The Hero Candidate and the Hidden Blade

The grand plaza of the Imperial Capital was filled with thousands. Golden banners bearing the crest of the Empire fluttered high as drums boomed and trumpets echoed. Today was the "Hero Selection Ceremony" — an ancient tradition where the Empire's chosen heroes would be blessed by the heavens and sent to the outer regions to slay demons and protect the people.

But unknown to most, this ceremony was not just a selection — it was a subtle audition for pawns.

At the heart of the crowd stood Priyanshu Yadav, still cloaked in the robes of a noble disciple. His expression was calm, but his eyes were scanning everything. The Loyal Dog Organization had already fed him enough information about the inner dealings of the ceremony. The so-called "heroes" were often sacrifices sent to distant lands, and only a few returned. It was a culling in disguise.

Behind his calm façade, the system voice echoed.

[System Notification: New Variable Detected — "Chosen Hero Candidate"][Name: Rivaniel Flameborn | Hidden Potential: SSS+]

"Interesting..." Priyanshu muttered under his breath.

This wasn't just any candidate. Rivaniel, a half-elf born in the slums, had been sponsored by the Saintess herself — and was rumored to possess a divine blessing that even the Empress feared. The attention around him was sky-high.

But Priyanshu noticed something others didn't.

Behind that kind, heroic smile, Rivaniel's aura pulsed with something... darker.

He activated his system's special mode:

[Villain's Insight: Activated][Target Alignment: Chaotic Neutral with Hidden Ruthless Trait][Hidden Background: Child of the Abyssal Order]

A smirk tugged at Priyanshu's lips.

So even the heavens are playing with double-edged blades.

He turned to Asha, who stood nearby, wearing an elegant veil and suppressing her power. "That guy… he's not what he looks like," he whispered.

Asha nodded slowly. "I sensed the Abyss mark too. Do we eliminate him now?"

"No," Priyanshu said calmly, his fingers tapping lightly on his robe. "He's bait. Let the Empire believe they've summoned a hero. When he turns, I want him to bring the entire eastern front down. That's when we strike from the shadows."

Asha grinned. "As you wish, my Lord."

Suddenly, the Empress rose from her golden throne and declared:

"Let the Chosen One step forward!"

Rivaniel walked through the golden light with grace, his golden eyes glowing, and every noble clapped, none knowing that behind that brilliance was a shadow deeper than the Void.

Meanwhile, far beneath the plaza, inside a hidden chamber lined with obsidian crystals, a group of cloaked figures gathered.

"The villain has already taken root within the Empire," said one.

Another, with glowing green eyes, replied, "No. He is the gardener. We are merely the weeds waiting to be trimmed."

A third voice whispered, "Begin Phase Two. The Shadow Hall must move."

Above ground, Priyanshu closed his eyes briefly. Everything was going according to plan.