Chapter 2: Recalling the Plot
As Aryan adjusted to his new reality, the memories from his past life as Abhay became clearer, revealing the intricate details of the world he now inhabited. He wasn't just living in some fantasy—this was the very world of the novel he had read, a story filled with power struggles, betrayals, and destined heroes. But the most troubling realization was the role he was supposed to play: the villain.Sitting alone in the grand library of the Prastha estate, Aryan's thoughts were in turmoil. He sifted through his memories, trying to piece together the plot of the novel, now his reality. The more he remembered, the more unsettling it became. The protagonist, Dev, was no ordinary hero. On the surface, Dev was everything a hero should be—charismatic, noble, and skilled. But beneath that facade, Aryan knew there lurked a dark ambition.Dev was the prince of a neighbouring kingdom, blessed with an abundance of mana and a charm that made him irresistible to those around him. The novel had depicted him as a figure destined to unite the warring kingdoms and bring peace to the land. But Aryan knew better. Dev's path to power was paved with manipulation, seduction, and deceit. He used people, particularly women, as tools to solidify his influence.The pivotal moment in the novel came when Dev targeted Aryan's fiancée. She was a powerful princess in her own right, a woman of great influence and the key to an alliance that would have made Aryan's position secure. But Dev, with his charm and deceitful nature, seduced her, turning her against Aryan. This betrayal was the catalyst for Aryan's descent into villainy in the story, leading to his ultimate downfall.But Aryan also remembered another crucial element: his sister. In the novel, Dev's hunger for power extended to her as well. She was a kind and intelligent girl, admired by many, and Dev saw her as another prize to add to his growing harem. Her capture and manipulation by Dev added to Aryan's eventual transformation into a vengeful, destructive force. However, knowing these details now, Aryan realized he had a chance to change everything.
He couldn't let history repeat itself. This wasn't just a story anymore—these were real people, real lives, and Aryan was determined to protect them. He couldn't allow Dev to destroy his life, his family, or his reputation. But how could he fight back against someone like Dev, who was beloved by all and destined to be the hero of this world?Aryan leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning the ancient tomes that lined the shelves of the library.
The Prastha family's collection was vast, containing knowledge that spanned centuries. Aryan realized that if he was going to change his fate, he would need to use every bit of knowledge at his disposal. The mantras, the strategies, the meditation techniques from his past life—they were all tools he could use to alter the course of the story.The challenge was daunting. Dev's rise to power was almost inevitable, and the people around him were too blinded by his charisma to see his true nature. Aryan needed to play his cards carefully, to stay ahead of Dev while ensuring that he didn't draw too much attention to himself. He couldn't afford to be reckless; one wrong move could spell disaster.His thoughts turned to his family. Lord Virendra Prastha, his father, was a formidable man, respected and feared in equal measure. His brother was already making a name for himself as a warrior, and his sister, though young, had a sharp mind that promised great things. They were all expecting Aryan to follow in their footsteps, to uphold the family's legacy of power and honour. But with his lack of mana, Aryan had always felt like an outsider, someone who could never truly live up to those expectations.Now, however, Aryan saw his lack of mana in a different light. It was a limitation, yes, but it also meant that he wasn't bound by the same rules as everyone else. While others relied on mana for power, Aryan could tap into something far greater—the divine knowledge and techniques from his past life. He could carve out a new path, one that didn't rely on mana but on the power of the mind and spirit.The next few days were spent in intense study. Aryan devoured the books in the library, searching for anything that could help him in his quest to protect his loved ones and alter the story's course. He pored over texts on strategy, ancient myths, and tales of powerful warriors who had triumphed against impossible odds. Each piece of information was like a puzzle, slowly coming together to form a larger picture.But the more Aryan learned, the more he realized how careful he would need to be. Dev wasn't just a manipulative prince—he was also deeply cunning, with a knack for turning situations to his advantage. Aryan couldn't confront him directly, not without risking everything. Instead, he would need to work from the shadows, using his knowledge to outmanoeuvre Dev at every turn.His first priority was to protect his fiancée and sister from Dev's influence. Aryan knew that he couldn't control their actions or feelings, but he could create situations that would keep them away from Dev, at least long enough for him to formulate a solid plan. He needed to build alliances, to gain the trust of those who might stand against Dev, even if they didn't fully understand the threat he posed.
As Aryan continued to recall the details of the plot, he felt a growing sense of determination. This was his life now, and he wasn't going to let it be dictated by the whims of fate or the machinations of a false hero. He would protect his loved ones, uphold his family's honour, and carve out a destiny that was truly his own.
The calm before the storm was a time for preparation, for gathering strength and sharpening one's mind. Aryan knew that the storm was coming, and when it did, he would be ready. This world, this story, belonged to him now. And he would make sure that the villain won—not through cruelty or malice, but through wisdom, strategy, and the unwavering resolve to protect what was his.As Aryan closed the last book and stood from his chair, he felt a sense of clarity he hadn't felt in years. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but it was a path he was prepared to walk. He wasn't just Aryan Prastha, the outcast son of a noble family. He was also Abhay, a man who had lived, learned, and overcome countless challenges in another life. And with that knowledge, he would face whatever this world threw at him.The story was far from over, and Aryan intended to rewrite it, page by page.