Reincarnated as a Minor Villain: Adapt to Survive

Elias Mercer died as he lived—forgotten, bitter, and bored of the world. When a nameless god plucked his soul from the edge of oblivion and offered him a second life, Elias expected heroism, power, or maybe even peace. What he got was worse than death: Kael Virein. The arrogant twin of a genius heir. An infamous bully who trampled the weak, groveled before the strong, and ruined every chance he had. In the world of “Divine Rift Chronicles,” Kael wasn’t a protagonist. He wasn’t even a major villain. He was a stepping stone, fated to die in the very first arc—stabbed by the hero after a failed demonic betrayal. But this Kael is different. Armed with his knowledge of the novel’s future, an EX-Rank talent that evolves through pain and survival, and a system that rewards the blood he spills, Elias refuses to die again. With a maid bound to him by a soul contract, a sister who would rather kill him than forgive him, and a secret that could rewrite the heavens, Kael must walk the blade’s edge between survival and domination. Because this time? He won't die a villain. He'll adapt and survive—no matter what it takes. --- Author’s Note: Welcome, reader. This is a story about brutal growth, strategic evolution, and a protagonist who doesn’t want to save the world—but might end up doing it anyway. Kael isn’t here to be liked. He’s here to win, and he’ll outsmart gods, prodigies, and chosen ones alike to do it. If you’re looking for: A smart, cunning MC who uses knowledge like a blade A world of systems, talents, and brutal cultivation Public rivalries, academy warfare, political tension No time skips, no easy power-ups, and no forced friendship Enemies that grow just as fast as the MC... Then you've come to the right novel. New chapters daily. No cheat-code morality. No plot armor. No mercy. — ShadowScript