The morning sun spilled golden light over the marbled corridors of the Pritampur Imperial Palace. Priyanshu Yadav, now wearing the body of the once-broken third prince, walked with a calm expression—but within his mind, storms were brewing.
He was still digesting the truth.
He had transmigrated. Again.His previous life was filled with novels, manga, strategy games—and loneliness. But now, he had a new body, a new world, and the Hidden Villain System.
And two dangerous elder brothers.
"System," he whispered in his mind, careful not to move his lips.
[Host has one unread memory synchronization pending. Synchronize now?]
"Yes."
A rush of memories shot into his brain like needles of fire.He staggered, gripping a nearby pillar. Servants passed by but dared not approach. In this palace, weakness was not pitied—it was exploited.
Visions flashed—his two brothers standing tall and proud, basking in glory while he was humiliated and overlooked. They trained in the elite Imperial Combat Hall, flaunted ancient techniques, and sat next to the king as heirs.
Meanwhile, Priyanshu—this body's former soul—was starved of resources, confined to the side courtyards, mocked by nobles, and nearly poisoned by a maid last month. No one cared. Not even the emperor.
No. Especially not the emperor.
[System Alert: You are now aware of your political standing. Do you wish to receive your first Hidden Villain Mission?]
"Proceed."
[Hidden Mission Unlocked: Mask of the Righteous]Objective: Attend today's Imperial Family Council. Pretend to support your brothers. Act weak. Let them underestimate you.Bonus Objective: Subtly insult the second prince using historical facts.Reward: 50 Evil Karma, Cloak of False Humility (Passive Skill: You appear harmless to enemies unless you strike first).
Priyanshu smiled faintly.
The hall came into view—vast, golden, and menacing. Velvet banners of dragons hung high above, and a throne sat like a mountain at the far end.
He saw them.His two elder brothers.
First Prince Devansh Yadav, dressed in battle robes. Muscle-bound, arrogant, a natural-born warrior.
Second Prince Raghav Yadav, thinner, sharp-eyed, robed like a scholar. Dangerous in a different way—his weapon was the mind.
The king—the so-called Tyrant Monarch—sat between them, eyes closed.
When Priyanshu stepped in, neither of the princes acknowledged him. Their silence wasn't just cold—it was calculated.
"Third Prince," the king finally said, voice sharp, "you still live. Surprising."
Laughter echoed.
Priyanshu bowed low.
"I thank the heavens for your grace, Royal Father. Though I may be slow in cultivation, I aim to contribute with what little strength I have."
Devansh scoffed. "Little strength? You have none."
Raghav adjusted his spectacles, smiling faintly. "I believe Third Brother excels in... sincerity, at least. That has its uses—perhaps as a monk?"
Chuckles followed. Priyanshu smiled too.
Time to deliver.
He raised his head. "You're right, Second Brother. Sincerity is useful. Like Emperor Yuxuan said before his ministers betrayed him— 'A loyal fool lasts longer than a cunning snake.' Pity his brothers didn't take the advice."
Raghav's smile faltered. The quote was pointed. The story? Too familiar.
[Bonus Objective Complete: +20 Evil Karma][Skill Acquired: Cloak of False Humility (Passive)]
Priyanshu bowed again. "Forgive me. I speak too much."
The king raised a brow. "Enough. In three days, the heirs will duel. One of you will rise."
The room grew tense.
"Dismissed."
As Priyanshu turned to leave, a system prompt flickered in his mind:
[New Mission: Defeat Both Brothers in the Duel. Publicly Shame Them. Remain Smiling.]Reward: +100 Evil Karma, One Hidden Technique, Partial Unlock of Create & Destroy Domain
He walked out, posture calm.
Behind him, the two princes whispered.
"He's still pathetic," Devansh said.
"Exactly as we want," Raghav replied.
Priyanshu grinned as he walked into the sunlight.
"Keep thinking that, brothers."
The hidden villain had entered the game. And no one even knew it had started.