Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Selner was worried—just like everyone else around her.

Only a few minutes ago, the system had sent out a message. It warned them that Austin was in trouble.

They had been trapped inside this dungeon for five months now. In all that time, the system had never spoken like this before. That alone was enough to shake everyone to their core.

Many began to fear the worst.

Some whispered that Austin might have finally fallen… that maybe, in the end, the Demon Lord had won.

But Selner didn't believe that. No, she couldn't.

She knew Austin better than anyone. Losing wasn't something he did easily. At least, not in this kind of fight.

It wasn't a battle where he'd fall and die.

It was simple—he would either win or… surrender.

But surrendering?

That wasn't going to happen.

Not to Astaroth.

Selner had met that being before. Astaroth was strong, yes, but not enough to force Austin to his knees. Not enough to make him give up.

Soon after, the system had sent out another message—this time, it requested Valerie's help. It said her presence was necessary… or they might lose Austin forever.

Valerie didn't even hesitate. She agreed right away.

Now, she stood completely still, as if frozen in place. Her eyes were shut, and she hadn't moved a muscle in several minutes.

Selner didn't need to check on her to know what was happening.

Her body was here. But her mind—her soul—was somewhere else.

She was with Austin.

"I don't get it," Rudolph muttered, brows furrowed. "If his life isn't in danger, then what's so urgent?"

The system had clearly said that Austin wasn't dying… but the situation was critical.

"Maybe he's pushing himself too far?" Sebastian suggested, his voice carrying worry. "Overdoing it?"

Selner could feel the tension in the group growing thicker.

Everyone was anxious. Nervous.

And to be honest… she was too.

But unlike the others, Selner had been through situations like this before. Her experience helped her stay calm, even now.

She drew in a deep breath, then spoke with quiet strength.

"The being Austin is facing… it has the potential to become immortal."

Her words caught everyone's attention. All eyes turned to her—the violet-haired woman who rarely spoke unless it mattered.

She continued, her voice steady but firm.

"I don't know how many of you are aware of Austin's Shard. But let me explain."

Selner looked around before going on.

"Austin's Shard gives him a very rare ability. He can absorb the soul of any powerful being he defeats. Not just kill them—he assimilates them. That's the nature of his Shard."

She paused, letting the words sink in.

"So no… I don't think he's in physical danger. But something deeper is happening. And whatever it is… Valerie is now part of it too."

Many among them showed deep concern.

After all, the idea of Austin trying to absorb someone who was already on the verge of becoming an immortal… it sounded incredibly risky.

Even the bravest in the room couldn't hide their unease.

"Is he safe?" Sophie finally asked, her voice soft and trembling with worry.

Selner folded her arms tightly across her chest, then slowly shook her head.

"I can't say for certain what exactly is happening," she admitted, her tone firm yet troubled. "But if my guess is right… Austin is losing himself. His humanity. His emotions. Piece by piece, he's fading. And that, I believe, is why the system called for Valerie."

Her words brought a heavy silence over the group.

It wasn't life-threatening, not in the way they'd feared.

But it wasn't good either.

Because while Austin's body may not be in danger… his mind—his soul—was still slipping.

He was still losing.

And this kind of loss was harder to heal from.

"She's right about that," Valerie suddenly said, her voice steady but soft, drawing everyone's attention in an instant.

All eyes turned toward her.

Sophie quickly stepped forward, hope and anxiety battling in her voice. "Did you meet him?"

Valerie gave a faint nod. Her face was pale, lips pressed into a thin line.

"I saw him…" she whispered. "He… h-he didn't look good."

The Queen's heart sank at those words. Her expression faltered, and a wave of unease spread through the group. One by one, others stepped forward, desperate to know more.

The first to speak was Rudolph's father, unable to contain himself. "What happened? Did he speak to you?"

Valerie nodded again, this time more slowly.

"He did. But… it took him a long time to respond. It felt like… like he was struggling just to stay aware. To remain himself."

She paused, her voice growing faint. "He seemed lost… like he was fighting a storm inside his own head."

Her words landed like a heavy stone.

A deep, uncomfortable silence filled the space.

They had waited for months—holding on to hope, imagining Austin growing stronger, surviving, enduring. Always expecting that when news came, it would be a sign of progress.

But now, the first real news they heard…

Was that he was barely holding on.

Sophie's eyes turned watery.

While they had each other, her son was there all alone, fighting a war on his own.

Not just against his opponent but to himself as well.

Grave silence ensued.

Selner stepped closer, "...Valerie…was he losing himself?"

Everyone held their breath. Waiting for her response. If that's the case, then…they might not ever see Austin again.

Many things might change.

Valerie was about to say something, when suddenly the space around them turned black.

"Huh?"

"What the-"

And in the next instance, they all were standing inside the academy, in the front campus.

"Why are we here?"

"Damn…it feels so long…"

"What just happened?"

While everyone was wondering what suddenly happened, Valerie's eyes moved through the crowd.

There, standing near the same fountain where she always used to wait for him, was a certain familiar blond boy.

She slowly stepped forward.

Her eyes moist and lips parted.

She couldn't believe her eyes but she wanted to reach him.

Even if her mind was playing games.

Even if this wasn't reality.

She…wanted to go near him.

Try to touch him.

Everyone else followed her line of sight.

And many of them gasped.

Since this was no illusion.

"I am back."

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.