[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-villain-s-pov":3,"chapter-the-villain-s-pov-the-villain-s-pov-chapter-22":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},336809,598,"Chapter 22 22: Hatching of the Goat’s Egg (2)","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-22",22,"\u003Cp>Host: Frey Starlight (dual soul)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Class: Swordsman\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talent: A\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Current Rank: D-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strength: E+\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speed: D\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Agility: D-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Endurance: E\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aura: SSS\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Magic: G-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swordsmanship Lv.2 (Limit Broken: The user can now reach Level 7.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talents: {Swordsmanship}, {Aura Manipulation}\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combat Style: Ten Thousand Steps of Shadow\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Skills:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Hawk's Eye) – Rank A\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grants night vision, zoom-in\u002Fzoom-out vision, and long-distance sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bonus Effect: Slight time dilation when under attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can see through lower-rank stealth techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Phantom Steps) – Rank A\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doubles movement speed and silences footsteps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bonus Effect: The user momentarily vanishes when moving at extreme speeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Seduction) – Rank F\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Induces attraction in the target, with a stronger effect on the opposite sex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect weakens if the target is stronger than the user and may not work at all if their rank is two tiers higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abilities:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shadow Adaptation: 0\u002F7\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>System Note: What? You want me to praise you? You're still as weak as a larva, so don't get ahead of yourself.~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Current Achievement Points: 6,000\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I climbed all the way from F-Rank to D-.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I should thank Ada later for the training potions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at Shadow Adaptation. At first, I didn't understand what it meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after countless battles against Smiley and Sad, and enduring blow after brutal blow, I started to get it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time I learned my opponent's fighting style, a strange black mist would rise around me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment of enlightenment would strike, and suddenly, I'd instinctively counter their moves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just my theory, but if I truly mastered Shadow Adaptation…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I might become the ultimate counter to every combat style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the thought sent shivers down my spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I still don't know where this power came from or what exactly happened that day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, I never wrote anything about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I welcomed the extra strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My gaze dropped to the bottom of the screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smirked at the sight of my Achievement Points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after spending 4,000 points to upgrade my skills and another 1,500 to unlock talents, I still had plenty left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I checked my Missions tab.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Main Mission:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Successfully acquire Ten Thousand Steps of Shadow: +2,000 AP (Completed)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Side Missions:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Survive the Shroud of the Dead: +300 AP (Completed)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Escape the Forest of Fear: +500 AP (Completed)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Survive the Lunaria Mountains: +300 AP (Completed)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently, the system had been assigning missions all along, and I'd been completing them without realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt like an idiot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I had checked my missions earlier, I might've been able to anticipate the dangers ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But back then, I didn't have the luxury of checking my laptop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I survived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that's what matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A whole year had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Temple's Opening was drawing near.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced inside my Dimensional Ring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from my swords and a few other trinkets, there was barely anything left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My food… my supplies…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant only one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's time to return.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I caught a glimpse of my reflection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My hair had grown long, and I hadn't taken a proper bath in a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha… I look like a mess.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, strangely, I felt refreshed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, my body was overflowing with strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I closed my eyes and sank into deep meditation, reaching out to the dormant force within me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seconds later, I found myself standing there…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a spiritual form, drifting in an endless sea of darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vast, boundless ocean of Black Aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had discovered this place months ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was my SSS-Rank Aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unfathomable power, ready to be wielded… yet still beyond my reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I attempted to draw upon that immense energy, and at once, a dark line crept up my arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, I possessed the power—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I wasn't strong enough to wield it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like trying to drink the ocean through a tiny straw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until I reached the required strength, I wouldn't be able to fully harness it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, there was one advantage…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this endless sea of Aura, I could fight without the fear of running out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone was an incredible asset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stored my laptop back in my Dimensional Ring and took one last look around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This small, humble room had been my home for an entire year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stepped forward, making my way toward the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Will Smiley and Sad let me leave?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, I had no choice—I had to go. If they stood in my way, I'd have no option but to fight them to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was D- Rank, but only a fool would think that was my limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the reason for that was clutched firmly in my grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Balerion, the Black dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the few SS-Rank swords in existence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever I wielded Balerion, my strikes felt effortless—flawless. As if the sword was merely an extension of my own body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this blade, I could easily face opponents two entire ranks above me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, I'd have to conceal it once I returned. There were only seven SS-Rank swords in the entire world, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I reached the stairs—where they were waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smiley and Sad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yo… did you guys miss me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I strolled toward them. The two turned, their expressions unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark Aura erupted around me, suffocating the air with killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm sorry, but I have to go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood my ground, bracing for their attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But contrary to my expectations, Smiley and Sad simply stepped aside, clearing my path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My aura vanished. I gave them a wary glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're really letting me go? You're not planning to attack the moment I step forward, are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They remained silent—motionless, like statues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And strangely… I felt a sense of familiarity with these statues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alongside Balerion, these two had been my roommates for an entire year—even if they had been anything but kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I passed between them, I took one final look before giving them a nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at that moment…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Smiley and Sad nodded back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter, descending the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the bottom, I turned to gaze upon the Sect of Shadows one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had never done this before, but… somehow, I knew this was their way of saying farewell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, I did the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I lowered my head in respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I left the Black Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow crunched beneath my boots as I walked through the frozen wasteland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah… here we go again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Balerion trembled violently in my grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Calm down… you'll have blood soon enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pressed forward, moving through the vast, snowy expanse—until suddenly, I stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar presence loomed ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two scythes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight limbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same monstrous form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except this one was much larger than the last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood still, watching it. Then, a twisted grin spread across my face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oi, over here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I called out to the Abomination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its head snapped toward me before it let out a deafening roar and charged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's been a while, hasn't it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Scythe Abomination lunged—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I vanished just as its blade was about to hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now perched on its arm, I casually patted the beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your cousin and I were close friends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It swung its second scythe, but I was already gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dancing around the Abomination, I swayed side to side, my movements erratic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be like that. You and your cousin both tried to cut me down, after all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know what your cousin did?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Abomination ignored my words and attacked, its speed terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crimson blood splattered across the snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He cut off my hand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster's arm—and its scythe—flew through the air, severed in a single stroke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't even know what had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't even realize where the attack had come from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood gushed from the wound as the Abomination howled in agony, wildly swinging its remaining blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything moved in slow motion, thanks to Hawk's Eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you can see, I like to return favors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And since your cousin isn't around anymore...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll have to take this in his place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Abomination's scythe reached my face—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in that instant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten copies of me appeared before it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ten Thousand Steps of Shadow: Mirage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ten figures struck simultaneously, piercing through the Abomination's body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The illusions merged back into one—now standing behind the beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just moments later—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Abomination's body exploded into ten separate pieces, collapsing into a crimson pool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wiped my blade, frowning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I still can't do more than ten strikes...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, those weren't clones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were afterimages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mirage\" was a flurry of strikes, executed so fast that it created the illusion of multiple versions of myself attacking at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that single moment, I had struck ten times—making it appear as if there were ten of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this was far from enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Chun Ma, the previous wielder of this technique, could unleash ten thousand strikes in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ran a hand through my hair, sighing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like I still have a long road ahead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new predator was born within the Nightmare Lands.\u003C\u002Fp>",1538,"2026-05-30T03:41:22.067Z","2026-06-01T04:30:13.202Z",1,"novelbin.me","14defa2a1847d9d5bacd39ce4ed8ca38593d0eb1fa03668edf2d8260cc4ba1f2","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-23","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-21",866,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-villain-s-pov-cover.jpg"]