It was eerily quiet outside Vincent's villa that night. Though a tempest was brewing inside, a gentle wind rustled the towering pines that surrounded his estate. The coalition between Ravenshade, Blackthorne, and Reinhardt was merely the beginning. Vincent's mind raced ahead, readying itself for the impending battle—his run-in with Arlen Stormrider.

Candlelight softly illuminated the intricate layout of a map of Avalonia as Vincent sat at his elaborate desk studying it. Highlighted were the southern territories, where Arlen had started to cause trouble. A soft tapping sound reached his rooms, and his ever-silent and amiable butler entered.

The butler said softly, "Your Highness, the arrangements are in motion. We have our informants ready. Additionally, there is another issue.

Vincent remained focused on the map and did not look up. "Talk."

"We have information that Arlen is assembling not only mercenaries but also ex-soldiers—loyalists who were part of your late uncle's military." The butler paused to give the information time to register.

Vincent's curiosity was flitting in his eyes. Before his tragic death, his uncle was a respected figure in Avalonia and a once formidable military commander. This was not just a simple rebellion, if Arlen was rallying those who still held a grudge against the man; this was an ideological crusade.

With his fingers curving under his chin, Vincent reclined. "You say my uncle's loyalists?"

The butler gave a nod. Yes, Most Honorable. A large number of them still think your uncle was the rightful leader of the Amsberg family. Arlen is inflaming old grudges by preying on their resentment.

A smile trailed across Vincent's lips, but it stopped short of his eyes. How beautiful. The warrior, appealing to their emotions, inspires the dejected soldiers. It appears that Arlen poses a threat to the entire Amsberg legacy in addition to myself.

The butler was silent for a minute before continuing. You are not done yet, Your Highness. It is said that Arlen is carrying a sword, an antiquated weapon that was formerly owned by legendary heroes. It is rumored to possess power that can overcome any obstacle.

Vincent's heart skipped a beat, if only for a brief instant. A legendary armament? That clarified why Arlen had been considered a protagonist by the System; he was not your typical opponent. But if the rumors were accurate, things were going to get much more dangerous in this battle.

[Pow! New Information: It has been determined that Arlen Stormrider is in possession of the Sword of Dawn, an artifact that bestows upon its wielder divine strength. Proceed with caution.]

Vincent's eyes became gloomy. He sensed the Villain System assessing the circumstances, its icy, calculating presence providing him with vital intelligence.

[Suggested: Get ready to reduce the sword's power. Look for counter-artifacts, or use sorcery. 200 Villain Points will be awarded for finishing this task.]

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Vincent got up from his chair, ideas buzzing in his head. He had to move fast. His coalitions were coming together, but he would need something more, something deadly, something old, to counter such a weapon.

"Get my carriage ready," Vincent commanded in a firm voice. "We intend to visit the Black Archives."

The butler's eyes grew a little wider. "Your Highness, the Black Archives? Yet those vaults have been kept closed for a long time.

Vincent waved his hand to interrupt. "Neglect for years will only make it simpler for me to locate what I require. Even my family fears the secrets that are kept hidden. If Arlen possesses a legendary weapon, I will assert an equally potent power. Possibly even more so.

The waiter bowed deeply. As desired by you, Your Highness. I'll take care of the scheduling.

The majority of the family had long since forgotten about the Black Archives, which were buried beneath the Amsberg estate. It was rumored to contain knowledge that was forbidden—artifacts and books that were too hazardous for the world above. Its depths had only ever been reached by the head of the family and a few chosen others. Vincent would be one of them tonight.

The catacombs of the estate were reached through a chilly iron gate. Vincent followed the butler down narrow passageways with only torches flickering for light. The smell of old stone and old magic filled the damp air. Vincent could feel the oppressive energy of the location bearing down on him as they got closer to the gate. The walls seemed to be alive with a sinister energy that was just waiting to be let loose.

The gate creaked open, revealing a slender staircase that descended into darkness. Unable to read Vincent's expression, the butler handed him a torch.

"Your Highness, are you sure you want to enter alone?" he inquired, even though he already knew the response.

Vincent made no hesitations. Indeed. I have to take care of this on my own.

The butler bowed once more and moved aside, letting Vincent fall into the chasm. The hollow chamber reverberated with every step, the air growing icier with each step. The Black Archives held more than just lost knowledge; they were a stronghold, a forbidden haven where evil spirits lurked, ready to be awakened.

Vincent descended to the bottom and emerged into a large room adorned with tall bookcases holding framed artifacts and dusty books. As he descended farther into the vault, the temperature decreased even more and his breath became more apparent.

Something old and strong was calling to him from the far corner of the room, and he could feel it. His steps accelerated as he got closer to a complex pedestal with a single item covered in a black cloth.

Vincent carefully and slowly raised the cloth to reveal a tiny black crystal. It had a dark energy pulse to it, and as soon as he touched it, the Villain System exploded inside of him.

[Pow! The Void Shard is now in your possession. An enormously powerful dark artifact. It is the ideal counter to the Sword of Dawn because it has the ability to both absorb and negate divine energy.]

Vincent had a satisfied smile on his face. It was precisely what he required. He would have the advantage over Arlen thanks to the Void Shard. He could use it to not only block the hero's sword but also change the course of their final conflict.

Already, he saw it coming: Arlen, his weapon rendered useless, his friends staring in dismay as their so-called hero was reduced to nothing. Vincent felt a thrill at the thought, his heart racing with excitement.

Vincent headed back up the stairs with the Void Shard in hand, mentally preparing for his next move. Arlen Stormrider may possess the Sword of Dawn, but Vincent was now capable of much more. In the face of genuine villainy, the first protagonist would soon discover that heroism, fate, and destiny were all meaningless.

By the time Vincent emerged from the catacombs, a storm had gotten stronger outside. In the distance, thunder clapped, giving the impression that the sky itself was responding to the evil forces that Vincent was now in charge of.

Grinning to himself, he stepped out into the chilly evening air. The parts were starting to fit together. Everything was coming together: the strategy, the power, and the alliances.

And the true king of Avalonia would soon ascend to power.