The Devil's Villain In a Lewd Superhero World

Chapter 1: Devil's Deal

The stench of sulfur assaulted Tyson's nostrils as he materialized amidst a fiery landscape. Oppressive heat pressed against his skin as he blinked, disoriented by his sudden shift into this nightmarish realm. He struggled to process the hellish vista unfolding before him. Jagged spires of volcanic rock jutted from a churning lake of molten lava, steam hissing, and curling as it rose in noxious plumes.

Torturous screams trailed on the wind, sending chills down Tyson's spine despite the heat. He spun in place, searching for the source of the agonized wails. His eyes settled on the only structure in sight, a towering fortress, its jagged spires piercing the sulfurous sky.

He decided to head for the shelter since he had few options to escape the hell he found himself in. Sweat poured down his face, evaporating quickly in the heat and leaving salty trails on his skin.

The massive obsidian door looked too heavy to open, making him hesitate, his hand hovering inches from the polished stone. Before he could touch it, the door swung open of its own volition. The doorway opened into a large chamber with a throne at its center. Tyson stepped inside, his footsteps echoing in the cavernous space. The door slammed shut behind him sending a resounding boom reverberating through his bones. He flinched, whirling around to face the sealed entrance.

Tyson's eyes adjusted to the dimmer light within the chamber. Flickering torches lined the walls, casting long shadows across the stone floor. He turned his attention to the throne. It was an imposing structure, carved from a single piece of jet-black stone. Intricate designs swirled across its surface, depicting scenes of torment and despair. The seat was empty, but Tyson couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

"Hello?" His voice cracked, as he called out. The word bounced off the walls and came back to him in a mocking echo. Tyson cleared his throat and tried again. "Is anyone here?"

Silence answered him. He took a tentative step forward, then another. As he drew closer to the throne, he noticed something odd about the designs carved into its surface. They seemed to move, shifting and changing as he watched.

A figure writhed in agony, its mouth open in a silent scream. Another was crushed beneath the weight of a massive boulder. Scenes of torture and punishment played out, growing more vivid and horrifying with each passing moment.

Tyson stumbled backward, his heart pounding in his chest. He tore his gaze away from the throne. Coming here was a mistake, he turned back to the door, but in its place stood a solid wall. He looked around frantically, searching for another exit. There had to be a way out of this nightmarish place. His eyes darted from wall to wall, but he found no doors, no windows, nothing but smooth obsidian surfaces broken only by the flickering torches.

A low chuckle echoed through the chamber, seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere. Tyson spun in place, trying to locate the source of the sound. "Who's there?" he called out.

"Who indeed?" The voice was deep and resonant, filled with dark amusement. It seemed to emanate from the very walls of the chamber.

Tyson swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. "I... I don't know how I got here. One moment I was..." He trailed off, realizing he couldn't remember where he had been before arriving in this hellish landscape. "I just want to go home."

The chuckle came again, louder this time. "Home? Oh, my dear boy, you are home. This is where you belong now."

"No," he said, shaking his head. "This isn't right. I don't belong here. I'm not..."

"Not what, boy? Dead? Are you so sure about that?" The voice held a hint of mockery. "Tell me, what's the last thing you remember before arriving here?"

Tyson wracked his brain, trying to recall anything before the moment he arrived. His mind was blank, devoid of memories or any sense of his past life. Panic set in as he realized he couldn't remember his last name.

"I... I can't remember," he admitted his voice barely above a whisper.

"Of course, you can't," the voice replied, almost gently. "That's how it works for new arrivals. It's the trauma of death..."

Tyson shook his head violently. "No, you're lying. This is some trick. I'm not dead, and I don't belong here! Let me out!" he screamed, his voice breaking. "Please, just let me go!"

The laughter that filled the chamber was cold and without mercy. "Oh, my dear boy," the voice said, dripping with false sympathy. "You can't leave. No one ever leaves. But don't worry, you'll get used to it. They all do, eventually."

The rhythmic click of cloven hooves echoed through the cavernous chamber, heralding the approach of a dark figure from the flickering shadows. Tyson tensed as a figure emerged into the firelight. Curved horns spiraled up from his temples, framing an angled face of chilling, inhuman beauty. His eyes glinted with ancient malice, despite the angelic perfection of his features.

He wore no armor, clad only in a cloak of living darkness that swirled about his muscular frame. As he moved, the cloak parted briefly to reveal smooth crimson skin marked with arcane symbols. An almost palpable aura of menace surrounded the Dark Lord, pressing down on Tyson's soul with crushing weight.

"Welcome to Hell, Tyson," the Devil purred, "I've been expecting you."

The Devil's lips curled into a predatory smile. "Your mortal coil has shuffled off, leaving your soul ripe for the claiming." He circled Tyson, appraising him like a prized piece of meat. "But fear not, my dear Tyson. I'm feeling... generous today."

Tyson's eyes narrowed, suspicion warring with a desperate flicker of hope. "What do you mean?"

The Devil stopped his prowling, fixing Tyson with an intense stare. "I'm offering you a chance. One chance to save your eternal soul from damnation."

"What's the catch?" Tyson asked, unable to keep the bitterness from his voice.

There was always a catch.

A low chuckle rumbled from the Devil's chest. "The catch, my dear boy, is that you must best me in a game. Defeat me, and your soul is your own. Lose, and you'll suffer for all eternity."

