Passerby Villain In A Wizard World

After finding the meditation method at the Imperial Academy, he was so excited that he didn't think much and immediately set off towards the Ashen Sanctum. 

Only now did he realize how foolish his decision was. Fortunately, it didn't seem to have affected him. 

'System, show me my status.' 

However, he had to make sure, just in case. 

---

[Name: Ian Veilstrider] 

[Race: Human] 

[Class 1: Knight] 

[Class 2: Wizard] 

[Knight Realm: High Knight (Tier 1)] 

[Wizard Realm: Wizard Apprentice (First Class)] 

[Knight Scripture: Veiled Knight Breathing Method (Incomplete)] 

[Meditation Scripture: Veiled Mind Meditation Method (First part unsealed)] 

[Codex: Ironclad Discipline (Perfection)] 

[Secret Technique: Ethereal Disguise (Initiation)] 

[Luck: 45] 

[Destiny: Passerby Villain] 

[Equipment: Runeheart Stone, Spellblade (Basic), Space Ring (Basic)] 

--- 

"Phew! Fortunately, there's nothing wrong." 

Ian visibly relaxed after seeing no abnormalities in his body or status.

Then, he suddenly noticed his father looking at him nervously while his mother was already anxious. 

Realizing he'd lost his composure, Ian thought they might have misunderstood. So, he immediately composed himself and laughed.

"Haha, that was scary. Fortunately, I didn't go near the Ashen Spires this time. Don't worry, I will be extra careful in the future." 

"Good, good. It's a relief you didn't go near. Next time, don't wander off recklessly. Discuss it with your father first, alright? You are still immature." 

Seeing that Ian didn't seem to be lying, Duke Eldric finally let go of his worry. If Ian had really gone in and been affected by the curse, he didn't know what to do.

"Yes! Don't just barge in alone. If you don't want to tell your dad, you can come to me—I still have some influence. But never go anywhere dangerous by yourself again." 

Elara said, placing her hand atop his hair and gently caressing it, making him relax all over. It seemed as if all the exhaustion from a week's journey had gone with her touch.

'Ah, mothers are mothers after all.' 

Ian grinned and nodded, leaning towards his mother, eager for her touch, making her laugh sweetly.

Duke Eldric also laughed heartily as he sipped tea while sitting on a mahogany chair, his heart brimming with happiness.

'How I wish everything could always stay like this,' Ian thought wistfully. 

However, memories of his family's destruction six months later—his father's death and his uncle's betrayal—made his heart turn cold.

Having been an orphan in his previous life, Ian was pragmatic by nature.

Only those who rose after being beaten down by society truly learned how to navigate harsh realities, as others simply vanished into obscurity.

Now that he had regained something precious in this life, he refused to lose it again.

"Dad, how are the preparations for the expedition coming along?"

Ian asked, making a difficult decision in his heart.

"Hmm? Oh, you don't need to worry. I've already made all the arrangements. Your uncle Thomas has already gone to the northern border to ensure your safety," Duke Eldric replied with a smile.

'Well, who knows why he returned early?'

Ian didn't believe his uncle's return was to ensure his safety as his father said, but he didn't point it out. Instead, he had other plans.

"Dad, I want the Divine Mandate for the Crimson Legion," Ian said with rare seriousness.

"The Crimson Legion? That's a death squad and isn't deployed lightly. Why do you need…" Eldric trailed off, noticing Ian's unusually grave expression.

After a moment's thought, Eldric sighed heavily. Although he didn't know why his son asked for the death squad, he didn't actively pry into it.

"Fine. I'll grant it when the time comes. But remember kid—think carefully and don't act impulsively. Whatever you want to do, some things are best left undisturbed."

Eldric seriously warned as the Crimson Legion was the Duke family's secret death squad, reserved for extreme situations. Eldric couldn't risk exposing this trump card unnecessarily. 

However, what he didn't know was that the family's downfall was already in motion—driven by a few ambitious traitors and foreign enemies.

Just a few rotten rats with filthy ambition and a foreign enemy with unequal power were enough to strangle their necks. 

'Let's deal with the rats first.'

Ian was filled with extreme coldness. Previously, he had been full of entanglement, but today he had made his choice. No matter what, he couldn't lose this family. He couldn't bear to witness his father's death or the destruction of the family that had nurtured him over the years.

"Don't worry, Dad. I have just some use for them. I won't act recklessly," Ian assured him.

"That's for the best. You'll head north in about a week. I've already selected your team. Use this time to get to know them and make any arrangements you need." 

"Okay, thank you, Dad." 

"Haha, there is no need to thank me. You're my son—this is my responsibility."

Eldric laughed, seeing his son so serious for the first time. Which father wouldn't be proud when his son stood his ground and began to take responsibility? 

He didn't want to appear too shameless, but he was already proud of his son. After all, a 17-year-old in the High Knight realm was already a prodigy, especially on a continent where wizards were scarce.

Ian also smiled, swept away the coldness in his heart, and began to talk about other things, cherishing the rare moment of peace. 

However, in his mind, he had already resolved to do whatever it took to protect his family and loved ones—even at great cost.

As for the weirdness of the forbidden zone and his inexplicable connection to it, he set them aside for now. 

After all, he was a pragmatic man, and he didn't think he needed to dwell on that flimsy issue yet. What happened to others didn't matter to him as long as he, his family, and loved ones were safe; he did not give a damn.