THE VILLAIN'S POV Chapter 3 3: Author's Tools
Previously on THE VILLAIN'S POV...
A sharp gasp escaped my throat as I stared at the hardware sitting before me.
"This is my laptop... It's really him! I could never mistake it, not after the years I spent tinkering with its parts."
However, the mystery remained—how was this possible?
Could a computer actually undergo reincarnation alongside me? That seemed impossible...
"I shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet."
Exactly… It might be a mere replica or some specialized artifact. Nevertheless, I found that hard to believe, given that computers are nonexistent in this current world. Everything here functions through smart screens fueled by Aura…
Regardless, I reached out and slowly lifted the lid. The screen ignited instantly, causing me to freeze in sheer disbelief.
"Since when does my PC boot up this fast? Back in the day, it took an eternity just to start..."
I pushed that thought aside. The home screen flickered into view, and the very first thing that caught my eye was the wallpaper!
It was the exact image I had set before—Song Jin-Woo from Solo Leveling, gripped daggers in hand…
"It truly is my machine," I whispered.
If this laptop managed to cross over into this realm, doesn't that imply there is a path back? A method to return to my original world?!
A rush of warmth flooded my chest, making my fingers tremble uncontrollably.
"Damn it… don't do this to me… I had already surrendered all hope."
Holding my breath, I punched in my password and gained access to the device.
"Perhaps there is a clue hidden inside… I can only pray there is."
But my expectations were swiftly crushed. The desktop was barren, save for two specific windows.
The first was a familiar sight—the folder containing every chapter of my novel.
It was loaded with more than 600 chapters. However, right next to it, I spotted something unfamiliar…
A second window rested in the corner, designed with a mocking Joker aesthetic of crimson and black.
Beneath the icon, the label read: "Author's Tools."
I muttered the phrase under my breath before clicking it without a second thought.
What choice did I have? There was nothing else available on the desktop.
The moment I clicked, a pitch-black screen manifested, featuring that same jester logo—only much larger this time.
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Author's Tools
Congratulations to the author for acquiring the premier cheating utility—Author's Tools! We are vastly superior to any common system you have encountered, providing you with magnificent advantages to simplify your existence. Rest assured—we will not fail you. After all, your life has already hit rock bottom, so it’s not like we could make things any worse, right? Hahahahaha!
"What the hell is this supposed to be?"
I was left speechless. Was this thing actually mocking me? What kind of moron designed this? And what is with this cliché visual style? Did they run out of stock images or something?
"To hell with you and your 'Author Tools'! Who needs a stupid system? All I want is to find a way back home!"
I began scrolling frantically, desperate to see more of this absurd interface.
As I moved down, a fresh heading appeared in bold text:
Author Perks
1- Novel: 'The land of survival'
The author possesses direct access to every chapter of 'The land of survival'! Yes, you heard that correctly. You may review the manuscript's chapters at any moment, ensuring you never forget a single plot detail!
"Well, that explains why the novel folder is here..."
I continued to scroll until I reached the second benefit:
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2- Biography!
Through this, the author can examine their stats, combat styles, skills, and unique talents! But is that the extent of it? Certainly not! Look closely and analyze your most powerful advantage: The author retains the authority to modify their biography! You may add any skill, talent, or trait. It sounds unfair, doesn't it? Unfortunately, this power is not absolute—every addition requires Achievement Points! As long as your points are sufficient, anything is possible… But do not let greed consume you.
(Note: The author is prohibited from modifying their base stats or creating entirely new combat styles.)
Achievement Points
Gained by finishing main or side quests (which can be viewed here) or by leaving a lasting impact on the primary storyline.
Current Achievement Points: 100
...
...
...
"This system certainly loves the sound of its own voice… But I have to admit—this is an incredible perk. It allows me to write in any talent or skill I desire… Though I doubt the process is simple."
I noted that creating new combat styles was restricted, which was logical. Combat styles were the specialized martial arts used by Awakened Ones who had tapped into their Aura. The more potent the style, the higher the cultivation realm one could attain—but besides the SSS-Class Beasts of ancient times, no one had ever successfully developed a new style.
This was a rule I had established myself as the author… But once again, this wasn't what I was searching for. I just wanted a sign—a single hint—on how to get back to my own world.
~Sigh~
I kept scrolling, placing my last shreds of hope in this gaudy system.
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3- Author's Advice!
We provide our esteemed guidance to the author! In exchange for Achievement Points, the author can ask for advice on* anything —and can choose between two distinct modes: Random or Direct!