He knew he should be terrified, but a strange calm settled over him. What did he have to lose? He was already in Hell.

"Alright," Tyson said, squaring his shoulders. "I accept your challenge."

The Devil's eyes gleamed with approval. "Excellent. Now, what game shall we play? Chess, perhaps? A battle of wits? Or maybe you'd prefer something more... physical?"

An incredulous thought flashed through Tyson's mind. Before he could second-guess himself, he blurted out, "A full-on 'Devil Went Down to Georgia' situation? Really?"

The Devil threw back his head and laughed heartily.

"Oh, I do like you, Tyson. Your spirit is refreshing." His laughter faded, replaced by a calculating look. "But I'm afraid I've had quite enough of fiddle contests. No, I'll let you choose our battlefield. Pick your game, mortal."

Tyson's mind raced. He needed something he excelled at, something that would give him an edge over the Prince of Darkness. Then it hit him… the perfect choice.

"ForeverQuest," Tyson said, causing a spark of excitement to ignite in his chest.

The Devil's brow furrowed. "ForeverQuest? I'm not familiar with this game."

"It's an MMORPG," Tyson explained, gaining confidence. "My favorite game of all time."

The Devil considered for a moment then nodded. "Very well. If I win this game of ForeverQuest, I shall have your soul for eternity. And if you somehow manage to defeat me..." He trailed off, leaving the prize unspoken.

"Deal," Tyson said quickly before the Devil could change his mind.

The cavern melted away, giving way to a cozy office space. Two identical desktop computers sat facing each other. A window on the far wall offered a peek outside, where hellfire and brimstone painted the horizon in menacing hues. Tyson glanced around, getting his bearings. Though the office held a mundane familiarity, the fiery vistas beyond the glass served as an ominous reminder that this was still the Devil's domain.

With a shrug, Tyson chose the computer on the left side of the room. He had always favored the old gamer adage, 'When in doubt, turn left.'

The machine hummed to life. Tyson navigated to the character creation menu. His fingers hovered over the keyboard as he contemplated his options. Glancing over his shoulder, he caught sight of the Devil seated at the other computer. The Prince of Darkness had already made his selection, and Tyson wasn't surprised by what he saw on the screen.

The Devil had chosen a Drow Necromancer; a fitting choice for the Lord of Hell. Dark Elves were known for their evil nature and twisted hearts, while Necromancers focused on dark magic and raising the dead.

"Necromancer, huh?" Tyson muttered, more to himself than his infernal opponent. "Figures."

The Devil's lips curled into a smirk. "An obvious choice, perhaps."

Tyson nodded sagely, "Necromancers excel at soloing thanks to their damage-over-time spells and powerful pets. I doubt we'll find many other players in Hell's server of ForeverQuest."

Turning back to his screen, he considered his own words, it was likely that this would be a one-on-one match. He needed a class that could hold its own without support. His cursor hovered over the various class options. Warrior? Not enough versatility. Cleric? Perfect for grouping, but solo, not enough offensive capability. Rogue? Too reliant on stealth.

Then his eyes fell on the Mesmerizer class. A slow smile spread across his face as he remembered the unique playstyle it offered. Mesmerizers were below average in raw damage and defense, but they had tricks that made them surprisingly effective solo players.

"Mesmerizer it is," Tyson murmured, clicking the option, causing the class description to appear on the screen.

Masters of illusion and manipulation, Mesmerizers bend reality to their will. Create duplicates to confuse enemies, charm creatures to fight by your side, and weave spells that cloud your foes' minds and bolster yourself and your allies.

It was perfect.

The ability to create illusory duplicates would provide cover and distraction, while charm spells would allow him to turn enemies into temporary allies.

While the Devil had selected an excellent solo class, Tyson thought that was likely a coincidence. It was familiar to the ancient entity, and not necessarily a strategic choice. The Devil didn't know that in ForeverQuest, enemies typically scaled to match player strength. Success would often require assistance from teammates to overcome challenges. Necromancers had pets, making them strong. But with the Mesmerizer's ability to charm creatures and create duplicates, he'd be making a team of his own.

"Now for the race," Tyson mused, scrolling through the options. His eyes lingered on the Elf choice. While not as mechanically advantageous as some other races, something was appealing about the idea of playing a light-aligned Elf to pit against the Devil's dark one.

With his race and class chosen, Tyson customized his character's appearance. As he tweaked the final details, Tyson couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Despite the dire circumstances, with his soul hanging in the balance, diving into his favorite game was thrilling. It was familiar territory, a world he knew inside and out.

"Ready?" the Devil asked, his clawed finger hovering over his mouse.

Tyson took a deep breath and nodded. "Ready."

They clicked simultaneously, and the world around them seemed to shimmer and blur. The office faded away, replaced by a swirling vortex of color and light. Tyson felt a tugging sensation as if his essence was being pulled into the game.

When the dizzying sensation subsided, Tyson stood in a bustling medieval city. The cobblestone streets were alive with activity. NPCs hawked wares and quest givers called out for attention.

Eastport.

He recognized it immediately as the starting city for many new characters. The sun shone brightly overhead, glinting off the armor of guards patrolling the streets. In the distance, he could see the harbor that gave the city its name, ships bobbing gently in the crystal-clear water.

