Prologue: The Calculus of Cruelty
The familiar scent of lilac and expensive velvet hit me, once more pulling me back to the start. The soft thud of the maid, Lilly, kneeling before me once more, confirmed it.
The fucking thirteenth time.
Twelve lives lived, twelve times failed, twelve times I died.
Damn it.
The overwhelming feeling was a mix of rage and an infinite, soul-crushing exhaustion. The kind of tiredness that comes from running a marathon only to find yourself back at the starting line, covered in the metaphorical blood of every good intention.
My name, once, was Leo. While I wasn't the most confident person, that doesn't mean I was someone who stayed away from conversations or people.
I was once a small-time martial artist who won several awards, so it isn't like I was shy. I had a girl that I deeply loved.
She was a year younger than me but was also a confident person who never backed down from any situation she found herself in.
That was one of the things I loved about her. Our first meeting was something that most other couples wouldn't find themselves in, and to this day I still find it surprising.
After we got to know each other more and more, we eventually started dating. I was utterly devoted to her, just as she was to me. But Maya died; she was murdered.
After her death in my original world, I was ripped from my grief and found myself in the body of the noble outcast named Riko Oldenberg, from a game called Descent of Madness. While it wasn't popular among people, I still played it.
The game Descent of Madness required you to play as a supporting character in the Hero's party, but there was a problem.
The Hero is a hypocritical, selfish, and jealous person.
You would have to deal with his jealousy and try to save the world from destruction, and also try to resist the temptation of the rest of his party, which only consists of girls, who were also his girlfriends.
If you did gain their affection, the Hero gets jealous and would find ways to kill you if course I found such a plot ridiculous but . If you die, you fail, and the world gets destroyed, ravaged by monsters, causing you to start over from the start.
You can't play as any other character but a supporting character, but knowing this, I still had to join his party because you would need.
A strong party of people capable of killing the Demon God, who is also the Final Boss.
As far as I was aware, there was no other way.
And so, for twelve agonizing loops, I played the supportive role.
I used my foresight of the game to guide the protagonists, protect the innocent, and ensure the supposed Hero, Alex Ashburn, succeeded.
Every time, I died. Not by monsters, but by the Hero's hands, driven by a pathological, festering jealousy that couldn't tolerate my presence.
Some would say I'm a fool.
Didn't I learn my lesson the first time, or the second time, or the third?
Other people would have been consumed by rage and hatred after the first or second time, but I was a very patient person.
Normally I would have been consumed by anger and hatred, but my prior knowledge about the game stopped me because even if I managed to become stronger than the Demon God, I wouldn't be able to kill the Demon God.
Because I would have to kill the Demon Lord and its generals.
And after doing all of that I wouldn't have enough energy for the fianal battle. One of my reasons for even returning to his party is because I didn't want the world to get destroyed.
What would be the point in living in a world without any other beings, or a world ravaged with monsters who would kill you without hesitation?
Now, as you're probably guessing, yes, I already tried that and failed in one of my loops But even a patient person has their limits.
The Breaking Point (Loop 12)
On the twelfth run, fate was cruel enough to give me a piece of my old life back. I met a character named Elara.
I had never heard of her in the game, nor saw her before, but for some reason still unknown to me, she looked like my girlfriend Maya—her confidence, her strength, her discerning eyes.
I stopped caring about the world's fate.
After supporting Alex halfway, I faked my death to escape, where I only focused on Elara and my other wives.
Far beyond the demons' reach, for seven glorious years, I kept them safe, living quietly in the margins of a territory.
It wasn't enough.
Alex found us.
He saw the genuine, unaffected happiness on Elara's face, as well as the rest of my wives, as they looked at me—the happiness his own companions and lovers had started to deny him. In his twisted mind, it was one more thing I had stolen.
He didn't draw his sword. Instead, he used hired criminals; they were planning on robbing and destroying the land where me and my wives were hiding away.
Luckily, I made it back in time before any real danger could befall the people of that land.
After I dealt with the criminals and found out their plans, I had enough.
My rage had finally exploded, but before I could do anything else, I heard it.
The sound of horns—a very specific horn, one that I memorized.
No, don't tell me that pathetic piece of shit, I thought, rushing out.
But one of my wives met me.
"It's the Holy Church," she said, her normally calm composure now replaced with a look of worry.
