The sun had barely risen, casting long shadows over the familiar village that Zenith once called home. The air was crisp, cool against his skin as he stood at the edge of the dense forest, his thoughts consumed by his newfound purpose. The Villain System pulsed softly in his mind, its presence a constant reminder of his rebirth and the power at his fingertips.
For the first time in years, Zenith didn't feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. He wasn't a hero bound by the chains of righteousness. He wasn't fighting for the greater good. He wasn't saving anyone. No, he was going to burn everything to the ground and rebuild it as his kingdom.
And he would start small insidiously, slowly, until no one could stop him.
His first task was simple: gather strength. Power. Resources. Favors. People.
"Zenith…" a voice called from behind him.
Zenith turned, his cold expression softening slightly as he saw the figure standing in the distance a tall, lean woman with raven-black hair. She was dressed in a simple cloak, her face partially obscured, but he knew who she was.
It was Elira, a former childhood friend who had once joined him in the fight against the Demon King. She had been one of the few who had always supported him. But now... now she was nothing more than a tool.
She approached cautiously, her eyes scanning him with concern. "You're alive. I thought you died in the battle. We... we couldn't find your body."
Zenith's lips curled into a faint smile, but it was devoid of warmth.
"I'm not dead, Elira," he replied, his voice flat. "But I might as well have been. You all thought I was gone. That I was nothing. You're all the same."
Elira recoiled, a flicker of confusion and hurt crossing her features. "What are you talking about? You're the hero of the realm. You saved us all"
"Saved?" Zenith interrupted, his voice sharp as a blade. "Is that what you call it? You all used me. I fought and bled for you, for this world. And you betrayed me. Every last one of you."
Elira's face went pale as the weight of his words sank in. "Zenith, I -I don't know what you mean. I wasn't a part of whatever happened to you. I'm here because I-"
"Because you think you can fix it. That you can still redeem me," Zenith said bitterly. "Don't bother. You're just as much a part of the system as they are. Your loyalty means nothing. You're nothing but a puppet with strings that I can easily cut."
The words hit Elira like a slap, but she didn't back down. Instead, she took a cautious step forward. "I can't believe that. We were comrades. Friends. You can't throw that all away, Zenith."
Zenith's eyes darkened as the Villain System flashed briefly in his mind. His first real test was here. He could either manipulate Elira, use her to further his goals, or cut her loose and move on. The system's interface blinked with an offer.
---
[Villain System: First Objective Complete]
Option 1: Manipulate Elira's loyalty to serve you. Reward: +5 Loyalty, +10 Reputation.
Option 2: Destroy Elira's hopes and break her spirit. Reward: +10 Chaos, +20 Reputation.
Option 3: Kill her to remove a potential threat. Reward: +50 Chaos, +100 Reputation.
---
Zenith hesitated for a moment. She's just a pawn... but perhaps she can be useful.
He let out a small, mocking laugh, watching as her confusion turned to desperation.
"Maybe you're right," he said, his voice softening, though his eyes remained cold. "Maybe I was wrong to think you would understand. But you know what? You can help me. You still owe me everything. So, join me. Help me rebuild the world."
Elira blinked, her eyes wide with surprise. "Rebuild... the world?"
Zenith nodded slowly, a dark glimmer in his eyes. "You'll help me, and together, we'll destroy the old order. The heroes, the kingdoms, the lies they all burn, Elira. You'll be by my side. But make no mistake, if you cross me... you'll be the first to fall."
Elira didn't answer immediately. Her silence hung between them like a palpable force, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Zenith's gaze never wavered, his stance firm, daring her to oppose him.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she spoke, her voice low but unwavering.
"Fine. I'll help you," she said, her expression hardening as if she had steeled herself for the path she would walk. "But don't think you can control me, Zenith. I'll help you because I still believe there's good in you. Even if you can't see it."
Zenith's lips twisted into a smirk. She's still clinging to those old ideals. But that didn't matter. If she thought she could still save him, all the better. He would use her idealism, her loyalty, to strengthen his own plans.
"Good," he said. "I'm glad we're on the same page."
The Villain System responded with another prompt, the words glowing faintly in his mind.
---
[New Objective Added]
Assist Elira in completing a task that will increase her loyalty and usefulness. Failure will result in a penalty.
---
Zenith knew this would be the first of many tests. The system was designed to keep him on a path of villainy, but it also required him to build connections. For now, Elira would serve as a means to an end. He would mold her to his will, but he wouldn't hesitate to dispose of her when she no longer served a purpose.
"Let's move," Zenith commanded, his tone cold. "We have work to do."
Elira followed, still unsure whether this was the Zenith she had once known or something far darker. But for now, she had no choice but to follow him.
As they traveled through the familiar woods toward the nearby town, Zenith couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. His journey was only beginning, and with each step, the world around him would grow more malleable. The Villain System was his guide, his tool, and he would use it to carve a path to power.
The system would reward betrayal, manipulation, and chaos and Zenith would give it all, and more. The world had turned its back on him, and now it would pay the price.