I Like Villains, so I Reincarnated as One

The situation was impossible.

I’ll admit the plan was sloppy. But even if Zeus’s twelve apostles had appeared, I should have had enough brute strength to handle them somehow.

That all went haywire because of that brat who used a King-tier spell. Emile Rio emerged from the rubble.

“Damn it… If I hadn’t instinctively transformed into Ambrosia, I would’ve been dead for sure!”

Emile Rio grimaced as he remembered the face of his obnoxious colleague. If anyone found out he’d used that guy’s power, who knows what they’d say. That guy’s power was regeneration. Although there were conditions, it granted limited immortality, allowing him to survive even after being stabbed.

“Well, never mind the Twelve Apostles for now—what about that kid? Using a King-tier magic at that age? Ridiculous… What’s someone like him doing here? He’ll be a thorn in Hades-sama’s side in the future. I need to alert the other Twelve Apostles…”

“That’s where you’re wrong. My dear friend is already changing the future. It’d be inconvenient if he were to die here.”

“Who the hell are you?!”

What Emile Rio saw was a handsome yet suspicious-looking boy. The boy gave an exaggerated bow with a suspicious smile plastered across his face.

Jealousy welled up in Emile Rio’s heart at the sight of the boy’s perfect features, and he almost decided to kill him on the spot—but something ominous stopped him.

“My name is Nial. Just a minor noble. Nice to meet you, Apostle of Hades, ninth among the Twelve Apostles: Emile Rio the Illusory.”

“You… You’re one of us, a follower of Hades-sama… No, wait, no! Something far more sinister must have blessed you! Who are you?! And why do you know my true identity?!”

Emile Rio’s voice grew more frantic. After all, this guy’s presence hadn’t been detectable during the fight. Moreover, despite Emile Rio having altered his appearance to make it unmemorable, this person still recognized him as Emile Rio.

What… is this guy? Cold sweat poured down his back.

“Heh heh heh, who knows? Rather than worrying about that, how about you promise to leave my dear friend alone? Do that, and I might spare your life. Though, sorry about this—I’ll be taking that troublesome power of yours.”

This guy spoke so casually, as if asking for a bite of bread. Taking my blessing…? What nonsense is he spouting? One thing was clear: this guy was dangerous.

At least I can still use my powers…

One weakness of Emile Rio’s ability is that once he transforms, he can’t change into another person for a while. But right now, he should be fine. Transforming into Reinhard—the true form that the man calling himself Darkness knew—he charged forward with his sword drawn.

Perfect. Cutting off this pretty boy’s face will surely relieve my frustration.

“Huh?”

To Emile Rio’s surprise, his sword cut through Nial—or rather, the boy claiming to be Nial—with eerie ease, splitting him cleanly in two. The anticlimactic nature of it made Emile Rio involuntarily let out a dumbfounded sound.

Logically, as one of the Twelve Apostles of Hades, there was no way he could lose to some random noble… Just as that thought crossed his mind—

“Oh my, how barbaric! I was trying to negotiate here.”

“Eek!”

As if nothing had happened, the boy began speaking again. As he talked, tentacle-like appendages sprouted from the severed parts of his body and reconnected seamlessly. What the hell is this monster?

“What… WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?!”

Chop, chop, chop, chop!!! I’ll carve you up so thoroughly that you’ll never stand again, never speak again. Emile Rio laughed maniacally as he watched Nial shrink under his blade. But just then—

“Hahaha, you bastard!! There’s no way you could defeat me…!”

“Such violence! Or is this part of your pre-conversation ritual, followers of Hades?”

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?!”

Despite being chopped into tiny pieces, Nial stood up again. Emile Rio’s scream filled the air.

“Has he finally gone mad?”

Without moving an inch since their confrontation, Nial looked at Emile Rio, who was now screaming like a lunatic, and said indifferently,

“I wonder what kind of dream he’s seeing right now, Mireille?”

Nial lovingly stroked the plant hidden within his body. The scent it emitted had hallucinogenic properties, and by now, Emile Rio must have been plunged into unimaginable nightmares—ones severe enough to rob him of sanity forever…

“Ah, but maybe I overdid it… He wasn’t supposed to die here originally… And Eighth Apostle ‘Aegis of Crimson Blood,’ along with Second Apostle ‘Dark Saintess Astesia,’ don’t seem likely to fall into darkness either… Things are changing quite a bit…”

On top of that, Darkness, one of Zeus’ Twelve Apostles, was still alive. Compared to the original timeline, the balance of power felt completely off.

“Well, whatever. Things will work out somehow. Still, my dear friend is truly impressive. Saving not only Aegis but also Astesia… I can’t wait to see what kind of story you weave, hmm, Mireille?”

In response to Nial’s words, the plant-like tendrils affectionately wrapped around him. Smiling contentedly, he left the scene.

Later, a deranged man screaming uncontrollably was discovered, but he never returned to his senses.

