Time: 11:35 AM

Location: Braveheart Mansion, The OCTAGON

Kalkin's POV:

Yesterday, was pretty hectic!

I learned that I will be joining the Student Council and received my stat scores from the Academy. Well, let's just say the Principal's words, really made sense to me after I saw my report.

I was right, this Railan dude is just the worst possible character in every sense.

Ya, so after my "meeting" with the Principal, I went to my "physical training" class, however, yesterday being the first day of classes, Professor Simon Laplace, the Physical training professor, let us go with just a simulation of a mock battle and basic knowledge, which I already knew.

Then upon returning to my room, I received this stat score, that's when I decided it was too much for me to handle at once and I need a day off. That's when I called Farkas through Aria and asked him to bring the carriage and take me back to my mansion.

So, that's how I am back in my room.

{Yesterday, The moment Railan's carriage reaches back to his mansion, all his staff comes to greet him and congratulates him on his selection as a Trainee Student Council member.}

Today, I told Farkas and Cerci, that I don't want anyone to enter my room unless I ask for it, and if I'll need anything I'll ask it through Aria, when I had my breakfast this morning.

Even, Aria isn't allowed to enter my room, unless I ask for it.

I needed this day, to plan ahead, as everything seemed to be going out of hand, the moment I came into this world.

There are lots of questions, with no possible answers.

1. The most essential question: Why do I see those messages?

2. And probably an equally important question: Why the hell, this guy(Railan) is so weak? I looked at the stat report and I just couldn't believe my eyes. I am literally, at the bottom and my stats are not even average, they are the minimum, just the passing grades. Well, I think there might be something wrong with the test scores or that the report was faked or whatever, but there's also a good chance that it's true. Well, it's, not like my case is totally useless, however, what's confusing me is the fact that according to Cerci, I already had my crest manifestation(I still don't know where is the crest on my body) so these stats are the ones I achieved after my enlightenment. That means that in the span of these seven years, I only managed to reach the minimum required quota to gain entry to the academy.

3. And another equally important question: How did I get into this body?

4. Another thing, I need to find out more about my mother!

5. And finally, why is this world not proceeding according to the story, I know about? I mean the characters are the same, is my presence such a great anomaly in this world, that it has derailed from the original story? To be honest, I became a part of this world just two days back, so technically I haven't seen much of the world to say that "it has changed" but the message I received that said I changed the fate of Jim Berns, really got me. Ya, I hoped he didn't suffer that insignificant end, but getting a detention totally "changed his fate", that's what amazed me.

As if that was not enough, The main character never showed up during that time, that was such a significant moment so early on in the web novel that I adored, that it was one of the highly read chapters of the novel and yet, that whole scene didn't even happened. And the only difference was my presence, so Ya, I believe that my existence is causing some anomaly, somewhere and that's what I fear, that maybe this might not be the world I imagined and read about, or maybe, I will affect this world and the characters, like the Butterfly effect!

And I can already see the effects, there was nothing like Student Council Trainee, in the original web novel. I have some idea as to who will be chosen as other trainees but that doesn't change the fact that this all is happening cause of me!

To be honest, this whole other world thing is getting kind of overwhelming, just 2 days in, and starting tomorrow, I will already be at the center of the entire octagon. I have been, during my days of student life, somewhat of a teacher's pet and you know "center of attraction" for the college, so I know, I know, this will be bad, not just bad but BAD. Even at 30 years of age, I still feel the cringe about my old self, sometimes. And that is exactly why, I was drawn to the world of fiction, where instead of being the guy who submits to the power around him, he would be the leader, the hero of the story, and the charismatic person, I could never become! ( during my college life,.......... who am I kidding, I was never that top of the ladder guy, there is a difference between being "successful", and being successful and fulfilled, I was sadly, the former)

"I am always stuck with this question, should I or should I not participate in this world, no, I think the real question is, should I or should I not take this leap of faith and jump right into it, what am I scared of, not being able to commit, or maybe the fact that I commit too much and then I will have to leave this world one day and go back to my boring life. Perhaps, even not that, maybe the real question is, what if all this is actually something larger than myself and I am not that guy, what if I am just an imposter, trying to act like someone important and when people will actually need that person, I might deceit them and hurt them, to save myself?"

I could clearly feel Railan's emotions in me, he is feeling the same way, he also feels like an imposter who cannot stand in front like his father, a mere figurehead to the world who views him as Sir Simon's son, maybe, that's why I am in his body, as we both feel like imposters and unworthy of everything around us.

Ya, I know, I made a plan to observe this world from the sides, but how am I gonna do that, when I am being pushed by some unknown force to be at the center?

Principal Frostguard's words are making a lot more sense to me. Should I just submit and accept everything as it comes?

Just as I was contemplating, I could hear some rumbles outside my room and I slowly but stealthily went near my door and opened it, and there he was, my one and only butler, Farkas,

"Oh, hmm, hmm, Hi, Master Railan, I was just here, to ask you about your tea?, will you have it now? it's around twelve," he said nervously.

"Oh, Farkas, I know you were outside my room the entire time, I know you, I don't want any tea, I am just gonna go for a walk outside! and I don't want anyone following!"

