Recap:
Leo Aetherwind, once betrayed and left to rot at the bottom of fate's abyss, has returned to his past life with memories intact.
At the trial orchestrated by the student council, Leo stunned everyone by accepting a punishment that was meant to destroy him.
Beneath his emotionless mask, however, lay a wicked grin—because the Heavenly Villain System had just awakened, rewarding him for his deviation from the original plot.
Now begins his calculated vengeance.
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Gasps echoed through the entire hall.
No one expected it—Leo Aetherwind, the once arrogant, furious prodigy, had accepted his punishment… without resistance.
He didn't shout.
He didn't complain.
He simply nodded and turned around.
And that silence?
It was louder than any scream.
Leo knew what should have happened.
In the original storyline, the past Leo would've lost control, attacked the student council, and gotten himself completely crippled and expelled.
That act would've sealed his fall as a tragic stepping stone for the protagonist, Alex.
But not this time.
"I accept the punishment," Leo said again, cold and precise, before walking away.
Sophia was the first to snap out of her trance.
"Leo!" she called, rising from her seat.
But Leo didn't stop. His expression didn't change. He simply continued walking.
Each step was purposeful.
Each step was steady.
Inside, though?
Leo's heart was racing.
Not because of fear, but anticipation.
I need to go home. Now.
That system… I want to see everything it can offer.
But the universe wasn't going to let him leave that easily.
Just before he reached the grand entrance of the trial hall, a familiar figure blocked his path.
Selena.
His so-called fiancée.
Her eyes were conflicted, her lips trembling.
"Leo… why did you accept the punishment?" she asked softly. "It could have been reduced…"
Leo looked at her without emotion. "Let me ask you something."
Her breath caught in her throat.
"During the trial, who did you support—me, or Alex?"
Selena looked down. "I… I didn't think it was that simple—"
"Answer the question," Leo demanded, voice flat.
"I-I just thought maybe if you explained—"
"That's enough," he cut her off, tone sharper than a blade. "You supported him. Not me."
She flinched.
Then Leo tilted his head slightly. "Do you like Alex?"
Her face flushed instantly. "W-What?! No! I don't—!"
But Leo didn't even react.
Instead, he stared directly into her soul and said the words that shattered her world:
"I'm calling off the engagement."
Selena froze, her mouth slightly open in disbelief.
Before she could even argue, he added, "Return all the resources and favors I gave you. I want nothing to do with you anymore."
She stood there, stunned, as Leo walked past.
It took a moment before her body caught up with her emotions. Tears slid down her cheeks.
Why does it hurt so much...?
Outside the trial hall, Leo approached the waiting carriage. His family's insignia was embroidered on its dark red doors. Before he could board, his gaze shifted sideways.
There stood Alex.
The supposed "hero" of this world.
He was holding Selena's hand, softly comforting her. His face was filled with tender concern—masking the smug satisfaction in his eyes.
Leo saw it.
And smiled coldly.
Selena didn't even notice Leo leaving, but something inside her ached. A strange emptiness nestled in her chest.
Her eyes looked back toward the fading figure of Leo, wondering why it felt like she'd lost something... irreplaceable.
Meanwhile, Sophia stood in the corridor above, her fists clenched tightly.
"Just you wait, Leo," she muttered under her breath. "Tonight, we're talking. Whether you want to or not."
Inside the carriage, Leo leaned back and exhaled deeply.
"System," he commanded. "Speak."
[Heavenly Villain System Online.]
Welcome, Host. I exist to assist you in crushing the protagonist's plot, stealing his opportunities, and rewriting destiny itself. Every deviation from the plotline will reward you with System Points.
Leo smirked. "Show me the Villain Mall."
A glowing interface appeared in his mind, listing powerful items:
Hellflame Lotus Armor – (2,500,000 Points)
A defensive artifact that burns all enemies within a five-meter radius.
Blade of Calamity – (3,800,000 Points)
A soul-devouring weapon that strengthens with every kill.
Soulbinding Contract – (1,000,000 Points)
Permanently enslave any soul weaker than your cultivation.
Divine Chaos Seed – (6,500,000 Points)
Unlocks a chaotic cultivation path beyond Heaven's control.
Leo's grin widened.
"Too expensive now," he muttered. "But I'll get there."
"System, show my status panel."
[Status Panel]
Name: Leo Aetherwind
Age: 16
Family: Aetherwind Noble Lineage
Bloodline: Aetherwind Pureblood
Hidden Bloodline: ??? (Locked)
Special Trait: Immortal Body (Locked)
Realm: Mortal Path – Strengthening Realm
Cultivation Techniques:
Shadow Wind Step
Crimson Pulse Art
Moonfall Blade
Combat Rank: Low-tier combatant
System Points: 2,500
Inventory:
Beginner Package: [Opened]
Villain's Cloak of Shadow (Equipped)
Insight Pill (1/day weakness reveal)
Skill: Phantom Mind (Charm, Illusion, and Manipulation Resistance)
Leo's eyes sparkled with madness.
"From today… I walk the path of a villain."
"One who no longer seeks their approval…"
"One who will use, discard, and conquer all that stands in his way."
And far away, the gears of fate had begun to shift.
The real story had finally begun.
To be continued...
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