The villain's explosive Reboot.

Chapter 14: Chapter 14. Deviation [III]



# 3rd Person POV:

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The world Venzel once knew was gone, and in its ashes lies a new path—one where vengeance becomes his guiding light.

The days following the letter were marked by silence and dread.

News of the Kaelith family's destruction spreads through the academy like wildfire.

Nobles whisper in hushed tones, afraid of what such an event means for their own security.

Commoners express cautious sympathy, though they remain distant, knowing the gulf between their worlds.

Venzel's friends—Serra, Lena, Thad, and Ryn—were true friends and visited Venzel daily , even vowing to help him uncover the truth.

Aron, meanwhile, plays the role of an aloof observer, feigning ignorance while subtly maneuvering events to isolate Venzel.

His interest in Venzel seems genuine on the surface, but beneath it lies a calculated intent.

One night, in a particularly vivid dream, the sword shows him a vision of his parents' final moments. Their execution is portrayed in agonizing detail, fueling Venzel's fury.

When he wakes, the whispers are deafening.

Unable to suppress his anger, Venzel confronts Aron in a secluded part of the academy.

The air between Venzel and Aron crackled with tension as they stood in the shadowed grove, a secluded part of the academy far from prying eyes.

The whispers of the cursed sword at Venzel's side grew louder, feeding on the storm of emotions roiling within him.

Aron's calm demeanor only stoked the fire.

"Your family's demise was inevitable," Aron said, his voice cold, calculated. "The system never cared for them, Venzel. It was always going to happen. I simply... expedited the process."

Venzel's knuckles turned white as he clenched the hilt of his sword. His voice trembled with barely contained fury. "Expedited? You're telling me you had a hand in it? For what? A scripted story?"

Aron's smirk deepened. "You're not the only one out of place in this world. The difference is, I know the script, and I play my part. Your family? They were an inconvenience. Their removal? Necessary. But you? You're a wildcard, and wildcards." He stepped forward, his eyes gleaming. "need to be controlled."

The cursed sword pulsed at Venzel's side, its dark whispers growing louder. "Strike him down," it urged. "Show him the cost of playing with fire."

Venzel's fury ignited, and flames erupted around him, licking at his feet and casting the grove in a fiery glow. Aron's expression shifted, feigned surprise masking a calculating gaze.

"Go ahead," Aron taunted, raising his hands mockingly. "Draw your sword, use your magic. Play right into the narrative."

With a guttural growl, Venzel thrust his hand forward, conjuring a torrent of fire that roared toward Aron. The flames curled and twisted, scorching the ground in their path.

Aron leapt back, a shield of shimmering mana flaring to life around him.

"You think fire alone will stop me?" Aron sneered, darting around the attack with calculated precision. "You'll need more than brute force to change your fate."

The cursed sword thrummed violently, and Venzel could feel it pulling at his resolve. The whispers grew deafening. "Let me guide you. Let me end him."

Ignoring the sword's plea, Venzel raised his free hand, casting a ring of flames around Aron, trapping him.

Aron's smirk faltered as the flames closed in, their heat palpable even through his magical defenses.

But Aron was no novice. With a sharp gesture, he dispelled the flames with a burst of wind magic, sending embers scattering into the night.

Typical protagonist, he had already mastered the wind elements after light and shadow.

He retaliated with a lance of mana, forcing Venzel to dodge, the ground where he stood exploding into shards of stone.

And even earth? Already?

The fight escalated. Venzel channeled his fury into precise strikes, flames coating his blade as he clashed with Aron.

Each swing was a release of his anger, each spell a testament to his unrelenting determination.

But Aron, ever the strategist, kept his distance, parrying and evading with infuriating ease.

Finally, Venzel's rage overcame his restraint. With a roar, he swung the cursed sword, its dark energy erupting in a surge of power.

Aron moved to block but allowed the blade to graze his arm. A faint wound appeared, but Aron amplified the injury with a concealed spell.

A flare of mana erupted, drawing the attention of nearby instructors and students. They arrived just in time to see Venzel, flames dancing around him, standing over Aron with the cursed sword humming ominously. The scene painted a damning picture, one of uncontrollable rage and a near-fatal assault.

