Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess
Chapter 270 269- Origin(1)

[A few days later]

Rhea sat quietly in the gymnasium, half-hidden under the dim lights.

She was barely visible—just a shadow in the silence.

Both her hands were held—wrapped in warmth from two different men.

Lately, she had been spending more and more time with them, seeking their presence whenever the restlessness returned.

On her left was the Professor—the one who helped her reunite with her hometown, who stood by her when Rudolph left.

On her right was the man she once swore never to forgive.

But time had taken a strange turn… and here they were.

Close. Quiet. Intimate.

Both had known Rudolph.

Both understood the ache she carried.

When she spoke of facing the Demon Lord, they didn't stop her.

They stood with her.

A moment passed. Then Rhea whispered, eyes lost in the distance—

"I think I should visit the other side now."

She felt the grip on her hands tighten—both of them anxious.

"The Council is working on a strategy," Parkinson said, his voice careful.

"Wait for them to come up with a plan?"

"I'd never suggest you act recklessly," Morkel added, adjusting his glasses.

Rhea chuckled softly.

"I know. If either of you had the chance to lock me away just to keep me safe, you wouldn't hesitate for a second."

Parkinson turned a shade pink.

Morkel said nothing—but didn't deny it either.

It was true.

They would do anything to protect her, even if it meant risking their own lives.

But Rhea's gaze didn't waver.

"You must understand… I have to face this danger. I know it'll hurt you, but this is a fate I can't—and won't—run from."

She wasn't pushing them away.

She simply refused to abandon the dream she had always carried—

A world where peace wasn't a fantasy.

And for that…

She would have to eradicate every last demon.

Morkel exchanged a glance with Parkinson, but before either of them could speak, a fourth presence entered the space.

"Rhea—oh."

Austin blinked, surprised to see two men flanking her.

Parkinson met his gaze—and for a heartbeat, the world went still.

Neither had forgotten what happened a year ago.

The humiliation Parkinson endured for something he didn't do.

The cold hatred in Rhea's eyes back then.

He remembered it all.

"Park," Rhea gently squeezed his hand.

His aura had shifted—and her eyes, now cold and unreadable, made one thing clear:

If he made a move, she knew where she stood.

Austin, meanwhile, stayed perfectly calm.

No fear. No guilt.

He had long buried that chapter.

Parkinson rose to his feet—and so did Rhea, ready to intervene if needed.

But all he did…

Was bow.

"I'm grateful," he said quietly, "for saving Rhea's life. Not once, but twice. I can't thank you enough."

Austin exhaled.

Just as he thought—Parkinson chose Rhea over pride.

"I only saved my friend," he said with a casual shrug.

"It had nothing to do with you."

Parkinson lifted his head.

"It's the result that matters. So… thank you."

Austin gave a small nod, then turned to Rhea.

"Got a moment? It's important."

She didn't hesitate.

If he came looking for her, it wasn't for idle talk.

Turning to the two men, she said softly,

"I'll… see you both tomorrow. Parkinson, be safe on your way out."

He nodded.

Moments later, Rhea jumped over the guard rail, landing beside Austin.

"Lead the way," she said.

Morkel watched them walk away, sighing under his breath.

"This sight would've torn me apart in the past... but now…"

...

Austin and Rhea stepped out of the gym together.

They walked in silence… but not for long.

"So, you and those two… are like… together now?" Austin asked, breaking the quiet.

Rhea blushed faintly as if she'd been waiting for that question.

Lowering her head, she said softly, "I don't know… I can't be sure. I like them—more than just a teacher or a friend—but we haven't made anything official."

Austin nodded with a hum. "Take your time. They care about you a lot. And they deserve someone who gives them the same care back."

Rhea smiled a little. These days, Austin had become like a good friend to her—someone who spoke honestly and never beat around the bush. She trusted that.

Another moment of quiet passed before her gentle, unsure voice rose again.

"...Do you think I'm betraying Rudolph?"

Austin hadn't expected that. He glanced at her, surprised.

Her head was down, eyes filled with a tangle of emotions.

