Reincarnated as a Novel's Villain: Creator of Curses and Blessings-Chapter 42: I’ll teach you how a villain should be

’’Did I say something wrong?’’ Hector wondered.

However, it wasn’t something that mattered right now. No matter what, he had to defeat her.

Taking a fighting stance, Kain lunged at Hector first, swinging her rapier straight toward his chest.

Kain had restrained her mana cores, so Hector could easily catch her speed. He calmly deflected her blows, spun his body, and delivered a brutal, precise kick to Kain’s chest.

Bang!

The first clash showed who had the upper hand.

[0/100%] → [10/100%]

Hector smirked as he glanced at the runes above Kain’s head. He didn’t say anything, instead continuing to observe her next move.

With a sharp, lightning-fast step, he launched himself into midair, initiating the next clash. The clang of weapons echoed through the air, tearing apart the silence.

Each of Hector’s steps and slashes was perfectly executed, without a single mistake. They flowed together into a strangely steady rhythm, crushing Kain’s defense.

He didn’t allow his enemy even a second to breathe.

Even though Kain’s technique and combat skills were excellent, they were still no match for Hector.

That was because Hector possessed a lot of blessings. Using [Eyes of Predator] and [Dance of Shadow] in his swordsmanship made his slashes and techniques extremely hard to follow.

They were too slippery and overwhelming.

Hector relentlessly pressed Kain, forcing her weaknesses to surface more and more.

[20/100%]

[30/100%]

[40/100%]

[50/100%]

Meanwhile, Valda widened her eyes in shock and stammered.

’’N-No way... Kain is being outmatched?’’ She gritted her teeth, anger and jealousy flashing across her face. ’’How could that trash have such incredible swordsmanship? It’s not fair.’’

Samson frowned in tension. Sweat had already rolled down her face. Panic and bewilderment washed over her as she witnessed the insane techniques Hector was displaying.

It was as if a steel ball covered in thousands of sharp blades was spinning from every direction, activated like a meat grinder.

If she were in Kain’s place, fighting Hector, she was sure she would lose in the very first clash.

He was a monster, for sure.

Still, she held onto a bit of hope. She knew Kain was incredibly strong—she hadn’t risen to a high position in the great Clan with swordsmanship alone.

Ting!

[97/100%] → [98/100%]

At some point, Hector suddenly noticed a slight change in the runes above his head. He frowned and quickly activated [Dance of Shadow], stepping back to create some distance from Kain.

Then, he slowly assessed Kain’s condition. It seemed something about her was changing.

’’Her mana... has it grown sharper?’’ he frowned. There was only one explanation for this strange phenomenon.

Her blessing.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have any information on it. Still, based on what he had experienced and her current state, he could tell that Kain had formed an invisible armor—one covered in spikes, meant to protect her.

But why activate it now? There was only one possibility left.

Accumulated damage, he guessed.

’’Your swordsmanship is indeed excellent... it’s on par with my lady’s—no, it even surpasses hers. A talent anyone would be jealous of.’’ Kain glanced at Hector as she spoke, her tone filled with genuine respect and admiration.

Then, she slowly lifted the corner of her lips.

’’It’s a shame you’re not in good condition. Otherwise... I honestly wouldn’t stand a chance against you.’’

At that moment, she had changed her opinion of Hector. She no longer cared about his trashy personality... because this was something she truly couldn’t resist.

An excellent swordsman was always defined by hard work and willpower. She had already sensed those qualities through Hector’s slashes.

Strong, slippery, and seductive.

She loved the swordsmanship Hector possessed.

’’I respect you, Hector.’’

Hector forced a smile.

’’Who knows.’’

Pushing aside unnecessary thoughts, Hector continued to observe her. His eyes were filled with intense focus, like a battered wolf studying a vicious, violent bear.

If his theory was correct, the next clash would make him the loser. Spiked armor he couldn’t evade while fighting.

He wouldn’t even be able to protect himself, even if he used gravity armor made out from Aharok.

He could summon Aharok... but doing so would ruin his initial goal: recruiting Kain as his underling. If he defeated Kain using nothing but pure swordsmanship, he could make her follow him willingly.

Therefore, there was only one option left.

He had to finish her in a single strike.

His chest rose and fell evenly as he tried to recall the unique skill he had learned from his father.

[Mana Reversal Art]...an art he had learned from his father in the illusion. He didn’t have any information about its true value, but he could tell it was good.

An art of creating two flows within his veins, then forcing them to collide with each other. In the end, a bizarre reaction would occur.

He would generate a new mana, amplified hundreds of times, accompanied by a strange manifestation—almost like cutting through space itself.

However, it came with a huge side effect.

A backlash on his mana core, making it extremely difficult for him to advance to the next core color. That was why his father had warned him to only use it after reaching at least a purple mana core.

Luckily, this place was an illusion, so he didn’t need to worry about the aftereffects.

’’Well... it’s my first time using it, so I need a little time.’’

He glanced at Kain and said,

’’Do you want to bet... that I’ll finish you in just one strike?’’

Kain tilted her head slightly in confusion. Meanwhile, Valda let out a mocking laugh.

’’Sure. If you can, I’ll wait.’’

She truly wanted to witness it—how far Hector could go. Even if she lost, she would still be satisfied.

Of course, it was a rather selfish decision. But her companions didn’t object. On one hand, they felt Hector’s words were nonsense; on the other, they had no right to interfere with her choice.

Roy scratched his head lightly and smiled.

’’Both of you are so selfish and insane.’’

Hector bared his teeth in amusement. Indeed, Kain was exactly the kind of person he had expected—just as befitting his future maid.

Still, he would fix that part of her personality, because it wasn’t something he needed.

It would become a weakness the enemy could exploit, just like what he was about to use to kill her.

’’I’ll teach you how a villain should be, my maid.’’