The soft glow of the academy's enchanted lamps pierced the gathering dusk, casting long, dancing shadows across Rudelion's dorm room. The air, usually thick with the faint scent of jasmine and polished wood, now thrummed with a nervous energy that was distinctly his own. He was perched on the edge of his bed, the System interface shimmering before his eyes, its blue-white light a beacon in the encroaching gloom. His last thought before the academy's bell had heralded the end of classes had been of Lathel, the 'Protagonist,' and the intricate dance he would have to perform to circumvent his own predetermined demise.
"If players, across the gender spectrum, were drawn to Rudelion for his looks, then perhaps he could leverage this to his advantage. Avoiding his own death flags meant not just becoming strong, but becoming irreplaceable or unassailable in ways the game hadn't intended."
This was the core of his new strategy. No longer the direct, brutal confrontation of the Murim. This was a psychological battlefield, a game of chess played with social dynamics and narrative manipulation. He would not just survive; he would thrive, twisting the very plot threads of GoldenFrisk2 to serve his own redemption.
He pulled up the [QUESTS] tab, his eyes scanning for any new entries beyond the omnipresent [MAIN QUEST: DEFY FATE]. There was nothing yet. This meant his initial actions at the academy hadn't triggered anything specific. Good. That implied a degree of freedom, a space to maneuver.
He then navigated to the [GACHA] tab. The glowing PULL button beckoned, still inactive due to a lack of tickets. "Alright, System," he murmured aloud, his voice low, a new lightness to it that had been absent for decades. "You want me to level up? Give me the means." He knew the system would provide quests to earn tickets, but he needed to understand the mechanics fully. He tapped on the small '?' icon next to the Gacha counter.
A new window popped up, crisp and efficient.
[GACHA SYSTEM GUIDE]Purpose: Provides Host with personal ability enhancements and exclusive skills. Currency: Gacha Tickets (obtained via System Quests, Event Rewards, Daily Login Bonuses). Pulls: ▶ Single Pull: 1 Ticket ▶ 10x Pull: 10 Tickets (Guaranteed Rare or higher upon achieving Pity Counter Milestones). Rarity Tiers:
Common (C): Basic stat boosts, minor skills.
Rare (R): Moderate stat boosts, foundational skills.
Super Rare (SR): Significant stat boosts, powerful core skills.
Ultra Rare (UR): Exponential stat boosts, unique, game-breaking skills. Pity Counter:
Guaranteed Rare (R) every 10 pulls.
Guaranteed Super Rare (SR) every 50 pulls.
Guaranteed Ultra Rare (UR) every 100 pulls. (UR Pity carries over between banners). Note: Gacha pulls are for Host's individual development only. Companion acquisition is via Narrative Events.
Rudelion's eyes widened slightly. Exponential stat boosts. Game-breaking skills. Pity counter. This wasn't the predatory gacha of GoldenFrisk2 as Maximilian knew it, designed to bleed players dry for waifu 'costumes' and meta-units. This was a streamlined, personalized system, designed for him. And the guaranteed SR and UR pulls? That was a godsend. It meant consistent progression, not endless despair. This was truly a system for survival, a genuine path to redemption. A wide, genuine smile spread across his face, a pure, unadulterated joy that hadn't graced his features since before Reonhwa's death. This wasn't a curse; it was a blessing. He actually laughed, a clear, unrestrained sound that echoed oddly in the quiet room.
He tapped away the guide and checked the SKILLS tab again. His Mana Sensing (Passive, Common) was still his only active skill. He needed combat skills. He needed Mana-based abilities. His Blood Imprint Resonation was nice for passive Mana absorption, but it wouldn't cut down a death flag.
He decided his immediate priority was to earn those tickets. This meant delving into the QUESTS tab beyond the Main Quest. He tapped the small, almost hidden icon labeled [DAILY OBJECTIVES].
