Elira had already turned to leave.
"Wait."
She paused, glancing back. "Yes?"
Up close, she was even more striking. But it was her eyes that caught him—cold, yes, but not cruel. Just... distant. Like she was looking at the world through glass.
"I'm Lucian, Lucian Valemont."
Her expression didn't change. "I know who you are."
Of course she did. Everyone knew the fallen prodigy.
"I wanted to thank you properly," Lucian continued. "For the help."
"It was nothing." Her tone was dismissive but not rude. Just... efficient. "You needed assistance. I provided it. That's all."
She started to turn again.
"You're always alone."
Elira stopped.
Slowly, she looked back at him, and for the first time, there was something in her eyes. Surprise? Wariness?
"Excuse me?"
"In class. In the library. You're always alone." Lucian kept his voice even, not accusing. Just observing. "Is that by choice, or does everyone just assume you want to be?"
Silence stretched between them.
Other students in the library had started to notice. Whispers began.
"Is he talking to Elira Frostveil?"
"Is he insane?"
"She's going to freeze him solid."
Elira's jaw tightened slightly. "What I do with my time is my concern, not yours."
"Fair enough." Lucian nodded. "I was just curious. Most people who sit alone in libraries are either avoiding others or waiting for someone brave enough to approach."
Her eyes narrowed. "And which do you think I am?"
"I don't know," Lucian said honestly. "That's why I'm curious."
For several long seconds, Elira simply stared at him.
Like she was trying to solve an equation that didn't add up.
In the original story, Lucian Valemont was arrogant, desperate, and pathetic. He harassed heroines. Challenged people he couldn't beat. Made a fool of himself constantly.
This Lucian... wasn't doing any of that.
He was just... talking to her. Like a normal person.
"You're different than I expected," she said finally.
Lucian smiled slightly. "I get that a lot lately."
"The rumors say you're a failure. That you lost your talent and now you're nothing."
"The rumors say a lot of things."
"Are they true?"
Lucian considered the question. "Partially. I did lose something. But I'm working on getting it back."
Elira studied him for another moment.
Then, unexpectedly, she spoke.
"Everyone assumes I want to be alone because I'm cold. Arrogant. Superior." Her voice was quiet, almost vulnerable. "They don't ask. They just decide."
[VILLAIN'S INSIGHT - UPDATED]
Elira's Current Emotion: Lonely
Hidden Thought: "No one ever just talks to me like I'm normal."
Lucian felt something shift in his chest.
This was it. The opening.
But he couldn't push. Not yet.
"Well," he said, holding up the book, "if you ever get tired of studying alone, I'll be around. I'm terrible at advanced theory, so I can't promise good conversation, but..." He shrugged. "I can at least provide company that doesn't assume things about you."
Elira's expression remained neutral, but something flickered in her eyes.
Interest? Curiosity?
"We'll see," she said.
Then she returned to her table, leaving Lucian standing there.
[AFFECTION INCREASED]
Elira Frostveil: 0 → 10
Status: Intrigued
[MISSION UPDATE]
Mission: "The Ice Princess's Attention"
Elira Frostveil has noticed you. First impression: POSITIVE.
Objective Complete!
Fate Points earned: +20
New Skill Unlocked: "Frost Affinity" (You have slight resistance to ice magic and can learn ice-based spells more easily)
[TOTAL FATE POINTS: 35]
Lucian allowed himself a small smile as he walked to a different table.
Two heroines down.
One to go.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of classes.
Basic Combat Training with Professor Kael—a scarred veteran who looked like he'd fought in a dozen wars.
Elemental Studies with Professor Mirelle—a cheerful woman who could summon fire with a snap of her fingers.
History of Magic with Professor Thorne—an elderly mage who droned on about ancient kingdoms and forgotten empires.
Lucian attended them all. Took notes. Stayed quiet.
He didn't show off. Didn't challenge anyone. Didn't draw attention.
Just... existed.
And slowly, subtly, people's perceptions began to shift.
"Valemont's been quiet today."
