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.
The morning sun bathed the Grand Arcanum Academy in golden light, its towers gleaming like polished ivory. Flags bearing sigils of the different houses fluttered in the breeze, and the vast central courtyard bustled with students preparing for the most anticipated event of the month: the Academy Games.
Alex stood at the top of the stone stairs overlooking the scene, arms folded, his crimson eyes scanning the crowd like a general surveying a battlefield. In the original story, this day marked a critical turning point—the protagonist would gain public sympathy, an early power boost, and attract his first two companions by saving them during the team trials.
Not this time.
This time, Alex had no intention of playing background character.
\[System Notice: Academy Games Detected — Timeline Event Anchor]
\[Status: Event in Progress.]
\[Villain Influence Modifier: +35% Impact]
He turned as someone approached.
A young man in gray robes bowed respectfully. "Lord Nightshade, your team awaits your instructions. The tournament is about to begin."
Alex nodded and descended the steps, his cape flowing behind him. The students parted as he passed, whispering in hushed tones.
"He's the one who crushed the hero."
"Didn't he almost kill him?"
"I heard he made the professors back off with just a glance."
He didn't correct any of it. Let the rumors grow. Fear was a useful weapon.
At the gathering spot for House Obsidian, four students stood in wait—his assigned team for the Games. In the old timeline, they would've been cannon fodder. Weak. Undisciplined. Overshadowed by the other houses.
But not under his lead.
He studied them.
Arno: A brawny beastkin with an axe twice his size and the intellect of a cabbage. Loyal, though.
Kira: A petite half-demon girl with a sharp tongue and even sharper knives. Fast. Unpredictable.
Darin: An anxious support mage with potent buffs but zero confidence.
Mila: A quiet girl with a rare affinity for wind and illusion magic—nervous but observant.
Potential.
Alex gave them a calm, assessing look. "Listen up. This isn't just a school game. It's a performance. The whole academy is watching. Professors. Nobles. Even the High Council has eyes on this."
They blinked, startled.
"You want to win?" he continued. "Then stop thinking like students. Think like warriors. Think like predators."
He paused, letting his words hang.
"If we work together, we dominate. If we hesitate, we fall."
Kira grinned. "I like this version of you, Nightshade."
\[Team Morale +30%]
\[Leader Trait Activated: Battle Presence — Increases coordination and combat awareness for all allies.]
A trumpet blast echoed from the courtyard.
Dean Castellan, robed in enchanted gold-trimmed blue, stepped onto a floating platform above the arena.
"Welcome, students, to the Academy Games!" he boomed. "Today, you'll face three trials. Teamwork. Combat. Strategy. Prove your worth, and glory will follow."
Cheers erupted.
Alex's gaze shifted to a balcony on the western tower. There she stood—Lira Veylin. Watching. Evaluating.
Good. Let her see him rise.
The first trial was Team Formation Combat—a simulated battlefield with randomized hazards. Magic orbs floating in the sky would trigger effects every minute: fire storms, gravity shifts, arcane fog. The goal: defeat the other teams or survive the longest.
When the gate opened, Alex stepped onto the stone arena. A shimmering dome sealed them inside. Dozens of teams fanned out into the environment—stone pillars, foggy ruins, water traps.
He raised a hand. "Form diamond formation. Arno, front. Mila, scout with illusions. Darin, keep buffs rolling. Kira—flank."
They obeyed without question.
\[Villain Leadership Recognized — +10% Effectiveness for all orders.]
The first orb pulsed above—Fire Surge.
Flames erupted across the arena.
A rival team screamed as one of their members was engulfed. Chaos spread quickly.
Alex didn't flinch. "Push left! Use the cover of the flames!"
They moved, fast and efficient. He unleashed a barrage of dark lances that shattered a barricade where two students hid. Arno charged in, scattering them. Kira struck like a shadow. Mila's illusions made them appear double in number.
Darin's barrier shimmered as a wind blade ricocheted off them.
\[System Notice: Enemy Team Eliminated. +1 Victory Token Earned.]
Soon, only four teams remained.
Then three.
Then just two.
The final team was led by a smug third-year noble named Caldus, wielding ice magic and backed by a heavy hitter—a golem conjurer.
In the old timeline, he would've crushed Valerian's team with ease.
Now, Alex smiled.
"Change strategy," he said. "Mila—create six illusions of me. Scatter them. Arno, feint center. Kira, go for their mage's scrolls. Darin—maximum buff on my next spell."
They moved.
Illusions danced through the battlefield.
Caldus cursed. "Which one is real?!"
Alex raised a hand.
"Collapse."
Dark magic twisted the air. A singularity formed between the illusions, drawing in all light and magic. The golem shattered. Caldus staggered.
The real Alex stepped through the smoke and landed a single punch to his jaw, enhanced by spell-force.
The noble dropped.
\[Final Team Defeated — Victory Achieved.]
The crowd roared.
Dean Castellan rose. "Astonishing! Team Nightshade secures a flawless win!"
Alex exhaled slowly as the dome faded.
Kira slapped his back. "You're terrifying."
Mila looked at him with wide eyes. "You made us look like professionals..."
Arno just grinned.
\[Team Bond Level Increased — Formation Bonus Unlocked.]
\[New Title Gained: Academy Tyrant (Temporary)]
\[Audience Favor: +55%]
And somewhere above, Lira's lips curled into a smile.
Let the Academy believe he was still a villain.
He'd use the role to its fullest.