Kael Vorne had never been lucky. Not when his high school girlfriend dumped him for a jock. Not when he flunked out of college after one too many late-night gaming sessions. And definitely not when his cheap VR headset—bought off a sketchy online marketplace—decided to explode during a 48-hour streaming marathon. The last thing Kael saw was the flickering screen of his monitor, displaying his character's death in Galactic Conqueror Online, followed by a searing flash of light. The last thing he heard was the crackle of electricity and a faint, mocking beep from his headset. Then, darkness. He expected to wake up in a hospital bed, maybe with a few burns and a killer headache. Instead, he found himself floating in a void—an endless expanse of shimmering black, speckled with faint, star-like glimmers. His body felt weightless, like he was suspended in water, but there was no ground, no sky, nothing to anchor him. "Great," Kael muttered, his voice echoing in the emptiness. "I'm dead, aren't I? Figures. Can't even die properly without ending up in some cosmic waiting room." A sudden, blinding light erupted in front of him, forcing him to shield his eyes. When the glare faded, a figure materialized—a woman so breathtaking that Kael forgot how to blink. She hovered above him, her platinum blonde hair cascading in waves that seemed to glow with an inner light. Her sapphire-blue eyes shimmered with divine intensity, and her delicate, pointed ears marked her as something otherworldly. She wore a tight, glossy black bodysuit that hugged her curvaceous figure, a plunging neckline framed by a flowing white cape adorned with gold embroidery. A sapphire gem gleamed at her chest, pulsing with energy. She was, without a doubt, a goddess. And she looked pissed. "This cannot be happening!" the woman screeched, her voice a mix of celestial authority and frantic disbelief. She clutched her head, her cape fluttering dramatically despite the lack of wind. "I, Sylvara, Keeper of the Celestial Loom, have made a mistake? Impossible! Unacceptable! I am perfection incarnate!" Kael raised an eyebrow, still floating awkwardly in the void. "Uh, lady? I don't know what's going on, but if you're having a meltdown, I'd rather not be here for it. Where am I? And why am I… well, not dead-dead?" Sylvara's head snapped toward him, her eyes narrowing as if she'd just noticed him. "You!" she spat, pointing a slender finger at him. "You are the problem, mortal! You were not supposed to die—not yet, at least! Your thread in the Loom of Fate was meant to continue for another decade, but that infernal contraption you called a 'VR headset' severed it prematurely!" Kael blinked, processing her words. "So… my death was an accident? And you're, what, a goddess in charge of fate or something?" Sylvara puffed out her chest, her expression a mix of pride and indignation. "I am Sylvara, the Exiled Goddess of Destiny, once revered by the Celestial Pantheon! I was tasked with overseeing the fates of lesser beings like you, but… I may have been distracted during your thread's weaving." She muttered the last part, her cheeks flushing a faint pink. "Distracted?" Kael echoed, crossing his arms. "What, were you binge-watching cosmic Netflix or something?" Sylvara's flush deepened, and she averted her gaze. "That is none of your concern, mortal! The point is, your death has caused a ripple in the multiverse, and now I must fix it. The Celestial Pantheon banished me for a previous… oversight, and I cannot afford another mistake!" Kael snorted, unable to help himself. "Sounds like you're not very good at your job, huh?" Sylvara's eyes flared with divine light, and a wave of pressure slammed into Kael, making his body tremble. "Insolent worm! I should smite you where you float!" she roared, raising a hand crackling with energy. But then she froze, her expression shifting to one of panic. "No, no, no! If I destroy you, the ripple will only grow worse. I must… ugh, I must resurrect you." Kael smirked despite the lingering pressure. "Resurrection sounds good. But what's the catch? There's always a catch with gods, right?" Sylvara lowered her hand, her shoulders slumping. "The catch, mortal, is that your soul cannot return to your original world. The Loom of Fate has already woven a new thread for you—one that was meant for a destined hero. But due to my… distraction, the thread has been corrupted. You are no longer a hero. You are now bound to the Villain's Apex System, a cosmic tool designed to create the ultimate antagonist of the multiverse." Kael stared at her, his smirk fading. "Wait, what? A villain system? I'm just a washed-up streamer, lady! I'm not cut out to be some multiverse-destroying bad guy!" Sylvara crossed her arms, her expression smug despite her earlier panic. "You have no choice, Kael Vorne. The system has already bonded with your soul. You will either embrace your new role… or be consumed by it." Before Kael could protest, a sharp, electric jolt coursed through him. His vision blurred, and a translucent blue panel appeared in front of him, floating in the void. Glowing text scrolled across it, accompanied by a robotic, feminine voice that echoed in his mind.
