I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 292  [Event] [The Fallen Prophetess] [End]

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It was a dream long buried in the recesses of memory.

The last time she had felt it, she was a mere five-year-old, her innocent eyes alight with admiration as they beheld the radiant face of her mother. A face that bore the sacred responsibility of being the next Prophetess.

Sara Oceania, her mother, was the beacon of inspiration for young Celeste. The tales of the previous Apostles and Prophetesses that Sara spun into enchanting bedtime stories became the very fabric of Celeste's dreams. Every night, nestled under the comforting cover of moonlit narratives, she reveled in the exploits of those who came before her mother. And so, Celeste's dream was woven—a dream not only to carry on her mother's legacy but also to make her proud.

"I will become the next Prophetess after you, Mama!"

These words echoed through the halls of her familial abode, reaching not only her mother but also her father, brother, grandmother, and grandfather. It wasn't just about making her mother proud; there was a tinge of selfishness in her ambition.

The romantic tales of love and protection that Sara shared about the bond between the Apostles and Prophetesses had captivated Celeste's heart. She envisioned having her own Prince—a devoted Apostle to stand by her side through thick and thin. Someone to rescue her when she faltered, a companion to share the weight of her burdens.

The romantic tales of love and protection that Sara shared about the bond between the Apostles and Prophetesses had captivated Celeste's heart. She envisioned having her own Prince—a devoted Apostle to stand by her side through thick and thin. Someone to rescue her when she faltered, a companion to share the weight of her burdens.

The prospect of such a connection, mysterious and unexplored, thrilled her. Each day, Celeste dreamt of her yet-unknown Prince, conjuring images of a gallant figure in shining armor. A childish fantasy, perhaps, but one that fueled her desires.

However, destiny took an unexpected turn that shattered her dreams.

Her father, the anticipated Apostle, was not chosen. Instead, the mantle fell upon Manuel Hylkren, a friend of her parents. The decision sparked dissent within her family, especially from her grandfather, who had long opposed the union between his son and Sara. This disagreement led to a forceful match between Sara and Manuel, orchestrated by the Heads, secretly yearning for the sacred union between the chosen Apostle and Prophetess—a desire that now seemed elusive.

Yet, in the midst of this tumultuous time, there was a moment etched in Celeste's memory that transcended the broader conflicts.

It was a day she would never forget.

The image of her mother, tears streaming down her face as she crumbled into her father's embrace, haunted Celeste. Sara Oceania, in that moment, willingly relinquished her status as Prophetess. A sacrifice made not for power or prestige, but to remain with her family and avert another forced union with Manuel.

On that fateful day...

"I-I love you so much..."

Her mother's tender caress.

The vivid crimson of tears stained with the essence of her very being.

The embrace that sought to shield Celeste and her brother from the impending storm.

A sword, a cruel manifestation of betrayal, piercing her mother's stomach.

Manuel's cold and stoic figure, an ominous presence casting a dark shadow over them.

"I'm s-sorry for being a bad mother-"

***

"M-Mama!" With a piercing scream, Celeste jolted awake, her hands reaching out to a phantom presence.

"Celeste, you're awake," Amelia's voice broke through the remnants of the dream, her figure settling into a chair beside Celeste's bed.

"A-Amelia?" Celeste's gaze flitted to her friend, noticing the plasters on her cheeks and forehead, signs of recent battle. The room around her was a bustling hall, filled with the injured being tended to by healers.

The memories flooded back—Manuel's ominous presence, the battle against Nikolas Tepes and Pierre, the timely arrival of professors to avert disaster. Victor, John, Amelia, Cylien, Elizabeth, and herself had faced a precarious situation but emerged victorious, though not unscathed.

"Thank the heavens they arrived in time," Amelia sighed, weariness etched on her face.

Celeste remained silent, her eyes scanning the room. Groans of pain and cries of distress surrounded her—consequences of the destructive clash that ensued near the restaurant. As she gingerly rose from her bed, guilt weighed heavily on her. Manuel had come for her, and now the aftermath was etched in the suffering of innocent bystanders.

