[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-young-master-s-pov-woke-up-as-a-villain-in-a-gam":3,"chapter-young-master-s-pov-woke-up-as-a-villain-in-a-gam-young-master-s-pov-woke-up-as-a-villain-in-a-gam-chapter-18":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Young Master's PoV: Woke Up As A Villain In A Game One Day",{"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},500670,755,"Chapter 18 Bluff","young-master-s-pov-woke-up-as-a-villain-in-a-gam-chapter-18",18,"\u003Cp>Like most things material, money had never been a problem for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Born into one of the world's wealthiest and most influential noble families as the youngest son, I enjoyed all the riches that came with my title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In simple terms, I had a silver spoon lodged up deep in my mouth from the moment I was born.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Privileged doesn't even begin to describe it, as is the case with most nobility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, even after being practically banished from my family, money still wasn't much of a concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If worse came to worst, I could always pawn my jet and other valuables on the black market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would easily get enough to live lavishly for the next three years, even after covering my tuition every term, residence fees, and a few other pesky expenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would've been worth even more, but I needed to buy Acquire Cards, and those weren't cheap. Even a Common-Grade Acquire Card could cost a small fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then there were my future plans – grand and audacious schemes that would require a significant amount of capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sighed deeply, the kind of sigh that would make a dramatic actor proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment, I shook my head and muttered to myself, \"Actually, it's not that bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, it wasn't that bad at all. It was the classic Reincarnated in a Novel\u002FGame cliché.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew most of what would happen in the future, which meant I could very easily exploit upcoming plot events to make large profits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All I needed was time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But time was the one thing I didn't have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the end of the day, I would be going through the interview. I wasn't perturbed about the interview itself, but rather the tuition that would be set for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I said, the tuition was based on how well you performed in the interview.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do well, and you might be charged less. Do poorly, and you better start looking for someone to buy your kidney.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both kidneys, actually. And maybe a few other organs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, it was common knowledge that the Academy squeezed nobility for every last bit of Credit they were worth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, the tuition for nobles and gentry was significantly higher than that for commoners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talk about casteism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I remember correctly, the game's protagonist, Michael Godswill, was charged 10,000 Creds. He was one of the brightest, most intelligent prospective Cadets in the story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could easily expect triple that amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While 30,000 Creds wasn't an impossible sum, it wasn't exactly pocket change either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To put it in perspective, with that much money in the old world's currency, you could rent a low-end penthouse in Chicago for a few months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, how was I going to get that much money in such a short period of time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, there were many ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, while reading novels in my previous life, I often used to think about these types of things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time I read about a protagonist struggling with money problems, I instantly lost interest in the story because nine out of ten times, the main character was an idiot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Part of the reason was also that I was suffering from desperate poverty in my past life to the point where I didn't want to read about it as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What's the point of escapism if I'm reminded of my real-life issues?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, I always thought there were too many ways to overcome poverty in a fantastical world if you're the main character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like, it's absurd how some protagonists are exceptional at magic or combat yet remain poor. Just join tournaments with cash prizes or sell your services to a wealthy noble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, there were characters with too many golden fingers. Simply ridiculous! Just sell one of those heavenly treasures from your arsenal, and you're set for life!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then there were protagonists in a situation similar to mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reincarnators, transmigrators, or regressors who don't use their special\u002Ffuture knowledge to make money in fear of changing the future are dumb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swear to the gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then there were also comparatively easier ways to make quick money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you happen to be of high birth, like me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What were they?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, simply walk up to a noble of weaker standing than yourself and extort them until you're satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Easy, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I know. That's precisely what I set out to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I strolled through the busy marketplace, hands tucked into the pockets of my pants. The place was bustling with prospective Cadets – nobles and commoners alike. All ripe for the picking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The marketplace was exactly what you would expect upon first hearing the name. Stalls and all. There were also some major establishments, open cafes, and a few malls some blocks down the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I walked, my eyes flicked from one potential mark to the next, looking for someone just foolish enough to be worth my time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't just go up to the first noble I saw and ask them for their money. That would be idiotic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, I was disowned by my family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Technically, I held no standing. Even a Councilman's son could spit in my face and get away with no consequences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why I needed to find someone perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone who wasn't from the Western Safe-Zone. Someone who wasn't updated on current affairs, which would be difficult since the word travels fast in elite circles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I needed to target someone who didn't know I currently held no political power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone who wasn't rich enough to have many guards with them but not too poor to… well… be a waste of my time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What's the point in taking from a beggar?