Chapter 1: Awakening in a New World

A splitting headache greeted Adam as he slowly regained consciousness. His entire body ached as if he had been thrown into a battlefield and left to rot. His mind felt hazy, disoriented, yet oddly aware of something… unfamiliar.

As he forced his eyes open, the first thing he noticed was an ornate ceiling, adorned with intricate golden patterns and a chandelier that shimmered with magical luminescence. His heartbeat quickened as he tried to move, only to realize he was lying in a luxurious bed, the kind fit for nobility.

"This… isn't my room."

Memories that weren't his own surged through his mind like a flood. He clenched his head, gritting his teeth as new knowledge intertwined with his own. Then, it hit him—he had transmigrated.

And not just anywhere. He was in Arcane Academy, a world that was originally a novel but later turned into a game. It was a world of magic, power struggles, and a story he vaguely recalled. But what was more concerning was the identity he now possessed.

Taking a deep breath, he sat up and looked around. The room was lavish, decorated in hues of deep crimson and gold. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with tomes about magic, history, and noble etiquette. A mirror stood in the corner, and Adam hesitantly approached it.

What he saw was a young man with sharp, well-defined features. His black hair was slightly messy, his blue eyes piercing yet filled with confusion. His body was lean but had the subtle strength of a trained mage.

"...Adam Rothveil." The name slipped from his lips naturally, memories of this body's past aligning with his own.

He was not the protagonist of the story. He wasn't the villain either. No, Adam Rothveil was a side character—a noble-born student at Arcane Academy, one who had decent talent but was never meant to be significant in the grand scheme of things.

In the original novel, Adam was barely mentioned. He was just another student, lost in the shadow of the protagonist, the heroine, the villainess, and the girl who had transmigrated into this world before him.

But now?

Now, he had a chance. A chance to carve his own destiny.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Young Master, are you awake?" A voice called from outside.

Adam composed himself before responding, "Yes, come in."

The door opened, revealing a middle-aged butler with a dignified presence. His sharp eyes scrutinized Adam before bowing slightly. "You seemed unwell last night, Young Master. Should I call for a healer?"

Adam quickly gathered his thoughts. "No need. I'm feeling better now."

The butler, whose name was Edgar, nodded but still seemed concerned. "Very well. Breakfast has been prepared. Lady Rothveil will be expecting you shortly."

Lady Rothveil. His mother in this world. A noblewoman with a sharp mind and a strong presence. From his inherited memories, she was strict but cared deeply for her family's status. She would surely notice if he acted differently than usual.

"I'll be down soon," Adam said, his voice firm.

As Edgar left, Adam took a deep breath. He needed to act natural, at least for now. He had to figure out how to navigate this world before drawing unnecessary attention.

He changed into the uniform of Arcane Academy—black and gold robes with the Rothveil crest embroidered on the chest. His body moved instinctively, the previous owner's habits guiding him.

Stepping out of his room, Adam made his way through the grand estate. Servants bowed as he passed, and though he acknowledged them with a nod, his mind was elsewhere.

Arcane Academy: A World of Magic and Power

The novel Arcane Academy followed the journey of its main character, a prodigious mage who rose from obscurity to challenge fate itself. Alongside him were the heroine, a powerful noble lady with hidden strength, and the villainess, a cold but misunderstood noble girl destined to fall.

And then there was the transmigrator, a girl who had read the novel and knew the future. Unlike Adam, she had entered the world with knowledge of the story's events, positioning herself near the protagonist to ensure her survival.

If he recalled correctly, the game adaptation allowed players to side with different factions, forge relationships, and influence the ending. In most routes, Adam Rothveil was barely relevant.

But that could change.

Now that he was here, he had no intention of fading into the background.

Breakfast with Nobility

As he entered the dining hall, a tall woman with elegant features sat at the head of the table. Lady Rothveil's sharp eyes assessed him the moment he stepped in.

"You're late," she said, her voice smooth but authoritative.

"My apologies, Mother. I wasn't feeling well earlier."

She raised an eyebrow, but seeing no visible signs of illness, she nodded. "Sit."

The meal was luxurious, with perfectly prepared meats, exotic fruits, and freshly baked bread. Yet, Adam ate with careful poise, ensuring he didn't break any noble etiquette he had learned from his inherited memories.

Lady Rothveil watched him for a moment before speaking. "Your entrance exams into Arcane Academy are in two weeks. I expect you to perform well. The Rothveil name must not be tarnished."

Adam nodded. "Of course."

He needed to secure his position at the academy. Unlike the protagonist, who had raw talent, Adam's previous self had only been decent at magic. But now, things were different. With his knowledge and determination, he had no intention of being mediocre.

After breakfast, Adam returned to his quarters, deep in thought.

The Path Forward

If he was going to survive—and thrive—in this world, he needed strength.

Magic was the foundation of power in Arcane Academy, and every noble household had their own lineage-based affinities. The Rothveil family specialized in Dark and Spatial Magic, abilities that were powerful but carried a stigma due to their association with assassins and shadowy dealings.

Adam sat on the floor, closing his eyes as he focused inward. He could feel it—the mana core inside him, a swirling mass of energy waiting to be tapped into.

With a deep breath, he extended his hand. Shadows flickered around his fingers before dispersing. The previous Adam had struggled with magic, but now… he would master it.

A smile formed on his lips.

If the world saw him as a side character, then he would rewrite the script.

This was his story now.

End of Chapter 1