Chapter 2 Chapter 2
Rowan's POV
The Boy Who Should Have Died
Pain, that was the first thing Rowan felt. Not the cold pain from the bridge.
Not the sharp pain of the knife tearing into his stomach. This pain was different.
It burned through every bone in his body like fire crawling beneath his skin.
Rowan’s eyes snapped open. “Gah—!” A rough gasp escaped his mouth as he sat upright violently.
Instantly, a crushing headache slammed into him. Memories that didn’t belong to him exploded through his mind.
A large mansion with cold Hallways and servants whispering. A weak boy training alone under heavy rain.
Mocking laughter with disgusted faces.
Failure. More failure. Rowan grabbed his head tightly while breathing hard.
“What… what is this…?” His chest rose and fell rapidly.
The room around him slowly became clearer. A small bedroom with wooden walls. A single candle flickering weakly near the window.
The air smelled old and dusty. Moonlight entered quietly through torn curtains.
Rowan stared blankly around the unfamiliar room.
“This isn’t…” His hands trembled slightly as he looked down at himself.
Smaller hands with Paler skin and a thinner body. His breathing stopped for a second.
“No way…” Suddenly—[Ding.] A glowing blue screen appeared before his eyes again.
[Soul Transmigration Successful.]
[Host successfully merged with compatible vessel.]
[Current Identity: Rowan Ashford.]
[Age: 16.]
[Condition: Extremely Weak.]
[Warning: Host body possesses severe mana vein damage.]
Rowan froze completely.
The cold mechanical voice sounded inside his head once more.
It was real. Everything was real. “I… survived?”
No. I Transmigrated. The realization made his stomach twist violently. Rowan slowly stood from the bed.
His legs almost gave out instantly. “This body…” It felt unbelievably weak.
Even breathing heavily made his chest ache. He stumbled toward a cracked mirror hanging near the wall.
The reflection staring back at him looked unfamiliar, silver hair, pale skin and sharp blue eyes filled with exhaustion.
A handsome face ruined by weakness and bruises. Rowan touched his cheek slowly.
“This isn’t me…” More memories flooded into his mind suddenly.
The original owner of this body. Also named Rowan. Rowan Ashford.
A useless son born into the Ashford family. One of the noble houses of the Arcadia Empire.
Unlike modern Earth, this world revolved around magic. Power determined everything. And Rowan Ashford possessed none.
His mana veins were damaged since birth, making him incapable of properly controlling mana.
In simple words… He was trash. The memories became clearer. Training grounds filled with ridicule.
Students are mocking him openly. Even servants looked down on him.
And tonight—Rowan’s eyes widened slightly. The original Rowan had died only hours ago.
During combat training. He pushed himself too hard trying to prove he wasn’t useless.
His weak body finally collapsed under the pressure. Nobody even cared enough to call a healer immediately.
By the time help arrived… He was already dead.
Silence filled the room. The only sound came from the weak candle flame flickering softly nearby.
Rowan clenched his fists slowly. Even in another world…
Weak people were still treated the same. A bitter smile appeared on his face.
How ironic. Two Rowans were both abandoned and powerless, with both being thrown away like garbage.
The system screen flickered again. [Host synchronization complete.]
[Welcome to the Arcane Heir System.] [Main Quest Initialized.]
A large glowing message appeared before him. [Become the Strongest Mage in the World.]
Rowan stared at it silently. Then laughed weakly. “Seriously?”
His body could barely stand properly. And this thing wanted him to become the strongest mage?
It sounded insane. The screen shifted again.
[Beginner Reward Available.] [Would you like to open it?]
Rowan blinked. “A reward?” [Yes / No]
After a short hesitation, Rowan muttered quietly.
“Yes.” [Ding.] [Opening Beginner Reward…]
A bright blue light filled the room briefly.
[Reward Received.]
[Item Obtained: Low-Grade Mana Cleansing Potion.]
[Item Obtained: Beginner Mana Breathing Technique.]
[Item Obtained: Eye of Analysis.]
Information instantly entered Rowan’s mind. The potion could slowly repair damaged mana veins.
The breathing technique improved mana absorption. And Eye of Analysis…
That ability allowed him to view basic information about people and objects.
Rowan’s heartbeat sped up slightly. This system was no joke.
Before he could think further—BANG!
The bedroom door suddenly slammed open violently.
A tall teenage boy entered with several others behind him.
The moment Rowan saw him, memories surfaced instantly.
Lucas Ashford. The original Rowan’s older cousin.
One of the people who enjoyed humiliating him the most.
Lucas stopped walking immediately after seeing Rowan standing. Shock flashed across his face.
