Alexei Jones woke up to the faint golden light filtering through the enormous windows of his dormitory room. The walls were high, the floor polished marble, and the furniture hough beautiful looked like it was designed to remind him that he was in a world far more luxurious than his own. He rubbed his eyes and sighed.
Day two.
He sat up, letting the memories of yesterday's chaos wash over him. Kristian Russo had lunged at him without hesitation, Albert Ferguson had teased him relentlessly, and Nadia and Poppy had watched his every move with cool, calculating eyes. And the system the ever annoying, cold, mechanical voice had made it perfectly clear that if he failed to survive or strategize, he could end up dead.
Alexei swung his legs off the bed and stretched. "Okay, Alexei," he muttered, talking to himself. "Time to survive. Time to make allies. Time to…charm people if I have to." He paused. "Charm people? Did the system just say that?"
A small notification pinged in his vision.
"Good morning, Alexei. Step 1: Survive today's encounters. Step 2: Begin bonding with other characters. Failure will result in penalties. Suggested strategy: observe and prioritize threats first."
Alexei groaned. "Observe…prioritize threats…Yeah, yeah. That's basically survive and don't die."
He glanced at his reflection in the tall mirror across the room. His body, though nerfed, still looked presentable. Dark hair slightly tousled, sharp features, eyes alert. He smirked at himself. "Well, villain or not, I do look good surviving this mess."
The academy dining hall was enormous, filled with long tables, chandeliers, and a soft golden glow from the rising sun outside. Alexei stepped in cautiously, scanning the crowd. And, of course, the first people he noticed were the troublemakers.
Kristian Russo was already at one table, arms crossed, glaring as if Alexei had personally insulted him yesterday. Albert Ferguson lounged lazily nearby, a smirk on his face as he toyed with his food.
And then, just as Alexei had expected, Nadia and Poppy were seated at a smaller table, discussing something in low voices. Nadia's sharp gaze flicked toward him the moment he entered. Poppy tilted her head slightly, a smirk teasing the corners of her lips.
Alexei took a deep breath. Okay…step one: don't get killed before lunch.
He approached a neutral table near the center, grabbing a plate of fruit and bread. He tried to eat casually, though the tension in the room made even chewing feel like a tactical move.
Kristian's voice carried across the hall. "You're here early, villain. Trying to run away from your failures?"
Alexei swallowed. "No, just…stretching my villainous muscles." He shot Kristian a smirk that he hoped was half charming, half intimidating. Kristian's jaw twitched. That's a start.
Albert laughed softly. "Bold words for someone already hated by half the academy."
Alexei raised an eyebrow. "Hated? That's just what makes me fun, right?" He almost flinched internally. The system had said charm points could come from surprising or impressing other characters. Maybe this counts?
He noticed Nadia's eyes on him now. Calm, steady, analyzing. She didn't speak, but the way she observed him made his heart skip not in panic, but in awareness. Poppy, on the other hand, seemed amused, leaning back and crossing her arms. Interesting…both females, but very different energy.
Before Alexei could plan his next move, the system pinged again:
"Encounter: Male lead challenge. Objective: survive confrontation without major injury. Recommended: strategic retreat or distraction."
Alexei groaned. "Of course, they start the challenges immediately. No warm up. No coffee. Just straight to near death experiences."
Kristian had already stood, crossing the hall toward him. Every student in the room seemed to shrink away slightly, sensing the tension. Kristian stopped a few steps away, fists clenched, eyes burning.
"You survived yesterday," Kristian said. "Barely. Don't think today will be any easier."
Alexei held up his hands casually. "I mean…if you want to punch me, maybe we should negotiate first? Tea? Small chat?"
Kristian's glare deepened. "I don't negotiate with villains."
Albert's voice chimed in from across the hall, teasing and casual. "Negotiate? Where's the fun in that?"
Alexei sighed. Fun…yeah, right. Survive first, survive first.
He studied the space around him. Marble pillars. Long tables. Chandeliers above. Every object could be used for cover or distraction. He needed a plan. And he needed it fast.
"Hint: Use environment to your advantage. Avoid direct confrontation unless necessary. Observe character tendencies carefully. Charm points may be earned through wit, not strength."
Alexei muttered under his breath, "Charm points…okay, I get it. Be clever, be fast, and maybe insult them without dying. Sure. Easy."
