Alex didn't sleep that night.
The silence of his dorm room—luxurious and dark with velvet curtains and enchanted crystal lamps—offered no peace. He sat at his desk, eyes locked on his reflection in the tall mirror by the bed.
Valerian Nightshade stared back.
White hair like silver fire. Crimson eyes that glowed faintly in the dim light. A noble's face—beautiful and cold. And behind those eyes, someone new.
Alex Jin, age 21, former college dropout and part-time gamer, now reborn as a villain with an expiration date.
He'd read the entire book series. Knew the arcs. The betrayals. The tragic ends. Valerian Nightshade wasn't meant to live past Book 1. He was a tool—a narrative obstacle.
Now he was the main character.
[Villain Evolution System: Active] [Status: Host = Valerian Nightshade / Soul Merge = 100%] [Timeline: Altered] [Plot Divergence: Early Duel Outcome Changed]
A faint chime echoed in his mind.
[New System Function Unlocked: Villainous Path Selection]
A screen appeared, floating before his eyes. He leaned in.
---
Choose Your Villainous Path
1. Tyrant of Power — Rule with fear. Dominate with unmatched strength. Every defeat earns tribute and submission. Bonuses: High combat stats, direct skill gains, army loyalty boosts.
2. Schemer of Shadows — Manipulate from behind the curtain. Forge secret alliances, exploit weakness, dismantle from within. Bonuses: Influence growth, stealth skills, hidden identity perks.
3. Charismatic Devil — Seduce, deceive, and charm allies and enemies alike. Mask cruelty with charisma. Bonuses: Harem expansion, political influence, mind-affecting skills.
---
Alex stared at the options.
All were dangerous. All suited different sides of Valerian's reputation.
He tapped his chin.
The Tyrant was straightforward—powerful, brutal. But also loud. He'd draw the Hero's attention faster. Schemer meant survival. Control. Patience.
But the third option...
The Charismatic Devil.
Alex smirked.
If the system wanted a villain, he'd give it one—one who smiled while burning down kingdoms. One who could charm the world while pulling its strings.
He tapped the third option.
---
[Path Confirmed: Charismatic Devil] [New Skill Unlocked: Honeyed Words (Lv.1) — Boosts persuasiveness in social interactions.] [New Trait Unlocked: Devil's Smile — Increases charm with a chance to disarm hostility.] [New Passive: Harem Seed — Strong emotional encounters may trigger attraction.]
---
His system log updated again.
Alex leaned back, eyes flickering with thought.
This wasn't just about survival now.
This was about winning.
He opened the drawer on his desk and found an old book—Valerian's personal grimoire. The pages were filled with elegant writing, diagrams of spells, and even notes in ancient languages.
He turned to the last page.
There, in Valerian's own handwriting, was a plan.
A second duel.
Valerian had never accepted his loss quietly. He plotted to reclaim his pride through a forbidden duel during the Grand Academy Festival.
That duel was when the hero awakened his true power.
If Alex let that play out, it would reset the story.
He couldn't allow that.
He needed allies.
He needed power.
And maybe... he needed her.
---
At dawn, Alex left his dorm. The academy grounds were vast—gardens floating above magical ley lines, spires that touched the sky, libraries protected by enchanted sentries. Students moved in groups, whispering about the duel yesterday.
Some glanced his way and quickly looked away.
Others stared.
He didn't care.
His target was near the east wing of the academy, where the elite mages trained.
Her name was Lira Veylin.
Half-elf. Top of the potion and enchantment department. Sharp tongue, sharper wit. In the original timeline, she hated Valerian's arrogance.
But now?
Now he had charm.
He found her in the alchemy garden, tending to a glowing blue plant. She didn't look up when he approached.
"You're late," she said.
Alex blinked. "Late for what?"
She stood, brushing her gloves on her robes. Her green eyes locked onto his. "You told me last week you'd supply me with stardust for my elixir trials."
His mind raced.
Ah. Pre-existing obligations.
"I didn't forget," he said smoothly. "But something... unexpected came up."
Her eyes narrowed. "The duel."
He gave her a half-smile. "Word travels fast."
"It's all anyone's talking about. You fried the academy's golden boy."
"Temporarily," he said. "He'll be back. They always are."
Lira crossed her arms. "And you? Are you going to gloat or deliver?"
Alex reached into his robe and pulled out a small vial of silvery dust. Stardust, just as the log had mentioned in a forgotten note.
Lira blinked, caught off-guard.
"Kept my word," he said. "That earns me a minute of your time, doesn't it?"
She stared at the vial, then at him. "You're different."
"Maybe."
"You're... charming. In a smug, punchable way."
Alex smiled. "It's a gift."
[Harem Flag Progress: Lira Veylin — 20%] [Relationship: Curious Acquaintance]
She pocketed the vial. "I'll consider your request."
"I haven't made one yet."
"You will," she said, turning back to her work. "You're planning something. I can see it in your eyes."
Alex walked away, satisfied.
He had no intention of dying in this world.
And one encounter at a time, he'd gather what he needed—power, knowledge, allies, and leverage.
The world would learn that even villains can be kings.
---
End of Chapter Question:
Which path would you choose: Tyrant, Schemer, or Charismatic Devil? And how far would you go to rewrite your fate?