Reincarnated as the Last Villain

Ravengarde's grand hall had changed.

Where once maps and war plans lined the walls, now there were velvet banners, polished thrones, and nobles whispering behind polite smiles.

Kael entered through the center doors — flanked by Serana and Vaenira, cloaked in silence and steel.

The room grew still.

At the far end of the table sat Lady Elira, adorned in royal blue.

She rose, her voice ringing like a hymn.

"Lord Kael," she said. "We've kept your seat warm."

Kael didn't smile.

He sat.

The room exhaled tension.

[Council Present]

Kael Valen – Warden-General

Lady Elira – Princess of Mirandel

Serana – Captain of the Iron Circle

Duran Thorne – Guildmaster of Goldhaven

Father Alric – High Priest of the Ember Faith

Count Ysred – Noble from the Eastern Borderlands

Vaenira – Unofficially attending, standing at Kael's side

Opening Tensions

Elira spoke first:

"Zerath's forces retreat on three fronts. Thanks to your work in Blackgarde, our scouts report disarray in his soulforge supply line."

Polite applause.

Duran added, "Trade has begun again in the south. The people call you Reclaimer now."

Kael nodded once.

"But," Elira said smoothly, "we must talk of structure. This rebellion has grown into something more. It needs law. It needs order. It needs… leadership."

She looked directly at Kael.

"And perhaps, a crown."

The Proposal

Count Ysred stood.

"I move that this council declare Ravengarde a sovereign kingdom — and offer Kael Valen the title of High King."

Some gasped.

Some whispered.

Kael did not answer.

Serana leaned in, whispering, "This isn't a gift. It's a trap. Accept, and they'll bind you with law. Refuse, and they'll say you're a tyrant."

Then Elira smiled.

"…with me as Queen-Regent, of course."

[Critical Political Decision Incoming]

👑 Accept the Crown: Gain official title. Secure legitimacy. But give up full control to the council.

❌ Refuse the Throne: Retain rebellion status. Keep absolute control — but risk internal revolt.

🔥 Postpone: Delay vote. Use time to gather leverage, expose traitors, or fracture Elira's support.

But before Kael could choose—

A scream cut through the chamber.

A maid stumbled in — bloody, half-conscious.

And behind her…

a man entered. Cloaked. Dripping red.

In his hand: a severed head.

He dropped it before the council.

Everyone froze.

"Message," he rasped. "From the true king."

Kael's heart stopped.

Because the head… was his.

[Revelation: Soul Mirror Clone Deployed]Zerath has used forbidden fleshcraft to create a perfect clone of Kael.The clone leads a false rebellion in the south — drawing followers, spreading doubt.Public confusion expected. Internal loyalty shaken.

The Council Splits

Father Alric stood. "This is heresy! Witchcraft! How do we know this Kael is the true one?"

Count Ysred backed away from the table.

Duran muttered, "The people won't understand this…"

Elira stayed calm — calculating.

"This… changes things," she said.

Then she turned to Kael.

"Prove yourself. Right here. Right now."

Her guards drew swords.

So did Vaenira.

[Combat Encounter: Trial by Blood]Fight incoming. Choose your path:

⚔️ Duel a council member (Alric or Ysred) to prove identity.

🔥 Use the Flame of Reclamation to reveal your soul.

🗡 Assassinate the imposter's courier — silence the threat, but provoke fear.

Kael reached into his coat.

Held out the Flame of Reclamation.

Let it burn in open air.

The flame took shape — his shape.

It glowed with memories. Truth. Fire that no shadow could mimic.

And then it spoke in his voice:

"This soul is Kael Valen.Born of pain. Forged in fire. Bound to the fallen."

The room fell silent.

And then—

Father Alric knelt.

"So be it," he whispered.