Villain: I transmigrated with Mind Control Powers
Chapter 53: Chapter 53: The Heart of the Primordial Titan

As the dust settled in the chamber, and the echoes of the fierce battle faded away, Aric stood triumphant over Jarod's lifeless body. A dark, sinister smile spread across his face, the intoxicating power surging through his veins was unlike anything he had ever felt before. He felt invincible, a force of nature that could no longer be stopped.

Suddenly, a series of notifications rang out in his mind, the familiar tone of the system's voice echoing through his thoughts:

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained +3000 Villain Halo and +30,000 Villain Points for completely breaking the relationship between the protagonist Jarod Lei and Ryan Chen.]

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained +1000 Villain Halo and +10,000 Villain Points for completely breaking the mentality of the protagonist Jarod Lei.]

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained +3000 Villain Halo and +30,000 Villain Points for defeating and killing the protagonist, Jarod Lei.]

[Ding! Congratulations, host! The System Shop has been upgraded to the second level, and you can now purchase items (formations, alchemy, cultivation, etc.) directly from the system store.]

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained a bonus of 100,000 Villain Points for defeating a protagonist for the first time.]

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained Supreme Bone for defeating a protagonist for the first time.]

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained Primordial Chaos Scripture for defeating a protagonist for the first time.]

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained Plot Ticket*1 for defeating a protagonist for the first time. You can use it to see the plot of any protagonist.]

Aric's eyes gleamed with excitement as he processed the string of rewards. "These notifications are like honey to my ears," he thought, his satisfaction growing with each reward announced.

His gaze shifted to Jarod's lifeless form, a twisted smirk curling his lips. "System," he called out mentally, "what exactly is this Supreme Bone?"

[Ding! Host, the Supreme Bone is a legendary bone in the cultivation world. It is said to vastly improve the speed of cultivation, enhance physical resilience, strength, and even grant regenerative abilities that surpass ordinary limits. Those who possess it are often considered to be favored by the heavens, destined for greatness.]

Aric's grin widened. "A legendary treasure, indeed. To think I would gain such a powerful gift from my first protagonist kill. It's almost too good to be true."

He chuckled darkly, the thrill of his victory making him feel invincible. "System is giving me a bonus. Do I look like an employee to you? Ha ha ha!" His laughter echoed through the chamber, a sinister sound that would send shivers down anyone's spine.

His eyes then narrowed as he focused on another reward. "Primordial Chaos Scripture... System, absorb it for me," he commanded, his tone laced with authority.

[Ding! Absorbing Primordial Chaos Scripture…]

Aric felt a surge of energy as the ancient cultivation technique began to merge with his mind. It was as though an entire cosmos of knowledge was being poured into his consciousness, each word and concept a gateway to boundless power. The Primordial Chaos Scripture, which had once been Jarod's greatest asset, was now his to wield.

The techniques, the secrets of the primordial chaos, and the immense potential it held were now a part of him.

He could feel the raw, untamed power of chaos surging through him, intertwining with his soul. Every concept, every technique within the scripture was now his to command. He could manipulate the elements with a mere thought, bend the laws of nature to his will, and unleash devastating attacks that could obliterate anything in his path.

As the knowledge settled, Aric opened his eyes, now glowing with a dark, chaotic light. "This is power," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with awe and ambition. "This is true power."

But the system wasn't done yet. The final reward caught his attention, and a sinister grin spread across his face. "Now, the most awaited treasure I've received… my favorite: the Plot Ticket. I've been waiting for you for so long," Aric said, his voice dripping with anticipation.

"System, show me the plot of Starry Ascension and this Ye Chen," he ordered.

[Ding! Host's command acknowledged. Accessing plot of Starry Ascension and protagonist Ye Chen...]

In an instant, the system flooded Aric's mind with the intricate details of the plot. He saw the protagonist, Ye Chen, a cultivator with immense potential, destined to ascend to greatness and challenge the heavens. He saw Ye Chen's encounters, his struggles, his victories, and most importantly, his weaknesses.