Tyson looked down at himself, marveling at the detail of his avatar. His elven form was clad in simple leather armor, dyed a deep forest green. A slender wand hung at his hip, thrumming with latent magical energy. He flexed his fingers, feeling the familiar tingle of mana coursing through his virtual body. A quick check of his abilities confirmed he had access to the basic Mesmerizer spells.

A simple charm, a minor illusion, and a weak mind-clouding attack.

"Not much to work with," Tyson muttered, "but it's a start."

He scanned the area, searching for any sign of the Devil's Drow Necromancer. The crowded streets of Eastport revealed no trace of his infernal opponent. Tyson frowned, realizing that they must have spawned in different starting areas.

A notification popped up in his field of vision.

Welcome to ForeverQuest! Speak with Sergeant Slatestone to begin your adventure.

Tyson's lips quirked into a small smile. He knew this quest. It was the starter quest in the noob zone. The scenario was so familiar, but this wasn't a normal playthrough. The Devil was somewhere out there racing to outpace Tyson and claim his soul. There was no time to waste.

With a determined set to his jaw, Tyson strode towards the guard barracks where Sergeant Thorpe waited.

As soon as the quest registered in his log, Tyson was off, racing to complete it. The first task was simple; cull the population of wolves that had been harassing travelers on the road. It was a classic starter quest, designed to familiarize new players with the game's combat system.

As he progressed through the quest, Tyson couldn't help but wonder how the Devil was faring. The Necromancer class was notoriously powerful in the early game. The thought spurred him on. He pushed himself harder, barely pausing between encounters. By the time he returned to Sergeant Slatestone to complete the quest, he had far exceeded the needed number of wolf kills.

"Well done, adventurer!" Slatestone exclaimed, handing over the quest rewards. "Your bravery has not gone unnoticed. The road is safe once more, thanks to your efforts."

Tyson accepted the reward, a modest sum of copper coins and a slight upgrade to his starting gear. More importantly, the quest had granted him enough experience to reach level two. He quickly allocated his new skill points, unlocking a more powerful charm spell and an illusion that could create a duplicate of himself. A system message flashed across his vision as he prepared for his next quest.

The Necromancer "LordOfDarkness" has reached level 5!

The Devil was progressing faster than he had anticipated. The Necromancer's early game advantage was proving to be significant. Gritting his teeth, Tyson redoubled his efforts. He threw himself into quest after quest, barely pausing to catch his breath between tasks. He charmed wild animals to fight alongside him, created illusory duplicates to distract enemies, and wove spells that confused and disoriented his foes. The days blurred together as Tyson progressed through the game's zones. From the tranquil starting area, he ventured into plains and farmlands battling orcs and skeletal undead. He scaled treacherous mountain passes, battling fierce gnolls that sought to knock him from narrow ledges.

All the while, system messages kept him updated on the Devil's progress.

LordOfDarkness has completed the dungeon "Crypts of the Befallen Knight"!

LordOfDarkness has reached level 10!

Each notification reminded him of what was at stake. Tyson pushed himself harder, taking risks that in a normal game, he would have avoided. He threw himself into combat, relying on his growing mastery of illusions and charms to see him through.

Slowly but surely, Tyson began to close the gap. His intimate knowledge of ForeverQuest's quests and zones allowed him to progress efficiently. Where the Devil might waste time exploring or reading quest text, Tyson knew exactly where to go and what to do.

Another system message appeared as the last goblin fell within the latest dungeon he cleared,

You have completed the dungeon "Citadel of the Runnynose"!

You have reached level 20!

A fierce grin spread across Tyson's face. He had done it. Despite the Devil's early lead, Tyson had managed to catch up. The playing field was level once more.

But Tyson knew he couldn't afford to rest. He pressed on, delving deeper into ForeverQuest's vast world. He tackled increasingly difficult quests, each pushing his skills to the limit. With every successful quest and level gained, Tyson felt his confidence growing. He was in his element, navigating the familiar world of ForeverQuest with the ease of a seasoned veteran. The Devil, for all his infernal power, was playing catch-up in a game he had never experienced before.

You have reached level 25!

Allowing himself a moment of hope, Tyson reveled in the feeling of success. For the first time since this challenge began, he was winning. He had reached level 25 first. But the game was far from over, and Tyson knew better than to underestimate the Devil.

Days blurred into weeks, then months. They traversed burning deserts and frozen tundras, scaled towering mountains, and plumbed the depths of the world. Their levels climbed higher and higher, unlocking new abilities and facing ever more dangerous foes.

The Devil threw himself into the game with demonic intensity, his competitive nature driving him to excel. But as time passed, their paths aligned, and they found themselves competing through the same dungeons. The Demon Lord and Tyson interacted far more frequently as the number of zones for their level ranges decreased.

Tyson noticed signs of frustration creeping into his infernal competition's demeanor.

"Another fetch quest?" the Devil snarled. "How many creatures must we slay? How many packages must we deliver? When does it end?"

Tyson shrugged, careful to keep his expression neutral. "That's just part of the game. There's always another quest, always another level to gain."

The Devil's eyes narrowed. "You seem unusually calm about this endless grind, Tyson. I'm beginning to suspect there's more to your choice of game than mere familiarity."

"I don't know what you mean," Tyson said innocently. "I'm just enjoying playing my favorite game. Look, a new expansion just dropped. Want to check it out?"

The Devil grumbled but agreed, and they explored the new content. But with each day, each new quest and dungeon, the Prince of Lies grew more agitated.

