《The Project Prometheus》


 Chapter 1: Set in Motion

    The place smelled of thick iron. A putrid, sulphurous smog hung thick and charred in the air. Some chunks were molten, some burnt¡ªscattered pieces of flesh, remnants of aggressive chopping and runic pyromancy. The stench was foul enough to trigger instinctive gags, certain to attract demon-crows for their feast.


    The once-serene Niht Vale had become a battlefield. The soil resembled holy sindoor, and the pebbles, like beryl, were stained with blood.


    Amid the corpses of the asurik army, a lone figure stood.


    Three shafts protruded from his back, their fletchings revealing them as arrows. A dagger was buried in his left eye; lines of blood trickled down from the wound, while tears streamed from the other.


    He pulled the dagger free with a heavy gasp. Blood spurted from the hollow socket, slowing to a trickle before stopping completely. The fingers on his left hand dangled, attached only by fraying tendons, while his neck was fractured, splintered like jagged basalt columns.


    Despite his condition and the unbearable pain, he tried to stand.


    Beneath the shadow of the clouds, the world seemed to be engulfed in darkness.


    How long has it been?


    He fumbled for his pocket watch, his hands shaking as he drew it from his dimensional storage ring. The second hand ticked counterclockwise, slow and methodical.


    Time displayed: ten minutes past twelve.


    ¡°Just a few more minutes¡­¡± His voice was barely a whisper.


    Unable to bear his own weight any longer, he collapsed to his knees and closed his eyes. Yet, even as his body failed him, a smile ghosted his lips.


    Just a few more minutes¡ªthat was all he needed. Just a few more minutes until the clock struck twelve.


    At that very moment, the heavens split.


    The sky¡¯s bleak darkness was shattered by a radiant beam of light, illuminating every inch of the dead horizon.


    Startled, the man looked up, squinting against the blinding glow, before he saw them: countless angels with shining swords, a scene reminiscent of the Book of Revelation.


    The heavenly host descended, wielding their aether-charged swords while the neighing of countless pegasi filled the air. There was only one thought on their minds: execute!


    The man smiled bitterly at the scene before him. He reached for a shard of a shattered blade on the ground¡ªits edge was dull and splintered. With the last of his strength, he gripped the weapon firmly.


    He took a stance¡ªone his master had taught him all those years ago¡ªand launched towards the heavenly army. While still in mid-air, his body began to break apart, cube by cube, disintegrating like tiny blocks, until they dissolved into thin air.


    Meanwhile, within the enemy''s ranks, something began to form. A hand was followed by a face, and soon, the man was completely reconstructed. He spun, unleashing a tornado of blades, hacking and slashing in a wild dance.


    At that moment, death was brought upon the centuria of angels¡ªbeings believed to be immortal.


    With a final flourish, a dazzling arc of plasma shot from his blade, razing everything within a half-mile.


    .


    .


    .


    It was over. The war had finally ended. But the damage was done.


    Sprawled on the ground, the man gasped for air, his vision blurring as darkness encroached.


    In his final moments, he faced his fate. He had defied death throughout his life and done everything he could, yet he failed to find The Door.


    This¡ªthis was all that remained.


    But¡­ perhaps this much was all he needed?


    With agonising slowness, his trembling left hand reached for his face, fingers sticky with congealed blood. With the last of his strength, he shoved his hand into his mouth, forcing it far down his throat, gagging and gasping as he struggled to reach the object.


    As he strained, his neck swelled, veins bulging as he wrestled something free, blood and saliva spilling over him like a grim baptism.


    Finally, he wrenched it out. It was an orb of flesh that pulsated like a heart, dotted with eyes that blinked in a chaotic pattern, and a jagged circle of teeth traced its surface. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    The orb¡¯s chaotic blinking mirrored his own fragmented thoughts. But even now, his mind was under siege¡ªhaunted by those eyes. Those teal eyes¡­ always watching. No. Not now. He needed to focus.


    With a rough breath, he made up his mind and opened his mouth.


    "You know what to do..." he exhaled, his voice barely a whisper, his breath a death rattle. "Set in motion the events to fix... everykh¡ª" His good eye widened, the pupil dilating until it eclipsed his vision. A ragged breath escaped from his lips, and his body gave one final shudder before falling still.


    The world fell silent.


    [Initiating Rev...]


    * * *


    ¡°Hunkh!¡± I muffled an exhale, my eyes burning from the sudden brightness.


    I was in my room.


    Awareness returned slowly.


    ¡®Take the train ,¡¯ a faint command echoed in my mind. Before I could make sense of it, an annoying beep rang in my ear, cutting through my thoughts and silencing everything around me.


    What happened? Was...


    I was breathing heavily, each inhale shaky. The beeping faded gradually, leaving only the pounding of my heart. The back of my shirt clung to my skin, damp with sweat, and my heart raced against my chest. I was sitting on my bed, the blanket bunched around my legs.


    ¡°Noah?¡± A soft, familiar voice pulled me from my daze. I looked to my side and saw her sitting by my bed.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Mom asked, her hand pressed gently against my forehead. Her auburn hair framed her face in curtain bangs, the morning light catching the worry lines etched into her features. Despite all the rough years and tension she had endured, her hair remained soft and glossy, and she still looked as young as she did all those years ago when I was still a child. ¡°Is it an episode?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No, no,¡± I reassured her, shaking my head slightly. ¡°Nothing like that.¡±


    Her shoulders relaxed, just a little, but her gaze remained fixed on me, searching.


    ¡°I-It... just,¡± I pressed my hand to my face. ¡°Just¡­ another nightmare,¡± I said quietly, wiping sweat from my face.


    ¡°Ha! You had me worried there. But these nightmares of yours¡­ think they¡¯re becoming a problem?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± I shrugged. I¡¯d had vivid dreams since I was a kid¡ªit wasn¡¯t new. ¡°But who actually likes nightmares?¡±


    She gave me a look, half exasperated, half thoughtful. Then, reaching over to the nightstand, she pulled out a silver orb. ¡°Your grandfather just called. Time to get ready. And don¡¯t forget Burpi.¡± She tossed the orb to me, and I caught it mid-air as it morphed into a thick arm cuff that wrapped snugly around my wrist.


    The device activated, displaying the time:


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Year¡ú 2393


    Time¡ú 9:15 AM


    Date¡ú Nov. 3


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    November third, something important was happening today.


    ¡°Is it today?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, pops just called," Mom confirmed. She then added,¡°Oh, and Sylvie¡¯s coming back soon. Do you know how long you¡¯ll be?¡±


    "No? I thought gramps would tell you that. When exactly is sis coming back?¡±


    ¡°The Moonlit Festival,¡± she said softly. ¡°Make sure you¡¯re home by then.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see. Of course. I¡¯ll be here,¡± I said, standing up from the bed with a casual nod.


    ¡°Not like this.¡± Her tone shifted, suddenly more serious.


    I paused, meeting her gaze. ¡°Right... I¡¯ll be back before the festival. Home, promise.¡±


    Her smile returned, faint but satisfied. ¡°Good. Now go and get ready. I¡¯ve prepared the hover-car while you were sleeping¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, I''ll take the train,¡± I cut her off before she could finish her sentence.


    ¡°What? But you''ve never liked taking the train¡ª¡±


    ¡°I''m taking the train,¡± I said firmly, but internally I felt confused. Why am I dead set on taking the train?


    * * *


    A beep sounded, followed by the intercom:


    ¡°Now stopping at Nukleon Bay,¡± echoed a disembodied voice. ¡°I repeat, now stopping at Nukleon Bay. Thank you.¡± The speaker crackled one last time, then fell silent.


    I couldn¡¯t help but sigh in irritation.


    I dislike trains.


    Well... perhaps it would be more accurate to say, ''I prefer solitude when dealing with the symptoms''.


    Shaking my head, I looked through the window.


    An endless artificial landscape of solar panels and plastic sheeting stretched across the horizon, everything dead and abandoned to the dust and wind. As the last passengers boarded, the train roared to life, levitating smoothly off the ground before accelerating forward.


    Bzzt! Bzzt!


    Startled, I reached into my pocket, my fingers brushing cold metal. Retrieving my phone, I glanced at the screen. A new message. Mum? I thought, surprised. Why did she text?


    Tap!


    The message flashed open.


    [Acacia1: Text me when you reach pops. And best of luck, Noah. I hope everything goes well this time. Get excited for your new life!]


    My new life, huh? Before I even realised it, a silly smile bloomed on my face.


    ¡°Today, sector D-27 experienced Gravity Zero. Three casualties detected¡ª¡± Snap! With a flick of my fingers, my compartment''s control module silenced the news hologram. I rested my head against the window.


    We were passing over a Nutrient Synthesis Farm, where fields of green and gold stretched endlessly beneath us. They resembled clusters of golden honeycombs¡ªrows of bioreactors lined with algae-infused glass tubes, their walls tinted a warm amber. Within, genetically modified algae and crops flourished, cultivated to maximise calorie production.


    The orange sky cast a warm glow over the vista.


    ¡°Gravity Zero, huh?¡± I muttered, the words slipping out as my mind lingered on today¡¯s news, sparking memories from a distant past.


    The last time I¡¯d heard of Gravity Zero was during my father¡¯s disappearance. He¡¯d been investigating the ¡°Heart particle¡± under orders from the Dominion¡­ until, suddenly, he was gone.


    That was seven years ago.


    Unease crept through me¡ªnot so much from the memory itself, but because I recognized it as a symptom of my blood condition. I clenched and unclenched my fists, inhaling slowly, breathing deep into my stomach.


    ''Three-three-three. Three-three-three.''  The rhythm repeated in my head.


    Looking around, I tried to name three things I could see:


    A large circular window dominating the wall to my right, the orange neon strips embedded in the walls and floor, and¡­ the person who had just entered this otherwise empty compartment¡ªa girl in a red turtleneck. She cast a quick glance in my direction before settling into her seat and opening a book. The glowing blue ring around her irises marked her as a bioid.


    Anxiety tightened in my chest, the steady beat of three-three-three slipping from my mind. I swiped my hand over Burpi and muttered, ¡°Heal me.¡±


    The silver bracelet on my left arm flared to life, sending a ripple of light through my body. I closed my eyes, a soothing calm settling over me. Though I felt her curious gaze, I avoided looking at the bioid girl, my attention instead drawn to Burpi, my steadfast device. Burpi, or B.U.R.P.I. as I¡¯d nicknamed it, it stood for ¡°Bioassay, Utility, Recovery, Protocol, Intelligence.¡±


    Grandpa had made it just for me, to help me fight the blood condition. But it was no cure; it only kept me alive a little longer, buying time against a failing body. And if the cure couldn¡¯t be found¡­ well, I knew what that meant.


    As I sank into the plush seat, I felt the gentle embrace of sleep pulling me under.

 Chapter 2: The Project Prometheus

    The sleep didn¡¯t last long. I woke up feeling a bit lazy, stretched out my limbs, then settled back into the seat. The train had already passed Neo Civitas and was nearing my destination. There was still some time left, so I took out my phone and scrolled through its contents. I flipped through my old files and found the Dream Journal.


    It was a document I had started out of curiosity, recording the dreams I used to have every now and then. Nightmares, dreams, whatever¡ªthey¡¯d be there one moment, then slip away the next, leaving only impressions that would fade by morning. But they felt¡­ important, in a way that I couldn¡¯t just ignore. Some of them even felt real in a way I couldn¡¯t quite understand.


    There was always this irritation.


    So I jotted them down, hoping to make sense of them somehow. Over time, the document took on layers, filling up with ideas. Fragments of dreams¡ªat least the parts I remembered¡ªwere crafted into concepts. Writing it became a strangely fulfilling exercise, though I¡¯ve never been sure why I bothered writing all this anyway. Then it took shape¡ªthe dreams evolved into fragments of a world. Like a draft of some¡­


    Some¡­


    For lack of a better word¡ªfantas-


    Ding! [Destination reached.]


