Villain's Odyssey: Enslaving heroines, Conquering Villainesses

"So... what's your ability?"

In a private combat room not too far from the Paragon Hall, a group of four stood observing Asher, who remained perfectly composed under their probing gazes.

"I don't have an ability," he stated plainly.

It was partially true and partially not. Yes, he was aware he possessed an ability, but he had no clue how to use it or when he'd even awakened it. Trying to give a lengthy explanation would waste precious time, and frankly, he wasn't in the mood for long conversations. After all, these people weren't his targets.

His time here was ticking down rapidly. There were about five months left before the entrance exams for the Arcane Legacy—barely any time to idle around with side characters whose chances of making it were about as substantial as a sugar cube.

His objectives until the moment of truth were clear: first, use the alchemy book from Frosten to power up; second, get close to the necessary characters; and finally, retrieve those hidden memories. That was a lot to accomplish in such a short span, but fortunately, the characters he needed to get close to weren't numerous. Just Natalia, Tracy, Nelia, and... Ruby.

At the moment, he was partially successful—if not completely—in gaining the full attention of his first two targets. Tracy hadn't originally been a target, but after last night's contemplation, he'd decided to include her. She wouldn't be much work anyway; she seemed like a hopeless romantic, unlike manipulative demons like Prince Nelia or, even worse, Ruby. So Tracy, with some effort, would be completely under his influence, same with Natalia.

Come to think of it, having a relationship with Tracy could create complications with other targets, he mused.

Now that was a problem. Being in a relationship with Tracy was meant to ensure his safety until he was strong enough to defend himself—which wouldn't take long if everything went according to plan. But given her behavior, the chances of her being the clingy type were about 75%, so he'd barely get any chance to pursue his other targets. She'd further try to assert herself as his 'girlfriend,' blocking off any communication with the others.

But I have no other better options... unless... He started thinking about a certain white-haired girl, then immediately shoved that thought away, realizing how unpredictable she could be.

"Wait. You don't have an ability?" Sam asked with a frown.

Not having an ability was... unusual. It was a rare case—not unheard of, but definitely weird. It didn't necessarily mean the individual was completely useless; there was still the chance of having high affinity for certain elements, which they could focus on and become a force to be reckoned with. But finding such individuals was uncommon.

"How about affinities?" Sam pressed.

"None."

Okay, now that was a problem. Someone not having an ability AND no affinity? That was absurd. How the hell had this young man even gotten into the academy in the first place?!

"Sigh. Okay, what CAN you do?" Sam asked, trying to remain composed while his team members already looked ready to commit murder.

"Well, I can contribute to strategizing, if that would be of any help," Asher offered diplomatically.

Everyone stared at him like he was an idiot.

"So you're basically useless," said the brunette girl.

"Depending on how you look at it," Asher replied mildly.

"There IS no other way to look at it," snapped the other guy with an annoyed expression.

"So... what now?" Asher asked, not really concerned. In fact, since he wasn't seeing any major characters here, he didn't really care if they planned to keep or leave him. He'd be better off without a team anyway—there'd be no need for team effort, and he'd be able to navigate freely and more effectively without having to hide anything from anyone.

"Sigh," Sam rubbed the bridge of his nose for a while, then looked up with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"You know what? It's okay," Sam said, and the others frowned at this unexpected turn.

"WHAT?! HE'S LITERALLY TRASH!" the other young man exploded.

"Rio!" Sam called out with a cold expression, and the one called Rio just clicked his tongue in dismay, then stormed out of the room, followed by his equally disgruntled friend.

"Sigh," Sam sighed again, watching his teammates' dramatic exit. "Don't mind them. They're just still... salty from our last teammate."

Asher nodded understandingly. "No, it's okay. I get why they're like that. It's a disadvantage having a weakling on the team."

"Come on, you don't have to put it that way," Sam said with what he probably thought was a reassuring smile.

"So? You're okay with me?" Asher asked.

"Of course. I can make good use of you," Sam smiled, proceeding to pat Asher on the shoulder with a gesture that was probably meant to be friendly.

A sly one, Asher noted while sharing a smile of his own.

[This might be... interesting,] came the familiar voice in his head.

"Let's go," Sam said, then turned to address their remaining teammate. "Kelly."

The girl who had been staring at Asher with an intensity that bordered on unsettling finally looked up. "Yes?"

"Let's go," Sam repeated, walking toward the door.

Asher followed, as did Kelly, who continued giving him that odd look. It wasn't the same look of fascination he often saw from other girls—this was something else entirely. Something he couldn't quite place, and frankly, it was starting to unnerve him.

"Asher," he said, offering a handshake as she shamelessly kept staring.

However, she didn't return the handshake or even offer her name, which was common courtesy. She just kept looking... and looking... and looking.

Asher didn't even know what to think. He simply looked away from her and kept walking, trying to ignore the feeling that she was studying him like a particularly specimen.

After a while, they emerged into the open area. From their vantage point, he could see the Paragon Hall with a small crowd gathered there, people standing in orderly queues.

"Well, this is going to take a while," Rio said, having apparently gotten over his tantrum. His friend just drew his hands down his face in resignation.

"Alright, listen," Sam addressed the group. "Once you get into the hall, let's meet at post 103. That's where our group will be stationed."

Everyone nodded, and Sam walked away with Kelly, who still occasionally cast that unnerving gaze toward Asher as she departed.

[I think you should avoid her,] the voice in his head advised.

I think so too, Asher agreed wholeheartedly, watching her retreating form.

Whatever that girl's deal was, he had a feeling it wasn't going to be something he would like.