I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 361  Alicia And Elizabeth

In a secluded, spacious area, the sound of clashing weapons echoed continuously. The clang and clatter of metal resounded throughout the training grounds, a combat that could be heard from every corner.

The place was teeming with people, ranging from the youngest teenagers to the oldest men, who often acted as mentors. The first thing anyone would notice was the exclusive presence of vampires. There were no humans, elves, or werewolves in sight. This was the Tepes Special Grounds, established during the Blood Moon War to prepare the vampire rebellion against their tyrannical ruler at the time, the Vampire-Witch Selene Amaya Tepes.

Originally built out of necessity, this dojo had evolved into one of the most renowned training centers for mastering the rapier. The rapier had become a favored weapon among many vampires, including some of the most notorious ones.

The training grounds buzzed with activity, but today, all eyes were drawn to the center of the arena where a sparring match was taking place. The focus of everyone's attention was on two of the most beautiful vampires they had ever seen, who were also among the princesses of Sancta Vedelia.

On the right, a figure moved with elegant precision, weaving and dodging her opponent's thrusts with calm composure, occasionally countering with swift strikes of her own. Her raven-black hair was tied into a ponytail, keeping it out of her way as she moved. Spectators watched in awe, their mouths agape at Elizabeth's graceful form. Whether it was her serious expression or the small smile she wore while sparring with someone she cared about, she captivated everyone around her.

On the other side of the arena, her opponent wasn't smiling at all. Alicia, known for her prowess with the rapier and her untouchable, unreachable demeanor, displayed a hint of frustration today. Though her expression remained mostly stoic, her furrowed brows betrayed her emotions. Those who knew Alicia well, like Elizabeth, could sense that something was amiss.

Alicia's thrusts were a bit sloppier than usual, lacking the precision she was known for. She couldn't help it; it had always been like this when she sparred with Elizabeth. At the start of the match, she would feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of dueling Elizabeth Tepes. But as the fight progressed, she was inevitably reminded of a bitter truth.

The Elizabeth Tepes Alicia had once respected as a junior, admired as a big sister figure, chased after as a rival Vampire Princess, and feared as a living embodiment of greatness, seemed to have vanished. Alicia, Elizabeth, and Selene had been raised and educated in the manner befitting Vampire Princesses. James Raven, a close friend of Elizabeth's parents, had entrusted Alicia's education to their institution, resulting in Alicia being raised alongside Elizabeth and Selene as though they were sisters.

Alicia had known both Elizabeth and Selene for many years and had seen the true Elizabeth. The first time she met Elizabeth, Alicia was six years old. She had been absolutely frozen in awe. Elizabeth, though only seven years old at the time, displayed a maturity far beyond her years. She was a bit cold, but her speech had a captivating tone that everyone wanted to hear. Her voice was chilling yet mesmerizing, leaving others with no choice but to listen.

A genius.

A genius among geniuses, Elizabeth Tepes's exceptional nature became more evident with each passing year.

Selene, on the other hand, was more shy, a trait that only worsened due to Elizabeth's overprotectiveness. Elizabeth shielded her twin sister from various parties seeking the reincarnation of Selene Amaya Tepes. Selene's vulnerability was one of the driving forces behind Elizabeth's greatness, pushing her to progress at a frightening level both mentally and physically.

Alicia still remembered the day she saw Elizabeth's true nature. It was only a few days after Elizabeth's parents were reported dead in an incident, and Elizabeth was barely twelve years old. That day, Elizabeth fought against the invaders of Utopia who had attacked Vallachia. Alicia knew, deep down, that this was the real Elizabeth. Until then, it had seemed as though Elizabeth had always held back, carefully considering her behavior and speech when surrounded by her family. But that day, the death of her parents had unleashed something that should never have been set free. A monster, a witch, a demon, the Princess of Blood—Utopia called her the Cold Witch of Valachia.

Thousands of bodies littered the grounds of Valachia, all killed by Elizabeth in her rampage, despite an agreement being reached by Duncan Tepes and Utopia. She had attacked them out of nowhere at night, destroying their forces and killing them all. Rivers of blood and flesh flowed, shocking and horrifying everyone.

Alicia had been there that day in the Tepes Castle. She saw Elizabeth standing amidst the carnage, her pale hands dripping with fresh blood, her sharp nails and fangs stained red, her blood-red eyes reflecting a terrifying intensity as she looked back at Alicia. It was the most frightening sight Alicia had ever seen, yet strangely, she also felt a profound admiration for Elizabeth. The figure she admired so much was now revealed to be a smaller version of the fearsome, true Elizabeth.

After that fateful day, it was as if a dam had broken within Elizabeth. She stopped holding back entirely, becoming ruthless and merciless towards everyone, even those of her own race. Anyone who bothered her or her sister regretted their decision instantly.

When she entered the academy at sixteen years old, she quickly secured her position and elevated the Tepes House to prominence. She fought off against the Teraquin House of Kendel and Alvara Teraquin, as well as from Cyril Raven, who was interested in her twin sister Selene. As a Junior and new student, Elizabeth quickly climbed higher driven by only selfishness and arrogance.

However, during this time, Elizabeth began to change subtly. Alicia, who was closely acquainted with Elizabeth, noticed this shift. She knew that Elizabeth's situation was worsening, and that she was slowly descending deeper into the abyss with each life she took. Yet, whenever Alicia met with Elizabeth, the latter would show a different, softer side—similar to how she behaved with Selene. Elizabeth considered Alicia as a sister as well, and Alicia naively believed that everything was fine with Elizabeth, despite the reality being completely opposite.

Then, someone brought a flicker of warmth to Elizabeth's cold heart: Connor Olphean. Alicia didn't know how it happened, but Elizabeth started smiling more often, even though she retained her ruthless nature. Alicia grew to admire this version of Elizabeth, who showed more emotions and seemed more human.

But then, it eventually happened.

Connor Olphean died.