The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Chapter 478: The Deceitful Halfling



Kael stood in a golden field, the sunlight warm on his skin. The Sacred Oak loomed in the distance, its branches spreading wide and casting cool shadows over the grass. Laughter rang through the air—sharp, clear, and undeniably familiar. He turned toward the sound, his chest tightening as he saw Amy darting between the wildflowers, her fiery red hair catching the light.

"You're too slow!" she called, her voice teasing.

"I'm giving you a head start," Kael shouted back, breaking into a run.

She laughed, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and raised her hand. A flicker of flame leapt from her palm, tiny and playful. "See? Magic. Bet you can't do this!"

Kael stopped in his tracks, crossing his arms. "You're showing off again."

Amy's expression shifted to mock indignation. "Showing off? I'm perfecting my skills. Watch!" She focused intently, her brow furrowing as the flame danced higher, shifting into the shape of a small bird before flickering out. She stomped her foot. "Ugh! Why won't it stay?"

"Maybe it's because you're too impatient," Kael teased.

"Impatient?" she snapped, glaring at him. Her frustration melted into a pout. "You're supposed to be impressed, not critical."

Kael laughed, stepping closer. "I'm impressed, alright. But you're still a show-off."

Her smile returned, soft and genuine. "One day, I'll be better than anyone at the Magic Tower. Just you wait."

The warmth of her confidence was infectious, and Kael couldn't help but nod. "You will be."

The field shimmered suddenly, the golden light dimming. Amy's figure blurred, shifting as if caught in a heatwave. When Kael blinked, she was older, her face pale and streaked with tears.

"Kael," she said, her voice trembling. "Why didn't you…?"

He stepped toward her, panic rising in his chest. "Amy? What's wrong?"

Her hands clutched at nothing, her sobs growing louder. "You weren't there."

"I don't understand," he said, reaching for her, but his hand passed through her like smoke. "Amy! I'm here!"

She shook her head, her image flickering. "You weren't… there."

Darkness swallowed her, and Kael shouted her name, the sound echoing into the void. His chest felt heavy, the weight of her sorrow pressing down on him.

____

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Kael jolted awake, his heart pounding, sweat clinging to his skin. He sat up, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "Amy," he whispered, the name breaking in his throat. The morning was still, the faint light filtering through the trees casting long shadows across the ground.

It took him a moment to realize something was wrong. This wasn't where he'd fallen asleep. The glade was gone, replaced by denser woods. The air felt cooler, and the sunlight barely penetrated the thick canopy above. His body ached, the exhaustion from the previous night's ordeal catching up to him all at once. Kael's hand instinctively went to his sword, gripping the hilt tightly as he scanned his surroundings.

The realization struck him like a blow—he hadn't moved here on his own. The shelter he'd built was nowhere to be seen, and faint traces of movement in the underbrush suggested he'd been dragged. His fingers tightened on his sword, his senses on high alert. The faint rustle of leaves nearby sent a shiver down his spine. He spun toward the sound, his stance defensive despite the sluggishness in his limbs.

A voice, casual and tinged with amusement, broke through the tension. "Whoa, easy there, hero. You look like you barely survived a tavern brawl, let alone a night in the wilds."

Kael's eyes locked on the speaker. A wiry figure emerged from the shadows, his movements smooth and deliberate. He was small, barely reaching Kael's shoulder, and his patched cloak swayed as he walked. The cocky grin on his face and the sharp glint in his eyes spoke of someone who thrived on mischief.

"Where am I?" Kael demanded, his voice hoarse. He took a step forward, wincing as his legs protested the movement. "What did you do?"

The stranger raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin widening. "Relax, hero. I saved you. Found you passed out on the road, looking like a wolf had chewed you up and spat you out. Thought I'd be nice and lend a hand."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "And why should I believe you?"

"You shouldn't," the man replied easily, his tone light. "But I'll tell you this much: if I wanted you dead, you'd still be lying in that ditch. I don't waste effort for nothing."

The rustle of movement behind him snapped him into action. He rose quickly, spinning to face the sound, his sword drawn and ready.

"Whoa, easy there, hero," a voice said, casual and amused. "No need to act cool now. You look like you slept in a ditch."

Kael's eyes locked on the speaker. A wiry figure stepped into view, grinning as though he'd just caught a thief in the act. The man was small and agile-looking, his patched cloak and quick movements giving him the air of someone who lived by his wits. His sharp features and darting eyes reminded Kael of a fox sizing up its prey.

"Who are you?" Kael demanded, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him.

The stranger gave a mock bow. "Liora, at your service."

Kael's grip tightened on his sword. "That's not your real name."

