⚠️ Content Warning:This story contains mature themes including violence, psychological tension, and survival-driven choices. Reader discretion advised. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
"They cheered when I was dragged to the gallows, but none of them knew I'd already died once. This time, I came back with a system—and a purpose: burn everything."
Chains bit into my wrists, rusted iron digging deep like the betrayal still fresh in my chest. Rain fell, but the sky wasn't mourning—no, it was mocking me, crying in my place.
I looked up at the crowd. Familiar faces. People I had protected. Served. Bled for.Now they watched me like I was some spectacle. Entertainment before supper.
Even she was there.
Princess Elira.The one I pulled from the fire. The one I once dreamed of.
Now she looked at me like I was filth.
"Lucian Arkwright," the High Chancellor's voice rang out like a hammer. "You stand accused of treason against the Empire, sabotage of the Royal Court, and practicing forbidden magic. Do you have any last words?"
I smiled.
[God-Level System Activated.]Welcome, Lucian. Your previous life has been archived.Main Directive: Survive. By any means necessary.Alignment: VillainMoral Restriction: LiftedWarning: Benevolence will reduce power. Ruthlessness is rewarded.
I didn't answer him. I didn't need to.
The executioner stepped forward, sword gleaming under the dark clouds.
[System Alert: Survival Quest – Escape Execution]Objectives: Break free. Kill, bribe, or manipulate. Rewards: +100 System Points, +1 Passive Skill Unlock.
Time Remaining: 00:12… 00:11… 00:10…
Ten seconds.
My heart pounded once.Then the world slowed.
[First-time Host Privilege Granted: Reflex Surge Lv.1 – Active for 10 seconds]
I moved before I thought.
Chains shattered. Steel turned soft in my grip. The sword meant for my neck? I caught it mid-swing and reversed the grip.
The executioner gasped.
Too late.
The blade found his throat and painted the gallows red.
[Kill Confirmed. +20 Points][Morality: -5][Infamy +1: "The Fallen Knight"]
Screams erupted from the audience.Guards drew swords.The Chancellor shouted for backup mages.
But I was already running. No—hunting.
[Quest Progress: 36%. You must spill more blood.]
I grinned.
Let them come. Let them chase.
Because this time, I wasn't the hero.
And I wasn't here to save them