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

It was a mild afternoon when Ethan crossed paths with Brian Wells.

The encounter wasn't dramatic. No storm clouds. No angry music playing overhead. Just the two of them at the outdoor study tables near the central quad, where students passed by with headphones and iced coffee.

Brian stood in front of Ethan's bench. He didn't say anything right away.

Claire looked up from beside Ethan. "Brian?"

He ignored her. "Got a minute?" he said to Ethan.

Brian led him a few paces away, toward the empty side path near the sculpture garden.

"You really don't see it, do you?" Brian's voice was low. Not angry. Just tired. "Everyone's so impressed. Ice Queen's fiancé. All of a sudden, you've got timing, confidence, and answers. Claire is hanging off your every word."

"She used to look at me like that," Brian said. "Before you came back from the dead or whatever."

"That's not fair. Claire made her own choices."

Brian chuckled without humor. "Maybe. But I remember you. The quiet guy. The one who didn't speak unless spoken to. You were background noise."

Ethan crossed his arms. "I still am to some people."

"Not anymore," Brian said bitterly. "Now you're the main character. And I'm the sidekick who never got picked."

"I never wanted any of this," Ethan said. "But I'm not going to apologize for growing up."

Brian stepped back. "Then I hope you're ready. Because people like you only get so many chances before someone takes it all back."

Claire returned silently. "What was that about?"

[Milestone Event: Confronted a Ghost of the Past Without Backing Down!]

[Skill Draw Available. Choose one:]

[Skill 1] Boundary Sense (Uncommon)

You instinctively recognize when to draw the line in emotional or toxic relationships.

[Skill 2] Mental Fortitude (Uncommon)

Insults, regrets, and emotional manipulation lose their sting. You respond from clarity, not guilt.

[Skill 3] Inner Compass (Uncommon)

You gain clearer self-direction when emotionally shaken, allowing you to refocus and lead decisively.

Ethan considered the options. Boundary Sense would help. Inner Compass felt useful. But it was Mental Fortitude that felt right. After all that, he didn't need guilt—he needed resolve.

[Skill Acquired: Mental Fortitude (Uncommon) — Insults, regrets, and emotional manipulation lose their sting. You respond from clarity, not guilt.]

Claire slipped her arm through his. "You okay?"

Ethan nodded. "Yeah. Actually... yeah."

Echoes of a Friendship