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, after a quarter of an hour of plodding around, I finally spotted them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My targets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My perfect little targets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A trio of friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two boys and one girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were standing by the side of the street, their infectious laughter and carefree demeanor practically begging for trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From their banter, I could tell they were having a hard time deciding whether to have a late lunch first or go sightseeing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had that particular rich kids look – clothes tailored but not ostentatious. Confident, but not arrogant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the right amount of balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the right level of affluence – enough to afford a little friendly shakedown, but not so much that they could stand up to a Duke's son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were low nobility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I approached them with a lazy grin, my hands still stuffed in my pockets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Academy was severely understaffed during this time of the year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the Cadet Council had graduated by now, more than half of the senior Cadets had already left for home to enjoy a little time off, and almost all the Masters were busy with the interview or a myriad of other preparations to welcome a surge of prospective Cadets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, some senior Cadets were still roaming the streets, but they were too few to manage the overwhelming crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were merely keeping an eye out for anything serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, this was the perfect time to carry out the sort of nefarious plan I was brewing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one would bat an eye at you unless you stabbed a pedestrian or bloodied someone's face. Certainly, no one would mind if I intimidated a few arrogant rich kids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I said, this was the perfect time to make some money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good afternoon, my future friends,\" I greeted as I stepped closer to the trio, my voice dripping with mock warmth. \"Or should I say… potential sponsors?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stopped talking, turning their heads toward me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tallest boy – clearly the unofficial leader – sized me up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had that bored, aristocratic look suggesting he could never be bothered to care too much about anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew that look. I had it on my face all the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other was a shorter, thin boy with big round glasses that covered more than half of his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing between them was a petite young woman with light strawberry blonde hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them were dark-eyed and fair-skinned… with the slightest tint of blue around the edges of their pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frostborns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were from the North, a very secluded quadrant of the world. There was a high chance they wouldn't know about my disownment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do we know you?\" the tall boy asked in a tone full of polite disdain usually reserved for servants who had stepped out of line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His accent was thick, as if he was talking from the back of his mouth or deep in his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeah, that confirmed it. They were from the Northern Safe-Zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cocked my head, putting on an almost innocent smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, you should know me. My name is Samael Kaizer Theosbane,\" I said, taking out my comm device with my official ID displaying on it, watching their eyes narrow just a fraction. \"I'm sort of a big deal in certain circles… like yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recognition flickered across the girl's face, and she went a little pale. Paler than she already was, which was saying something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She elbowed the tall boy beside her and whispered urgently, \"Theosbane! He's the Duke's son.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall boy frowned skeptically. \"Wait, really? Isn't the Western Duke's family name Zynx?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl shook her head slightly, her lengthy hair following the motion. \"That's the other one. Lord Theosbane is the one they call the Dawn's Scourge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, so you have heard of my family,\" I interrupted cheerfully. \"That's really wonderful! Makes this so much easier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clapped my hands together to make a celebratory gesture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second boy, the shorter, nervous-looking lad with spectacles, furrowed his brows. \"Wh-What do you want with us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, nothing much. Just a tiny amount of financial support from some noble peers. Think of it as an indefinite debt,\" I grinned, showing just a little too much teeth. \"You see, for some reason, my bank account is frozen. I have no cash with me right now and no way of withdrawing the money I need for my tuition. So, as fellow nobles, I will give you the pleasure of helping me out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're joking. I don't care if you're a Theosbane,\" the leader scoffed, rolling his eyes. \"Why should we give you anything?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\" I echoed, feigning disbelief as if the answer were as obvious as daylight. \"Well, because I asked nicely. And… I happen to be a man of some reputation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leaned in, dropping my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. \"Not all of my reputations are flattering, mind you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy with spectacles gulped, his Adam's apple bobbing furiously as if he were actually trying to swallow an entire apple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listen… we don't want any trouble,\" he stammered, his voice sounding like someone who was easily frightened. And frightened he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course you don't! Who in their right mind would?