Destined Villain's Life
Chapter 22: [22] A trip to the underworld {2}

Chapter 22: [22] A trip to the underworld {2}

The reason Zick didn’t choose Karlin was simple—her family would definitely reject him because they were aware of Ethereal’s existence.

The Deshin family was a neutral faction; they wouldn’t want to be dragged into a conflict between two Behemoths.

Therefore, Zick chose Ellen, even though he didn’t like her either—especially considering what her family had done in the past.

The people from [End’s Wing] were highly efficient. Within ten minutes, he received a file containing all of Ellen’s private information.

Seeing that the file was pay-locked, Zick quickly transferred the promised amount through his bank account.

[50,000 Wrantz has been transferred successfully. Available balance: 509,600 Wrantz.]

’...I need to think about my money problem soon. Borrowing from my father will be impossible without a proper reason...’

His father had been strict in his upbringing, but now, that very discipline was becoming an obstacle.

’Right, the staff member said I could pick up my sniper from the coordinator later. I should sell it—I can make at least a million Wrantz from an artifact.’

Though a million Wrantz was nothing in the grand scheme of things, it was enough to get by in the underworld for now.

Saving Ellen’s information on his mobile, Zick decided not to go through it yet. He knew that making any significant progress in his relationship with her would take time.

’It’s fine even if she wants a divorce after marrying me...’ That was Zick’s mindset—he didn’t expect much. Having children was the last thing on his mind.

Heading to the administration building, Zick quickly located the coordinator of his assignment through the receptionist.

Assignments for gold and lower classes were still in progress.

The young coordinator, who had been watching the survival assignment closely, froze when he saw Zick approaching.

He had last seen Zick walk away looking as if his soul had left his body. He hadn’t expected to see him again so soon.

"Ah, right. Take this."

Before Zick could say anything, the coordinator retrieved the sniper and bullets from his storage ring.

"....Thanks."

Zick nodded and didn’t linger.

Calling Uncle Jane, he handed over the artifact and bullets to one of the hounds in front of [Alter]’s gate.

The sun still cast a bluish glow over the horizon.

Now that the opportunity had presented itself, Zick didn’t want to postpone his ’trip’ any longer.

Seated in a nearby café, he sipped on black tea while communicating with the system.

’System, how strong of a disguise skill can I create with my current destiny points?’

[A-rank or lower.]

’Oh, that would be comparable to my talent—Mana Magnetism. It should be enough to fool most people, unless someone with strength comparable to my father appears.’

Without hesitation, Zick ordered the system to create the innate talent.

[Ding! [Disguise (A)] has been successfully created. 10,000 destiny points deducted.]

A prickling sensation ran through his entire body before fading after a few seconds. Checking his status, he confirmed his new innate talents.

[Innate Talents: Sword Aura (S), Mana Magnetism (A), Disguise (A)]

’There’s a high chance Ethereal is keeping an eye on me. I need to find a place away from any prying eyes...’

Finishing his black tea, Zick left the café with light steps.

The annulment of his engagement to Celene had yet to be made public.

’Since it hasn’t been announced, the Arshein family hasn’t fully committed to Ethereal. Without a solid foothold, Ethereal won’t make any drastic moves yet...’

Such as placing an assassin near him. However, they likely had a team monitoring him.

With his hands in his pockets, Zick made his way to a familiar alleyway. It wasn’t where he had died, but he had often come here in his youth.

The stench of rotting food filled the air. Though the smell numbed his nose, he didn’t let it affect his expression.

Eventually, he reached a metal door, behind which he could hear the chaotic sounds of a bustling kitchen.

As he placed his hand on the door, his body glowed faintly. His face began to shift at a visible pace.

Within seconds, his entire appearance had changed.

His already impressive height increased by a few centimeters. His hair turned golden, and his eyes became a striking aquamarine blue. Now, he looked like a gentle older brother—around twenty-four years old.

This was the same appearance he had used in the future, though at that time, he had relied on artifacts to alter his visage.

Adjusting his newly created suit, he resumed his movements.

Pushing the door open, Zick stepped into a noisy kitchen where workers moved non-stop.

Some glanced at him but quickly returned to their tasks as he headed toward the front reception of the restaurant.

He had visited this place frequently in the past—almost every weekend.

"Sir, you are...?"

"Ah, sorry. I got lost. I’ll head back to the front hall now."

Zick smiled at the janitor before continuing on his way.

As he neared the restaurant’s entrance, a few familiar voices reached his ears. He didn’t stop but picked up his pace.

"What’s wrong, Ellen?" Karlin asked, tilting her head.

Four cadets lounged lazily on the sofas beside her. They all came from wealthy families and attended the academy with them.

Ellen watched Zick’s back closely, as if sensing something strange.

Following her gaze, Karlin spotted Zick as well.

"A foreigner? That’s rare... He’s hot, though." Karlin blushed slightly, speaking her thoughts out loud.

"Are you interested in him?"

Karlin was ready to rush toward the ’foreigner’ if Ellen gave the slightest indication of approval.

"No..." Ellen shook her head, lost in thought.

Karlin sighed, disappointed.

"...I should have taken a photo to investigate him later..." she muttered.

Ellen’s eyes gleamed.

"Ask the restaurant manager for the security footage. I’m sure the cameras captured him."

"...That’s right!" Karlin beamed.

Meanwhile, Ellen remained deep in thought.

’A familiar presence... It’s definitely him.’

Outside the restaurant, Zick ordered a taxi online and set his destination to a local district called Versekt.

Settling into the back seat, his eyes glowed slightly.

’Why was Ellen staring at me? Did she figure it out? That seems unlikely. Even professional S or SS-rank operatives wouldn’t see through my disguise.’

Zick naturally understood the capability of his new talent after obtaining it. Almost as if information about it was injected into his mind.