"Well anyways, time for your Tutorial-"
'Wait. What does Villain entail precisely?'
"Isn't it obvious?" The Goddess showed a devilish smile. "If there's a Villain, there's a Protagonist."
'Well...' Zhao thought for a bit. 'How about: Fuck that? I'm not going to be or act like a Villain.'
"You have every right to act however you see fit."
'Well... Well...' Lei looked for a suitable answer, but couldn't find one. 'Okay. Guess that solves the issue.'
"Alright so-"
'But there's a Protagonist? You mean this World is pre-set somehow?'
"I wouldn't go that far. But some roles have already been given out."
'Huh? Is the Protagonist like me?'
"Like you... How?"
'Like me as in not from this World.'
The Goddess chuckled.
"Who knows."
'Is he from the same World as me?'
"Who knows."
'A different one?'
"Who knows."
'Tsk.'
"Anyways, I got more Souls to take care of so-"
'Wait-'
"Final question."
The Goddess stared with ice-cold eyes.
'Are there other Gods? Other than you?'
She smiled.
"I'm not answering that. Anything else for your Final Question Coupon?"
'Is that a thing?'
"It can be. And since I am a Goddess, it is."
Zhao thought for a bit.
"Hello?"
He tried standing up, but couldn't.
"Anyone there...?"
He tried moving, but couldn't.
"Hey!"
All he could do was breathe.
'Oh. I can close and open my eyes too.'
"WILL YOU ASK YOUR FINAL QUESTION?"
'Haven't thought of it yet.'
"THEN THINK QUICKLY."
'Sorry, I think I'll take my time.'
"You puny, tiny, insignificant, little fuck. Did you think a Goddess' time was so-"
'Just check in whenever. I'll ask once I have a question.'
"You know I can read your mind, right?"
'Seems like you can only read the questions directed to you. Can't tell when that started.'
"You obnoxious little-"
'That'll be all for now. Make sure you check in now and then for my Final Question Coupon.'
"THAT'S NOT EVEN A THING-"
Zhao's lips curled up into a smile.
'It could be. And is now, so...'
The Goddess was fuming.
A promise made by Divinity couldn't be easily evaded.
Especially not when it was made to a Mortal.
It took a couple of seconds, but, eventually, the Goddess smiled once more.
"You'll make a fine Villain."
'Yeah, whatever.'
With a snap of her fingers, she disappeared.
She disappeared, and so did the Light that emanated from her.
'The bitch called me an incel and hikiko... Whatever the fuck that was. Guess they mean the same thing. Tsk... That hurts coming from a Goddess.'
Once again, Lei was plunged into darkness.
'Am I really not a Sea Urchin? Tsk. Her words are hard to believe. But then... There's nothing else I can rely on-'
And, as if on cue, the one thing he could rely on made its entrance.
The thing he would rely on for a while.
The thing that would make his new life much, much easier.
The thing that would cause his doom.
Ding-
Floating words started appearing in front of Zhao.
'A Digital screen?'
It was one, in a way.
[You have awakened the "Ultimate Martial Artist: Villain Style" System!]
'Didn't awaken shit! Plus, that's such a cheesy name to be honest.'
[The System will do its best to turn you into the greatest Young Master ever!]
'Yeah? Alright. Feels like I'm talking to someone through text though.'
[The System isn't a Living or Sentient Being.]
'Right... Exactly what that busty redhead would say trying to trick me.'
[The System would recommend not speaking ill of the Gods.]
The 's' at the end wasn't something Lei could miss.
'Sure. I'll try.'
[Good.]
[Heeding the System's warnings will, in most cases, help.]
'In most cases? Help me in general... Or in making me the "Perfect Young Master" or whatever?'
[Multiple Options are available.]
'Ignoring me, huh-'
[Available Options:
1- Items.
2- Techniques.
3- LOCKED.
4- LOCKED.
]
'Huh? Is this supposed to be some kind of Store or something?'
[Correct.]
[In exchange for the Store's valuables, Villain Points must be expended.]
'Well, isn't that convenient? That's your play to make me a Villain, huh? I'm guessing doing... Villainous? Acts will lead to gaining Villain Points?'
[Correct.]
'Then, fuck it. I don't need them.'
[As you have just awakened the "Ultimate Martial Artist: Villain Style" System, 100 Villain Points have been awarded.]
'Then, thank you. I'll take them. Show me the Items.' Lei answered internally without a change in tone.
Instantly, a screen displaying numerous Items appeared in front of him.
The only problem was,
'I only have enough Points for three Items though. This is a setup, isn't it?'
[The System has no will.]
'This is a setup though.'
[The System has no will.]
'How weird, I have the perfect amount to get four of this one, and one each for the other two.'
[The System has no will.]
Zhao sighed internally.
'Alright. How are those berries used? What are they for?'
[Item: Fiery Gooseberry.
Heals the User's shallow wounds and allows him to regain Stamina.]
'Stamina?' Excitement started surging. 'Is this some kind of Game-like Word?'
[Only for the one holding the "Ultimate Martial Artist: Villain Style" System.]
This phrase, just like the 's' earlier, Zhao wouldn't forget.