[System Activation: Villain's Apex System Online]
[User: Kael Vorne
Infamy Rank: D (Starting Rank)]
Stats Initialized:
• Strength: 10
• Charm: 15
• Intellect: 20
• Infamy: 0
[Core Mechanic: Complete Villain Quests to increase Infamy Rank and unlock rewards.]
[Warning: Failure to comply with system directives will result in penalties.]
Kael stared at the panel, his gamer instincts kicking in. "Okay, that's… kind of cool," he admitted, scanning the stats. "Strength's a bit low, but Intellect's decent. What's this about quests?" Sylvara groaned, rubbing her temples. "The system will assign you tasks—villainous tasks, mind you—to conquer worlds, defeat heroes, and amass power. It will also reward you with wealth, abilities, and… other perks." She hesitated on the last part, her tone laced with unease. "Other perks?" Kael asked, raising an eyebrow. "What, like a fancy villain lair? Minions? A cool cape?" Sylvara's expression darkened. "You will see soon enough. For now, the system will initialize your first quest. I suggest you prepare yourself, mortal. The multiverse is not kind to those who falter." Another jolt ran through Kael, and the system panel updated with a new message.
[First Villain Quest: Survive the Hero's Ambush]
[Objective: You have been transported to the world of Luminos, where a hero has been alerted to your arrival. Survive his attack and escape the battlefield.]
[Reward: +100 Cosmic Credits, +5 Charm, +50 Infamy Points]
[Penalty for Failure: Loss of 10% of all stats for 24 hours]
[Time Limit: 1 hour]
Kael's eyes widened. "Wait, survive a hero? I just got here! I don't even have a weapon!" Sylvara smirked, her earlier frustration giving way to a cruel amusement. "That is your problem, Kael Vorne. I am merely here to observe—and to ensure the multiverse does not collapse due to my… oversight. Good luck, villain. You'll need it." Before Kael could retort, the void around him warped. The shimmering black expanse dissolved, replaced by a blinding white light. When his vision cleared, he was standing on a grassy hill in a fantasy world straight out of a game. Towering mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks capped with snow. A sprawling forest stretched to his left, while a glittering city sparkled on the horizon to his right. The air smelled of pine and magic, and a faint hum of energy pulsed through the ground.
Luminos, the system had called it. A world of heroes, magic, and—apparently—ambushes. Kael barely had time to take in his surroundings before a deafening roar echoed across the hill. A figure clad in golden armor charged toward him, a massive sword gleaming with holy light. The man's eyes burned with righteous fury, and a glowing halo hovered above his head. "Die, villain!" the hero bellowed, his voice shaking the earth. "I, Alaric of Luminos, will purge your darkness from this world!" Kael's stomach dropped. "Oh, crap," he muttered, glancing at the system panel still hovering in his vision. "This is not how I wanted to start my day."
[Quest Timer: 59 minutes remaining]
Kael's heart pounded as Alaric, the golden-armored hero of Luminos, charged toward him with a sword that looked like it could cleave a mountain in half. The halo above Alaric's head pulsed with holy light, and the ground trembled with each of his thunderous steps. Kael, meanwhile, had nothing—no weapon, no armor, just a glitchy system and a stat sheet that screamed "you're screwed."
"System!" Kael shouted, dodging to the side as Alaric's blade sliced through the air where he'd been standing. The grass beneath him exploded into a shower of dirt, leaving a smoking crater. "Give me something to work with here! Skills, weapons, anything!" The translucent blue panel reappeared in his vision, its robotic voice calm despite the chaos.
[Skill Unlocked: Villain's Charisma]
[Effect: Boosts persuasion and intimidation by 20% when interacting with non-hostile targets. Passive effect: +5 Charm when speaking to potential allies or enemies who can be swayed.]
[Note: Skill effectiveness increases with Infamy Rank.]
"Villain's Charisma?" Kael muttered, ducking behind a boulder as Alaric roared and swung again. The blade shattered the rock into fragments, sending Kael tumbling down the hill. "What am I supposed to do, talk him to death? He's a freaking hero!" The system panel blinked, updating with a new message.