    The robotic voice from the intercom nudged me back to the present, and I rose from my seat.


    * * *


    A sudden force from behind jolted me¡ªlosing my balance, I instinctively grabbed the jamb of the entrance door, saving myself from falling. I managed only a glimpse of the culprit as they swiftly moved past.


    Not minding the mishap, I stepped down from the train.


    Pushing through the crowd, I made my way towards Reynar Biotech, pausing for a moment to glance at the sky. Without checking the time, it was impossible to tell if it was evening or day. The sky¡¯s orange hue was unchanging.


    Morning, I reminded myself.


    Despite having access to a hover-car, I chose the train today. Not sure why¡­


    Spider droids patrolled the area, their mechanical limbs clicking against the pavement. A dingy tea stall caught the corner of my eye; the air purification system seemed to be down¡ªthe place was dusty, distant shouts filled the street, skyborne complexes were glowing yellow under the sun''s orange hue, while flickering neon lights struggled to come to life. Walking past a wall, a cat leapt onto my shoulder, purring and then swiftly jumping behind.


    Soon, I got closer to the place, sector: D28. I was near the Reynar Biotech facility.


    I was somewhat familiar with Reynar Biotech Institute. Three years ago, I¡¯d trained there as a laboratory assistant under my grandfather, Hope Reynar. After that, I turned my focus to Synaptic Network Engineering. It sounded geeky, but it was my reality. Confined to my bed for years, I developed a voracious appetite for reading, spending most of my days lost between the pages of books and the worlds they opened.


    Sentinel droids patrolled the sky. The streets were windy, and the soil was soft underfoot. My boots paused on the cracked asphalt ground, surrounded by a fence topped with rusting barbed wire. Weathered stone turrets supported the fencing at irregular intervals. The area stretched out like an old military site¡ªspalled concrete, grime, and weeds. Beyond the fence, outlines of trees and a pond could be seen, half-hidden by the overgrowth.


    A twisted tree leaned against a weathered stone building nearby. Moss climbed its sides. At first glance, it would be hard to imagine anything of significance from it.


    Then the door creaked open. A guard in a black uniform stepped out. His eyes swept over me, lingering a second too long, before he strode forward.


    He stopped a few feet away. ¡°Ah, you¡¯ve got to be¡­ Noah Grey?¡± His tone carried a hint of doubt, and his narrowed eyes made it clear he wasn¡¯t convinced.


    I gave him a curt nod.


    He scoffed. ¡°Doesn¡¯t match what I¡¯ve heard.¡±


    ¡°What, expected a guy in a wheelchair?¡± I shot back, swiping my thumb across my temple. The smear of grease on my skin caught me off guard. ¡°When?¡± I muttered under my breath.  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The guard sighed, muttering something inaudible before clearing his throat. ¡°I¡¯m Hiroki¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hiroki, then. Lead the way,¡± I cut in, keeping my words clipped. He gave a quiet grumble but gestured for me to follow.


    We entered the building and descended a narrow staircase that led to an underground floor. At the end of the corridor, a large industrial vault door came into view¡ªtoo polished and pristine compared to its surroundings.


    My mood shifted when the gate opened. On the other side stood a woman I recognised immediately. Her dark hair was pulled into a neat bun, her sharp gaze taking me in the moment I stepped through. She adjusted her lab coat with practised ease and nodded politely.


    ¡°Mr. Noah Grey?¡± Her voice was steady.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said with a faint smile.


    Her eyes studied me for a moment before she spoke again. ¡°I¡¯m Dr¡ª¡±  "Amodni,¡± I interjected. ¡°Assistant to Grandfather Hope. I remember you.¡±


    A flicker of surprise crossed her face, quickly replaced by a neutral expression. ¡°You remember?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve met before. It''s hard to forget¡­ a beauty such as yourself.¡±


    Her brow arched slightly, and a faint smile touched her lips. ¡°I¡¯m glad. Sir is waiting for you inside the lab. Shall we proceed, or¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s not keep him waiting.¡±


    Following her, I saw people donned in white coats and dresses, unfamiliar machines, and hovering white orbs¡ªdrones, I guessed.


    Soon, I was led to a room lined with circular glass chambers.


    What is this?


    ¡°You should get cleansed while I bring Sir Hope,¡± Amodni said, standing beside me.


    ¡°Cleansed of?¡± I raised a brow.


    ¡°The Resonance chambers are designed to detect and neutralize any foreign objects such as bugs or spy implants. It¡¯s protocol,¡± she explained, her tone clinical and detached.


    Spy implants? I mused. The bioid girl from earlier crossed my mind. Was she a spy from The Dominion?


    ¡°Of course, naked,¡± she added. I smiled bitterly at her. She nodded and left the room.


    Kinda feels invasive, I thought, stepping into one of the chambers and shedding my clothes.


    The scanning beam moved from the bottom of my body to the top. Once the scan was complete, a cold jet of green liquid sprayed over me, triggering an instinctive shiver. Four flashes of light followed from above.


    It was done.


    The wall of the chamber slid open, revealing a set of neatly folded clothes on an automated tray. The fabric felt coarse against my skin, stiff but snug. As I finished donning the uniform, I heard approaching footsteps. The door at the far end of the room opened, and Dr Amodni returned, this time accompanied by an old man who exuded quiet authority. ¡°Hello, Noah,¡± his voice echoed.


    Stooped with age, his face was etched with lines of experience, yet his sharp eyes burned with determination, defying his seventy-eight years.


    ¡°Grandfather Hope,¡± I greeted with a nod.


    He smiled faintly, though it didn¡¯t reach his eyes.


    Recalling everything I had seen while coming here, I asked, ¡°What exactly is this place? I¡¯ve never seen this part of the establishment before.¡±


    ¡°A shelter for innovative thoughts. Come,¡± Grandfather said, motioning for me to follow him.


    * * *


    ¡°So, what is this really about? You¡¯ve been secretive for months now,¡± I asked Grandfather as we descended into the underground levels of the Reynar Biotech Institute.


    ¡°Something special, of course,¡± Hope chuckled, still withholding any real answers.


    His words hung in the air, vague, offering no further clue.


    ¡°The cure?¡± I asked skeptically.


    ¡°Yes¡­ the cure. The cure for everything, actually.¡± His voice dropped, becoming almost conspiratorial. ¡°Back when your father entrusted me with finding a cure for you, I didn¡¯t anticipate that the solution would become the next revolution in science and technology.¡±


    The mention of my father stirred something deep inside¡ªgratitude, but also a familiar pang of sorrow.


    ¡°The next revolution?¡± I asked, wanting to steer away from the topic of my father. ¡°You sound like you¡¯ve rediscovered your... purpose. The ¡®mad science¡¯ people used to accuse you of.¡±


    Hope chuckled softly, motioning for me to follow. ¡°You¡¯ve heard of The Seraph, yes?¡± he asked.


    ¡°The meteorite that landed in Siberia?¡± I confirmed cautiously, not quite understanding where this was going.


    It had been in the news seven years ago. Early September, 2386¡ªa meteor streaked across the sky. It was a massive object, dubbed The Seraph. It landed in a desolate region of Siberia, far from any civilization.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said, almost as if it were a minor detail. ¡°It was¡­ fate, I suppose. I apologize for bringing your father into this again, but... he was in Siberia at the time. Thanks to his information, my team was able to acquire a significant portion of The Seraph for ¡®meteoritical analysis¡¯ in the first week. All under the Dominion¡¯s nose, of course.¡±


    We were going deeper into the facility.


    ¡°You see,¡± he continued, ¡°I personally led the expedition to the crash site. What we found there was... impossible. The meteorite contained a substance¡ªno, a metal¡ªthat was unlike anything we had ever encountered.¡±


    He paused, biting his lips with a frown, thinking over something, and let out, ¡°It¡¯s hard to describe.¡±


    ¡°Metaphorically?¡± I tried, sensing his hesitation.


    ¡°Alive,¡± he said, almost in a whisper.


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Alive? How?¡±


    ¡°It responded to electrical currents and biological signals, almost as if it were sentient. We called it Seraphium¡ªa new element.¡± He had a faint smile, his eyes gleaming. ¡°A metal that could heal, adapt, and bond seamlessly with organic tissue. The potential was limitless.¡±


    My mind raced, connecting fragments of things I¡¯d heard, ideas my father had shared with me before. Thoughts of the Dominion¡¯s attempts to unravel the mysteries of the Heart particle, and something else¡­ something on the edge of possibility. Before I knew it, the words slipped from my mouth: ¡°A new generation of nanomachines?¡±


    Grandfather¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Precisely. The Project Prometheus: the creation of the 10th generation of nanomachines. Also, your cure.¡±


    It was only now that I realised we were standing at the end of the corridor. Before us was a vast black wall, adorned witha strange S-shaped symbol, upon seeing which I felt an unfamiliar weakness creep over me.


    ¡°Prepare yourself for the procedure,¡± Hope advised.

 Chapter 3: The Paradox Point

    I found myself inside a vertical cylindrical glass contraption, with my limbs and body securely strapped inside. Naked.


    Of course, the nether regions were covered.


    ¡®Procedure¡¯¡ªthat was one way to say that my body would be covered in cold, slimy liquid from my toes all the way up to my chest.


    Strangely enough, this reminded me of frogs.


    Not the ones that live in ponds and water bodies. No. But the ones that end up in laboratories for experimental purposes.


    No... Grandpa Hope wouldn¡¯t do that to me. I¡¯m not a test subject. But the stupid thought still lingered at the back of my mind.


    Hundreds, if not more, small needles, extending into pipes directly connected to the nanite glass containers, were injected all over my body¡ªmy neck, legs, arms, and head.


    ¡°Please close your eyes, the procedure is about to start,¡± Dr. Amodni said.


    I closed my eyes.


    Psshh! A sedative gas was released into the claustrophobic cylindrical machine, and I started feeling dizzy.


    The next moment, I was out.


    When I finally woke up, I found myself lying on a bed. But I felt ¡®something¡¯ beneath me.


    ¡°Noah, how are you feeling?¡± Someone placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Dr. Amodni, her black eyes peering into mine.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I think I¡¯m okay. Sort of. What happened?¡± I asked.


    Dr. Amodni handed me a bottle of water, advising me to hydrate.


    ¡°You passed out. Lost consciousness,¡± Hope replied, his attention fixed on typing something on a holographic monitor hovering above a box-like contraption. I looked down to find a thick cable, resembling a massive electric data cable, emerging from my lower back, specifically around my tailbone area. It was directly connected to the contraption Grandfather was typing into, while I still held onto the bottle of water.


    Honestly, the sight of the wire plunging into my tailbone region felt¡­ bizarre. It evoked a phobic sensation. But I didn¡¯t react to it.


    ¡°Relax, Noah. This is simply part of the procedure,¡± Dr. Amodni reassured me, not shying away from my naked body.


    ¡°How long was I unconscious?¡±


    ¡°For four hours,¡± she replied.


    I quickly gulped down the entire bottle of water.


    It was then that Hope exclaimed, ¡°It¡¯s done!¡± TAP! He tapped a command on the holographic monitor, and¡ªPsshh!


    ¡°Ouch!¡± I glanced down to see the tube that had been inserted into my back now being ejected.


    That¡¯s so strange, I thought, furrowing my brow.


    [Serial number: Nm01-G10. Activating the Neural Adaptive Nanite Operation. Bio-synthesis reserves at 100%. Energy Core efficiency at 99.9%. Scanning the user...]


    Suddenly, I began hearing a voice inside my head. And accompanying the voice was an eerie light emanating from my body.


    ¡°What is this?¡± I asked, still frowning, amused.


    [Scanning complete. Biological homeostasis achieved. No anomalies detected. Condition: healing...]


    ¡°The nanobots run under an autonomic system. The system¡¯s intelligence can talk to you inside your mind. Think of it as an assistant,¡± Grandfather replied.


