[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system":3,"chapter-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-196":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Villain of Fate: The Tyrant System",{"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},560684,810,"Chapter 196: A Night of Rot and Silence","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-196",196,"\u003Cp>A Night of Rot and Silence\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hitching a ride on the truck for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold night wind howled past Lucas’s ears, whipping against his battered body as he clung to the metal frame like a stubborn ghost refusing to fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers were stiff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grip shaky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he held on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below him, the asphalt blurred into streaks of dull gray and black, the city lights stretching into long smears like bleeding stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No headlights chasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No footsteps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Julian D’Aurelius and Yana Tyson hadn’t caught up, Lucas had no intention of getting off the truck to hide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crooked smile slowly crawled across his pale face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fools.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu—no, Lucas—sneered with a two-word evaluation, his voice hoarse yet dripping with contempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His chest rose and fell heavily, each breath dragging against the fire in his lungs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it were me...\" he muttered to himself, eyes narrowing into slits, \"I would have crushed the throat clean. No escape. No second chance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out a faint, bitter chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting him escape—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would become the biggest regret of their lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression shifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reality returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His condition—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was terrible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside his body, blood surged violently, clashing against his nervous system like waves against a crumbling shore. Every movement sent sharp pain radiating through his limbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The poison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The backlash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was stacking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he hadn’t taken an antidote...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he hadn’t cultivated that specialized technique from the Obsidian Wing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would already be a corpse cooling on the pavement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grip tightened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Still alive,\" he whispered, almost in disbelief. \"Hah... barely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truck rolled forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minutes passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or maybe seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time blurred when pain took over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the truck reached a park nearby, its speed slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A red traffic light flickered ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas’s vision dimmed slightly at the edges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t hold on any longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His strength was slipping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking advantage of the truck stopping at a red light, he released his grip and dropped down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THUD.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His knees buckled as soon as his feet touched the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain exploded upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he forced himself forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step by step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unsteady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He staggered into the park.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night there was quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trees loomed like silent watchers, their shadows stretching long across the paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This park was relatively secluded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Running to a hotel or hospital right now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be suicide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A trap waiting to close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Here... is enough...\" he muttered, voice fading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reaching a bench deep within the park, Lucas collapsed onto it, his body finally giving in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His vision swayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breathing shallow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fumbled for his phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers trembled as he unlocked it, tapping out a short message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coordinates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the Scythe Division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come... pick me up...\" he whispered under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Send.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message disappeared into the void.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thin, relieved smile flickered across his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Just hold on... a little longer...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his body—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the phone slipped from his hand—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkness swallowed him whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He passed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far from the quiet decay of the park—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Scythe Division was somewhere else entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Music pounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lights flashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bodies moved in rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside a high-end club, indulgence ruled the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hemil—leaned back lazily on a leather couch, a glass in one hand, the other resting comfortably against the soft thigh of the woman beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air smelled of alcohol and perfume.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Desire and distraction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His phone buzzed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brows furrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss, that guy Lucas sent a message.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other three looked over, expressions curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does he want now?\" one of them scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Probably got himself into trouble again,\" another added with a lazy grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ignore him, pretend we didn’t see it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hemil didn’t hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tossed his phone aside without another glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand slid lazily, patting the young lady’s thigh beside him, while another hand casually squeezed the soft curve of her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hottie,\" he said with a crooked smile, voice thick with amusement, \"let’s have seafood together tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl giggled softly, leaning closer, her lips brushing his cheek in a teasing kiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, darling,\" she whispered, eyes half-lidded. \"But you better not disappoint me tonight~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hemil chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Then I’ll have to make sure you can’t walk out of here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas’s message—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forgotten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Left to rot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the park—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence ruled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold wind drifted through the trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And on that lonely bench—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas lay unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vulnerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t take long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two figures emerged from the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rough-looking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes sharp in a different way—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not of strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But of survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bro, look, that guy seems drunk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shorter one whispered, nudging his companion as he pointed toward Lucas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man narrowed his eyes, studying the scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Drunk and sleeping in the open at night... people like that are the scum of society, contributing nothing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was low, carrying a strange mix of disdain and twisted righteousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shorter guy scratched his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So... what do we do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man scoffed, folding his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So we can’t be like him. We need to change our lazy ways and get back on track.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded seriously, as if delivering wisdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From today on, we must improve our... skills. Combine classical and modern methods. Strive to grow and achieve greatness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short guy blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You mean stealing better?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man gave him a proud look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his eyes shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Locked onto Lucas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, for now... our main goal is to steal whatever we can... for example—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured toward the unconscious man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two exchanged a look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silent agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, they had already taken Lucas’s wallet and phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short young man flipped through the thick stack of cash inside the wallet, his eyes widening immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn... this rich brat actually carries cash?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out a whistle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who even does that anymore?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man grabbed the phone next, checking the expensive model before grinning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today’s harvest isn’t bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad?\" the short guy laughed. \"Brother, we struck gold tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they continued searching him, the bearded man suddenly paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled something from Lucas’s coat pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two unopened boxes of condoms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence lingered for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the short guy burst into laughter so hard he nearly bent over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahahaha! This bastard came prepared!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man examined the boxes with amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Premium brand too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clicked his tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like Young Master planned to have himself a wonderful evening.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas had bought them back in Woodland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, after planning for Bianca to be drugged and delivered to him, he had even worried that one box might not be enough to satisfy her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the end, his plan didn’t work out, and the condoms remained completely unused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short guy wiped tears from the corner of his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a tragedy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prepared for battle, but never made it to the battlefield.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like heaven couldn’t bear to watch him succeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both men laughed shamelessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short guy stuffed the wallet into his jacket and patted it happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, we really hit the jackpot today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man grinned broadly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank nature for its gifts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy was quite generous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not many people carried thousands in cash these days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short guy’s eyes gleamed greedily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With this money, we can finally go enjoy ourselves properly tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man nodded seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he raised a finger righteously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ll stimulate consumption.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short guy instantly understood and slapped his thigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boost the domestic economy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man burst into loud laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And contribute to society!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two looked at each other—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>then laughed even harder like complete idiots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After calming down slightly, the short young man tilted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at unconscious Lucas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shall we go?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man looked down at the condom box in his hand and narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he suddenly snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly opened one of the boxes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We people of the underworld have principles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short guy blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What principles?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man spoke with complete seriousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can’t just take things for free.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised the condom box proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A drop of water shall be repaid with a surging white spring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his grin gradually turned sinister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our benefactor has shown us generosity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened the box slowly, his grin widening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short guy instantly understood and nearly choked from laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s repay our benefactor properly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short guy snorted. \"Ohhh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man cracked his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So naturally...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...we should repay him with a little gratitude.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short guy pointed at him immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got it, you first, bro.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded man rolled up his sleeves confidently before waving impatiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go keep watch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short guy gave a thumbs-up while still laughing uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned and walked toward the alley entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile—in his unconscious state, Lucas vaguely felt something cold press against his backdoor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night grew heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in his unconscious state—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas faintly felt something wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dull, distant pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange discomfort spread through his lower body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A foreign object forced its way in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even unconscious, his body twitched violently on instinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brow twitched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his body—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Couldn’t respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Couldn’t wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Couldn’t fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From behind him came the bearded man’s dissatisfied voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk... why’s this guy clenching so hard?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1609,"2026-05-30T15:14:55.253Z","2026-06-01T04:31:33.482Z",1,"novelbin.me","8b69ed91d3a97860233a42856ff4a0bcb90d18a8b63c2b7c1693978ff7854cac","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-197","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-195",232,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fvillain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-cover.jpg"]