With Old Master Lee's retreating footsteps echoing in the silence, my gaze snapped back to the ethereal screen hovering before me. It still glowed with a faint, otherworldly luminescence, displaying a singular message: [100% Linking Completed.]
I waited, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs, a mixture of trepidation and wild hope swirling within me. The pain from my phantom wound still lingered, a constant, bitter reminder of the betrayal that had brought me to this moment. After a few agonizing seconds, the screen flickered, the light receding, plunging the display into a profound, inky black.
It's just a color change... what does that even mean? I thought, a flicker of disappointment crossing my mind. But then, new, vibrant green text flared to life against the dark canvas:
[Congratulations, Host, for acquiring the one and only VILLAIN SYSTEM!]
What's with this flashy name? I scoffed internally, a cynical smirk twisting my lips. The previous system, the one that had allowed Ryu Shen to manipulate his way to victory, hadn't been nearly so dramatic. As if on cue, the screen shifted again, now displaying my own name, stark and bold:
Name: RYU JIN {Regressor}Physique: 3Strength: 3Aura: 3
"Huh? Huh?" I mumbled, leaning closer to the shimmering display. "Are these... colors? I thought it would be something like a ranking system, maybe B-grade, A-grade, or even a 'Heavenly Rank.' But... what is this?"
As the words left my lips, another message instantly materialized, accompanied by a faint, almost imperceptible chime.
[You are pretty strong, Host.]
My head snapped up, my eyes darting around the empty room. "Huh? What? Who said that?" My pulse quickened. The System was speaking to me?
[I am your System, Host. You do not need to be scared. I will be accompanying you throughout your life.] The voice was synthesized, completely devoid of inflection, yet it held an undeniable presence, echoing not in my ears, but directly within my mind.
"What?! What is it? Isn't a System just... a screen? How can you talk?" This was beyond anything I had ever read in the novel, or even considered possible.
[I am not some normal System, Host. I am the only, the best, VILLAIN SYSTEM.] The words seemed to swell with an inexplicable pride, despite the flat tone.
"Okay, okay," I quickly interjected, raising a placating hand, though the gesture felt absurd given I was addressing a disembodied voice and a screen. "Don't say that name in front of me. I understand what you are. Now, just explain to me why you think these numbers are high. A '3' out of what? Infinity?"
[Host, the numbers are limited. Your stats will only go up to 10. So, do not think that it will be easy for you to get points. It will be very difficult.] The System's cold logic was relentless. Only 10? That means '3' is actually pretty good for a starting point. A spark of wicked satisfaction ignited within me. Ryu Shen probably started at 1 or 2.
[Now, I will explain my purpose. I will be helping you take your revenge and defeat the protagonist. You will also be given many choices, and you will continue to face many chances and opportunities as you live. It will be a lot more than you have ever experienced or could possibly imagine. Revenge is just a small part of your life now.]
The System's words struck me, not just with their meaning, but with their sheer prescience. Does it... does it know I regressed twice? Does it know I'm from Earth? My mind raced, forming a quick, deceptive plan. I needed to gauge its knowledge.
"Do you know that I am regressed?" I asked, feigning surprise, my voice carefully modulated to sound inquisitive rather than panicked.
[Yes, Host, I know you are regressed. I know about your past life. I will help you in this life.]
So, it didn't know about me being from Earth! Good. A wave of relief washed over me, quickly followed by a renewed sense of caution. This System was powerful, perhaps too powerful. Better to keep my true origins hidden for now.
[...Host, am I missing something? You are hiding something from me, Host.]
The System's sudden query, direct and accusing, sent a jolt through me. Its perception was sharper than I anticipated. "No, no, it's nothing," I quickly retorted, trying to sound dismissive.
[No, Host. You are lying.] The System's voice was flat, unwavering.
A muscle twitched in my jaw. "It's nothing. Leave it. Don't bother me. I have to reorganize my thoughts." My tone was firm, a direct command.
There was a moment of silence from the System, a pause that felt strangely like contemplation. Then, its voice returned, laced with an unnerving confidence. [Okay, Host. Do not be angry, Host. Do not tell me anything, then. I will find it out sooner or later.]
The black screen flickered once more, then completely dissolved, leaving only the familiar patterns of my old room.
"This is too much of a bother," I muttered, rubbing my temples. My head spun with the sheer magnitude of it all. A vengeful second chance, a sentient System, and the unsettling knowledge that my every thought might be scrutinized. I thought I would have a peaceful life, after achieving my revenge. But this... this is not too bad either. A chilling smile stretched across my lips. The peace I craved was not the quiet kind, but the peace that came from utter dominance.
Wait for some time, Shen. I will make sure you never find happiness in this life. I will make you truly understand despair.