Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 144 143- Deal

A few things Austin realized after the fifteen minutes of conversation with the chief advisor of the Union Council.

Somehow, she knows about him more than what his report or any profile could have offered.

Maybe because she was a witch and could keep an eye on her surroundings. And since she had her eyes on Austin for a long time, she knows so many things about him?

But then again, what makes Austin special? Just because his growth rate was unusual?

And then, her unnatural request...no, more like, she was telling him to reach A-rank in three months.

"What would you benefit from me leveling up?" Austin asked, after a brief pause.

He has a way to reach A-rank in three months: dungeons.

He can grind as hard as he wants, and through dungeons, he would never stop getting stronger. Not to mention, the rewards they bring. And also, the new 'Shop' feature would surely show its helpfulness.

Selner intertwined her fingers on the table, and while maintaining her calm demeanor, she voiced, "We are on the verge of a war against the greatest threat humanity could ever come across. The entity who even threatened the deities a thousand years ago. The concept of evil and darkness: the demon lord."

Austin frowned, "So you want me to become a major fighting unit in the battle against him?"

Selner nodded, "Yes, I do. After all, a person who can grow stronger even without needing his Shard to evolve...I know I won't be able to find such a person even if I try to. So Austin, I want you to not waste your potential and start training to become a useful asset."

Austin felt that her reason was logical but she wasn't telling the truth.

Yes, he can and will become one of the resistance forces against the Demon Lord ...but somehow, he felt that Lady Selner wasn't asking him to level up just because of that.

What could be the reason?

Valerie was silently listening until now, and upon finding the opportunity, she asked, "If he grows to rank A without his Shard going through advancements, it would cause a massive uproar."

If her Lord believed he could climb to rank A in three months, then Valerie also believed he could do it. However, the most glaring concern regarding that possibility was the reaction of the public.

Selner nodded, "You are right; however, legally, no one would go against you, I promise. After all, the Council would be backing you up."

Austin's brows elevated, "Will they?" The Union Council doesn't have the time and interest to support a warrior who is anywhere beneath S-rank.

So it was quite difficult to believe in her.

Selner's lips thinned in a smile, as she said, "You don't trust them, but you can trust me. Until you are under my watch, they won't question you. And while you are at it, stop forbidding yourself from using your other skills during the battle. I will send a letter to the tournament management, so they won't question you."

Austin sighed, "So you know about my other skills as well....really, no one knows so deeply about me."

Valerie panicked hearing those words as she glanced at her beloved.

Austin calmed her down by holding her hand fondly and assuring her, "Only when it comes to my skills. But on an emotional level, you understand me better than I understand myself."

Valerie calmed down.

Selner chuckled, "It's adorable to see you two getting along."

Austin smiled in the lady's direction. He didn't know how she knew so much about him, but since he couldn't sense animosity from her or any deceit in her words, he chose to not show caution.

The room fell under silence for a brief moment before Austin hesitantly asked, "Madame Selner, since you know so many things about me...can you tell me why my Shard isn't going through evolution or why my Soul energy isn't progressing?"

That was the biggest hurdle for him as of now. Even the system couldn't help him with that. Under such circumstances, he was ready to ask for help from a person he met only half an hour ago

Valerie seemed concerned, seeing Austin in such a low spirit.

It would be a lie to say that she wasn't also worried about Shard not going through any evolution, even though, at this point, any awakened should have had their Shard advanced to the next stage.

Selner remained silent for a few minutes before she declared, "Okay, let's make it a reward."

Austin hummed in question before the lady added,

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"I know why your Soul Energy isn't progressing, but I will only tell you if you succeed in the trial I gave you."

With her eyes holding some mischief, she said, "Become an A-rank, and I shall tell you why you are stuck at stage zero."

Austin's breath was caught in his throat as Valerie asked hurriedly, "Do you...really know?"

Selner shrugged, "It's your choice to trust me, but I guarantee you that once he reaches the rank I desire him to be...Austin will get to know his answer."

The flickering ember of hope, suddenly transformed into raging flames.

He was only thinking of how he would level up this fast, but now, he was motivated to do it.

If leveling up can help him get rid of the handicap, then he surely would grind until death.

"You helped us a lot, Madame Selner." Austin thanked the lady.

Not so long after, they were allowed to leave, but only after being notified that Austin might get summoned anytime in the future as well.

"I will also come," Valerie coldly stated. Letting her man meet this person alone was not safe.

Selner just smiled but didn't say anything

On that note, the two teenagers made their way out of the room, leaving Selner alone.

Once they were gone, Selner heaved a very long sigh.

Pulling open the drawer, she took out a torn red scarf before holding it close to her heart.

"It's working...he is on the path to greatness....just as you predicted."

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A/N:- Now start guessing. Drop a comment.