"For loving someone else?" Austin asked. "No. I don't think you're cheating on him."

His voice was steady as he continued, "You're not moving on like he meant nothing. You remember him—his words, his feelings. That's loyalty, Rhea. Not betrayal."

Her eyes lit up a little with that answer. "Then… what does it mean? Loving someone else when Rudolph is still in my heart?"

She sounded eager now, desperate for a truth she could hold onto.

Austin didn't flinch. "Rudolph never wanted you to live in sorrow. He wanted you to smile again. And if those two make you feel safe—make you feel alive—then it's no crime to hold their hands."

He looked directly into her eyes and said, "You deserve to be happy, Rhea."

*Ba Dum*

Her heart skipped a beat.

She didn't know why.

Lowering her gaze again, a soft smile slowly bloomed on her lips. She didn't reply. She didn't need to.

Somehow, Austin's words made her feel like she wasn't doing anything wrong.

And for the first time, she found the courage not to push Parkinson and Morkel away.

Maybe it was the way Austin spoke or the way he stood by her without judging—that made her start seeing him as something more than a friend.

A quiet guardian.

Someone who would always guide her toward what's right.

And for that… she was deeply thankful.

Soon, they reached Austin's office. Rhea had no trouble slipping past the security and stepping inside, just like in old times.

"It's been so long…" she said, her face lighting up with a smile.

Before the incident with Valerie, Rhea used to sneak in often—just to relax and spend time with Austin. She loved being here, even if she wasn't much help with the calculations. The room held so many quiet, comforting memories.

Those memories came flooding back—until a cold voice cut through the warmth.

"Don't get too familiar. You're not allowed here unless he invites you."

Valerie's tone was sharp, her eyes cool.

Rhea offered a wry smile, dipping her head in acknowledgment. "I won't cross any lines. Don't worry."

Austin leaned over and kissed Valerie's cheek, feeling a rush of love seeing her being jealous, before pointing to the chair across from them. "Sit."

Rhea took the seat, her fingers folding in her lap. "So… how are you now, Valerie? Recovered?"

Valerie nodded calmly. "A while ago. I just needed some mental rest."

Rhea nodded slowly. "Same here… The presence of that being was terrifying. I've never felt anything like it."

Not even the Demonic General they faced during the war had an aura that overwhelming. Maybe because that one had split his body apart—but the turtle's presence… it was earth-shattering.

Austin leaned forward. "Did you go for counseling?"

"Yeah, I did… and it helped."

Austin grinned, a teasing glint in his eyes. "I bet it did. I'm sure Professor Morkel has a few special methods of comforting you."

Rhea blushed, eyes widening as she stared at him. "H-How did you know?!"

Austin chuckled. "Let's not go there."

Valerie groaned and rubbed her thumbs together, trying to keep her cool.

After a brief pause, Austin finally spoke.

"Rhea… William came to meet me recently."

Rhea stiffened at the name. Her eyes narrowed, and a frown crept onto her face. "The strongest warrior… Did something happen?"

Austin nodded. "The Council's been sending soldiers to investigate the other side. But they're only coming back in body bags. At this rate, they'll stop trying altogether and just wait for another attack."

"Just like they always do," Valerie muttered under her breath.

Rhea clenched her fists. "Why are they throwing people away like this? Couldn't they have sent someone strong across?"

"I asked the same thing," Austin said, his voice low. "But you know how the Council is—they divide people by strength. And those they see as weak… are expendable."

Rhea scoffed, anger flashing in her eyes. "They're murderers. Nothing more."

Austin leaned back in his seat, "That's why William came here with a proposal...he suggested launching an attack—just he and me-"

"I will come too," Rhea instantly added, her eyes ablaze with determination.

Austin expected much, however, "Before I take you there I want you to know a few things about yourself."

Rhea was surprised by the shift of conversation but she didn't ask any questions and nodded at him to continue.

Austin took a moment before revealing, "Rhea...you are the successor of a legendary warrior. Someone whom every single human knows."

With his gaze turning serious, he added, "You possess the blood of none else but Hero Kane."

"...!!"

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.