    ¡°Is it an AI?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No. Not an AI. But you can think of it as such.¡±


    Grandfather explained that nanotechnology was a concept he had been working on for almost forty years. The result: an unparalleled technology with supreme digital prowess.


    The nanites were super advanced, way beyond anything of this era. They could even project augmented reality onto my eyes, which¡­ definitely sounded cool.


    ¡°Try talking with it,¡± Hope encouraged.


    I smiled.


    ¡°Quite the fascinating machine you''re¡­ er, what should I call you?¡± I asked the nanites inside my body.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    [Do you wish to name me, Master Noah?] it replied, its tone... its voice was something else.


    Master. It calls me ¡®Master¡¯¡­ How odd. I smiled faintly. It understands me, and it can ask questions too.


    Well, of course, it can... stupid me.


    ¡°What was it that you said after activating? ¡®Neural Adaptive Nanite Operation¡¯? Is that your system?¡±


    [Affirmative.]


    I nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Then¡­ how about the name ¡®Nano¡¯? Short for Neural Adaptive Nanite Operation?¡±


    [Command acknowledged. Name registered: Nano.]


    Nano¡¯s voice was peculiar¡ªnot robotic, not human¡ªa delicate harmony between a male and female tone. Man and machine blended into something... more. It wasn¡¯t just a tool. It felt alive, part of me now.


    ¡°So, Nano¡­ what can you actually do?¡±


    [Do you wish to access the complete operational manual?]


    ¡°Uh, no thanks,¡± I waved it off. Manuals weren¡¯t my thing. ¡°Just¡­ give me the highlights. Start with something cool.¡±


    [Define ¡®cool,¡¯ Master Noah. Parameters include functionality, efficiency, or¡ª]


    ¡°Forget it,¡± I interrupted with a laugh. ¡°Just show me something unexpected.¡±


    There was a pause. Then, in an instant, something appeared in front of me. A translucent interface that overlaid the lab like a hologram. Streams of data poured through¡ªvital stats, temperature readings, and even a faint, real-time map of my surroundings. It hovered in the air before me, like a hologram. I couldn''t tell if there was an actual hologram in front of me or if Nano was directly feeding the data into my brain, making me see¡­ this.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s¡­ definitely cool.¡±


    [This is the baseline augmented reality display. Shall I demonstrate combat protocols next?]


    ¡°Combat?¡± My stomach tightened. ¡°Why would I ever need combat protocols?¡±


    By the time I was done exploring its capabilities, the afternoon sun had begun its descent. The entire procedure was over far sooner than I¡¯d anticipated. What I thought would take days was completed in hours.


    * * *


    I was on my way back to Myria, my home.


    The train sped past several sights, with light streaming through the window before flickering.


    A sigh of relief escaped me, and a sense of satisfaction settled within.


    I could feel it.


    I was¡­ healthy? Yes, I was.


    ¡°Finally,¡± I let out. ¡°Nanomachines, huh¡­¡± I clenched and unclenched my dominant hand, feeling a rush of excitement.


    A smile tugged at my lips, and I shifted my gaze to the view outside the window. And... What was that?


    My eyes narrowed.


    The sky¡ªits colour was wrong. A swirling mix of purple and yellow, unnatural, unsettling. Colours not normally seen, blending in a way that made my stomach turn.


    "What''s going on?"


    Ring! Ring!


    Jolted by the sudden sound, I pulled out my phone. My eyes fell on the caller ID¡ªit was Mum. She usually texted, rarely called unless it was urgent. My heart skipped a beat, and a strange premonition crept into my mind.


    I answered apprehensively, "Mum, what¡¯s up? Is everything alright?"


    ["Noah! Are you okay? Where are you?!"]


    !


    There was a nervous tremor in her voice¡ªthe same tremor I had felt seven years ago.


    ¡°Calm down. What is it? I''m just on the way.¡±


    ["I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening! The building¡ªit¡¯s shaking violently!"] She gasped, her frantic footsteps echoing through the phone. [¡°Noah, stay with Grandfather¡­ I¡ªoh my!"]


    Brightness.


    A sudden, blinding flash engulfed the world around me.


    I closed my eyes; X-rays¡ªthe skeletal radiographs of passengers aboard the compartment¡ªburned behind my eyelids. The world¡¯s chiaroscuro melted into white; my consciousness began to fade.


    My mouth opened; I tried to say something, but no words came out. It was all too fast; everything was too sudden.


    And then¡ªdarkness.


    * * *


    Soft. Peaceful.


    Hmm?


    I blinked awake, greeted by the chirping of birds and the gentle embrace of sunlight.


    Is it morning already? I wondered. ¡°What time is it?¡± I muttered. My hand groped for the alarm clock.


    It wasn¡¯t there.


    I shifted on the bed, and a faint smile played on my lips. The mattress felt unusually plush beneath me. I felt a freedom I had never experienced before¡ªa complete surrender to the rest, as if the chains of society had vanished. Comfortable in my own... skin. As if the world were a white canvas, and I its Sleeping Endymion.


    Slowly, the sleep drunkenness began to lift.


    Right then, the air crackled, and an electric spark formed right above my face.


    Crackle!


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    ©°©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©´


    ©¦ ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?


    ©¸©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¼


    ????????: Noah Grey


    ????????: G


    ??????: 17


    ??????????????: Homosapien


    ??????????: None


    ¡ö?????????? ¡ú


    Health: 100/ 100


    Mana: 100/ 100


    Strength: 70


    Intelligence: ??


    Mana Capacity: 0


    Stamina: G


    Charm: E


    Dexterity: A


    ????????????: None


    ????????????: None


    ??????: None


    Gift: Manuscript


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    A ghostly hologram floated above my face.


    "What?"


    I was confused.


    The holographic window displayed my stats. Mana, status¡­ What is this? I rubbed my eyes and looked again.


    It was still there, hovering like a ghost in front of me.


    Did I leave some VR game open?


    "What happened to my... my room? It''s changed," I muttered, my brows furrowing.


    Questions swarmed my mind as I tried to make sense of it all, but my thoughts were interrupted by a sudden voice: [Good morning, Master.]


    Nano¡¯s mechanical tone echoed in my head.


    Before I could reply, the memory of what had happened rushed back.


    "That explosion!" I gasped, the realisation striking me like a thunderclap. My chest tightened as I bolted upright, but my legs gave way beneath me.


    A dull thud followed as I hit the floor.


    Rubbing the back of my head, I looked up and froze.


    A naked figure stared at me from the ornate, wood-framed mirror in front of me, perched on the floor, knee drawn up, resting against the bed like something out of an ancient, forgotten painting.


    It was my reflection. But not my own. The skin¡ªghostly pale¡ªwas stretched too tightly over a body that felt both mine and foreign. The face was that of my teenage self, but it felt as though it belonged to someone else entirely. My eyes¡ªonce the brown I remembered¡ªhad now become dark. Hollow. Consuming.


    The cold touch of the glass against my fingertips jolted me back to the present. My reflection stayed still, expressionless, except for the tears that silently traced down that pale, unfamiliar face.


    "What... happened to me?" I whispered. The voice didn¡¯t even sound like mine anymore.


    Suddenly, a sharp, nauseating pain gripped my head, dropping me to my knees as I clawed at my skull. A floodgate of memories crashed open, information was injected into my brain. Vivid images flooded in, memories¡­ but they weren''t mine.

 Chapter 4: The Manuscript

    The headache gradually eased, and the world around started making sense again.


    The reflection staring back at me looked like the teenage version of myself. Somehow, I seemed to have "de-aged."


    I was originally twenty-four years old.


    ¡°T-this¡­ this isn''t a dream. It all feels too real. Is it something supernatural?¡± I whispered, my breath shaky.


    Perhaps it was the headache that had kept the dread of waking up in a different world at bay. But now that the pain was gone, the anxiety was building up.


    I dug my nails into my palms to make sure... yea, no dream.


    I took a deep breath, trying to think it through, one step at a time.


    First, while I was on the train to Myria, the sky exploded, and I blacked out, I thought. When I woke up... I was here, in this strange setting, with a status window hovering in front of me.


    And then there was this new feeling, something about my hands¡ªa certain sensation¡­ I paused as I felt something cold in my hand, carrying an odd sense of personality. I opened my fist to find a pebble.


    I let it drop. It sent ripples through the clear pond water, distorting my reflection. Pushing off the guardrail, I began to stroll through the park. Kids laughed and played nearby, a few couples occupied the swings, and a group of old men sat on a bench, tossing breadcrumbs to the geese. I sat down beside them on an empty bench.


    Nano¡¯s voice resonated in my head: [Master Noah, I¡¯ve lost connection to Reynar Biotech¡¯s servers, but I¡¯ve detected a basic version of the internet. Shall I attempt access?]


    Sighing, I replied, ¡°Go ahead, Nano.¡±


    It seemed Nano¡¯s connection to the World Wide Web had been lost. Not that it surprised me.


    This park was near the flat where I had woken up after the strange ¡­¡®transmigration¡¯.


    Stepping out to gauge my surroundings seemed like the only way to make sense of this new reality, and my walk eventually led me here.


    That flat wasn¡¯t just a random place¡ªit belonged to another Noah Grey. Not someone else with a coincidental name, but another me. A version of myself from this world.


    Closing my eyes, I began thinking.


    Four things have happened to me: first, that train explosion somehow caused a paradoxical anomaly that sent me to a different world¡ªthis world. Like transmigration.


    I woke up in my original body, but I seemed to have de-aged to my teenage self.


    Earlier, a surge of information had been injected into my mind along with a splitting headache. Although the pain had faded, the information itself remained¡ªmemories of a different Noah Grey, a younger version of myself from this¡­ reality.


    It seems like we might have swapped places.


    And lastly, there was the gift I received in my status: The Manuscript. It seemed to be a record of some fictional story.


    Nano spoke again, breaking my thoughts: [Master Noah, I¡¯ve been able to connect to a certain World Wide Web, but it appears altered. Should I proceed?]


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said.


    Suddenly, a red flash message flickered across my vision: [Connection established. Date detected: 2012. Location: St. Sebastin, human domain, continent of Tressia. Current environment differs significantly from known Earth parameters.]


    ¡°Tressia¡­ Human domain, two thousand twelve,¡± I repeated each word slowly, weighing everything carefully in my mind.


    I looked up at the blue sky, so unlike the orange one I knew. ¡°This really is a different world. And that manuscript¡­ what was it?¡±


    I needed time to think this through.


    Hours went by, and as they did, the landscape changed. The noise died down, the laughter echoed off into silence. People retreated to their homes. Soon, I sat alone in the sunset. When it was dark, I pulled myself to my feet.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    On the way back to the flat, I caught a glimpse of an old man reading a newspaper from the corner of my eye, the headline read in big, bold letters: The Sunday Times: The Arachnid¡¯s Lair Finally Vanquished by the Shadow Blade Guild!


    Newspapers... fancy. Everything around me felt antiquated.


    Magic was real in this world.


    Darkness crept in as I walked back. Iron shutters had lowered on all the shop windows. People had gone home. It felt like one of those dreams that troubled my sleep, except this time, the dream didn¡¯t break.


    Opening the door to the flat, I switched on the light.


    It was a one-room flat. A bed, a dresser, and a small desk by the window where an ancient-looking smartphone lay, a relic of another time.


    2012, I reminded myself.


    Turning on the phone, I browsed through its contents. Albums showed photos of the ¡°other¡± Noah¡¯s friends and family. His parents, according to the memories I now carried, had died in an incident shrouded in mystery. He lived with his uncle and aunt, Ethan and Ava Moonshade. Nothing caught my attention¡ªexcept for a file labeled File ex. Hero program.


    The word hero caught my eye. In this world, it had a different meaning. A very important meaning.


    I tapped on it. Wham!