"Don't dwell on it, Celes," Amelia rolled her eyes playfully, handing Celeste a tissue. "While the world might revel in seeing the Princess of Zestella shed tears, it's probably better to keep it under wraps for now."

"…!" Celeste touched her cheeks, discovering the presence of tears. Blushing, she wiped them away with the tissue, grappling with the conflicting emotions that swirled within her.

Assisting Celeste in standing, she and Celeste made their way through the bustling hall.

"T-The others are fine, right?" Celeste's worry was palpable. She had lost consciousness after reinforcements arrived, and now she sought confirmation of her friends' well-being.

"Of course, we are, Celeste," Cylien's voice reassured her as she joined them, flanked by Victor and Selene.

"Everyone..." Celeste's expression soured as she took in the sight of her injured friends. Victor, in particular, bore bandages covering his head, evidence of the direct hit he took from Pierre. It was a marvel that he was already standing, a testament to his awakening vampire abilities, including high regeneration.

"It's fine, Celeste," Victor, catching her glum look, spoke up with a reassuring grin.

"And E-Elizabeth and the others?" Celeste's concern shifted to her companions.

Selene gestured behind her towards Elizabeth, who, despite her ragged appearance and ponytail, was actively assisting the staff, treating injuries with a warm smile.

"I honestly can't recognize her anymore," Amelia mumbled.

"Oy, Amelia," Victor shot a warning glance her way.

He, Cylien, Celeste, and Selene shared a knowing silence.

"I-I know! I like her anyway!" Amelia blurted out quickly, sensing everyone's eyes on her.

"Is that a confession, Miss Amelia?" Victor teased with a meaningful smile.

"No, Amelia has finally found her crush, the mysterious John Tarmias," Cylien chimed in, her tone thoughtful, while rubbing her chin.

"C-Cyli! You are dead!" Amelia playfully chased after Cylien, who sought refuge behind Victor.

Meanwhile, Celeste, upon hearing John's name, looked around frantically. "Where are Amael and John?"

"John is over there," Victor pointed to a nearby bed where John lay, eyes closed. His body was adorned with numerous bandages, clearly having borne the brunt of the injuries. They didn't know where he came from, but he engaged Pierre in a direct confrontation until Amelia and Cylien assisted him, while Celeste, Elizabeth, and Victor confronted Nikolas Tepes.

"I-Is he okay...?" Celeste inquired, her worry evident as she observed the extensive bandages on John's body.

"Don't fret over it. Amelia may have exaggerated a bit during the five-hour treatment," Selene remarked coldly.

"…!" Amelia froze, her face flushing, as her friends exchanged mischievous glances, except for Selene, who seemed oblivious to the situation.

"And Amael is fine, right?" Celeste voiced her concern once more, her worry for Amael palpable. Amelia had already assured her that he was alive and well, but Celeste needed to confirm it with her own eyes.

"Indeed, I thought he was a goner when that guy took him away, but he somehow pulled through!" Amelia chimed in, albeit with a touch of inappropriate levity.

"Amelia..." Victor shot her a disapproving look, recognizing the gravity of the situation.

Amelia cleared her throat, sensing Celeste's returning unease, and gestured toward the far end of the hall. "It's okay, Celes! Look, he's perfectly fine!"

Following Amelia's guidance, Celeste navigated through the crowd until she laid eyes on Amael. Yet, upon seeing him, her expression shifted slightly.

A five-meter radius seemed to separate Amael from the crowd, an unspoken boundary warding off anyone from approaching. There was an unmistakable pressure emanating not from Amael but from the girl beside him.

Amael lay on the only bed in the area, his head resting on the lap of an incredibly beautiful girl, perhaps rivalling Celeste and the others in looks. Despite her youth, she exuded an otherworldly charm with dark hair neatly plaited and cascading over her shoulders. Her deep, cold blue eyes were fixated on Amael.

Peacefully reclined on Samara's lap, Amael sported a wide smile despite the bandages encircling his right arm.

"Who is she...?" Celeste inquired, captivated by the sight.

