The dawn light filtered through the ornate curtains, painting the luxurious chamber with a soft, golden hue. Alex stirred from his slumber, a sense of urgency gripping him as he recalled the
events of the previous day. With the system now at his disposal, he knew he had to tread carefully, navigating the intricate web of challenges that lay ahead.
As the majestic door swung open, an elderly butler, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, entered the room with a bow of deference.
"Good morning, Young Master. Your presence is requested in the main hall for lunch," he announced with practiced politeness, his tone carrying an air of formality.
Accepting the invitation, Alex made his way to the main hall, where a notification from the system flashed in his mind, awarding him five villain points for disrupting the world's flow. The cryptic
message left him puzzled, his mind racing with questions about his newfound role in shaping the destiny of the world.
Upon entering the hall, Alex was greeted by his sister, Alice, whose sarcastic tone hinted at their strained relationship.
"You finally decided to join us, Aldric. I was starting to think you'd become a permanent resident of your room," she remarked, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Suppressing a retort, Alex maintained his composure, knowing that his sister's barbed comments were meant to provoke a reaction.
As they exchanged words, Alex couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal that shook his insides. Memories of Alice's betrayal in the novel cause him to be provoked to kill Alice at this moment, but he knows that he cannot due to the age difference, and Sophia is here. So he had to do this in an unethical manner.
Despite the tension between them, Sophia, the Duchess of the Mars family, remained a calming presence, her gaze shifting between her children with a mix of affection and concern.
Amidst the familial argument, Aldric's bold declaration echoed through the hall, catching everyone off guard.
"Father, I wish to embark on the path of cultivation. Please teach me the ancient techniques of our family," Aldric proclaimed, his voice steady with resolve.
Alice's response was swift, laced with disdain and envy.
"How can he, the waste of our family" possibly learn our family's techniques when I've been begging for the same opportunity?" She exclaimed, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
The room fell silent, the weight of Aldric's request hanging in the air. It was a pivotal moment—one that would shape his destiny and determine the course of his family's legacy.
In response, Aldric's father, the patriarch of the Mars family, spoke with authority, his words carrying the weight of his lineage.
"Very well, Aldric. I shall arrange for an overseer from the elder's council to guide you on your journey. But remember, the path of cultivation is not to be taken lightly. It requires discipline, dedication, and sacrifice."
With his father's blessing, Aldric felt a surge of determination coursing through his veins. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, he was ready to embrace his destiny and carve out a path of his own.
As the family gathered for lunch, Alice's discontent tainted the atmosphere. Her frowns and muttered remarks disrupted the harmony that Sophia had tried so hard to maintain. Sensing the tension rising, Alex hurried to finish his food, his appetite dulled by his sister's palpable animosity.
Once his plate was cleared, Alex made a swift exit, excusing himself under the pretext of needing to retrieve a forgotten book from the library. Sophia, ever the concerned mother, looked up with a hint of worry.
"Is everything alright, Aldric? You seem in a hurry," she inquired, her concern evident in her furrowed brow.
Putting on a reassuring smile, Alex brushed off her concern.
"Yes, Mother, everything's fine. I just remembered I left a book unfinished in the library," he explained, his voice steady despite the underlying unease.
Sophia nodded, her maternal instincts picking up on his tension.
"Alright, just don't overexert yourself," she advised gently.
Relieved to be away from the stifling atmosphere of the dining hall, Alex made his way to the library, eager to escape the tension. Once there, his thoughts turned to his true motive—earning villain points.
Hours passed as Alex searched for opportunities to gain points.