The Villain Who Stole Hearts - Chapter 52: Lyra and Harvey

“The masterminds are cooler than heroes,” I mutter as I stare at the chess pieces before me. It is easier to be the one who sits in the shadows and moves the pieces, likewise deciding the flow of the game.Heroes will foolishly sacrifice their lives for the good cause and villains will sacrifice the world for their own gain, but masterminds will use both the heroes and villains to their own benefit.Why, you ask? Well, that's because I've lost my life once while trying to be a hero so, I don't want that anymore. I'd rather be a mastermind who molds the world as per my convenience and live peacefully. Because, why not?***[Defender of Divine Glory says you are the hope of this world.]What?[Goddess of Wisdom believes that you will be the one to save the world.]Wait, what?![Propose the Grand Duke the idea of a fake marriage.]And, why would I do that?![Stop the assassination of Prince Eric.]Why would I save him?![The candidates for the throne are:... Who will you choose?]Ah! I give up...It seems like a curse that anyone who wishes for a slacker life in Isekai will have to go through the most troublesome things.In my past life, I died because of one rookie mistake but after being transmigrated in the world of fantasy I've gotten an opportunity to start afresh, but unlike the protagonists who look for their love and glory, I'd rather make money and live a life of a slacker.I have magic, I have power and I have money, what else do I need?Well, that was the plan but this damn system is getting on my nerves. I mean who in their sane mind would want to mess with the complicated royal family and political affairs? But that's not all though.I've also become the saviour of this world. Things just can't be anymore worse!Besides, the penalty of failing this quest is...[Failure: Destruction of the World.]It seems like if I screw up in selecting the right person then the destruction that is going to befall the world won't be stopped.If I speak of my reward then it's this vague thing.[Reward: Fulfillment of any wish.]“If that's the case then, I'd rather choose the person who would be the best fit for the throne.”And that's how I decided that I would become the Kingmaker.

With a father as strong as the highest heavens themselves, Gravis wasn't required to step into the cold and ruthless world of cultivation. But when Heaven used him in a scheme to get back at his father, Gravis realized that he needed strength to gain true freedom.

As long as he remained his weak self, he would always remain beneath Heaven’s oppression. Only true power brings true freedom. To gain strength, Gravis ventured into the lower worlds to start his cultivation under true life and death tempering.

Only a strong will, which had been forged in striving for every resource available, would allow him to reach the peak. Heaven’s strongest weapon was Lightning of Divine Punishment, and only if he made this weapon his, would he have a chance.

So, to overthrow Heaven,

Lightning Is the Only Way!

Yet, the path to power is painful.

Not everyone reaches the peak.

But Gravis will!

No matter how much pain he feels along the way!

Just became the disciple with the highest seniority, but the Age of the Dark Mist descended, and the sect plummeted into a land plagued with raging demons.

Shen Changge who had already written his suicide note suddenly awakened to a Check-in System.

[Check-in at Sword Lord Statue, Success, acquired: Empyrean Sword Manual]

[Check-in at Training Ground, Success, acquired: Cultivation Base*50 years]

[Check-in at Sword Clout Mountain, Success, acquired: Sword Clout of Destruction*1s]

…

In the Age of the Dark Mist, demons were rampant, and an impenetrable mist veiled the empyrean. By vanquishing demons, the mist could be dispelled, and new check-in locations could be unlocked. By doing so clandestinely, Shen Changge became a Sword Saint.

When a demon broke into the Empyrean Sword Sect, everyone in the sect was powerless. People were in despair, until they met that young man in white who had just checked in at the Empyrean Peak. The young man’s eyes were ablaze.

“Submit, demon.”

As monstrous invaders ravage the world, Ryzen Kael— a man shattered by a tragedy ten years ago— faces his final moments. But just as death closes in, a mysterious system awakens within him, offering a path beyond his limits.Now, with nothing left to lose, he steps into a dangerous journey of survival and power, defying fate and unlocking abilities beyond imagination. Follow his rise as he challenges destiny itself, carving his name into history!Author's other storiesThe Unrivaled Holder: Rise of the Dragon Monarch - 3rd Season Ongoing