NXT_MARVEL

Our MC was an extreme introvert in his past life — a bookworm who avoided people like the plague, focused only on his studies, and had zero interest in anime, games, or romance. The only time he ever touched anime was when his one and only friend forced him to watch a single episode of some fantasy academy drama — and he hated every second of it.
So when he wakes up in an unfamiliar, lavish room and finds himself in the body of Lucien von Zephyr— a rich, handsome academy student — things seem… pretty okay. That is, until memory floods in and he realizes who  Lucien is: the pervy, obsessive side character doomed to die in Episode 7 for going too far with the main heroine!

Survive the Death Flag! (Or Die a Simp)

The atmosphere grew heavy as the librarian stared at the book in Lucien's hands. His eyes flicked between Lucien and the dark leather-bound tome as if weighing the decision to even speak. Finally, with a long, wary sigh, he began.

"This book… it's a dangerous one," the librarian said, his voice low. "You know the story of the Hero and his legendary party who defeated the Demon Lord a century ago, yes?"

Lucien nodded. Everyone knew that tale — the shining beacon of hope against the overwhelming darkness, a team of unparalleled warriors led by the Hero who brought peace to the world.

"Well," the librarian continued, "there's a… lesser-known part of that story. A figure almost erased from the history books. His name was Xeranthis the Black Thorn."

[Okay, that's definitely a bad-guy name.]

Lucien ignored the system's commentary, listening intently.

"Xeranthis was said to be the Hero's most controversial companion. Rumors claimed he was a demon — a traitor to his own kind who aligned himself with humanity. But very few believed he was truly in the Hero's party. After all, no official records ever mentioned his presence. The only evidence of his existence comes from whispers and this book."

The librarian tapped the worn cover. "They say Xeranthis was the greatest summoner to ever exist — perhaps the only true summoner. He could call forth beings from other realms, powerful creatures no mage of this world could ever hope to control."

Lucien's heart raced. (Summoning magic… from other realms?)

[Yeah, sure. What could possibly go wrong with that?]

The librarian shook his head. "But that's just myth. And no one's ever been able to read this book. It's written in a language that no scholar or mage has ever deciphered."

Lucien's brow furrowed. "So… you think it's fake?"

The librarian sighed. "That's my belief. If Xeranthis were real, there'd be more proof. And even if he existed, there's no guarantee this book was his. But regardless… the book itself is useless if no one can read it."

Lucien's eyes fell back to the strange symbols on the cover. Something about the book called to him — a faint pull, like an itch at the back of his mind. He flipped it open, scanning the first page… and froze.

Lucien's eyes widened. It was true. The words on the page were unmistakably written in English, his native language from his past life. It had blended so seamlessly with the language of this world that he hadn't noticed the difference at first glance — but now, it was clear as day.

[Oh no. This is very suspicious.]

Lucien forced his face to remain calm. "I'd still like to check this out," he said carefully.

The librarian gave him a long, skeptical look. "If you want. But… you can have it for free."

"No one's ever been able to read it," the librarian said with a shrug. "It's just gathering dust here. Consider it yours."

[This is how cursed objects get passed around, you know.]

Ignoring the system, Lucien took the book, his mind buzzing with excitement and curiosity. As he walked out of the library, one thing was certain — this book held answers. And he was going to find them.

The Forbidden Book