majesty returns."

Kendel's smile faded as well. "Still, attacking the castle so directly... Did you see how many of

them there were?"

"Behemoth must be involved," Leena said grimly. "They came for the Horn. It's the only

explanation."

"The Horn..." Kendel's eyes widened in sudden realization. The Teraquin family's possession

of one of Behemoth's Horns was no secret among those who sought power.

Three noble houses were entrusted with the Horns: the Teraquin House, the Dolphis House,

and the Zestella House.

"Do you think they've already taken it?" Kendel asked.

"I fear so," Leena admitted bitterly. "How else could they have reached this far? The castle's

defenses..."

Kendel clenched his teeth, anger boiling within him. He didn't want to admit it, but deep

down, he knew this disaster stemmed from his father's decision a week ago. King Rhys had opened Vanadias' borders, granting refuge to Humans, Halves, and Hybrids fleeing the seas in search of safety. It had seemed like an act of compassion-one Kendel had supported-but now, it was clear that some of them had come with ulterior motives.

"They took advantage of our kindness," Kendel growled. "Behemoth's forces used them to

infiltrate. This... was planned."

"Kendel, watch out!"

Leena's shout snapped him back to the present. Kendel barely managed to leap aside, dodging

a blade that sliced through the air where he had just stood. "Run!" Leena shouted, her grip tightening on Alvara as they darted deeper into the forest.

The sound of footsteps echoed dangerously behind them, the pursuit driving them to push harder, faster. Leena's lungs burned, but she didn't let go of Alvara, who stumbled along, her pale face filled with terror.

Just as they thought they had finally outrun their pursuers, Kendel and Leena came to an

abrupt halt.

Their eyes widened in disbelief.

Before them stretched a sprawling camp, illuminated by the flickering glow of fires. ShadowsNôv(el)B\\jnn

reflected against the trees, and figures moved in and out of tents.

Humans, Halves, and Hybrids. Leena's heart fell. Their escape had led them directly into one of the enemy's base.

"Oh? What do we have here?"

"We have to get away-argh!" Kendel turned, trying to lead them back the way they came,

but a heavy blow struck his face. He stumbled, crashing to the ground as Bryelle fell from his

back, crying out in pain.

"Kendel! Bryelle!" Leena called before her expression twisted into anger. Letting go of

Alvara's hand, she stepped forward, unsheathing her sword. Her eyes burned with as she raised the blade.

"Oh? The little Elf wants to fight now?"

A man emerged from the shadows. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, clad in weathered

leather armor that hugged his wiry frame. An eye patch covered his right eye with a void eye emblem engraved in white on it.

Leena stiffened. She didn't even see him move-he was just suddenly there, standing directly

in front of her.

His hand shot out, gripping her wrist tightly. Pain shot through her arm as he twisted it

upward, forcing her to drop her sword.

"Such spirit," he murmured, leaning in close. His breath was warm and vile against her skin as

he trailed his nose along her face and neck. "And such beauty. Perhaps we'll keep you for

ourselves."

Leena's face twisted in disgust, her teeth clenched as she tried to pull away.

"L-Leave her!"

Kendel's furious shout rang out as he stumbled to his feet. He lunged at the man, only to be

met with a swift, brutal kick to the stomach. Kendel flew back, his body slamming into a tree with a sickening thud before crumpling to the ground.

"Kendel!" Leena cried out worriedly. But she quickly turned toward Alvara and Bryelle. "Both

of you! Run!"

Alvara froze, her wide eyes darting between her brother and sister. She was paralyzed, unable

to move as fear gripped her tightly.

A trembling hand grasped hers. "Let's run, Elder Sister!" Bryelle's voice was barely above a whisper, shaking as much as her small frame.

Alvara glanced at her younger half sister. Despite the terror on her face, Bryelle was pulling her forward.

The two began to run, but soon a voice behind them shattered their hope.

"You aren't going anywhere!"

"Ahya!!" Bryelle screamed in pain as rough hands grabbed the leaf-shaped necklace hanging

around her neck. The chain snapped with a harsh jerk, and she was yanked backward, falling

hard to the ground.

"Bryelle!!" Alvara skidded to a halt, rushing back to her sister's side. Her breath caught when she saw blood trickling from the torn skin on Bryelle's neck.

Her fists clenched tightly around the hilt of her folded umbrella. Tears blurred her vision, she

steadied her breathing. "Run away, Bryelle."

Bryelle's eyes widened. "N-No! Elder Sister, let's go together-"

"Run now!" Alvara shouted once more in despair.