Blood spattered onto the ground as Aron stumbled back, clutching his arm, his face twisted in mock agony.

Aron coughed, blood dripping from his lips as he whispered just loud enough for Venzel to hear, "Perfect. You've played your part beautifully."

The crowd's horrified gasps echoed in Venzel's ears. He barely registered the hands pulling him back, the accusations flying.

All he could see was Aron's triumphant smirk, even as he feigned weakness on the ground.

Aron, clutching his arm, played the part of the injured victim perfectly, his expression a mixture of pain and betrayal.

"Help... he's lost control!" Aron gasped, collapsing dramatically.

The crowd erupted into chaos. Instructors restrained Venzel, wrenching the cursed sword from his hands.

It screeched in protest as it was locked away in a warded chest.

"Venzel Kaelith, you've endangered a fellow student with intent to kill," the head instructor declared coldly. "You're hereby expelled from the academy, effective immediately."

The words hit like a hammer. Venzel's protests fell on deaf ears, drowned out by Aron's pained groans and the murmurs of the crowd.

***

As word spread of Venzel's expulsion, Serra, Lena, and Thad were among the first to act.

They stormed the head instructor's office, Lena leading the charge.

"This is absurd!" Lena slammed her hands on the desk.

"Venzel wouldn't attack someone without reason. Aron must have provoked him!"

"Aron's injuries speak for themselves," the instructor countered. "We cannot tolerate such recklessness."

Thad spoke next, his voice calm but firm. "You're ignoring context. Aron's been antagonizing Venzel for weeks, and everyone knows it. You're punishing a grieving man without hearing his side."

Serra, quiet until now, stepped forward. "He has already lost his family, and now you're taking Venzel's future too? How is this justice?"

The instructor sighed, unmoved. "The decision stands. The Kaelith name carries no weight here anymore. If you continue to protest, you risk disciplinary action yourselves."

***

By evening, Venzel stood at the edge of the city, his belongings packed tightly by his side, ready to step through the shimmering teleportation portal. The glow of the portal bathed the small group of his friends in soft light, a moment of surreal beauty amidst the sorrow.

Lena threw her arms around him, her voice thick with emotion. "This isn't over, Venzel. We'll find a way to clear your name. I promise you."

Serra clasped his hands tightly in hers, her eyes shimmering with determination. "We're your family now. Don't forget that, okay? Don't lose yourself out there."

Thad stood solemnly beside them, his expression serious but warm. "Stay safe, Venzel. No matter where you go, we'll be waiting."

Trying to break the tension, Ryn grinned and teased, "Venzel, just don't forget—you promised to name my firstborn."

For the first time that day, Venzel smiled—a rare and genuine expression. "Ryn, don't worry. Forget one child—I'll name every single one of them. You'll have no freedom in that matter."

The group burst into laughter, their tears mingling with their chuckles. For a fleeting moment, the heaviness of their farewell lifted, replaced by the warmth of their bond.

The portal's glow intensified, signaling it was time. Venzel gave them one last look, his eyes filled with gratitude and an unspoken promise. Then, he stepped into the light, disappearing from their sight.

Silence settled over the group as they stared at the spot where he had been.

"I never thought I'd miss Venzel," Thad admitted quietly.

"Yeah... he's such a weirdo," Lena added, her voice tinged with fondness. "I don't want to miss him, but I do."

Serra's small voice broke the moment. "Big brother can do it. I'm sure he will. He's strong."

"He's only 15," Ryn pointed out with a slight frown.

"Father always said he's like an adult," Lena reminded them, her tone softening.

Together, the four of them stood there, reminiscing about their peculiar friend. Despite the ache of parting, the love and hope they shared for Venzel filled the air, leaving them with a bittersweet peace.

***

Author's Note:

Hi everyone, I've made an edit to Chapter 4. The time skip was supposed to be ten years, not five years. I sincerely apologize for the mistake! As a small compensation, I'll be releasing an extra chapter later today. Thank you for your understanding and support!


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