The Villain Professor's Second Chance

I swung my legs out of bed and stood, stretching briefly before heading to the adjoining washroom. The marble floors were cool under my feet, a stark contrast to the warm water that filled the basin. I splashed my face, the cold water a sharp, refreshing jolt to my senses.

My morning routine was a precise affair. Every movement was calculated, every action deliberate. I picked up the enchanted razor, its edge glinting in the morning light, and began to shave. The razor moved effortlessly across my skin, a testament to its magical craftsmanship.

After shaving, I turned to the mirror. With a subtle incantation, I activated the enchantment that enhanced my appearance—smoothing out imperfections, sharpening my features just enough to command attention without appearing unnatural with my psychokinesis. I ran a comb through my hair, ensuring every strand was perfectly in place.

Once satisfied, I donned my attire for the day. The fabric was luxurious yet functional, tailored to fit my form without restricting movement. I fastened the cuffs and adjusted the collar, every detail meticulously attended to. Appearance was a powerful tool, and I intended to wield it effectively at the upcoming royal banquet.

As I finished dressing, a soft knock at the door signaled Alfred's arrival. "Enter," I called, turning to face him as he stepped into the room.

"Good morning, my lord," Alfred said with a respectful bow. "The preparations for the banquet are well underway. The security measures are in place for our journey towards the royal castle."

"Excellent," I replied, my tone cool and composed. "Ensure that the guards are vigilant for tonight. We cannot afford any lapses."

"Of course, my lord," Alfred said, making a note on the parchment he carried. "Is there anything specific you wish to discuss regarding the banquet?"

I paused, considering my next words carefully. "The political implications of this banquet are significant. We need to present ourselves as a formidable force, one that cannot be easily undermined. Ensure that our gifts reminded the royals and the nobles the strength and stability of the Drakhan Earldom."

Alfred nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I will see to it that the arrangements reflect that message, my lord. Is there anything else?"

I glanced at the desk, where the folded assassin gear from the quest lay. The memory of the quest completion screen flashed in my mind. [Quest Completed: Protect the Queen. +1 Store Currency. +1 Quest Equipment Set.] I couldn't discuss these details with Alfred; they were part of the arcane system that governed my existence in this world, a system he was blissfully unaware of.

"No," I said finally, dismissing the thought. "Just ensure everything proceeds smoothly. I trust your judgment, Alfred."

"As you wish, my lord," Alfred replied, bowing once more before he left to oversee the final preparations.

With Alfred gone, I turned my attention back to the assassin gear. The quality of the equipment was exceptional—the comfort, the defense, the magical enchantments, and the appearance. It was perfect for maintaining anonymity and protecting my identity. I needed another identity to handle the quests and threats that could destabilize the Earldom.

I stood before the mirror, dressed in the assassin gear as I wore them with my psychokinesis, inspecting the fit and feel. The deep hood shrouded my face in shadows, paired with a subtle mask for anonymity. The dark metallic armor was adorned with sharp, gothic motifs, with spiked pauldrons and claw-like gauntlets enhancing the fearsome silhouette.

Underneath, a black tunic allowed silent movement, complemented by a long, flowing cloak that concealed various tools and gear. Segmented greaves and sturdy, silent boots protected my legs, while two slender, curved blades sheathed at my sides completed the look.

"Perfect," I muttered, the reflection staring back at me an image of lethal efficiency. This would allow me to operate in the shadows, handling threats without compromising my position as the Earl. I've already checked the sensation yesterday after returning from the quest with the Queen, today, my reason for wearing this is a practical one.

I would need to ensure this new identity was both feared and respected. It was not enough to protect the Earldom openly; some battles were fought in the shadows, unseen and unknown. And I need to ensure that the world is progressing how it should have been in the game.

But before that, let's start with something else to test this with.

The cloak has a concealing enchantment on it, with just a thought, I could feel my presence thinning, going invisible and unnoticed.

"Let's start,"

As I moved through the mansion in stealth, a subtle sense of unease settled over me. My instincts, honed by the [Herculean Strength], told me something was wrong. The faint scent of unfamiliar cologne and the almost imperceptible sound of cautious footsteps alerted me.

I slipped into the shadows, my senses heightened. The mansion's grand halls and opulent decor provided ample cover as I tracked the source of the disturbance. Near the east wing, I spotted a figure dressed as a servant, moving with a deliberate caution that betrayed her true intentions.

And it's a special thing of mine to know which is an enemy and which is not.

It's from the seeping dark fog emitted from her.

The sign of the [Villain's Fate] being activated.

Her face is familiar, but I recognize the different body language, is it a magic artifact for disguise?

With silent precision, I approached the intruder. Just as she reached for a hidden compartment in the wall, I moved. My blade pressed against her throat, stopping them cold without giving her a single chance to let out a voice.

"Who sent you?" I demanded, my voice low and dangerous.

The intruder's eyes widened with fear. "I won't talk," they hissed, biting down on something hidden in her mouth. Cyanide. But I was faster, knocking the poison capsule from her grip with psychokinesis.

"Nice try," I said, binding her hands swiftly. "Now, you're going to tell me everything."

She glared at me, defiance in her eyes, but remained silent. I sensed the desperation in her movements and tightened my grip. "Speak, or the consequences will be far worse."

Still, she remained silent, her eyes darting around the room. I could see the wheels turning in her mind, plotting an escape or a way to silence themselves. I couldn't waste more time here; I had to find the others. Let's just put her to sleep for now.

Securing the first intruder in a storage room, I made my way towards the kitchen, my senses alert for any sign of the other spies. The kitchen was a hive of activity, the staff too busy to notice anything amiss. But there, near the pantry, stood another figure, his posture too rigid to be a genuine servant.

I approached silently, my blade ready. As he turned, realizing they were caught, he too attempted to swallow a poison capsule. With a swift move, I knocked it from his mouth, binding him before they could react further.

"Two down," I muttered, dragging the second intruder to the same storage room. "One to go."

The servant quarters were quieter, making it easier to spot the third intruder. They were rifling through belongings, searching for hidden defenses. As I approached, she sensed my presence and whirled around, a knife in hand.

But I was faster. I disarmed her and secured her hands, ensuring she couldn't reach any hidden poison. "You're not escaping that easily," I said coldly.

With all three intruders secured, I returned to my study as I used my psychokinesis pen to bring them. To my surprise, Alfred was already there, waiting with two more captives bound and gagged.

"My lord," Alfred said, his voice calm and composed. "I found these two lurking near the guest chambers. I assume they are part of the same group?"

"Indeed," I replied, a hint of satisfaction in my voice. "It seems our enemies are quite desperate."

Alfred nodded. "What shall we do with them?"

I glanced at the captured spies, their eyes filled with fear and defiance. "We'll extract the information we need, then ensure they can't report back to their master."

Alfred's gaze hardened. "Understood, my lord."

As we interrogated the intruders, it became clear that the danger for me was real. They revealed plans to send a second wave of operatives during the event, aiming to cause chaos and potentially harm key figures.

But there is no information getting out regarding who sent them, why were they here, and who they originally were since they seem to be very loyal to the point they would kill themselves immediately after their cover was blown.

But this is enough.

Looking at their reactions and their attires are enough for me to extract some information, and were already stored inside my head firmly.

"My lord?" Alfred called me with a worrying gaze.

"It's fine. Bring them to my hidden chamber. They will be a feast for the devil hobgoblin servant,"

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