The Academy courtyard was buzzing. Students had gathered, watching my every move.

  I had no noble status anymore, but the **Villain System** still allowed me to attend the academy—as long as I had the money.

  And thanks to **a certain trick**, I did.

  I walked toward the admissions office, but before I could reach it—

  **"Lucian."**

  I stopped.

  Aria von Roselia, the **pride of the academy**, and a stunning beauty, stepped in front of me, her crimson eyes burning with anger.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  **"You have no place here."**

  Her hand was already on her sword.

  The crowd grew silent.

  In the game, this was the moment where Lucian, the pathetic villain, got humiliated by Aria in front of everyone.

  But this time?

  I tilted my head, smirking.

  "Are you scared of me, Aria?"

  She blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

  "Scared? Of you?"

  I leaned forward slightly, voice dropping to a whisper.

  "Then why are you so tense?"

  Her grip on her sword tightened.

  For a moment, she hesitated.

  In that instant, I took a step forward—fast. Too fast.

  Before she could react, I was **behind** her.

  **"Too slow."**

  Gasps erupted from the crowd.

  Aria spun around, eyes wide.

  She was an **elite swordswoman**, but thanks to my **Sixth Sense skill**, I could already read her movements.

  **This wasn’t the Lucian she expected.**

  I grinned.

  "See you around, Aria."

  I walked past her and entered the office.

  [Ding!]

  **[Villain System Notice]**

  - **Progress: 10% (Caused a scene with a Future Hero)]**

  **That’s one. Six more to go.**

  ---