The classroom hummed with mana. Runes etched into the walls glowed faintly, keeping the air cool despite the restless crowd of students. At the front, Professor Aldwyn adjusted his spectacles—thick, round lenses shimmering with enchantments—and tapped the crystal podium. The sound rang out like a bell, silencing chatter instantly.
"Today," he began, voice deep and deliberate, "we review the foundation of our world before tomorrow's awakening ceremony. You must understand the systems you inherit, for they define your place in society."
Ren Ashford slouched in his seat, arms crossed, eyes half-lidded. Beside him, Leon Brightshield sat upright, practically vibrating with anticipation. His uniform was immaculate, his boots polished, his grin wide enough to blind.
'Here we go. Another lecture about destiny and glory. As if I didn't hear this a hundred times already.'
Professor Aldwyn gestured to the shimmering diagrams projected above the podium. "Systems are gifts tied to the soul. They are the framework of our empire, the paths by which each of you will live your lives. There are four pillars: Adventurer, Mage, Merchant, and Life. Beyond them, there exist rare anomalies—Special Systems."
The diagrams shifted, showing stylized figures. Warriors with swords, robed mages, merchants with scales, artisans at their craft.
"Adventurer Systems," the professor explained, "are combat-focused. Warriors, knights, rangers, assassins—those who defend our borders and fight monsters head-on. Mage Systems wield magic. Elementalists, summoners, enchanters, healers—all branches of arcane power. Healing is magic, and thus falls under the Mage pillar."
Leon leaned toward Ren, whispering loudly enough for half the row to hear. "I bet I'll get Adventurer. It's in my blood. Brightshields have always been heroes."
Ren didn't look at him. "Congratulations in advance. Try not to trip over your destiny."
Leon chuckled, unfazed. "And you? What do you think you'll get?"
Ren shrugged. "Hopefully something that lets me sleep through danger."
Professor Aldwyn continued, ignoring the whispers. "Merchant Systems are trade-focused. Negotiation, appraisal, wealth accumulation. They drive the empire's economy. And then there are Life Systems—blacksmiths, alchemists, farmers, tailors, cooks, artisans. They may not wield swords or spells, but without them, civilization collapses. No food, no weapons, no potions."
The class murmured. Some students scoffed at the idea of farming or tailoring, others nodded thoughtfully. Leon scoffed outright. "Life Systems are boring. Heroes don't farm cabbages."
Ren muttered back, deadpan. "Cabbages are safer than monsters. Smarter choice, really."
Professor Aldwyn's tone grew heavier. "And finally, Special Systems. Few and far between, unpredictable in nature. Some hold great potential. Most… do not. They exist outside classification, and those who awaken them often struggle to find their place."
The class buzzed with whispers. Ren leaned back, staring at the ceiling. 'Special Systems, huh? Sounds like the universe's way of saying "congratulations, you're weird."'
The lecture shifted gears. Aldwyn tapped the podium again, and a new diagram appeared—this one showing silhouettes of students surrounded by glowing orbs.
"Now, let us discuss how systems are chosen."
That got the room's attention.
"Contrary to popular belief," Aldwyn said, "your system is not random. It is shaped by your soul—your experiences, your habits, your passions. What you've done, what you've loved, what you've feared—all of it contributes."
Ren blinked. That was new.
"If you've spent years training with weapons, you are more likely to awaken an Adventurer System. If you've studied magic, practiced rituals, or shown affinity for mana, you may receive a Mage System. Those who've bartered, traded, or managed resources often awaken Merchant Systems. And those who've crafted, cultivated, or created—Life Systems."
Leon raised his hand. "So if someone's done a bit of everything, what happens?"
Professor Aldwyn nodded. "Then the system may reflect your dominant traits. Or, in rare cases, you may receive a Special System—one that doesn't fit any mold."
Ren's thoughts drifted.
'So it's like a personality quiz, but with cosmic consequences. Great. Let's see… I spent most of my past life sitting at a desk, eating noodles, and making sarcastic comments. What does that get me? A system that lets me critique other people's systems?'
He remembered the cramped apartment, the hum of a cheap fan, the taste of instant noodles. He remembered deadlines, exhaustion, and the dull ache of routine. And he remembered the end—slipping, choking, darkness.
'Really. That's how I died. Not in battle, not in glory. Just noodles and gravity. Figures.'
When he opened his eyes again, he was here. A teenager in a world of mana and systems, enrolled in an academy that promised destiny. No gods explained it, no voices guided him. He simply woke up, alive again, in a place that felt like a fantasy novel cliché.
Ren sighed softly, earning a curious glance from Leon. He ignored it.
Professor Aldwyn tapped the podium again, shifting the projection to a glowing map. Cities marked with runes pulsed faintly, connected by glowing lines. "Our cities thrive because mana flows through them. Crystals power our trains, our lamps, our towers. Magic is not a luxury—it is the foundation of our modern world."
Ren's eyes flicked to the map, unimpressed. 'So basically, magic is electricity here. Great. I reincarnated into a world powered by glowing rocks.'
Leon nudged him. "Isn't it amazing? Imagine the adventures we'll have once we awaken our systems."
Ren deadpanned. "Yes. Truly breathtaking. I can hardly contain my excitement."
Leon grinned, oblivious.
The professor's voice carried authority. "Remember: your system is your identity. It will shape your future, your alliances, your survival. Treat it with respect."
Ren listened with half an ear, his thoughts drifting between sarcasm and resignation.
'So this is my second life. A world obsessed with systems. And tomorrow, I'll get mine. Hopefully not something embarrassing. Though knowing my luck…'
The bell chimed, signaling the end of class. Students gathered their books, buzzing with excitement about the ceremony tomorrow. Leon stretched, confident as ever. "Tomorrow, I'll awaken as the hero this city needs."
Ren rose slowly, hands in his pockets. "Tomorrow, I'll awaken as… whatever. Hopefully not something embarrassing."
Leon grinned. "Don't worry, Ren. I'll drag you along on my adventures."
Ren's deadpan reply was immediate. "Fantastic. I always dreamed of being luggage."
The crowd spilled out of the academy, laughter and chatter filling the halls. Ren walked alone, the city unfolding before him—mana-lit streets, enchanted trains rumbling along tracks, guild banners fluttering above storefronts.
He breathed in the hum of energy, resigned but curious. This was his world now. His second life.
And tomorrow, it would begin in earnest.