Repeat Vice - The Villainous Noble Doesn't Want to Die, So He Swore to Not Die As One of The Four Heavenly Kings - Chapter 112: Northward

Chapter 112: Northward

The jade gemstone, cracked and crumbling.

Tormented screams, like those of the dead, emanated from the gemstone.

Beside it lay a scientist in a white coat—Theseus, known as “the greatest mind of humanity,” sprawled on his back.

A single cut marred Theseus’s torso, exposing a mechanical structure within.

Theseus possessed no human body; from his heart to his brain, even down to a single strand of hair, he was entirely artificial.

In his hazy consciousness, Theseus focused on the figure standing before him.

What stood there was something indescribable as human—if forced to describe it, it was “the dark one.”

A manifestation of darkness itself, the embodiment of night, the personification of death—something beyond even a demon.

With eyes still filled with madness, Theseus stared at that being—Rofus.

“…The numbers don’t add up. Your ‘existence’ is impossible. It’s not a matter of probabilities approaching zero; it’s practically impossible… in reality.”

Suddenly, as if realizing something profound, Theseus widened his eyes and smirked, “Ah, I see now…”

“Rofus Ray Lightless, you—you’re in your second loop, aren’t you?”

Rofus said nothing in response.

Silently, he placed the blade of a scythe of the abyss against Theseus’s neck.

“Aren’t you going to speak? You’re no fun.”

Showing no signs of resistance, Theseus shrugged, inviting Rofus to do the deed.

A voice, not of a human, emanated from Rofus’s mouth.

“It’s a contract… Theseus. If you accept the terms I offer—you’ll be completely annihilated.”

“…Oh?”

With the complete destruction of the jade gemstone—the former demon king—as a backdrop, Theseus’s lips curled into a grin of delight.

＊

The time rewinds to before Rofus visited the empire.

The crimson airship—Ifrit—was racing through the night sky, heading north.

Onboard, besides the members of the sky pirates “Crimson Wind,” including Riruka, were Rofus and his entourage.

Additionally, Abel was there as well.

Originally, Riruka and the “Crimson Wind” were heading to the volcanic region, where the shrine of the fire god was located, at Abel’s request.

This was a necessary ritual for Abel to gain the fire god’s blessing and enhance his combat power.

Upon arriving at Mount Helas, Abel engaged in combat with a monster believed to be the origin of “Eruption Heles,” a former ruler of the volcano as one of the Four Demon Beasts.

It was a flame-type slime, writhing like living lava.

Exploding upon contact and scattering high-temperature flames, Abel and the “Crimson Wind” cooperated to defeat it.

In the original story, “Eruption Heles” was writhing lava with sentience, embodying the absurdity of fighting volcanic activity itself.

It extended its lava tendrils over a wide area, continuously producing numerous minions—small living lava creatures.

It was like combating a natural disaster.

However, this time, the Heles Abel encountered was not in its Four Demon Beast form.

It was not the enormous entity that covered the mountain but a creature barely larger than a flying dragon, not exceeding 10 meters in length.

Still, small did not mean weak.

It swam through the erupted magma, hiding and launching explosive flames.

Its movements were frighteningly quick, making it, in some ways, a more troublesome opponent than when it was one of the Four Demon Beasts.

Abel’s objective this time was the shrine of the fire god at the summit of Mount Helas, and ignoring a troublesome opponent was one option.

However, there was a reason he couldn’t ignore it.

The “Living Lava Heles.”

Before it became one of the Four Demon Beasts, it apparently served as the shrine’s guardian.

This was inferred from information Abel had received through the “fire god’s guidance.”

Gaining a god’s blessing is not as easy as merely reaching a specific location.

While gods might favor certain individuals and grant blessings, this is an exceptional rarity.

Typically, one must overcome trials set by the gods.

The “Living Lava Heles” was a trial set by the fire god.

In the midst of this trial, Rofus urgently contacted Abel.

More precisely, the summons was directed at Riruka, or rather, at the airship.

A means of transportation to the northern empire.

Riruka and the “Crimson Wind” immediately responded to Rofus’s summons.

The “Crimson Wind” crew and Abel left Mount Helas, headed south of the kingdom, picked up Rofus in the southern part of the kingdom, and turned north again.

Even for an airship, it was a journey that would take several days—yet the “Crimson Wind” had a special trick.

A synthetic magic stone created by Rofus’s magic, prepared for emergencies.

Incorporating it into the power source allowed the airship to surpass its limits, carving a dark trail through the sky.

The airship traveled north from the south, stopping by the capital on the way, where they were joined by Vallum, August, and Annegelt at Rofus’s call.

Fol, intuitively sensing Rofus’s return, also joined in, accompanied by Kaldera.

Despite becoming a larger group than expected, the airship set off northward.

＊

In the large cabin of the airship.

Rofus and his group each occupied their own space without gathering together.

Rofus lounged on a sofa with his chin in his hand, Annegelt elegantly sipped tea at a table, August sat by a window, and Vallum polished his spear on the floor.

