The mirror wasn't kind. It reflected a boy who wouldn't turn a single head on the street. Average height, plain brown hair, and unremarkable eyes – this was Ard Meteor. Or, perhaps more accurately, this was a mere shell containing the soul of Varvatos, the most powerful Demon Lord to ever walk the earth… or any other realm, for that matter."Three thousand years," I grumbled, scratching a mop of uninspired hair, "And this is what I get? A fresh-faced kid who blends into the wallpaper?"My old chamber echoed with bygone grandeur – the obsidian throne, towering pillars etched with demonic runes, tapestries woven with scenes of my past glories. It was all gone, a faded memory. In its place, the cozy mediocrity of a small wooden house, sunlight streaming through patched curtains.A lifetime – several, actually – of absolute power and dominion… all reduced to this? My boredom back then had been a genuine torment, spurring me to my grand reincarnation experiment. It was meant to be a thrilling challenge – born anew to rise through the ranks and reclaim my position. But this, this felt like a cruel cosmic joke.Speaking of jokes, a sharp rapping at my door signaled the arrival of one Lydia Beginsgate. Noble family, silver hair, emerald eyes – the textbook definition of 'beautiful'... and my self-appointed childhood friend, apparently."Ard! Hurry, we'll be late for the Academy entrance exams!"Academy? Ah yes. I decided a little education would be a good way to gauge this new world, and my deliberately suppressed power. And Lydia… well, the clingy girl-next-door archetype has its own charms, I suppose. Maybe even more, after a few millennia of solitude and the occasional succubus.The academy grounds buzzed with young hopefuls. Mages-to-be, all wide eyes and nervous energy, clustered like pigeons. Then, the test began. A simple spell, a crystal to measure potential. I touched mine, channeling the merest whisper of my true power.Boom!The crystal shattered spectacularly, glittering shards raining down like confetti. The instructors gawked open-mouthed, eyes popping in comical fashion. Meanwhile, Lydia squealed, a mix of terror and excitement lacing her voice. I just sighed. So much for blending in. Even 'suppressed', it seemed I was a wrecking ball in a world of pebbles.Lydia rushed over, fussing about 'accidents' and 'faulty equipment'. Just then, a silky voice slithered into the chaos. "Lydia dear, how unseemly. And who is this… interesting specimen you've found?"A slender figure materialized, flame-red hair tumbling over sculpted shoulders. Eyes the color of mischievous emeralds practically purred with amusement. This was Ireena Litz de Olhyde, elven royalty and the prettiest girl in the entire academy. Lydia bristled, her emerald eyes flashing jealously. A silent war was being waged over... me? It was a strange sort of flattery."Well, Mr. Interesting," Ireena continued, ignoring Lydia's death glares, "What's your name?""Ard, Ard Meteor." Her smile widened, a promise of mischievous delight. This was going to be an interesting school year, I thought, glancing at Lydia's fuming expression.After the obligatory 'Welcome to Midgard Magic Academy' speech (which I found dreadfully dull), came the combat trials. My opponent was a muscle-bound oaf who thought shouting made his magic stronger. Ugh, how tiresome. I flicked a finger, and a miniature tornado whipped around him, sending him flying face-first into a wall with an embarrassing squeal. The crowd fell into shocked silence. Lydia gaped, that familiar note of awe sneaking into her voice.Word of my 'explosive' power traveled fast. That evening was a tangled mess of invitations from snooty, power-hungry nobles, a sulking Lydia dragging me off to celebrate 'our Ard's amazing victory', and my growing sense of… amusement. This reincarnation wasn't such a bust after all. Sure, I was no Demon Lord here, but over-the-top power, jealous girls, and the promise of adventure?