Finally, after an eternity of gameplay, the Devil's patience snapped. They stood atop a mountain peak, surveying a vast new zone filled with quests and monsters to conquer.

"Enough!" the Devil roared. "I tire of this endless cycle. When does it conclude? How do we determine a victor?"

Tyson turned to face him with a wide smile. "That's the thing about ForeverQuest. It never really ends. There's always new content, and always more to do. That's why it's my favorite game… because it goes on forever."

The Devil's eyes widened as understanding dawned. "You... you trapped me," he hissed. "Clever mortal. You chose a game without end, ensuring I could never claim victory."

Tyson nodded, dropping all pretense. "If I have to spend eternity here with you, at least it's with this game. I figured an eternity of ForeverQuest was better than an eternity of torture."

A howl of frustration echoed across the virtual landscape as the Devil realized the full extent of Tyson's ploy. The avatar shimmered and warped, revealing glimpses of the Devil's true form beneath.

"You think you've won?" the Devil snarled, looming over Tyson. "I could destroy you with a thought, trap your soul in the deepest pit of Hell for this insolence!"

Tyson stood his ground, meeting the Devil's gaze. "You could," he agreed. "But we made a deal. You let me choose the game. So unless you're willing to admit that you've lost..."

The Devil's face contorted with rage, then settled into a grudging smirk. "Well played, Tyson. Well played indeed."

Relief washed over him, "So... what happens now?"

The devil waved his hand, and Tyson found himself back in the office. The oppressive heat of Hell faded away, replaced by the cool, crisp air of a well-maintained corporate space. The devil was no longer in his massive demon form. Instead, he sat across from Tyson at a desk, looking every inch the suave businessman.

Tyson blinked, disoriented by the sudden change. He glanced down at himself, surprised to find he was now wearing a black suit; a far cry from the simple clothes he'd worn when he first arrived in Hell.

The scene reminded him very much of a job interview.

The devil leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with amusement and respect. "Congratulations on your victory," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "You were quite clever in how you managed to outmaneuver me." Tyson allowed himself a small smile, pride swelling in his chest. He'd done it. He'd beaten the devil at his own game. But the devil wasn't finished. "But you failed in one key aspect," he continued, his tone shifting to gentle admonishment. "You were so quick to accept my deal, thinking you had a way to victory… which you did."

"But you failed to negotiate the terms of your victory."

Tyson's smile faltered. A cold knot of dread formed in the pit of his stomach. "What do you mean?"

Lucifer didn't answer immediately. Instead, he slid a surprisingly modern-looking tablet across the desk. "Take a look," he said, gesturing to the device.

Tyson picked up the tablet. It displayed a dense contract. He began to read, his frown deepening with each passing paragraph. The document was extensive. When he finally finished, Tyson put the tablet on the desk between them.

"You want to send me to another world to be your champion?" he asked, his voice a mixture of confusion and disbelief. "I don't get it. Why?"

The Devil leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Belief," he answered.

Tyson squinted, his brow furrowing. "Isn't that more God's problem than yours?"

Lucifer chuckled. "You cannot have one without the other," he explained. "This world in particular has been difficult for me to infiltrate. Why believe in God and the Devil when figures of myth walk among the populace?"

Tyson considered this for a moment. "Shouldn't that make you more believable?" he pointed out. "If people can see and interact with mythical beings, wouldn't they be more open to the idea of your existence?"

The Devil shook his head, a hint of frustration creeping into his expression. "Understanding and faith are different," he said. "Why have faith in a God you cannot see, when Zeus descends from his mountaintop retreat or men can create a serum that gives them the strength of a demigod?"

Tyson nodded slowly, beginning to grasp the problem. "So you want me to what? To start a cult?"

The Devil laughed, its rich sound filled the office. "Nothing so on the nose," he said, dismissively waving his hand. "I will empower you, and through your actions, I will gain influence. Your achievements will be tied to me."

"Okay," Tyson said, still trying to wrap his head around the concept. "So go be the hero and you gain influence. I guess that makes sense."

The Devil interrupted, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Not the hero... the villain."

Tyson hung his head, a groan escaping his lips. "Really?" he asked, looking up at the Devil with exasperation and resignation.

"Indeed," Lucifer confirmed. "Think about it, Tyson. In a world of heroes, what better way to make people question their faith than to introduce a formidable villain?"

"What exactly would I have to do?" he asked curiously.

Lucifer leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "You'll be my agent of chaos, Tyson. Your actions will make people question their beliefs, the truths of gods and heroes, and ultimately their faith. You'll have powers beyond your wildest dreams, abilities that will make even the mightiest heroes tremble."

Tyson swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. "And what happens if I refuse?"

The Devil's smile never faltered, but a dangerous edge crept into his voice. "As I was bound to the terms of our contract, so are you. If you refuse you would be found in breach. Need I remind you of the alternative? An eternity in Hell is still on the table, my friend. This contract is your way out, your chance at a new life. Albeit, a life as a supervillain, but a life nonetheless."

Tyson glanced down at the contract on the tablet, then back up at the Devil. He felt trapped, cornered by his cleverness in escaping his initial fate. The irony wasn't lost on him.

Tyson leaned back in his chair. "But why me?" he asked. "Surely there are people more suited to being a supervillain."

The Devil's eyes gleamed with amusement. "You beat me and gave me an idea," he explained, his voice smooth as silk. "Since you're so fond of gaming, I'll empower you using a system that should feel quite familiar. One similar to the game you chose."

