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

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the library windows as Ethan finished his last set of notes. For the first time all semester, he wasn't worrying about the next insult, rumor, or confrontation. Things weren't perfect—but he could finally breathe.

He checked his phone out of habit, expecting a new message or campus alert. Instead, a familiar blue window slid across his vision:

[Milestone Achieved: 10 Unique Skills Unlocked!]

[Life Upgrade System: Upgrade Feature Unlocked]

[You may now combine three skills of the same quality to create one skill of a higher quality.]

Ethan blinked. A new system menu popped up:

[Combine three Common skills to receive one Uncommon skill. Duplicates can also be merged. Would you like to try now?]

He scrolled through his skills. He'd already stacked up plenty of Commons—Quick Wit, Group Rapport, Mediation, Timing Sense, Natural Chemistry. Some were favorites; others, less so.

On a whim, Ethan selected Group Rapport, Mediation, and Natural Chemistry—all useful, but skills he felt comfortable parting with for something new.

[Confirm combination? This action cannot be undone.]

The three cards merged, colors swirling together before coalescing into a single, pulsing icon.

[Congratulations! You have obtained: Negotiator (Uncommon)]

[Skill Acquired: Negotiator (Uncommon) — Your words carry authority and calm, even in tense situations. You can broker peace or strike deals with confidence.]

Ethan grinned, the rush of new possibility thrumming through him.

He leaned back, feeling different. Stronger, maybe. Or just more in control.

For once, he was looking forward to whatever came next.

As he packed up, Logan plopped into the chair beside him, waving a half-eaten sandwich. "Hey, dude. You look like you just leveled up in real life."

Leveling Up