Bryelle hesitated, biting her trembling lip before finally forcing herself to her feet. Tears

streamed down her face as she turned and stumbled away, disappearing into the trees. "Oi, catch her," the one-eyed man ordered, motioning to one of his lackeys.

Alvara stood her ground as the pursuer closed in on Bryelle. Her hands shook, but she raised

her umbrella like a sword. "I won't let you-!"

Her words were cut short by a brutal punch to her cheek. The impact sent her sprawling to the

ground. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as her head spun, pain radiating through her skull.

But she rose again.

Her legs wobbled, her vision blurred, and blood dripped down her bruised cheek. Yet, she

stood, clutching her umbrella tightly in her hands.

Alvara's body trembled, but her voice was steady as she whispered to herself, "I won't let

them hurt her... or anyone else..."

"It's already too late."

"Aghhyaa!!"

Alvara's head snapped back hearing Bryelle's scream.

The next moment she felt a sharp pain on her neck and her vision blurred.

...

...

"Hey, Boss Rickward, the King is still breathing over here."

A gruff voice echoed, dragging Alvara from the void of unconsciousness.

Her eyelids fluttered open painfully. The world around her was blurry, her vision struggling to

adjust. The first thing she saw was the cold bars of a metal cage. The realization hit her like a wave-she was trapped.

Something stirred beside her. Turning her head with effort, Alvara's breath hitched at the sight of Bryelle lying unconscious.

Her sister's legs were burned, the skin marred and blistered, and her knees completely

battered. Tears streaked Bryelle's cheeks, dried trails of despair etched into her face. "B-Bryelle..." Alvara's voice cracked as a small sob escaped her lips. She reached out with a trembling hand, brushing her fingers lightly against Bryelle's shoulder.

"Freydis..."

Alvara froze. Her body stiffened at the sound of the familiar voice.

"...!"

She turned slowly.

There, just beyond the bars of her cage, lay her father. His body was battered and bloodied,

red staining the ground beneath him. His eyes, hazy with pain, struggled to focus on her. "Fa...thar...ah..." Alvara tried to speak, but the pain in her throat was unbearable. Her hand instinctively rose to touch it, only to flinch as her raw voice scratched out the broken word.

Tears welled in her father's eyes, spilling down his battered face. His lips trembled, forming words she couldn't hear.

But she could make them out.

'I am sorry.'

"What? Can't you see I'm busy? Just kill him already," Rickward retorted to his subordinate.

Alvara's gaze shifted toward the source.

Rickward stood, his muscular, scarred torso bared. His eye patch covered his right eye, but the remaining one gleamed with cruel delight. Beneath him, a naked figure lay motionless.

It was Leena.

Alvara's breath caught in her throat. Leena's face was vacant, her once-bright eyes dulled,

void of life.

A few meters away, Kendel lay crumpled in a pool of his own blood and vomit, his face

streaked with tears.

-Spurt!

The wet, sickening sound made Alvara's head turn once more toward her father.

Her father's body jerked as something pierced his back. It was her umbrella. Blood poured

from the wound, staining the earth beneath him. The man then pulled out her umbrella and

tossed it into the campfire "Fa...ther...Pa...pa...no...p...please...stop..." Alvara choked out her nails digging into her hair. She kept muttering incomprehensible words like a broken record.

But Rhys' body was slumped forward, lifeless.

"Do you see this, Princess?" Rickward sneered, a twisted grin on his face.

Alvara's eyes slowly shifted back to him.

He hadn't stopped. His body continued its vile motions against Leena's. Around him, other

humans, halves, and hybrids mirrored his depravity, violating the elven women trapped alongside them. Some screamed, their cries echoing in the forest, while others had

succumbed to despair, their bodies limp and lifeless. Leena's battered face turned toward Alvara.

Her one unbruised eye glimmered faintly with recognition. Tears slipped down her cheeks as

she mouthed a single word.

"F-Frey...dis..."

The sound was barely audible, yet it reached Alvara's ears.

Leena's lips trembled into a small, pained smile as more tears fell. "I-I will always be with

you, Freydis..."

||||

Alvara's heart shattered.

Something snapped inside her.

Her body trembled as an unbearable heat surged through her veins. Her eyes turning golden

flared to life, glowing with an otherworldly brilliance.

A deafening roar of golden mana erupted from her, flooding the forest in radiant light. The air

itself trembled, filled with screams-agonizing, inhuman cries that reverberated in every

direction.

But Alvara saw none of it.

Her vision faded as the golden light consumed her, and her consciousness slipped away.