Tyson perked up at that. "You're going to give me a Gamer System and set me loose on the world as a supervillain?" he asked, a mix of disbelief and excitement in his voice.

Lucifer nodded, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Indeed. Think of it as a... continuation of our game, if you will. With the playing field being an entirely different world."

Tyson laughed, and the sound surprised him. It was rich, deep, and tinged with a darkness he'd never heard in his voice before. It sounded almost... evil. The realization should have disturbed him, but instead, he felt a thrill of excitement course through his veins.

He settled down and said, "Fuck it. I'll take it over the pit."

The Devil's grin widened, revealing teeth that seemed just a bit too sharp to be human. "Excellent choice, my friend. I think you'll find this new game quite... entertaining."

Tyson scrolled to the end of the contract on the tablet, his finger hovering over the signature line. He hesitated, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. But then he remembered the alternative. An eternity of torment in Hell. Compared to that, being a supervillain with game-like powers didn't seem so bad.

With a deep breath, Tyson signed his name. The moment his finger left the screen, he felt a shift in the air, as if reality acknowledged the pact he'd just made.

The Devil held out his arm, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. "Shall we seal the deal, then?"

Tyson reached out and shook Lucifer's hand.

The moment they touched, he felt energy streaming through the contact. It was like nothing he'd ever experienced before. A rush of power made his nerves sing and his blood felt like liquid fire in his veins. Dark wisps trailed from the sleeves of the Devil's suit, infusing Tyson with their eldritch energy. Tendrils of darkness seeped into his skin, leaving no visible trace but filling him with a sense of potential, of untapped power waiting to be unleashed.

As Lucifer retracted his hand, an interface box appeared in Tyson's field of vision. The sight of it was familiar, reminiscent of the game interfaces he was used to, yet undeniably real in a way that sent a shiver down his spine.

System Initiated... Choose your origin.

Tyson blinked, trying to process what he was seeing. It was one thing to agree to this deal in theory, but seeing the game-like interface overlaid on reality drove home the enormity of what he'd agree.

"Origin?" Tyson asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The Devil leaned back in his chair, looking every inch the satisfied businessman who'd just closed a major deal. "Your backstory, my dear Tyson. Every great villain needs an origin story. Will you be a magic wielder, corrupted by power? A brilliant scientist driven to push the boundaries of what's possible through illegal experiments? Or perhaps an alien from another world, sent to conquer or destroy?"

Tyson's mind raced with possibilities. He'd played countless games and created numerous characters, but this was different. This wasn't just a game character; this was who he would be in this new world.

The Devil waved his hand, and the interface expanded, revealing a character sheet.

"Take your time," Lucifer said, his voice dripping with amusement. "This choice will shape your entire journey. Choose wisely."

Tyson

Origins: (none)

Character Points: 2000

Drawbacks:

Iron Age Morality

Non-Stop Action

Origin Story

Running The Devil's Gauntlet

Perks:

Most Common Superpower

Secondary Superpowers

Items: (none)

Companions: (none)

Tyson analyzed his drawbacks first, he needed to see what he was working with.

[+500 CP] Iron Age Morality (Drawback) 

This world is violent and gritty. People on all sides are quite likely to use deadly force, even for minor reasons. Several gangs are actively vying for control of any city you find yourself in. They might try to recruit you, but more likely, will consider you a problem for their plans and target you. These gangs will always have members with superpowers.

[+350 CP] Non-Stop Action (Drawback)

Crime, supervillain attacks, invading armies, berserker gods, possessed superheroes, etc. Expect action to happen constantly, rarely giving you a day or two of rest before something new crops up. And no hiding from incoming threats. That's no fun.

[+484 CP] Origin Story (Drawback)

Everyone has to start somewhere. Normally you'd get whatever powers and items you purchase with your CP at the start of the jump, but that's not the case anymore. Instead, you need to earn your purchases and grow into your role as a villain, picking up your powers, perks, and items, and meeting your companions as things progress.

[+666 CP] Running The Devil's Gauntlet (Drawback) 

As an emissary of the devil, the world will treat you differently. Your enemies will not willfully kill you. Oh no... they will want you to suffer. Some will torture you, others subject you to humiliation and or degradation... Only once they've drained everything from your existence, leaving you as a shell of your former self, will they grant you the mercy of death. Any relationship involving you is filled with drama. At moments it may seem like relationship drama is more important than stuff involving supervillains, heroes, and invading aliens and demons. Additionally, you can not remember events or any experiences you had before this one.

Tyson leaned back in his chair, his mind reeling as he processed the information. The Drawbacks painted a vivid picture of the world he was about to enter, and it was far from the sanitized, black-and-white morality of classic superhero comics. This was a world of grit, violence, and constant action.

He started with Iron Age Morality. The term brought to mind the darker, grittier comic book stories. A world where heroes and villains alike were more prone to using lethal force, where the line between good and evil blurred. Tyson could almost see the rain-slicked streets of a crime-ridden city, gangs with superpowers vying for control.

"So, I'll be walking into a powder keg," Tyson mused aloud. "Every city a battleground, and everyone's packing heat... or laser vision."

The Devil nodded with a pleased smile. "Indeed. It's a world where even the heroes might not hesitate to end a threat permanently."

Tyson's eyes moved to the next Drawback. Non-Stop Action. He let out a low whistle. "No rest for the wicked, huh?" he said.

