---
Ash had come to understand a bitter truth—no matter what he did, no matter how noble his actions, the protagonist group would never see him as anything but a villain. Even if he became a saint, they would still spit the word "villain" like venom.
That realization burned through him like acid.
So he made a decision.
If the world insisted on casting him as the villain, then he would become one—truly, unapologetically. No more restraint. No more pretending.
Ash raised his pistol. His hand didn't tremble. His eyes didn't blink.
Alia stood across from him, unaware of the storm brewing in his soul.
He pulled the trigger.
The shot rang out, sharp and final. Alia collapsed instantly, her lifeless body crumpling to the ground. She hadn't even had time to scream.
That single act would ignite one of the bloodiest wars the human continent had ever seen.
---
Atlas Imperial Court
Far away in the gilded halls of the Atlas Imperial Court, a sudden silence fell.
Alia's spirit lamp shattered—its glow extinguished in a burst of ethereal smoke. Everyone in the courtroom froze. The implications were clear: Alia was dead.
Count Lawrence, a venerable noble in the twilight of his years, stepped forward. His voice was gravelly but resolute.
"Your Majesty," he said to the Emperor, "there is no turning back. We must make an example of this villain. Wipe him from the map."
Murmurs rippled through the chamber. Some nobles nodded in agreement, while others exchanged furtive glances. A few, loyal to Ash's faction—the so-called "villain team" of the novel—remained silent, their allegiance hidden beneath layers of diplomacy.
The Emperor stood, his expression unreadable. After a moment's deliberation, he gave his decree.
"Count Lawrence will lead the imperial army against Ravenfield. I will personally handle the Jin family."
And so, the war began.
---
The Cave Beneath the Forest (Leon's POV)
In a shadowed cave deep beneath the forest canopy, a young man sat cross-legged in lotus position. His long blonde hair shimmered faintly in the dim light, and a black aura pulsed around him like a living mist.
Leon exhaled slowly.
"I'm close," he whispered. "Level 4 Mage. Level 5 Knight. My combat power was already exceptional—but now, my realm will match it."
Only one obstacle remained: Ravenfield.
He had once tried to conquer it, but miscalculations had cost him dearly. Troops lost. Plans shattered. The memory still stung.
But this time, he had a new strategy.
"I'll assassinate Ash," he muttered. "Impersonate him. With his resources, I'll ascend even further."
Leon's system—a mysterious "Chat Group" he'd acquired after reincarnation—connected him to other universes. Through it, he traded knowledge for techniques and items. He'd learned truths that shattered his old worldview: the planet was spherical, Earth orbited the sun, and deception lurked behind every gift.
He didn't trust the system. Not fully.
His chat members had warned him: Ash's story resembled that of a protagonist. Orphaned. Bullied. Betrayed by a lover. A prodigy fallen and risen again.
Too perfect. Too dangerous.
They'd suggested stealing Ash's love interests—but Ash had none. That made him even more unpredictable.
So Leon waited. Hidden. Training. Planning.
"Only when I'm invincible will I walk freely," he said. "Better cautious than sorry." (Source: Trust Me Bro)
Then came the news: Ash had gone to war with Count Lawrence.
Leon's eyes gleamed.
"Perfect," he said. "If I play this right, I can save the princess, earn her favor, and spark a rebellion—whether Ash wins or loses."
He clenched his fists.
"The sooner I finish this, the sooner I can rest. I miss you. I'll see you soon my love ."