Noah had never been healthy. From the moment he was born, his life was defined by sickle cell anemia, a relentless condition that left him weak, fatigued, and in constant pain. His blood, flawed and fragile, seemed to betray him at every turn. The disease didn’t just ravage his body—it shaped his entire existence. He was introverted, withdrawn, and struggled to connect with others. While his mother and sister effortlessly made friends and thrived in social settings, Noah often felt like an outsider, watching life pass him by from the sidelines.

There were moments, rare and fleeting, when he felt a semblance of contentment. But more often than not, a hollow ache settled deep within him, a void that nothing could fill. It wasn’t just the physical pain of his illness—it was the loneliness, the isolation, the feeling of being a burden to those he loved.

One day, the sickness came for him with a vengeance. His body, already worn down by years of fighting, finally began to give out. This time, Noah didn’t resist. The hollow feeling had returned, stronger and more consuming than ever. He was tired—tired of the pain, tired of the loneliness, tired of the endless struggle. For the first time, he let go.

As his breaths grew shallow and his vision blurred, Noah closed his eyes. The world around him faded into silence, and his last thought wasn’t one of fear or regret, but of emptiness. He took his final breath, the hollow ache in his chest finally stilled.

But death wasn’t the end.

Noah woke up—somewhere else. The air felt different, charged with an energy he couldn’t explain. His body, once frail and broken, felt... alive. Strong. He blinked, disoriented, as his surroundings came into focus. He wasn’t in a hospital bed anymore. He wasn’t even in his world.

He was in the **TVD Universe**.

The door shut softly behind him. Noah shoved his hands into his pockets, strolling into the night air with a faint smirk. Mystic Falls High… a fresh start. Who would've thought?


A familiar chime echoed in his mind. Noah froze, then sighed. "System… show me my interface."


The black panel shimmered into existence.


Before Noah could comment, another notification popped up.


– Requirement: Survive confirmed execution by two or more vampires.


Noah blinked, stunned. "…Wait. I just got rewarded for dying? Are you kidding me?"


Freya's voice purred in his mind, warm with amusement. "Technically, Host, you didn't die. You survived. The system rewards resilience… though between us, it looks more like you stumbled face-first into free power."


Noah's lips twitched. "So what you're saying is—I cheated?"


"Exactly. But don't worry, I won't tell the universe if you don't."


The corner of Noah's mouth lifted into a grin. With that much EXP, he could push his level up fast—maybe even reach double digits. The thought alone made his blood rush with anticipation.


"Alright then," he muttered under his breath. "Let's see how far this rabbit hole goes."


The panel glowed faintly, waiting for his command. And Noah Blackwood, once nothing


Noah stared at the glowing panel, his pulse quickening. Thirty-five thousand EXP… this changes everything.


"System," he said, "show me the EXP usage again."


Freya's voice flowed smoothly in his head. "Of course, Host. EXP can be used to level up—5,000 per level—or to upgrade skills. At your current balance, you could increase your level several times."


Energy surged through his veins, burning hot and cold all at once. His senses sharpened, muscles coiled with new strength, and even the night around him seemed sharper, more vivid.


Chapter 6 - Increase in strength