introduction 3

Suddenly, a sharp electronic alarm sound pierced through the quiet room, pulling me out of my daydreams, where I controlled the world from the shadows with a group of beautiful warriors under my command.

Looking around in search of the source of the sound, I saw the classic system screen in front of me.

[Congratulations to the host for activating the Perfect Life System!

The only system capable of turning a worthless, pathetic human like you into a perfect one.]

Seeing the system screen, I couldn't help but be amazed.

Isn't this way too cliché?

No, wait... why is the system talking like this?

"Ding"

[After reviewing the host's plans, the system has decided to issue a mission to help the host take his first step in this world.]

"Ding"

[First Mission: Obtain real friends.]

[Mission Description: Go to the academy and acquire at least two real friends. Avoid hypocrites and sycophants.]

[Reward: Gaining friends.]

[Penalty: Death.]

[Mission Duration: One year and four days.]

Seeing the system notifications appearing and disappearing so quickly, I couldn't help but feel shocked.

Of course, what shocked me wasn't the system's appearance. I mean… I've reincarnated inside my own novel, so of course, the system appearing isn't surprising! In fact, I wouldn't even be shocked if the Demon King himself showed up because, deep down, I was treating all of this as a script.

But what truly shocked me was the system's mission: going to the academy!

That was no different from asking me to commit suicide.

Anyway, it's not like I have to follow the system's orders. Yes, it threatened me with death, but I'm confident it can't actually kill me.

Why am I so sure? Well, if the system was the one that brought me here or at least had a hand in it, then it must have big plans for me. So, it definitely won't kill me because it needs me for something.

Thinking about it, I couldn't help but chuckle lightly and mutter,

"Yeah… I'll just continue with my plans and ignore this stupid system."

But just as I was engrossed in planning my next move…

Everything around me turned black, and I lost consciousness. The last thought that crossed my mind was:

"Oh... did I wake up?"

When I opened my eyes, expecting to see the familiar ceiling of my room, all I saw was darkness. Nothing but darkness.

Yet this darkness was different from the usual darkness in my room. It wasn't caused by the absence of light—it was pure darkness, so dense that even light couldn't penetrate it.

Then, out of nowhere, the system's translucent blue window appeared in front of me.

[It seems the host has decided not to take the system's missions seriously. Therefore, this kind system has decided to administer a small punishment to help the host regain his senses.]

"Shit!"

At that moment, I felt pain…

An unbearable pain like nothing I had ever experienced before! It was as if thorns were growing out of my bones, piercing through my flesh and muscles as they expanded.

I tried to scream, but no sound came out of my mouth.

I tried to scratch my body, but I couldn't move.

I couldn't do anything… except feel pain.

It lasted for what seemed like either several seconds or several hours—the sheer agony distorted my sense of time. When the pain finally subsided, and I regained my ability to move,

I found myself still sitting on my bed inside Eward's room, drenched in cold sweat.

That damned blue screen was still in my face, but its words had changed.

[The system suggests that the host complete the missions and refrain from attempting anything foolish; otherwise, the system will be forced to punish the host.]

[However, the system hopes the host understands that everything it does is for the host's own good.]

[Even the kindest of parents must sometimes punish their child to help them recognize their mistakes and correct them before it's too late.]

Reading this, I couldn't help but feel anger rise within me.

For my own good? Who do you think you're fooling, you damned thing?

You know nothing about me or my desires, yet you arrogantly claim to know what's best for me?

"Sigh"

Fine, let's put these pointless thoughts aside. At least now I have my first goal in this fantasy world.

Getting rid of the system as soon as possible!

Yet, even with my strong desire to rid myself of the system and reclaim my freedom, I knew that, for now, I was powerless. I had no choice but to comply.

In an attempt to lift my mood, I walked over to the balcony to take in the world I now lived in.

Oh, how breathtaking the sight was. Even though I had already accepted the idea of entering a fantasy novel, I was still stunned by the scenery before me.

Towering skyscrapers, resembling Burj Khalifa, were everywhere, making the city look like something straight out of a sci-fi story.

However, there was something that ruined this futuristic view.

Above the towering skyscrapers, floating—or more accurately, hovering—were massive wooden ships.

Each ship looked like it had come out of a painting, with its vivid colors and sleek, elegant structure.

The ships had no oars or sails; they simply floated in the air as if it were the sea.

Dozens of metallic flying discs were also present.

The discs were circular pieces of silver metal in varying sizes—some small enough to carry a single person, while others were large enough to transport dozens.

People rode them like cars or buses, gliding through the air in silence.

After a while of watching the city's mesmerizing view, I couldn't help but sigh.

As breathtaking as it was, I didn't have the luxury to admire it for long—I needed to get stronger.

Fortunately, that wouldn't be difficult. Although Edward was a worthless piece of trash, his talent allowed him to become one of the top five students in the first year.

So all I needed to do was get used to using Edward's power.

But before that, there was something I wanted to try.

"Status."

Suddenly, my right wrist lit up as a set of blue runic symbols appeared.

These runes functioned like a smartphone, connecting to the Union Army's AI system, known as TU.

It had many features, but I won't go into details—suffice it to say, it could assess a user's power and convert it into stats.

And, of course, transmit that data to the Union Army, allowing them to monitor the strength of all citizens within the domain.

[Name: Edward Lightstar]

[Talent: SSS]

[Gift: Mana Phantom]

[Mana: F]

[Strength: F]

[Agility: F+]

[Speed: F+]

[Endurance: F]

[Mana Art: Starry Sky]

Well, although my stats seemed low, they were actually among the highest in the first year.

"Sigh."

"As expected from a rich family's son."

Looking at my mana stats, I couldn't help but get excited. Having mana meant possessing supernatural power.

Who hasn't dreamed of gaining superpowers? And now, I actually had them.

"But… how do I use them?"