As the knowledge settled in Aric's mind, he couldn't help but chuckle. "So, this is the story you're fated to follow, Ye Chen?" Aric mused, his eyes gleaming with a malevolent light. "Fate has indeed chosen you for greatness, but fate is such a fickle thing."

"All the protagonists have dual standards. And you are a part of them. But now I know your future. Resistance will be futile", Aric laughed maniacally.

Aric's thoughts raced as he began plotting his next move. "With this knowledge, I'll be a step ahead of you at every turn. Your triumphs will be your downfall, and your allies will become your greatest weakness. I'll turn your story into a tragedy, one where the villain reigns supreme."

Aric's eyes swept over the chamber, the faint glow of ancient runes illuminating the massive stone walls. His team had arrived here with a clear goal—locate and eliminate Jarod Lei. But now, with Jarod's lifeless body crumpled at his feet, Aric's attention shifted to the real reason for their presence in this forsaken place: the artifact Jarod had been desperately seeking.

He smirked to himself, recalling his belief: "If you replace a protagonist, you will replace opportunities." And today, the opportunity had presented itself in a most satisfying manner.

Aric's team, comprised of loyal cultivators and seasoned fighters, moved swiftly, their eyes scanning every corner of the chamber. A large, intricately carved altar stood at the center, with a shimmering barrier of light protecting the artifact within. The altar's surface was covered in complex symbols, ancient and mysterious, hinting at a civilization long forgotten.

"Master Aric, this seems to be what Jarod was after," one of his team members, Lei Zhu, reported, her voice laced with excitement. "It's heavily protected by an ancient formation, but we believe we can unlock it."

Aric nodded, his eyes narrowing as he examined the altar from a distance. "Do it."

Lei Fang and the others got to work, their hands moving in synchronized patterns as they chanted incantations that resonated with the chamber's ancient magic. The air crackled with energy as the formation responded to their efforts, slowly unraveling as the protective barrier flickered and weakened.

Finally, with a resounding hum, the barrier dissipated, revealing the artifact within. It was a small, ornate object, pulsating with a strange, otherworldly energy. Its surface was adorned with intricate carvings, and it emitted a soft, yet intense light that seemed to resonate with the very essence of the chamber.

"Master Aric," Lei Fang called out, holding the artifact with both hands as he approached. "The artifact is yours."

Aric reached out and took the artifact from Lei, feeling the immense power radiating from it. The artifact was unlike anything he had encountered before, and despite his extensive knowledge, he couldn't immediately identify it. His instincts told him that this was no ordinary object; it was something of great importance and power.

"System," Aric commanded, his voice firm, "what is this artifact?"

The system responded promptly, its voice echoing in his mind.

[Ding! The artifact you have acquired is the 'Heart of the Primordial Titan.' It is an ancient relic from a lost civilization, capable of enhancing the physical and spiritual strength of its wielder. When fully activated, it grants its bearer immense power, akin to that of a deity.

This artifact was intended to be a major opportunity for the protagonist, Jarod Lei, allowing him to ascend to heights far beyond his current abilities.]

Aric's eyes gleamed with interest. "The Heart of the Primordial Titan… How ironic, Jarod. This power was meant for you, and now it belongs to me."

His team looked on, sensing the gravity of what had just occurred. Aric's acquisition of the artifact had fundamentally shifted the balance of power. The artifact's glow seemed to pulse in sync with his own aura, as if recognizing its new master.

Without another word, Aric placed the artifact securely within his spatial ring, sealing it away for later study. The allure of its potential power was tantalizing, but there was more to explore in these ruins. Aric had no intention of leaving any stone unturned.

"Let's move on," Aric ordered, his voice carrying an edge of excitement. "There's still much to discover in these ruins. We've only scratched the surface."

His team fell into formation, ready to follow him deeper into the ancient labyrinth. The ruins held many secrets, and with the Heart of the Primordial Titan in his possession, Aric was more determined than ever to claim every last one of them.