    A flood of information filled my vision.


    _______________


    User ID: Noah Grey


    Age: 17


    Picture: (An ugly image)


    Program: Hero program, 1st year


    Institute: Arcanum Blades Academy


    Profession: None


    ________________


    "I''m enlisted in the Hero Program?" I muttered, feeling slightly baffled. "No...he was enlisted in the Hero Program. And now, I''m him."


    Hmm¡­ Not good.


    ***


    They called this world Draeth. Magical creatures, mana, spells¡ªall of it was real here. I knew this because I¡¯d inherited the memories of my other variant.


    And just like in any virtual reality game, this world had the concept of a status window. I had one too. And according to that Status, I had a Gift.


    Gift referred to certain manifestations of supernatural power that one was born with. There were different types of gifts¡ªmind control, invisibility, flight, and others. But gifts were rare. Only one in a hundred thousand people were born with them.


    Mine was the Manuscript.


    In general terms, a manuscript is a draft of a novel that¡¯s submitted to a publisher or editor before publication.


    And I seemed to possess the manuscript of the world itself. But this ¡®Manuscript¡¯ wasn¡¯t physical in nature; it was in my head. It told me about the concepts of this world, names of places, important ¡®characters¡¯ and the major events that would occur, as if it were fiction. The information was fragmented, and the story itself was far from complete.


    ¡°What did the search bring up, Nano?¡± I asked, though I already had a hunch.


    [Accessing civil records, biometrics, census data, and legal archives from the Central Union gave no results.]


    ¡°No results?¡± I repeated.


    [Affirmative. It¡¯s not that Reynar Biotech Institute couldn¡¯t be found. It simply doesn''t exist here.]


    ¡°Like it never existed,¡± I murmured.


    [Correct.]


    Then, the people from my world wouldn¡¯t exist here either. My mother. My sister. Searching for Acacia or Sylph Grey would lead nowhere.


    Makes sense¡­ I¡¯m the one who was transmigrated. Not them.


    On Earth, The Dominion ruled. Here, in Draeth, the Central Union held control over the human domain.


    For a moment, I wondered¡ªcould this be a parallel Earth? I wasn¡¯t a scientist, but it seemed plausible. Another version of me used to exist here, after all¡ªsomeone who was, frankly, more helpless than I was, judging by his memories.


    But the more I thought about it, the more I dismissed the idea. This world resembled Earth, yes, but it wasn¡¯t a simple parallel. It was something else. And without any grasp of the cosmos, jumping to conclusions would be foolish.


    Still, one thing seemed clear: if there was a way in, there had to be a way out.


    But speculating on paradoxes wasn¡¯t my priority. Not yet. The focus now was¡­survival.


    The other Noah¡¯s memories indicated his potential was rank C. Pretty lame. But the Central Union mandated that all who had a potential capacity of rank C and above must attend a ¡®magic institute.¡¯


    Which led to my current problem.


    I had to blend in. Pretend to be ¡®Noah Grey of Draeth.¡¯


    But then there was Arcanum Blades Academy, where the other Noah was enrolled due to the Hero Program. And worse¡ªthe Manuscript¡¯s protagonist was there too, in the same year.


    Yes, a ''protagonist.''


    According to the Manuscript, there exist a being in this world... A being just like the protagonists they portray in fiction.


    I couldn¡¯t imagine a worse scenario.


    According to the Manuscript in my mind, the protagonist and the main cast were like disaster magnets. Wherever they went, trouble followed. Attending the same institute as them meant signing my own death warrant.


    ¡°What should I do?¡±I ended up muttering.


    ¡®The Mysteries. Find them.¡¯ A faint command echoed in my mind. Before I could contemplate it further, an annoying beep rang in my ear, silencing everything around me.


    What happened? No¡ªwhat was I doing? Was. I was... but what?


    A soft thud snapped me back¡ªlike the world reminding me it still existed. A fly, mindlessly persistent, bumped against the window. A thought grew at the back of my mind like a pressure behind my eyes, and again, the thud against the glass. The fly was still there, battering itself against the pane.


    My current situation.


    Right. My current circumstances.


    There was time before the academy started. Right now, I was in Krenada. Good. Krenada wasn¡¯t far from Avalonia. I had to find the Mystery of Teleportation hidden there. If I couldn¡¯t, well... death would come soon enough. Whether from the chaos the Protagonist would bring to the academy shores, or by defying the Central Union and getting posted to the regional walls as a soldier trainee against my will.


    I set the phone down and stumbled across the room, catching a glimpse of myself in the floor mirror. I stared. Disgust crawled over me. One more eternity.


    I fled from my image and fell onto the bed. I watched the ceiling. I would like to sleep.


    The next morning, I headed for Krenada¡¯s train station.

 Chapter 5: The Mystery of Teleportation

    One day had passed.


    Now, it was morning. The sky was pale, quiet, as if it knew something I didn¡¯t. There was a chill in the air, and I could hear the irregular wail of distant trains. During the night, I¡¯d moved forty thousand dens¡ªNoah¡¯s parents had left some money behind in a TOD (Transfer on Death) trust account¡ªinto my own. My mind was spinning with plans to secure my survival.


    Den. That was the currency here, in Tressia. And I was in St. Sebastin, a country that fell in the Tressia continent.


    Stepping out of the complex, I made my way towards the train station. Right now, my first priority was to get my hands on the Mystery of Teleportation.


    With that Mystery, no matter what came after me, I would always have an escape. Then, I could decide what to do with my life next.


    To find the Mystery of Teleportation, I needed to visit Avalonia forest, which was on the outskirts of Avalonia village.


    "Here¡¯s my card!" Passing the card to the lady at the ticket office, I checked the map of the station.


    "Where to?" she asked.


    "Avalonia," I replied.


    "That¡¯ll be fifty den." She handed back my card.


    Lost in thought, I boarded the train and settled into my seat. The train chugged along, but my gaze suddenly fell on two teens moving to the row in front. I wouldn¡¯t have paid them any mind, but something about them felt odd.


    Odd.


    What was so odd about them? They were just teens, a boy and a girl.


    But¡­ there was something, some invisible thing that scraped against the surface of ordinary.


    It felt like a swarm of ants were crawling inside my chest, an intangible giddiness that didn''t stem from joy but from some deeper, indefinable disquiet. What is this?


    My brows furrowed, then shot up as my gaze locked onto the space above their heads. My chest tightened.


    Floating there, as clear as day, were two shimmering blue boxes above their heads:


    [Deuteragonist] [Tritagonist]


    Immediately after, information flooded my mind along with a splitting headache. I saw names, images, places, people, things that were going to happen, or had already happened? I instinctively grabbed my head, squinting my eyes. It hurt.


    But the pain didn¡¯t last.


    I exhaled, opened my eyes, and saw the girl sitting just ahead of me.


    Red eyes and black hair: Aurora Lewis.


    I knew her, thanks to this strange ability of the Manuscript.


    Her name...is Aurora.


    Aurora Lewis, also known as¡ªor will be known as¡ªthe Queen of Thunder. The Tritagonist of this¡­ ''story¡¯, according to the Manuscript.


    And beside her, my eyes moved to the other guy, Takahashi Aoi. A rival to the Protagonist¡ªand the Deuteragonist of the Manuscript.


    Two members of the main cast were here.


    Moments later, the glowing boxes vanished from above their heads.


    * * *


    Distorted. Tangled. A mess, yes. But, definitely not making sense. That¡¯s the gist of how their chatter hit me. Their voices filled the air, but it all went right over my head. It was all... fuzzy. I caught their tones, the highs, the lows, the emotions... but the content? Lost.


    Then, the train let out a noise as it started to move. Probably because it¡¯s stuck in the past.


    To me, it felt like a relic, but here, it passed for modern. An electric train, zooming at 150 km/h. Back home, we had hydrogen-powered trains floating on mag-lev tech; this was a step down. My snooping attempts were futile, thanks to the train¡¯s chaos and clamor.


    Yeah, frowned upon, but I felt justified to eavesdrop on the two kids sitting ahead of me. After all, they were the main characters of the world.


    "I just wish I could hear them properly," I sighed.


    [That can be done, Master Noah.] Nano¡¯s mechanical voice resonated in my head.


    Confused, I spat, "How?"


    [With the advanced nanotechnology of the 24th century, as a nanite, I have the ability to enhance the hearing and other senses of the user.]


    My brows instinctively furrowed at the revelation. Although I was ¡®somewhat¡¯ aware of Nano¡¯s biotechnological prowess¡ªGrandpa Hope briefed me on the subject¡ªI didn¡¯t expect something like¡­this.


    I gave a nod, trying to wrap my head around it.


    [Affirmative. Enhancing auditory input abilities...] Nano confirmed.


    Suddenly, every little sound in the train hit me like a ton of bricks¡ªfrom the gentle wheezes of passengers to the clanking of chains.


    [Adjusting...]


    [Task completed.]


    Nano confirmed the audio tweak was good to go.


    Result: I could finally decipher Aurora and Takahashi¡¯s chit-chat. All other pointless NPC noises were kicked to the curb.


    "Soft as baby butts," Aurora giggled and squished Takahashi¡¯s cheeks like Play-Doh.


    "Stop!" he interrupted, irritation lacing his tone.


    After some time, Aurora squirmed in her seat, sneaking peeks at Takahashi beside her. "So, what¡¯s up? We agreed on the arcade today, right?" She tried to sound casual.


    Takahashi dropped his phone, meeting Aurora¡¯s gaze. "Yeah, we did. I¡¯m looking forward to it," he replied calmly.


    Aurora, confused by his sudden enthusiasm, couldn¡¯t resist asking, "What¡¯s with the change? Usually, you shut down my ideas."


    Aoi chuckled, "Well, today¡¯s special." Before she could ask more, he explained, "My parents know me. They¡¯re iffy about me roaming near the outskirts."


    It was clear his passion for monster hunting led to this restriction.


    He went on, "But when I¡¯m with you, they trust you¡¯ll keep me in check. Funny, huh? It should¡¯ve been the opposite."


    Aurora narrowed her eyes, his intentions finally clicking. Threateningly, she warned, "I¡¯ll tell Uncle Takahashi if you¡¯re planning one of those ¡®hunting missions¡¯."


    "But it¡¯s no biggie if we go together!" he countered. And with a flourish, he added, "Plus, it¡¯s just goblins!"


    Just goblins? I was floored by his naive comment.


    The Takahashi Aoi¡ªaccording to the Manuscript, was far too calculating to become reckless and put himself in danger.


    Although goblins were low-tier monsters in this world, they were astute and shrewd. Even though their physical strength wasn¡¯t much, they had intelligence and cunning that could outsmart others. It would take at least three E ranked guys to handle a bunch of goblins because of their tactical nature and ability to outsmart opponents.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    As I watched Takahashi Aoi, I found myself thinking, Right, he still needs some time for that character development to kick in.


    It was then that a gentle voice pierced my thoughts: "Attention passengers, we¡¯ve reached Avalonia village." It was the intercom.


    I glanced briefly at Takahashi and Aurora before heading my own way.


    * * *


    On the outskirts of Avalonia village, a place so remote it barely appeared on any map, I finally found the only ATM Google Maps could point me to. Avalonia wasn¡¯t the kind of place where one could easily find anything¡ªmuch less an ATM. I withdrew a modest sum of 5,000 den in crisp notes: two thick 2k bills, with the rest split into smaller 1k denominations.


    Yes, this world had Google too. Odd, and something to think about.


    Stepping out of the booth, I paused, unsure of where to head next. I scanned my surroundings, trying to shake off the subtle confusion settling in. The place had a timeless quality, with its narrow streets twisting through age-old buildings¡­ it was a typical rural settlement. I had never been to rural areas before. I spotted a bus station bench near the ATM and decided to sit there, if only to gather my thoughts.


    ¡°Young man, you seem lost,¡± a rough but gentle voice interrupted my thoughts.


