[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-villain-s-path-system":3,"chapter-villain-s-path-system-villain-s-path-system-chapter-18":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Villain's Path 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},1138423,1475,"Chapter 18: Correction","villain-s-path-system-chapter-18",18,"\u003Cp>Lucian finally made it back to his dorm and collapsed onto his bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The system flared to life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[TRAINING SESSION COMPLETE]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Skills Acquired:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana Threading (Basic)Combat Awareness (Beginner)Meditation Technique (Basic)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Physical Stats Improved:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[CONGRATULATIONS: FIRST REAL POWER GAIN ACHIEVED]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian stared at his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty percent capacity unlocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still pathetic compared to normal mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasprogress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Real, tangible progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[WARNING: FATE CORRECTION INCOMING]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The notification flashed red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The story has detected major deviations. A correction event will occur within 48 hours.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[PREPARE ACCORDINGLY.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian sat up, frowning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of correction?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[UNKNOWN. SEVERITY: MODERATE TO HIGH.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[SUGGESTION: Strengthen relationships with key characters. The story will attempt to force you back into your villainous role.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Great. Just great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So not only did he have to deal with Myra’s training sessions, Seraphina being hurt, Aria waiting for him, and Cassian’s growing suspicion...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now the universe itself was going to try to fuck him over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can’t catch a break, can I?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lay back down, staring at the ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow, he’d deal with everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apologize to Seraphina. Study with Aria. Prepare for whatever bullshit the Fate Correction threw at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight he just wanted to sleep and try to forget the feeling of Myra’s hands on his—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nope. Not thinking about it. Never thinking about it again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His dreams that night were... confusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he woke up more tired than when he went to bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian was halfway to the chapel library when a messenger found him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lucian Valemont?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped. \"Yeah?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The student—some nervous first-year—handed him a sealed notice. \"Mandatory combat evaluation. Training Arena Three. One hour.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mandatory? Since when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-He opened the notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>MANDATORY FIRST-YEAR COMBAT ASSESSMENT\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Student: Lucian Valemont\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opponent: Cassian Brightmore\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time: 2:00 PM\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attendance Required\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian stared at the paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh. Oh no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[FATE CORRECTION DETECTED]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The story is forcing a confrontation between you and the protagonist.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Original Event: Lucian challenges Cassian and loses humiliatingly.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Event: \"Random\" assignment forcing the same outcome.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course. The universe wants me humiliated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He crumpled the notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine. Let’s see how this plays out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Training Arena Three was packed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Word had spread fast—too fast to be natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fate’s doing,Lucian thought, watching students crowd the viewing stands.Making sure there’s an audience for my humiliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original story, Lucian’s duel with Cassian was a turning point. The moment everyone realized he was truly pathetic. A has-been. Nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The protagonist had crushed him in under a minute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I’m not that Lucian anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped into the arena, and the crowd’s murmurs grew louder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s the Valemont bastard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why is he fighting Cassian Brightmore?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is going to be a massacre.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian ignored them, moving to his starting position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the ring, Cassian stood waiting. Perfect posture. Confident smile. The golden hero everyone loved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Valemont,\" Cassian called out, loud enough for the crowd to hear. \"No hard feelings, yeah? Just following orders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure. Just following orders. Not enjoying this at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"None taken,\" Lucian replied evenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professor Kael stood at the center of the ring, looking between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a standard evaluation. First to yield or be rendered unable to continue loses. Lethal force is forbidden. Understood?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, sir,\" they said in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael stepped back. \"Begin when ready.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian drew his sword—a beautiful blade, enchanted, probably cost more than Lucian’s entire education.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian drew his practice sword. Standard issue. Plain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>David versus Goliath. Except I’m pretty sure David had better odds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They faced each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"WAIT!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A girl’s voice, shrill and panicked, cut through the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A female student stood at the arena entrance. Dark hair. Pale face. Tears streaming down her cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian’s stomach dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No. Please no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need to say something!\" She stumbled forward, pointing at Lucian with a shaking hand. \"Before this fight starts, everyone needs to know what he did!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd erupted in whispers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael’s expression hardened. \"What’s the meaning of this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He—\" The girl’s voice broke. \"Yesterday. In the library. He cornered me. Tried to—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t finish. Just sobbed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implication hung in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"WHAT?