Struggling as a Villain

"No...there is something off about this." Hearing Eleanor's words, Emily was not curious rather she was slightly exasperated.

"How can you say that? Are you implying that he orchestrated the abduction of those children just to fabricate a heroic image for himself? That's a serious accusation." Emily felt ridiculous even saying that.

No one would go to such a length to just improve his image in the eyes of someone. After investigation, it was found that this crime was being carried out for a year and a half now. Although the deeper research has yet to be concluded, once her father returns, all the city security units will likely be thoroughly interrogated.

Eleanor remained silent and sighed before asking her, "I didn't mean that. I acknowledge the fact that Richard has saved those women from those dogs but there is something that feels ofd about him. Like...how come he has such a different personality."

Emily frowned; not understanding what her friend was trying to say here

Eleanor could read Emily like a book, given she was the most expressive one among the four.

Eleanor voiced, "Don't you remember his behaviour around the commoners in the academy and also his personal maid Lilia? He was the worst kind of master one could ever desire to serve. Then why....just why did he suddenly decide to help the women of the brothel when he loathes both men and women who are lower in standings?"

Emily was forced to think about it from that perspective. It was true that Richard had been very cruel and harsh to the people in the academy. Even if she considers the reason that he was frustrated because Emily never gave him attention, then what about Richard who was the same even before falling for her?

"But no...I have a feeling that we are making a mistake and misunderstanding Richard again." Emily has been proven wrong about her perception of Richard twice today.

Eleanor could understand her friend's stance but she was seeing things from a wider angle and for some reason, she couldn't throw away this suspicion that had arisen when she met him in the afternoon.

'A wandering soul?' They were warned by the deity that there could be some entities in this timeline who don't belong here. To ensure that these anomalies don't hinder the route towards peace, Eleanor and the other three regressors were told to exterminate any being they suspect to be an outsider.

And now, Eleanor had her eyes on Richard. Although she wasn't completely sure that he was not the same person he was supposed to be, it didn't mean she couldn't keep an eye on him.

'Scarlette Richard...I hope you survive longer than you did last time..'

*********

The four basic skills that every awakened person should be aware of: Telekinesis, Detection, Enhancement and Barrier.

Although they are called 'basic' it doesn't mean anyone can master them easily. These are called fundamental since every awakened has the potential to unlock these skills but mastering them takes so much time and effort that most people only learn 'Detection' at most.

There are three stages in each skill—Beginner, Advanced and Expert.

The ranks are based on range, how long one could maintain their skills, how much they could lift, and how much endurance they have.

Lilia has an Advanced class in Detection and Telekinesis but in Enhancement she was in the initial phase and she couldn't summon a barrier at all.

Due to her detection mastery, she was assigned as Richard's bodyguard, along with her experience in combat.

For now, Richard could be called a beginner in telekinesis since he could lift to a hundred kilograms for about half a minute before losing out on his concentration.

He hasn't tried Barrier and the other two since he didn't have the strength remaining.

While they were having dinner (Richard commanded Lilia to eat with him) he asked her, "After returning to the Duchy, you have to keep on training me, understood?"

"As you command, my lord." Her answer was swift and inwardly, she was happy that he was eager to learn from her. It made her feel like she was his big sister.

But of course, the thought shall remain within her.

Their dinner consisted of bread, meat and soup. A decent meal for a commoner but not for a noble. However, for someone who has survived just on dreggs, this food seemed heavenly.

They finished the dinner and by ten, Lilia retired to her room while Richard was left alone in his.

'Haah...' Lying on the bed, he got some time to calm down his head.

Many things happened in these two days. He died after getting bitten and because of time reversal, his soul was thrown into this world which he read as a novel in his past life.

Now he has an over-protective mother, lots of resources, powerful bloodlines, and an uncertain future to deal with.

The end of this path was undecided but if there was something Richard was sure of, then it was his chances of survival. He was not going to kill himself nor would allow anyone else to trample on him.

He has carried that motto since his last life that's why he didn't succumb to the dangers nor became the dog of many powerful people back in that world. His sister has ignited this flame and Richard was well set on keeping it burning.

'I wonder what you might be doing at the moment...' Thinking about his sister, Richard closed his eyes and drifted into a peaceful slumber.

*********

[Earth]

*SQUELCH*

The dagger penetrated through the skull of the zombie—killing it instantly as Bella stared down at the undead with an indifferent look.

The couple with whom she was residing have died. The zombies attacked their base and naturally, Bella was concerned about her safety first. After all, she has a goal in mind for which she could make any sacrifices.

After escaping from the military camp she was heading toward a village she located on a map. The village was sparsely populated and due to being 8400 m above the sea level, she would be able to reside there without fearing another ambush.

Setting traps at such a location which has only a single entrance always seems convenient and efficient for her. That's why she chose that location.

Since the army camp didn't have an easily locatable supply room, she didn't bother about ration and just took an army jeep to advance towards her destination.

En route she came across several waves of zombies which could follow her trail that's why she took her time to slay them.

'There is something strange about them...' It has been three years since this disease spread and until now there hasn't been much variation in these undead beings.

They were stupid, slow and excessively sensory sensitive. A little sound or light attracts them so if you want to kill them, be silent and lethal with your approach. And to kill them instantly, just go for their head.

Until now there hasn't been much difference in these being other than their sizes and genders. Fit men-turned-zombies could run a little faster while women were a little slow and the obese ones were relatively very slow.

But these days, she has been noticing that not only their speed has been elevating, but they adapt to the surroundings quickly as well. Unlike in the past, they no longer charge blindly rather they avoid obstacles and no longer stumble easily.

If she hadn't received the blessings from her brother and gotten stronger, she might have been infected a while ago as well.

"*Khruuooog*" Hearing the croaking sound, she was brought out of her reverie—only to find a group of two dozen zombies advancing towards her.

She was far from being exhausted so wielding the dagger in one hand she got ready.

As they inched closer she was about to launch forward and end this farce as soon as she could. However, before she could have moved—the sun descended.

*Shuaaaaangh*

A scorching blaze that made Bella jump back to not get burnt descended upon the streets enveloping the zombies wholly.

The flames remained alive for more than ten seconds before they disappeared in a flash and a graceful woman landed in front of her.

"Who are you?" Although she was a little nervous, Bella maintained a cautious front and asked the woman who most likely was the cause of the flames.

The woman with green hair turned to look at Bella with a tilt of her head, before asking,

"Hey there....are you also an Awakened?"

**********

A/N:- *Ahem*