Kai slouched in his cubicle, frowning at the screen of his computer which somehow seemed like it was glaring and mocking his existence with its endless spreadsheets and reports.
Maybe it was his sleep deprivation at work here but it felt like the whole world–even the inanimate things–were out to get him.
The fluorescent lights above buzzed like a swarm of bees, the sound getting into his head.
To add to his stress, the construction site just across the street had been his constant torment for weeks.
The sound of the jackhammers, drills, and the clanging of metal at all hours of the day and night were just too much for him.
And as it was this same company that owned the new building, they were unwilling to do anything about the noise.
At this point, his sleep deprivation was taking its toll, leaving him irritable and barely functional.
"I swear, if I could just escape this–" His words were cut short as a deafening crash shook the building.
He barely had time to process what was happening.
The sound of twisting metal and panicked screams filled the air as the floor beneath him trembled violently.
"What the..?" He swore, looked out the window and froze.
A massive tower crane, one of the few that stood over the construction site, was toppling toward his office building.
BOOM.
The last thing Kai saw was the crane smashing through the floor above before darkness consumed him as the world collapsed.
Finally… no more noise. No more deadlines.
*****
Kai woke up with a gasp, his lungs burning as if he'd been holding his breath for hours. He shot upright, clutching his chest, only to realize that… he wasn't in his cubicle.
The familiar sounds of office chaos were gone, replaced by soft birdsong and the distant murmur of conversation. A breeze carried the scent of fresh grass and flowers, oddly soothing.
He looked around. He was lying on a large bed, surrounded by luxurious silken sheets. The room was grand, with high ceilings decorated with beautiful carvings of mythical beasts, and sunlight streamed through stained-glass windows that depicted epic battles.
"What the… where am I?" He muttered, his voice cracking. "Am I dead?"
As if in answer, a sharp pain stabbed through his skull.
Memories–not his own–flooded his mind like a tidal wave. Faces, places, names. His own face, but different.
A younger, more handsome version of himself, with sharp features and confident eyes. The name Kai Velroth echoed in his head.
He clutched his head in pain as the realization hit him like the crane had just moments ago.
He had transmigrated.
Somehow, he had died and awakened in the body of Kai Velroth, a young nobleman in a magical world. More specifically, a new student at Mythreach Academy, the most prestigious institution for mages and warriors.
His heart began hammering in excitement as he sifted through the memories.
The original Kai had been born into wealth and privilege, a fact he seemed to take for granted. He was cocky, ambitious, and skilled. Skilled enough to get into Mythreach. But there were also memories of arrogance, of rivals he had bested and others who despised him for it.
Kai swung his legs over the side of the bed, feeling his body for the first time. He flexed his fingers, marveling at the strength and dexterity in them. This wasn't his frail, sleep-deprived body. He felt… powerful. Alive.
"Okay." He muttered, trying to ground himself. "Let's take stock. I'm not dead–or I am, but now I'm not me. I'm some young, rich, magical guy. Huh."
He paced the room, trying to come to terms with his new situation. There was a full-length mirror by the wall, and he approached it cautiously, almost afraid to confirm what he already knew.
The face staring back at him was achingly familiar, yet completely… different.
Sharp cheekbones, piercing green eyes, and hair so dark it seemed to absorb the light. This wasn't just some random person. This version of Kai looked like he had walked out of a fantasy novel's cover art.
The kind of handsome that was beautiful at the same time. The kind that can never exist on earth.
"Alright, new body." He said, smirking at his reflection. "Could've been worse. I could've ended up as a goblin or something."
Another wave of memories hit him, this time more specific. Mythreach Academy. Classes in magic and combat. Social hierarchies dictated by noble blood and raw talent. And something else–a tingle in his chest, like a dormant flame yearning to ignite.
Kai focused on the sensation, closing his eyes. He could feel it now, his connection to the elements.
Fire, water, earth, and air.
They responded to him as naturally as breathing. The memories confirmed it. He had a rare affinity for all four elements, a gift so uncommon that it placed him among the most elite mages in the kingdom.
A handful of people possessed such an affinity, and every one of them had left their mark on history.
A laugh escaped his lips, half incredulous, half exhilarated. "No cheat system, but this? Yeah, I'll take it."
Kai began pacing again, his mind working. He had memories of how brutal Mythreach could be.
Duels between students were common, and survival often depended on skill, strategy, and raw power. With his elemental affinity, though? He wouldn't just survive. He'd thrive.
But what did he want to do with this second chance? The old Kai, the one buried under spreadsheets and overtime, had dreamed of escape, of freedom.
This new life was an opportunity to leave behind the grind, the stress, the endless chasing of approval. Why not enjoy it?
He stretched, grinning. "Alright, first order of business, no overworking myself. Second, figure out how to use these fancy new powers. And third…" He looked at his reflection again, his grin widened into something more… spicy. "Maybe make a few friends–very close friends–while I'm at it."
That was when the door to his room creaked open, and a maid entered, bowing respectfully. "Young master Kai, the headmaster has summoned you to orientation. Shall I prepare your attire?"