Ethan Cross had died the way every cynic dreamed—mocking fate. One moment he was scrolling through a new academy fantasy update, groaning at the predictable "chosen one" clichés; the next, a truck grille filled his vision. When he opened his eyes again, the smell of incense and old parchment replaced burnt rubber.He sat up on a velvet bed, groggy, his reflection glinting off a nearby mirror.
The face staring back was too elegant, too sharp—a noble's visage framed by white-blond hair.A knock followed. "Young Master Lucien, your entrance exam results have been posted!"Lucien Arden… the name jolted him. Not the hero. Not even a villain. Just the Lucien—the forgettable noble who suffered a duel defeat in Chapter 3, expelled, and later died nameless during the first monster raid."Of course," he muttered bitterly, scanning the ornate study, "I had to reincarnate as discounted wallpaper."The maid entered, her smile strained. "You scored forty-two out of a hundred, my lord. The headmaster said your magical resonance is… below academy standards."Forty-two. Exactly as in the novel. The death flag had been planted, and the countdown had begun.Ethan—or Lucien—paced. In every story, extras existed to make the main cast look exceptional. But if he was here, maybe the author script wasn't absolute.He closed his eyes, thinking hard. In the canon timeline, the main protagonist—Aiden Vellor, blessed by the Spirits—would soon gain his first divine artifact after rescuing the Princess from rebels. Lucien would be dead by then.He clenched his fists. "Not this time."Then came the whisper.System initializing… Compatibility: 67%. Unique skill unlocked—Plunder Fate.Before he could react, golden glyphs formed across his vision.Plunder Fate: The ability to steal a fragment of another's destiny. Success rate depends on user's willpower.His heart pounded. "So, I can take… their fortunes?"He laughed quietly. "Guess the extra's getting a promotion."An hour later, Lucien stood at the academy's dueling arena. A trembling student, a fellow first year named Colen Drevis, faced him uncertainly. The crowd gathered for the mandatory "duel assessment" ceremony.Lucien remembered this event. In the original story, he was humiliated here by Colen's weak lightning spell, stumbling like a fool. It was the moment readers learned how "pathetic" he was. But now, he had foreknowledge—and something better.The announcer called, "Both participants, prepare!"Lucien smirked. "No, you prepare."When the whistle blew, Colen raised his wand, sparks forming.Lucien whispered, "Plunder Fate."A ripple of light tore across the ground, unseen by others. A shiver coursed through his body as blue luminescence flowed from Colen's core into his chest. His vision sharpened, senses flaring.Magic—pure electric will—sang in his veins.Colen's spell fizzled out. "W-what—?"Lucien's laughter echoed. "It seems luck's not on your side today."Lightning erupted from Lucien's hand. The blast sent Colen sprawling as cheers and gasps filled the arena. The faculty mages looked stunned. No one had seen Lucien practice a single spell.When the light faded, Lucien stood victorious. His heart thundered with exhilaration and guilt. It was intoxicating.The system chimed again.
Fate Plunder successful. Acquired skill: Spark Surge (Tier D).
Warning: Tampering with destiny will attract attention from higher observers.Lucien steadied his breathing. "Let them watch."For the first time since awakening, he felt alive—not as an extra, but as a player rewriting his role.As he left the arena, whispers followed him.
"Did you see that spell?"
"Impossible—he's a failure, isn't he?"
"Failure doesn't draw lightning from the sky."Among the crowd, hidden in the shadows of the stands, a cloaked figure murmured, "Another deviation from the script… fate is shifting."Lucien paused, glancing up. The figure was gone. He felt the weight of invisible eyes pressing against his soul.The system's voice whispered once more: New objective unlocked—Survive until Chapter Ten.A grim smile spread across his face. "Challenge accepted."He turned toward the towering silhouette of Ardentvale Academy, its massive spires glimmering beneath storm clouds. Every student would soon know his name—if he survived long enough to rewrite the ending.The lightning cracked once more, illuminating his determined gaze.The extra had just stolen his first scene.