Fates Intertwined

In the original world of "The Arcane Chronicles," monsters invaded the earth through portals known as rifts, nearly driving humanity to extinction. But in the face of adversity, 'they' appeared: individuals with supernatural abilities. They fought back the monster tide and saved what remained of their world.

Entering an era of peace and massive advancements thanks to dungeon rewards and resources, the dawn of these extraordinary powers marked a turning point in the history of the world. Humans who awakened to their hidden potential became known as Espers.

A special military institute known as S.T.A.R, or the Special Training Academy Reyas, was established to train the potential of young Espers. It was within these hallowed halls that the original story unfolded, and it was here that destiny called.

The place where I, the author, now the villain, would meet the protagonist of this story—the individual fated to bring about my demise. It was a meeting that would mark the beginning of my end, a collision of opposing forces hurtling toward an inevitable climax.

A place I would love not to go to, but the way I planned the novel, even if I don't go to STAR I'll still be doomed, because I gave the protagonist quite the plot armor, you see, grandson of the sword saint, broken superpower, op items, and so on and so on.

How am I supposed to survive when the protagonist's plot armor is just flat-out broken? Well, I'll need to claim some of it for myself – those opportunities I gave him, those once-in-a-lifetime encounters, those chances to acquire the elements that made him virtually invincible. I, the author, will seize every single one to stand a chance against that monster of a protagonist I created.

Realizing today, the same day I awoke in the body of the villain, was a very important and momentous one. I immediately got dressed, summoned my bodyguards, and swiftly headed out on my mission to ensure I avoid my penned-down doom.

Today marked the day of the much-anticipated orientation ceremony at S.T.A.R, the prestigious academy that would shape the destinies of the world's future heroes. It was a momentous occasion, one that would typically call for a grand entrance in a lavish limousine. But today, I chose a different path—one that would lead me to a chance encounter on a bus.

As Richard made his way through the bustling streets, Luan and Luella followed behind him, the enigmatic twins who served as his bodyguards, their loyalty and dedication were absolute. Though they appeared young, they were both actually grown women.

They belonged to a branch family that had sworn an oath of service to the Blackthorn lineage.

Luella, spoke up curiously. "Young master, we have been running for an hour now. May I ask where we are going?"

Richard casted a brief glance at the two girls, their silver hair shining under the sunlight. "It's not somewhere really important," he replied with a casual shrug. "Just a bus stop."

The simplicity of Richard's response seemed to perplex them, and Luna, ever inquisitive, chimed in. "Young master, why choose a humble bus over the luxury of the limousine?"

Richard glanced at the twins, a knowing glint in his eyes. "I hope to encounter a certain someone."

Luella's curiosity only deepened. "Who might this certain person be, and why are you going this far to look for them?"

Richard's lips curled into a smile. "You'll find out soon enough. As for what I plan to do..." He paused, his smile broadening. "I hope to recruit them."

Finally arriving at the bus stop, they stepped onto the bus just as it was about to leave. As Richard, Luella, and Luna boarded, Richard scanned the seats until his eyes locked onto a specific figure. He pointed. "There she is," he whispered, signaling to the twins.

He moved through the seats with purposeful strides, the murmurs of the passengers growing louder as he passed. Some remarked on his striking appearance.

"Who is that? He's so handsome."

"Do you think he could be a model?"

"An actor maybe?"

"Wait, isn't that the young master of the Blackthorn family? Richard Blackthorn?"

"Come on, you are exaggerating, what would he be doing here?"

Expressions of disbelief spread among the passengers. One of them quickly pulled up a photo on their phone and compared it.

"It's definitely him."

Their whispers grew into a collective question. "What does he want here?"

The commotion caught the attention of a green-haired, purple-eyed young woman sitting at the back of the bus. Initially lost in thought while gazing out the window, she turned around, surprised to see Richard standing beside her. "Can I help you?" she asked, curiosity and suspicion mingling in her voice.

Richard smiled warmly. "May I sit beside you?"

She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, help yourself."

"Thank you," Richard replied with a gracious smile, taking the seat beside her. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Emma Sinclair."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know my name?"

Richard's smile never wavered. "Let's just say I've been looking forward to meeting you."

Emma smiled, curiosity glinting in her eyes. "To what do I owe the honor?"

Richard leaned in slightly again, his smile never faltering, causing Emma to blush slightly. "How would you feel about joining the Blackthorn guild after graduation?"

Emma's eyes widened, and she stuttered, taken aback by the sudden offer. "W-what did you say?"