Chapter 19: A Storm Begins in the Shadows
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The Tension Among the Chosen Ones
Deep within the Hidden Realm, Xian Mu, Feng Hao, and several other Heaven's Chosen gathered in an abandoned shrine.
Their expressions were grim.
"Something is wrong." Xian Mu's voice was heavy with frustration.
"The fate of this realm… it's not as it should be," Feng Hao added, clenching his fists.
One after another, the heroes of destiny had encountered misfortune.
Their fated treasures had disappeared.
Their paths had led them to danger.
And worst of all, they had no idea why.
But among them, one person suspected the truth.
Seraphina Yue.
She stood in silence, her thoughts racing.
'Lucian… what are you hiding?'
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Lucian's Web of Manipulation
Meanwhile, Lucian observed from afar.
A concealed formation surrounded the shrine, allowing him to listen to their conversation.
As he predicted, the cracks between them were forming.
Feng Hao glared at Xian Mu.
"You were supposed to find the Phoenix Heart Flame, yet you brought a horde of Void Serpents upon us instead!"
"And you lost the Divine Sword!"
Xian Mu gritted his teeth.
"I don't know what's happening! I swear, I felt it calling to me—then it vanished!"
Lucian chuckled internally.
'Of course, it vanished. Because it's now in my hands.'
Slowly, he activated his Villain System.
[Mission: Create Discord Among the Chosen Ones – Progress: 65%]
He just needed one final push.
And then—
He planted a seed.
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Spreading the Seeds of Doubt
Using his Eclipse Mirror, Lucian manipulated the lingering traces of Heavenly Fortune Energy in the shrine.
Suddenly, an illusion appeared before the Chosen Ones.
A shadowy figure emerged in the air—a distorted vision, filled with chaotic energy.
And in that vision…
Lucian Valcrest stood within a hall of treasures, holding the Phoenix Heart Flame and the Divine Sword.
For a split second, the illusion flickered, before vanishing like a passing nightmare.
Silence fell upon the group.
Then—
"Did… Did you all see that?"
"Lucian Valcrest? That can't be…"
"He is a righteous noble! Why would he—"
But doubt had already taken root.
Lucian smirked.
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The System's Reward
[Mission Complete: Discord Among the Chosen Ones Created]
Villain Points: +50
New Store Unlock: Cursed Relics
Lucian opened the new store tab and saw an item that caught his interest.
Item: Shadowbane Curse
Effect: Places an undetectable curse on a Chosen One, lowering their fortune and causing their destiny to unravel.
Cost: 60 VP
Lucian immediately purchased it.
A small black sigil appeared on his palm.
'Now, which hero should I test this on first?'
As he pondered, he turned his gaze toward Seraphina Yue, who had remained silent during the meeting.
She was his fiancée… and his biggest obstacle.
Was it time to make his move?
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