Recap:
In the last chapter, Leo shocked everyone by calmly accepting his punishment and walking out of the trial hall without resistance.
This marked his first major deviation from the original plot, which in turn activated the Heavenly Villain System—a mysterious entity that rewards him for dismantling the protagonist's fate.
On his way out, Leo broke off his engagement with Selena, who was left in tears.
Meanwhile, Leo finally began interacting with the system, revealing a powerful item store and his own status panel.
The path of the villain had officially begun.
---
Inside the carriage, under the silver glow of a crescent moon, Leo leaned back against the cushioned seat.
His eyes stared blankly at the ceiling of the cabin as he listened to the mechanical, yet oddly charismatic voice echoing in his mind.
[System Notification: Host has requested cultivation stage information. Displaying the first ten major power realms and their respective sub-realms.]
The screen in his mind flickered to life as knowledge poured into his consciousness like a flood of divine insight.
---
Each Realm contains 3 Sub-Realms:
Lesser
Greater
Peak
Example: "Lesser Emberborn", "Peak Starforged", etc.
---
1. Emberborn Realm (Foundation Stage)
Awakening mana or aura for the first time.
Learning basic spells and techniques.
> Sub-Realms: Lesser Emberborn → Greater Emberborn → Peak Emberborn
---
2. Spellroot Realm (Early Cultivation)
Can cast structured spells or martial techniques.
Mana or aura cores begin forming.
> Sub-Realms: Lesser Spellroot → Greater Spellroot → Peak Spellroot
---
3. Aetherpulse Realm (True Awakening)
Core stabilizes, allowing external mana manipulation.
Enhanced physical and mental attributes.
> Sub-Realms: Lesser Aetherpulse → Greater Aetherpulse → Peak Aetherpulse
---
4. Starforged Realm (Elite Tier)
Body and soul tempered.
Can create minor domains, summon spirit beasts or weapons.
> Sub-Realms: Lesser Starforged → Greater Starforged → Peak Starforged
---
5. Dominion Realm (Regional Powerhouses)
Can control entire battlefields with aura or magic.
Begin crafting their Arcane Authority (personal rules/laws of power).
> Sub-Realms: Lesser Dominion → Greater Dominion → Peak Dominion
---
6. Calamity Realm (World-Level Fighters)
Name feared by nations.
Magic/artifacts affect weather, reality, or fate.
> Sub-Realms: Lesser Calamity → Greater Calamity → Peak Calamity
---
7. Archon Realm (Continental Forces)
Can bend laws of the world, slow time, freeze space.
Access to World Sigils (ancient runes that shape reality).
> Sub-Realms: Lesser Archon → Greater Archon → Peak Archon
---
8. Eternal Realm (Immortal Legends)
Ageless. Bodies exist between matter and mana.
One move can annihilate cities.
> Sub-Realms: Lesser Eternal → Greater Eternal → Peak Eternal
---
9. Origin Realm (Heaven-Breakers)
Possess Origin Marks — fragments of creation itself.
Can resist destiny, rewrite prophecy.
> Sub-Realms: Lesser Origin → Greater Origin → Peak Origin
---
10. Primordial Realm (God-Tier. Unfathomable)
Not bound by time, space, or laws.
Can create new realms, summon extinct magics, or merge timelines.
> Sub-Realms: Lesser Primordial → Greater Primordial → Peak Primordial
---
Leo nodded slowly, absorbing the immense detail and order. Each stage was vast and complex—more than enough to determine one's status in the world.
"So I'm currently in… the second realm of Mortal Path?"
[Correct. Specifically: Mortal Path – Strengthening Realm.]
"Hmm," Leo rubbed his chin. "System, now tell me about your reward structure."
[Acknowledged.]
System Rewards Overview:
System Points: Earned when Host alters key events, seizes opportunities from the original protagonist, or changes major plotlines.
System Points: Currency used in the Villain Mall. Earned from deviation and certain achievements.
Hidden Events: Some plot twists can be triggered for high rewards.
Villain Titles: Unlock new features when certain conditions are met.
System Evolution: As the Host earns more points and grows in strength, new modules and systems will unlock.
Leo's eyes lit up. "What about my hidden bloodline?"
The System paused for a moment.
[Hidden Bloodline: Currently locked. Can be revealed either through major plot events… or by consuming 150,000 System Points.]
Leo's heart sank. "One hundred and fifty thousand?!"
He took a long breath, trying to keep calm.
"That's ridiculous…"
[However, Host must be aware: unlocking this bloodline will fundamentally reshape your strength. It will greatly enhance your body, energy, and future cultivation paths.]
"I figured…" Leo whispered.
Still, the cost was monumental.
"And my Immortal Body? Can I unlock that yet?"
[Negative. Current System Level insufficient. Future updates and upgrades required.]
"Figures. I'm still early in the game, after all."
As the carriage rolled down the moonlit road, Leo's eyes slowly closed, deep in thought.
He had already altered the story's foundation.
But this was just the beginning.
---
Meanwhile…
Back at the trial hall, long since emptied of nobility and guards, Selena remained where she stood earlier.
Her personal maid knelt beside her, worriedly whispering to her.
"Miss Selena, please. It's cold out here…"
But she didn't move.
Tears clung to her lashes.
He really said it...
Break off the engagement... return all the benefits...
She remembered the first time Leo confessed to her. His confidence, his smile, the way he said, "You're the only one I see, Selena."
She had resisted for weeks. She thought he was arrogant. A noble with too much pride.
But he persisted. He brought her flowers, helped her family out of financial ruin when her father was framed, and even protected her when assassins came after her family during a border conflict.
At that time, she'd truly started falling for him.
But then… her father arranged an alliance with the Hero's family.
She felt betrayed. She thought Leo was just trying to own her—so she pushed him away.
Now?
He was gone.
And even if she chased after him, his eyes no longer held warmth. Just cold, sharp indifference.
She clutched her chest.
"Why does it hurt… so much?"
---
The carriage finally rolled to a stop in front of the Aetherwind Estate.
Leo stepped out slowly, his expression calm.
The wind whispered through the trees.
The stars above glimmered like ancient eyes watching over him.
Inside his mind, the System's voice rang out again:
[Reminder: Host has to deviate the plot threads. And plunder the Protognist opportunities. System Level 1 can progress to next upgrade.]
Leo smirked.
"Let's see how far this villain can rise."
---
[Status Panel]
Name: Leo Aetherwind
Age: 16
Family: Aetherwind Noble Lineage
Bloodline: Aetherwind Pureblood
Hidden Bloodline: ??? (Locked)
Special Trait: Immortal Body (Locked)
Realm: Mortal Path – Strengthening Realm
Cultivation Techniques:
Shadow Wind Step
Crimson Pulse Art
Moonfall Blade
Combat Rank: Low-tier combatant
System Points: 2,500
Inventory:
Villain's Cloak of Shadow (Equipped)
Insight Pill (1/day weakness reveal)
Skill: Phantom Mind (Charm, Illusion, and Manipulation Resistance)
---
To be continued…