Elliot was the perfect example of a nerd who never truly tasted what life had to offer before death claimed him.

Because of his brilliant mind, he easily married the most coveted girl from his school—though it was purely because her father wanted to exploit him, and he remained completely oblivious.

However, everything came crashing down when he realized how much of a fool he'd been for all the wrong people. But he wasn't entirely hopeless. Elliot was rather indifferent about death.

A second chance, however, shattered that indifference entirely.

Due to a heated disagreement between a god of trickery and a mysterious old hag, Elliot was reborn into a strange new world as Northern—a completely different realm.

This world had forged its own voice, birthed its own calamities, and crowned its own heroes. In a world where people awaken talents, Elliot strangely awakens the ability to copy those very talents.

But with that power came crushing responsibility—burdens far too heavy for a young, inexperienced boy like Northern to shoulder.

Still, he'd rather walk through the flames of hell than shatter.

***

This novel spans over a thousand chapters, so let me give you a heads-up about what to expect.

The MC will be insufferable at first. This is a story where the MC has mountains of growing to do, and yes—he'll be grating for the first few hundred chapters. Whether you stay or bail is entirely up to you, but trust me: he will evolve, and watching that transformation will be incredibly rewarding.

You know that feeling when your roommate who wore the same crusty hoodie for a week finally learns to do laundry like clockwork? You watch them folding clothes like it's sacred ritual, guarding that laundry basket like a dragon's egg. Or when your favorite author—who never used to reply—suddenly starts responding to every single comment with genuine care.

You realize you could've missed witnessing their complete transformation if you'd given up on them. That's exactly what this is.

This will be a brutal but captivating ride—just don't abandon him too quickly.

Oh, and the grammar starts a bit rough around the edges but smooths out significantly in later chapters.

Thank you, and I'll see you on the other side of a thousand chapters.

Northern was stunned into silence. His mouth opened, closed, then opened again—finding nothing. For several long seconds, he simply sat there, the noise of the feast washing over him like distant waves.


Then he reeled himself back into control.


'All can't be lost. This is about his wife. I should be able to heal her. But there's something else first.'


Northern fixed the King with an intent look.


"So... you don't want to fight the Empire and wish to abandon your people... because your wife is dying?" There was something in his voice as he addressed the King. Something tinged with scorn he didn't bother to hide.


King Ruger seemed to sense it. A somber smile lingered on his lips, his gaze drifting to the large flat fish on his table—a thing the size of three palms pressed together, its glazed skin reflecting the candlelight.


Northern's gaze stayed straight. Serious.


Chapter 1271 - Slow Death Is Still Death