Chapter 528

Tanael was doing the classic villain modus operandi. Stay back, let someone else do the hard work, then swoop in at the end and take the prize for himself.

In movies and such, more often than he liked, this was only possible because the hero was too careless and not because of the villain’s competence.

When he was doing it, Tanael’s competence was beyond reproach.

His battle with the Bone Ravens assassin cultists unfolded at the edge, away from the main actions. He also resolved it without drawing attention to himself. After that, Tanael remained hidden as the major players duke it out among themselves, utilizing the chaos to his advantage.

A common trope in xianxia stories. The MC often possessed godly stealth skill. This was why Tanael was hell-bent of utilizing the best of the best method he had, even if he had to make an entire Devil God cult his enemy. They were never going to be friends anyway so it wasn't as if he had much to lose.

The fulcrum of this ‘story’, was Freya. Tanael put her actions under strict observation. As expected, she had done quite well for herself, even in this arena with Level 5 combatants and abnormalities even stronger than normal Level 5s.

When the otherworlder Cedric and Freya found the exploit of this stage, Tanael was the among the first to notice.

Cedric Diggory’s not affected by the reverse current? Because he’s not of this world? How convenient.

Tanael was affected.

Why? Perhaps it was because of different kind of ‘otherworlding’? Because his body was of this world while Cedric’s got here with his earth’s body and soul? Because Tanael was only Viers’ clone? Don’t know.

Whatever the reason, the invisible Tanael followed Cedric and Freya from behind like a racer utilizing the slipstream. This was not cheating at all, but strategy.

Those dear to Freya got into increasingly dire straits while the hero got closer to the finish, another classic trope. The straw that broke the camel’s back was Gregory’s defeat by Bob. Being a hero’s mentor was 99% a job that ended with death, apparently.

Cedric then died too at the hands of the Level 5 cultist form the Warbringers... Kind off? Tanael was unable to be sure. It was the nature of the arena. At the very least, he didn't see Cedric’s corpse. And without a corpse, Tanael wouldn't write someone else as dead. Too many franchises brought back older character from the grave.

Ahem, ahem! Fast-and-Furious-ahem-ahem.

Suddenly, Tanael got a very bad urge of mentally coughing.

Things got really dire when Yasterah, who hijacked Izabella’s body, focused her attention on Freya just before the finish line.

He intervened.

Did he made the right call? Should he let Freya by that attack? Would that even kill someone with so much destiny and MC factor like Freya. Was it better to let the Devil God avatar obtain the scroll then?

Too many unknowns in that split-second moment, so Tanael went with his gut feeling.

One of the consideration was this: if someone do a kindness to the hero types, the hero would pay them back, often much in much greater amount or value. If someone do a kindness to the villain types, they would probably stab you in the back, seeing it as a sign of weakness.

Tanael intervened sneakily, hoping to mask his involvement from Yasterah, but he doubted it would work. Even so, he placed his bets on Freya.

He didn't do much, and yet, that one and a half second he bought become made all the difference in the world.

After Freya got the Aurora Scroll and awakened, she decisively beat the Demon King, Yasterah, and Bob. Grausam got his courage broken and fled like a whipped dog.

Tanael wasn't surprised by Freya’s super power-up. It was bound to happen. The first two Tanael bet they survived. Bob, however, was hit with the full wrath of Freya new might. Not even a speck of the undead creature remained.

Then the hero was reunited with her surviving friends while the Aurora Scroll got ejected from Freya’s body.

And they lived happily ever after.

...Okay. Don't mind if I do.

Tanael stole the artifact. Almost without effort, he might add. The sheer lack of oversight from the hero party astonished Tanael for a second.

So, it was an invitation, right? Someone who threw a gold bar on the street couldn't complain when people took it, right? Right?

Tanael’s logic was flawless, like the best kind of diamond.

After all, this was what he was made for.

Viers named his clone Arsène S. Tanael, it was named with Persona 5 in mind. For thieving, breaking and entering, and taking hearts. Perhaps literally for the last one.

Viers sometimes used the name ‘Tanael’ too when he was doing something bad to keep the name Viers or his other identities, clean from criminal records.

The clone sometimes wondered why Viers didn't name him Arsène Satanael directly instead of a wordplay.

Eh, perhaps giving his other self the name of Satan was a bit much, even for my real body.

Either way, Tanael got the Aurora Scroll and ran like a great thief he was. Unfortunately, there were some complications.

Firstly, his prize was too energy-dense. Even with Vanish in Abyss, the artifact’s energy lit up like a beacon. Stealth was useless so he couldn't use that reliable Arte.

Secondly, the artifact couldn't be put inside a spatial item. Tanael cursed. How typical.

Thirdly, after getting the prize he needed to get to safely next. That was Thieving 101. But where was the exit?

The arena was shaped like in space, like a solar system with the scroll being the sun. Now the sun was no more but the stars and emptiness of space remained.

It was like the Aurora Scroll deemed its test of worthiness wasn't over.

Damn! Should I just steal the scroll from Freya after we’re outside then? That’s risky on its own. Who knew what circumstances I’ll end up. Back then, it was the most opportune moment. At any rate, I should go as far away from here as possible!

A flash of light and Freya stood before him, forcing Tanael to halt his stride.

Tanael’s fake handsome face made a wistful smile. As if facing the inevitable.

So, it comes to this, after all.

No matter how much he tried to avoid confrontation, hero and villain would clash eventually.

Not just since the Tower of Remorse, but since all those years after Viers was defeated by Freya, he had avoided the Silver Legionary.

