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

[...Oh,] Evangeline replied awkwardly. [I didn't know, sorry.]

No, it's fine. I just didn't expect to see it here, Neraxis said, separating from the group and heading over to the stall holding that familiar dagger.

Neither Emily nor the others attempted to stop him, as technically, she did say they could begin exploring once they entered the Stradon Fortress grounds.

As for Aurelia, she followed swiftly along.

"N-Neraxis, what are you doing?" she asked.

"Checking something out," he replied steadily. "Take a look around the stalls if you want. I won't take long."

"No, it's fine." Aurelia shook her head. "I don't want to go alone, and also... my sister is too social. I can't be around her in a place like this."

Neraxis chuckled at her comment, and soon, the two arrived before the weapon stall.

He grabbed the dagger and inspected it.

Sure enough, it was the same one he had bought for Alice many years ago.

Hidden Passage