The Survival of the Third-rate Villain

Chapter 273 - 273: 273 - Three Tents

Raye told Jerusha, Lycus, and Sofia his plan to go find the Great Ice Spirit in the Demon Territory, specifically in one of the old dungeons located deep within it. He laid everything out slowly, making sure they understood that this wasn't some random rash decision, nor something he just came up with.And the reason he was going to do that was to wake up Old Man Rey.

He explained to the three how he planned to do that using the [Phoenix Feather], and now— he's showing the feather to them.

The feather glowed crimson red, flickering softly like it was quietly burning. Even from a short distance, the heat and mana it emitted could subtly be felt, like a small fire dancing under a thin veil of air.

"Wow, it looks cool..."

Lycus spoke first, his tone unsure but amazed. His eyes were focused on the feather intensely, as if it was both interesting and slightly alarming at the same time.

"..."

Meanwhile, Jerusha and Sofia remained silent. Their expressions didn't change, but there was a clear shift in their eyes.

Being mages, their senses were sharper when it came to magic. They immediately understood what kind of thing they were looking at. The density of mana inside the feather was overwhelming, almost unnatural. Just holding that thing wrong could probably scorch a person's hand off.

"I got this from erm... my father."

Raye said awkwardly, scratching the back of his head as he said it. His tone slightly softened, like the words carried a complicated meaning behind them.

"He gave me two, but I already used and absorbed the other one."

After saying that, he continued explaining everything clearly, making sure they followed each step.

"Upon consuming a [Phoenix Feather]— your rank will rise two levels no matter what."

"But after that, you can't consume another one ever again. If you do, your whole body will burn up, killing you."

He didn't dramatize the explanation. He said it plainly, calmly, like he had already accepted those rules long ago.

"..."

Lycus, Jerusha, and Sofia didn't speak. They let the explanation sink in.

This wasn't just a dangerous item. It was something that could permanently change a person's path. A life-altering gamble.

But after a while—

"Hmm, so you plan to make Old Man Rey's body stronger by making him rank up twice using the feather, and you're hoping that in doing so— it'll wake him up, right?"

Sofia finally broke the silence, her voice quiet, but steady.

"It's just as you said."

Raye answered right away.

"Hmm, why do you need The Great Ice Spirit's help?"

This time, it was Lycus who asked. There was no judgment in his tone, only genuine curiosity and concern.

"As I told you guys before, I already took one of these."

Raye gestured lightly toward the feather. The three nodded slowly.

"I almost died in doing so."

He said it straightforwardly.

The moment those words left his mouth— Lycus and Sofia's eyes widened. But Jerusha, her body flinched entirely. It was quick, but noticeable. Like the thought alone was enough to make her freeze.

"Absorbing the feather feels like being burned in hell, it was like swimming in lava and my whole body was being melted."

Raye pointed at the tent where Pyro and Zephyrus were resting.

"If I weren't contracted to Pyro, giving me a certain level of fire resistance, I probably would've died."

His tone was calm, but not casual. It carried weight.

"I was already [A] rank at that time... What do you think will happen to Old Man Rey who's just an ordinary grumpy grandpa if I made him take the [Phoenix Feather]?"

Raye finished with that question, letting it linger.

"..."

The three stayed silent again. This time, it wasn't because they didn't know what to say. It was because they understood exactly what he meant.

"Then, why didn't you tell us that in the first place, when you were just inviting us to your party?"

Jerusha finally spoke after a long pause. Her voice was steady, but her eyes were searching.

Raye looked back at her, taking his time to think before speaking.

"I don't want to make you feel pressured in joining me."

He muttered.

"I want it to be on your own accords that you join me."

"I don't understand..."

Lycus murmured quietly.

Raye smiled a little at him.

"If Devin knows about this, do you think he'll stick to his goal and decline my invitation?"

He asked.

"...!"

The realization hit Lycus. His expression changed immediately.

"The same goes for Lena."

Raye added.

"I see."

Lycus replied softly, staring down at the campfire. The flames crackled quietly between them.

"Though, I do feel sorry for pushing such a burden on you guys— it's my personal goal, but I dragged you in it."

Raye continued, his voice apologetic this time. His shoulders loosened a little, his gaze dimmed.

"..."

No one responded at first. The silence wasn't awkward. It was thoughtful. Heavy. Warm.

But eventually—

"Are you an idiot? This is nothing."

Lycus suddenly said that with a grin.

"If ever, this just made us more resolved for the future!"

Sofia followed, her voice filled with energy and certainty.

"..."

Raye smiled, the tension in him loosening.

TAP-

He felt a light touch on his right shoulder.

It was Jerusha. A small, quiet smile on her face.

"Whatever the reason is, wherever you go, I'll always be with you."

She said it gently, without hesitation.

Raye's cheeks turned slightly red, though he tried to keep a straight expression. His heart felt warm in a way that made his chest feel full.

"Thanks."

He replied to them softly, genuinely.

*****

The four continued talking after that. They spoke about their plans, how things might unfold, and even shared some light conversations to ease the mood. The night was deep and quiet, the only sound being the crackling fire and faint rustling of leaves.

Eventually, when it became very late— they all decided to sleep. So they headed to their tents.

There were only three tents: two large ones and one medium one.

The medium was for Pyro and Zephyrus...

While the two larger ones were shared by Raye and Jerusha, then by Lycus and Sofia!

They thought this was a practical decision before. Less baggage. They were couples. It was natural.

But reality...

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

None of the four could sleep.

They couldn't even wink an eye!

This was their first time sleeping beside their partners!

Inside Raye and Jerusha's tent—

"..."

Raye laid still, eyes wide open. A few hours ago, he was tired, almost exhausted. But now? Sleep was impossible. He stared at the roof of the tent, barely breathing.

Jerusha was only a few inches to his right. Her back was turned to him.

'She smells so good... I can't concentrate.'

Raye thought, mentally panicking.

'Begone evil thoughts...'

He tried to discipline his brain and keep his body from moving.

But then—

"You're awake, right?"

Jerusha suddenly whispered.

"...!"

Raye's eyes snapped open wider.

"I am."

He answered, turning toward her.

He expected her to still be facing away, but instead— she was already looking at him.

"Huh?"

Raye blinked, startled.

Before he could figure out what to say next— Jerusha gently placed her hand on his cheek.

"W-What?"

Raye stuttered slightly, his face turning warm.

"..."

Jerusha didn't speak. She simply looked at him. Her gaze was soft, but it carried weight. And Raye's heartbeat sped up without permission.

'What is she thinking?'

His mind was spiraling.

But then, before it could go wild—

"Please take care of yourself more."

Jerusha whispered that quietly.

"Huh...?"

Raye didn't understand at first. Her tone sounded fragile, almost painful.

But then her eyes. Her expression.

He understood.

"You said you nearly died when you took the [Phoenix Feather]... Please be more careful..."

Her voice trembled just a bit.

'Oh, so it was because of what I said earlier...'

Raye didn't respond immediately. Instead, he slowly shifted his body to face her more directly.

"Okay, I promise I will."

He answered. Firmly.

"..."

Jerusha stared at him, searching his face for sincerity.

And Raye—

"I don't want to make you worry after all."

He pulled her into his arms.

She didn't resist.

She just held him back quietly.

And in that silent embrace, the night felt warmer than any fire.

"Don't leave me."

Jerusha whispered.

"I won't."

Raye replied.

And just like that— the two of them fell asleep while hugging each other.