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 lay flat on his back in the training grounds, staring up at the sky, his entire body aching from today's humiliation. His clothes were scorched, his pride shattered, and his patience dangling by a thread.

"We did amazing!" Ignis chimed cheerfully, floating above him.

Lucien slowly turned his head. "We set eight things on fire, Ignis. Only one of them was the target."

[Your spirit's optimism is truly inspiring. Too bad it won't save you when Aldric murders us tomorrow.]

Lucien groaned and sat up. "We have to figure this out. I'm not getting expelled because you're a pyromaniac with bad aim."

"I prefer the term 'creative artist.'" Ignis twirled in the air, sparks trailing behind him.

Lucien rubbed his temples. "Let's try this again. Just… focus on the target."

Ignis bobbed in the air. "Fine, fine. But you owe me snacks."

"Fire spirits like fuel — good, high-quality fuel. Charcoal, enchanted wood, maybe some brimstone if you're feeling fancy!"

[Oh good. Now we're responsible for feeding the fire that's already trying to burn down the academy. Great plan.]

Lucien ignored the system and focused. "Alright, one more try. Ignis, fireball."

Ignis flared brightly. This time, the flames swirled around him, forming a neat, glowing orb. Lucien felt the heat pulse in the air — focused and powerful.

The fireball streaked forward — and finally, finally — slammed into the training dummy. It exploded with a satisfying BOOM, reducing the dummy to ashes.

Lucien's eyes widened. "We did it!"

"We did it!" Ignis cheered, spinning joyfully.

[Congratulations. You hit a stationary target. Truly, we're destined for greatness.]

But Lucien didn't care about the sarcasm. For the first time since summoning Ignis, he felt a spark of hope. Maybe — just maybe — they could make this work.

And then Aldric's voice cut through his thoughts. "I hope you're ready, von Zephyr."

Lucien turned, only to see the professor approaching with a wicked grin. "Tomorrow's lesson won't be against dummies. You'll be fighting a live opponent."

Lucien swallowed. "Live… opponent?"

"Oh yes," Aldric said with far too much enthusiasm. "And I've found the perfect match for you."

Lucien had a very bad feeling about this.

A Flicker of Hope