Morning sunlight slowly replaced the stormy darkness of the previous night.
Golden rays spilled across the enormous gardens of the Aurelius estate, illuminating fountains, marble statues, and carefully trimmed hedges that stretched across several acres of land.
Servants hurried through the courtyards while knights patrolled the outer walls.
Despite the peaceful morning atmosphere, the mansion itself carried an air of quiet tension.
Inside one of the luxurious bedrooms—
Lucien Aurelius stood in front of a mirror, calmly adjusting the collar of his black noble coat.
The reflection staring back at him still felt slightly unfamiliar.
Even after an entire night of thinking, the reality had not changed.
He had transmigrated into the body of a villain.
But now that the initial shock had passed, Lucien's mind was unusually calm.
Panic wouldn't help him survive.
Planning would.
He carefully observed the young man in the mirror.
Tall figure.
Sharp silver eyes.
Long black hair tied neatly behind his back.
Lucien had to admit that this villain's appearance was extremely impressive.
No wonder the original character was so arrogant.
When someone grew up with this face, powerful family, and unlimited wealth, arrogance probably came naturally.
But unfortunately for the original Lucien, arrogance alone couldn't defeat the protagonist of the story.
The hero always won in the end.
Lucien quietly sighed.
"Well… that won't be happening anymore."
Just then, a familiar blue screen appeared in front of his eyes.
Shadow Sovereign System
Host: Lucien Aurelius
Villain Rank: Minor Villain
Realm: Mortal Rank 5
Shadow Points: 0
Active Mission:
Disrupt Hero's Destiny Encounter
Time Remaining: 70 Hours
Lucien studied the interface for a moment.
"Seventy hours left."
The academy entrance exam would begin soon.
And that event was extremely important.
In the original story, the protagonist Adrian Solhart used that exam to make his first appearance.
Not only did he impress the academy instructors, but he also saved Elena Valtieri during the trial.
From that moment forward, the hero began building his reputation.
But now the system wanted Lucien to interfere.
Which meant the first step toward rewriting the story had already begun.
Lucien tapped the system screen lightly.
"Show me the shop."
The interface changed immediately.
System Shop
Basic Skills Available:
• Shadow Manipulation – 300 Points
• Mind Insight – 400 Points
• Aura of Intimidation – 500 Points
• Fate Disruption – Locked
Lucien nodded slowly.
So he could buy abilities using Shadow Points.
Unfortunately, he currently had zero points.
Which meant completing the first mission was essential.
Before he could think further—
Knock. Knock.
A soft knock came from the door.
"Young Master Lucien," a female voice spoke respectfully.
"Lord Aurelius has summoned you to the council hall."
Lucien's expression immediately became serious.
Lord Aurelius.
The head of the clan.
And Lucien's father.
In the original story, this man was one of the most powerful nobles in the empire.
Cold.
Strict.
And extremely difficult to impress.
The original Lucien was actually disliked by his father due to his reckless behavior.
"Of course," Lucien replied calmly.
"I'll be there shortly."
After a few moments, he stepped out into the corridor.
The Aurelius mansion was enormous.
High ceilings.
Marble pillars.
Walls decorated with portraits of past clan leaders.
Servants quickly bowed as Lucien walked past.
"Good morning, Young Master."
"Greetings, Young Master Lucien."
Lucien simply nodded slightly in response.
Unlike the original Lucien, he had no interest in bullying servants.
That kind of behavior only created unnecessary enemies.
As he walked through the mansion, Lucien quietly reviewed the memories he had inherited.
The Aurelius Clan had ruled the northern territories of the empire for centuries.
Their influence stretched across trade routes, military forces, and political alliances.
Even the royal family treated them with caution.
But despite the clan's immense power, internal competition was fierce.
Lucien had two older brothers.
Both talented.
Both ambitious.
Both far more respected than the original Lucien.
Which meant one thing.
Inside this clan, Lucien was considered the weakest heir.
And weakness in noble families often led to dangerous consequences.
"Interesting…"
Lucien muttered quietly.
If he wanted to survive in this world, he would have to deal with more than just the hero.
Family politics could be just as deadly.
Soon he reached a pair of massive wooden doors guarded by two armored knights.
The council hall.
One of the knights bowed slightly and opened the door.
"Lord Aurelius is waiting."
Lucien stepped inside.
The room was enormous.
A long table stretched across the center of the hall, surrounded by several powerful figures.
Clan elders.
Military commanders.
Political advisors.
At the head of the table sat a tall middle-aged man with sharp eyes and silver hair.
Lord Victor Aurelius.
Lucien's father.
The man's presence alone filled the room with pressure.
His gaze immediately landed on Lucien.
"You're late."
His voice was calm but carried a dangerous edge.
Lucien bowed slightly.
"My apologies, Father."
Several elders exchanged subtle glances.
In the past, Lucien would have responded arrogantly to such criticism.
But today he appeared strangely composed.
Victor Aurelius observed his son silently for a moment.
Then he spoke again.
"The Celestial Academy entrance exam begins in three days."
"I assume you remember."
Lucien nodded.
"Yes."
One of the elders snorted quietly.
"Remembering and succeeding are two different things."
Another elder added with clear disapproval.
"Your previous behavior has embarrassed the clan more than once."
Lucien listened calmly.
He understood their hostility.
The original Lucien had caused plenty of trouble.
But that reputation could also be useful.
If everyone underestimated him, it would be easier to operate from the shadows.
Victor Aurelius tapped his finger lightly on the table.
"Lucien."
"Yes, Father."
"If you fail the academy exam, you will lose your right to represent the Aurelius Clan."
The room fell silent.
This was not a small punishment.
Celestial Academy was the most prestigious institution in the empire.
Only the most talented young nobles were accepted.
Failing the exam would severely damage Lucien's position within the family.
But Lucien didn't appear nervous.
Instead, he simply nodded.
"I understand."
Several elders frowned slightly.
Something about his calm attitude felt… unusual.
Victor Aurelius also noticed the change.
But he said nothing.
After a brief pause, he spoke again.
"Then prove that the Aurelius name still means something."
Lucien bowed once more.
"Of course."
As he turned and walked toward the door, the elders began whispering quietly among themselves.
"That boy seems different today…"
"Perhaps he's finally realized his situation."
"Or perhaps he's pretending."
Lucien ignored their whispers.
As soon as he stepped outside the hall—
The system interface suddenly appeared again.
New Notification
Important Destiny Character Detected.
Name: Elena Valtieri
Status: Arrived in Imperial Capital
Distance: 2.4 kilometers
Lucien's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So she's already here."
That meant the first major event of the story was approaching faster than expected.
If he wanted to interfere with the hero's fate…
He needed to move quickly.
Lucien looked toward the distant skyline of the capital city beyond the estate walls.
Somewhere out there, the hero's future companion had already arrived.
And in the original story, their meeting would mark the beginning of Adrian Solhart's rise.
But this time—
Lucien smiled faintly.
"The story is about to change."
Because the villain was planning to arrive first.