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The original was posted on /r/hfy by /u/No_Marzipan_1230 on 2024-07-02 17:58:17+00:00.

Synopsis:

An engineer from Earth blends science and magic to achieve greatness in another world where skills and levels reign supreme.

Ethan was just a plain old engineer, but everything changed when he was reborn into a world of skills, levels, and magic. With his advanced knowledge far ahead of the time period he finds himself in, this new reincarnated life will be much different than his last, especially because he can construct, deconstruct, and reconstruct runes—something no one else can do.

But with royal politics, looming tax collectors, a mountain of debt, dungeon incursions, cults, and hostile fantasy races mixing together into a cocktail of bullshit that threatens to bury his dreams; Ethan must bridge the gap between steel and sorcery to grow stronger.

—

What to Expect:

- Weak to very strong progression with a Sword & Magic MC that kicks a whole lotta ass.

- Fast pacing. A balance of action galore, politics, kingdom building, and slow-burn runecrafting.

- Fun, satisfying moments. An extra shot of happiness when reading. Hardcore wish fulfillment. Hyper competent MC.

- MC will trigger an industrial revolution, abolish slavery, revolutionize magic, modernize agriculture, communication, commerce, textile production, education, transportation, sanitation, weapons manufacturing, leisure & entertainment, and medicine.

- Dark truths of a medieval-esque society going under change.

Join my Discord Server to have chat, bother me, ask me questions, or just genuine fun really - https://discord.gg/d57v5upvcx

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Chapter 20

Ethan sat on the chair opposite his sister inside his manor. He’d been shocked to find Juliana waiting inside when he’d returned from Artos’s forge. While a part of him was always happy to see Juliana, part him was skeptical and suspicious—and the latter part far outweighed the former. For what purpose was she here? Had their father, the king, finally lost his patience with Theo? It was a possibility. One he was not looking forward to affirming. It would be best if she’s just here to do some kind of a routine checkup on me. It was highly unusual for her to visit him—him of all people.

“Theodore,” said his sister, Juliana Lockheart, her voice laced with a weariness, her visage stern. Her brow was furrowed, her arms crossed, and her lips were tightly pressed. “Father received word that you’ve been up to something. I come here to make sure you’re not going to cause a ruckus.”

Ethan shrugged, “I’ve been—” He stopped himself. Juliana wasn’t here for compliments on his newfound work ethic. “Yes, I’ve been busy,” he amended with a forced lightness. Ethan had no clue how to deal with Juliana. She was his sister—no, not his, technically, but Theodore’s. The man was hated enough as is, and Ethan knew his relationship with his siblings were strained at best. Juliana would be the only one that cared aside from the eldest, Maximillian—or so Ethan assumed from Theo’s memories.

Regardless, he had no intentions of antagonizing the girl. She looked fierce, and the memories he had of her only cemented his decision.

“Not the answer I was looking for,” said Juliana, her arms unfolded, a glint coming to her eyes. She leaned forward. “There was a report that you bothered some women again. Bar fights. Getting wasted. Wasting away all the money. Making people that are your responsibility suffer. Not being accountable. Among other things. What do you have to say about it?”

Ethan winced. “Alright, alright, I get it,” he mumbled, shamefaced. “I hadn’t been the most responsible in the past, I’m sorry. The way I’d acted is inexcusable, and it’s driving me up the wall. Regardless, it would not happen again.”

“No, it will,” Juliana said bluntly. “You’ve broken a lot of promises Theo… Regardless, the reason as to why Father sent me out here is simple. He wants me to see what’s gotten into your head.”

“Okay, stop. I do not like this. Let me make something clear. There’s a reason I say it wouldn’t happened again.”

Juliana raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on her face. “Do enlighten me, Theodore.”

“I gained access to the system and a class. It’s the first reason for my change, it was almost like an epiphany. A wake-up call. To change. It’s made me see.”

Juliana tilted her head. Her face scrunched, her nose crinkled, and she examined him carefully. Something clicked and a glint passed through her eyes. “Are you lying again?”

