I Will Fulfill the Role of the Villain

Chapter 86

The room fell into a deep silence, as though everyone had agreed to hold their breath. Luke, Theo, and Kalon, standing guard behind them, all focused intently on the crystal orb.

Benji swallowed hard, carefully channeling his mana into the orb at a deliberately slow pace. Luke had warned him earlier that rushing could cause the orb to crack, so he was taking no chances. Slowly, a dark spot began to emerge within the orb, responding to Benji’s mana with a concentrated intensity.

“There it is...”

Luke murmured under his breath. Theo’s pitch-black eyes fixed on the even darker spot in the orb. Before long, small cracks started to spiderweb across its surface, and the faint sound of splitting glass filled the air. Benji quickly pulled his hand back just in time.

Although the orb managed to retain its shape, it was clear that it had reached its limit and was now unusable.

“...Commander.”

Kalon’s voice broke the tense silence, calling Theo’s attention. Theo stroked his chin, his expression grim. He didn’t seem to be deliberating but rather trying to process the shocking revelation the orb had presented.

“What? Where is it?”

Benji asked cautiously, his eyes darting nervously. He had no idea where the location pinpointed in the orb was, and his gaze flitted awkwardly around the room.

“The western empire, Welharun,” Luke answered.

“A neighboring nation to Heinharn, currently an ally,” he added, casting a wary glance at Theo.

“Why would an ally do something like this...?”

Benji muttered, his voice low. Luke sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. The boy was still young, clearly naïve about how the world worked.

“Why else? They were probably planning to stab us in the back.”

Benji’s jaw dropped as realization dawned on him. He nodded hesitantly, finally piecing it together.

“Luke,” Kalon called, his tone heavier than before. His furrowed brow and slight shake of his head were clear warnings to choose his words carefully. It was evident he didn’t want to escalate the tension any further, and he kept a wary eye on Theo’s reaction.

“Hey.”

Unable to stand Theo’s ominous silence any longer, Luke reached over and pressed a finger against the back of his hand. The veins bulging under Theo’s skin looked like they might burst.

“This is... an unexpected development,” Theo finally said, his voice steady but cold.

It was a sentiment everyone in the room, save for Benji, could agree with.

The empire of Welharun, situated along the western border of Heinharn, was one of the few nations maintaining a friendly relationship with them. The two empires were bound by a peace agreement, a rarity in these turbulent times.

Peace treaties usually fell into two categories. One type involved a powerful nation subjugating a weaker one, forcing them into an agreement for the sake of appearances. These so-called peace treaties were often little more than facades, as exemplified by the recent agreement between Heinharn and Membern.

“What’s your next move?” Luke asked, his tone curious but tinged with familiarity.

“First, I’ll report to the palace,” Theo replied, his voice calm and measured. “Then I’ll convene with the generals to determine the best course of action.”

“Based on what Benji said, the mastermind behind this seems like a real piece of work.”

The figure Benji had described was the kind of person who would sever all ties and abandon their pawns the moment things didn’t go as planned. They had exploited children with no families or places to go, using them for criminal activities while ensuring there were no loose ends to trace back to them. It was disgusting in its ruthlessness.

“I know it won’t be easy. The evidence is lacking. But it’s the military’s duty to address threats to the empire’s safety.”

Luke found himself admiring Theo’s composure. This was a different kind of crisis compared to the betrayal by Membern. Yet Theo was methodically assessing the situation and determining the next steps, his rationality unwavering. It was impressive, even to someone like Luke.

“Well, congratulations, Commander. Looks like you’ve got your first big headache since taking the role. You’re in for some rough days ahead,” Luke said with a sarcastic grin, stretching as he stood.

The two locked eyes in the dim light, their gazes meeting in the space between them. Theo’s dark eyes seemed even deeper now, and Luke felt a strange intensity in the way Theo looked at him.

“Luke.”

Theo’s gaze lingered on Luke’s silver hair, shimmering even in the faint light, before slowly drifting downward. His steady voice finally broke the silence.

“Have you ever thought about returning to the military?”

The words sliced through the air, leaving Luke momentarily stunned. It took him a moment to process the question, its casual tone belied by the weight it carried. Luke’s eyes widened in surprise.

“What did you just say?”

“Exactly what you heard,” Theo said evenly. “Have you considered rejoining headquarters?”

“You’re asking me to re-enlist? Me?”

Luke jabbed a finger at his own chest, letting out a disbelieving breath. It was a bold proposition to make to a retired soldier. But the fact that it came from Theo, of all people, made Luke’s heart pound unexpectedly.

This was the same Theo who had been his rival, who had clashed with him at every turn, and who had ultimately surpassed him to claim the top position. And now, that same man was asking him to return.

“I...”

Theo’s gaze faltered for the first time, dropping to the floor. His voice, quieter now, sounded almost hesitant. Was Luke imagining it, or did Theo seem genuinely vulnerable in that moment?

Theo didn’t continue right away, leaving Luke to wait in silence. Whatever Theo wanted to say, it seemed important.

“I need you,” Theo finally said, his voice steady but softer. “I want you to come with me, Luke.”

Luke’s lips parted, but no words came out. He couldn’t find a response. Theo’s eyes, now lifted to meet his again, carried an unfamiliar weight that made Luke’s chest tighten.