Ethan Carter was a failed fantasy author who died overworked and bitter. When he wakes up in the world of his own unfinished novel, he finds himself reborn as Darius Wycliffe, a weak and arrogant noble fated to be killed by the protagonist, Lucien Ashford, the Archmage’s Disciple.

But Ethan refuses to die so easily. Armed with his knowledge of the world’s secrets and a unique ability to rewrite spells, he dives into the forbidden magic he once created but never fully explored. As he grows stronger, he uncovers terrifying truths about the world he thought he knew.

To survive, Ethan must defy destiny, master the deadliest of magics, and challenge the very hero he once wrote to be unbeatable. But what happens when the lines between hero and villain start to blur?

The crowd was already gathering when Ethan and his roommates stepped into the plaza.


The central courtyard of the First-Year Division was a structured ring of white stone pathways and tall spires that reached for the sky. Above, mana-lanterns floated lazily in place, glowing faintly under the early morning sun. Students poured in from all directions, chatting in low tones, adjusting their robes, rubbing sleep from their eyes.


Ethan followed Kai and Aiden toward one of the outer arcs, where their group usually stood. He was still tying the last knot on his sash when he finally asked, "So… who exactly gives these announcements every morning?"


Kai didn't bother looking back. "The First-Year Director."


Ethan blinked. "Wait, the Director? Not a staff mage?"


Aiden answered instead, arms folded. "Yeah. Director Silas Vaunt. He handles the announcements himself."


"Every day," Kai said, grinning. "And it's never boring."


Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Where is he, then?"


Chapter 22 - A Flame in the Sky