Then a loud voice using a voice enhancement magic boomed out: "Riko Oldenberg, you have been declared a heretic for plotting to assassinate the Hero of Mankind! You and this village of heretics will be destroyed!"
The voice of the Pope echoed across the village before he followed that up with: "But for those who still wish for God's forgiveness, bring Riko Oldenberg, and you shall be forgiven and walk away free, with no harm done to you or your family, and you shall even be greatly rewarded!"
His voice sent disgust over me.
How far are you willing to go, Alex? You already crossed that line.
"Vinesa!"
I called out. She was also one of my wives. "Gather everyone.
I have an emergency escape route for you all to go through.
Spread the message to everyone else. That old bastard wouldn't start attacking for fifteen minutes."
"Okay," she said.
But before she could leave, I pulled her in and gave her a kiss, containing all of what I felt: worry, anger, and fear.
She pulled away, smiling.
"I love you," she said, smiling. "And I know it's what everyone else would say if they were in my place," Vinesa added.
"I love you too," I said back to her. "But I will buy you all time.
I don't know if the bastard would attack earlier than expected." I handed Vinesa several pendants.
"You remember the basement in our home? This unlocks the escape route." I said, before rushing off to where I felt the presence of the Pope and his knights.
I ran until I was in front of the village.
The Pope, Bellyus Von Highsun, sat upon his horse, a calm look on his face.
"Oh, I didn't expect you to come out to greet us personally," Bellyus said, his voice alone sending uncomfortable chills down my body.
"I see you're the same," I said, my voice cold.
He only laughed "Come on, why don't you just surrender, and I will spare your life?" he said.
"Shove it up your ass," I said, knowing his personality.
But he only smiled before shaking his head. Can't say I didn't give you a chance he bellyus said Then the person who I hated most walked out—Alex, the 'Hero' of this world—faking a look of sadness on his face.
"Riko, how could you plan such a heinous crime, especially against me?" You're best friend when I consider you like a brother he said, feigning distress.
"You know I've had enough of your bullshit. You're nothing but a pathetic, worthless, jealous self absorbed piece of shit who thinks everyone should happily do as you says no questions asked.
No wonder Areana doesn't show you attention anymore, nor the rest of your harem who all left your ass, that you would have to go to golden sticks."
After I said this, all of Alex's false sympathy vanished, replaced with anger.
"You fucking bastard! How dare you! Wait, how did you know that when you're so far out here?"
His face darkened.
"They're in there, aren't they? Those bitches are in that village!" he yelled angrily.
"Don't know who you mean by 'bitches,' because no one in this village has that name," I said.
"You fully well know I mean my fucking fiancées!" he yelled out.
"Ex-fiancées," I clarified
And it isn't like we're married or yet I said knowing it would piss him off and honestly I didn't care anymore.
I had enough.
"You bastard!" he roared, charging at me, his sword drawn.
But using a ring that was enchanted with a storage feature, I took my dagger out, deflecting his attack, sparks flying.
He quickly began exchanging attacks.
"What the fuck?"
one of the knights said, shocked. "How are we supposed to fight someone who moves that fast?" the knights said.
I noticed that bellyus motionid for his troops to mobilizing his troops, but these who even moved a single soep instantly met their deaths, blood spraying and coating my dagger.
This created an opening for Alex, an opening he took.
But I was faster.
Using the blood from the soldiers that was on my dagger, I launched it into Alex's eyes, blinding him and causing him to step back, swinging his sword wildly.
I instantly appeared in front of him, you know you're acting like a headless chicken right now i said taunting but before he could show any reaction I slashed at his eyes, blinding him.
Then briefly glancing at him screaming on the ground in pain while he shoued curses but I ignored him for now and charged at the soldiers who were stupid enough to still go past me.
Instantly, they died, guts cut up, pieces of flesh falling to the ground with sickening thuds.
But I wasn't done yet. Charging at Bellyus, his troops quickly set up barriers.
He looked panicked, but my anger was at its peak, ready to explode don't you fucking idiots learn move and you die I said releasing my blood lust
Activating one of my dagger's skills, it penetrated the barrier while some of the soldiers step back and fear
You fucked up when you decided to disturb me bellyus on your little troops I said my dagger being pushed back
By the barrier regenerative properties this caused him smirk slightly don't celebrate so early I said before.
Ishattered the barrier using the shock while I began killing all of Bellyus's troops, a few of them managing to land sword wounds on me.
