Veilwood Forest

"This is bad, really, really bad," I muttered as the realization hit me. I was now inside my own novel. It might have been okay if it were a typical story where I knew the future and could live a life of luxury.

But unlike others, I was an author who hated my characters—especially the main one. My novel didn't have a happy ending. Throughout the story, I subjected characters to the most excruciating fates imaginable.

My main character suffered trauma after trauma and even attempted to take his own life several times. And now, I was a part of that world. This place was doomed; nothing could change its fate.

 So did the right thing to do in this situation. Laying on the bathroom floor with hollow eyes, wishing something would fall on my head to save me from the incoming misery.

But after laying there for an hour, I realized it wasn't going to end that way.

'Shit, I am royally screwed' I thought to myself. I wanted to keep laying on the floor and drown in self agony, but I knew it was not the vise thing to do. 

So I steeled my heart and stood up.

Walking out of the bathroom, I finally got a clear view of the room. It looked like I was in some kind of hotel. The walls were white and didn't exude luxury.

In this world, they called such places inns. The furniture was old but stylish. Curiosity pulled me to the window, and I peered outside.

"Huh, as expected." My fears were confirmed: I was indeed inside my novel. I could see carriages pulled by horses and other beasts, while several people walked the brick streets.

"It's strange to see it for real."

I closed the window and lay back on the bed, trying to think about what I could do in this situation.

"What was that dream even about?" I pondered for a few minutes but found no answers, so I abandoned that thought.

"I should focus on what I can actually do." I sighed and reviewed my memories.

The world's name was Solarae—a realm blessed with mana and magic. It was populated by races beyond just humans, filled with dungeons, trials, and magical beasts roaming the forests, as well as troublesome demons lurking in the shadows.

"Shit," I cursed my luck. Why did I have to create such a vast and intricate world?

I recalled my intention: to provide readers with a rich experience so they could form a connection before I slowly unraveled everything. I relished the thought of them cursing me in the comments. But it seemed Karma was indeed a bitch.

Shaking those useless thoughts from my mind, I focused on the essentials.

"I am Kai Thorne, a side character forgotten by the author after some time."

'I really treated this boy harshly,' I muttered, remembering how I crafted Kai's character out of spite. I had made the main character charming and likable, intending to stir a bit of jealousy by creating this nobody with heavenly features.

"Well, at least I'm handsome," I sighed at my predicament.

'Now, what day was it?' I scanned the room and found a calendar—it was July 1st. That meant the Academy would start in a month.

It seemed Kai was staying in this inn to join the Academy.

"I don't even know what this boy's talent is." Frustrated, I checked the luggage beside the bed and found the admission letter.

Kai Thorne

Rank: F-

Talent: Sword.

The worst possible thing had finally happened. I was an F-rank individual—the lowest of the low. Everyone else in the same class would be at least E-. I was three ranks behind them. I needed to think of a way to change this.

Panic began to swell in my chest as I reread the letter. An F- rank talent in a world where strength and skill defined your future? This was a disaster.

I flopped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. "How did I get myself into this mess?" I groaned. My mind raced with possibilities, but none seemed promising. I had created this world full of danger and competition, and now I was stuck as a character with the worst possible standing.

Suddenly, a thought struck me: could I change Kai's fate? I had woven this story with purpose—could I now rewrite it?

Determined, I pushed myself off the bed and paced the small room. "Okay, I need a plan." I recalled what I knew about the Academy. It was the heart of Solarae, a place where talents were honed and destinies forged. I had to stand out somehow.

Then it hit me. I might not have the talent I wanted, but I could still leverage my knowledge of the world. I had insights into combat techniques, magic, and the nature of the beasts that roamed the lands. If I trained hard, perhaps I could rise above my rank.

There were no shortcuts in this world. I didn't provide main character with any cheats. Thus the main character was a naturally hard working person. 

But I did something good as well. There is no limit to how much a person can grow if they train hard. Talent limits do exist in this world. So it all boils down to how smart and hard working one is. 

Because trails that happens in this world won't judge anyone based on their talent. It will reward everyone according to their performance. 

It was a relief. That meant I may be able to use my knowledge of this world to gain some advantage. 

Without wasting anything, I packed my belonging and neatly tucked the admission latter. And headed out the Inn, of course I needed to pay at the counter so I paid from the pouch that was in the bag. 

I walked straight and soon found a carriage at the city gates. 

It was a horse driven carriage several people already sat inside. The man looked at me asked " Where to?" 

I smiled brightly at the man and the man looked at me weirdly. 

He asked again "Where to?"

"Veilwood Forest."

The man's eyes shot wide upon hearing the name.