The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Skye Drakonis, The Antagonist

Kael leaned against the nearest pillar, his arms crossed as he observed the commotion dying down. He tilted his head thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing. “The Radiant Order? Of course, I’ve heard of them,” he said, his voice laced with both curiosity and annoyance. “They’re a self-righteous group of so-called heroes. Paladins, clerics, and mercenaries who think they’re the divine answer to everything that isn’t sunshine and rainbows.”

Aeliana furrowed her brow, glancing between Kael and Lucian. “Are they a threat?”

Kael chuckled dryly, shaking his head. “A threat? To Lucian? Not likely. But they’re persistent, I’ll give them that. Their entire existence revolves around eradicating anything they deem ‘evil.’ It’s not about justice; it’s about control. They’ll stop at nothing to gain power under the guise of righteousness.”

Lucian, who had been staring at the now-closed doors, finally spoke. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. “The Radiant Order thrives on propaganda. They rally people with fear and promises of salvation, painting anyone who opposes them as a monster.” He turned to Aeliana, his crimson eyes meeting hers. “But they’re nothing more than pawns for the Council, tools to expand their influence.”

Aeliana frowned, a mixture of concern and frustration crossing her face. “So, they’re like mercenaries?”

Kael snorted. “Mercenaries at least admit they’re in it for the money. The Radiant Order hides behind holy banners and grand speeches about virtue. They’re hypocrites with swords.”

“Hypocrites or not, they’re getting bolder,” Lucian added, his tone darkening. “That so-called hero didn’t just stumble onto my lands. Someone sent him.”

“Ulric?” Aeliana guessed, her mind immediately jumping to recent events.

Lucian shook his head. “Doubtful. Ulric may be stubborn, but he isn’t foolish enough to openly provoke me. This is something else.” He rubbed his chin, his expression thoughtful. “The Council must be testing the waters. They want to see how far they can push.”

Kael, still leaning casually, let out a low whistle. “Well, if that’s the case, they just got their answer. And judging by how our guest left on his backside, it wasn’t the one they wanted.”

Aeliana couldn’t help but smile at Kael’s humor, but her thoughts remained troubled. “What should we do?”

Lucian met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “For now, nothing. Let them make their next move. But we’ll be ready.”

Kael straightened up, an uncharacteristically serious look crossing his face. “You’re sure about that? The Radiant Order doesn’t give up easily.”

“They’ll regret underestimating me,” Lucian said firmly, his voice low and filled with certainty. “Let them come. I’ll deal with them.”

Meanwhile, in the shadowy confines of a fortress hidden deep within the Obsidian Wastes, Skye Drakonis, a name that struck fear into the hearts of even the boldest warriors, was hunched over a large, glowing map. The crimson light from the enchanted runes etched into its surface bathed the room in an ominous glow. Skye’s piercing golden eyes narrowed as his gloved hand traced the paths leading to Lucian’s domain. His mind churned with malevolent intent, a twisted smile playing on his lips.

“Two birds with one stone,” he murmured to himself, his voice a smooth, dangerous drawl. “The Dark Lord Lucian and his precious Aeliana. If I eliminate them both, not only do I remove a major obstacle, but I also cement my place as the supreme ruler of these lands.”

Behind him, a figure cloaked in shadows stepped forward. It was a lithe woman with sharp, angular features and piercing silver eyes. She was Skye’s right hand, a master assassin known only as Lyssira.

“You seem unusually confident, Skye,” Lyssira said, her tone both respectful and curious. “Lucian is not one to underestimate. And from what we’ve gathered, Aeliana is no longer the helpless maiden everyone thought her to be.”

Skye let out a soft chuckle, turning to face her. “Ah, but that’s the beauty of it, Lyssira. Lucian’s greatest strength is also his greatest weakness—his devotion to that elf. And as for Aeliana…” He trailed off, his smile widening. “She’s inexperienced. Her training, while commendable, isn’t enough to protect her from someone like me. I’ll exploit that weakness, turn it into an opportunity.”

Lyssira tilted her head. “And what’s the plan?”

Skye stepped closer to the glowing map, tapping on a location near Lucian’s castle. “We strike during their moment of vulnerability. Lucian may be strong, but even he cannot defend against an army while protecting someone he loves.”