“You... You’re the otherworlder who entered the Tower of Remorse with the cultists, wounded Cedric, and according to the report, released the prisoners from the deepest level. Also, the dark hand who engineered the Soul Surge Crisis in the Free People Coalition... Otherworlder Tanael.”

Calmly, Freya graciously gave him an introduction. After the series of battles, she looked worn down but there was strength still in her eyes, and the will to match.

Tanael deduced she still had juice in the tank. How could it be any other way?

“I was hoping,” Tanael relaxed his posture. Not because he was giving up, but on the contrary. He was preparing himself for battle. “We never get to meet, Freya Marianus.”

Freya readied her sword. “Evil can't hide forever. And how long will you keep your charade? I know who you are, Viers Isuel. The sins you’ve racked up since my failure to capture you five years ago... Part of it is because of my failings. I’ll atone for it right now.”

“Viers Isuel, is it?” Tanael chuckled. “Are you sure about that?”

In Latias, Viers with the Avel identity met Freya before the Latias Grand Prix. According to Freya’s words, she didn't know Viers was Avel then. There was some good news, at least.

“Leave the scroll and surrender, comply and I’ll see to it you’re treated in accordance to the law.”

“Such arrogance,” Tanael sneered and put the scroll in his chest pocket. “Fuck the law.”

“Now who’s arrogant?” Freya replied with a calm-sort of disdain. Like someone looking at trash that belonged in the trash bin.

“Freya!”

Eliott, Hunter, and Casey. Freya’s three friends caught up, pincering Tanael between them and Freya.

“This is your last warning,” Freya’s Victa was roaring to go. “Surrender.”

“Surrender? I don't know how.”

Tanael turned around, Dark Lord’s Burning Gaze blazing eye fell upon the three new arrival. Time to incapacitate the hero’s friends, take them hostage, and forced the hero’s compliance. Hero being heroes, they wouldn't sacrifice their friends so they’ll submit. The thing foiling the villain’s escape was then external factor or the hostage that the villain underestimated.

The arena that the Aurora Scroll created minimized the eternal factor part to a certain degree. As for the hostage, Tanael planned to beat them to an inch of death first, just to be sure. He must be careful not to kill any of them, since that would contribute to Freya’s sudden power-up. That was what triggered Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation.

Freya’s friends were no slouches, but Tanael was stronger than they expected by a lot, and the villain’s opening move was not to test the waters. He made a powerful opening shot right away. Coordinating with Faiya, it was like they were bearing the full might of Sauron’s dark powers in an instant. The fire and soul Arte tore through their defenses in an instant.

But before things were too late, Freya who should be at Tanael’s back, appeared between him and the three, bearing the brunt of Tanael’s Arte with an Arte of her own. Her movement speed that she showed twice now was insane.

Freya burned with silver flame. A sphere of fire that covered her and her team. Tanael’s burning eye Arte attacked with heat and physic; Freya’s defense stopped the two pronged attacked perfectly.

The movement and defensive Arte, thanks to Cedric’s memories that he plundered during their meeting, Tanael recognized them both.

Sky Crossing Light and Sunbright Purification Arte. Freya was as strong as ever. Even now, when her condition was far, far from perfect.

Although he had Cedric’s memories, Tanael hadn't had the time to soul search it in depth because of what was going on since then and he certainly didn't plan he would clash with Freya so soon.

Man proposes but God disposes.

“Whoa... that’s too close,” Hunter exhaled with relief.

“Thanks, leader,” Eliott said.

“You three, retreat now. This foe is too much for you,” Freya said to them without straying her eyes from Tanael.

“Wha-? B-but’s he’s just a Level 4!”

To Casey’s outburst, the vice-captain, Eliott, felt even more grave. They had been with Freya a long time, so he knew she’d never said things like that without a good reason.

Eliott glanced at Tanael. He felt it from the fearsome fire eye Arte. It was powerful, obsecenely so... How much more he still kept in his sleeves?

“Let’s go, Casey,” Hunter placed his hand on the healer’s shoulder. Having the same thought as Eliott. If Tanael was that powerful, they being here would be a burden to Freya.

Besides, this wasn't like the Devil God avatars like before. Tanael might be powerful but they believed Freya was even more powerful. She could take care of herself. They believed in her.

“...Promised me you’ll come back safety, all right,” Casey said withholding tears. “After Cedric... I won't forgive myself if I lost you too!”

But they were still worried about her, because that was what friends do.

“Everyone, I promise. I will and I will return,” Freya gave them a reassuring smile with a half-turn.

Eliott, Hunter, and Casey disappeared into motes of light.

Only two remained.

While Freya was saying goodbyes, Tanael was also having a conversation.

“We should fight her together, my liege,” Jordan, the first prisoner that swore his fealty to Tanael, said from inside the lantern. “The girl is not to be underestimated. Her power is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Even if I haven't recovered, I am able to keep her busy using a trick or two, giving you the chance to deal a finishing blow.”

Besides Jordan, the other four also said something similar. If Tanael was toast here, so would they. The painter was still crazy so he didn't count.

And the villain answered thus:

“Let Me Solo Her.”

“...B-but you just said monkeys become strong by sticking together!”

Tanael pretended he didn't hear Jordan’s grumbling complaint.

As he saw Freya’s friends retreated and ceded the stage to main actors, the villain stepped forward with an ignited Beam Saber in his hand.

“Tell me Freya, Blade of Estelle. Have you ever known defeat?”

Freya walked towards him with the intensity of a silent storm. Her eyes gave Tanael the answer he needed. The villain’s Victa was fully released, and he pointed his laser sword at her.

“You will,” the challenger said with absolute certainty.

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Chapter 528 - Let Me Solo Her