    I hadn¡¯t even noticed anyone else around. Maybe my face had betrayed my confusion. I turned to my left and saw an elderly man, around sixty, his face lined with deep wrinkles and sun-kissed freckles, sitting beside me. He was watching me, his posture relaxed but oddly attentive. The plastic bag in his hand¡ªfaded, nearly colourless from use¡ªdangled loosely at his side. His eyes, deep and thoughtful, held the weight of decades. As he smiled, the brown stains on his teeth revealed his long habit of chewing tobacco. He would¡¯ve made an intriguing portrait, I thought to myself.


    ¡°Just a bit tired,¡± I admitted, breaking the brief silence. ¡°I¡¯m looking for Avalonia Forest. Not exactly sure where to find it.¡±


    He kindly pointed me in the right direction. I thanked him and left.


    Avalonia Forest wasn¡¯t far, lying just on the village¡¯s fringes, a dense woodland that seemed to stretch endlessly. The locals called it the Dark Forest, and as I approached, I could see why. The trees towered over everything, their gnarled branches forming a thick canopy that blocked out most of the sunlight. The village itself was on the outskirts of Krenada, a bustling city at the heart of Kundanika state. Krenada¡¯s influence kept the region safe from the more dangerous creatures¡ªthe highbreeds.


    I couldn¡¯t help my mind from drifting to important details about this world. The planet Draeth was divided into five continents. In the south pole, a massive ice volcano loomed over the frozen wastelands. Nobody ventured there, unless they had a death wish.


    One of the eight Mysteries was hidden there.


    ''Mystery'' was quite a strange concept¡ªconfusing, almost, from what little I managed to grasp through the Manuscript. To put it into words? That was just as hard. The confusion spilled over. Still, if I had to give an example¡ªMystery was like a cheat code in a game, but this cheat code was of the universe itself. With it, anything could be possible.


    Whatever secrets and knowledge the Manuscript pushed into my head, they had made one thing clear¡ªthis world was magical. And in this magical world, if there was any force more powerful than all others, it was these Mysteries.


    Such were these Mysteries¡ªthere were eight of them, and they came in pairs. Each pair was harder to find than the last. And every Mystery was hidden in some form. But they weren¡¯t all-powerful; there were always limits, always a price to pay.


    Six of these Mysteries were scattered across the five continents, each waiting for the right¡ªor perhaps wrong¡ªhands to claim them. As for the eighth Mystery? God knows. The Manuscript didn''t reveal much about the eighth Mystery or its location.


    I was currently on the continent of Tressia, in the human domain. The other four continents were inhabited by Elves, Orcs, Rulers, and Dwarves, each with their own domains.


    Yes, beings like Elves and Dwarves existed in this world for real. I wasn¡¯t even sure if anyone in this world knew about the existence of the Mysteries other than me, since I learned about them from the Manuscript which didn''t reveal much.


    But there was always the possibility they did, and that small chance could make seeking them a deadly game.


    * * *


    "Huff..fuck...!"


    The terrain of Avalonia forest was rougher than I expected, making it hard to collect my breath as I went deeper inside the forest.


    I had to pause to get my bearings since there was no clear path for me to follow.


    Two hours had already passed since the start of my journey, and my breathing had become a bit labored. My lungs felt the strain.


    I was trekking towards a spot in the forest where there was supposed to be a huge stone below a giant banyan tree.


    That''s where the Mystery of Teleportation resided.


    The reason why no one was able to find it till now is because you had to do a certain ritual for it to show itself.


    Banyan trees usually grew in forest clearings, at least according to one book I read. And from what I researched, there was indeed a grand forest clearing up yonder in the northern sector of the Dark Forest.


    Time passed as I kept going. Thanks to the phone''s compass, I was able to keep my direction straight.


    As I was thinking this and that, beads of sweat began to trickle down my back, clinging to my shirt. Unbothered, I pressed on deeper into the foliage.


    But I swear, every now and then, I couldn''t help but notice a peculiar sensation¡ªa static tingle dancing across my skin, followed by a certain pulsation in my blood...veins?


    Strange, yes. But not strange enough to warrant immediate concern so I decided to check on it later.


    Minutes passed, and then I saw it.


    ¡°Haaah¡­¡± I let out a long, relieved breath, standing there in a daze, taking in the sight before me.


    ¡°I expected something unusual, but this¡­¡±


    Yes, this was beyond ordinary.


    A towering banyan tree stood before me, its aerial roots twisting down like pillars, turning the ground into a maze of trunks. Its vast canopy cast a shadow that stretched endlessly, enveloping everything in a hushed stillness.


    ¡°Wonders of fantasy,¡± I murmured.


    I reached into my pocket, my fingers grazing the cold steel of the knife.


    For a moment, I felt hesitant, not out of fear of pain but the realisation that I was crossing an invisible threshold.


    I gripped the blade tightly and dragged it slowly and deliberately across my palm, wincing as the flesh parted, exposing the raw, glistening red beneath. Blood welled up, warm and sticky. I stared.


    Nano''s robotic voice interrupted my thoughts: [Injury detected. Initiating the healing process.]


    To my amazement, I watched as the cut on my hand sealed itself, the skin stitching together as if an invisible spider were weaving its delicate web across my flesh.


    In moments, the wound was completely healed after the blood was absorbed back into my hand. There wasn¡¯t even a scar.


    "Fascinating," I whispered, transfixed by the unnatural perfection of my healed hand. ¡°How did you do that, Nano?¡± I muttered eventually.


    Nano explained the healing process, mentioning nanoparticles, stem cells, 3D scaffolding, and synthetic seraph tissue. The healing could be rapid, almost miraculous, but it wasn¡¯t limitless. The nanites needed energy, and their own body, once depleted, could not be replaced, especially without a Reynar Biotech facility.


    [The rapid healing isn¡¯t limitless. It consumes energy from the Alpha nanite colony and uses the Beta nanites themselves. Every time rapid healing is used, nanites are depleted and cannot be regenerated without Seraphium. With the Reynar Biotech facility gone, it¡¯s advisable not to rely on the healing too much. Overuse could lead to the nanomachines dying, leaving you vulnerable, though the chances of this happening are slim.]


    ¡°Huh¡­ so I basically have an advanced healing factor now¡ªenough to keep me alive, but it won¡¯t last for long?¡±


    [Affirmative.]


    I stepped closer to the banyan tree and spoke to Nano, ¡°Fascinating or not, you''re all I''ve got left from home, Nano. You¡¯re my legacy. I won¡¯t waste you. But please, don¡¯t heal what I¡¯m about to do. This is part of a magical ritual,¡± I let the words out.


    ¡°I¡¯m not even sure if it¡¯ll work,¡± I admitted, casting a glance at the banyan tree.


    [Affirmative. Command acknowledged.]


    I raised my left hand and sliced my palm again, letting the blood flow freely. This time, it didn''t heal.


    The blood didn¡¯t stop. It clung to my skin, pooling in my cupped hand. It smelt metallic, and oddly intimate¡ªa reminder that my body is mortal.


    Alright. Now.


    I focused and began chanting the Sanskrit code I learned for the Mystery of Teleportation from the Manuscript. ¡°¨±rja? k¨¡la? cedyuga? ca, prav¨¡ha? sarvadv¨¡ra? ca¡­¡±


    I wasn¡¯t really sure what would happen or what to expect. I felt stupid for trying.


    But suddenly, the wind picked up, rustling the leaves in a lively dance.


    And then.


    With a deafening crack, the boulder beneath the banyan tree fractured, sending jagged shards hurtling everywhere before they stopped. They hovered midair, each edge honed to a lethal sharpness. Sharp pieces, sharp enough to kill.


    There were probably hundreds of them.


    I frowned, wondering if this was supposed to happen.


    All of the pieces rotated until their sharp edges pointed outwards in all directions.


    !


    My eyes widened in horror.


    They shot outwards in every direction, and I instinctively took a step back. My heart was in my mouth. Before I could even react, they were already launched like bullets. There were cries and screams of birds. Some of the nearby plants fell, sliced apart. Dead birds fell from the sky along with scattered leaves. A bird fell near my foot, headless, with only a piece of sticky meat where its head was supposed to be. There were holes in the banyan tree.


    I looked at the land around me. Holes and holes and holes all around me. A wave of trypophobia washed over me as I took in the pockmarked ground, the countless holes.


    There were still cries of birds in the air.


    I blinked, breathing heavily.


    And there was something right in front of my right eye. A shard hung suspended inches from my eye, its jagged point as sharp and imposing as a spear''s tip. It rotated on its axis in front of my eye.


    But my chanting didn''t stop.


    The piece floated, seemingly alive, moving under an unseen force.


    Perhaps it was the chanting keeping me alive. I looked down to make sure. Yeah, no holes in my body.


    When I uttered the last word, the shard fell on my palm, sending a sharp pain through my cut, and I winced, grumbling.


    I looked at the stone shard in my hand wearily.


    Pain lanced through my wrist when the shard melted into my skin, merging with my flesh. I bit down on my lip, the metallic taste of blood now in my mouth, as the shard twisted and shaped itself into a bracelet.


    It felt wrong.


    The bracelet was warm.


    I touched it hesitantly, my fingers recoiling at the unnatural texture¡ªsmooth yet somehow organic, like stretched skin over bone.


    [Acquired the Mystery of Teleportation! You have acquired a legendary Mystery!]


    The message flashed before my eyes.


    But I didn''t feel triumphant. I felt¡­ used.


    I closed my eyes, chanting in my heart, Be not afraid.


    I looked up, the blue sky was tinged with yellow. ¡°I must return before evening.¡±

 Chapter 6: The Neharika District

    Muscles. Over six hundred of them make up nearly half our body weight. They hold us together, make us move. The central nervous system sends signals to muscle fibers, telling them when and how to contract. The more efficient it is, the stronger we are. Bone structure, tendons, connective tissues, and adenosine triphosphate, all play a role. Strength comes from tearing and rebuilding these fibers¡ªa slow process that takes months, sometimes years.


    For normal humans, at least.


    Panting heavily, I pushed through the burn.


    [Master Noah, keep your back straight. Good posture is essential for effective push-ups.] Nano¡¯s mechanical voice chimed in my head. Nano had created a custom training regimen for me.


    With trillions of nanites in my system, able to heal, adapt, and rebuild tissues faster than humanly possible, I could gain strength at an accelerated pace. Though, in a world where magic reigned, this hardly mattered.


    Still, it was a necessary baby step for my priorities.


    And the way I saw it, I had three main priorities.


    Number one: Ensure my survival.


    Number two: Apply for a transfer. There was no way in hell I would attend the same magic academy as the protagonist and the main cast. They¡¯re disaster magnets. Once the affinity test was over, I would apply for a transfer to some distant magic academy.


    Number three: Figure out my situation. How I ended up in this world, and what exactly happened. Although, I¡¯m not exactly sure where to start.


    Those were the priorities. And personal strength was necessary. I needed to be ¡®decently fit¡¯ to attend a magic academy. It wasn¡¯t even a personal choice; the other Noah¡¯s life put me in this position. He had the potential to reach Rank C and had been enrolled in the Hero program. Now, I''m him.


    Securing a steady source of income was just as important. But that could wait for now.


    Only a few days remained before the academy.


    ¡°Grr!¡± I grunted, my arms shaking with each rep until I finally collapsed onto the cold concrete. ¡°I can¡¯t feel my arms,¡± I groaned, my voice tinged with exhaustion.


    Lying flat on my back, staring at the ceiling, another thought bothered me.


    ¡°Status.¡±


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    ©°©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©´


    ©¦ ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?


    ©¸©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¼


    ????????: Noah Grey


    ????????: G


    ??????: 17


    ??????????????: Homosapien


    ??????????: None


    ¡ö?????????? ¡ú


    Health: 100/ 100


    Mana: 100/ 100


    Strength: 70


    Intelligence: ??


