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 dragged himself back to his room after Aldric's brutal test, every inch of his body screaming in protest. Ignis, clearly just as exhausted, flickered beside him with a tired little hiss.

"Why… does everything… hurt?" Lucien groaned, collapsing into his chair.

[Probably because you got used as a punching bag for three hours.]

"Thanks for the insight. Very helpful."

[Always here for emotional support.]

Lucien's head thudded against his desk. He still had so much left to study — and only one night to do it. But his brain felt like mush, and his body wasn't far behind.

[Oh no, you don't. Get up, nerd. You've got a test to ace.]

[If you not pass, you stay in Class A.]

Lucien's eyes snapped open. He shot upright so fast his chair nearly tipped over. "You evil, manipulative—"

[Flattery will get you nowhere. Now grab the book.]

The night passed in a blur of candlelight and pages. Lucien poured everything he had into the Basic Magic Theory book, determined to cram every last bit of knowledge into his exhausted brain.

[This is ridiculous. You're basically speedrunning an entire semester.]

"I didn't spend my past life acing exams for nothing," Lucien muttered, flipping another page. "You don't understand, System. This is my natural habitat."

[Your natural habitat is a library?]

"Books never punched me in the face."

By the time dawn broke, Lucien had done it. He slammed the book shut with a triumphant, sleep-deprived grin.

[Status Update: Intelligence +3. Basic Magic Theory: Level Up!]

"Never… again…" he mumbled, faceplanting into his bed and passing out instantly.

The next morning came far too quickly.

Lucien shuffled into the exam hall looking like a zombie, his eyes dark and his hair a mess. He took his seat and stared blankly at the paper as it was placed in front of him.

"Three hours," the teacher announced. "Begin."

Lucien's heart pounded. He flipped open the exam and — relief washed over him. The Basic Magic Theory section was exactly what he'd prepared for. Formulae, spell mechanics, magical constructs — he flew through it like a man possessed.

[This is actually impressive. You look half-dead, but your hand's moving like a machine.]

The first hour passed in a flash. By the time he reached the Advanced Magic Theory section, Lucien was already feeling confident. But when he saw the questions, he froze.

Equations. Graphs. Variables disguised in magical terminology. It wasn't just theory — it was math.

Lucien's eyes gleamed. "Oh… it's over for them."

In his past life, Lucien had loved math. The thrill of solving problems, the elegance of equations — and now, the exam was speaking his language.

The other students struggled. Lucien flew.

[You're enjoying this way too much.]

When time was called, Lucien sat back with a satisfied sigh, his paper filled front to back.

[Well, you're either a genius… or completely overconfident.]

"We'll see." Lucien stretched, his body still aching. "But first… the combat exam."

[You do remember you have to fight an A-rank monster, right?]

Lucien winced. "Don't ruin my moment."

— To Be Continued.

The Power of Math and Sleep Deprivation