Broken System: Villain Edition

Chapter 6: Hidden threat?

I stepped out of the shower, letting the cold water wash away the sweat from earlier. My thoughts were calm and calculated, always running several steps ahead. Emily was already awake, sitting at the edge of the bed with the blanket loosely draped around her shoulders.

I approached her slowly, keeping my expression soft and warm. "Good morning. Why don't you rest a bit longer?" I asked gently.

She looked up and smiled faintly, rubbing her eyes. "I… I guess I could. But you woke me up with all that noise." she teased lightly.

I crouched slightly and patted her shoulder. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. I just wanted to make sure you're okay." Every word was carefully measured. Calm. Caring. Trust-building.

She nodded, reassured. I allowed a small smile to creep onto my face, inwardly noting the subtle cues: the way her shoulders relaxed, the slight upward curve of her lips. Trust gained. Emotional attachment strengthened.

She hesitated for a moment. "Yes. I got scouted yesterday. I wanted to ask you first if… maybe we could go together?"

I nodded slowly, masking my inner calculation with a warm smile. "Of course. That's a good idea. Personally, I'm thinking of joining the Awakened Association. Guilds… they're too rigid, too monitored. I'd be sidelined before I even started."

Her eyes widened. "The Awakened Association? But… isn't that mostly government and military types?"

"Exactly." I said, nodding as if reflecting genuinely. "Which is why it's perfect. My skills as an Orator will be valued there instead of combat related."

My tone was gentle, convincing, almost righteous, like a man who wanted to maintain peace. But my real reason for joining the Awakened Association instead of a guild was something entirely different.

Guilds are private groups serving businessmen at the top. Every move is scrutinized. They want strong, fierce protectors—dogs to guard them from danger. I'm a non-combat class. Joining would only hinder my plans. At best, I'd be sidelined. At worst, constantly monitored and discarded when I'm no longer useful.

If I join the government, my disguise as an Orator works perfectly. Most media is government-controlled. Placed in a media division, I can shift public opinion, gain influence, and interact with high-ranking officials—the kind of people who move nations with a signature. Influence is power. Power doesn't always need a sword.

But that's for later. First, I need to get accepted and build trust from the inside. No one doubts you when you're seen as trustworthy. And once trust is built, you can lead people anywhere.

She looked at me with admiration. I let her gaze linger, reinforcing the trust and attachment I'd built.

"Then I'll join the Awakened Association too!" she said determinedly, clearly influenced by my confidence. "I want to be with you."

This was also part of my plan. Having a healer by my side would increase my value, especially now that I'm her boyfriend. Even if I'm only an Orator, it's a rare class.

On the outside, I wore a worried look. "Are you sure, Emily? Being accepted into a guild would be more beneficial for you. You're a healer."

"It doesn't matter! What matters is that I'm with you, Ethan!" she said stubbornly.

Deep inside, I smiled coldly. Human emotions really can make people act foolishly. Curiosity and pity flickered in my eyes—curiosity because I've never truly experienced emotions like others, and pity because she has.

"Alright, alright. How can I argue with my girlfriend?" I said, showing masked appreciation. "I'll just make sure to grow stronger so I can protect you."

She smiled brightly, completely reassured. "I'm planning on going tomorrow, babe. I'll pick you up at 7 a.m."

She grabbed her purse and slung it over her shoulder. "Let me drive you home," I added gently.

She agreed without hesitation. I drove her home, perfectly acting like a loving boyfriend—one hand on the wheel, the other occasionally reaching for hers, soft glances, small laughs, subtle concern in my voice. Every movement is calculated, every expression controlled.

When she got off, she waved at me with that bright smile again. I waved back. The moment she disappeared behind her gate, my expression went blank.

On my way home, I deliberately turned into a crowded pedestrian road. The evening air was thick with noise—vendors shouting, people arguing, car horns blaring. Perfect.

I activated my skill:

READ THE ROOM (E) (Growth Type)

MP Cost: 8 MP

Cooldown: 20 seconds

Proficiency: 1.48%

Description: Analyze nearby individuals to detect hidden tension, rivalry, or exploitable emotional weaknesses.

A subtle pulse spread from me. The world didn't change visually, but it felt different. Fragments of emotion brushed against my senses—irritation, jealousy, financial stress, relationship problems, hidden resentment, a couple pretending not to argue, a tired employee being scolded over the phone.

Tension was everywhere. Humans are walking bombs. They just need a spark.

This isn't a convenient skill like Appraisal that shows full status windows. But it's enough. Names and classes appeared faintly above people's heads.

Marie

Class: Not Awakened

Jeric

Class: Not Awakened

Alvin

Class: Not Awakened

Most had the same label: Not Awakened.

I walked casually, pretending to scroll through my phone while repeatedly activating the skill. Each activation drained more MP than expected.

HP: 100/100

MP: 92/100 → 40/100

The subtle throbbing in my head intensified. Breathing grew slightly heavier. Growth-type skill at low proficiency is inefficient, but still—no awakened individuals nearby. That's good. Fewer variables. Fewer unpredictable threats.

I returned to my car. City lights reflected against the windshield as I drove back to my apartment, the engine humming softly before I turned it off. Silence. I pulled out the gun hidden in my car for emergencies, tucking it securely at my waist beneath my shirt. The metal felt cold against my skin. Just in case.

I opened my status window:

STATUS WINDOW

Name: Ethan Jones

Title: Villain: The Grand Instigator

Class: Instigator

Level: 1

HP: 100/100

MP: 40/100

Skills: WHISPERED PROVOCATION (E), SEED OF DISCORD (E), FALSE NARRATIVE (E), CHAIN REACTION (E), SMOKESCREEN TRUTH (E), READ THE ROOM (E), PANIC SPREAD (E), PUPPETEER (E)

STRENGTH: 8

AGILITY: 10

VITALITY: 10

INTELLIGENCE: 10

Current Stat Points: 10

I allocated my points.

DING!!!

STATUS WINDOW

STRENGTH: 8 → 10

INTELLIGENCE: 10 → 15

HP: 100/100

MP: 100/100 → 150/150

Current Stat Points: 10 → 3

A subtle surge ran through my mind. Mental fog disappeared. Thoughts sharpened. Faster. Clearer. Good. Intelligence is the backbone of this class.

Satisfied, I opened the car door and stepped into the dim parking lot. Footsteps echoed faintly against concrete pillars.

"Show yourself. Why are you following me?" I said coldly, staring into what seemed like empty space.

To anyone else, there was nothing—no footsteps, no shadow, no presence. But I was certain someone was there.

A floating status window hovered in the emptiness:

STATUS WINDOW

Name: Vlad

Class: Berserker

Level: 1

Current Emotions: Curious

Emotions That Can Be Exploited: Underestimating the user. Can be ambushed.

I frowned. "Berserker with a stealth skill? Interesting."

The air was still, but faint killing intent lingered beneath his curiosity. Most Berserkers rely on brute strength, reckless and muscle-headed. But this one was observing, testing, and underestimating me.

My fingers twitched near the gun at my waist, but I didn't reach for it. Not yet. I kept my gaze locked on the empty space.

"I don't like repeating myself." I said calmly. "Step out."