    Mana Capacity: 0


    Stamina: G


    Charm: E


    Dexterity: A


    ????????????: None


    ????????????: None


    ??????: None


    Gift: Manuscript


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    My gaze fell on the status window''s gift. The concept of a gift was simple¡ªa supernatural power that one received freely at birth. But only one in a hundred thousand people had a gift in this world.


    From the other Noah¡¯s memory, it was clear that he didn¡¯t have any such gift.


    But I did¡ªit was the Manuscript. The Manuscript was like a script detailing how the world was supposed to work and how events were meant to happen. But the Manuscript was incomplete¡ªfragmented. And because of this power, I somehow just knew.


    Although the information it provided was very useful, it wasn¡¯t exactly a superpower. It was a rather odd gift, but I wasn¡¯t complaining.


    Then, my eyes shifted to another section of the status window, where the words "Mana Capacity: 0" blazed clearly. Mana capacity referred to the body¡¯s ability to absorb mana particles from the atmosphere. Zero was very odd. Did this mean I couldn¡¯t draw mana from the atmosphere? Or was this some other mystery tied to my transmigration?


    Mana... it was a strange feeling at first. I didn¡¯t realise it back then, but once I got accustomed to this world, I started sensing it. Or should I say I ¡®realised¡¯ it?


    Occasionally, there were faint traces of static in the air, followed by a fluid-like sensation beneath my skin. That was the flow of mana. With just a thought, I could regulate the speed of its flow, like controlling my breath. Faster or slower¡ªbut controlling its direction was beyond me.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Other races were known to have greater mana capacities than humans.


    Orcs, on the other hand, relied on aura.


    As for me... a hundred mana, zero capacity. It didn¡¯t make sense. Sure, a body could regenerate mana without absorbing it from the atmosphere, but that would take a lot of time to refill the mana in arteries and veins. Relying solely on the natural ability to regenerate mana to fill one¡¯s reserves over time would cause strain¡ªpotentially even leading to something known as mana contamination. Yet here I was, without any of those drawbacks... whether due to nano or something else, I couldn¡¯t say just yet.


    I pushed the thought aside and focused on the task at hand¡ªthe workout.


    Slowly, the fatigue faded. I pushed myself up and started again.


    * * *


    It had been some time since I got the Mystery of Teleportation, but I wasn¡¯t able to find the time to test it. Now seemed as good a time as any.


    Luckily, Mysteries didn¡¯t run on mana.


    They could be used with the simple intent of one¡¯s will. But the simplicity ended there. Mysteries were notoriously tricky. They came with their own costs. Using a Mystery¡¯s power heavily relied on understanding the concepts behind their power. And utilising a Mystery¡¯s full potential needed a lot of practice, along with some ¡®additional conditions¡¯. Each Mystery carried within it a web of complex concepts, and only by untangling those could one truly wield its real power.


    They were like unsolved pieces of a puzzle without any manual to guide their assembly. I didn¡¯t know what their limits were, or if they even had any limits. I only had a rough idea about what they could do; the rest depended on exploration.


    After a little tour, I made my way back from the local supermarket, passing a vast green field. It used to be part of an old factory site that shut down years ago. After the place went under, they just left the land untouched. Now, it was just an empty space, overgrown and mostly forgotten.


    I entered the field and called out, "Nano, be prepared in case something goes wrong."


    [Affirmative. On standby.]


    My attention then focused on the front gate of the field, the same one I had walked through moments before.


    "Let¡¯s see how this goes," I murmured, staring intently at the gate. I concentrated, the word forming in my mind¡ªTeleport.


    Nothing happened.


    I wasn¡¯t surprised. Mysteries weren¡¯t that simple. Trying again, I commanded ¡®Teleport¡¯ with more focus, but this time I didn¡¯t just think the word. I thought about what teleportation really meant: the act of moving from here to there, from point A to point B, appearing somewhere as though I¡¯d always been there. I visualised the exact patch of ground near the gate where I wanted to be.


    Reality blurred. The gate, once distant, suddenly felt close. Too close. The world around me spun into a confusing haze. And then¡ªI was there, standing before the gate.


    But the moment was short-lived. My legs gave out beneath me, and I crumpled to the ground as nausea hit me like a freight train. Pain surged through my skull, a pressure that felt like it would split me open. My stomach twisted violently, and I gagged, bile burning the back of my throat. Then, without warning, I vomited. ¡°Blurghh!¡±


    Whatever I had eaten came out with a stench that filled the air, foul and acrid.


    It took several minutes before the sickness faded, and I could think clearly again. Only then did I realise I was lying naked on the ground, covered in dirt and vomit.


    My clothes, still back where I¡¯d teleported from, hadn¡¯t made the journey with me.


    ¡°Huh¡­ Fuck! Why?¡±


    It dawned on me, painfully late, that I hadn¡¯t considered my clothes as part of my teleportation.


    I had visualised myself moving, but not the things I wore. And teleportation, it seemed, wasn¡¯t as simple as I¡¯d imagined. Nano told me my body wasn¡¯t prepared for such strains.


    I put on my vomit-stained clothes. Luckily, no one was around the area.


    Dragging my exhausted body, I stumbled back into the flat and sank into a chair near the window. Evening had settled in, and the sun was beginning its descent. The once-blue sky was now shifting into hues of orange and red. It felt as if my world¡¯s sky and Draeth¡¯s were colliding with each other. Was it my weary mind playing tricks on me, or were the desires of my heart seeping into my head?


    Somewhere in the distance, the twitter of swallows clashed with the croak of ravens. The room, now darker and quieter, and I felt heavier yet somehow hollow.


    "What am I even thinking¡­" I exhaled. Was I even thinking anything at all?


    Suddenly, the sharp sound of a notification pierced the silence. Tring! Tring!


    I checked the phone and saw a message¡ªa notification from the Hero Program. It showed the schedule for the Neharika Express and my seat number. Arcanum Blades Academy was in the Neharika District.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s time for the academy,¡± I muttered, staring at the phone screen, tired.


    ¡°Hero Program¡­¡± I let out slowly. The name was oddly depressing for some reason. The tip of my nose felt cold. As I stared at the screen, a distant memory came to my mind. It was the memory of the other Noah¡­ my alternate self whose place I ended up taking due to the Paradox Point. I saw his life in fragmented scenes. There was an overturned inkwell. A boy was slumped in a chair, his face pale and puffy from crying.


    It was 6 June 2003. That date was etched into the memory with cruel precision, the kind of memory that refused to blur with time. It was the day the other Noah¡¯s life fractured. His parents, Aurelius and Aradhya Grey, were gone.


    Struggles at school, mediocrity in magic, the slow erosion of any social connection. He was bullied, isolated. Rynne De La Hoya, his best friend and mentor, and Irulan, whose kindness he misinterpreted, developing a crush. Both transferred to another academy during the Hero Program. And then, of course, there was a gap in his memory for the Paradox Point, and now I¡¯m here.


    Anger stirred in me. Was I angry at him? Or pity? My fist clenched.


    I didn¡¯t have time for this.


    I had my own problems.


    Right.


    Arcanum Blades Academy¡­


    I wasn¡¯t ready. Neither mentally nor physically.


    The world felt utterly bizarre, as if I were trapped in a sequence of events ripped straight from a fantasy story¡ªmagic, traveling to other worlds, a U-turn in my life. But who could I complain to? The Hero Program?


    The thought of what might happen if I didn¡¯t go replayed in my mind. I forced myself to pack whatever essentials I could gather. Without any real will, I set off toward the Neharika Express. Or perhaps, it wasn¡¯t me at all. My body seemed to be moving on its own, as if there was no ¡°me¡± left anymore. Noah Grey was merely a thought¡ªa figment that existed nowhere.


    The train¡¯s piercing whistle jolted me back to my senses. I found myself seated inside, staring blankly at the seat in front of me. The ride took an hour, and by the time I arrived, I felt like time had become irrelevant. The constant vibration of the train, the monotony of the journey¡ªit all blurred together. My mind wandered, detached from the world. I couldn¡¯t even tell what I was thinking about. I just moved, like I was on autopilot.


    Eventually, I had to catch a cab to get to the academy. That came out of my own pocket, of course.


    The driver was unusually talkative for a stranger. I was never much of a talker, but something about the sheer exhaustion I felt made me want to connect. I was desperate to feel something¡ªanything that reminded me I was still alive, that this world was real.


    The driver said he was from Midvale. He said he had been in Neharika for over twenty years. He had a daughter, a family, but he didn¡¯t stop there. He rambled on about his theories¡ªsociety, politics, how everything was screwed up. Some of it was amusing, some of it incorrect, but I let him talk. At least it was a distraction from the storm in my own head.


    Before I knew it, we were pulling up to Arcanum Blades, and the driver was kind enough to leave me at the front foyer of A3 hostel.


    The driver turned to me with a smile. ¡°You didn¡¯t ask my name. Leo Williams,¡± he said.


    I smiled back, feeling an unexpected sense of lightness in my chest. ¡°Leo, huh? And you remembered mine?¡±


    ¡°Noah Grey,¡± he said with a nod.


    As I stepped out, I realised the weight I had been carrying for what felt like days had eased, if only a little. Something had changed. Maybe it was just the simple act of connecting, however brief. And I was here now. Ready or not, I was here.

 Chapter 7: Day 1

    Should I enter?


    [Class A1 ¨C 1st Year] Gazing at the door ahead, a sigh escaped my lips.


    Arcanum Blades Academy. It was a sprawling complex divided into five sectors, labeled A to E.


    ''A'' denoted the section housing the very building I was in. A gem among St. Sebastin''s magic institutions, renowned for its fusion of magic, science, and engineering. Arcanum Blades was so vast¡ªabout 75 km2¡ªthat it rivaled a small town in scale. It also housed the biggest magic research facility in Kundanika, making it a pivotal center for magical studies. And through the academy lay a narrow stretch of land known as the Selvari Corridor, which connected the isolated region of Selvora to the mainland. The corridor was not only crucial for trade and resource access but also a highly perilous area due to the constant threat of high-breed monsters. This made Neharika an important strategic point for St. Sebastin.


    In this vast area, there were over eight thousand occupants. But only some of them were under the Hero Program.


    ¡®The Hero Program¡¯ was a mandatory initiative under the jurisdiction of the Central Union. It targeted teens with the potential to reach rank C and above, requiring them to enroll in a two-year course at a magic institute. Upon completion, students were eligible to become official hero cadets and could seek apprenticeships with professionals or employment in guilds or the Central Union.


    While Arcanum Blades Academy hosted various academic disciplines such as engineering, medical studies, and esoteric fields, such courses were pursued voluntarily.


    In contrast, the Hero Program was compulsory. Refusal to join a magic institute resulted in automatic reassignment as a soldier trainee at a regional wall, with no option for refusal.


    Not that anyone refused, though.


    Who would? Not with the glittering promises society fed them¡ªtitles, fame, fortune. The name ¡°Hero Program¡± painted a perfect illusion, a picture of valor and prestige. A hero to be admired, with good jobs, wealth, and respect. But I felt skeptical about all this.


    I stared at the nameplate on the classroom door, lost in thought, when a sudden voice interrupted from behind: "Move aside."


    I turned around to see a girl standing there. Sharp features, flawless dark hair cascading down her shoulders, and eyes like molten gold. They were unlike any eyes I had ever seen. Before I could process my thoughts any further, a translucent blue box suddenly appeared above her head: [Tetartagonist].


    This time as well, information began to flow into my head, but unlike before, there was no accompanying pain. Instead of relief, the absence of pain left me feeling oddly unsettled.


    She scowled, ¡°Done staring? Would you mind stepping aside now?¡± Her voice carried irritation.


    Her frown deepened.


    My breath got stuck. According to the Manuscript, she was Emily Reed ¡ªone of the key characters in this world. Somewhere in my heart, a trace of fear arose, and I felt as though Emily was seeing straight through me. I felt an invisible pressure in the air.