“You’re awake?” The others behind him looked equally surprised.
One of them frowned. “I thought he died earlier.” Rowan’s eyes narrowed slightly. Not even trying to hide it, huh?
Lucas quickly recovered before smirking.
“Well, look at that. The cripple survived.”
The others laughed quietly.BRowan remained silent.
He was still adjusting to everything.
Lucas walked into the room confidently before looking Rowan up and down with disgust.
“You really embarrassed the Ashford family today,” he said coldly. “Collapsing in front of everyone during training.”
Rowan finally spoke. “And?” Lucas looked surprised by the calm reply.
The original Rowan usually lowered his head fearfully whenever bullied.
But Rowan’s eyes felt different. Lucas frowned slightly.
“What was that?” “I said… and?” The room became quiet.
One of the boys behind Lucas sneered. “Looks like the cripple hit his head too hard.”
Lucas’ expression darkened. “You think surviving changes anything?” he asked coldly. “You’re still useless.”
Those words would’ve probably broken the original Rowan.
But not him. After dying once already, insults like these felt meaningless.
Rowan calmly walked past them toward the table near the bed.
Lucas suddenly grabbed his shoulder aggressively.
“I’m talking to you.”
The moment Lucas touched him, Rowan instinctively activated Eye of Analysis.
A strange energy flowed through his eyes briefly. Information instantly appeared.
[Lucas Ashford.]
[Rank: Apprentice Mage - Tier Three.]
[Status: Healthy.] [Talent: Mid Grade.]
[Emotion: Irritated.] Rowan’s eyes widened slightly.
It actually worked. Lucas noticed the strange look.
“What are you staring at?” Rowan slowly removed Lucas’ hand from his shoulder.
“Nothing.” Lucas’ face twisted slightly from anger.
For some reason, Rowan’s calmness irritated him more than fear ever did.
“You think acting differently makes you impressive?”
“No.” “Then stop pretending.”
Rowan sighed inwardly. Honestly, he already felt tired.
This body was still weak, and the headache from the memory fusion hadn’t disappeared completely.
But Lucas clearly wasn’t planning to leave peacefully.
Lucas suddenly smirked again. “Actually… this might be perfect.”
Rowan frowned slightly. “What?” Lucas glanced toward the others before speaking loudly.
“The academy entrance test is tomorrow.” The others immediately laughed knowingly.
One boy shook his head. “That’s cruel.” Lucas grinned.
“Why? Our dear cousin has worked hard for this chance.”
The academy. More memories surfaced.
The Imperial Arcane Academy. The greatest magic academy in the empire.
A place filled with geniuses, nobles, and monsters. The original Rowan dreamed of entering it someday despite his weak talent.
But everyone knew it was impossible.
Lucas leaned closer mockingly. “You’ll still participate tomorrow, right?”
Rowan stared at him quietly. Lucas’ smile widened.
“Good. At least everyone will get one last laugh before you embarrass yourself again.”
The group burst into laughter before leaving the room.
SLAM! The door shut loudly behind them.
Silence returned. Rowan stood motionless for several seconds.
Then slowly sat back down on the bed. His body still hurt badly.
But his mind hurt worse. He looked toward the system screen floating quietly before him.
[Main Quest: Become the Strongest Mage in the World.]
A weak laugh escaped him. “The strongest mage…”
He couldn’t even survive a simple confrontation right now. His eyes slowly hardened.
Back on Earth, he died powerless. Helpless. Thrown away like trash.
If this really was a second chance… Then he refused to waste it, never again.
Rowan reached for the small bottle that had appeared beside him.
The Mana Cleansing Potion. Blue liquid swirled softly inside the glass.
Without hesitation, he opened it and drank everything. The effect came instantly.
“AGH!” Pain exploded through his body. Rowan nearly fell from the bed as burning heat spread through his veins violently.
It felt like molten fire moving under his skin. His muscles trembled uncontrollably.
Sweat poured down his face. “What the hell—!”
Crack. A strange sound echoed softly inside him. Then another, and another.
The pain intensified further. Rowan gritted his teeth hard enough to nearly crack them.
Dark impurities slowly leaked from his skin. The horrible smell filled the room immediately.
But Rowan barely noticed. His focus remained entirely on surviving the pain.
Minutes felt like hours. Finally—The burning sensation slowly faded.
Rowan collapsed onto the bed, breathing heavily. His entire body was drenched in sweat.
But strangely… He felt lighter. Much lighter. The system screen appeared again.
[Mana Vein Damage Reduced.]