Each spent their time at their own pace, not even meeting each other’s gaze.

To an observer, it might seem they didn’t get along.

However, this was the distance that once defined the Four Heavenly Kings.

Though they stood together, they never grouped.

They were unrivaled in their respective fields, remaining ultimate individuals since birth.

This wasn’t respect but a strong will, not harmony but a lack of discipline.

They inherently lacked any semblance of teamwork—this was the optimal distance for them to pursue their own goals without interference.

Despite usually exuding a calmer atmosphere, the four now emitted a tense air.

The reason was obvious—the letter marked “R” on the table before Rofus.

A letter from Raymond, asking for help.

The thought of Raymond asking for help was inconceivable to the four.

It meant something extraordinary had occurred.

“…Are you sure the location is the empire?”

“The coordinates in the letter point to the empire, near the border. I checked, it’s accurate.”

August, looking out the window, questioned, and Annegelt immediately responded.

Vallum glanced at Rofus while polishing his spear.

“Shouldn’t you return to the Lightless territory? Isn’t a relative of yours in a critical condition?”

“…Yurika is treating him. There’s no chance of him dying.”

Saying this, Rofus turned his gaze backward.

To the red-haired girl standing behind him—Kaldera.

“—So don’t wear such a gloomy face. Carlos is merely sleeping. I confirm his stable condition through my familiar.”

“Such… a gloomy face…”

Kaldera attempted to smile as usual but failed, lowering her eyes in a slightly complicated expression.

She thought she had no feelings for her grandfather.

However, upon hearing from Rofus that Carlos was in critical condition, she found herself unexpectedly shaken.

Whether this was anger or sadness, she couldn’t quite understand.

“Don’t force yourself. Rest in a private room for a while.”

“…I’m not forcing myself, and I don’t need rest. There’s no need for concern.”

Turning her face away with a slightly sullen expression, Kaldera responded.

Fol, sitting beside Rofus, looked at the exchange with some surprise.

“…Aren’t you being unusually kind to Kaldera? You used to treat the dark knights much harsher.”

In Fol’s mind, the image was of Rofus mercilessly using magic on Chief Alba for a minor annoyance.

Rofus frowned.

“Don’t say such things… That was only with Alba. And Kaldera is none other than ‘Carlos’s granddaughter’—it’s only natural to be considerate.”

“That makes sense,” Fol agreed, narrowing her eyes sharply.

“Carlos is also a benefactor to me. Those imperial bastards won’t get away with this.”

To Fol, Carlos had always been a significant figure, facilitating her connection with Rofus and assisting in various ways, from combat training to procedures for becoming a noble.

Carlos had fully supported Fol simply because he enjoyed seeing her happy with Rofus. Without Carlos, Fol might never have sat beside Rofus.

Carlos’s serious injury left Fol unable to remain calm.

“…”

Glancing at their interaction with a sharp, displeased look was Annegelt, who appeared unusually irritable.

When Rofus called for help based on Raymond’s letter, Annegelt was naturally worried and anxious for Raymond but also felt a sense of joy.

Rofus didn’t go alone but called for her. She didn’t want to be the last to know after everything was over, especially concerning her friend Raymond.

This time, Rofus had relied on her, and her heart fluttered with excitement.

However, an uninvited guest had joined.

That person, without being called, boarded the airship and had the audacity to sit next to Rofus.

It wasn’t an unfamiliar face. She had been at the award ceremony after the capital attack—Faratiana Rougvelt, who had risen from commoner status to a viscountess.

Annegelt knew her—Rofus’s fiancée.

“Rofus!”

Her patience snapping, Annegelt slammed her teacup onto the table and shouted angrily.

Vallum and August looked up in surprise, staring at the furious Annegelt.

She stood up and strode toward Rofus, her heels clicking loudly.

Fol’s eyes widened, and Rofus narrowed his eyes.

“…What is it?”

“It’s not ‘what is it.'”

Annegelt glared at Fol briefly, then directed her accusing eyes at Rofus.

“Raymond is asking for help—Raymond! And you, Rofus, are you planning to go somewhere with this woman? On a honeymoon, perhaps?”

Annegelt’s sharpness was unlike her usual calm demeanor toward Rofus.

Normally, Annegelt was strong-willed and temperamental, showing a relatively softer attitude toward Raymond and Rofus, but generally being quite strict with others.

Now, her temper was directed at Rofus due to Fol’s presence.

“…Of course not, Annegelt. Why are you so agitated?”

Rofus’s blatant frown only made Annegelt angrier.

She turned her glare to Fol.

“And you! I don’t care if you’re a newly elevated noble, but where are your manners? Not even a greeting to your superior!”

Annegelt’s hysterical shouting made Fol sweat nervously. Rofus stood up, stepping in front of Fol to shield her.

He raised a hand as if to stop her—protecting Annegelt from the killing intent emanating from behind him.

“Stand down—Kaldera.”

Rofus reprimanded Kaldera, who had her hand on her sword hilt, staring at Annegelt expressionlessly.