[DAILY OBJECTIVES]Status: Available1. Attend 3 Classes: 0/3 (Reward: 1 Gacha Ticket)2. Practice Mana Channeling (1 Hour): 0/1 (Reward: 1 Gacha Ticket)3. Engage in Positive Social Interaction (3 unique individuals): 0/3 (Reward: 1 Gacha Ticket)4. Explore New Area (within Academy grounds): 0/1 (Reward: 1 Gacha Ticket)Bonus: Complete All Dailies (Reward: 1 Bonus Gacha Ticket)
Five tickets a day. Five chances for personal growth. And the objectives… they perfectly aligned with his new, subtle strategy. Attending classes was already mandatory. Mana Channeling was essential for understanding his powers. Social interaction was an ideal way to leverage his Charisma. And exploring new areas would help him map out this golden cage, identifying key locations and potential narrative triggers. This System was truly tailored to his needs. It was giving him the precise framework for survival he'd always subconsciously sought.
He spent the evening diving into the Academy's Mana Arts library, not just for theoretical knowledge, but for practical application. He found a basic Mana channeling exercise, detailed step-by-step. He sat cross-legged on the plush rug of his dorm room, closing his eyes, and began to draw upon the ambient Mana of the air, guiding it through his body as the book instructed. His Mana Sensing skill hummed, providing a constant feedback loop. It was slow, frustrating at first, like trying to thread a needle with a rope. But the sheer volume of raw Mana contained within his vessel, the Demon God's incipient power, seemed to act as a powerful magnet, making the connection far more potent than it would be for a typical student.
Hours passed. The faint purple glow that had graced his fingertips earlier began to intensify, taking on a deeper, more abyssal hue, mirroring his black eye. He felt the vast, cold power of the Demon God's essence stirring, resonating with the Mana he was pulling. It wasn't the chaotic storm of his Murim qi, but a deep, silent ocean, responding to his focused intent. By the time his Practice Mana Channeling (1 Hour) objective ticked green, he felt a subtle shift, a minuscule expansion of his Mana capacity, a faint but undeniable strengthening of his Mana conduits.
He then turned his attention to the dreaded social interaction. He could handle this. He was Cheon Hajin, the master manipulator. He'd swayed armies, charmed information out of reluctant spies, and turned enemies into unwitting pawns. He had done it all with a ruthless efficiency honed by necessity. Now, he simply needed to pivot. His high Charisma stat was the foundation.
He reviewed his schedule for the next day. A 'History of Arcana' lecture, followed by 'Basic Charm Spells,' then 'Familiarization with Combat Zones.'
Basic Charm Spells. Rudelion internally grimaced. More frivolous nonsense. But then, an idea sparked. What if those spells weren't just for attracting romantic interests? What if they could be adapted for subtle influence, for disarming suspicion, for making himself seem utterly harmless, even appealing, to those who would naturally view a 'Demon God vessel' as a threat? This was a game of appearances, after all. And he was the most handsome character in it, according to the players.
The thought brought another genuine, albeit slightly unsettling, smile to his face. He actually looked forward to attending that class. He, the Neck-Slashing Demonic Emperor, eager to learn charm spells. The irony was not lost on him. It was a testament to how profoundly this new life was reshaping his outlook. He wasn't consumed by vengeance anymore. He was filled with a pragmatic joy, a thrilling sense of opportunity.
He closed his eyes, picturing the vast, complex web of GoldenFrisk2's narrative. The main storyline, the character routes, the hidden events, the dreaded 'Evil God' plots that would lead to his awakening. He had meta-knowledge. He had a System designed to empower him. And he had a startling, unexpected advantage in his inherent physical appeal. This wasn't just survival; this was a chance at a new kind of existence. A chance to be free. A chance for... redemption. Not for the world, but for himself.
He drifted off to sleep, the soft hum of Mana in the room a soothing lullaby, a stark contrast to the echoing screams and clashing steel of his previous deaths. He dreamt not of blood and vengeance, but of glowing System menus and strategic calculations, of charming smiles and carefully chosen words, of Mana flowing freely, unburdened by the weight of a dying martial world.