\" I nodded with exaggerated sympathy. \"Trouble is just so… troublesome. What with all the shattered egos, bruised faces, and heaven forbid – reports to one's parents. That would be, oh, what's the word? Ah, yes — mortifying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader crossed his arms, trying to look resolute. \"Is that supposed to be a threat? We aren't scared of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, he wasn't but his companions were definitely nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised an eyebrow, a hint of subdued smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's good. You shouldn't be scared of me. I'm not making threats. I would never stoop so low,\" I said, placing a hand on my heart as if swearing an oath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, I widened my businessman-like smile. \"But… you should be cautious of my father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That landed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader faltered, a flicker of uncertainty flashing in his eyes, betraying his stoic expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't blame him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what family you belonged to, from which region you hail, or how deep your noble bloodline runs...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the upper echelons of society, there's a simple hierarchy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Government officials bend to the Knight Council.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Council serves the Count.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Count bows to the Duke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Duke, in turn, answers only to the Royalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, not many people would remain unmoved if the name of a Duke were to be thrown at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pressed on, lowering my voice to a delighted whisper. \"You see, my dear ol' dad has a reputation of his own… and he likes to keep tabs on his wayward sons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sighed theatrically. \"I'd hate for him to think that on my first day here I've made… enemies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl's face paled, her shock so palpable that she switched languages. \"Enemies? Vad i helvete?! We don't even know you! We're not enemies!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good! Great!\" I snapped my fingers, the sound sharp and my tone cheerful. \"Then let's keep it that way! All I ask is a small token of goodwill — let's say, fifty thousand Creds?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader snorted, disbelief etched on his face. \"That's robbery!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shrugged. \"No, that's charity. Robbery is what happens if you say no.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shorter boy sneakily took out his communicator device, no doubt to look me up online. I couldn't have that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That top news headline after searching my name would make this whole bluff useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I stepped in and casually draped an arm over his shoulders. He jolted in surprise and froze like a statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the taller one could muster a response, I continued, this time with a tone that suggested genuine sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look, you can think of it as a debt. If ever you ever need a favor, call on me. There's quite a lot I can do with my background. And you know what they say about my family. 'A Theosbane's debt is always paid,' and all that nonsense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them exchanged puzzled looks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I scowled, feigning irritation. \"You've never heard the saying?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall one shook his head, still frowning in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave them a vaguely disgusted look. But just then, the boy under my arm began to recite the axiom:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A Theosbane's debt is always paid,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Zynx's word is never swayed,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Valkryn's blade is sharp and true,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Morrigan's will sees all things through,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Drakren's fire burns bright and bold,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Kallith's honor is worth more than gold.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced down at him, still holding him in place. He stared at his feet, anxiety radiating off him in waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're smarter than your friends,\" I said, flashing him a bright, approving smile before turning back to the others. \"So, fifty thousand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pretty blonde hesitated for a moment before speaking, her tone flat and her accent thick, which only made her voice more pleasant to the ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look, we don't want to upset someone of your… standing. But we don't have fifty thousand Creds to spare,\" she said, treading carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tilted my head, confused. \"Aren't you all nobility?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure, fifty thousand Creds was a big sum to someone with nothing, but for nobles — even lower ones — it shouldn't be a big problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, that would merely be two months' allowance for some of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the others could respond, the boy beneath my arm spoke again. \"We are, but we just paid our tuition yesterday. So right now… we're a bit tight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, of course. They must've completed their interviews already, given they all were from the North so they got here before me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silly me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This soured my plan a little. I was planning to squeeze them for a bit more than just the tution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could've still pushed them, but in the end, I decided against it. Desperate people tend to make rash decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well. Thirty thousand,\" I said, settling on a figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another long span of tense silence followed before the tall one put on a stern face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was probably gearing up to argue before the girl intervened, perhaps sensing the futility of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine,\" she said, her voice resigned. \"But you will remember this favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I beamed at her, pulling out my own communicator again. It was a sleek, rectangular block of metal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The device functioned the same as a smartphone, only it was much more advanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave them the code to my personal online wallet. They sent the Credits over grudgingly, their faces showing a varying degree of bitterness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After it was done, I bid them a sweet farewell with the most gracious of smiles, turning on my heel to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I walked away, I heard the tall boy murmur something in his native language, undoubtedly cursing me and my whole familyline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Poor souls. I almost felt bad. Almost.\u003C\u002Fp>",2777,"2026-05-30T12:03:22.485Z","2026-06-01T04:31:10.979Z",1,"novelbin.me","12b1147fbc75a884af047958655ebe5b94fd05137f024e54cc80a2af21f7bd9e","young-master-s-pov-woke-up-as-a-villain-in-a-gam-chapter-19","young-master-s-pov-woke-up-as-a-villain-in-a-gam-chapter-17",407,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fyoung-master-s-pov-woke-up-as-a-villain-in-a-gam-cover.jpg"]