Chapter 1: The Villain's Awakening

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A Second Chance… or a Curse?

Ethan Cross had always prided himself on being a strategist. Cold, ruthless, and calculating. In his previous life, he had built an empire with nothing but his intellect—until betrayal ended it all. A single gunshot. A bitter death.

Yet, when he opened his eyes again, it wasn't to the neon skyline of his world but the lavish grandeur of a noble's chamber.

He staggered forward, his body feeling lighter, different. He caught sight of his reflection in an ornate mirror. Silver hair, sharp crimson eyes, noble features carved with elegance and arrogance.

The face of Lucian Valcrest, the villain of The Hero's Path.

It all clicked. He wasn't just alive—he had transmigrated into a novel.

And not just as any character, but as the man fated to fall at the hands of the Chosen Hero.

Then, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind.

[Villain System Activated]

Complete objectives to gain influence, power, and strength. Fail… and face erasure.]

Ethan—no, Lucian—smirked.

A system designed to reward villainy?

Then he would play the perfect villain, but under a mask of righteousness.

Because the world expected him to fall.

He would make them regret it