[Quest Timer: 57 minutes remaining]
[Suggestion: Use Villain's Charisma to de-escalate the situation or find an alternative solution. Combat is not recommended with current stats.]
Kael groaned, scrambling to his feet as Alaric advanced. "De-escalate? He's screaming about purging my darkness! That doesn't exactly scream 'let's chat over tea'!" But as he glanced around, desperation clawing at his chest, he noticed something—or rather, someone. A second figure stood on the hill, partially obscured by the hero's blinding aura. It was a woman, her slender frame clad in a flowing silver robe that shimmered with enchantments. Her auburn hair was tied into a high ponytail, and her emerald-green eyes locked onto Kael with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. She held a staff topped with a glowing crystal, and faint runes hovered around her, suggesting she was a mage of some kind. "Alaric, wait!" the woman called, her voice sharp but melodic. "We don't even know what he is! He could be a civilian caught in the rift!" Kael's gamer instincts kicked in. A mage companion to the hero—probably a healer or support type. If he could get her on his side, or at least distract her, he might have a chance to escape Alaric's wrath. But before he could open his mouth, the system panel flashed with a new, alarming message.
[Romance Overdrive Module Activated]
[Target Identified: Elara, High Mage of Luminos]
[Affection Meter: 0% (Neutral)]
[Objective: Raise Elara's Affection Meter to 50% within 48 hours to avoid penalties.]
[Reward for 50% Affection: +10 Charm, +200 Cosmic Credits, Temporary Ally Status]
[Penalty for Failure: Loss of 20% Charm for 72 hours, Public Humiliation Event]
[Note: Romance Overdrive Module will flag all eligible female targets as Conquest Targets. Maxing Affection (100%) grants permanent bonds and unique abilities.]
Kael's jaw dropped. "Romance Overdrive? Conquest Target? System, what the hell is this?!" He dodged another swing from Alaric, the blade grazing his shoulder and sending a jolt of pain through him. "I'm trying to survive here, not flirt!" The system's voice responded, unfazed.
[Romance Overdrive is a core feature of the Villain's Apex System. Villains must build a harem to increase their power and influence. Failure to comply will result in penalties.]
Kael groaned, his mind racing. So not only did he have to survive a hero's ambush, but he also had to charm the hero's mage girlfriend? This system was going to be the death of him—again. "Elara, he reeks of darkness!" Alaric bellowed, raising his sword for another strike. "I sensed the rift the moment it opened. He's a villain, sent to destroy Luminos!" Elara hesitated, her staff lowering slightly. "But he doesn't look like a villain, Alaric. He's… well, kind of pathetic." Her eyes flicked to Kael, who was panting and covered in dirt, his black hair a mess from the tumble down the hill. "Pathetic?" Kael muttered, indignation flaring despite the situation. "I'll show you pathetic." He straightened up, brushing off his torn jacket, and activated Villain's Charisma. His voice took on a smoother, more confident tone as he locked eyes with Elara. "Hey, uh, Elara, right? I'm Kael. I don't know what's going on, but I'm not here to destroy anything. I just got… uh, dropped here by a glitchy goddess. Can you maybe call off your attack dog before he turns me into a kebab?" Elara blinked, her expression softening slightly. There was something disarming about Kael's sarcasm, and his crimson eyes—glowing faintly due to the system's influence—held a strange magnetism. She tilted her head, her staff lowering further. "A glitchy goddess? That… doesn't sound like a typical villain origin story." The system panel updated.
[Elara's Affection Meter: 5% (Curious)]
[Progress: Villain's Charisma has piqued her interest. Continue interaction to raise Affection.]
Alaric, however, was not amused. "Elara, do not listen to his lies!" he roared, charging at Kael with renewed fury. "He's manipulating you!" Kael dove to the side, barely avoiding the blade as it carved a trench into the ground. "Manipulating? I'm just trying not to die!" he shouted, his voice cracking with panic. He glanced at Elara, his mind racing for a way to raise her Affection Meter further. If he could get her to 50%, she'd become a temporary ally—maybe enough to stop Alaric's onslaught. "Elara, please!" Kael called, dodging another strike and rolling into the grass. "I'm not a villain—at least, not by choice! The goddess who sent me here messed up, and now I'm stuck with this stupid system that wants me to… uh…" He hesitated, realizing that mentioning the Romance Overdrive Module might not be the best idea. "It wants me to do stuff I'm not ready for! Help me out, and I'll owe you one!" Elara's eyes widened, her curiosity deepening. "A system? Like a divine artifact?" She took a step closer, her staff glowing faintly as she scanned Kael with a detection spell. "You're telling the truth. I sense a cosmic energy around you—something powerful, but… unstable."