Ethan stared right into her eyes. “No. I have no reason to lie. Let’s just say, I’ve awakened.”

“Awakened?” She asked, still not believing him. “To what? Laziness?”

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. “No, no, not laziness. I’ve Awakened.”

Juliana’s eyes narrowed. “Wait, do you really mean it…”

“Yes,” Ethan confirmed with a nod. “I finally understand. I see things for what they truly are.”

Juliana stared at him, disbelief etched on her features. “You mean… You’re not lying about the system? You’ve truly awakened a class?”

Ethan’s grin widened. “Bingo. And let me tell you, it’s been an eye-opener.”

“Theo,” Juliana said, her voice flat, “This isn’t some game. Systems are serious business. They change people.”

“They do,” Ethan agreed seriously. “They can make you a better person. Or worse. I believe I’m former than the latter.”

Awakening a system and a class could lead to changes within yourself. In a lot of ways. Good and bad. It could be the first step toward growth or degeneration. This wasn’t something to take lightly. Not to say the system had changed Ethan, given that he was just using that as an excuse to explain his current mindset and behavior. After all, he was very much the same.

However, in this world, awakenings were life-changing for sure. The evidence was in how Juliana regarded him. It was different—her face, it lacked its typical harshness, and instead replaced with something akin to empathy. Then, hopeful. She appeared hopeful that he, indeed, had changed for the better. It would be best for her to believe so, after all, she would report it to their father and it would reach their mother and siblings. Ethan would appreciate if he could start getting support from his father regarding his innovative endeavors. “What kind of class did you get?”

“[Mage].”

Her lips curved into a smile, one Ethan would not think her to possess, one that he had not seen since they were children. Well, he hadn’t met her before, obviously. But Ethan still possessed Theodore’s memories. The memories were just there. There was no emotional significance attached to them. They were like dusty film reels in a forgotten archive. He could see the images flicker but he felt nothing. No pride, no relief, no joy, sadness, anger, nothing. Aside from some lingering feelings regarding a few people. One of whom was Hector, thus why it’d felt damn satisfying when he’d put the man in his place.

Regardless, the memories were like watching someone else’s life play out.

It’s dissociation of some kind. Maybe not. But definitely something similar. It was a psychological term he’d vaguely encountered before, something to do with trauma. Maybe that was it. Maybe whatever caused this transmigration affected him so bad, his brain just… shut down. It locked away the feelings associated with Theodore’s memories.

Noticing that he’d been staring at her, Juliana crossed her arms again, masking her emotions behind a critical gaze. “Prove it,” she said finally. “Show me you’ve actually changed.”

“The way I’ve behaved recently should be enough proof. You could even ask Roland. Which I’m sure you were already going to do. Did father say to get me out of here? I wouldn’t be shocked if he did.

Juliana blinked. “He did not. Why would you think that?”

“My recent behavior doesn’t seem like something a Lockheart would approve of.”

“He’s concerned for your well-being, Theodore.”

“Hmm. I see,” said Ethan noncommittedly. He scratched the back of his head and looked to the side. “Regardless, let me show you.” Ethan raised his hand and used [Elemental Spells]—more specifically, he used the rune of fire and willed a fireball into existence. He did so again with air, then he manipulated water from his pouch. Stopping, he eyed Juliana.

Her eyes glazed over, unfocused and distant.

“That… That can’t be, can it? You really aren’t lying!”

“Yeah, well,” Ethan shrugged tiredly. “Believe me now, will you?” He sighed.

Juliana’s hands dropped to her side, her stern features lost, and in place, a shocked expression took root. “Okay,” she managed out finally. “I will… try to keep an open mind. For now. As far as the rumors about you are concerned. They will continue for the foreseeable future until either your actions change them. Or you prove them right.”

“I had no intentions to do such a thing,” Ethan replied. “Regardless, what’s with the sudden visit? I doubt you missed me.”

Juliana snorted. “In your dreams.” Then her expression turned more serious and she added, “Father gave me a mission.”

“Oh?”

“I’m heading farther north.”

“North? Is it another barbarian skirmish? Didn’t we have treaties with …

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