Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

The atmosphere was thick with tension.

None of the soldiers had been informed that two more S-ranks would be joining this mission—and not just any S-ranks. These two were among the most unpredictable warriors on record. Teenagers, yes—but more importantly, they had refused the Council's invitation to join them. A bold defiance that made them dangerous.

Commander Eric knew the stakes. He wasn't delusional—he didn't believe for a second that even twice the number of men under his command would be enough to take down five S-ranks. Not even a speck of hope existed on that front.

But if he played his cards right… he could force William to end this madness.

Maybe even convince him to surrender.

He turned to the golden-haired swordsman and said firmly, "Warrior William, I must remind you—when you joined the Council, you signed an agreement. And according to that agreement, the Council holds the right to keep you at headquarters for as long as necessary."

William's brow furrowed. "But there's no threat against the Council."

Eric gave a small, smug snicker. "We will decide that, Warrior. For now, you must come with us. Refuse—and you breach the agreement."

That wasn't just a threat—it was a trap.

Breach the agreement, and William would be marked as a rogue.

And everyone knew the kind of man William was. He revered the Council. He saw them as protectors of the innocent, defenders of peace.

Rebellion was not in his nature.

Austin knew exactly what kind of storm was churning in William's mind.

But then—

"Even if you decide to back off, William," Austin said nonchalantly, "know this—I'll still go."

The words hit like a hammer.

The Commander's eyes widened. Even William looked startled.

This mission… one that posed a threat even to five S-ranks—

And now, three teenagers were planning to take it on?

It wasn't just reckless.

It was foolish.

Suicidal.

"You cannot cross the Sea of Separation unless you intend to break the law, Warrior Austin," Eric snapped, his voice gaining edge and force.

Valerie's expression darkened. Frost crept at her fingertips, and for a second, the air turned deathly cold.

But before she could act, Austin caught her hand.

A silent gesture.

I've got this.

Then, he turned his eyes back to Eric.

"Look into my eyes, Commander," Austin said calmly, "and tell me if you see an ounce of hesitation… or fear… for your Council."

The Commander froze.

He had heard whispers of what happened at the conference.

He had heard the rumors.

Austin didn't follow the rules.

Austin didn't bluff.

And worse—he had the strength to back his arrogance.

This is bad… Eric muttered inwardly.

Then, as a last move, he turned toward the one warrior still bound by duty,

"Warrior William," he said, his voice sharper now, "if they cross the SOS and something happens to them… you know who'll be held responsible for it."

William's frown deepened.

He couldn't ignore the truth in Eric's words.

He couldn't bring himself to allow three teenagers to cross into the demonic realm alone.

If something happened to them...

All that would be left…

Would be regret.

Charlotte suddenly stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

"Are you really going to let him manipulate you?" she called out, sharp and displeased.

William flinched, his gaze snapping to his lover.

"Can't you see it, William? The Council just wants a leash around your neck. They're trying to stop you from doing the one thing that might actually free you—from being their strongest, most obedient hound."

Her words echoed. Raw and hateful.

She had tolerated the Council's treatment of him for far too long—the way they commanded him like a tool, pushing him to do things he loathed, all in the name of world peace.

But this moment… this was the first time William had made a choice for himself since joining the Council. A decision made not for orders, not for reputation, but for the betterment of mankind.

And they were trying to shackle him again.

Eric could feel the situation spiraling. His authority was slipping.

He raised his voice in a final attempt to control the scene.

"Anyone who takes a step toward the sea will be considered a traitor—banished from the human lands! If you walk away now, you will be branded a betrayer—augh!"

A scream tore from his throat as an ice spike flew across the field and impaled his shoulder, snapping his arm back at a sickening angle.

He dropped to one knee, clutching his broken limb as blood seeped between his fingers.

Eyes wide, he glared at the violet-haired girl.

Valerie stood unmoved, her hand still cold from casting.

