Mystica: Reincarnated Into A Novel As A Villain

Darius came toward them with heavy, purposeful steps, and Arvian's brows knitted. There was definitely something wrong.

"Darius?" Confusion and disbelief tinged Arvian's voice as he called out.

'Who are they? Are these the people Darius called his friends? From his memory, that's Arvian, the one he calls Master, and the girl is Astrea,' the unknown presence within Darius muttered to itself.

Darius's expression shifted into a look of feigned relief and nervousness as he spoke, his tone carefully crafted to sound genuine. "Hey, Master. I've been lost… confused and afraid. I didn't know if I'd make it, but I'm glad you both are alright."

With a suspicious tone in her voice, Astrea furrowed her brows. "How did you get banned from the system? The system said your soul was out of range from this world."

Darius's eyes widened in surprise, but he covered it up right away.

'What?! They're system users too? Damn it! We found them? I have to tell the Master immediately… The mission might be over before it even begins,' the unknown presence in Darius's mind raced with thoughts.

"Uh... yeah," Darius stammered, forcing a nervous chuckle. "I was like… lost in another world or something. No system notifications, no nothing. It was terrifying."

***

They learned after gathering information that they would have little time to prepare for the Azmaris Academy's entrance exam, which was scheduled to take place in ten days.

Arvian lay asleep in the guest room, but once again, he found himself drawn into the dreamscape.

The scene had changed this time. He was standing on top of the same structure where he had previously encountered the real Arvian.

But there was a noticeable shift. Kaileo—the real Arvian—was no longer shackled. He stood free, unburdened by the chains that had once held him.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in the air, chilling and familiar.

"Welcome back, Mister Kaileo."

The real Arvian appeared out of thin air before Arvian could react, descending as if she were stepping down from the sky.

"What—how? Wasn't that a dream?" Arvian muttered in disbelief. "This can't be real."

The real Arvian laughed, a sound filled with both amusement and sharpness. "Hahaha, you thought that was just a dream? What, does that mean you also believe the Ethereal Forge doesn't exist? Hah, how utterly foolish!"

"Wait, how is this possible?" Arvian stammered, still in disbelief.

The real Arvian chuckled, his voice dripping with amusement. "Ahaha, I'm the one who brought you here from your world. You might think this is just a dream, but it's actually an altered timeline, my friend."

Arvian frowned, trying to process the revelation. "Altered timeline...?"

The real Arvian smirked. "Anyway, let's get back on track. You've been so lazy you didn't even bother to move your hands. How typical. Oh, and looks like you've earned yourself a new title—'Angel of Laziness,' haha."

Arvian scowled at the teasing but pushed forward with his question. "Enough with the jokes. How do I find the Ethereal Forge?"

"Well, I can tell you that the Ethereal Forge is divided into seven...pri...prosm...something...Stones. As for the rest, the system will fill you in on the details."

Arvian blinked, processing the cryptic response. "Wait a second—how do you know about the system?"

Real Arvian's eyes widened for a brief moment, as if he'd let something slip. But just as quickly, his expression returned to its usual calm.

"Ah, well, Kaileo," he said smoothly, "I've already told you before, haven't I? I know everything."

"Well, there's something I know that you don't," Arvian said, his voice turning grave. "I've seen the future, and it's... terrible. There are some problems rising, big ones. But—wait, hold on—I just realized something." His eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Tell me, why did you forget about the innocent lives you took? You acted like there were no traces left, like those killings never even happened."

"Do—you—have—no—heart?" Arvian's voice was thick with disbelief. "Are—you—a—villain—or—something?" His words, laden with confusion and accusations, were directed at the real Arvian.

Arvian stepped back, memories flooding back, fear seeping into his eyes. His eyes grew wide, and as he spoke, his voice faltered.

"I didn't do it... the system ordered me. There was... hellish punishment if I didn't comply."

The laughter of Real Arvian reverberated ominously, his voice full of derision.

"Ahahaha, what if the system told you to destroy your eye, and the punishment would be hellish? Nah—wait—what if it ordered you to... destroy your private part instead? What would you do then?" He leaned in, a twisted amusement dancing in his eyes.

Arvian's eyes went wide with horror, his voice barely a whisper as he mumbled, "Aghuh! I... I... would do it..." His body trembled, the weight of his own words sinking in as the grim reality of his compliance with the system became painfully clear.

"Huh, well, good luck with the journey. There's a horrible future ahead, but remember—don't tell anyone about the Ethereal Forge, except those you truly trust." He paused, his gaze sharp, as if warning Arvian of the dangers yet to come.

Suddenly, the world around him began to fade, darkness swallowing everything. He felt a weight pressing down on him, as though the very air had become thick and suffocating. Then, in an instant, everything went black.

When Arvian opened his eyes again, he found himself back in the bed, the room familiar but distant, as if he had just woken from a long, unsettling dream. His heart raced, still echoing with the haunting words of the real Arvian.

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[System Notification: Hidden Quest-01 Unlocked]

[SYSTEM]:

New Hidden Quest:

[Quest Name: Hidden Knowledge of the Ethereal Forge]

Objective:

Find information regarding the Ethereal Forge within the Academy.

Details:

The Ethereal Forge is a mysterious source of power, tied to the heart of the Elysian Expanse. Knowledge about it is restricted, but traces of its existence are hidden within the book in the Academy.

No one has yet uncovered its full potential, and it is said that only those marked by fate will discover its true power.

Rewards:

Unlock secrets about the Ethereal Forge.

Gain new abilities or powers tied to the Forge's influence.

Unknown bonus rewards upon quest completion.

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