[Elara's Affection Meter: 15% (Intrigued)]
[Progress: Elara's interest in the system has increased her curiosity. Use this opportunity to deepen the connection.]
Alaric spun toward Elara, his halo flaring brighter. "Elara, step back! He's dangerous!" But Elara held up a hand, her expression firm. "Alaric, stop. If he's telling the truth, we need to know more. The cosmic energy I'm sensing—it could be a threat to Luminos, but it might also be a key to something greater." She turned to Kael, her emerald eyes narrowing. "Tell me more about this system. What does it want you to do?" Kael hesitated, his mind racing. He couldn't tell her the full truth—not about the harem part, at least. But he needed her help, and the system was urging him to keep pushing her Affection Meter. "It's… uh, called the Villain's Apex System," he said, climbing to his feet and brushing off more dirt. "It gives me quests, like surviving your boyfriend's murder spree over here. It also gives me stats—like Charm and Intellect—and rewards me for completing tasks. But it's glitchy. I wasn't supposed to be a villain. I'm just a guy who died because of a cheap VR headset." Elara's lips twitched, a faint smile breaking through her stern demeanor. "A VR headset? What's that?" Kael blinked, then remembered he was in a fantasy world. "Uh… it's a thing from my world. Lets you play games in virtual reality. Point is, I'm not some evil mastermind. I'm just trying to survive long enough to figure out what's going on." Elara's smile widened slightly, and the system updated again.
[Elara's Affection Meter: 25% (Amused)]
[Progress: Elara finds your honesty and unfamiliar terminology endearing. Continue to build rapport.]
Alaric growled, lowering his sword but keeping it ready. "Elara, this is madness. We should strike him down now, before he grows stronger!" Elara shook her head, her ponytail swishing. "No, Alaric. If he's telling the truth, we need to understand this system. It could be tied to the rifts that have been appearing across Luminos." She turned to Kael, her tone softer but still cautious. "I'll give you a chance, Kael. But if you're lying, I'll let Alaric have his way with you." Kael swallowed, nodding quickly. "Deal. No lies here. Just a guy trying not to get skewered." The system chimed in, its tone almost smug.
[Quest Update: Survive the Hero's Ambush]
[Progress: Elara's intervention has paused Alaric's attack. Continue to raise her Affection Meter to secure her as a temporary ally and complete the quest.]
[Quest Timer: 50 minutes remaining]
Kael let out a shaky breath, his mind spinning. He'd bought himself some time, but 50 minutes wasn't much, and he still needed to get Elara's Affection Meter to 50%. Plus, Alaric was glaring at him like he'd just stolen his favorite toy. And then there was the whole "villain" thing—Kael wasn't sure he was cut out for this, but the system clearly had other plans. As Elara stepped closer, her staff glowing as she continued her scan, Kael couldn't help but notice the way her silver robe clung to her figure, the runes around her shimmering with a soft light. She was beautiful, in a scholarly, magical kind of way, and the system's harem mechanics were already making his life more complicated than he'd ever imagined.
"Alright, system," Kael muttered under his breath, "you want a harem? Fine. But if I die trying to flirt with a mage while a hero's trying to kill me, I'm blaming you." Kael stood on the grassy hill in Luminos, his heart still racing from Alaric's near-fatal ambush. The golden-armored hero loomed nearby, his sword lowered but his halo still pulsing with righteous fury. Elara, the High Mage of Luminos, stood between them, her emerald-green eyes studying Kael with a mix of curiosity and caution. Thanks to the Villain's Apex System's Romance Overdrive Module, she was now a Conquest Target, her Affection Meter at 25%. Kael needed to get it to 50% within the next 50 minutes to secure her as a temporary ally—and avoid a humiliating penalty. Elara's silver robe shimmered as she adjusted her grip on her staff, the glowing crystal at its tip casting a soft light across her face. "So," she said, her tone measured but intrigued, "this Villain's Apex System… it gives you quests? And stats? That sounds like something out of a bard's tale—or a mad artificer's experiment." Kael forced a grin, his Charm stat (now at 20 after the passive boost from Villain's Charisma) giving his words a magnetic edge. "Yeah, it's… something alright. I've got Strength, Intellect, Charm—all that good stuff. But the quests? They're a pain. Like, 'survive a hero trying to turn me into a pincushion' kind of pain." He shot a pointed glance at Alaric, who growled but didn't move, thanks to Elara's intervention. Elara's lips quirked into another faint smile, her ponytail swaying as she tilted her head. "You don't seem like a typical villain, Kael. Most of the dark forces we've fought in Luminos are… well, more menacing. You're more like a lost adventurer with a strange artifact." The system panel updated with a satisfying chime.
