THE VILLAIN'S POV Chapter 3 3: Author's Tools

A sharp gasp escaped my throat as I stared at the device sitting before me.

"This is my computer... It's definitely it! There is no way I could mistake it, especially not after the years I spent tinkering with its hardware."

However, the real mystery remained—how was this possible?

Had my computer actually undergone reincarnation alongside me? That seemed impossible...

"I shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet."

That was right. It could be a mere replica or some strange artifact. Still, I found that hard to believe, given that computers were non-existent in this world. Currently, everything functioned through smart screens fueled by Aura...

Regardless, I reached out and slowly lifted the laptop lid. The screen ignited instantly, causing me to freeze in sheer amazement.

"Since when did this thing boot up so fast? Back in the day, it used to take an eternity..."

I pushed those thoughts aside. The home screen greeted me, but it was the wallpaper that truly caught my eye!

It was the exact image I had set before—Song Jin-Woo from Solo Leveling, gripped daggers in hand...

"It really is my machine," I whispered.

If this laptop had successfully crossed over into this world, did that imply a path back existed? A method to return to my original reality?!

A wave of heat surged through my chest, and my fingers began to tremble uncontrollably.

"Damn it... don’t do this to me... I had already abandoned all hope of going back."

Holding my breath, I entered my password and gained access to the device.

"Perhaps a clue is hidden inside... I can only pray there is."

Regrettably, those expectations were swiftly crushed. Only two windows occupied the entire desktop space.

The first one was intimately familiar to me. It was the folder containing every chapter of my novel.

Over 600 chapters were stored within. However, right next to it, I spotted something unfamiliar...

A second window rested in the corner, designed with a mocking, black-and-red Joker theme.

Beneath the icon, two words were displayed: "Author's Tools."

I murmured the name to myself before clicking it without a second thought.

What other choice did I have? The rest of the desktop was completely empty.

The moment I clicked, a black interface emerged, featuring the same jester emblem—though this one was significantly larger.

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Author's Tools

Congratulations to the author for acquiring the premier and most exquisite cheating utility—Author's Tools! We are vastly superior to any petty system you have encountered, providing you with magnificent perks 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 idiot designed this? And what was with the cliché aesthetic? Had 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 a way to go back home!"

Frantically, I scrolled down to investigate the rest of this absurd interface.

As I moved down the page, a new section appeared in bold lettering:

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 novel's contents at any time, ensuring you never have to worry about forgetting plot points!

"Well, that explains why the novel folder is here..."

I continued scrolling until I reached the second benefit:

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2- Biography!

Through this, the author can inspect their stats, combat styles, skills, and unique talents! But is that the extent of it? Certainly not! Look closely and examine your most powerful advantage: The author retains the right to modify their own biography! You are permitted to add any skill, talent, or capability. It sounds unfair, doesn't it? Unfortunately, this power is not absolute—each addition requires Achievement Points! Provided you have sufficient points, anything is possible... But try not to be too greedy.

(Note: The author is prohibited from modifying their base stats or creating entirely new combat styles.)

Achievement Points

These are gained by finishing main or side quests (which can be viewed here) or by making a major 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 gives me the authority to write in whatever talent or skill I desire... Though I doubt it will be that easy."

I observed that creating new combat styles was restricted, which was logical. Combat styles were the martial arts utilized by Awakened Ones who had tapped into their Aura. The more potent the style, the higher the realm a Cultivator could attain—but aside from the ancient SSS-Class Beasts, no one had ever successfully invented a new style.

This was a rule I had established myself as the author... But once again, this wasn't the information I sought. All I wanted was a lead—even a tiny hint—regarding how to return to my own world.

~Sigh~

I kept scrolling, placing all my hopes in this gaudy system.

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3- Author's Advice!

We provide our esteemed guidance to the author! By spending a specific amount of Achievement Points, the author can ask for advice regarding *anything*—with the freedom to choose between two methods: 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 child could comprehend. However, while it points directly to the objective, it will always manifest an obstacle in your path. Use with caution! Hahahaha!

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"This is the one!"

