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)

Lucien practically sprinted back to his dorm, the old, worn book clutched tightly against his chest. His heart pounded — half from excitement, half from sheer disbelief. The fact that this book was written in English… it couldn't be a coincidence.

[You know this is how horror stories start, right? Mysterious book in a strange language only YOU can read? You're one ancient chant away from summoning something that'll eat your face.]

Lucien ignored the system as he slammed the door to his dorm shut and locked it. He set the book down on his desk, staring at its dark leather cover. There was no title, no name — just the strange pull that had drawn him toward it in the first place. Carefully, he opened it.

The first page was filled with elegant, handwritten script:

"To those who seek power beyond this world… tread carefully."

Lucien swallowed hard. (Well, that's not ominous at all.)

[Nope. Not cursed. Definitely not cursed.]

Turning the page, he found the start of what appeared to be an introduction — an account written by Xeranthis himself.

"I was never meant to stand among the Hero's party. They feared me as much as they needed me. My magic was not of this world, my summons drawn from realms unknown. It was through my power that victory became possible… and through my betrayal that peace was secured."

Lucien's breath caught. Betrayal? What did that mean? He read on.

"This book contains my life's work — the art of summoning. But power comes at a price. Those who attempt these rituals without understanding invite destruction. If you still dare to walk this path… know that there is no turning back."

[Hey, uh, buddy? Maybe we should turn back.]

Lucien flipped further, finding intricate diagrams and strange symbols — circles with runes that practically pulsed with an invisible energy. And then he saw the first spell.

"Summoning of the Lesser Flame Spirit — Ignis."

His pulse quickened. A fire spirit? That sounded perfect for his affinity. The instructions were detailed, outlining the formation of a summoning circle and the incantation required. But there was also a warning:

"Failure to bind the spirit's will shall result in destruction."

[Oh. I love that for us.]

Lucien grinned. "What's life without a little risk?"

[Our life expectancy, that's what.]

Ignoring the system's protests, Lucien began drawing the circle on the floor of his dorm with chalk. The patterns were complex, but his sharp mind and past-life experience with intricate studies helped him replicate it perfectly.

When the circle was complete, he stood back and took a deep breath. "Here goes nothing."

He raised his hand and began the incantation written in the book. The air in the room grew heavy, charged with power. The chalk lines glowed faintly, heat radiating from the circle. Lucien's heart pounded faster with each word.

Flames surged upward from the circle, swirling into a tornado of heat and light. Lucien stumbled back, shielding his face — but the fire didn't spread. It stayed contained within the summoning circle, coalescing into a shape.

A pair of glowing, crimson eyes opened within the inferno.

"WHO DARES SUMMON ME?" a voice roared, shaking the walls.

Lucien grinned despite the fear clawing at his throat. "I dare."

The Secrets of Xeranthis