[Elara's Affection Meter: 30% (Warming Up)]
[Progress: Elara appreciates your self-deprecating humor and non-threatening demeanor. Continue to build trust and connection.]
Kael's grin widened, though inwardly he was sweating. 30% was progress, but he needed 50% to complete the quest, and Alaric looked like he was one snarky comment away from resuming his murder spree. Plus, the whole "harem" thing was still sinking in. The system wasn't just about surviving—it was about building a harem of powerful women, starting with Elara. And while she was undeniably beautiful, with her sharp features and the way her robe hugged her curves, Kael wasn't exactly a Casanova. Back on Earth, his dating life had been a series of awkward Tinder dates and ghosted messages.
"Trust me, I'm as confused as you are," Kael said, running a hand through his messy black hair. His crimson eyes caught the sunlight, making them glow faintly—a side effect of the system that made him look more villainous than he felt. "I was just a guy trying to make it as a streamer. Now I'm here, dodging holy swords and… uh, talking to pretty mages." Elara's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment, her staff dipping as she averted her gaze. "Pretty mages, huh? You're a smooth talker for someone who claims to be 'just a guy.'"
[Elara's Affection Meter: 35% (Flattered)]
[Progress: Elara is responding positively to your flirtation. Leverage this to deepen the emotional connection.]
Alaric's grip tightened on his sword, his halo flaring brighter. "Elara, enough of this nonsense! He's a villain, and he's clearly manipulating you! I won't stand by while he taints your heart with his dark charm!" Kael raised his hands, taking a step back. "Whoa, big guy, let's not jump to conclusions! I'm not tainting anything! I'm just trying to survive here!" He glanced at Elara, his mind racing for a way to push her Affection Meter higher. The system had suggested building trust, but how was he supposed to do that with a hero breathing down his neck? Elara sighed, turning to Alaric with an exasperated look. "Alaric, I'm not a damsel who needs protecting. I can sense his energy—it's chaotic, yes, but there's no malice in it. Not yet, at least." She turned back to Kael, her expression softening. "Tell me, Kael. What does this system want from you? Beyond surviving me and Alaric, I mean. What's its endgame?" Kael hesitated. He couldn't tell her about the harem part—not yet, anyway. But he could lean into the truth about the system's glitchy nature and his own confusion, hoping to build that emotional connection the system was pushing for. "Honestly? I don't know," he admitted, his voice quieter now, more vulnerable. "The goddess who gave me this system—Sylvara—she said it was meant for a hero, but it got corrupted. Now it wants me to be a villain, to conquer worlds, gain power… all that stuff. But I'm not a bad guy, Elara. I just want to figure out how to get through this without losing myself." Elara's eyes softened, and she took a step closer, her staff's light dimming as she lowered it completely. "That… sounds lonely," she said, her voice gentle. "To be thrown into a role you didn't choose, with no one to guide you. I can't imagine what that's like." Kael felt a pang in his chest—not from the system, but from her words. He hadn't expected her to hit so close to home. Back on Earth, he'd always felt like a failure, like he didn't belong anywhere. Now, in this crazy multiverse, that feeling was amplified a hundredfold. "Yeah," he said softly, meeting her gaze. "It is lonely. But… maybe it doesn't have to be. If you're willing to give me a chance, I'd really appreciate the help." The air between them seemed to shift, a quiet understanding passing between them. Elara's expression softened further, and the system chimed triumphantly.
