# *<b></b>*Chapter 3: The Ultimate Survival Plan (That Will Probably Fail)**


    ### **Day 4 in This Stupid World**


    Alright. It’s been four days since I got isekai’d into this **cursed** game, and I have exactly three conclusions:


    1. **Everyone is terrified of me.**


    2. **Everyone talks about me behind my back like I’m the second coming of the Demon Lord.**


    3. **I have absolutely no clue how to fix either of these problems.**


    I mean, sure, I **look** scary. My character model was clearly designed by a developer who lost a bet. I have ominous red eyes, my default resting face screams “serial killer,” and my in-game title is *The Mad Dog of Dregna.*


    But come on! I have the combat stats of **a damp paper towel.** If I got into a fight, I’d probably lose to a stiff breeze.


    And yet, the students at the academy still act like I’ll cast an ancient forbidden curse if they **accidentally** make eye contact with me.


    …Okay. Time to fix this.


    ### **Leon’s Foolproof Survival Plan (That Will Probably Fail)**


    **Step 1:** Self-discovery. Who the hell am I in this world?


    **Step 2:** Avoid the main characters at all costs. They bring disaster.


    **Step 3:** Befriend Sophia.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    - This girl is important.


    - She’s the reason Adam, the *actual* protagonist, started hating nobles.


    - In the original game, she dies early because of *bullying.*


    - I’m somehow blamed for it.


    - If I **don’t** fix this, I’ll become Adam’s sworn enemy and get obliterated before the first story arc even ends.


    **Step 4:** Figure out who my family is.


    Apparently, I’m a noble? A Duke’s son?? But I have **no** memories of my supposed father, and people keep whispering about my **step-sister,** who’s in her third year.


    …Whatever. One problem at a time.


    ### **Operation: Befriend Sophia**


    Sophia is the **only** person in this school who hasn’t openly insulted me or looked at me like I just kicked their puppy.


    That means she’s my **best bet** for proving that I’m not the psychotic monster everyone thinks I am.


    I just need to walk up to her, act normal, and apologize for any past misunderstandings.


    Simple, right?


    **Reality: A Disaster Waiting to Happen.**


    ### **Execution: Attempt #1**


    I spot Sophia in the hallway, walking alone.


    Good. No witnesses. If I can just get her to talk to me normally, I can fix my reputation.


    I casually walk up to her—


    **“EEK!”**


    She lets out a **terrified squeak** and stumbles backward.


    I pause.


    Wait. That’s **not** the reaction I wanted.


    “Uh, Sophia?” I say, trying to sound friendly. “I just wanted to—”


    She **trips over absolutely nothing** and lands on her butt.


    A passing group of students gasps.


    “DID YOU SEE THAT?!”


    “LEON JUST USED DARK MAGIC TO STRIKE HER DOWN!!”


    …What.


    “IT’S TRUE! HIS EVIL AURA OVERWHELMED HER!!”


    **What.**


    “I HEARD HE CURSED HER FAMILY FOR THREE GENERATIONS!!”


    **WHAT.**


    The hallway **erupts into chaos.** Students **scatter like cockroaches,** screaming about how I just *attacked* poor, helpless Sophia.


    Meanwhile, Sophia looks at me with **genuine** confusion.


    “…Huh?” she mutters, rubbing her head. “I… tripped?”


    THANK YOU! SOMEONE SAW THE TRUTH!


    But the damage is already done. Within **seconds,** rumors spread like wildfire.


    By lunchtime, I’m now apparently:


    - A **master of forbidden curses.**


    - **The reason for Sophia’s suffering.**


    - A **walking disaster who can kill with a glance.**


    I have **never** been more done with my life.


    ### **System: [HAHAHA. GOOD LUCK FIXING THIS, LOSER.]**


    SHUT UP, SYSTEM.


    ### **Sophia’s POV (Meanwhile…)**


    Sophia stares at the students who are still whispering about Leon.


    Did they not see what really happened?


    She fell **on her own.** Leon **didn’t** do anything.


    But now everyone’s convinced he cursed her??


    She looks back at him. He’s sitting at a faraway table, poking at his food like a **defeated man.**


    For some reason, she feels… bad.


    Maybe Leon isn’t actually as bad as everyone says.


    Maybe… she should try talking to him?


    But before she can stand—


    **“LEON STRIKES AGAIN!”**


    **Adam, the protagonist, dramatically enters the cafeteria.**


    …Oh no.


    ### **To Be Continued…**


    ---


    **Chapter 3 End!**