The morning sun peeked over the mountains, spreading golden light across the capital city. But in the depths of a forgotten valley—beneath layers of illusion and concealment—Dark Heaven Society's real game had begun.
Inside the underground palace, torches flickered against jet-black walls. Murals of ancient gods and forbidden spells danced in their flames. At the center, a vast circular hall buzzed with activity.
Seated on a high throne carved from obsidian, Priyanshu observed everything in silence. Dressed in simple black robes, with a silver dragon-shaped mask concealing half his face, he didn't look powerful.
But his aura twisted the air itself.
Before him knelt dozens of new recruits — or rather, freshly awakened pawns.
A red screen flashed before Priyanshu.
[Ding! Hidden Villain System Activated!]New Function Unlocked: "Regional Control Panel"Current Territories: 3 (Capital Sewers, North Slums, Misty Forest Outpost)Influence: 47/1000Next Reward: 50 Influence – Unlock "Shadow Servant Summoning"
Priyanshu's eyes gleamed behind the mask.
"Report the new structure," he ordered calmly.
One of the masked lieutenants, now titled Shadow Commander Zev, stepped forward.
"Yes, my lord. As per your command, the Dark Heaven Society now has four ranks."
He raised a hand, and magical projections shimmered in the air.
🔻Dark Heaven Society – Ranks:
ShadowlingsNew initiates, spies, scouts, and information gatherers.
NightwalkersTrained fighters and assassins. Can lead missions.
Shadow CommandersElite few who oversee districts, handle funds, and train squads.
Heaven's Hand(Currently: Empty)The right-hand of the Lord of Shadows. Access to core secrets. Acts as direct extension of Priyanshu's will.
"Excellent," Priyanshu nodded. "And the results of yesterday's 'clean-up'?"
Another masked agent, Nightwalker Ember, stepped forward. "Three noble carriages were intercepted as per your orders. All targets eliminated. Their vaults were transferred to our hidden treasury. The bounty includes spiritual gold, three fire-grade techniques, and two unidentified scrolls."
[Ding! Mission Complete: "Silence the Snakes"]Reward: +7 Influence | +1 Shadow Point | "Smoke Weaving Technique" obtained
Priyanshu smirked under his mask.
"The nobles thought they were playing a game," he whispered, "But they don't know I'm the one writing the rules."
He stood slowly.
"From today, we don't just survive in the shadows... we control them."
Everyone dropped to one knee.
"HAIL, LORD OF DARK HEAVEN!"
Meanwhile — In the Royal Palace
On the surface, the capital looked peaceful. But the royal court was panicking. Three minor nobles had vanished in one night. And all clues were erased. No witnesses, no blood, not even the spiritual beasts guarding their estates reacted.
Prince Viraj, the third prince and current head of the Royal Intelligence Wing, paced furiously.
"Another one? That's four this week!"
Beside him, a shadow guard whispered, "Your Highness, rumors say a new underground group is spreading… something about a 'Heaven Society'..."
Viraj's expression turned cold. "Find them. Root them out. Torture every rat in the slums if you must."
Back in the Shadows
Priyanshu tapped on the System screen.
[Available Shadow Points: 3]Spend to unlock?
[✓] Shadow Clone Art (2 Points)
[✓] Fear Amplifier (1 Point)
"Unlock both," he said.
[Ding! New Abilities Acquired!]– Shadow Clone Art: Allows creation of 1 temporary clone for infiltration.– Fear Amplifier: Targets affected by fear receive -30% resistance to mental attacks.
His grin widened. "Let the games truly begin."
The Girl Who Watched Too Much
Elsewhere in the capital, in a quiet library on the eastern side, a beautiful girl with silvery eyes closed a book slowly.
Her name was Lyria, known as a harmless spiritual researcher.
But she wasn't just a researcher. She had a special spiritual sense — a passive ability to feel the presence of destiny and power.
And lately, she kept sensing something... wrong.
Not dangerous. Not evil. Just... too calm to be normal. Too invisible to be natural.
She looked out the window toward the slums. "There's a storm in the shadows," she whispered. "And it's watching us."
Priyanshu's Bedroom – Midnight
Away from the underground palace, Priyanshu returned to his 'surface identity' — a weak, outer disciple of the Alchemy Pavilion.
His residence was shabby. A broken wooden door, a tiny bed, a single flickering lamp.
But as he lay back and gazed at the cracked ceiling, he smiled.
"Two identities. One world. One game."
The System screen glowed again.
[Main Quest Activated!]Title: "Crack the Core Sects"Objective: Gain influence in one of the three top sectsBonus Objective: Corrupt one sect elder using manipulationReward: +100 Influence | +5 Shadow Points | "Dark Heaven Domain" Passive Unlocked
His eyes darkened with excitement.
"Let's aim higher now."