My Adorable Daughter Can't Be A Villainess

Exploration was something Eric had been immersed in since a very young age. His interest in researching magic came partly from his awakening, but just as much from his deep curiosity and desire to uncover the unknown.

Even as a student, he had already ventured into several ruins. After graduating and leaving his hometown, he wandered the world in search of remnants left behind by ancient scholars, scattered spoils from the Great War, and countless other forgotten traces of history.

Because of that, this journey into the mountains of Demonade did not feel unfamiliar. It was not as though someone had taken over Eric’s soul. Rather, the two had merged into one.

Every step he took across the rugged terrain reflected years of experience. The ease with which he climbed steep slopes, his habit of marking paths, and small practices like burning coal to drive away crawling beasts all spoke of a life shaped by exploration.

As they followed a narrow path carved into the mountainside, Gerald could no longer hold back his curiosity. “My lord, please forgive my impudence, but what exactly are we searching for?”

The old man had a severe fear of heights, and with each step taking them higher, he knew he would have asked sooner or later.

Eric didn’t mind the question and replied casually, “I’ve heard of a relic hidden deep within the mountains of Demonade. The moment I arrived here, I could already feel its presence.”

“So Lord Blackwood already knows its location. That is quite admirable,” Gerald said with a strained smile. Then, hesitating, he added, “Um… Master, h-how high are we exactly?”

Eric paused, making Gerald worry that he had crossed a line. A moment later, however, Eric simply raised his hand and pointed at a large boulder protruding from the mountainside, slightly above their current position.

“It’s behind that rock,” Eric said calmly. “If you can take us there right now, then please do so.”

Gerald blinked before replying, “Master, if you were to remove that boulder, then I surely could.”

Eric immediately understood. Gerald lacked raw firepower. As a wielder of the Beast Arcane, his abilities were limited in situations like this. That was not the case for Eric.

Spell formation began with a sorcerer’s intent. The Arcane shaped that intent into a spell, while the Nexus, the heart of mana, supplied the energy needed to bring it into existence.

Unfortunately, Eric could not yet follow that process smoothly. He had not fully calibrated himself with his Arcane.

There was a high chance he would fail if he attempted a complex spell like Chain Explosion or Flaming Tornado.

But would a simple spell such as Fire Splash or Death Current be enough to remove the boulder? Those, along with Detection, were the only spells he could currently use.

Eric glanced at Gerald, who already looked ready to activate his Arcane and carry them both across. The gesture silently showed his trust in Eric’s abilities.

Climbing a hundred meters above the ground had never made Gerald this nervous, yet the height felt less frightening than what lay ahead.

In the end, Eric made his decision.

Fireball it is.

His intent was clear. He would bring the boulder down in a single strike. His Arcane flared to life, sigils forming as the spell took shape, his heartbeat quickening with each surge of mana.

Then a thought struck him.

He couldn’t use complex spells because his Arcane couldn’t form their structures yet. But his Nexus didn’t need such guidance. It could supply far more mana than a basic spell required.

So what would happen if he poured the mana meant for a greater spell into something as simple as Fire Splash?

He knew he would be pushing his Arcane beyond its limits, but an accident felt better than outright failure.

With that resolve, he raised his hand. A dark crimson orb began forming in front of his palm.

Gerald tilted his head in confusion. Using such a basic spell against a boulder the size of an orc made no sense.

That confusion quickly turned into shock. The orb began to spin, growing far larger and far more violent than any simple spell should be.

Molten lava dripped from its surface, hissing as it struck the rock beneath them. The orb continued to swell, mana clinging to it like a binding force that barely kept it from spiraling out of control. Even so, Eric knew he couldn’t hold it much longer. His vision blurred, and a thin line of blood ran from his nose.

Seven seconds later, he realized grimly. That’s my limit for now.

With that thought, he released the spell.

The orb slammed into the boulder.

For a single heartbeat, there was silence. Then the mountain roared.

The boulder exploded in a burst of crimson fire. Shattered rock flew outward as the ground shook beneath them. Shockwaves ripped through the narrow path, stone splintering and dust filling the air. The mountainside groaned as loose debris poured down the slopes like an avalanche.

Eric suddenly felt a grip on his shoulders before his feet left the path.

He didn’t panic when he looked up and saw his butler carrying him, two black wings spread wide from his back, his Arcane faintly glowing beneath his shirt.

Gerald carried Eric to the other side and gently set him down. Eric took several steps forward to give Gerald room to enter.

But the old man remained at the entrance, his wings stretched outside.

“Gerald?! You’ll get hurt!” Eric shouted in panic.

In a shaky voice, as large chunks of rock continued to fall, the butler replied, “If I move, sir, the entrance will be blocked. Please go ahead. I will join you shortly.”

Eric clenched his teeth. He knew Gerald was right. If the entrance collapsed, it would cause serious trouble.

And this situation existed only because of Eric’s lack of control.

In a heavy voice, he said, “Don’t get yourself too hurt, Gerald. I need your support.”

The old man’s eyes grew moist at those words. Lowering his head slightly, he replied, “I won’t disappoint you, sir.”

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