A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Within the Tower of Babel, Hendrik massaged his temples, exhaling softly as he concluded a meeting.

The impact of the data systems on the Tower had far exceeded everyone's expectations. The forces and individuals who came for negotiations continued to arrive in an unending stream, and Ravenna, as always, chose not to involve herself in such matters, leaving Hendrik to handle the overwhelming task.

The struggle over the legacy of the Duke of Luminaris was drawing to a close. Soren, who had always maintained neutrality among the highest nine seats, was now leading the race, however, he promised to allocate a significant portion of the inheritance to the development of the Etheric Academy; followed by a faction of pure scholars who did not have a strong stance.

The most powerful factions, however, had become surprisingly quiet. The Duke of Magus Primus and the Duke of Arboro, whose territories lay in the same southern region as that of Luminaris, had scarcely gained any advantage. This development was quite… intriguing.

The Duke of Luminaris represented the most radical faction of the Etheric Academy, and his fall, along with the disintegration of his power, meant that the Academy's pressure on other scholarly organizations could be mitigated. Those who took over the legacy were primarily neutral factions. Amidst these changes, the Tower of Babel had inexplicably become one of the beneficiaries.

It could only be said that Ravenna's stance at the time had indeed saved the Tower of Babel, although the cost was that the Tower would truly become a subsidiary to Ansel. Yet, it seemed that… no one within the Tower disputed this.

Therefore, Hendrik did not feel displeased by his own exertions; on the contrary, the visible growth of the Tower of Babel brought him heartfelt satisfaction.

"If only my teacher could see this sight... how wonderful that would be."

The man rubbed the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes and murmuring with a complex tone, "Sir, Ravenn has grown into a scholar capable of standing on her own, just as you had hoped."

At this point, his voice took on an inexplicably complicated note.

"Just as you... had hoped," Hendrik whispered to himself.

Knock, knock.

The knock on the door interrupted Hendrik's contemplation.

He collected his thoughts and responded, "Please come in."

The petite scholar who always prioritized efficiency, entered and got straight to the point, "I require some books on biological alchemy, Hendrik."

"... Biological alchemy?" Hendrik paused, puzzled, "What do you need those for? You've never delved into that field before, Ravenna."

"I have an... idea," Ravenna replied, uncharacteristically vague, "It's just in the initial stages; I need some references."

Although it was unusual, Hendrik did not dwell on it. He assumed it was somehow related to Nidhoggur, having contributed to the creation of the "alchemy swarm" himself.

"Are you contemplating an initiation into the realm of biological alchemy, seeking to forge a new path and create Nidhoggur?"

The man inquired with palpable interest. "I hadn't considered this angle, but…hss, indeed, it's a splendid idea! We could capture amounts of insectoid demons for transformation. When it comes to production costs and complexity, this approach might prove significantly more feasible than direct creation."

Ravenna did not refute but merely stated, "My forays into this field have been limited, thus I am in need of some guidance regarding reference materials from you, Hendrik."

"Ah, you might start with Lorenz Nite's 'Transmutation of Flesh,' then proceed to Kaelin's 'Dominion over Demons.' If you find no issue with those, Mr. Flamelle's 'Life, Matter, Ether: A Tripartite Deconstruction' should be next. Mastery of this text would indeed mark you as a formidable practitioner within the domain of biological alchemy."

With a wave of his hand, Hendrik conjured five voluminous tomes onto the table: "'A Tripartite Deconstruction' is divided into three sections, encompassing not only the knowledge of biological alchemy but also profound alchemical wisdom... Mr.Flamelle issued merely sixty-six copies of this series, making up twenty-two sets in total. Acquiring these… was no small feat."

Flamelle of Hydral's works are considered invaluable treasures within the alchemical sphere. This deity of alchemy was not stingy in disseminating his knowledge, having authored both arcane codices beyond the comprehension of even fifth-stage extraordinary beings and the most fundamental alchemical tutorials, likely to be revered as the quintessential introductory courses for centuries to come.

Yet occasionally, he indulged in a peculiar whim—releasing only a handful of books to relish the sight of ordinarily lofty beings scrambling desperately for them, deriving amusement from their plight.

Ravenna was well aware of the books' value but showed no outward reaction, simply nodding in understanding.

Previously, Ravenna would have left immediately after speaking, but this time, after a moment of silence, she suddenly inquired, "How fares the Tower of Babel now?"

Hendrik, clearly taken aback by her question, displayed a momentary astonishment that quickly transformed into gratification.

"All is well, Ravenna, better than it has ever been."

"...Very well."

"Yes, thanks to you and Lord Ansel. Everything is improving."

Everything is improving...

Yet the sword of Damocles never ceased to hang over Ravenna's head, her nightmares persisting unabated.

Ansel might still be orchestrating her complete subjugation, for he would not trust until reality aligns with his envisioned outcome.

She remained in the dark about Eileen's death, and after severing ties with Suellen, the sole lead had vanished. Should she wish to pursue further, she would have to seek Ansel's assistance, a price she might not be able to afford.

In this predicament, she also had to consider how to aid Ansel against the empress.

Guarding against Ansel's schemes, uncovering the truth behind her grandfather's death, and devising a strategy to assist Ansel in accomplishing the seemingly impossible...

These three tasks, more and more ludicrous, now converged upon Ravenna, making her the bearer of the greatest burden within the Tower of Babel, which should have been free from such pressures.

But she did not betray any emotion, merely nodding slightly, she calmly stated, "That is well, I shall take my leave now, Hendrik."

After securing those five invaluable tomes, she turned and departed from Hendrik's office, making her way to her own alchemical workshop.

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