.
.
The sky above the Noctis Eternal Empire darkened.
Black clouds stretched across thousands of miles, swallowing the sun.
The Imperial Capital fell silent.
Even the birds stopped singing.
Deep within the Imperial Palace...
Lucien slowly opened his eyes.
The aura surrounding him had become even more profound after cultivating the Eternal Void Scripture. Every breath seemed to distort the space around him.
Arcturus stood respectfully behind him.
"Your Highness."
Lucien glanced over his shoulder.
"You seem troubled."
Arcturus nodded.
"I've been alive for over ten thousand years."
"I have witnessed countless geniuses rise."
"And countless heroes shake the world."
"But..."
"I have never seen Heaven react like this."
Lucien looked toward the dark sky outside.
"So it has begun."
Just then—
Ding!
The Villain Investment System activated on its own.
A crimson panel appeared instead of the usual blue one.
Emergency Warning
The Heavenly Script has detected an anomaly.
Current Anomaly: Lucien Draven Noctis.
Danger Level: SSS+
Recommendation: Increase strength immediately.
Lucien frowned.
"The Heavenly Script?"
Arcturus's face turned pale.
"You know of it?"
"I've only heard legends."
"It is said..."
"The Heavenly Script records every fate in existence."
"It chooses heroes."
"It creates villains."
"It ensures history follows its destined path."
"Anyone who changes that path..."
"...becomes Heaven's enemy."
Silence filled the hall.
Lucien slowly smiled.
"So I'm not fighting heroes."
"I'm fighting the author of destiny itself."
For the first time since transmigrating...
He felt genuine excitement.
At that same moment...
On the outskirts of the Imperial Capital...
Lin Tian stood before a hidden cave.
Although he had lost the Ancient Void Ring, destiny had not abandoned him.
Inside the cave...
A jade-colored flower bloomed atop a cliff.
Seven-Star Soul Orchid.
A treasure capable of cleansing one's spiritual roots.
Lin Tian's eyes lit up.
"My luck hasn't disappeared."
As he reached for the flower—
A voice echoed behind him.
"What a rare treasure."
Lin Tian spun around.
A beautiful young woman dressed in emerald robes stepped into the cave.
She carried a jade flute at her waist.
Her aura was elegant, yet powerful.
The moment Lucien's system sensed her existence, a new notification appeared hundreds of kilometers away.
Heroine Detected
Name: Sylvia Evermoon
Identity: Direct Disciple of the Moonlight Sacred Land
Destiny Rank: SS
Relationship with Hero: Not yet established.
Current Affection toward Hero: 0%
Inside the Imperial Palace...
Lucien's eyes flashed.
"So..."
"The first heroine has appeared."
Unlike the original story...
She had not yet met Lin Tian.
That meant her destiny had not been decided.
Lucien stood.
"Elena."
The palace doors opened instantly.
"Your Highness."
"Prepare the Sky Dragon Ship."
"We're leaving the capital."
Elena blinked in surprise.
"The Imperial Court meeting begins in less than an hour."
Lucien's expression remained calm.
"Let my father handle politics today."
"I have something far more important to obtain."
"As you command."
As Elena departed, Arcturus asked quietly,
"Another treasure?"
Lucien looked toward the distant horizon.
"No."
"This time..."
"I'm investing in a person."
Far away, in the hidden cave...
Neither Lin Tian nor Sylvia knew...
The Crown Prince of the Noctis Eternal Empire was already on his way.
The gears of fate continued to turn.
But for the first time...
Someone had begun to seize control of them.
End of Chapter 5