"Isn't she gorgeous? I don't know, but if I had to guess, she's Amael's girlfriend?" Amelia suggested.

"Girlfriend?" Cylien echoed, clearly taken aback.

Celeste shifted her gaze back to Amael. In this setting, with Samara, he appeared markedly different from his usual self at school. Alongside Samara, he seemed more imposing and, strangely enough, charming.

As the group grappled with their individual thoughts on the peculiar scene, Elizabeth approached Amael, equipped with a medical kit.

Samara, who had maintained her unwavering focus on Amael until now, suddenly raised her gaze, and an intense pressure permeated the surroundings. It was potent enough to affect even Celeste and the others, underscoring Samara's formidable presence.

Elizabeth, sensing the shift in atmosphere, felt the pressure but walked toward Amael with unruffled composure.

"Amael, may I look at your injury?" she inquired calmly.

Amael, still smiling, glanced at Elizabeth and declined, "Don't worry, I've already been treated."

"You've been treated, but not correctly from what I'm seeing. I'll just take a look," Elizabeth responded, pulling out her medical tools.

"He said he was already treated," Samara retorted with a cold glare. She had been the one to treat Amael's right arm and felt a sense of offense.

Amael sighed, raising his hand to stop Samara. "It's okay, Samara." With a hint of disappointment, Samara allowed him to rise, revealing his right arm to Elizabeth.

With a nod, Elizabeth got to work, unraveling the bandages. What she uncovered left everyone horrified—Amael's right arm was completely shattered, covered in bruises. It was a sight unlike any injuries Elizabeth had encountered before.

Swiftly, Elizabeth extracted several vials, cleaned Amael's arm meticulously, and applied ointment before carefully bandaging it. The entire process lasted a lengthy ten minutes, during which everyone observed in stunned silence.

"You're really good at this," Amael commended, impressed.

"I learned," Elizabeth replied as she secured the last bandage. With a tired sigh, she stowed away her medical supplies.

"Thanks," Amael expressed his gratitude.

Elizabeth smiled in response but Amael spoke up suddenly. "You should rest as well."

"I'm fine, thanks," Elizabeth assured, but Amael took a sudden step forward, grabbing Elizabeth's left arm with his left hand.

"Kyaa!" Amelia couldn't help but shriek from a distance. While Cylien managed to close her mouth, the trio of Victor, Celeste, and Cylien remained dumbfounded, watching the unexpected scene unfold.

Elizabeth lowered her gaze to her arm in Amael's grasp, her eyes seeking an explanation from him.

Amael remained silent, rolling up Elizabeth's sleeves to reveal the extensive scars on her arms. Her skin was as torn and bruised as Amael's, testament to the intense battle against Nikolas Tepes. Elizabeth had borne the brunt of the fight.

"You should get treated first, Elizabeth," Amael insisted, his gaze serious.

"I am a Vampire; it will heal fast. There's nothing to worry about," Elizabeth dismissed.

Amael and Elizabeth exchanged a lingering look, a brief silence hanging between them.

"Right, you are a Vampire," Amael smiled before gently clasping her scarred arm. A soft, white glow enveloped Elizabeth's arm, and slowly her skin transformed back to an unblemished, soft, and pale state. "A pretty one, so you should take care of yourself first before ever thinking about others."

Elizabeth opened her eyes slightly wider, checking her healed arm. She then nodded at Amael, saying, "Thank you."

"I am as well, Elizabeth," Amael said, lifting his bandaged arm. "Christina would kill me anyway," he added with a sigh.

A genuine smile graced Elizabeth's lips, and she giggled softly before walking away.

Amael smiled and returned to rest on Samara's laps.

"Is that really him? He's completely different," Amelia mused.

"Indeed," Cylien remarked. She already knew that Amael had been concealing his true self, but the contrast was striking. He exuded confidence and many other things.

Celeste took a step forward, intending to express her gratitude, but...

"Amael Falkrona."

Celeste widened her eyes upon seeing her grandmother.

"Headmistress?" Amael raised a brow.

"Come with me," Melfina stated, and Amael nodded, offering a smile.