[Elara's Affection Meter: 50% (Temporary Ally)]
[Reward: +10 Charm, +200 Cosmic Credits, Temporary Ally Status (Elara will assist you for the next 24 hours)]
[Note: Continue to raise Affection to 100% for a permanent bond and access to Elara's unique abilities.]
Kael let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his Charm stat now at 30 thanks to the reward. "Thanks, Elara," he said, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. "I owe you one." Elara smiled back, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Don't make me regret this, Kael. I'm trusting you—for now." Alaric, however, was having none of it. "This is absurd!" he roared, raising his sword once more. "Elara, you cannot side with a villain! I'll end this now!" Before Kael could react, Alaric lunged, his blade crackling with holy energy. But Elara was faster. She raised her staff, and a shimmering barrier of runes sprang up between Kael and Alaric, deflecting the strike with a deafening clang. "Alaric, stop!" Elara shouted, her voice firm. "I've made my decision. We need to study this system, not destroy it. If you can't accept that, then leave!" Alaric froze, his sword trembling in his grip. His halo dimmed slightly, and for a moment, he looked torn between his duty as a hero and his trust in Elara. Finally, he lowered his weapon, his voice a low growl. "Fine. But I'm watching you, villain. One wrong move, and I'll end you—Elara's trust be damned." Kael swallowed, nodding quickly. "Noted. No wrong moves here. Just… trying to stay alive." The system chimed again, confirming his success.
[Quest Complete: Survive the Hero's Ambush]
[Reward: +100 Cosmic Credits, +5 Charm, +50 Infamy Points]
Current Stats:
• Strength: 10
• Charm: 35
• Intellect: 20
• Infamy: 50
Total Cosmic Credits: 300
Kael grinned, the tension in his chest easing slightly. He'd survived—barely—and gained an ally in Elara. But as he glanced at her, her auburn hair catching the sunlight and her emerald eyes studying him with a mix of curiosity and warmth, he realized the system's harem mechanics were going to make his life a lot more complicated. She was already at 50% Affection, and the thought of pushing it to 100%—of forming a permanent bond—sent a strange mix of nerves and excitement through him. Before he could dwell on it, a familiar voice cut through the air, laced with divine irritation. "Well, well, mortal. I see you've survived your first quest. But you're already causing trouble, aren't you?" Kael's head snapped up as a portal of golden light shimmered into existence above the hill. Sylvara, the Exiled Goddess, stepped through, her platinum blonde hair glowing brighter than ever. Her sapphire eyes locked onto Kael, then flicked to Elara, narrowing with suspicion. "Sylvara?" Kael said, his stomach dropping. "What are you doing here? I thought you were just observing!" Sylvara crossed her arms, her white cape fluttering dramatically. "I was observing—until the system flagged a new Conquest Target. And then I felt a surge of cosmic energy that could destabilize the multiverse if left unchecked!" She pointed at Elara, her voice rising. "You, mortal mage, are interfering with the Villain's Apex System's directives. Step away from Kael Vorne at once!" Elara's eyes widened, and she raised her staff defensively. "A goddess? You're the one who gave him this system? Explain yourself!" Kael groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Oh, great. This is just what I needed—two powerful women arguing over me while a hero plots my death." But then the system panel flashed with a new, alarming message, sending a chill down his spine.
[New Conquest Target Identified: Sylvara, Exiled Goddess of Destiny]
Affection Meter: 0% (Hostile)]
[Objective: Raise Sylvara's Affection Meter to 50% within 72 hours to avoid penalties.
Reward for 50% Affection: +15 Charm, +500 Cosmic Credits, Divine Buff (TBD)]
[Penalty for Failure: Loss of 30% of all stats for 48 hours, Divine Smite Event]
Kael stared at the panel, his jaw dropping. "Sylvara's a Conquest Target too? System, are you trying to get me killed?!" Sylvara's head snapped toward him, her eyes blazing with divine fury. "What did you just say, mortal?!"Elara's staff glowed brighter, her voice sharp. "Kael, what's going on? What does the system want now?" Alaric raised his sword, his halo flaring once more. "Enough of this! I'll purge you all if I must!" Kael's eyes darted between the three of them—Sylvara's divine wrath, Elara's confusion, and Alaric's renewed aggression. The hill in Luminos was about to become a battlefield, and he was caught in the middle, with two Conquest Targets and a hero who wanted him dead. "This," Kael muttered, "is going to be a long day."