Adam Ivanov [EDITED]

The emergence of devils and the introduction of status screens and systems were not the only transformations that occurred. Alongside them, ancient manuscripts, long-lost rituals, sacred artifacts, and martial arts manuals resurfaced, ushering in a new era.

No longer mere subjects of study, these relics became reservoirs of unimaginable power.

In this realm, the value of martial arts was measured by their rarity and intricacy. However, only a select few martial masters truly comprehended the nature of genuine power.

The once hypothetical rituals took tangible forms, offering salvation to some while posing as devastating weapons of mass destruction to others.

These are the Level Three manuals -

Fundamental Grade: representing the foundational teachings and techniques of martial arts. Although relatively common and easily accessible, they are still highly sought after and not affordable for everyone.

Advanced Grade: These are the Level Two manuals, embodying the refined and sophisticated aspects of martial arts.

Rare and elusive, they are considered treasures among practitioners. Obtaining an Advanced Grade manual often requires significant resources and connections due to their exorbitant prices.

Legendary Grade: These are the Level One manuals, shrouded in mystique and fabled to possess unparalleled prowess. Exceptionally rare, they are beyond the reach of ordinary means.

To obtain a Legendary Grade manual, one must prove their worth through extraordinary achievements, earn the respect of renowned masters, or uncover ancient secrets hidden in the world.

And our protagonist succeeds in doing so. Not just one legendary grade, but two of them. Four advanced grade manuals and there's no need to count fundamental ones.

Today marked the beginning of the first chapter. I did read the novel with interest however, the intricacies of the plot had begun to blur in my memory, leaving me uncertain of the dates and sequence of events.

Even if I am aware that the world inside I am is a novel. I will be unable to alter the course of the future or the ultimate conclusion that awaits us all because I am not aware of what it is.

Hierarchy and power are immutable truths. No matter the position one holds, there will always be another, more formidable, more dominant. It is a humbling realization, a reminder that humility and respect are virtues to be cherished in the face of the unknown.

As I held my cadet ID in hand, I straightened my attire, ensuring every detail was in place. The black coat elegantly draped over a navy blue shirt, accentuated by a neatly tied black tie.

Paired with sleek black pants, blue socks that matched my shirt, and polished black shoes. I had never been one for accessories, finding solace in simplicity. Tying my hair short, I felt ready to face whatever challenges awaited me.

With a final glance at the landline phone in my room I stepped out of the dormitories.

[POV: Rerek]

"Stop laying on the bed! You need to give the speech at the entrance ceremony! Get ready and come to the student council room," she shouted, her voice piercing through the air.

"Sigh... I'll be there in a minute," I replied.

"You better be!" she snapped before storming out, slamming the door shut.

The sound of the door slamming behind her resonated through the room, jolting me out of my reverie. With a heavy sigh, I rose from the comfort of my bed, reluctantly leaving behind the solace it provided.

As I stood up, the weight of the world seemed to settle on my shoulders, a reminder of the impending responsibility that awaited me.

"Adam Ivanov," I muttered under my breath, testing the unfamiliar name that had become my new identity in this strange world. It still felt foreign, as if borrowed from another life.

Yet, here I was, immersed in this reality for the past two months, navigating its complexities and disguising my true nature behind a façade of calm and ease.

Life in this realm had been far from the blood-soaked battles and chaotic turmoil I had once known. Instead, it was a tranquil existence, shielded from the brutalities I had grown accustomed to.

Yet, despite the apparent simplicity, an unrelenting restlessness gnawed at my core, a relentless hunger for something more.

The fact that I inhabited the body of another being only added to my discontent. It was as if an invisible chain tethered me to a past I could not remember, whispering secrets and stirring a darkness that lay dormant within.

Though I projected an image of tranquility, a sinister undercurrent lurked beneath the surface, waiting for the opportune moment to reveal itself.

As I made my way to the student council room, the echoes of my footsteps resonated.

With anticipation and trepidation mingling in the air, I pushed open the door to the student council room.

"Student council president…never on time", there were eight members in the council of the academy including me. The vice-president was Alina Petrov, also the one I love. The rest are a bunch of side characters.

"I don't need compliments from the likes of you Ember", I said.

"Jeez, why so cringy?", she replied.

"Or majestic?", added Lucas sitting beside her.

"I don't think so-"

"Enough distractions," Alina interrupted, her voice commanding attention. "Do you remember your speech?"

"Absolutely," I replied

"Great. The rankings were released three days ago. I don't know if you checked them, but here are the names of the top three students that you'll have to call on stage for a word and formalities," Alina said, handing me a file.

"Got it," I said, taking the file and flipping it open.

*Tring!* (Sound of bell)

"We are late, common, let's move towards the backstage of the auditorium... Adam?" Alina instructed, her voice filled with urgency.

But as her words hung in the air, a sudden chill permeated the room, and the atmosphere grew heavy with an unspoken tension. Everyone turned their gaze towards me.

"Kael Hashirae," I muttered under my breath. The name held a weight that only I understood. It belonged to the person I could never forget, the one who was both the reason for my growth and the harbinger of my demise.

Kael Hashirae, the one responsible for sending me to this world, the one who took my life away.