Liora snorted, clearly unimpressed by the accusation. "And what's yours? Hero? Sword-boy? Doesn't matter. Names are overrated, anyway."

Kael took a step forward, his eyes narrowing as he noticed his satchel lying open on the ground, its contents clearly disturbed. His heart sank. "You went through my things."

Liora raised his hands in mock surrender, the grin never leaving his face. "Relax. I was just… checking your supplies. You don't look like the type to use half of this stuff anyway."

Kael pointed his sword at him, his voice cold. "Give it back. Now."

The rogue's grin widened. "Give what back? Everything's still there, more or less. Well, except for that bread. You weren't going to eat it, were you?"
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Kael's eyes flicked to the ground, spotting crumbs near Liora's boots. His frustration bubbled over, but before he could say anything, something clicked in his mind. The man's small frame, quick movements, and sharp, almost mischievous features…

"You're a halfling," Kael said, the realization slipping out.

Liora's grin faltered for a moment before returning, sharper than before. "Observant. Bet you're fun at parties too."

Kael advanced another step, his sword still raised. "I don't have time for this. Why are you here?"

Liora tilted his head, feigning thoughtfulness. "Maybe I was bored. Maybe I saw a lost little pup in the woods and decided to help. Or maybe I saw an opportunity. Take your pick."

"Opportunity?" Kael's voice was low, dangerous.

"Relax, hero," Liora said, tossing a small pouch of coins toward Kael. "See? Not all bad. Consider it a donation to your noble quest."

Kael caught the pouch, his sword lowering slightly. He didn't trust the halfling, but the man didn't seem outright hostile—not yet, anyway. "Why are you really here?"

Liora's grin softened into something resembling sincerity. "Honestly? You interest me. You've got that whole tragic hero thing going on. Makes me curious."

Kael didn't respond immediately, his gaze steady. Finally, he sheathed his sword, though his stance remained guarded. "You said you wanted to help. Start by telling me where I am."

"Close to Theron's Rest," Liora said, his tone casual again. "Which, lucky for you, is exactly where I'm headed. For a small fee, I could guide you there."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "Fee?"

"Food, mostly. Maybe a shiny trinket or two. Nothing you'd miss," Liora replied, waving a hand dismissively. "Think of it as payment for services rendered."

Kael hesitated, his grip tightening on the strap of his satchel. His mind wandered back to the voices of the villagers, their parting words echoing in his ears. Garrick's gruff, steady tone came first: "Stay sharp, kid. You've got a good head on your shoulders, but out there, you'll need more than guts. Think before you act." The elder's wise counsel followed, his words like a whisper against the wind: "Courage isn't just about standing your ground, Kael. It's about knowing when to move forward and when to stand back."

Amy's voice, vivid and teasing, was the last to surface: "Don't let anyone push you around, but don't be an idiot either, Kael. Use your brain."

He exhaled deeply, the weight of their faith in him pressing on his chest. The halfling in front of him was clearly trouble, his sharp grin and darting eyes hinting at a life lived on the edge of trustworthiness. But Kael wasn't in a position to waste time or energy being overly cautious. He needed guidance, and as much as it pained him to admit it, Liora seemed to know the terrain far better than he did.

"Fine," Kael said finally, his voice low and measured. "But no tricks. I'm not in the mood."

Liora smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it, hero."

The two set off, Liora leading the way with an almost infuriating spring in his step. He talked incessantly, weaving tales of his exploits—most of which Kael suspected were exaggerated at best, outright lies at worst.

"So there I was, cornered by three angry merchants who'd realized their purses were lighter," Liora said, gesturing dramatically. "But with a little charm and a lot of speed, I managed to talk my way out. Or run, depending on how you look at it."

Kael rolled his eyes. "Why am I not surprised?"

Liora grinned. "You'll find the world isn't all honor and chivalry, hero. Sometimes, you have to get your hands dirty to survive."

"And you think that justifies stealing?" Kael asked, his tone sharp.

Liora shrugged. "Justifies, no. Explains? Sure. The world's cruel, kid. You'll learn that sooner or later."

Kael's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. The halfling's words struck a nerve, though he wasn't sure why. The two walked in relative silence after that, the tension between them palpable.

As they crested a hill, the city of Theron's Rest came into view. Its tall walls loomed over the plains, smoke curling from countless chimneys. The distant hum of activity reached their ears even from the rise.

Liora spread his arms, his grin returning. "Welcome to Theron's Rest. The city of opportunity—or disaster, depending on your luck."

Kael stared, his breath catching. The sight was overwhelming, a stark contrast to the simplicity of Lindholm. His grip on the hilt of his sword tightened. "This is it," he said softly.

Liora clapped him on the back, laughing.

"Let's hope you're ready for it, hero."


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