- Random Advice (10 AP)
Yields vague and cryptic hints—but it ensures the safest way forward (even if the meaning escapes you).
- Direct Advice (30 AP)
Provides straightforward instructions that even a toddler could grasp. However, while it points straight to the objective, it will always manifest an obstacle in your path. Use with extreme caution! Hahahaha!
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"This is it!"
The moment I saw the advice function, a flicker of hope returned. *I can simply ask this system how to go home, right?*
"Yes, this will work! Now, how many of those damn Achievement Points do I have?"
I scrolled up quickly and saw that the system had started me off with 100 AP.
It was more than enough.
Without a moment's hesitation, I selected Direct Advice. Forget the random option.
I immediately typed: "How to return to my world."
The words "Direct Advice" began to glow, and I waited with bated breath—only to be devastated. The screen simply displayed:
???
Three giant question marks dominated the display. I squeezed my fists tight and tried the Random Advice option instead—but the outcome was the same:
???
The exact same result. A wave of bitterness washed over me as I realized the system was playing with me. It offers a glimmer of hope just to rip it away. Do you think I'm just some character in a game?!
"No… I need to stay calm…"
I took a long, deep breath. All is not lost. I thought logically: If returning was impossible, the system would have just said 'No'—not used these cryptic question marks. Right?
"Let's try another test…"
I quickly typed: "How to defeat the Demon King."
This was a being whose strength eclipsed even SSS-Class Beasts. Even as the author, I hadn't yet devised a way for the protagonist to kill him. So I was certain…
My theory was proven when the Direct Advice gave me the same answer:
???
I was right! The system's guidance has boundaries—it cannot answer everything. Thinking it through, that made sense given how low the cost of the feature was.
It will likely respond if I ask something within its power… Yes, it's far too early to give up.
I forced myself to remain composed and continued investigating the Author Tools.
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4- Image
*Future Snapshot!* For a specific amount of Achievement Points, the author can receive a picture of a future occurrence. The more distant the event, the higher the price.
"That's useful… but it's not what I need right now."
I bypassed it and scrolled lower, only to be met with cold reality—the interface now showed nothing but Quests. There was nothing else.
I let out a bitter laugh. "So… it's all for nothing."
I slammed my hand against the desk, my frustration reaching a boiling point.
"Useless."
I had been granted a system just like those cliché web novel protagonists… But what does it matter? It won't fulfill my only real desire.
With vacant eyes, I glanced over the quest list without interest:
The Quests were categorized into three tiers:
- Side Quests: Small AP rewards, simple objectives—"Harass a maid," "Punch that person," "Achieve this goal…"
- Main Quests: Entirely blank.
- Final Quest:
My gaze fell upon the Final Quest—and I froze at the text:
"Win the Victoriad."
Just three simple words, but I could only chuckle in irony.
"Win the Victoriad? Heh…"
This task was virtually impossible… If not completely out of reach.
Why? Let me explain:
The Victoriad was the equivalent of a final examination held every year at the "Temple." It was a massive competition that brought together all first-year students to crown the strongest. A tournament-style battle royale telecast across the globe, featuring the elite from every major faction.
And this system expected me to win? To triumph over the protagonist, "Snow," and the rest of the main cast? It was practically impossible—even with a system's help.
As I scanned the quest's specifics, my eyes nearly bulged out of my head:
Quest: Win the Victoriad
Deadline: 2 years
Failure Penalty: System sealed for 1 year.
Success Reward: 10,000 AP
System Question:
The author is permitted to ask one question to the System Architect, who is required to answer—regardless of the topic.
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The moment I finished that final sentence, I bolted upright, feeling as though my eyes might fly out of my skull.
"This is it! This is IT, you bastard!!!"
I found myself shouting at the top of my lungs again, as if my very soul had been set ablaze.
"Why did you hide such a vital detail at the very bottom, you damn system?! Put it at the top next time! To hell with your 'Author Tools'!"
I have hope! I have a chance!
That single line changed the entire game. **The System Architect**—there was a conscious entity behind this interface. *From them, I would finally get my answer: how to go back to my world.*
Win the Victoriad? I would crawl through the pits of hell if that's what it took.
Listen closely, you bastard… *I am the author here, not you.*
I created this world… And I will dismantle it if I have to.
I stood up from my desk, fueled by a new sense of purpose. The gears in my head began to turn.
I never wanted to interfere with the events of this world… But they have left me no choice. So get ready_
"I'm coming for it!"