“An army?” Lyssira raised an eyebrow. “You’ve already begun rallying forces?”

“Of course,” Skye said, his voice brimming with confidence. “Mercenaries, deserters, and a few allies from the Radiant Order who share my vision. They’ll do anything for gold and power. The trick is making Lucian believe the attack is random—an act of desperation from his many enemies. By the time he realizes the true mastermind behind it, it’ll be too late.”

Lyssira nodded slowly. “And what about Aeliana? She won’t be as easy to manipulate as you think.”

“Oh, Lyssira,” Skye said with a sly grin, “that’s where you come in. You’ll infiltrate their ranks, sow discord, and ensure she’s exactly where I need her to be when the time comes.”

Lyssira smirked, a dangerous glint in her eyes. “Consider it done.”

Skye turned back to the map, his eyes gleaming with ambition. “Soon, the world will bow to me. And Lucian and his little elf won’t live to see it.”

…

Skye Drakonis leaned back in his obsidian throne, a smug grin curling his lips as the final piece of his plan clicked into place. He had always prided himself on his cunning; brute strength could only get you so far. This time, his strategy wouldn’t just destroy Lucian physically—it would tear down everything he stood for, everything he had built.

“I want him vilified,” Skye said, his voice echoing through the dimly lit chamber. Around him, his most loyal followers gathered, listening intently. “If we attack him head-on, his people will rally to defend him. But if we erode their trust in him…well, a ruler without trust is a ruler ready to fall.”

Lyssira, his deadly right hand, stepped forward. “And how do you intend to achieve that? Lucian’s people are fiercely loyal.”

Skye tapped his temple with a gloved finger, his grin widening. “Simple. I’ll become him.”

The room fell silent.

“With the Shard of Illusyn, I can take on his exact form,” Skye explained, pulling out a jagged, blackened crystal from within his cloak. Its surface shimmered with an eerie, ethereal light. “His voice, his mannerisms, his presence—I’ll replicate them perfectly. And once I’ve done that, I’ll leave a trail of deception he can’t deny.”

Lyssira’s silver eyes widened slightly, the faintest trace of admiration crossing her features. “Shape-shifting magic of that caliber…it’s almost unheard of. Where did you even find that artifact?” The glimmer of the artifact that seemed almost too good to be tru if not only myths cantell the power it can bestow on one’s hands.

Skye chuckled darkly. “Let’s just say I know where to look. The Shard of Illusyn doesn’t just change appearances; it embeds the essence of the person I’m imitating. I’ll be able to fool even those closest to him.” Skye knew the power of this magic all too well.

“And what exactly will you do as Lucian?” another follower asked, a brutish mercenary who rarely spoke.

“Ah, I’m glad you asked,” Skye said, his golden eyes gleaming with malice. “First, I’ll visit the villages under his protection. I’ll make them believe their ‘beloved Dark Lord’ has turned tyrant. Burn a few homes, demand excessive taxes, and—oh, this is my favorite—perhaps execute a few innocent souls in his name.”

A murmur of approval rippled through the room.

“Once the people start doubting him,” Skye continued, “I’ll infiltrate his court. I’ll sow discord among his allies, turn them against each other. By the time the real Lucian realizes what’s happening, it’ll be too late. His reputation will be in shambles, his alliances shattered, and his people will demand his head.”

“And Aeliana?” Lyssira asked, her voice sharp.

Skye’s grin faltered for a brief moment, replaced by a look of icy determination. “She’s the key. I’ll make her question him, doubt him. If I can convince her that Lucian has betrayed her, she’ll be my greatest weapon against him.”

Lyssira raised an eyebrow. “And if she doesn’t fall for it?”

“Then she dies,” Skye said coldly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The room was silent once more, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

“Prepare the ritual,” Skye ordered, holding up the Shard of Illusyn. “By the time I’m done, Lucian will be nothing more than a memory—a fallen king unworthy of his throne.”

As his followers scrambled to obey, Skye’s golden eyes gleamed with the promise of chaos. For too long, Lucian had stood in his way. Now, with the power of deception at his fingertips, it was only a matter of time before the Dark Lord fell.