Night.
In a dimly lit apartment, a young man sat before his computer screen, the glow reflecting off his tired eyes as his fingers flew across the keyboard.
"What the hell is wrong with this damn game?" Rowan muttered, his patience long since shattered.
His screen was filled with angry posts on the official forum. He was cursing the developers with impressive creativity, venting three years' worth of frustration.
The game was called Academy Hero—a popular title his friend had recommended ages ago.
A classic academy fantasy. Heroes, villains, routes, romance—the usual clichés.
After countless hours, Rowan had finally reached the end.
He defeated the so-called final boss, the Black Dragon, and leaned back in relief, convinced it was finally over.
Then—
Boom.
A hidden update dropped.
At first, Rowan expected a secret demon lord. Maybe an ancient god. Something world-ending and dramatic.
But no.
The hidden final boss was—
The Second Princess of the Empire.
Helena Astraea.
A villainess.
A human princess who orchestrated conflicts between humans and every other race—elves, orcs, angels, demons—triggering the Great Third Race War and dragging the entire world into ruin.
Rowan's rage wasn't about the story.
It was simpler than that.
"…She's absurdly strong."
No matter which route he chose.
No matter how optimized his build was.
No matter how perfectly he played.
He couldn't defeat her.
Even as a veteran player, Helena Astraea was invincible.
That was why Rowan was cursing like his life depended on it.
Then—
A translucent blue screen suddenly appeared before his eyes.
An emotionless voice echoed in the room.
[Ding.]
[Host, congratulations.]
[You have been selected as a VIP for cursing game too much.]
[You are now the chosen one.]
[The system will now deliver the Beginner Gift Pack.]
"W–What the hell?! A system? Host?" Rowan stammered.
Before he could process anything—
Darkness swallowed his vision.
---
When Rowan opened his eyes again, warm sunlight greeted him.
He lay in a massive bed inside a spacious room filled with luxurious furniture, polished tables, and expensive décor.
"…Where am I?"
He sat up abruptly, his heart pounding as he examined his surroundings—and his body.
"You've got to be kidding me…"
His voice trembled slightly.
"Is this… transmigration?"
Realization struck.
A new life.
A fresh start.
Judging by the room alone, he was rich—probably a noble or some spoiled aristocrat.
As for his old life? He didn't dwell on it. Rowan had been an orphan, living alone in a rented apartment. There was nothing tying him back.
A grin spread across his face.
"Hehehe… looks like the adventure of this young master begins now."
Then—
Agony exploded in his head.
A sharp pain pierced his skull as unfamiliar memories flooded his mind. He clutched his head, gasping as knowledge that wasn't his own merged with his consciousness.
"…Rowan Veil."
The name escaped his lips in horror.
He knew it.
Rowan Veil was a character from Academy Hero.
A minor villain.
A disposable noble.
A man destined to die early—
Killed by the hidden final boss.
By Helena Astraea.
"…And she's my fiancée?"
Despair washed over him.
Why was God this cruel?
As if mocking his thoughts, the emotionless voice returned.
[Ding.]
[VIP Novice Gift Pack delivered.]
Talent: Emotionless Mask (S)
No matter the situation, the host remains calm and composed. Inner emotions will not surface.
Skill: Copy – Secret (S)
Allows the host to copy an opponent's primary skill if conditions are met.
Stat: Charm (S)
Trait: Ominous Aura (A)
[Ding.]
[Daily quests unlocked.]
"…what the hell."
Rowan spoke calmly—too calmly.
"I can't even express emotions properly… and what kind of aura is 'ominous'?"
Noticing his Charm stat, he walked toward a mirror.
A handsome young man stared back at him—black hair, crimson eyes, pale skin, and sharp, noble features.
"…So this is my face now."
He turned serious.
"The Copy skill… that's my lifeline."
Then his expression stiffened.
According to the memories—
"My fiancée arrives tomorrow."
Which meant only one thing.
Helena Astraea.
"…This is bad."
He needed a plan.
Cancel the engagement and Distance himself from her And Survive.
As he organized his thoughts, a knock sounded at the door.
"Young Master, the family head is calling for you," a maid's voice said.
"Yes. I'm coming," Rowan replied flatly.
I really can't express my emotion at all, he thought. Still… this might be useful.
With that, Rowan left the room.