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Top Tools for Learning Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Beyond

Learning Japanese opens doors to a rich culture, unique career opportunities, and a rewarding personal challenge. Whether you’re captivated by anime, planning a trip to Tokyo, or looking to expand your linguistic skills, the right tools can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. With so many apps, websites, and resources available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

This guide highlights the top tools for learning Japanese, catering to different learning styles, budgets, and proficiency levels. From gamified apps to immersive software and conversation practice platforms, these tools will help you master vocabulary, grammar, Kanji, and more. Let’s dive in!

Why Learn Japanese?

Before exploring the tools, it’s worth noting why Japanese is a valuable language to learn:

• Cultural Immersion: Understand anime, manga, and Japanese literature in their original form.
• Career Opportunities: Japan’s global influence in technology, business, and entertainment makes Japanese a sought-after skill.
• Cognitive Benefits: Learning a non-Latin script language like Japanese can enhance memory and problem-solving skills.

Now, let’s look at the best tools to help you achieve your goals.

1. Duolingo

• Best For: Beginners seeking a fun, gamified approach.
• Key Features:
  • Free with optional premium upgrades.
  • Bite-sized lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
  • Listening and speaking exercises to practice pronunciation.
  • Gamification elements like points, streaks, and leaderboards.
• Why It Stands Out: Duolingo’s user-friendly interface and reward system make it ideal for building a daily learning habit. It’s perfect for beginners but may need to be supplemented with other tools for advanced learners.

2. Rosetta Stone

• Best For: Learners who prefer immersive, structured lessons.
• Key Features:
  • Paid subscription with a focus on immersion.
  • Interactive lessons covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  • Speech recognition technology for pronunciation feedback.
  • Lessons build on each other for gradual progression.
• Why It Stands Out: Rosetta Stone’s immersion method helps you think in Japanese rather than translating from your native language. It’s ideal for serious learners looking for a comprehensive curriculum.

3. Memrise

• Best For: Vocabulary building with spaced repetition.
• Key Features:
  • Free with premium options.
  • User-generated courses and official Memrise content.
  • Spaced repetition and mnemonic techniques for memory retention.
  • Audio and video clips from native speakers.
• Why It Stands Out: Memrise excels at making vocabulary stick. Its use of real-life videos and community-driven content adds variety and cultural context to your learning.

4. Anki

• Best For: Customizable flashcard learning, especially for Kanji.
• Key Features:
  • Free on most platforms (paid iOS app).
  • Create custom flashcard decks or download pre-made ones.
  • Supports images, audio, and example sentences.
  • Spaced repetition system (SRS) for optimal review timing.
• Why It Stands Out: Anki’s flexibility allows you to tailor your learning to specific needs, like mastering Kanji or advanced vocabulary. It’s a favorite among serious learners for its effectiveness.

5. Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese

• Best For: Grammar-focused learners.
• Key Features:
  • Completely free online resource.
  • Comprehensive grammar lessons from beginner to advanced levels.
  • Clear explanations with practical examples.
  • Available as a mobile app for offline access.
• Why It Stands Out: Tae Kim’s guide is a go-to for understanding Japanese grammar. Its straightforward approach demystifies complex concepts, making it a must-have for self-learners.

6. HelloTalk

• Best For: Conversation practice with native speakers.
• Key Features:
  • Free with premium options.
  • Connects you with native Japanese speakers for language exchange.
  • Text, voice, and video chat options.
  • Built-in correction tools and translation features.
• Why It Stands Out: HelloTalk bridges the gap between textbook learning and real-world conversation. It’s perfect for practicing speaking and listening in a supportive environment.

7. Kanji Recognizer

• Best For: Learning and recognizing Kanji characters.
• Key Features:
  • Free app available on Android and iOS.
  • Draw Kanji on your screen to search for meanings and readings.
  • Provides stroke order, example words, and readings.
  • Offline functionality for on-the-go learning.
• Why It Stands Out: Kanji Recognizer is a handy tool for quickly identifying and learning Kanji. It’s especially useful for beginners struggling with character recognition.

Tips for Maximizing Your Learning

To get the most out of these tools, consider these strategies:

• Set Clear Goals: Whether it’s mastering 100 Kanji or holding a 5-minute conversation, specific goals keep you motivated.
• Practice Daily: Consistency is key. Even 15-30 minutes a day can lead to significant progress.
• Mix and Match Tools: Use a combination of apps for well-rounded learning. For example:
  • Vocabulary: Duolingo or Memrise.
  • Grammar: Tae Kim’s Guide.
  • Speaking: HelloTalk.
  • Kanji: Anki or Kanji Recognizer.
• Embrace Mistakes: Language learning is a process. Don’t be afraid to make errors—they’re stepping stones to fluency.

Conclusion

Learning Japanese is a journey that requires dedication, but with the right tools, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. From gamified apps like Duolingo to immersive platforms like Rosetta Stone and conversation tools like HelloTalk, there’s something for every learner. Start with the tools that best fit your style and goals, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations.

Ready to begin? Choose your first tool and take the first step toward mastering Japanese today!