The name hit Cane like a physical blow. Aria Vale. The girl he was just shamelessly examining, the first major heroine, the target of his perverted quest. Oh god. He had been seconds away from calling her something vile.
His very short new life had flashed before his eyes. He snapped his mouth shut, a cold sweat breaking out on his neck.
He took a proper look at her now.
The academy uniform, which looked so plain on others, seemed moulded to her frame. The white blouse stretched taut across a generous chest, and the pleated skirt did little to hide the dramatic flair of her hips. She stood with one hand resting on her waist, a posture that only emphasized the alluring curve from her ribs to her thighs. She was watching them both, her expression unreadable.
"You’re causing a scene," she said, her gaze fixed on Vincent.
Vincent’s jaw tightened, and he gestured angrily at Cane. "This filth was staring at you! He was practically drooling!"
Before Aria could respond, Cane seized the opening. He placed a hand over his heart, his face a mask of wounded offence. "Me? My lady, I would never! I was simply admiring the architecture of that magnificent clock tower behind you!" He spoke in a dramatic, theatrical tone, his voice trembling with false sincerity. "To be accused of such a base and lecherous act... it wounds me. Truly."
A small, amused smile touched Aria’s lips. She looked from Cane’s exaggerated performance back to Vincent’s furious face. "Vinny, let it go. Can’t you see he’s a nice person?"
Cane nodded sagely, a pleased, self-satisfied smile blooming on his face. He was a nice person. Aria Vale said so.
Vincent looked utterly conflicted. He stared at Cane, then at Aria’s placid expression. The righteous fire in his eyes flickered and died. He let go of Cane’s shoulder, his hand falling limply to his side. "Perhaps... perhaps I was mistaken. I’m sorry."
It was the perfect out. A clean escape. But as the words left Vincent’s mouth, a wicked, brilliant idea sparked in Cane’s mind. He dropped the pleasant act. His face twisted into a snarl.
"Sorry? How dare you! Do you have any idea what an accusation like that could do to a man of my standing!?"
Vincent stammered, taken completely aback. "I—I said I’m sorry—"
"My life could have been ruined!" Cane advanced on him, his voice rising with theatrical fury. "People could have heard! They might think I’m some sort of creep who gawks at women! Me! Cane Valerian!"
Vincent looked genuinely guilty now, his face pale. "You’re... you’re right. I spoke out of turn. My deepest apologies."
Cane’s only response was a glare. He balled his hand into a fist. And then he threw a punch right at Vincent’s handsome face. He made a show of it, putting all his momentum forward, overextending his leg, making his centre of gravity a complete mess.
Naturally, Vincent dodged. He sidestepped with the fluid grace of a born fighter. Cane’s fist met only air. Just as he’d planned, his forward momentum carried him, sending him stumbling, tripping over his own feet in a spectacle of pathetic incompetence. He tumbled forward, right into the space where Aria stood. He fell, landing clumsily on the ground, his body sliding right between her legs.
He twisted onto his back instantly. His head was perfectly positioned. His gaze shot upward. A flash of delicate, lacy fabric. Pink. Hehe. Cute.
A small squeal escaped Aria’s lips.
SMACK.
The sound was crisp and loud. But the sting wasn’t on Cane’s cheek. He watched, still on the ground, as Vincent reeled back, a red handprint blooming on his face.
"What—? What did I do?!" Vincent stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"You should have stopped him!" Aria snapped, her cheeks flushed with anger. "You just let him fall!" She turned her furious glare down at Cane. "And you!" She huffed, spun on her heel, and stormed away, her skirt swaying with indignant energy.
Cane sighed. A small, almost invisible window popped up in his vision.
Quest Complete.
Vincent stood frozen for a moment before extending a hand down to Cane. "Are you alright?"
Cane let the hero pull him to his feet, the gazes of a dozen nearby students burning into them.
"I’m sorry," Vincent said, his voice low and earnest. "I never should have accused you. This is all my fault."
Cane brushed the dust from his uniform, putting on a show of simmering anger that slowly faded into weary resignation. "It’s fine." He sighed again. "And... I apologize for attacking you."
Vincent gave him a curt, conflicted nod, then turned and walked away, disappearing into the throng of students.
Cane walked away, stuffing his hands into his pockets. He ignored the whispers that followed him like a tail, the stares that felt like little needles against his skin. This was the life of a minor antagonist. In front of him, a crisp blue window materialized, shimmering with victorious text.
Quest Complete: Take a peek at Aria Vale’s panties.
Reward: 10 Unallocated Stat Points.
Ten points. He almost whistled. That was a substantial boost. He mentally dismissed the screen and continued toward the academy’s main hall for the entrance orientation. Where to put them? Strength was an obvious choice. In a world with swords and magic, being weak was a death sentence. Agility was tempting, too. But then he thought about the name of the system. The Bitch Stealer System. It didn’t sound like it rewarded brute force alone. It sounded like a system that prized manipulation, influence, and seduction.
He smirked. Five points into Strength, and the other five into Charisma.
A second command flashed through his thoughts. A new status screen appeared, reflecting the changes.
Name: Cane Valerian
Level: 4
Class: Unclassed
Skills: None
STR: 13
AGI: 11
INT: 15
CHA: 8
CON: 6
Now that looked a little better. His Charisma was no longer laughable, and his Strength had jumped from pathetic to respectable for a beginner. This was a good start.