"Maybe he learned his lesson?"
"Or maybe he's just given up."
Let them think what they wanted.
Lucian had a plan.
Evening came.
Lucian sat in his dorm room, reviewing the day's progress.
[STATUS UPDATE]
Days until first mission completion: 5
Fate Points: 35
Story Deviations: Moderate
Affection Levels:
Seraphina Ashenblade: 5 (Curious)
Elira Frostveil: 10 (Intrigued)
Aria Lighthollow: 0 (Unaware)
He pulled up the shop interface.
With 35 Fate Points, he had options.
[VILLAIN'S SHOP]
SKILLS:
Swordsmanship (Basic) - 10 FP
Mana Control (Intermediate) - 20 FP
★Charm Enhancement - 15 FPStealth Training - 15 FP
INFORMATION:
Character Secret (Minor) - 10 FP
Story Arc Preview - 25 FP
★Hidden Dungeon Location - 30 FP
ITEMS:
Low-Grade Mana Potion x3 - 5 FP
Enchanted Training Sword - 15 FP
Curse Analysis Scroll - 20 FP ★
Lucian's eyes lingered on Curse Analysis Scroll.
His talent had been stolen. Sealed by something called "Talent Devourer's Mark."
If he could analyze the curse...
He selected it.
[PURCHASE CONFIRMED: -20 FP]
[CURSE ANALYSIS SCROLL ACQUIRED]
A glowing scroll materialized in his hand. The moment he touched it, knowledge flooded into his mind.
[ANALYZING: TALENT DEVOURER'S MARK]
Curse Origin: Cast by someone with advanced curse magic, likely noble or high-ranking mage
Effect: Seals 88% of target's mana capacity and magical aptitude
Current Seal Strength: 88%
Method to Break Seal: The seal is tied to its caster. Weaken it from within, or find its source.
[WARNING: ORIGINAL CASTER INFORMATION LOCKED]
Unlock condition: Earn 100 Fate Points OR reach Mission Rank "Gold"
Lucian stared at the notification for a long moment. Someone had cursed him. Stolen his talent deliberately. And whoever it was had made sure he couldn't find out. Not yet.
Carefully. Precisely. Like stealing a coin from a sleeping man's pocket.
His hands were very still.
A hundred Fate Points. Gold rank. That's what it costs to find out who.
He closed the scroll.
Fine.
They'd had three years of his life already.
He'd collect that debt eventually. With interest.
A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts.
Lucian frowned. He wasn't expecting anyone.
He opened the door.
Standing in the hallway, looking awkward and out of place, was Seraphina Ashenblade.
She wore casual training clothes instead of her uniform, sword strapped to her back, expression somewhere between annoyed and embarrassed.
"Valemont," she said stiffly.
"Seraphina." Lucian kept his voice neutral. "This is unexpected."
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not here for... whatever you're thinking." She crossed her arms defensively. "I just... you said something last night. About my left shoulder."
"I did."
"You were right." The admission clearly cost her. "I've been compensating without realizing it. And it's been throwing off my forms."
Lucian waited, not pushing.
Seraphina's jaw worked. "I need someone to watch me train. Someone who'll actually tell me when I'm doing something wrong instead of just praising me constantly."
"And you came to me?"
"You're the only person who's ever pointed out a flaw." Her eyes met his, challenging. "So? Will you help or not?"
[SPECIAL EVENT TRIGGERED]
"The Swordswoman's Pride"
Seraphina is asking for your help. In the original story, she trains with the protagonist. This is a chance to build deeper connection.
Accept?
Lucian didn't hesitate.
"When?"
"Now." Seraphina turned, already walking toward the stairs. "Training grounds. Unless you're too tired?"
Lucian grabbed his coat.
"Lead the way."
As they walked through the academy halls, students stared.
Seraphina Ashenblade—the Combat Prodigy—walking side by side with Lucian Valemont—the Fallen Bastard.
It didn't make sense.
But Lucian just smiled.
The story was breaking faster than he'd expected.
And he was loving every second of it.