Neil_Palmer

Born into poverty, Don always believed he was destined for more. When he discovers the ability to see thirty minutes into the future, he begins manipulating everyone around him—family, classmates, and enemies alike.

Power-hungry and ruthless, Don sees the world as a game he’s meant to win. But as his ambitions grow, so does his isolation. Will he rule as a king, or will his thirst for power consume him completely?

A dark tale of manipulation, ambition, and the making of a villain.

The Time weaver

The halls of the school were quieter than usual. Whispers traveled between students like a secret no one wanted to say too loudly. The air had shifted—Don could feel it. His little stunt with Kyle had changed something.

People looked at him differently. Some with curiosity, others with suspicion, and a few with fear.

But this was only the first step. Fear alone wasn't enough. True power wasn't just about making people afraid—it was about making them need you.

And that meant he had to be more than just a threat. He had to be useful.

Don turned to see a familiar face—Lucas. One of Kyle's so-called friends. But Don already knew better. Lucas wasn't loyal. He was opportunistic. Someone who would switch sides the moment it benefited him.

"You need something, Lucas?" Don asked, keeping his voice casual.

Lucas glanced around before stepping closer. "Look… you made Kyle look bad yesterday. Really bad. He's pissed."

Don raised an eyebrow. "And you're telling me this because…?"

Lucas hesitated. "Because I think he's gonna do something stupid."

Don already knew Kyle would try to retaliate. That was obvious. But Lucas offering this information unprompted? That was interesting.

He was testing the waters. Seeing if Don was someone worth backing.

Don smiled. "Tell me, Lucas. What's more important to you—your reputation, or Kyle's?"

Lucas hesitated, but Don already saw the answer in his eyes.

Don clapped a hand on Lucas's shoulder. "Then let's make sure you're on the winning side."

Kyle wouldn't attack Don outright. No, he wasn't that stupid. He would try to be sneaky. A prank. A trap. Something to humiliate Don in front of the school.

Don just had to make sure it backfired.

And with Lucas feeding him information, it wouldn't be hard.

At lunch, Lucas confirmed Don's suspicions. "They're planning something near the gym after school. I don't know what, but Kyle told everyone to show up."

A public humiliation attempt, then.

Don smirked. Let's see who gets humiliated instead.

After school, Don made his way toward the gym, keeping a relaxed pace. The moment he turned the corner, he saw them—Kyle and his group, waiting. A bucket of something was balanced on the door frame. Classic.

Kyle stood nearby, laughing with his friends, waiting for Don to walk right into their little trap.

He could walk away. Avoid the prank entirely. But that wouldn't send the right message.

He needed to turn their trick against them.

Don glanced at Lucas, giving a small nod. Lucas hesitated, but then, just as planned, he "accidentally" bumped into Kyle.

Kyle stumbled forward—directly into the doorway.

The bucket tipped. Thick, disgusting sludge poured over Kyle's head. Gasps and laughter exploded from the crowd.

Kyle stood frozen, fists clenched, his face burning red beneath the mess.

Don stepped forward, voice calm and mocking. "Wow, Kyle. You really got yourself good."

Kyle whipped around, rage boiling in his eyes. "You—"

"Me?" Don shrugged. "You're the one who walked into it."

Kyle's friends were laughing now. Not with him—at him.

Kyle wasn't the king of the school anymore. He was the joke.

That night, Don sat on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The game was getting easier.

People weren't just looking at him differently anymore.

Lucas had already started hanging around more, asking for Don's advice. Other students were watching him with wary respect.

Kyle wouldn't recover from this. Not fully. His reputation had taken a hit he couldn't undo.

Don had taken his first real step toward control.

Because now that he had tasted power, he wanted more.

The Art of Deception