Chapter 4: The First Chosen Hero

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The Arrival of a Storm

For the past week, Lucian had carefully maintained his perfect facade.

Annalise remained wary but had no proof of his supposed villainy. She watched, she tested—but she found nothing.

Yet, Lucian knew better than to be complacent.

Because the true game was about to begin.

And today, the first player would enter the board.

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A Royal Summon

A messenger arrived at the Valcrest Estate, bearing an imperial decree.

Lucian Valcrest was to attend an audience with the Emperor.

Lucian smirked as he read the scroll. So, it begins.

Annalise, seated nearby, narrowed her eyes. "You don't seem surprised."

Lucian met her gaze. "Should I be?"

"This summon…" she murmured. "It means only one thing."

Lucian leaned back. "Yes. The empire's Chosen Hero has finally appeared."

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The Chosen One

The Imperial Palace was a grand monument of power, a city within a city.

Inside the throne room, nobles, generals, and high-ranking officials had gathered.

At the center of the hall, standing before the Emperor himself, was the boy of the hour.

Darian Albrecht.

Lucian's eyes narrowed.

He was young, around seventeen, with golden hair and piercing blue eyes that glowed with divine energy. He stood clad in white ceremonial robes, a holy aura radiating from his body.

A blessed child of fate.

The first Chosen Hero.

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The Emperor Speaks

The Emperor, a man of great presence, addressed the hall.

"The gods have chosen a champion to stand against the darkness that threatens our empire."

His voice was strong, carrying the weight of a ruler who had fought countless wars.

"The first of the Chosen has been revealed," he continued. "Darian Albrecht, gifted by the heavens, shall train under our empire's greatest warriors and scholars."

Murmurs filled the chamber.

Lucian simply smiled.

He knew what would happen next.

And sure enough—

"Darian." The Emperor turned to the boy. "To solidify your position within the nobility, you will be granted the opportunity to challenge a high-born warrior."

A pause.

Lucian already knew where this was going.

"I shall face Lucian Valcrest," Darian declared, his voice steady, his eyes locking onto Lucian.

The hall went silent.

Then, whispers.

Lucian smirked internally. So predictable.

The Chosen Hero was making his first move.

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The First Confrontation

The courtyard of the palace was filled with spectators.

Lucian stood opposite Darian, the young hero gripping a silver-forged longsword, a relic blessed by the church.

Lucian's weapon of choice remained the same—his black rapier, elegant and precise.

Darian frowned. "You aren't nervous."

Lucian chuckled. "Should I be?"

"I know what you are," Darian said, his voice low.

Lucian's smirk didn't falter. "And what am I, exactly?"

Darian's grip tightened. "A future monster."

Lucian's eyes gleamed.

'Oh? So, you've seen glimpses of fate, haven't you?'

The Hero's divine intuition was already whispering to him.

Lucian tilted his head. "Then let's see if you can slay this monster, Chosen One."

The signal was given.

The duel began.

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A Fated Clash

Darian lunged forward—fast, far faster than a normal human.

Lucian's Villain System activated.

[Passive Ability: Foresight – Active.]

Lucian sidestepped instantly, avoiding Darian's first strike.

The boy's blade crashed into the ground, splitting the stone.

Gasps echoed from the crowd.

Lucian chuckled. "Is that all?"

Darian's eyes blazed.

And then—a surge of holy energy erupted from his body.

Lucian's smirk widened. This was getting interesting.

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