[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-villain-s-pov":3,"chapter-the-villain-s-pov-the-villain-s-pov-chapter-169":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","THE VILLAIN'S POV",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},336856,598,"Chapter 169 169: Dominance of the First Years","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-169",169,"\u003Cp>— Frey Starlight's POV —\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooshhh\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shadows darted between the trees, swords clashing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I moved with terrifying speed thanks to Phantom Steps, leaping through the trees and dodging arrows raining down on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shards of ice. Fire blasts. Sonic waves…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is starting to get way too annoying…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was being hunted by another third-year team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, I stopped and turned toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ten Thousand Steps of Shadow: Infinite Darkness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkness wrapped around my blade, forming a blazing black flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a single slash, I unleashed a dark arc that devoured everything before me for several meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They barely managed to block the attack—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I wasn't done yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And again…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second arc. Then the third.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the fourth…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I left them completely bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How much aura does this bastard have?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is he really just a first-year?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In seconds, the darkness of my aura engulfed them completely—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all dropped like insects before me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a deep breath before leaping away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"SSS class aura, you bastards\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as my body can handle it, I can keep firing attacks for hours without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I'm no machine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't keep this up forever… especially with wounds stacking across my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren't severe, but they'd become a problem in the long run.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to stop and treat them properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced quickly at my watch...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over seven hours had passed since the test began...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My destination had changed once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Proceed to Point I8.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reward: 5 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bonus points awarded based on arrival rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey Starlight: 320 points.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to the constant interference from third-year students, I hadn't been able to reach Point H4 earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment, I was at Point G6.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still a bit far from my next objective…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had been collecting points at a rapid pace—mainly due to the third-years relentlessly attacking me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So reaching the required total wasn't a challenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What I needed now… was a place to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkness had already begun to fall, and from what I knew, stronger monsters would emerge at night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn't in the mood—nor the condition—to deal with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I searched continuously, cutting down anything in my path for nearly an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, I settled on the trunk of one of the largest trees in the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't need food for the time being, so hunting wasn't on my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, I focused entirely on tending to my wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The armor sent from Starlight was truly remarkable. The torn fabric regenerated over time, and it possessed properties akin to bandages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant my wounds wouldn't worsen—which was all I needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I examined the sword in my right hand. Despite all the clashes throughout the day, it remained in perfect condition—razor-sharp and ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then I looked at my right hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'd recently discovered something unique about Frey's body…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a game-changer, but certainly useful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before reincarnating in this world, I had been left-handed. Naturally, I assumed Frey was too and started using my left hand without thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Balerion had also fused with my left arm, so using it came naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But recently, I realized I could wield a sword with my right hand just as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That revelation changed everything. Now I could use the sword in my right hand while utilizing my Balerion-infused left arm—hardened and nearly indestructible—for defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe one day I'd even dual-wield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the only good discovery in recent times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, I pulled out my laptop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one else could see it, so I didn't bother hiding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I checked the system, I noticed something odd—something that had never happened before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The task list was completely empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No side quests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No main missions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a single objective remained—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Win the Victoriad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if the system was preparing for something…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether I won or lost, I was certain something was about to happen. And I didn't want to find out what it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, the system's features were practically useless. I didn't even want to waste any of my limited Achievement Points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I put the laptop away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'd only use it as a last resort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leaned against the tree trunk as the darkness thickened around me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Up here, shrouded in complete blackness, I was invisible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky was overcast, leaving not even a sliver of light behind…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But my Hawk Eyes saw everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the distance, I spotted a few glowing dots—flickers of firelight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some students had lit fires.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A foolish mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would only draw the Nightmare Creatures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I slowly closed my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to sleep…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've missed this feeling… the feeling of being in the Shadow Sect…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The switch that kept me sane was beginning to tremble again…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That crazy motherfucker inside me—it wouldn't be long before he broke free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haaah…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Island – point C3\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body wrapped in blazing blue flames, Snow pulled his sword from the corpse of a multi-armed Bayge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Nightmare Creature had been reduced to a mangled, limbless heap—burned and carved beyond recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"F...e-e-e-d... Me\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With one final word, the abomination died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's the seventh one...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow leapt away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, he had stumbled into one of those cursed creature's nests and had been fighting for hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone else would've fled instantly—but not Snow. He chose to stay and fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at his watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Proceed to Point D7.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reward: 5 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow Leonhart: 275 points.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still not enough...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind drifted back to that fight…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That masked boy from the other day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need to become a better version of myself... Stronger. Faster.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning crackled across Snow's body as he burst forward once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkness had already fallen…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Snow had no intention of resting tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the white-haired youth raced toward Point D7…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found himself running alongside five others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed they all had the same target—Point D7.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them… a familiar face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A muscular frame and gray hair—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Danzo…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow trailed behind the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five were attacking each other as they raced toward their goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Void Step.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Electric serpents spiraled outward from Snow's feet the moment he took a single step. And just like that, he was far ahead of them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow spun around mid-run, unleashing blazing Starfire behind him—a devastating burst aimed at everyone chasing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You… Snow!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Danzo shouted as six aura hands formed behind him, wrapping around his body just before the Starfire hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thunderous explosion erupted, hurling everyone backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow didn't even look back—he kept running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That last strike had taken out three of the five pursuing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Danzo rose from the rubble, face twisted in rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You bastard!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shot after Snow immediately—but it was hopeless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow was far too fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just a few minutes later...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've reached your destination!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reward: 5 points + 20 bonus points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rank: 1st.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow said nothing. He was first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next point…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next destination hadn't been revealed yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Snow shifted his focus to hunting more Nightmare Creatures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That boy wouldn't stop—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And neither would he.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time flowed on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>12 hours since the trial began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey opened his eyes, still perched atop the massive tree trunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All across the island, students suddenly froze as the same notification echoed in their minds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– The first day on the island has ended!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It hadn't been a full day—but the trial had started at 12 this morning .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now… it was midnight .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone's gaze locked onto the next message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rankings have been revealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With anxious eyes, every participant opened the leaderboard…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Only your own rank and the top 10 will be shown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it wasn't a full list—just the best of the best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And each player could see only their own rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>10 – Danzo Smasher (First Year): 190 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>6 – Seris Moonlight (First Year): 248 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>5 – Jessica Thivenin (Second Year): 260 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>4 – Magnus Grell (Third Year): 300 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>3 – Frey Starlight (First Year): 320 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>2 – Snow Leonheart (First Year): 355 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>1 – Daemon Valerion (First Year): 400 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confusion etched itself across countless faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The top three… are all first-years?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the hell is going on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unprecedented turn of events was unfolding before their very eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elsewhere, Frey stared at his ranking, along with the accompanying alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frey Starlight: Rank 3rd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bounty on your head: 30 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he had ranked so high…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bounty on his head had risen from 2 points to 30 in just one day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What a pain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1433,"2026-05-30T03:41:22.346Z","2026-06-01T04:30:13.202Z",1,"novelbin.me","7899effe317cc67411d68b3465a82d68fa4a429c4128647e69cb8d4f6b91c6f8","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-170","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-168",866,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-villain-s-pov-cover.jpg"]