_Snow_flake_

In a world where villains are crafted, not born, Vyan's life takes a detour from dull to downright dramatic faster than he can say "abracadabra."

Meet Vyan, the most ordinary knight in the realm, with all the magical prowess of a damp sock. Loyalty? He's got it in spades. Betrayal? Well, that's the surprise twist in his not-so-fairy-tale life.

Framed and forsaken, Vyan is left with nothing but a grudge and some pretty gnarly scars, courtesy of his once-master, Iyana. Oh, did he mention she is the daughter of a marquess and the object of his unrequited affection? Talk about adding insult to injury.

Just when he is ready to unleash his inner berserker, a butler comes along with news that makes his hair stand on end: Vyan is the last heir of the Grand Duke's mage dynasty!

With power crackling at his fingertips and more mana than he can shake a wand at, Vyan is ready to show the world what happens when you underestimate the underdog. Will Vyan rise from the ashes like a phoenix, or will he crash and burn like a fire-breathing chicken? There's only one way to find out.

Ascension Of The Villain

"No way in hell am I letting my best friend walk into that demonic pit. I strictly forbid it!" Clyde announced, holding onto Vyan's arm tightly as if warding off a curse.

"You forbid it?" Vyan shot him a blank stare, not bothering to shake off his eccentric aide.

Althea tilted her head and placed a hand on her hip, amused. "What is your issue with the prestigious Tower of Magic?"

Clyde straightened dramatically, as though he were about to deliver a tragedy. "They work you like a dog. Day in, day out. No breaks. No holidays. You start seeing illusions, Athy. Did you know I was engineering mana circuits in my dreams?"

Both Vyan and Althea groaned, shaking their heads at the dramatics.

Clyde jabbed a finger in the air. "I know you guys don't trust me, but trust me on this! That place drains souls. I swear, by the third month, you forget what sunlight is. Your brain goes numb. You start naming your artifacts like they're your kids."

A Presence Unseen