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

Ethan was still riding the high from his system upgrade when an unexpected email landed in his inbox:

"Reminder: Workshop—Professional Growth & Campus Opportunities. Attendance required for all Communication majors."

He almost groaned. The last thing he needed was another required seminar. But when he walked into the lecture hall, Dr. Evelyn Hart was there, standing at the podium, scanning the small crowd with her trademark intensity.

The session was less lecture, more interactive—Dr. Hart led discussions on ethical dilemmas, the value of reputation, and the importance of integrity in academia. Most students contributed generic, safe answers, eyes glued to their notes.

But when the discussion circled back to public image, Dr. Hart's eyes settled on Ethan. "Mr. Cole. You've been in the spotlight lately, haven't you? Tell us—what matters more: reputation, or integrity?"

For a split second, Ethan felt the system's hum—a reminder of every choice he'd made, every rumor he'd survived. He thought of his friends, his struggles, and the person he wanted to become.

"My integrity," Ethan said, meeting her gaze. "Reputation can change with a rumor, but if I lose my integrity, I'll never get it back."

Dr. Hart's expression softened, just for a moment. "Well put, Mr. Cole," she said quietly. "I wish more students had your clarity."

He heard a couple of students whispering. One muttered, "Since when did Hart praise anyone?"

As the session ended, Dr. Hart lingered. As Ethan packed up, she quietly handed him a printout. "You're wasted on the sidelines. Have you considered applying for the campus leadership program?"

He tried to play it cool, but her rare approval meant more than he'd admit.

[Milestone Event: Earned Sincere Praise from SS-Rank Heroine (Dr. Evelyn Hart)!]

[Skill Draw Available. Choose one:]

[Skill 1] Academic Insight (Uncommon)Spot knowledge gaps instantly, making study and research twice as effective.

[Skill 2] Calm Under Fire (Uncommon)Remain collected, articulate, and persuasive even under intense pressure or scrutiny.

[Skill 3] Academic Networking (Rare)You make a lasting impression on professors and elite students, opening doors to exclusive opportunities.

Ethan hesitated for a moment, eyes lingering on the system message.

He almost laughed out loud. Did the system really mean her? Was it saying he had a shot with Dr. Hart, or just that she was going to be a major part of his new life? He tried not to imagine the gossip if anyone found out. Or… was the system seriously shipping him with his professor? Either way, it was way more attention than he'd ever expected—from the system or his professor.

He shook his head and tried not to grin as he picked [Skill 3] Academic Networking (Rare). If life was giving him hints, he wasn't about to ignore them.

[Skill Acquired: Academic Networking (Rare) — You make a lasting impression on professors and elite students, opening doors to exclusive opportunities.]

Evelyn offered a rare, subtle smile as he left. "I expect great things, Mr. Cole."

For the first time, Ethan believed her. And for the first time, he wondered—just how many "heroines" did his new life have in store?

Integrity in the Spotlight