He took a deep breath and stepped toward Kristian, putting his hands up in a defensive but relaxed pose. "Alright, Kristian. How about this? You punch the wall once. I dodge. We call it a tie. Everyone happy?"
Kristian's jaw tightened, but Alexei noticed a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. Interesting…he reacts to confidence, not fear. That's good to know.
Albert leaned lazily against a table, smirking. "Bold move, villain. I like it."
Alexei smirked back. Step one: observation, check. Step two: minor intimidation, check. Step three: survive…hopefully check.
Nadia and Poppy were watching quietly from their table. Alexei knew the system valued alliances. He needed to impress them too.
He casually nodded toward Nadia. "Good morning, Nadia. Hope your breakfast is as strategic as your planning looks."
Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Smooth, but not enough. Keep trying."
Poppy's lips curved into a faint smile. "Interesting. Confidence without arrogance…we'll see if it lasts."
Alexei noted their reactions carefully. Charm points might be small right now, but even subtle attention was better than being completely ignored or worse, attacked.
Kristian made the first move again, stepping forward aggressively. Alexei spun and dodged, moving behind a marble pillar. Albert followed, testing his reflexes with small distractions and playful feints.
The entire encounter was like a deadly dance. Alexei used every bit of agility and wit he had. He dodged, taunted, and used his environment to stay ahead. A dropped tray here, a sudden pivot there he managed to avoid serious harm.
At one point, a small ping from the system appeared:
"Reward: Minor charm increase for clever survival tactics. Step closer to forming alliance."
Alexei grinned, almost laughing. "Yes. I'm good at this."
After several minutes, Kristian finally backed off, breathing heavily but glaring fiercely. Albert lounged against the wall, smirking in admiration. Nadia and Poppy approached.
"Not bad," Nadia said calmly. "You're quick-witted. That could save your life if you don't become reckless."
Poppy smirked. "You might survive this academy yet…as long as you keep your head in the game."
Alexei nodded, catching his breath. "Thanks. I plan to."
He felt a small thrill. The system was cruel, the male leads dangerous, and the academy itself was a minefield but he had survived the first real test. And he had gained the attention of both female leads.
Charm points…subtle, yes. But crucial.
By midday, Alexei found a quiet corner and began planning. Kristian and Albert would continue testing him, no doubt. Nadia and Poppy could be either allies or rivals in disguise. The system would punish him if he misstepped.
Step 1: Survive challenges.
Step 2: Charm and strategize with female leads.
Step 3: Observe male rivals carefully.
Alexei outlined mental tactics. With Kristian, brute force and intimidation might work if carefully managed. Albert responded to wit and playfulness, so teasing would be his tool. With Nadia, subtle cleverness and empathy might win favor. Poppy required elegance, calculated moves, and maintaining composure.
Okay. Survival isn't just staying alive. It's thinking ahead. Always thinking ahead.
He pinched the bridge of his nose. "This…is going to be a long, long game."
As he ate quietly, Nadia approached him. "Alexei," she said softly. "Keep moving carefully. Not everything here is what it seems. Pay attention to the system's cues. Some hints are subtle, but important."
Alexei blinked. "Thanks for the advice. I'll try not to die."
She gave him a faint, approving smile. "Good. That's a start."
Poppy appeared next to her, leaning slightly toward Alexei. "And remember," she said, voice playful, "charm, strategy, wit…use them all. You might survive longer than you think."
Alexei felt his chest tighten slightly. Focus, Alexei. Survival first, feelings later.
By evening, Alexei had survived multiple small confrontations, dodged insults and attacks, and gained minor favor with Nadia and Poppy. The male rivals remained dangerous, but he had learned their patterns. He even managed a few small charm points from subtle gestures, sly smiles, and clever words.
As he lay in bed that night, Alexei reflected. The academy was dangerous, the system cruel, and every day would push him to his limits. But he was Alexei Jones—the villain who survived and he would turn this nightmare into his game.
Tomorrow he would make his first real move. Not just survive, but begin controlling the board. And maybe…just maybe he would impress the female leads enough to have an ally on his side.
The system pinged one final time before sleep overtook him:
"Step completed: Day 1 survival. Minor rewards applied. Step 2: Form alliances and advance strategic objectives. Good luck, Alexei Jones."
Alexei smiled faintly. "Good luck? No. I make my own luck."