"Annoying toad," she growled.

"Hey, you!" barked a soldier, raising his bow and loosing an arrow toward her.

Before it could strike, another arrow cut across the air—faster.

Rhea's arrow glowed faintly, colliding midair with a pink shimmer she had fired a heartbeat before. It altered course, pierced through the shimmer, and veered like a guided blade—

—straight into the soldier's shoulder, disarming him instantly.

Then, Austin moved.

He summoned Scar—and slammed it into the ground.

A wave of pressure exploded outward.

The very air trembled.

Some soldiers staggered back. Others fell to their knees, clutching their chests as though something invisible was clawing at them, trying to rip their souls free.

And at the center of it all, Austin stood still.

Eyes locked on the bleeding Commander.

A quiet menace, more terrifying than any scream.

"Commander," he said, voice low but deadly, "take another rash step… and I promise I'll show you what I did during the war."

Eric's face turned pale.

He knew—one more word, one more push—and that boy would end him. Right here, right now.

Then suddenly—

"Fuck this, I'm in."

Olivia's voice rang out as she stepped forward, walking over to Austin. She gave his shoulder a light pat and smirked.

"You got guts, kid. And thanks to you, now I finally remember what I need to fight for."

She turned to William, locking eyes with him.

Her gaze said everything.

No words were needed.

William felt a hand squeeze him—it was Charlotte.

She wore a serious expression, but the way she nodded at him... it was all the reassurance he needed.

He nodded back.

Turning to Eric, he said clearly, "Go back and tell the Council this—I'm crossing the sea on my own will. Brand me however you want, but I know what I'm doing is right. For all of us."

Eric's jaw tightened.

The one warrior he could count on—his biggest advantage—was now turning away, just like the rest. His last card discarded itself.

He raised his hand. At once, the soldiers began backing away, moving with practiced discipline. Horses mounted, commands silent, as if they had only been waiting for this signal.

Eric didn't speak again.

He gave Austin one cold side glance before turning his back.

I'll remember this humiliation, he swore to himself.

One by one, the soldiers vanished from the clearing. Even those hidden in the forest melted away like ghosts.

Silence returned.

William exhaled, finally letting out the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

"Thank you," he murmured to Charlotte.

She pulled him into a hug. "You did well."

It felt strange—being praised for breaking a law. But William smiled and accepted it with open arms.

Meanwhile—

"Hey, girlie," Olivia called out casually to the violet-haired warrior.

Valerie didn't even glance her way.

Rhea, ever the buffer, gave Olivia a small wave to defuse the awkwardness.

Olivia just shrugged. She knew why Valerie still held a grudge—and honestly, she didn't blame her.

Then Austin approached the couple, still locked in their embrace.

"Are we leaving now," he asked dryly, "or are you guys planning on flirting until Council sends more?"

The pair jolted apart like they'd been burned.

William turned crimson, looking away in embarrassment.

Charlotte scowled at Austin. "I shouldn't be hearing that from you."

Austin only shrugged, cool as ever.

"Well, we're short on time. I'm betting the Council's already reinforcing the sea with another line of defense."

Her glare faded.

Everyone knew he was right.

William turned to the water body, his gaze sharpened, "You are right. We would be weak in the water so we need to change our route and avoid any confrontation."

"Oh, I can be your guide." Austin volunteered before turning toward Charlotte, "You can hold a shield for an hour right?"

Charlotte nodded, "If it's just meant for floating then yes."

Austin nodded as he started approaching the water, taking off his shirt as he said, "I will go and scout first. Once I confirm which location—"

"Ah!" Suddenly, Austin was hugged.

He blinked in confusion before looking down at his girlfriend who was covering his bare upper half.

"M-My Lord...you should be a little more careful..." She mumbled before Austin glanced around and found Rhea looked away with a slightly red face and Olivia openly devoured the sight before her.

Austin heaved a sigh and decided to get into the water with clothes.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.