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Valemont did WHAT?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That sick bastard!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian stood frozen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is it. The Fate Correction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[WARNING: FALSE ACCUSATION EVENT TRIGGERED]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The story is attempting to destroy your reputation.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Recommended Action: DO NOT REACT AS THE ORIGINAL VILLAIN WOULD]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The original Lucian would have raged. Denied it loudly. Made threats. Looked guilty as hell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this Lucian...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stayed calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When exactly did this happen?\" His voice was steady. Clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl flinched. \"Y-yesterday. Evening. In the west library.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Around... around seven.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian’s mind raced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seven PM yesterday, he’d been in Myra’s quarters. Getting inappropriately trained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he couldn’t USE that as an alibi without revealing everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fuck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wasn’t in the west library yesterday evening,\" he said simply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"LIAR!\" someone shouted from the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s obviously lying!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Disgusting!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl sobbed harder. \"He’s lying! He was there! He—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough.\" Professor Kael’s voice cut through the noise. \"These are serious accusations. This duel is postponed until—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned to look at Lucian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No?\" Kael’s eyebrow rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to fight.\" Lucian’s jaw tightened. \"If I’m going to be accused, let me at least prove I’m not the pathetic coward everyone thinks I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I back down now, I look guilty. If I fight, at least I control SOMETHING.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael studied him. Then looked at Cassian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brightmore?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian’s expression had gone cold. Hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll fight him.\" His voice was ice. \"Someone who’d do that to a defenseless girl deserves to be put in his place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, he’s playing the white knight. Perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd cheered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael looked torn. But finally nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well. But this matter WILL be investigated immediately after. Understood?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, sir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl was led away, still crying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian watched her go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ve never seen her before. But she said ’someone we’ve met.’ So who—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No time to think about it now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian raised his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not going easy on you, Valemont.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wouldn’t expect you to.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael stepped back. \"BEGIN!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian moved first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fast. Aggressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A downward slash aimed at Lucian’s shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian sidestepped—barely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade whistled past, missing by inches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s not holding back. Good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian spun, following up with a horizontal cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian blocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact rattled his arms. His practice sword groaned under the force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shit. He’s strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lucian had been trained by Myra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trained to fight from disadvantaged positions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t try to match Cassian’s power. Instead, he redirected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let the blade slide off his guard and countered low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian blocked easily, but his eyes widened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprised? Yeah, I’m not as useless as you thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged blows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fast. Brutal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd’s jeers faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Replaced by... confusion?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, Valemont is actually—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s holding his own?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the hell?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian pressed harder, pouring mana into his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden light flared along the edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hero’s Radiance. His signature technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian activated Mana Threading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t flashy. Didn’t glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just efficient. Controlled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He channeled what little mana he had into his muscles. His reflexes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Myra’s training kicking in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t fight his strength. Use his momentum against him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian swung hard—too hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian ducked under the strike, swept low—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught Cassian’s ankle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The protagonist stumbled—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recovered instantly, blade coming down in a punishing arc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian rolled aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Got to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They circled each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both breathing hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd was dead silent now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t the massacre they’d expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve been training,\" Cassian said, voice tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With who?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With an S-rank pervert who has no concept of boundaries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does it matter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian’s eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faster than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flurry of strikes that Lucian could barely track.