"Boredom won't be an issue," Lucifer replied, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You wanted a game that never ends, remember? Well, now you have a world where the action never stops."

It would be challenging, but part of him was thrilled at the idea of constant adventure and danger. His gaze shifted to Origin Story, and he frowned slightly. "So I don't get my powers right away?" he asked, looking up at the Devil.

Lucifer spread his hands. "My power is limited in this world. I can manipulate events subtly to align your choices with their reality, but it won't be instantaneous. You'll grow into your role, Tyson. Think of it as... leveling up in real life."

Tyson couldn't help but grin at that. It was like starting a new game character from scratch, building them up over time. He'd done it countless times in games. Now he'd do it for real.

Finally, his eyes landed on Running The Devil's Gauntlet, and his grin faded. This Drawback painted a darker picture than the others. Torture, humiliation, drama...

The Devil leaned forward, his eyes boring into Tyson's. "Did you think being my champion would be easy? This is the price of power, Tyson. You'll face trials that will push you to your limits and beyond. But remember, what doesn't kill you...

"Makes me stronger?" Tyson finished.

Lucifer's grin widened. "Oh no, my dear boy. Perks make you stronger. The only way to earn more Character Points to purchase those Perks is to take Drawbacks, stacking the odds against you. It's like raising the difficulty to get better loot."

Tyson couldn't help but laugh at that, despite the gravity of the situation. He took a deep breath, trying to piece together the world these Drawbacks were creating.

"Alright," Tyson said, sitting up straighter in his chair. "I think I'm starting to get the picture."

[Free] Most Common Superpower (Perk)

It's a rare superbeing who doesn't look like they stepped straight out of a magazine centerfold. You have a figure that almost anyone would take a keen interest in. Maintaining this shape takes no effort regardless of your lifestyle.

[Free] Secondary Superpowers (Perk)

Superpowers often come with minor, secondary unstated superpowers to have them function properly. All your powers and perks now have this effect, keeping them from adversely affecting or hurting you.

Tyson mumbled, "Well at least that's something."

The Devil's grin widened, and with a wave of his hand, the interface before Tyson changed. "Now, my dear Tyson, you decide who you want to be in this brave new world. Will you be a sorcerer corrupted by dark magics? Or a mad scientist pushing the boundaries of ethics and sanity? Or perhaps something... altogether different?"

Tyson leaned forward, his eyes scanning the new options before him. One thing became immediately clear. Each Origin came with Perks and Items and granted discounts to others associated with them.

As he read through the options, he knew this choice would shape his entire journey in this new world.

Tyson couldn't help wondering, who he would become.

— The Devil's Villain In A Lewd Superhero World —

Author's Note

This story is a Choose Your Own Adventure story, where Patrons get to pick the outcome. Polls will be added to the Patreon to vote on Tyson's choices. Stories like this will take longer to write than my other stories because I cannot write ahead and must wait for votes to determine the story's path.

The choices in the first chapter are important. Not only do they determine Tyson's starting power and his first love interest, I'll implement the choices into his starting conditions in the world. 

So if you care, make sure you vote!

Support Plug

For those of you interested in supporting my writing or voting for the choices in this story.

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— The Devil's Villain In A Lewd Superhero World —

Choices

Choose 1 Origin:

Rising Star

Powerhouse

Mastermind

Choose 1 Superpower:

Elemental

Magic

Parasite

Technology

Choose 1 Companion:

Fire from the Stars

Nevermore

Golly Gee!

Origins

Rising Star (Origin)

All villains start their careers somewhere, whether as another villain's sidekick or a C-list villain running a crime spree out of his garage. You may lack the power and experience other superbeings enjoy but being farther down the food chain has benefits too.

[Free] Living the Dream (Perk)

Life as a cape isn't always everything it's cracked up to be. But you live an abnormally charmed life, never suffering from minor inconveniences that ought to follow a person living the super lifestyle. You're always well-rested in the morning even after you've been out working on your mad science project until 3 AM, your costume never chafes or smells no matter how long you spend in it, your cape never gets snagged on obstacles while you're flying around, and so on. Even without a healing factor, you shrug off minor injuries almost overnight, and if you live a double life your civilian and professional lives will clash far less frequently than they should.

[Free] Beginner's Luck (Perk)

What you may lack in raw skill you make up with a blessing of good luck which helps land you in sexy situations, almost as if the hand of some pervert artist were drawing you into them. Your attacks might blast the clothes off of a sexy hero as you defeat her, or the damsel you abducted might coincidentally turn out to have a fetish for being tied up by handsome villains like yourself. Good luck doesn't just happen to you, it supplements your efforts as a super, turning your successes into lewd successes, and the more time you spend on acting like a villain the more of that good luck you'll receive for your efforts.

[Free] Cozy Apartment (Items)

It may not be a secret bat cave or a fortress of solitude but it's better than living in your mom's basement. This comfy bachelor pad is the perfect lair for a beginner hero or villain, equivalent to a very roomy apartment with extra room for guests and a lab or training room for your super needs. It's been furnished and designed with you and your powers in mind so you needn't worry about accidentally wrecking things with your powers or science experiments. This unassuming home is difficult to find without your assistance. While you can bring friends and family over whenever you like, any nosy reporters, persistent cops, or other unwanted pests who try to follow you home will lose your trail and fail to find you again as soon as you make it inside.

