Villain Transmigration: Author Transformation

'Right, a camera...' 

Both Veronica and Sylvester became shocked to see how Mystique fit herself into it, but Athan asked them to calm down.

When the Crown Prince wasn't surprised and kept his cool, they knew they had to trust his instincts— especially the ones that were bizarre right from the start.

'It's a handy one… Able to deliver such a message—'

But then it went off, which then caused Arnold to panic, muttering, "Oh, wait a moment. I'm sorry. Wrong video clip… Damn it, there's so many— I should've let her delete it!"

While Arnold kept himself busy once again, Athan pondered about the future.

'Is it the truest form of the 'Smartphone' then?'

Even while looking at it, he couldn't help but wonder about this insane artifact in front of him; one of the plans Mystique wanted to achieve. For such a small object that was able to perform so many tasks of other creations she ever thought of since.

He never thought she could ever get too insane until it came.

Perhaps there were so many primitives and prototypes that only performing one function was never a productive cause for her that she ought to think of a better plan.

But then, with her list in chains, the starting innovations served their purpose, and everything got better in time.

Her foresight was already insane, and the plans she put up alongside her effort were worth commending.

Though the million gold question remained the same, no one knew what happened after she got exiled to the 'Thousand Isles', and even Levi, who strangely appeared to her side never mentioned it.

Not that it was worth asking that insane monster, who was similar to Ashtra, and he might've knocked on death's door sooner than later.

But his gut instinct crept to him when something happened to her, with the subtle transition before and after that time.

While he thought of venturing to the 'Thousand Isles,' the rumors were true about it, and he couldn't risk it because he already had so much to lose. 

The only answer he could get was Mystique of her past life, but she ended her life before he could even reconcile with her. Right now, he had his doubts and speculations, but even she wasn't ready to open up to him other than settling their scores.

With Mystique going so far, there were so many gaps he had to take, and perhaps he got the taste of his medicine.

But he still won't give up; with most of it turned out good so far, the good luck and graces were on his side.

Fortunately, he showed the video that now played in front of them.

His eyes locked onto it, but Mystique had to officially start as she moved in and out. Arnold covered his burning face when she berated him to get the job done.

She now stepped backward, then started to write something into midair.

He couldn't help but notice that she seemed to be in a terrace, with a bright, bustling background a little further from her, and the farthest had to be dunes.

Which then he thought that she was also in the 'Western Territory' but had no idea what kind of progressive city it was with the surrounding area covered with nothing but dunes.

"Keep it brief, Lady Mystique." 

When Nathan's voice erupted out of nowhere, a part of him wasn't surprised but something in his heart ticked off at the same time, making him clench his teeth.

'It seems like he's holding the smartphone for her...'

[Alright. Father, make sure you deliver this recorded live video clip after so many takes.] She rolled her eyes. [Your Highness, if you see this… Please heed my advice.]

'I wonder what it could be...'

[Please don't seek bloodshed in the 'Desolate Ravine' in good conscience and good faith.]

Right off the bat, it left a bad taste in their mouth, especially Veronica and Sylvester. But for now, he was in all ears for what she was about to say, letting their matter slide.

Mystique shared that the place she was in was none other than the one in the 'Desolate Ravine' which earned a loud gasp from them, more so she asked Nathan to roam around the phone. 

[We're now in the palace established and owned by Clarice, we might've been treated like esteemed guests from the surface, but we were threatened and hostage here. So, this is the only way I could communicate outside without raising suspicions here.]

'Clarice...'

While it somehow upset him to hear how Clarice, his closest aid in the future, now became the dangerous enemy he had to nip the bud.

After seeking help with Ustreador, there was no way he could forgive, but he couldn't help but blame himself for getting caught up with several objectives like Ashtra and the like.

However, he knew that there was a perfect opportunity to extend help to Clarice, but it wasn't the right time yet. He thought that the plague became an unknown factor, which then prompted Mystique to move out in a jiffy.

[They have grown so much; and now, we've become collateral on this ordeal. But fret not, I would be able to fair here just fine. So listen...]

She mentioned that she's safe as Ashtra was with her, showing the view of him sitting peacefully, and it would only destroy them in a snap; but this would also alarm Ustreador, and nothing good would happen if it were about to blow up.

He couldn't imagine if they had to go first instead of her, he might've been in her case; for sure, he would rather force and break out of it, even if it meant a new phase of the war.

Realization dawned on him.

'Was this the one she didn't want to happen?'

He couldn't help but mutter as he rubbed the underside of his chin, "So, how does she want me to handle this—"

"Trust me; Clarice isn't our enemy— which I'm sure you know… So don't hold it against her; if anything, strike the Country of Ustreador. Change your course, and go there! Don't waste your time here"