I kept glancing at the village every time I killed four of the soldiers, until only Bellyus was left.
But just as I turned around, I had to dodge a sword slash.
The mountains around behind me exploded while an angry Alex's eyes were glowing.
Fuck! I thought, feeling a sword plunging into my heart from behind me.
I clutched my dagger tightly while I felt the effects of poison running through my veins.
Fuck, I can't move! I tried forcing my body, but couldn't.
Alex laughed loudly while Bellyus placed his hand on Alex's shoulder.
"You did good, my boy," he said.
Don't resist that's poison from a basilisk mix with that of a dragon
"Now he shall watch as this village he loves dies," Bellyus said, raising his arms in the air.
"Luckily, I have this," he said, making a golden staff appear. He grabbed it while chanting.
What the fuck is that?
I asked myself confused
After he was done, a massive magical attack came down on the village, slowly destroying everything while I felt my consciousness slipping.
While the village was being destroyed, Alex and Bellyus laughed.
My anger exploded after that. I couldn't contain it anymore.
"Alex! I'll fucking make you pay!"
I gritted out, the sharp sting of the poison slowly killing me, blood leaking from my eyes and mouth then alex walk forward
Hahahahahaja you shouldn't have taken my wives you bastard he said cackling those bitches are replaceible.
All I have to do is wait for new champions that would assist me to be chosen he said his voice filled with condescension I smirked.
Might as well sence I'm dying I looked alex in his eyes how does your was the last thing I said while I watched alex face slowly turned to that of a arngry one before darkness consumed me.
Vinesa's last words, "I love you, Riko..." was the final strike.
The kindness was gone. It dissolved into a cold, nihilistic clarity.
I watched her die as well as the rest of my wives, my friend's and the core of the man I once was—Leo—died forever.
Twelve lives of trying to save this pathetic world. Twelve lives lost to the jealousy of a self-proclaimed hero.
And now, my love's, you all are the last price I shall paid.
"You want darkness, Alex? You will have it."
Why must I suffer because of your fragile ego?
I won't just kill you; I will dismantle your entire destiny.
For the pain and suffering you cost me, I will take everything you care about:
Your power, just like you took mine.
Your future, just like you killed me over and over.
Your allies, for the people of my lands that you took away, the people I thought of as friends and family.
And every woman who looks at you with admiration, just like you took Elara and my lover's from me from me.
My final, desperate thought as I glared at him—his sword still covered in my blood while my wound poured out—was a cold, absolute vow: When I return, I will build a prison of power so strong, not even the Final Boss can break it.
And I will make you beg for the kindness I once offered.
I felt darkness consume me, feeling myself being drowned in a deep sea of hatred and anger.
And then I felt something awakened in me—a foreign power.
What is this....?
I asked myself but deep down I knew it was power I know power doesn't come free you must give up something in return nothing is free in this world
But there are certain prices I won't pay things I won't give up but now I I'm at my limit no I'm beyond it just suffer too much
Although I know that nothing truly comes free in life, no matter what you may think or other people may say.
Now whatever power that comes to me power that can help me protect those i love I shall accept it as it is
So I reached out my hand now I must take my own fate into my hands I'm tired dealing with this world pathetic hero.
If I become a slave to power, so be it. At least I am capable of protecting those that love I care for If I drown in it, so be it.
Power has a cost; it never comes free. Someone will always suffer in the end, and I am no longer going to be the one suffering.
I felt my rage, my anger, my hatred reaching a new point i closed my hand accepting this power.
"[Loop detected.Extreme psychological distress and fundamental change in Host's core alignment identified.]"
A cold robotic voice echoed in my mind wall transparent screen appeared before me with the words
[Support Savior System]
The screen glitched while screeching loudly in this dark, empty, vast sea of my own hate and anger.
[Inverting Sub System Class]
The screen glitched once more.
[Villain System Activated]
"[The Villain's System is ready to integrate. Target Acquired: Riko Oldenberg.]"
"[Restarting timeline... Commencing Chapter 1: A Villain's New Path.]"
I opened my eyes, the exhaustion of twelve lifetimes fueling a new, terrifying calm. I was no longer Riko; I was the ultimate consequence of the Hero's stupid actions.
I looked down at Lilly.
She will be my first wife,I felt overwhelmed with happiness her presence bringing a bit of light to my darkened soul
Now I shall begin my my final, decisive path this is the beginning.