Following Rofus’s command, Kaldera released the sword.

Rofus turned back to Annegelt.

“You too. Enough.”

“What… I just…!”

Annegelt, clearly unsatisfied, didn’t back down.

As Rofus, looking displeased, was about to speak, Fol interrupted by pulling his hand.

“Rofus, Annegelt is right. It’s true that I forced my way here without being invited.”

Fol stepped in front of Annegelt.

Despite wearing platform heels, Annegelt was shorter than Fol, making her look up at her, which only increased her irritation.

Fol bowed her head.

“Sorry for the late introduction. I am Pharatiana Rogbelt. My rank is viscountess, but I haven’t received a noble name yet. My blood name is ‘Dora.’ And… I’m Rofus’s fiancée.”

Fol’s self-introduction ended with a slight blush.

Annegelt was momentarily taken aback by Fol’s humble bow, but upon hearing “Rofus’s fiancée,” her eyes filled with hostility again.

“Oh, a fiancée? A commoner-turned-low-ranking noble, engaged to the heir of the prestigious Lightless family? Even as a mistress, that’s outrageous. In noble society, this is utterly—”

“…Hey.”

Rofus grabbed Annegelt’s hand, cutting her off.

“Didn’t you hear me say enough—Annegelt?”

Receiving a hostile gaze from Rofus, Annegelt hesitated and fell silent.

She gritted her teeth so hard her lips almost bled, glaring at Rofus with teary eyes.

“Why… Why are you looking at me like that!?”

Hysterically, impulsively, and somewhat sadly, Annegelt shouted.

“There are talks of our engagement, too! I know you’ve rejected all the other marriage proposals, so why am I still on hold!? Do you know how much pressure I’m under from my family because of this!? You have a fiancée now—if you’re not interested, reject me already! What do you want to do with me!?”

Annegelt screamed out her feelings.

Rofus listened silently.

The surrounding gazes turned to Rofus.

What will he do in this hellish atmosphere—Vallum and August directed such looks at Rofus.

Rofus gently held Annegelt’s hand.

Looking straight at her, he said:

“…Anne.”

“Wh-why are you calling me by my nickname all of a sudden…”

Called seriously, Annegelt was flustered.

Rofus pulled her close, embracing her slender body.

“Wha, what…?”

Annegelt blushed and showed signs of confusion as Rofus whispered in her ear.

“—I’m sorry for putting our engagement on hold.”

“Wait, my ear…”

Annegelt’s ears turned bright red, and she struggled to pull away from Rofus.

He gently restrained her, whispering in her ear.

“We should have talked about this sooner, but I was relying on you too much. I’m really sorry.”

“Ah… it’s fine, really… You’ve been busy with the southern expedition and all… We didn’t have time to talk properly…”

Annegelt, flustered and shy, fidgeted in Rofus’s embrace.

Rofus gently touched her blushing cheek.

“Let’s talk about us properly after we deal with the empire… Is that okay?”

“Y-yes… of course, it’s fine…”

Nodding with a red face, Annegelt was gently held by Rofus.

Whether from tension or embarrassment, she trembled slightly, blushing deeply as Rofus exhaled wearily.

The others watched their interaction in stunned silence.

Kaldera, in particular, looked at Rofus as if she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

Fol, on the other hand, reminisced, “He used to get flustered over a single kiss…,” looking distant.

＊

Standing in front of the door, Riruka wore a serious expression.

Abel appeared from down the corridor.

“…What’s up, Riruka? Why are you here? Aren’t you coming in? Sigil says we’re almost at the border—”

Abel had come to inform Rofus and the others that they were nearing the empire’s territory.

Riruka stopped him with an outstretched hand.

“Wait—now’s not a good time to go in.”

“…Did something happen inside?”

“Yeah. The atmosphere’s like hell right now. It might be better to give it some time.”

Riruka, having been observing inside, spoke with concern, her cheek twitching slightly with irritation.

“…What happened?”

Abel narrowed his eyes, and Riruka stared at the door.

“—Rofus got caught up in a love triangle, then charmed his way out of it.”

Riruka, unable to hide her frustration, pouted.

“At least it’s settled for now…”

It seemed there had been a romantic issue that Rofus had resolved.

However, Riruka, who had been observing, was not at ease.

The atmosphere inside was like hell, but things weren’t much better here, Abel thought, shrugging his shoulders.

T/N: Yahallo! Just some quick announcement. As of today, June 24, 2024, the translation of this novel would be put on hold  for the foreseeable future. Frankly, I enjoyed it while it lasted as this is the first I’ve worked on, but gradually I lost interest in the overall story, along with that, some of you might’ve noticed the inconsistent names, well I actually didn’t make a docs specifically for the names when I first started this since I didn’t think it would last this long, and so I wasn’t able to just use stock knowledge on remembering the names hence there are a lot of inconsistencies, which I plan on fixing during my free time. You are free to take over this novel once this chapter has been released publicly if I still don’t continue it by then. Thank you dear readers!