When it comes to the Villain genre, what comes to mind for everyone? Taking down the so-called protagonist? NTR? The villainous character who only appears in the background? That's right, they're popular (and I love reading them xD) in mainstream storytelling, but I can't help but feel that they only satisfy certain base desires. After finishing such stories, all that remains is an indelible sense of emptiness. The so-called rebellion against fate in some books is just a gimmick, a flimsy initial motivation that the anxious transmigrator forgets after a few chapters, overshadowed by the looming sword of Damocles. The story then devolves into a traditional isekai narrative and is eventually forgotten by readers. (no offence!) These stories feel unreal, and they are boring because we all know that fate is not something easily defied. All my bravado about controlling my own destiny changes nothing. Defying fate requires day-to-day dedication, intense contemplation, and unwavering determination — just like what the protagonist, Ansel, does in this book (shameless me~). Defying fate is a form of romanticism, but what is even more romantic than defying fate alone is when "I" invite "you" to defy fate together, as Ansel hopes for with Seraphina. Undeniably, speaking objectively, Ansel is not a good person. He tramples upon the dignity of others (poor Seri), resorts to any means necessary, disregards life, all for the sake of achieving his goals. However, his occasional vulnerability and struggles in front of Seriphina add a touch of humanity to him, while the burden of his destiny and the actions he undertakes give him the colors of a tragic hero. I believe that such a villainous character should be charismatic! While creating this character, I unconsciously empathize with him, attempting to show the implied justifications behind his villainous acts (which aren't really that bad since he only persecutes villains and Seri LOL). It's like Sephiroth(from Final Fantasy). After deciding on this permeating sense of loneliness, I added a romantic element to the story. If you put yourself in Ansel's shoes, you would long for a companion to share secrets with, someone like the character played by Seraphina (yes me shameless again~). Regarding the portrayal of Seraphina, how should I put it? In this type of story, I think she should be a rare character who maintains her dignity and significance as a protagonist xDDD. The first part of the story revolves around her growth. The hardships and misfortunes she experiences are directed by Ansel, but they are also the malice of fate. Everything Ansel does is to inform her of the truth and make her his ally in the fight against fate. Their relationship elevates the essence of the story, and in turn, the essence of the story etches their bond. A confession more profound than "I love you" is inviting you to join me in defying the destiny of this world. What's more romantic than one person defying fate is the two of us defying fate together.

I normally don't review until the novel is completed, but the 1st volume of this novel was so good that it deserves his own review . all were perfectly executed. The minor flaws on world building are excusable since it is the first volume where you can't put all the details and explain everything. Aside from that, you have a good main character that interacts with the world and other characters with his own sense of self and values, and you have an extremely good novel.I only hope that at the end of the novel, i can come here and write that all this goodness kept until the end.

It's a Rollercoaster some very high ups and some very low downs. Tragedy is a hard thing to pull off because no one wants to be sad but when done right it's bone chilling. Trauma as well is another uncomfortable thing to write about however it creates such strong emotions.The author of this book has a very good understanding of both of these things as well as some strong setup work you really aren't ready for. If you can't get through how tough it is at some parts just remember it is always darkest before dawn. Going into it if your new get your tissues ready because your about to tackle a beast. Just remember these key things. Ansel of Hydral isn't a good person in fact he is a bas***d but one you'll empathize with once you learn how deep rooted some emotions can run. He'll never tell a lie to the main heroine Seraphina. In a world built on lies and malice, his words to her have never been a lie. That being said if she only asked the right questions... If by chance you're still on the fence about trying it then... what I did was I listened to it while at work or working out for the free chapters, you'd really lose nothing while waiting for other books your reading get updated. That's how it started for me and even when I was about to stop I thought to my self yeah its uncomfortable and yeah it hurts to listen to some things... But what are strong wills with out this development, the true enemy of this story isn't something that can willfully be beaten, it's truly a terrifying concept that can't be beaten like a lot of other stories set up. this is a fight that goes far deeper then oneself. Only the truly mad can come out on the otherside of accepting the reality given to you... For a brighter tomorrow.and one last note from me, it's definitely not an isekai. I'm beyond tired of this trope and I miss a fantasy worlda with fantasy settings. now alot its just gamerish with a system. While Ansel of Hydral gets spotted memories from another world they aren't complete and he doesn't let those memories do more then act as a script that MUST NOT be followed under any circumstances. I really just missed story telling like this.

Probably the best novel I've read recently. I won't lie, came here to scratch the junk-food novel urge after seeing the title, but found amazing characters and an intriguing story. Grammar is good and characters actually develop. Highly recommend reading this novel. Keep it up author.

It's a well-written novel with a decent main character and world-building is okay as well. Just that Seraphina is one of the most irritating characters ever. Mc ignores her abuses etc, and forgives her betrayal.. And generally act like a doormat in front of her. From the author's synopsis and comment in reviews, I thought his mc would be different and a nice villain and he is to some extent but that all fade away in front of the retard fmc Seraphina, she's dumb, and has a typical violent tsundere character but without love only abuse. It's a good read but I can't stand such characters and mc's who became door-mats for them

As the story is just beginning there's not much to say. A hidden gem would be the correct way of wording it as it is a novel of excellent quality (For now) but I'm sure that the author knows what he's doing so that's it😅.Hoping the author continues this way and keeps it up

The power system (i mean like mage stages etc) is not clear and i hate these when there is "overpowered" tag. Along the story, I dont even know how overpowered the MC is...

I have to say this is one of the few novels that I've liked the most so far, with the world revolving around our protagonist who is a villain, his manipulaton techniques used to tame the heroines and finally the writing style that shift from time to time, in two words it's a “Unrefined Gem” I hope this novel is completed.

the writing is pretty good but the story is a drag there progress then it resets progress the resets again. the main female lead is insanely annoying couldn't keep reading