A glimmer of hope sparked the moment I read about the advice feature. *I can simply ask the system how to go back to my world, right?*

"Yes, this will work! Now, how many of these ridiculous Achievement Points do I have?"

I quickly scrolled back up and saw that the system had provided me with 100 AP.

It was more than enough.

Without a moment's hesitation, I selected Direct Advice. To hell with being cryptic.

I immediately typed: "How to return to my world."

The words "Direct Advice" began to glow. I waited with bated breath—only to be met with total disappointment. What appeared on the screen was merely:

???

Three giant question marks dominated the display. Clenching my fists, I attempted the Random Advice option instead—but the outcome was exactly the same:

???

The identical response. A sense of bitterness washed over me as I realized this system was just playing with me. It offers hope only to rip it away. Do I look like some toy to you?!

"No... stay calm..."

I took a long, deep breath. I haven't lost everything yet. Let's think logically: If a return path didn't exist, the system would have simply said 'No'—it wouldn't use mysterious question marks. Right?

"Let's try a different test..."

I quickly typed: "How to defeat the Demon King."

That entity possessed power that eclipsed even the SSS-Class Beasts. Even as the author, I hadn't designed a way for the protagonist to actually kill him. So I was certain...

My theory was proven when the Direct Advice gave me the same result:

???

I was right! The system's guidance had its limits—it couldn't answer every question. In hindsight, that made sense considering how cheap the feature was.

It will likely answer if I ask something within its current power... Yes, it is far too early to give up.

I forced myself to remain composed and continued to explore the Author Tools.

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4- Image

*Future Snapshot!* For a specific price in Achievement Points, the author will receive a visual image of a future occurrence. The more distant the event, the higher the cost.

"That could be useful... but it's not what I need right now."

I bypassed it and scrolled down further, only to be met with a harsh reality—the interface now showed nothing but Quests. There was nothing else left.

I let out a bitter laugh. "So... it's all for nothing."

I slammed my hand against the desk as my frustration boiled over.

"Useless."

I had been granted a system just like the cliché protagonists in those webnovels... But what was the point? It wouldn't grant the one thing I actually wanted.

With dull eyes, I began to scan the quest list with total indifference:

The Quests were categorized into three groups:

- Side Quests: Small AP rewards for simple tasks—"Harass a maid," "Punch that guy," "Achieve this..."

- Main Quests: Entirely blank.

- Final Quest:

My gaze fell upon the Final Quest—and I froze as I read the requirement:

"Win the Victoriad."

It was only three words, but they made me laugh in disbelief.

"Win the Victoriad? Ha..."

That quest was bordering on the impossible... If not completely out of reach.

Why? Let me explain:

The Victoriad was essentially the final exam held every year at the "Temple." It was a massive tournament that brought together all first-year students to crown the strongest. A battle royale format broadcast to the entire world, featuring the most elite talents from every major faction.

And this system expected me to win? To triumph over the story's protagonist, "Snow," and all the other lead characters? It was practically impossible—even with a system like this one.

However, as I read the quest rewards, my eyes nearly popped out of my head:

Quest: Win the Victoriad

Deadline: 2 years

Failure Penalty: System will be sealed for 1 year.

Success Reward: 10,000 AP

System Question:

The author is permitted to ask exactly one question to the System Architect, who is required to provide an answer—regardless of the topic.

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The moment I saw that final line, I jumped to my feet, my heart racing.

"This is it! This is finally IT, you bastard!!!"

I found myself shouting like a madman again, as if my very soul had been set ablaze.

"Why would you hide such a vital detail at the very bottom, you damn system?! Tell me that first next time! To hell with your 'Author Tools'!"

I have a path! A real chance!

That single line changed everything. **The System Architect**—there was a conscious entity behind this interface. *From them, I would get the answer I needed: how to return to my own world.*

Win the Victoriad? I would crawl through the depths of hell if that's what it took.

Guess what, you bastard... *I’m the author of this world, not you.*

I created this reality... And I will dismantle it if I have to.

I stood up from the desk with a new sense of purpose. The gears in my mind began to turn rapidly.

I never wanted to interfere with the events of this world... But they have left me no choice. So, everyone better get ready—

"I'm coming for you!"