The Villain Professor's Second Chance

In some moments, the world reveals its cruelty. Natural disasters strike without warning, tearing apart lives and communities. War ravages nations, fueled by greed, hatred, and power struggles. Innocent people suffer due to circumstances beyond their control, victims of systemic injustices, and personal malevolence.

Yet, in other moments, the world shines with unparalleled beauty and kindness. Acts of compassion and selflessness abound, often in the most unexpected places. People come together in times of crisis, showing solidarity and resilience. Nature, in its grandeur, offers solace and inspiration, reminding us of the profound interconnectedness of all life.

The world is a canvas, and we are the artists, painting our reality with the colors of our actions and intentions. We choose how to interpret and respond to the world around us.

When I reflect on this, I realize that labeling the world as good or evil is an oversimplification. It limits our understanding and narrows our perspective. Instead, I strive to see the world as a complex, dynamic interplay of forces. Some moments bring joy, and others bring sorrow, but each experience contributes to the richness of life.

And what of justice? What is justice but another construct, an attempt to impose order upon chaos? Who among us has the right to brand something as good or bad, to deem actions as evil or just? Is justice a universal truth, or merely the will of those in power, imposed upon the weak and vulnerable?

In my previous life as Dravis Granger, the school sought to cultivate a sense of balance and acceptance. I aim to contribute positively, to act with kindness and integrity, and to find meaning in both the triumphs and the challenges. By embracing this holistic view, I can navigate the world\'s complexities with a clearer, more compassionate mindset.

Yet, the question of vengeance lingers. When the world fails to deliver justice, when the weak are oppressed, and the innocent suffer, where does that leave us? As Dravis Granger, I witness the same suffering I saw in ages past. I see the weak and the poor oppressed, an old woman tricked and left destitute, raising her grandchildren alone.

The authorities, those who are supposed to uphold justice, do nothing. Her lost money and cherished memories remain gone, and she is left with nothing but grief and despair.

So, where is justice? What is to be done when those tasked with delivering justice fail? Was it justice when the very rules we\'ve made turn out to be useless? When were the ones who were supposed to face justice but didn\'t because of our own rules? Would it be wrong if we decided to do the same and do something outside the rules as well? For our own justice?

There\'s too much of the weak, the oppressed, and the poor, that didn\'t get the fairness they should. But my capabilities are limited. I\'ve attempted to help and teach those kinds of people, but would intellect alone really help?

It\'s inevitable. Those people with strength, wealth, and connections would dominate more.

Just helping through the brain and words is not enough.

They need strength.

There are people who became weak because of their own options, but there are more people who weren\'t given any chance to face their weaknesses by the world. And continue to get oppressed.

It\'s unfair, I believe that.

So I gave them the strength.

A system to punish those who stayed unpunished. A service to help those who could only bite on their own tongue and lips for the unfairness that they couldn\'t face alone.

I help in giving them vengeance.

As I adjust the black coat upon my shoulders, its luxurious fabric shimmering in the dim light, I am reminded of the arcane symbols embroidered into it—a testament to my noble lineage as a Drakhan.

Despite my hate towards scums, I couldn\'t come to hate Draven.

A hint of connectedness seems to form inside me. Is it because of me using his body? Or is it because of the remnants of his soul affecting me?

But I could understand him. No need for Comprehension.

A future villain born out of countless bad luck, rejections, failures, mockeries, and everything. Too much negativity condensed into the soul of a single person.

But it didn\'t make what he was doing right.

It goes against my principles.

Unlike a usual noble, Draven has no hate or ridicule for the commoners. His arrogance as a person is just a form of coping mechanism and a form of hatred towards himself. But his standing towards a noble or a commoner is the same.

He envies those with strength, whether they are nobles or commoners.

Quite ironic as despite his villainy, he\'s looking at people so fairly, that his eyes focus on their potential. But unlike me, he didn\'t love them.

He loathes them.

Step! Step! Step!

I walked with wide and balanced strides towards the main prison of the Drakhan manor.

It\'s a personal prison.

I heard that the former brilliant steward is there. In the game, he would only come out and make the earldom prosper together with Draven\'s little sisters after Draven\'s death.

But I have no intention of dying.

Looking at the door before me, I confidently opened it, stepping into the chamber that confines one of Drakhan\'s most valuable assets.

Alaric von Merriden.

As I entered, I saw him—disheveled yet dignified, his eyes burning with a mixture of defiance and curiosity. The man who had once been the backbone of this household now sat before me, a prisoner of circumstances.

__________

Draven\'s presence was a shock to both Alaric and Garren, who had been immersed in their planning. The chamber fell silent, the air thick with anticipation.

"Lord Draven," Alaric said, rising from his seat with a measured bow. "Your arrival is... unexpected."

Draven\'s gaze was steady, his demeanor a mixture of authority and an unspoken plea for understanding. "I have come to speak with you, Alaric. There is much to discuss, and our time is limited."

Garren stood respectfully, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. "Is everything alright, my lord?"

Draven nodded, his eyes never leaving Alaric\'s. "Everything is as it should be, Captain. I need a moment alone with Alaric."

Garren hesitated, then bowed. "As you wish, my lord. I will be just outside."

With a final glance at Alaric, Garren left the chamber, closing the heavy door behind him. The room, now occupied only by the two men, seemed to shrink in the intensity of their shared history.

"Alaric," Draven began, taking a seat across from his former steward. "Tell me, what did you notice," Draven asks, his eyes as indifferent as ever. But enough to put pressure on anyone.

"I... noticed a change, my lord," Alaric responded cautiously. But he\'s not afraid. He, Alaric, is also a man of principles, that have the great vision to help and make prosper the earldom and its people.

Draven nodded. "And what did you think of that change?"

Alaric took a deep breath. This was the moment he had been preparing for. "My lord, if I may be so bold, I believe that the change you have undergone is a positive one. I believe it will benefit the earldom and its people in a way I could have never imagined."

A small smile appeared on Draven\'s face, an expression that seemed to belong to a different man. "You have always been able to read me well, Alaric. I leave all to your bright mind. I will embark to the capital in the morning to chase for my next lecture,"

"Then wouldn\'t you need to have some rest, my lord?" Alaric asked in concern.

"Indeed. But I deemed something is more important," Draven stands from his seat. "Today, you can return to your office and start doing the work you\'ve been doing. But I have one additional instruction, Alaric," His eyes are sharp.

"W-What is it, milord?" (Alaric)

"The people still fear me, making and doing things with my name would only slow down the process, they would think that I have an ulterior motive. But you," Draven tidies his suit. "You have their trust, make a compelling story about how I couldn\'t help but have you out of prison to manage the earldom. Use your name in all of our improvements, not mine.

That\'s all, I leave everything to you," Without even waiting for a reply, Draven left.

Having such an unexpected tide appearing before him, Alaric remained standing as he was trying to process the information.

He\'s asking me to take all of the people\'s favor for the earldom\'s revitalization?

After processing them well, despite Draven already left the room, he made a proper salute. A proud smile as if a father looking at his son had finally decided to take life seriously.

"As your wish, milord,"