Lukas142

--WSA 2025 ENTRY--

Neraxis saved the people and wiped out the monsters, but instead of cheers, he faced silence and a glowing blue text:

[Task Failed Successfully!]

[Rating Generated: SSS-Rank]

"The hell does that even mean?" he muttered, finding the situation a bit strange.

Before he could process, the so-called heroes—who had hidden while he fought—emerged. He waited for gratitude, only to feel a dagger pierce his back.

The only girl he loved stood behind him.

She betrayed him.

The crowd and heroes? They were staring at him with disdain and contempt.

"You..." he groaned as a spear and sword headed for him, ending his life.  
 
But instead of dying, he was sent back to the past—specifically, to the first day of the academy, year 2367, 8 years before his death.  

However, many things had changed. One of the most significant was the sudden appearance of a Tower, a mysterious structure that had appeared across all the continents, granting power to those brave enough to contest its challenges.

"Not again... With this chance I will end you all" Neraxis vowed to himself, embarking on his path of revenge, while also trying to give his life new meaning.

*****
Disclaimer: MC is not instantly going to be a villain, as his background is that of a hero. The switch will be gradual in accordance with the events that happen along the way. Some snippets of such events have already been teased :)
*****

The SSS Ranked Villain's Return

"Neraxis?" a voice rang out beside him, and as he turned around, he met Aella's surprised expression.

"It really is you!" she said in relief before continuing, "I thought the instructor lied and actually put monsters in here—with that white hair of yours and all."

"What...?" Neraxis was slightly confused by her comment; however, she swiftly glossed past it.

"Anyway... wanna team up?" she questioned expectantly, and he shook his head in response.

"Why would I? We won't be able to team up during the tower's trials."

As his words fell, he could see a look of sour disappointment appear on her face as she spoke, "Can I at least follow you?"

What is up with this girl? Neraxis noticed a bit of a strange pattern in her tone.

It was almost as if her voice was slightly shaking.

"...Are you afraid of the dark?" he asked.

Virtual Reality Maze Training