"Well, let's get this over with."
Marcus grinned, flicking his fingers toward the crippled figure with casual finality. A sharp surge of magic burst forth from his hand—searing, blinding—and engulfed the entire dungeon in a cascade of crackling light and distortion.
[Mission Completed]
[Rewards]
- Partial Memory Sync
- ???
- System Core Unlock
"The second one is still unknown," Marcus muttered, eyeing the system panel, "but as for the first and third…"
His voice trailed off, cut short by a sudden sensation—like threads of his very consciousness being pulled apart. His mind unraveled violently, as though invisible claws were digging into his thoughts. The runes etched across his skin vanished in a blink, fizzling into the air like dying embers. His summoned allies, too, disintegrated into smoke and whispers.
"What the…?"
He staggered, clutching his head as the searing pain intensified, a splitting migraine hammering through his skull. His vision blurred. He dropped to one knee, breath ragged.
"Let's hope this is good!" he growled through clenched teeth, forcing his body to stay upright as his world trembled around him.
Then, just as suddenly as it began, it ended.
Complete silence. Total stillness.
"Huh…?"
Marcus slowly rose, his balance shaky, rubbing his temple as the remnants of agony still echoed faintly through his nerves.
"What did that do? Or well… why did that happen?"
[Partial Memory Sync Activated]
[Random memories will now support you when in times of need]
[System Core Activated]
[More system features will now appear the more you spend in this world]
> Trial: Echo Level 1 — Identity Verification
[Has been completed]
Before Marcus could even begin to process the implications of those words, his body gave out. His limbs went limp, his vision collapsed into black.
As if someone had pulled his plug.
I really need a break…
Then.
He woke up.
The warm touch of morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting soft golden beams across the familiar comfort of his bedroom. A cool breeze stirred the curtains. The dungeon, the battle, the pain—all of it felt like a fever dream.
He blinked slowly, lifting his head from his pillow, and realized—he felt completely rested.
Restored.
As if nothing had ever happened.
Sitting upright, he took a deep breath, the quiet serenity of the room grounding him.
"Another day, huh…"
[Welcome to Day 2]
[Tutorial Completed]
[Once again, Welcome to the world of The Villainess and the Righteous Prince.]
"Tutorial? You have to be kidding me, right?" he muttered, his voice disbelieving.
"That was all just a tutorial!?"
He let out a sharp, bitter laugh, standing up and stretching his limbs. His joints cracked satisfyingly. The weight of the dungeon trial had vanished, but the lesson it left behind still lingered in his bones.
Another day in school.
Another day of chaos.
"Can't complain."
He smirked as he stepped toward the window, gazing out at the sprawling city. Across rooftops styled with ornate spires and cobblestone roads lined with ivy-laced buildings, he could see the distant silhouette of the academy—towers piercing the skyline like sentinels. Students in uniform bustled below, weaving through the lively streets as merchants opened their shops and cafes welcomed the morning crowd.
"This time, I'll take my sweet time…" he said softly, "and actually enjoy this world."
A bell chimed from the lower floor, and the butler's familiar voice rang out, crisp and practiced.
"It's time for breakfast!"
Marcus's grin faltered—just slightly.
The idea of sitting through another breakfast filled with awkward silences and avoided questions made him wince internally. Personal topics were still landmines he wasn't ready to navigate.
"Let's just hope the system rewards help me out this time."
His voice was weary, resigned—but even then, a spark of amusement returned to his eyes.
He stepped toward the door, resting his hand on the handle.
"New day, new me."
And with that, he walked into Day 2.