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Block. Dodge. Block. Redirect—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One got through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slash across Lucian’s shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain flared. Blood welled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lucian didn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He counter-attacked, using the opening Cassian created by overextending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blade caught Cassian’s side—barely. Just a graze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it drew blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd gasped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian looked down at the small cut on his ribs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then back at Lucian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, there was something in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh. He’s not used to being hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian poured more mana into his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden light intensified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough playing around.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He came at Lucian with everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Lucian... couldn’t keep up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mana pool was too small. His body too worn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian’s blade broke through his guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slammed into his chest—flat side, thankfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact sent Lucian flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hit the ground hard. Rolled. Gasped for air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s it. I’m done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian stood over him, sword pointed at his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yield.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian looked up at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the golden hero. The protagonist. The chosen one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I lost. But I didn’t get humiliated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I yield.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael’s voice rang out. \"Winner: Cassian Brightmore!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd erupted in cheers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they were... different than expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you see Valemont fight?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He actually landed a hit on Brightmore!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought he was supposed to be useless?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian offered his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian stared at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this genuine? Or for show?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took it anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian pulled him to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re not supposed to be this good.\" He said it quietly. Almost to himself. \"Not yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian met his eyes. \"About that girl—I didn’t do what she said—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Save it.\" Cassian released his hand. \"The evidence will speak for itself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked away to cheers and applause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian stood alone in the center of the ring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodied. Beaten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[FATE CORRECTION: PARTIAL SUCCESS]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You lost the duel as expected, but demonstrated competence. Reputation impact: Mixed.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Some now see you as \"improved.\" Others still see you as a villain.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lucian left the arena, students parted around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some with disgust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some with... curiosity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was almost to the exit when someone grabbed his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come with me. Now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seraphina, I don’t—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shut up and follow me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She dragged him to a quiet corner, away from the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then rounded on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where were you yesterday at seven PM?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian blinked. \"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Answer the question. Where. Were. You.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was—\"Training with Myra.\"I was busy. Why does it—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because I saw you.\" Seraphina’s voice was hard. Certain. \"At 6:45, you were leaving the faculty wing. I stopped you, remember? You smelled like someone else’s perfume and wouldn’t explain why.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian’s mind raced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right. Because she grabbed my arm and interrogated me about perfume. Subtle, Lucian. Very subtle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The girl said seven PM in the west library,\" Seraphina continued. \"But you couldn’t have been there. Because at 6:45, you were on the opposite side of campus. And it takes at least twenty minutes to walk from faculty wing to west library.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She crossed her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So either she’s lying about the time, or she’s lying about the person. Either way, her story doesn’t match what I saw.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucian stared at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’s... defending me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you telling me this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because—\" Seraphina’s face flushed. \"Because I don’t think you’d do something like that. You’re annoying. Infuriating. Probably hiding something. But you’re not... that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re not a monster, Lucian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something cracked in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When was the last time someone had just... believed in him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you,\" he said quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t thank me yet.\" She grabbed his hand. \"Come on. We’re going to Professor Kael and you’re going to tell him exactly where you were.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can’t—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s... complicated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lucian—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please.\" He met her eyes. \"Just trust me. I wasn’t with that girl. I didn’t do what she said. But I can’t explain where I was. Not yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphina’s expression twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frustration. Concern. Anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re making this so much harder than it needs to be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sighed. Deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine. I’ll tell Kael about the timeline myself. But you owe me an explanation. Eventually.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will. I promise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at him for a long moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, surprising them both, she hugged him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quick. Tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just... don’t be stupid, okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving Lucian standing there, stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[AFFECTION INCREASED]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>New Status Effect: \"Fighting FOR You\" (She’s chosen to believe in you despite not understanding everything)\u003C\u002Fp>",2030,"2026-06-03T12:08:46.595Z","2026-06-03T12:08:55.308Z",1,"novelbin.me","be2973f577be22eeca8b321aab04700fa2a0c90e39ac822634e14f3d02fa600e","villain-s-path-system-chapter-19","villain-s-path-system-chapter-17",157,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fvillain-s-path-system-cover.jpg"]