Chapter 25: The Game of Fate Begins

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A Moment of Reflection

Lucian stood at the edge of the courtyard, his golden eyes gazing at the moonlit sky.

Xian Mu had left, but the echoes of his presence remained.

Beside him, Selene Nightshade was lost in thought. Her heart was in conflict.

She had come here to judge him.

But what she saw tonight had shaken her beliefs.

Lucian glanced at her.

"Thinking about him?" he asked, his voice smooth.

Selene looked at him, her expression unreadable.

"You are playing a dangerous game, Lucian."

Lucian smirked.

"I always have."

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The System Awakens Again

As Selene turned away, the Villain System chimed in his mind.

[Mission Completed: Survive a Confrontation with a Chosen One Without Losing Reputation]

+500 Villain Points

Reward: Temporal Mirage Crystal (Artifact – Grants the Ability to Replay an Event and Change a Single Action)

Lucian's mind sharpened.

This… was an absolute weapon in the hands of a schemer.

He could relive moments, correct mistakes, and alter fate itself.

"This is getting interesting," he thought.

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The Next Move

Selene finally turned to leave.

"Lucian…" she whispered.

He raised an eyebrow.

"You should be careful. The Chosen Ones won't let this go. And… I won't always be able to protect you."

Lucian's smile remained, but his heart stirred.

She still cared—even if she wouldn't admit it.

"Then let them come," he murmured. "Let's see who survives this game of fate."

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