[Free] SUPR (Items)

If there's one place where young capes are more gifted than older veterans it's in the social media scene and the internet in general. SUPR is the bastard offspring of a dating platform and most social media sites you might care to name, designed primarily for supers and their loyal followers and guaranteed 100% free of all information harvesting. Whether you're looking to team up with other capes, hook up with an adoring fangirl or three, or show off your goods or the bank robbery you just stopped, this platform is the perfect place. What's more, the more active you are in the social media scene the more quickly you'll accrue fame and recognition in the real world, letting you spread your exploits and reputation across the interwebs.

Powerhouse (Origin)

Powerhouses are what most people think of first when superpowers come to mind. Equal parts villain and sex icon, you win people over with raw presence, forming teams and occasionally even seducing heroes to your side.

[Free] Rescue Romance (Perk)

Villains are larger-than-life figures who inspire fear and trepidation. They can also raise other feelings, ones best demonstrated behind closed doors. You're about as charismatic as villains get, with a winning smile and a natural charm perfect for flirting with love interests or bantering with enemies, and those charms are most effective when performing villainous deeds. Help someone out and you'll take a big step to winning their heart and maybe even convincing them to turn to your side.

[Free] World of Cardboard (Perk)

Many villains prefer to take heroes down non-lethally, and some will even refuse to kill. This is easier said than done, but you've trained extensively to bring your enemies down without killing them and have mastered an arsenal of techniques to secure defeated foes. Even if you're going all-out you can easily pull your punches just enough to avoid killing opponents and limit collateral damage without impairing your performance. Once your foes are beaten you can be sure they'll stay beaten instead of getting a second wind or escaping to cause more trouble simply by tying them up. Whether you slap on a pair of handcuffs or lock them down with your superpowers, your bonds are impossible for defeated foes to break or escape without help.

[Free] Symbol of Anarchy (Items)

Whether emblazoned on his costume or beamed into the night sky, a villain's emblem is a symbol to strike fear into the hearts of do-gooders or inspire hope in those aligned with you. This symbol is an image of your creation which does all that and more when embellished on your belongings because it magnifies your presence and charisma. When worn on a costume it makes you instantly identifiable to anyone who's so much as heard of you, making imposters trivially easy to spot by their lack of presence. It echoes your charisma in your absence and can broadcast it far and wide. Of course, those who've felt your presence more intimately might also feel more amorously inspired by such a symbol…

[Free] Artifact of Power (Items)

Capes rarely rely on powers alone. Like heroes and villains of ancient myth, they often possess unique or magical items with special powers, such as an invincible shield or a unique helmet that blocks psychic powers. You've acquired one of these magical or technological devices. It possesses a special quality such as indestructibility or magically enchanted and secondary use of a more perverse nature. For instance, you might have an invincible shield that resonates with enemy attacks and vibrates strongly enough to stun your attacker with a burst of pleasure, or you might have a magical whip that suppresses the powers of those wrapped by it.

Mastermind (Origin)

In the chaos of the criminal underworld, the mastermind is an oasis of order and control. Always the leader of a gang, villain team, or even the CEO of a corrupt corporation, masterminds dominate everyone around them and bend the world to their will, turning common crooks into elite enforcers and even brainwashing heroes into serving them as their minions.

[Free] All Part of the Plan (Perk)

Whether you're robbing banks or stealing hearts you should always have a plan before making your move if you want to succeed at anything as a supervillain. You're a master of concocting evil schemes and leading or manipulating people into following them, moving your minions around like mindless pawns on a chessboard, and leading your enemies into diabolical traps. The more information you have while planning out a scheme the more skilled and effective you and your goons become while following it, whether you're kidnapping a hero's love interest right out from under his nose or putting the moves on her once you have her back at your lair. While you'll lose this skill bonus effect as soon as you deviate from the plan, you are capable of improvising on the fly to keep things on course.

[Free] Captive Audience (Perk)

Villains seem to love to hear themselves talk. Unfortunately for heroes, they're often really good at it, whether they're giving dramatic speeches, monologuing about their evil schemes, or seducing impressionable young heroines to the side of evil. You have a magnetic charm that borders on hypnosis, making you dangerously seductive and charismatic. Once you start speaking, people feel compelled to listen until you're done, allowing you to chew the scenery with impunity or seduce a damsel right out of her panties without risk of being interrupted or attacked mid-sentence. While you'll still need compelling arguments to seduce a heroine or win over an audience, your skills at doing so are second to none, and should you ever decide to get out of the supervillain business you could have a bright future as a politician.

[Free] Voice of Command (Items)

Masterminds are not reliant on their minions but it's an annoying inconvenience to be cut off from them in the middle of a scheme. However, using civilian cellphones or other unencrypted communications is the same as begging the authorities to trace your calls or eavesdrop on your plans. This device, similar to a cellphone or wireless earpiece, allows encrypted communications anywhere in the world, piggybacking off existing systems in ways that can't be detected, jammed, or tracked by any means. Neither your minions nor your rivals are ever beyond the reach of your voice.

