Chapter 6: A Villain’s Deception

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A Whispered Lie

The aftermath of the duel had sent ripples through the empire's noble circles.

Lucian Valcrest had defeated the first Chosen Hero, Darian Albrecht.

For the common people, it was simply an impressive display of swordsmanship.

But for those who understood fate's threads—this victory was unnatural.

"How could a noble heir defeat a hero blessed by the gods?"

Whispers spread like wildfire.

And Lucian?

He made sure those whispers reached the right ears.

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Planting the Seed

Late at night, within a dimly lit chamber, Lucian met with a carefully chosen informant—one who had ties to the underground networks of the empire.

His voice was smooth, calculated.

"Rumors can shape empires, don't you think?"

The informant, a rat-like man named Veyron, chuckled. "If the price is right, my lord, rumors can do more than that."

Lucian tossed him a small pouch of gold.

"Spread the idea that Darian possesses a darkness hidden within him. A corruption, perhaps… something that links him to the Devil's Successor."

Veyron's smile widened.

The Devil's Successor.

A cursed prophecy, a tale of a being who would bring chaos upon the world.

Lucian knew that in the original timeline, these rumors had been directed at him.

But now?

He would make sure they pointed at Darian instead.

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A Hero in Doubt

Darian sat alone in his chambers, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword.

For days, he had been haunted by whispers.

"…The Hero? Defeated so easily? Could he truly be heaven's chosen?"

"…Perhaps the gods made a mistake."

"…Or maybe he's something else entirely."

At first, he ignored them.

But then—he started hearing something else.

A darker rumor.

That he was not a hero at all.

That he was the Devil's Successor.

Darian's heart pounded.

'No… that's impossible.'

He had been blessed by the gods. He was meant to stand against evil, against figures like Lucian Valcrest.

And yet…

Why did he feel like he was the one being hunted now?

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Annalise's Suspicion

In the grand halls of the Vermillion Estate, Annalise sat across from her father, Duke Vermillion.

"…It's too convenient," she muttered, eyes narrowed.

The duke raised an eyebrow. "You suspect foul play?"

Annalise clenched her fists. "Lucian… he defeated Darian too easily. And now, rumors are spreading—rumors that should have been about him, but instead, they target the Chosen Hero."

The duke sipped his wine. "And you believe Lucian is behind this?"

Annalise exhaled slowly. "I know he is."

But proving it was another matter entirely.

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A Villain's Triumph

Back in his estate, Lucian stood before his Villain System's interface.

[Objective Completed: Shift public suspicion onto the Chosen Hero.]

[Rewards Acquired: Influence +5, Villain Reputation +3, Political Power +2]

Lucian smiled.

Darian was now forced into defensive battles, not just against enemies—but against his own fate.

And Annalise?

She was still searching for a villain in the shadows.

But she would never find him.

Because the true villain…

Was already wearing the mask of a hero.

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End of Chapter 6