I Am The Game's Villain

He had steeled himself for a confrontation with the Dark Elf Prince, having prepared for the possibility of a direct battle. But this shift in opponents meant a change of plans. ”According to our latest intelligence, the army is led by someone named Kamarel,” Reiner replied.

The name triggered a faint flicker of recognition in Johnʼs mind, but it was frustratingly elusive. He furrowed his brow, narrowing his eyes as he tried to summon the hazy memories of the Second Game he had once played. ”Kamarel...” He muttered under his breath, the name lingering on his tongue. It felt familiar, like a word on the tip of his tongue, but the details eluded him. Ten long years had passed since his last day on Earth, and the memories of the Second Game had grown faint. As for the Third Game, he had played it with little care for the story, treating it more like a distraction than something worth remembering.

Was Kamarel a significant figure? A powerful commander? Or was he someone so trivial that Johnʼs mind had discarded him entirely?

Perhaps the lack of clarity was a good sign. If he couldnʼt recall Kamarel vividly, maybe the High Elf commander was no more than an inconsequential pawn in the Utopian War Arc. ”I will take him on,” John said suddenly.

The declaration sent ripples of shock through the room. Every pair of eyes turned to him, wide with disbelief. Even Amelia, who stood beside him, gasped audibly and clutched his arm. ”J-John?”

But John wasnʼt looking at her. His focus was locked on Reiner. ”You want me to prove my worth, donʼt you?” John questioned. ”Youʼve never believed I was good enough to be Ameliaʼs partner. Youʼve doubted me from the moment I set foot in this palace.”

Reinerʼs eyes narrowed but he said nothing. ”Then let me command. Give me the chance to show you my strength. Iʼll lead the charge against Kamarel. Iʼll ensure he doesnʼt set a single foot inside these castle walls.”

The room fell into a stunned silence, the nobles exchanging hesitant glances. Ameliaʼs grip on Johnʼs arm tightened further. ”Then you will have no choice but to accept me as Ameliaʼs partner,” John added. ”John...” Ameliaʼs cheeks flushed, and she quickly averted her gaze.

An awkward silence filled the room, the nobles exchanging uncomfortable glances. The atmosphere was heavy with the unspoken implications of Johnʼs words. The old men seated around the chamber shifted uneasily, visibly caught off guard by the open display of affection between the young couple.

But for Reiner, the discomfort wasnʼt merely awkward-it was infuriating. ”Fine! I will let you die-fight the High Elves. But youʼd better not disappoint me, boy. This is your only chance.” ”Father...” Amelia pouted. She crossed her arms, sulking at her fatherʼs harshness. ”Iʼm leaving now,” John said brusquely, turning on his heel. ”Send your orders to your men. I donʼt have time to waste arguing with them.”

Reinerʼs glare burned into Johnʼs back as he strode toward the door, but John ignored it entirely. ”Iʼm leaving too,” Amelia said, moving to follow him. ”No.”

Both Reiner and John spoke at the same time, their voices overlapping with quite a synchronization. ”Why?!” Amelia asked out loud. ”Itʼs too dangerous.” ”Itʼs dangerous.”

Once again, the two men were perfectly aligned, their shared protectiveness toward Amelia manifesting in identical reasoning. They exchanged a brief glance, frowning at each other as if irritated by the realization of their shared concern.

The truth was, both knew the Behemoth had done something to Amelia. Neither could fully understand or explain it, but the incident in Ashenor Forest had left its mark. The risk of whatever had happened to her repeating itself now, in the midst of a battlefield, was simply too great.

Amelia sighed, noting the refusal to argue further in their gazes. Reluctantly, she acquiesced. Deep down, she shared their unease. Whatever strange force had afflicted her in Ashenor Forest, she didnʼt want it to endanger her people-or John.

John gave a curt nod and walked out, but Amelia quickly followed after him. ”Why are you following him?!” Reiner barked, slamming his hands on the table with such force that the sound reverberated through the room. Several nobles flinched, and one let out a startled, high-pitched, ”Gyaa!” ”Iʼm just going to help John get dressed, Father,” Amelia replied, exasperated by her fatherʼs overprotectiveness.