Villain: I Must NTR All The Hidden Bosses!-Chapter 34: Origin Test.

The air felt thick and heavy, like the weight of an entire mountain had descended into the room.

Marcellus stood firm, his silver spear glowing faintly as a terrifying pressure rolled off it in waves. James felt frozen in place.

His knees buckled under the invisible force, his lungs burned for air, and his heart pounded like a drum in his chest.

Every instinct screamed at him to run, but his body refused to obey. He could barely think.

’Is this what true power feels like? I can’t move... I can’t even breathe!’

Suddenly, Caylus moved, his expression dark and grim as he summoned his own soul weapon.

The black halberd appeared with a flash of dark energy, the room plunging into a clash of light and shadow.

The halberd’s overwhelming aura pressed against Marcellus’ spear, creating a moment of reprieve.

James gasped, stumbling slightly as the crushing pressure eased just enough for him to breathe again.

"Marcellus! What the hell do you think you’re doing?" Caylus snapped, his deep voice cutting through the suffocating tension.

The dark energy of his halberd surged, clashing violently with the radiant light of Marcellus’ spear. The air between them sparked and cracked, as if the weapons themselves were at war.

Marcellus’ gaze remained sharp and unyielding, his spear still raised.

"This boy is a demon, Caylus," he said coldly, his voice laced with unwavering conviction. "We are sworn by the Imperial Code to exterminate demons the moment we discover them. Do you intend to defy the code and protect him?"

James’ chest tightened as Marcellus’ words echoed in his ears. Things were not looking good for him!

Caylus, however, didn’t back down. "You’re making baseless accusations!" he retorted, his grip on the halberd tightening.

"Calm down and think, Marcellus. Look at him! He hasn’t done anything to prove he’s a demon. Don’t jump to conclusions! At least calm down and let’s talk this through!"

"There’s nothing to talk about," Marcellus said, his grip on the spear tightening. "You know as well as I do that no one born on this planet could have a soul essence as powerful as his at such a young age.

"That level of power can only mean one thing—a soul from another world has taken over his body. A demon!"

James’ eyes grew cold. He wanted to defend himself, but the sheer pressure of the moment kept his words trapped in his throat.

He loathed his weakness badly. His life was in danger and he couldn’t even speak for himself!

Caylus didn’t waver, his voice sharp and clear as he countered, "And yet, you and I both know the Imperial Code is built on facts, not assumptions!

"If a soul transmits into this world, there is always a heavenly tribulation within three days to mark their arrival. Have you forgotten? There hasn’t been a tribulation in over twenty years, Marcellus!"

The room fell silent for a moment. Marcellus’ grip on his spear faltered slightly, doubt creeping into his intense gaze. "But..."

"No buts," Caylus interrupted, his tone unrelenting. "We follow protocol. If you’re so certain, then let’s wait for a Divine Investigator to perform the origin test. They’ll determine the truth."

Marcellus hesitated, the light of his spear dimming just a fraction. James noticed the hesitation and, despite his trembling legs, forced himself to take a cautious step forward.

His voice was calm, though his heart hammered like crazy. "I’m willing to swear a life oath," he said, locking eyes with Marcellus.

"I won’t run, and I won’t try to avoid investigation. I’ll wait for the Divine Investigator to arrive."

Marcellus’ sharp gaze bore into James, weighing his words. The room was thick with tension, but the offer hung in the air like a lifeline.

A life oath was absolute—there was no escaping it. James knew this was his best chance to survive, even if it was just for a little while.

After a long, agonizing pause, Marcellus let out a sharp breath and reached into his coat. He pulled out a glowing talisman, its surface covered in ancient runes that pulsed faintly.

"Fine. Drop your blood on this," he said, his voice still stern. "It will seal the oath."

James stared at the talisman, his mind racing. ’I don’t have a choice. This is the only way to buy time. But I would remember this disgrace, I shall be the one to take your life, Marcellus!’

With a sharp exhale, he pricked his finger on the edge of his cufflink, squeezing out a single drop of blood.

As the blood hit the talisman, it lit up with a bright golden glow. The runes pulsed before fading, leaving the talisman blank.

Marcellus nodded stiffly, lowering his spear. "The oath is sealed. You’re bound to it now. Don’t even think about trying anything."

James suppressed a sigh of relief, though his shoulders sagged slightly. ’At least I’m still alive. For now.’

Marcellus, too, seemed to relax slightly, though his sharp eyes remained fixed on James.

For him, this was the best course of action as well. Forcefully escorting someone under suspicion without concrete proof could damage the reputation of the Voss family, especially if Kaelan turned out to be innocent.

Caylus, meanwhile, silently dismissed his halberd, though his wary gaze didn’t leave Marcellus.

The room’s suffocating tension lifted, but the air still felt heavy with unspoken danger.

James glanced down at his finger, where a faint drop of blood remained. ’I’ve bought myself time. I just need to figure out how to pass this origin test.’

He clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes. ’I won’t let this world take me down. Not without a fight.’

_____

Just want to use this medium to implore some of my dear readers who are urging me to hasten James’ Character transformation to be patient.

I also want to see a ruthless MC as soon as possible, but it would be absolutely unrealistic and baseless for someone who was a police officer in his first life to instantly dispose the lawful mentality and brainwashing he had received for years in a matter of a few days.

While our Character is indeed more sinister at the core, it would still take some time for him to fully bloom.

Take note of the minor differences in his thought processes as the Chapters go by and immerse yourself in the wonder of Character development!

Yours truly, IsekaiDragon.

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Power stone Goal!

20 PS - 1 Bonus Chapter

50 PS - 2 Bonus Chapter

100 PS (Quite an achievement as of now) - 3 Bonus Chapters.

Castle - 10 Bonus Chapters!