    Unable to bear the pressure, I quickly moved out of her way.


    As Emily walked past, she muttered something about fools being admitted into Arcanum before continuing on her way.


    If I had to guess, she was talking about me.


    According to the Manuscript, Emily was the daughter of a high ranked hero named Edward Reed.


    I sighed again, the interaction leaving a bad taste in my mouth.


    What happened, happened, I thought as I stepped into the classroom.


    As I stepped in, I was greeted by a beautiful sight.


    The polished stone floor, with natural veins and textures creating patterns, gave the room a certain elegance.


    At the front stood a raised platform¡ªthe teacher''s desk.


    The desk was surrounded by a semi-circle of seats. The seats rose up in tiers.


    The room felt spacious and airy. It was¡­ beautiful.


    ¡°Hmm, now where should I sit?¡± I scanned the entire area, and soon my attention was drawn to one student in particular.


    The Japanese seventeen-year-old stood at an average height with a lean, athletic build. He was strikingly handsome, with sharp, defined features that gave him a mature look beyond his years. From time to time, I could see girls taking peeks at him.


    Just by looking at him, one could sense an air of superiority emanating from him. It was unsurprising, given that he was from the Takahashi family, who were owners of a platinum-graded guild. Perhaps his upbringing instilled in him a sense of entitlement, coupled with his bullying tendencies, making it obvious that he had young master syndrome.


    "It would be best to steer clear of him." I nodded to myself.


    Next to him was seated Aurora Lewis.


    She was shapely, and her uniform skirt ended just above her knees. I could see boys glancing at her from time to time.


    "Definitely not going to engage with them." I nodded to myself again.


    Yes, they are important characters in this world, just like the protagonist. But they would also be at the centre of every dangerous event. Dying like a side character wasn''t my aim here.


    They were at the very top left corner of the classroom. I decided to sit as far away as possible from them, preferring the middle row at the front.


    While scanning the classroom, I sensed a sharp gaze boring into my back with intensity.


    Now what?


    Turning, I met the eyes of a girl. She had an angular face, raven-black hair, and violet eyes that seemed to be full of disdain. She looked at me like I was something unpleasant.


    Her expression was mild, but the disgust... that was clear.


    What''s her problem? I thought. Suddenly, memories¡ªforeign, unfamiliar¡ªflooded my mind. A throbbing pain bloomed in my skull.


    ¡°Akh¡ªwhat the hell?!¡± I instinctively let out a sharp whisper. There were flashes in my mind, like recalling something that had never happened: camera lights, the distant toll of bells, classmates laughing, teachers frowning. Bits and pieces of moments. The pain peaked and then vanished, leaving me shaken.  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Then it all made sense.


    This time, it wasn''t the Manuscript.


    The memories actually belonged to Noah Grey, not me¡ªthe other one. From them, I learned two things: The girl glaring at me was Freya Fretel, Noah¡¯s junior high classmate. And she hated him.


    Apparently, Noah had been framed for taking photos of Freya and her friends in the bathroom¡ªa scandal that had ruined his reputation. Though it wasn¡¯t his fault, the damage was done. Freya clearly hadn¡¯t let it go.


    Great... another problem.


    While I mulled over how to handle the mess, a voice interrupted my thoughts: "Mind if I sit here?"


    I looked up, only to see¡­ who?


    "Sure, go ahead," I replied hastily to the boy. ¡°By the way, what¡¯s your name?¡± I asked.


    He reached out his hand and greeted me with a smile, "I''m James Reeves.¡±


    I shook it. "Grey. Noah Grey. Nice to meet you," I replied with a smile.


    His grip was firm but not overbearing. His black hair, neatly styled, fell lightly over his forehead. He looked a little skinny, but... in a healthy way.


    Overall, he seemed like a good guy.


    Just then, the classroom door creaked open with a slow, drawn-out groan. Ghrk!


    Right, the roll call incident was going to happen today, I thought to myself, directing my gaze to the door.


    ***


    Chic, fluffy black hair bounced around her shoulders; her rich brown complexion had a hint of pink on the tip of her nose. Her confident brown eyes gleamed. She was dressed in formal academic attire. An indifferent, cold expression was etched on her face. She was Professor Date.


    ¡°I¡¯m Advika Date, and I will be your magic arts teacher,¡± she declared nonchalantly.


    Something in her gaze and tone made it clear she didn¡¯t consider this class worth much of her time.


    Hers wasn¡¯t a booming voice that would echo the entire class¡ªno. It was more like a whisper that made its way directly into my ears, as if¡­ as if she was speaking only to me. But seeing how easily everyone else understood her, I was certain she was likely using some kind of voice magic.


    -¡°Heh, she''s quite the hottie, isn''t she?¡±


    -¡°Shush! Keep it down! She might hear us.¡±


    I overheard some youthful prattle from the back of the class.


    Another glance at Advika told me they weren¡¯t wrong. Her movements were fluid and deliberate¡­it was like watching a silent assassin glide through shadows.


    But my mind wasn''t in the game to care about such details.


    Suddenly, a tiny tablet appeared in Professor Date¡¯s hand, as though she had conjured it from thin air, and my eyes flew wide open in surprise.


    ¡°Fascinating!¡± I exhaled.


    Did she use that thing called dimensional bracelet?! I wondered.


    Holy¡­holy. Magic, huh?


    No matter what, magic excited me a bit. I was not a kid but¡­come on. It¡¯s magic, who wouldn''t be excited?


    Back in my world, magic was nothing more than sleight-of-hand tricks I''d seen in videos. But here magic was real. And I couldn''t ignore the nervousness¡ªor was it excitement?¡ªbubbling in my stomach.


    ¡°Let¡¯s check if everyone¡¯s arrived!¡± Professor Date¡¯s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call out your names and your Hero Program designated ranks in Arcanum. Come and collect your brooches.¡± She held up a square-shaped metal ornament between her index finger and thumb for display, then put it back.


    ¡°These will be part of your academy attire. You are to wear them on your blazer lapels, shirts, skirts, or trousers. They aren¡¯t ornaments; rather, they are sophisticated magic items integrated with tracking magic. They will capture and store your unique mana signature, work as access keys, and can send distress signals to alert Academy security. They can also trigger a mass broadcast signal, which sets off a beeping alarm for all students and staff. You¡¯re only being lent these devices, so try not to break them¡ªnot that you could. They¡¯re quite durable. But if you do, well¡­you¡¯ll have to pay for them. Each one is a level four magic device and costs about 20,800 dens.¡±


    Some students gasped at the price.


    They were probably thinking, ¡®So much money for such a small thing?!¡¯ But it was a level 4 magic item; what did they expect?


    After taking in the reactions with a satisfied look, Advika began, ¡°Alright, now. Choi Iseul.¡± She called out.


    A boy stood up nervously and replied slowly, ¡°P-present!¡±


    ¡°A1, First Year. Rank 25. Category V. Come and collect your brooch,¡± Advika said with a nod.


    The boy walked up to her and collected the brooch. After inspecting it, he returned to his seat with a bitter expression.


    Bitterness was expected. Category V meant low potential.


    ¡®Category¡¯ referred to a marker given by the Hero Program, ranking students based on their potential, mana reserves, pre-academy performance, and estimated future value to the Central Union.


    I would likely get a Category V too. Not that it mattered to me.


    ¡°Ezekiel Basilio,¡± Miss Date called out the next name.


    ¡°Present!¡± Ezekiel replied with more enthusiasm than necessary.


    ¡°A1, First Year. Rank 24. Category V. Come and collect your brooch.¡±


    . . .


    ¡°Noah Grey,¡± Advika finally called out my name.


    Hearing my name, I hastily replied, ¡°Present, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Nodding at my response, Advika continued, ¡°Rank 20. Category V. Come and collect your brooch.¡±


    As expected, I thought, walking up to grab the small piece of well-crafted metal.


    It looked like a mechanical chip but was clearly magical in nature¡­


    Should I try channeling my mana into it? I thought as I held the brooch in my palm.


    ¡°Any problem Noah?¡± Professor Date suddenly asked, breaking my musings.


    I looked up, dazed, and stammered, ¡°No, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you still standing here? Go back to your seat,¡± she said coldly.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± I straightened up and quickly returned to my seat.


    Got lost there for a second, I thought, embarrassment washing over me. The excitement of magic in my stomach faded.


    . . .


    Professor Date continued calling names in boredom as students kept going and collecting their brooches.


    ¡°Kai Lee. Rank 6. Category III.¡±


    ¡°Present.¡±


    ¡°Rank 5, David Smith. Category III.¡±


    ¡°Present.¡±


    Professor Date then called, ¡°Rank 4, Emily Reed. Category II.¡±


    As soon as Miss Date revealed Emily¡¯s Category, a wave of surprise rippled through the class, with students exclaiming in shock.


    - ¡°A Category II! She''s a Category II!¡±


    - ¡°Reed? Isn''t she the daughter of Edward Reed?¡±


    - ¡°Someone like her is in our class?!¡±


    This was the first Category II student since the roll call began. It was only natural for the students to get shocked. Category II meant high rank potential. Potential to reach the likes of rank A and above. Such students were rare. What others didn¡¯t know though was that the upcoming names would shake them even more.


    This roll call incident was clearly present in the Manuscript, and things were going exactly as the Manuscript showed them in my head. It was kind of scary¡­ now that I thought about it.


    I found myself frowning.


    Is the ¡®Manuscript¡¯ really a supernatural gift? I pondered. It''s almost like someone or¡­ something recorded the events that would happen in the future, crafted them like a story, and injected them into my head directly. What exactly is the Manuscript? It''s not like a gift at all¡­it can''t be. It almost feels like¡­like remembering from amnesia¡ª


    ¡°Present!¡± Emily replied, breaking my reverie and I came back to the present.


    I saw Emily, standing right before Professor Date. There was a smile on her lips that soon turned smug, clearly enjoying the attention of the class.


    She collected her brooch and immediately returned to her seat as Advika called the next name in the list, ¡°Rank 3, Aurora Lewis. Category II.¡±


    Another murmur spread through the class, equally shocked.


    ¡°Present,¡± Aurora replied, coming forward and collecting her brooch. She too was clearly proud, though trying her best not to show it.


    Everything was happening as said to happen in the Manuscript. In that case¡­


    ¡°Rank 2, Takahashi Aoi. Category II.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Any moment now¡­


    Miss Date checked her tablet and continued, ¡°Rank 1, Aeravat Indrath. Catego¡ª¡± She paused.


    She squinted at the screen as if expecting something to change.


    Then, she looked around the room uncertainly, her eyes flickering with an unknown emotion.


    It took her a few seconds.


    Having discerned something, Miss Date finally revealed a faint smirk; her indifferent expression fading for the first time. She then called out with deliberate emphasis so that everyone in the class heard it properly: ¡°Rank 1, Aeravat Indrath. Category I. Come and collect your brooch.¡±


    Silence.


    For a moment, the classroom fell silent before someone whispered in disbelief, ¡°It can¡¯t be! Someone with the potential to break into rank S is in our class?!¡±


    Other students began whispering as well.


    Emily Reed¡¯s smug smile evaporated, replaced by wide-eyed shock.


    Even Aurora and Takahashi looked startled by the sudden revelation.


    Their expressions were to be expected.


    Category I. It was extremely rare¡ªonly those with the potential to break rank S and ascend higher were marked as Category I in the Hero Program.


    Advika¡¯s gaze swept the classroom before she asked again, ¡°Is Aeravat Indrath present?¡±


    The door creaked open, and every head turned. A figure strode in, calm and unhurried.


    "Apologies for being late, professor," he said, his tone smooth, unbothered. Above his head, a white box materialized: [Protagonist].


    There he is.

 Chapter8: More Problems

    Although his eyes were an average brown, they held a calmness, like lotus petals on still water.


