"...alac! Master Valac! Wake up!"
Aamon's eyes fluttered open, the world around him slowly coming into focus. He lay on a lavish bed, the soft fabric of the sheets clinging to him like a gentle embrace.
A large window adorned with heavy curtains allowed slivers of golden sunlight to seep through, illuminating the intricately carved wooden furniture around the room. Everything felt strangely foreign yet oddly familiar, as if he had stepped into a dream... one that was both beautiful and haunting.
"Ugh… where am I?" Aamon groaned, trying to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over him, forcing him back against the pillows.
"Master Valac!" a voice exclaimed, filled with a mixture of concern and relief.
Aamon turned his head to see a young servant rush into the room, her eyes wide with anxiety. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, and her hands fidgeted nervously at her side.
"Why are you shouting?" he managed to croak out, his throat dry and scratchy. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong. "My head hurts."
Why is everyone yelling the name, 'Valac'!? So frustrating...
"You collapsed during the Awakening Ceremony!" she said, her voice rising in pitch. "I was so worried! You've been unwell for weeks, Master Valac. The healers said to the Duke that you might be cursed, and he stopped all the treatment. Master…"
Aamon blinked in confusion, piecing together the fragments of what she was saying. But, she was going faster than a train.
Valac? Cursed?
"Cursed?" he echoed, a feeling of dread curling in his stomach. The memories of his past life… the pain, the betrayal… flooded back, but they were mingled with the sensations of this new reality.
Teran… That mo********er!
"Yes! They say your inability to wield magic is due to the curse!" The servant rushed to his side, concern etched on her face. "But you are awake now! You must rest, Master Valac. Please, do not overexert yourself!"
Magic… Aamon recalled the moments before his death. What is going on? Who's Valac? I should be dead.
Aamon's mind was racing with thoughts when the greenish screen flashed before his eyes again, making his eyes pop out.
"Can you leave me alone?" Aamon's eyes turned cold as he spared a glance in the maid's direction who at first seemed reluctant. But, couldn't disobey her master's orders.
But, her master was hurt.
The maid hesitated, her gaze flickering with uncertainty. "But Master Valac—"
"I said, leave!" Aamon snapped, his patience wearing thin. The words felt foreign on his tongue, sharp and commanding. The maid flinched, her face paling as she bowed deeply before rushing out of the room.
The moment she was gone, Aamon let out a heavy breath, his head throbbing with a dull ache. Valac? Duke? Cursed? His mind swirled with fragmented thoughts. And then, the screen flashed again.
Who is Valac!? Why is my soul in Valac!?
[SYSTEM MESSAGE: Welcome, Aamon Desmond. Your soul has been transferred in the world of The Battle of Righteous automatically by the system as it felt your life essence fading.
You are the first player in The Battle Of Righteous Version 2.0. You have been transferred to the body of Valac Noctis. A starter pack has been transferred to your inventory.
Please download the system as soon as possible from lucky spin as soon as possible.
[NEXT]
]
"What the hell…" Aamon muttered, staring at the translucent green screen hovering in front of him.
His instincts screamed that this wasn't a dream. He was now in a game he had once mastered—The Battle of Righteous. This was no longer some VR simulation.
It felt real, visceral. The faint scent of wood and lavender lingered in the air, grounding him in the harsh reality of this strange world.
Valac Noctis. This was him, now.
I have heard of Christian Noctis, the one who summoned the Devil Of Greed but never Valac Noctis. Who is he?
The details swirled before his eyes, and for a brief moment, panic began to bubble in his chest.
I better take this seriously. Maybe, at the last quest I can go back to my original world and take revenge on Desmonds.
He tried to focus, his vision clearing slightly as the screen flickered once more. He clicked 'Next' as the words on the screen began to change.
[DING! NEW HOST DETECTED!
Would you like vengeance against those who have crushed you? Would you like to change, explore history and become The Greatest Villain To Exist? Get your very own personalized system : I Was The Greatest Villain System! Would you like to spin the lucky wheel? ]
[ Yes ]
[ No ]
This rigged system. Why do I get the feeling it'll screw me over like it did last time!? Instead of kissing girls. I became the holy knight. I hope they don't make me saint instead of villain.
[DING! YOU HAVE SELECTED YES! SPINNING THE WHEEL... TICK... TICK... TICK...]
Aamon's heart pounded as the wheel spun, flashing different rewards: "SSS Villain Class," "Failed Villain," "Saint's Blessing," and even "Cursed Saint."
"Come on, don't mess me up again," Aamon muttered, gripping his fists tight.
[CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE WON: SSS-GRADE - GREATEST VILLAIN SYSTEM!]
[SYSTEM INSTALLING : ...87%...89%...99%...100%]
[SYSTEM : I WAS THE GREATEST VILLAIN IS INSTALLED!]
Would you like to check Player Information?
[Yes]
[No ]
Aamon's finger again hovered over 'Yes' as the screen began changing.
[Character Status: Valac Noctis]
Title: Bastard Son Of Duke Noctis
Magic Affinity: Null (Sealed)
Curse: Haldor's Venom (progression rate: 45%,irreversible)
Skill : SSS - Weak Stamina
Physical Condition: Weak, prone to fainting spells
The details were blunt, matter-of-fact, and it made Aamon want to laugh in disbelief. Magic sealed? Weak condition? Irreversible?! If it reaches 100, I'll die again!
How the hell am I going to survive then!? How did this guy get Haldor's Venom!? Hah! On top of that bastard son!?
"HAHAHA! F**K!" He clenched his fists, his breathing growing heavier. "No… no way. This can't be it. I can't stay stuck like this." But the screen continued, oblivious to his frustration.
[Main Quest Alert: Break the Curse]
Objective: Find the Source of the Haldor's Venom.
Reward: Unlock Sealed Magic, Restoration of Health, Memories of Valac Noctis, Lucky Spin To Get Personalized System
Hint: The answer lies within the Moonlit Cavern.
The words burned into his mind. Moonlit Cavern?
He remembered that name from the game. It had been a E grade-level dungeon filled with beasts and lots of D-grade equipments, in the game, it was a challenge for newbies.
But, how am I supposed to do anything without magic!? It's easy but not that easy!
Aamon let out a shaky breath, trying to steady his thoughts. "Alright… think, Aamon." He muttered under his breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. "No! Valac. I'm Valac, now."
"I need to find out how to get to the Moonlit Cavern, but first…"
His eyes drifted to the system screen again.
[Skill Inventory: Locked due to curse.]
Dammit. The curse had shut down any chance of using magic or skills, which meant he would have to rely on something else…
Pushing himself out of bed, Aamon stumbled slightly, catching the edge of the bedside table to steady himself. His body felt weak, his limbs heavy as if weighed down by invisible chains. His head spun, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand.
"I'll break this curse," he growled under his breath, determination flaring inside him. "I'm not going to stay helpless. And, I'm not going to be a bastard child who yearns for father's love."
"Kyu!"