The night stretched endlessly as Seo Jin followed the man in black robes.
The world was silent, but not peaceful. It was the kind of silence that pressed against the skin like a blade. Every step the Villain took cut deeper into it, and Seo Jin trailed just far enough behind to breathe without choking.
His throat still ached from earlier, red marks hidden beneath the collar of his tattered robe. His body felt weak, poisoned blood still clinging to his veins even though the System had detoxed some of it.
On his shoulder, the small white fox stretched lazily, its golden eyes glowing in the dark. Its tail swayed like a banner of mockery.
"Host," it whispered dramatically, "look at this scene! You, following behind your destined lover under the moonlight—so romantic!"
Seo Jin's eye twitched. Romantic? My throat nearly got crushed ten minutes ago.
"Keep talking," he muttered, voice low, "and I'll toss you off a cliff."
The fox only giggled, puffing its chest. "You wouldn't dare. I'm fluffy. You need me."
Seo Jin smirked faintly, though his mind didn't relax. In games, dangerous NPCs were either immediate threats or future bosses. The Villain in front of him? He was both.
…
They walked until the mountain loomed higher, and at last, Seo Jin saw it.
The manor.
Built into the side of the cliffs, its black walls stretched upward, jagged like the ribs of a giant beast. Lanterns flickered along the gates, glowing red against the night mist. Rows of disciples in dark uniforms patrolled with blades at their sides. Their steps were sharp, their gazes sharper.
This wasn't a sect. This wasn't a home.
This was a fortress for demons.
Seo Jin slowed his steps slightly, eyes scanning every watchtower, every guard. In a game, this would've been marked as the "Villain's Base" on the map. The kind of place where only idiots or main characters walked into willingly.
And here he was, dragged straight into it.
The fox perked its ears. "Ohhh, spooky! Creepy! So atmospheric! Host, you're basically walking into your future husband's house. Don't be shy."
Seo Jin's lips curled faintly. Future husband? More like my executioner.
The moment he stepped through the gates, the air shifted.
Dozens of eyes locked onto him. Curiosity. Disgust. Cold amusement.
Whispers rose almost instantly.
"Who's that weakling?"
"Why would the Lord bring him back?"
"Looks like trash."
"He won't survive a day."
Seo Jin's back straightened. His steps didn't falter. He had learned long ago—whether in the gaming arena or real life—weakness should never be shown to predators.
Even if his body was trembling inside, his face wore the faintest smirk.
The Villain didn't spare the whispers a glance. His presence alone silenced most of them. His aura was heavy, like a blade that could cut the throat of the world. He walked steadily through the hallways, and Seo Jin followed as though pulled by invisible chains.
At last, they entered the grand hall.
Black pillars carved with runes lined the walls. A throne of cold stone stood at the far end, lit by pale lantern fire. Several men stood waiting, subordinates clad in black, their gazes sharp as spears.
One man stepped forward, taller than the rest, a scar cutting across his jaw. His eyes narrowed as soon as they landed on Seo Jin.
"My Lord," the scarred man said, bowing slightly, though his voice held edge. "Forgive me, but… why this one?"
Seo Jin's smirk sharpened. Oh, great. The loyal watchdog archetype. This guy's going to be a pain.
Before the Villain could answer, Seo Jin tilted his head slightly, lips curling. "What? Don't tell me you're jealous already."
Gasps echoed instantly across the hall. Several hands moved to weapons.
The scarred man's jaw tightened, eyes flashing with murder.
Seo Jin's heartbeat spiked, but his smirk didn't waver. Cunning rule number one: if you're cornered, bite back before they smell fear.
The Villain's gaze flicked to him. For a moment, Seo Jin thought he'd gone too far.
Then—
The Villain's lips curved faintly. Not in humor. Not in warmth.
It was a curve like the edge of a sword before it split flesh.
"He is under my watch."
The words dropped like a mountain.
The hall went dead silent. Even the scarred man lowered his eyes, fists clenched, but he dared not argue.
Seo Jin's lungs loosened slightly. His smirk didn't falter, though sweat slid down his back.
On his shoulder, the fox wagged its tail eagerly. "Host! Did you hear? He claimed you! That's basically ancient-cultivation-boyfriend talk!"
Seo Jin muttered under his breath, "It's basically a death sentence."
The Villain finally turned fully toward him, his eyes gleaming like frost under the lantern light. "If you want to stand in my shadow, you must prove your worth."
Seo Jin's smirk twitched. "…Define worth."
The Villain raised a hand.
With a low creak, servants pulled open the side doors. The air shifted, colder, filled with the sound of clashing steel.
Beyond the doors lay a wide training field, lanterns casting long shadows across sand and stone. Disciples sparred under the moonlight, blades flashing, sweat flying. The air reeked of blood and iron.
The Villain's eyes gleamed with quiet cruelty. "Survive against my men. If you can't… then you don't deserve to live here."
The fox squeaked, tail puffing up like a brush. "Host! It's your first day, and he's already throwing you into a death trial! What kind of lover is this?!"
Seo Jin exhaled slowly. His gamer's mind spun. Weak stats. No proper weapon. No health potions. Just a poisoned body and a mouth that might get him killed faster than any blade.
But quitting wasn't an option.
It never was.
He smirked faintly, eyes glinting under the lanterns. "Fine. Let's play."
The Villain's gaze lingered on him, cold and sharp, as if testing whether his words were bluff or steel.
Seo Jin stepped forward, each step steady despite the pounding of his heart. The whispers of disciples rose again, a tide of doubt and amusement.
"He'll die in a breath."
"Trash like that can't even lift a sword."
"Lord must be playing with him."
Seo Jin ignored them. He had walked into dungeons filled with stronger monsters before. The only difference was that this time, dying would hurt for real.
The fox leaned close to his ear, whispering with wicked glee, "Host, don't forget your new mission—gain the Villain's favor. Imagine how impressed he'll be when you don't die!"
Seo Jin rolled his eyes. Yeah. Assuming I don't get chopped into noodles first.
The Villain's voice carried like thunder. "Begin."
Seo Jin clenched his fists. His lips curved into a dangerous smile.
Alright. Let's see if this world plays by my rules—or if I'll have to break theirs.
---
Cliffhanger End of Chapter Four.