[Current Recovery: 12%.] [Host condition slightly improved.]
Rowan stared at the message with shock. It actually worked.
The original Rowan’s greatest weakness was beginning to heal.
Excitement slowly rose inside him for the first time since arriving in this world.
Maybe this impossible quest wasn’t completely hopeless after all.
Suddenly—A loud bell sounded outside.
Rowan frowned. Voices filled the mansion corridors.
With Loud shouting and running footsteps. Something was happening.
Before he could react, the bedroom door burst open again. This time, a young maid entered hurriedly.
She froze after seeing Rowan standing. “Young Master Rowan—you’re awake!”
Young master? That title felt strange. The maid looked nervous.
“You need to come quickly!” Rowan frowned. “Why?” Her face turned pale.
“There’s… there’s a problem in the main hall.”
“What problem?” “The Shadowfang Wolf captured by the family earlier today…”
Her voice trembled. “It escaped.” Rowan’s eyes narrowed.
Memories surfaced instantly.
Shadowfang Wolves were dangerous magical beasts known for their speed and aggression.
Even adult mages struggled against them sometimes.
The maid looked terrified. “It attacked several guards already!”
A scream suddenly sounded somewhere outside.
The maid flinched violently. Rowan immediately stood. His instincts screamed danger.
The mansion outside had already become chaotic.
More screams sounded.
People shouted orders loudly.
The maid backed away fearfully. “Please stay inside, Young Master! It’s dangerous!”
Too late. A deafening crash exploded nearby.
The wall beside Rowan’s room shattered inward instantly.
Wood and stone flew everywhere. The maid screamed. A massive black creature landed inside the room.
Its glowing red eyes locked directly onto Rowan—the Shadowfang Wolf.
Blood covered its sharp jaws. Its body was nearly twice the size of a normal wolf.
Dark mana surrounded it like smoke. The beast growled deeply.
The killing intent filling the room instantly froze the maid in terror.
Rowan’s heart slammed against his chest. His body screamed at him to run.
But there was nowhere to go. The shattered wall blocked half the room.
The doorway stood behind the beast. The wolf slowly stepped forward. Its claws scraped against the wooden floor.
The maid collapsed, trembling near the door. “P-please…”
The beast ignored her completely. Its eyes remained locked onto Rowan.
The system suddenly flashed urgently. [Emergency Quest Activated.]
[Survive the Shadowfang Wolf.] [Reward: Unknown.]
[Failure Penalty: Death.] Rowan cursed inwardly. Of course.
The beast suddenly lunged, fast, too fast. Rowan barely rolled aside in time.
CRASH! The wolf smashed directly through the bed behind him.
Wood exploded everywhere. The maid screamed again. Rowan’s breathing turned heavy.
This body was far too weak. Even dodging once already made his muscles ache badly.
The wolf turned toward him again slowly. Its red eyes glowed brighter.
It was playing with him. Rowan’s mind raced desperately.
Think. Think! Then suddenly—The Beginner Mana Breathing Technique surfaced in his memory.
Without hesitation, Rowan activated it instinctively.
A strange sensation spread through him. Cold energy from the surroundings slowly entered his body.
Mana. Tiny streams of blue light became visible around him.
The wolf paused slightly. The system flashed again.
[First Mana Circulation Successful.] [Host officially entered Tier One Apprentice Mage.]
A small surge of strength flowed through Rowan instantly.
It was not much. But enough. The wolf attacked again.
This time, Rowan reacted faster. He grabbed a broken wooden chair leg nearby and swung it hard toward the beast’s face.
CRACK! The wolf staggered slightly from the hit.
Rowan’s eyes widened. It worked. The beast growled furiously now.
Its killing intent exploded. Oh no. Rowan realized his mistake instantly.
The wolf charged again with terrifying speed. Rowan couldn’t dodge properly this time.
Sharp claws tore across his chest violently. Blood splattered across the room.
The force sent him crashing hard against the wall. Pain exploded through his body.
The maid screamed hysterically. Rowan coughed blood onto the floor.
His vision blurred. The wolf slowly approached again.
Fear gripped Rowan’s chest violently. Was this second chance really going to end already?
No......... NO........ No...... Rage exploded through Rowan’s mind.
“I refuse…” The wolf lunged for the final attack.
And at that exact moment—the system screen turned blood-red.
[Hidden Condition Met.] [Extreme Survival Instinct Detected.]
[Special Skill Unlocking…]
The wolf’s jaws opened inches from Rowan’s throat—Then the entire room froze.
And a new message slowly appeared before his shocked eyes.
[Skill Acquired: Arcane Devour.]
