SleepyStaticVoid

Ethan Cole thought dying was the end—until he wakes up in the body of a bullied college nobody in a city where social status means everything. All he wants is to keep his head down and live his second life quietly.

But after he’s forced into a public proposal to the campus “Ice Queen”—and she actually says yes—Ethan’s new world flips upside down.

That’s when the Life Upgrade System awakens. Every achievement, challenge, or relationship milestone lets him draw a new skill—from everyday talents to rare, game-changing abilities. The higher the stakes, the better his chances—but every draw is a gamble.

As Ethan’s reputation skyrockets, he’ll have to navigate jealous rivals, campus scandals, and the growing attention of some of the school’s most extraordinary girls. All while trying to finally live life on his own terms, one draw at a time.

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Hey everyone! Quick heads-up—I’m going to rewrite the story from Chapter 1 and add full isekai and system elements.

First 5 chapters will be updated soon. Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll stick around for the new version!

—SleepyStaticVoid

I Became the Ice Queen’s Fiancé—And Everyone Else Is Jealous

By Thursday morning, Ethan felt like campus royalty—at least, the kind everyone wanted to gossip about. Most people stared as he walked by; a few whispered. Even the professors paused just a little longer when taking attendance, as if making sure the rumors were real.

It was after lunch when his phone buzzed with a new message.

Unknown Number: Meet me in the rooftop garden. Ten minutes.

Ethan looked at the message, feeling a chill. "I think I'm about to find out."

The rooftop garden was quiet, perched above the chaos of campus. Isabella was already there, perfectly composed, scrolling her phone. She didn't look up when he arrived.

He cleared his throat. "You… wanted to see me?"

She finally looked at him, expression blank. "You're… Cole, right?"

"Ethan," he corrected, trying not to sound as awkward as he felt.

"Right. Ethan." She put her phone away, her tone purely business. "Let's keep this simple. I didn't accept because I like you or anything. You just happened to be convenient."

Ethan hesitated, then asked, "By the way, how did you even get my number?"

Isabella barely glanced at him. "It's not hard. I have a list of every student in my year. You're not exactly difficult to find."

He blinked. For her, it really was that easy.

She continued, her gaze drifting back toward the city skyline. "My family wants me engaged to someone else. Publicly accepting your proposal gives me breathing room. That's all there is to it."

Ethan nodded, unsure what to say. The whole thing should've felt crushing—but it didn't. Iron Will settled around his thoughts like a protective layer. He stayed upright. Clear.

"We pretend. Until it's not useful anymore." Her voice didn't even rise or fall—it was like she was reading off a list. "If you want out, let me know privately. I'll handle the rest."

He hesitated. "Is there… anything you need me to do?"

She shook her head, barely looking at him. "Just stay out of my way. If anyone asks, act natural. That's all."

There was an awkward silence. The wind stirred, and for a moment, Ethan wondered if she even remembered his face from yesterday.

Still, he could tell. She wasn't trying to be cruel—just transactional. Social Awareness hummed at the edges of his perception, making her coldness easier to read.

[Milestone Event: Agreed to Engagement Terms with SSS-Rank Heroine!]

[Skill Draw Available. Choose one:]

[Skill 1] Composure (Common)

Your poker face improves. It's harder for others to read your real feelings.

[Skill 2] Quick Wit (Common)

You respond to surprises or pressure with humor or clever comebacks.

[Skill 3] Photographic Memory (Common)

You easily remember details, names, and events from conversations.

Ethan glanced at her—distant, unreadable—and chose [Skill 2] Quick Wit. If he had to survive this, he might as well learn to keep up.

Isabella was already walking away, back straight, not looking back. "Text if there's an emergency," she called over her shoulder, barely loud enough for him to hear.

He stood there for a moment, the reality settling in.

He was the Ice Queen's fiancé, and she couldn't even remember his name.

[Skill Acquired: Quick Wit (Common) — You respond to surprises or pressure with humor or clever comebacks.]

Meeting the Ice Queen