The next morning, Rudelion stepped out of his dorm room, impeccably dressed in his academy uniform, his golden-blonde hair perfectly tousled. His purple and black eyes, no longer shadowed by the immediate trauma of transmigration, held a new, calculating gleam. He passed a group of students in the corridor; they offered polite greetings, a few blushing girls giggling as he offered a faint, almost imperceptible nod. He felt the subtle shift in their Mana signatures, a slight spark of interest, a ripple of quiet admiration. He was already working.
His first target for "Positive Social Interaction" was a stern-faced senior, Baroness Lyra, known for her rigid adherence to rules and her sharp tongue. She was usually found in the library, hunched over ancient tomes. Rudelion approached her with a respectful, yet casual, air.
"Baroness Lyra," he began, his voice smooth, inflected with just the right amount of deference and understated charm. "Forgive my intrusion. I couldn't help but notice your… focused demeanor. Are you perhaps delving into the complexities of Elemental Mana theory?"
Lyra, startled, looked up, her severe expression softening almost imperceptibly as her eyes met his. Her Mana signature, initially stiff with annoyance, relaxed slightly. "Young Master Rudelion," she replied, a hint of surprise in her tone. "Indeed. I find the intricacies of high-tier elemental channeling quite demanding."
He nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I'm still grappling with basic Mana channeling myself. Such an elegant yet volatile force. I find myself wondering if its flow is not unlike the currents of a mighty river – seemingly chaotic, yet following an underlying logic." He paused, offering a faint, self-deprecating smile. "Forgive my musings. My own studies are quite nascent."
Lyra's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than strictly necessary. "An interesting analogy, Young Master. Indeed, many scholars compare Mana to natural phenomena. Perhaps your unconventional perspective might serve you well." Her Mana signature brightened slightly, a subtle shift from guarded to intrigued.
Unique individuals: 1/3. The System notification was silent, but he felt it.
He offered a polite bow. "Thank you for indulging my interruption, Baroness. I wish you success in your studies." He then gracefully retreated, leaving her to ponder his words, a faint, lingering sense of curiosity in her Mana signature. The interaction was brief, seemingly innocuous, yet it had accomplished its goal. He hadn't just gotten her to talk; he'd intrigued her, established a positive, if distant, impression.
Next was the 'Basic Charm Spells' class. Rudelion sat near the back, observing the instructor, a flamboyant, overly enthusiastic mage with a perfectly sculpted beard. The class involved learning simple 'friendship charms' and 'lighthearted allure' spells – glorified parlor tricks designed to make one seem more amiable. Rudelion found them utterly ridiculous.
Yet, he listened intently, dissecting the Mana flows required for each. He noticed that the spells primarily worked by subtly influencing the target's Mana receptors, making them more receptive to positive impressions. It wasn't mind control, but a gentle nudge. He tried a basic 'Kind Gaze' spell, mentally channeling Mana as the instructor described. The result was a faint, almost imperceptible warmth around his eyes, enhancing his already high Charisma. He saw a female student across the room, who had been chatting animatedly with a friend, suddenly pause, her eyes drawn to him for a fleeting moment, a soft blush gracing her cheeks.
This was a truly insidious power. Far more subtle, and in this world, arguably more effective, than a thousand-man army. He could cultivate an aura, a reputation, that made him beyond reproach.
During the practical session, where students were paired to practice the charm spells, Rudelion found himself with a timid boy named Elara, who seemed perpetually on the verge of apologizing for his own existence. Elara stammered through a 'Friendly Aura' spell, his Mana signature flickering nervously.
Rudelion, deciding to complete his social interaction quota, offered a genuine, reassuring smile, laced with a subtle application of the 'Kind Gaze' spell. "Don't worry, Elara," he said, his voice gentle. "Mana channeling takes time. Focus on the intention, not just the incantation. Feel the desire to connect, and the Mana will follow."
Elara's wide, anxious eyes met Rudelion's, and his Mana signature, usually a faint tremor, suddenly settled, glowing with a newfound calm. "Y-Young Master Rudelion," he stammered, then took a steadying breath. "Thank you. That… that really helped."
Unique individuals: 2/3.