[Free] Turncoat Wardrobe (Items)

A mastermind needs an army and an army needs uniforms, so why not outfit your minions with something pleasing to look at? This wardrobe of erotic outfits is an insidious tool of any supervillain fond of enslaving his enemies or recruiting vast armies of servants. Whether you prefer tight-fitting military uniforms, skimpy maid outfits, or a humiliating parody of a captured heroine's costume, these finely crafted outfits offer just as much protection as top-quality military body armor or a very well-made superhero costume, regardless of how little skin cover they provide. However, the real benefit of these outfits is that they make it easier to control your minions. Each uniform contains hidden mind control devices that use subliminal messaging to condition the wearers for submission and obedience, slowly transforming them into the perfect servants for your nefarious schemes. Supers are more resistant to this effect than normal humans, but even the most willful heroine can be brought to heel simply by being dressed in your colors for long enough.

Superpowers

Superpower: Elemental (Perk)

The world contains many elemental forces, from fire, water, wind, and earth to gravity and magnetism, and many supers have learned to bend those forces to their will. Your power gives you control over one such element and allows you to command it, even in ways that seem unnatural or physics-defying. A master of fire might conjure up flames hot enough to melt steel or turn his body into plasma and soar through the sky on a jet of flame, while a master of electricity might levitate metal objects with magnetism and hurl lightning bolts like javelins. Such power isn't free, however. Just like a muscle you can strain yourself or run out of energy if you overuse your abilities. Your powers also grow much stronger if it has more energy to draw on, so being turned on can multiply your power several times. Broader elements are also much harder to master; for example, a user of magnetism might need an entire lifetime to gain complete control over their power.

Superpower: Magic (Perk)

A master of the mystic arts holds the power of the cosmos in his hand. You'll find that magic is one of the most flexible of all possible superpowers. Magic is extremely versatile and capable of many things other powersets do, from elemental manipulation to mind control to teleportation and so on, as well as more esoteric uses such as summoning demons and binding them to your will or projecting your soul out of your body to walk the world as a ghost. Despite this versatility however magic also has its drawbacks. Most powerful spells require lengthy rituals which make them impractical to use without preparation, and while a skilled mage can circumvent this limitation, doing so runs the risk of a spell failing, usually with consequences for the caster.

Superpower: Parasite (Perk)

Initially, it looked like a puddle of slime when first encountered, but you quickly discovered it was a shapeshifting alien parasite when she made you her newest host. A friendly slime girl parasite now lives inside your body and lends you help whenever needed. In battle she'll protect you like a sturdy suit of liquid metal armor, greatly enhancing your body's strength, reflexes, and durability, and her shapeshifting powers allow you to shape her biomass into weapons, tools, tentacles, sex toys, and nearly anything else if you can envision. However, the symbiotic relationship manifests an insatiable hunger or need to consume. Your friend needs you to drink up mental and emotional energies. Failing to keep her sufficiently fed might lead to her powers failing when you need them as her energy runs dry. Failing that, she can always eat your enemies. Strangely, she gets oddly jealous of other clothing you wear, so don't expect to have any wardrobe.

Superpower: Technology (Perk)

You're a genius, a master of at least one field such as chemistry, biology, or robotics, and you can easily master more in a few short days of study. Your intelligence and creativity are world-class. When you put your mind to it you can do things others consider impossible, from building powerful weapons to dissecting alien technology and reverse-engineering it into your creations. However, you have one weakness. You're limited by what resources are available. You might be able to improvise impressive creations on a budget but you won't be building giant robots or doomsday devices in a cave with a box of scraps.

Companions

Fire from the Stars (Companion)

When war came to their homeworld these two alien princesses fled and came to Earth in search of refuge from their enemies. Luckily, they found you shortly after landing and latched on to you to be their guide on this strange new world. Though twins, their personalities are opposites. The younger is sunny and optimistic, perhaps even naive, while the elder has a more cynical and ruthless disposition and could easily be lured into villainy. Despite their differences, they're as close as sisters can be, maybe even as close as lovers, though I'll let you discover that for yourself. Both girls possess the Alien powerset and their powers recharge from both sexual activity and ultraviolet light, so they're quite fond of skimpy outfits and naked sunbathing between battles. They're also highly empathic and responsive to emotions, yours especially thanks to the close bond they've formed with you. Both girls occupy a single companion slot.

Golly Gee! (Companion)

Your faithful sidekick and YOUNG WARD, this beautiful young woman utterly idolizes you. With an appearance and attitude straight out of the late gold or early silver age of comic books, your plucky assistant may not be a 'Badass' quite yet, but she's well on her way, and still more than enough to take on entire groups of regular mooks. She's a real charmer as well, petite and girlish, with pouty lips, pale skin dotted with adorable freckles, long reddish brown hair done up in a sporty ponytail, and dewy dark doe eyes with long eyelashes. Puberty must've hit this young lady like a ton of bricks because she has ridiculous, absurdly large tits. It's been a big adjustment for her, with emphasis on 'big', and she's torn between being adorably shy about all the attention it gets her, and being deeply happy about all of the additional attention she gets from you. That she has a positively enormous crush on you is blindingly obvious, and she'd do just about anything for your approval...

Nevermore (Companion)

Magical powers can come from many places but being part-demon is one of the more common sources given the proliferation of succubi and incubi in the mortal realm. This dark heroine gained her phenomenal magical powers by being the daughter of a powerful demon lord, and to say she has serious daddy issues is an understatement. Despite being half-succubus she's obsessed with self-control and has become highly repressed by trying to reject her demonic heritage, but this is far easier said than done and her spells occasionally backfire on her in lewd ways, like tying herself up in heavy bondage. However with the right mentor to help her get over her hangups she could become a powerful force for good (or evil).