    That was the first thing I noticed about him.


    The guy by the door. He was the most important character in this world. And I wasn''t being philosophical or metaphorical. It was a literal statement. The important events that would occur in this world, the incidents that would happen, all of them were woven into a single story with him at its centre.


    For some reason, seeing him felt like I knew him¡­as if from another time, some other life. There was an unplaceable knowing that flickered at the edge of my thoughts... there, and then not. Gone before I could catch it.


    Gasps rippled through the girls seated behind me, and I... well, even I couldn¡¯t help but feel surprised, though for a different reason.


    Aeravat''s gaze moved over the main cast in passing¡ªTakahashi, intense and unblinking; Aurora, calm but unreadable; and Emily, with a faint frown, just enough to reveal what she tried to hide.


    The entire main cast of the Manuscript was here now.


    Note to self: Don''t forget to apply for the transfer.


    Yes, maybe I was overreacting. But as they say, ¡®Better to be an overreactive bitch than a dead one.''


    Besides¡­ sad deaths were waiting to happen here. It was best not to get attached.


    Like those adventurers¡­ I sighed in my heart.


    * * *


    ¡°Everyone, to the workshop.¡± Professor Date¡¯s voice cut through the room, directing us out.


    Some chatter piped up from the side.


    -¡°What¡¯s Professor Date¡¯s affinity?¡± one voice mused.


    -"Dunno, but she mostly uses ice magic. Probably water affinity?" came the reply.


    They were curious about Professor Date''s elemental affinity.


    It was natural for them to be curious. After all, today was the Affinity Test.


    The beginning of each first year started with the Affinity Test.


    The ¡®Affinity Test¡¯ was a magical ritual used to identify a person¡¯s natural affinity towards one of the seven primary elements of nature.


    The seven primary elements of nature were fire, water, wind, lightning, darkness, light, and earth.


    Elemental affinity refers to a person''s inherent connection to one of the seven elements of nature. This ¡®connection¡¯ is exclusive, meaning that a person is limited to casting spells within their own elemental domain. Not everyone can just cast whatever elemental spells they want.


    For example, a person with water affinity can only cast water and its related spells, like ¡®ice¡¯, ¡®mist¡¯, ¡®blood¡¯, etc. But casting fire-based spells, like a ¡®Fireball¡¯ will be outside their domain.


    Similarly, a person with wind affinity simply cannot cast an earth-related spell. It won''t work.


    A person¡¯s elemental affinity is visually represented by the color of their mana core.


    Since there were seven primary elements of nature, there were seven different-coloured mana cores to represent them.


    A gold-coloured mana core represented affinity for light, a violet-coloured mana core represented affinity for darkness, a blue-coloured mana core represented affinity for water, a green-coloured mana core represented affinity for air, a yellow-coloured mana core represented affinity for fire, an orange-coloured mana core represented affinity for earth, and a red-coloured mana core represented affinity for lightning.


    Rarely were individuals born with more than one affinity. Such individuals were capable of combining different elements to produce ¡®composite spells¡¯, such as the "Steam-Jet" spell, achieved through the fusion of water, air, and fire.


    But most of the world''s population only had single affinities.


    And it seemed Professor Advika Date¡ªaccording to the chit-chat¡ªhad a blue mana core, signifying water affinity.


    As I left the classroom, I noticed groups of students rushing toward the workshop. I was not a part of any group, so I was behind them, feeling a little left out.


    And just as I was on my way¡ªThud!


    A sudden jolt from behind sent me reeling¡ªsome idiot had bumped into me.


    I turned around, ready to give the culprit a piece of my mind, only to find a girl standing there, looking slightly embarrassed.


    "Oops, my bad. Wasn''t paying attention!" she said apologetically. Her smile, radiant enough to outshine the sun. With her smile, my annoyance melted away.


    Naturally, I didn¡¯t know her.


    Just because I had the Manuscript of the world, didn''t mean I knew every NPC.


    "No worries, accidents happen," I excused her, waving my hand dismissively. I was about to continue walking when¡ª "You seem alone, want some company?" The girl asked.


    I was alone? What the fuck did that mean?


    Before I could ask, however, another girl stormed over and grabbed her shoulder. "I''m sure he doesn''t need any company," she said. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    She was Freya Fretel, and obviously didn''t like me.


    "But-" "Let''s go, Mist," Freya cut Mist¡¯s sentence off, dragging her by the hand.


    And then, they were gone.


    I was dumbfounded and it took a few seconds for me to properly process what happened.


    Did she just¡­?


    Huh.


    ¡°I''m not mentally prepared to handle this sort of bullshit if it is to happen every day,¡±I sighed, shaking my head.


    Note to self: Apply for the transfer ASAP.


    * * *


    At the moment, our class was being led to section 1A2, the Wizard''s Workshop. Section A itself was huge, so it took us some time before we arrived.


    I personally never saw any difference between terms like mage, warlock, wizard, and sorcerer and just used to think of them as people who did magic: interchangeable titles. But after inheriting the memories and knowledge of the other Noah, my perception had changed a bit.


    It turned out that wizards were more academic in nature compared to mages. They needed to study far more often. Wizards required things like a tome or a wand, while mages didn¡¯t. Also, only a diviner could be granted the title of a wizard. A diviner was someone who could foresee events.


    Soon, our class was led to a room. One by one, the students entered, exhaling in amusement. I couldn''t understand why until I stepped inside myself and saw a middle-aged man perched on the shoulders of a large, humanoid figure made from a mix of wood and metal. He held a small tool, adjusting the cogwheel of the figure beneath him. The gizmo was bulky and powerful in appearance, with strong, segmented limbs and glowing eyes that gave it a vigilant presence. Its wooden legs were clad in soft, greyish mud, yet to dry.


    What is this?


    "It''s a golem," someone said, perhaps noticing the confused look on my face.


    I turned to find James Reeves smiling back at me.


    I nodded. "I see. Honestly, I''ve never seen a golem before. Kind of overwhelming," I admitted.


    "It is," he replied, sharing my awe.


    At this point, Professor Date stepped forward and addressed the man on the golem. ¡°Sir Doschit, the new batch has arrived.¡±


    The man atop the gizmo nodded casually before effortlessly leaping down from the fifteen-foot golem with a thud.


    "Give me a few minutes; I need to wash my hands," Doschit Voss said with a smile, showing his clay-covered hands before walking off.


    Professor Date sighed before looking back at us.


    * * *


    .


    .


    .


    "Rank 1, Aeravat Indrath, step forward and place your palm on the crystal ball," instructed Doschit Voss, his voice echoing due to the high ceiling of the room.


    Doschit Voss.


    He was a researcher in ancient magic who worked at Arcanum for the good pay. He held a side role as the golemancy researcher for the second-year Fusion club. The Manuscript provided some information about him. He''s what I''d have to call a ¡®minor side character¡¯. Although no blue box hovered above his head, I was able to deduce that he''s akin to a side character of a story, based on the events that will happen in the future and his involvements in them.


    Anyway.


    The ritual to test the affinity of mana cores was typically conducted by shamans and ancient mages in the past. However, with the passing of time, shamans ceased to exist, and the knowledge of ancient mages was lost.


    There is a famous myth about the ritual. It is said that during the ritual, if pleased with a person, the deity Virios would mark their cores, which would enhance their ability to grow.


    No one had ever received such blessings, so most people believed it to be a myth. But it wasn¡¯t a myth¡­according to the Manuscript.


    There were indeed a few people who had been bestowed with this blessing.


    One such person was going to be the Hero of Light on the Revati continent.


    Currently, Rune Valtari¡ªwho would be chosen as the Hero of Light in the future¡ªshould be around 18 years old. Later, he would be chosen as the Hero of Light.


    Aeravat, the protagonist of this world, deviates from traditional Hero of Light archetypes usually shown in fiction.


    Unlike the Hero of Light, who¡ªaccording to the Manuscript¡ªhad access to a cheat system that exponentially boosted his abilities, Aeravat had no such advantages.


    As Aeravat approached the ball, his confident demeanor never faltered, and he slowly placed his right hand on the crystal.


    Some of the people in the room held their breaths.


    Just then.


    Woprrr!


    Following the small whistling sound, a burst of blinding light erupted from the crystal, causing the entire room to gasp in shock.


    ¡°Ksh!¡± I had to shield my eyes from the sudden burst of light. As expected! I thought, instinctively taking a step back.


    Others nearby leaned away, blinking against the glow. There were exclamations of shock in the room. It was not the intensity of the light that shocked them, no.


    It was the colour of it.


    White.


    Doschit Voss¡¯s mouth opened slightly, while Professor Date smiled, clearly pleased.


    Some of the students exclaimed:


    - "White light. He has a white mana core!"


    -"White core? Isn''t that supposed to be extremely rare?"


    - "It''s so unfair! First he gets a category I, and now he gets five affinities?!"


    Having a white mana core was extremely rare. It allowed affinity over any five of the seven elements of nature.


    There was a frown etched on Emily''s face as she stared at the scene.


    I already knew this was going to happen. I wasn¡¯t surprised, but the brightness was stinging my eyes.


    From the corner of my eye, I noticed Professor Date''s expression shift from a smile to a frown as her eyes darted from the crystal ball to Aeravat. Compared to the onlookers'' excitement and surprise, Aeravat¡­ was impassive. No joy or satisfaction. There was only indifference in his posture.


    Advika¡¯s look said it all. Aeravat''s calm reaction to his rare white core was a bit unsettling to her.


    Aeravat lifted his hand from the crystal, stepped back, and walked over to finish the formalities, his part done. Professor Date followed him, frown still in place.


    ¡ª"Next, Rank 2, Takahashi Aoi. Step forward and place your hand on the crystal." Doschit Voss called out, breaking the room''s reverie.


    Takahashi stepped forth and placed his hand on the crystal just like Aeravat. Soon, it began to shine with a violet light.


    Students present in the room saw the scene and were left awestruck once again.


    The reason for their reaction was simple.


    Violet light indicated affinity for ''darkness'', an extremely rare element.


    Light and darkness were among the rarest affinities afterall.


    Doschit Voss stood silently, watching Takahashi with a smile on his face.


    Takahashi himself looked smug as he surveyed the room, taking in the wide-eyed expressions of his fellow classmates.


    With a smirk, he removed his hand from the crystal and left the room as well.


    .


    .


    .


    Doschit Voss glanced at the list, his finger pausing over a name before calling out, ¡°Rank 20, Noah Grey.¡±


    Hearing my name being called, I found myself standing before the crystal ball. The crystal rested on an elegant, luxurious-looking end table.


    Just like those who had done before me, I placed my hand on the crystal ball.


    "Channel your mana into it," Doschit Voss instructed from the side while jotting something down on the paper list in his hand.


    I nodded in acknowledgment and began to direct my mana into the crystal ball.


    But nothing happened. It was as if the crystal ball wasn¡¯t there at all. A wave of unease swept over me, and I tried again. But... nothing happened.


    I turned towards Doschit, who regarded me with a look of confusion as he peered over my shoulder.


    Is it because of my mana capacity? I wondered.


    "Is everything alright?" Doschit questioned with a frown.


    I don¡¯t think so¡­.


    Without answering him directly, I put my palm on the crystal again, but once again, nothing happened. It felt like there was a void in the crystal.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Doschit Voss scoffed, crossing his arms, disappointment evident on his face.


    Rolling his eyes, he glanced once more at the crystal ball, checking for something.


    He confirmed that the device was indeed in working order.


    Once again, I was told to channel my mana into the crystal ball, and I did.


    Or at least¡­I thought I did. At that point, I realised I didn¡¯t know how to channel mana outside my body.


    ¡ª "Looks like we''ve got a dud in the class," someone soon commented.


    Doschit Voss glanced at the crystal, silently assessing something before making a note on the paper list he held. He told me to go and then he called out another name: ¡°Rank 21, Anastasia Smirnova.¡±