Rudelion offered another encouraging nod. "Keep practicing. You have a gentle Mana, a unique strength. Don't underestimate it." He then spent a few minutes guiding Elara through the basics, his patience surprising even himself. He was teaching, not just observing. It felt… different. Not like cultivating a subordinate, but genuinely helping. Perhaps this was part of the 'redemption' the System implied.
Later, in the 'Familiarization with Combat Zones' class, he deliberately sought out the academy's most boisterous and self-confident student, a burly young man named Kael, who constantly boasted about his raw strength and impressive Mana bursts. Kael's Mana signature was like a roaring bonfire, untamed but potent. He was the kind of character who would likely follow the protagonist into any battle.
"Kael," Rudelion said, approaching him during a simulated combat exercise. "Your Mana control is… impressive in its raw power. A true force of nature." He delivered the compliment with a genuine tone, acknowledging Kael's strength without flattery.
Kael, surprised to be approached by the 'recovering' Rudelion, puffed out his chest. "Ha! You noticed? My father always said I had the strongest Mana in our clan!"
Rudelion nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. Such raw power, when refined, could be truly devastating. I noticed a slight… instability, perhaps? A tendency for your Mana to scatter slightly on impact." He offered this with a subtle, almost imperceptible hint of a 'Sage's Insight' spell he'd mentally reverse-engineered from his Mana Sensing observations. "Perhaps focusing on a tighter, more cohesive surge, rather than a wide burst, might yield greater impact."
Kael frowned, then his eyes widened. He hadn't noticed that flaw himself. "A tighter surge… Hmm. You might be right, Young Master." His Mana signature, for the first time, showed genuine contemplation, not just brute confidence.
Unique individuals: 3/3.
Another silent click. Positive Social Interaction (3 unique individuals): Complete.
As he walked back to his dorm, the final objective for the day nagged at him: Explore New Area (within Academy grounds). He hadn't ventured beyond the main buildings. He decided to explore the academy's sprawling gardens, rumored to contain hidden nooks and ancient Mana convergences. He felt a childlike excitement, a thrill of discovery that had been long buried under layers of cynicism and brutal necessity. It was the gamer in Maximilian, perhaps, yearning for exploration.
The gardens were vast and beautiful, filled with exotic, glowing flora and ancient, gnarled trees that pulsed with Mana. He wandered deeper, his Mana Sensing skill acting as a guide, leading him away from well-trodden paths towards a faint, unusual Mana signature. He pushed through a curtain of shimmering vines, revealing a secluded, overgrown grotto. At its center stood a moss-covered statue, depicting a serene, ethereal figure holding a crystal orb that pulsed with ancient, primordial Mana. This was a significant Mana convergence, a natural wellspring of power.
Suddenly, the statue pulsed, and a new System notification flared in his mind, not from his daily quests, but something deeper.
[New Location Discovered: Arcana Wellspring - Whispering Grotto][Quest Unlocked: Prime Mana Confluence]Status: AvailableObjective: Meditate within the Arcana Wellspring for 24 cumulative hours to stabilize its energy flow and attune your Mana conduits.Reward: Arcana Core Fragment x 1, Thaumiel Blood Imprint Awakening Progress +10%Note: Meditation requires undisturbed focus.
Rudelion stared at the quest, his heart pounding with a renewed sense of purpose. An Arcana Core Fragment! That was direct power, a material for upgrading his Mana capacity or unlocking new abilities. And Thaumiel Blood Imprint Awakening Progress! That was the key to unlocking his true Abyssal/Void powers, the Demon God's inherent capabilities that lay dormant within him. This was exactly what he needed.
His Explore New Area objective ticked green. Five tickets. He grinned, a wide, genuine smile that lit up his face, revealing the strange beauty of his heterochromatic eyes. This was truly a game, and he was finally playing it on his terms. He wasn't just surviving; he was finding redemption, building power, and navigating this absurd world with a cunning that surpassed even his own expectations. The games had truly begun.
He made a mental note to return to the Whispering Grotto under the cover of night. Undisturbed focus. He would take it. He would take every advantage this world offered. He would become strong. He would defy his fate. And for the first time in a very long time, Rudelion Von Thaumiel felt truly, profoundly alive.