Aurelia stared at the glowing blue text suspended in the air, her fingers trembling as they hovered just beneath the screen.
> [Main Quest: Ruin the heroine's fate]
[Daily Quest Unlocked: Interrupt the heroine's awakening ceremony]
[Reward: 200 Fate Points | Penalty for failure: -50 Favorability with Crown Prince]
She let out a breathless laugh.
> "So even the system wants her destroyed…"
Years ago—before the fire, before the betrayal—today had been the start of Seraphina Elowen's "Rise." The annual Awakening Ceremony, where students unlocked their magical affinity, was when Seraphina's radiant "light" magic dazzled the academy and marked her as the kingdom's future Saintess.
And Aurelia?
She'd been in the shadows, clapping politely for the girl who would later steal her future.
> "Not this time," she muttered.
She stood, legs shaky. Her uniform—a forest green blazer, gold-trimmed—hung perfectly on her slender frame. Her reflection caught her eye in the mirror: green eyes gleaming with vengeance, lips curled with purpose.
> "Let the heroine's downfall begin."
---
The academy's Great Hall was buzzing. Rows of students filled the benches, nobles whispering behind gilded fans, while crystal chandeliers sparkled from the high ceiling.
A large crystal orb sat at the center. When touched, it would reveal a student's elemental alignment—and amplify latent magic.
At the front stood Seraphina Elowen, her angelic white dress glowing in the sunlight that streamed through the stained glass.
Aurelia slipped into the crowd, scanning for familiar faces.
> "There's Duke Everen's son… the crown prince is already seated…"
And then—him.
Prince Kaelren.
Silver hair. Sharp jawline. The same unreadable eyes.
> "Still cold… just like before the betrayal," she thought.
He hadn't changed—but neither had she. Not on the outside.
> "Good. I'll make you regret everything."
---
The headmaster raised his staff.
> "Let the Awakening Ceremony begin!"
Seraphina stepped up to the orb.
Gasps echoed as she laid her fingers on the crystal. Golden light bloomed like a sunrise, and the orb erupted in white flames.
> "She possesses the Light Element… so pure…"
"She's the Saintess!"
Just like before. But this time—
> "DISPEL!"
A voice rang through the hall.
All heads turned.
Aurelia.
She stood with one palm raised, emerald runes glowing at her fingertips.
The white flames around the orb flickered—then sputtered into smoke.
Chaos erupted.
> "What is she doing?!"
"That's interference!"
"She disrupted the ceremony!"
The headmaster shouted, "Miss Valemont, explain yourself!"
Aurelia smiled sweetly, lowering her hand.
> "Apologies. I sensed an irregularity in the orb. I feared Seraphina might be harmed."
Gasps again.
Even Seraphina blinked, confused. "I… I felt something. A pull…"
The headmaster hesitated. Prince Kaelren stood, narrowing his eyes.
> "She's bluffing…" he muttered.
But the moment had passed. Seraphina's ceremony was tainted—the purity broken.
---
[Daily Quest Complete. +200 Fate Points]
[System Tip: You've earned your first points. Use them to unlock new abilities or increase charisma.]
---
Later that night, in the privacy of her dormitory, Aurelia opened her system panel.
A transparent screen flickered in the air.
---
[Villainess System Dashboard]
Fate Points: 200
Unlocked Perks:
Cold-Blooded Charm (Passive): +10% intimidation to enemies
Schemer's Insight: Can sense hidden motives
> "Let's get started," she said, eyes glinting.
Tomorrow, she'd break Seraphina's friendship circle.
By the end of the week, the heroine wouldn't know who to trust.
And Kaelren? He'd see her in a new light—and never look away.
> "This time… I am the story."