"But Master, we can't----"

"No, that's an order, not even you Aria, and Cerci, I know you guys camouflaged, Aria, you know, we are linked, I can clearly see you, just undo that spell"

"But Master, please understand, we cannot disobey the last orders of Sir and Mam Braveheart"

"I don't care, don't you dare disobey, my orders," I said to them in a stern voice, as I left my mansion in deep thought.

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{Sometime later ....}

{Kalkin walked on, his pace steady, deep in thought. The distance between him and his mansion and the Octagon Academy grew with each passing step. He had ventured far beyond the bustling outskirts, where the daily routines of the townsfolk continued uninterrupted. They recognized him as Sir Simon's son but kept their distance, wary of the curse rumored to haunt him. His noble residence, a symbol of his family's prominence, nestled somewhere between the Academy and the Avaloria Kingdom within the Octagon's borders. It stood alone in the northern reaches of the Academy, bridging the gap between the Academy and the Avaloria Kingdom. He had no particular destination in his mind, he just kept on walking, lost in his thoughts, unaware of the curious gazes of the surrounding lives.}

I just don't understand, Principal Adolas's words just keep on ringing in my head. I know what I have to do, my priority is to survive in this world, and maybe if possible go back to my world, though it seems a little distant idea to me, if I think about it. Is this the will of divine knowledge? Does it really want me to participate in this world's story? If I think of it this way, it feels like I am an almighty character debating whether to influence the world, but in reality, I am just a nobody in someone's body. Is this what Principal Adolas was talking about? The options that the divine knowledge gave me? Is this the point where the paths diverge based on my choice here?

Ya, if anybody heard me, they would probably think of me as some sage, debating over life or a lunatic and crazy 17-year-old.

I have always been this type of guy. In front of the world, I act like a confident, "know-it-all" type of person, but when I am alone, that's when my insecurities strike me hard. That's when I realize, I am not the guy, I project in front of others. And that's why I think I am an imposter, trying to imitate someone who is different and far better than me. Someone who is not just a better version but someone I can never hope to become.

While I was lost in my thoughts, I could hear some noise coming from an opposite direction towards me, the sounds were increasing fast. Then suddenly, I could hear a carriage(?) stopping and someone hit on my head(?), someone literally just hit my head and shouted "You idiot, where are you going, can't you lift your head up and walk," that's when I looked up, holding my head where that person hit me, only to see a familiar face. I didn't understand, what's this person doing here. That's when I started to look around and realized I was far away from my mansion, and close to the "whispering forests" that lie on the border of the Avaloria and the Octagon.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"What are you doing here?" asked the person in front of me.

"I was just taking a walk, Senior Jim" I bowed my head as I gave him my answer.

"You are always, just walking, and getting lost aren't you, what was your name again? Oh Ya, Railan"

"It appears so, that while I was lost in my thoughts, I wandered a little far from my home, Senior Jim, I am humbled that you remember me" I didn't want to say that, but it hasn't even been a week and this guy is acting like he doesn't even knows the guy, who changed his fate and life blah blah..... well, on his behalf, he probably doesn't even know his future, so maybe I acted a little rash, but I don't care, right now.

"Ya, how could I forget this fast tongue of yours, I just didn't expect the son of THE GREAT ADVENTURER, SIMON, to be out here alone without his entourage taking care of him" he snapped back at me.

"I am sorry, Senior, I am actually a little busy, so I will take my leave first, thank you anyway for stopping me from going into the whispering forest, I'll just walk back, it was wonderful meeting you here" I bowed and turned around and started walking away.

"Hey, you, Railan, just stop for a minute will you?" shouted back Jim.

I turned around to face him. he walked up to me and said, "Hey, Listen, Railan Braveheart, I actually, umm, you know, that, ahh!," he took a deep breath and said, "I actually wanted to apologize to you

for that incident, you know, to be completely honest with you, it was my fault and as your senior, I should have handled it differently and maturely. So, I just want to apologize to you."

"I have already received your letter of apology from the Student Council, Senior, you don't need to do that again, I have already forgiven and forgotten that incident," I said to him, not gonna lie, I suddenly had a little respect for him, now.

"Ya, I know that I only wrote and submitted them, but I also wanted to apologize face-to-face, since I ruined your first day, and acted in a manner, unbecoming of a student of the Academy, I must apologize to you, in person" he continued, "my mother also wanted to apologize to you, she'll always be in debt of Sir Simon, and I just wanted to say that, as someone who always looked up to Sir Simon, I acted in such an unrespectful manner towards his son, I just don't know what happened to me during that time, I was too full of myself, while it's no excuse, I offer my deepest apology to you, and to make up for it, I'll protect you till my last year of college. You can think of me, as your elder brother and come up to me for any advice or help from assignments to physical training. While in no way I am a top student but my grades are good and in terms of physical strength, I am pretty strong." he finished speaking. I know, he was under the influence of the antagonist's mind manipulation.

Even that antagonist is still lurking around and I am pretty sure, he has his eyes on me, that shape-shifting sly b**tard, he doesn't like his plans being foiled. He observed Siddhanth after that incident, so I am sure, I am no different. Just great, I now have another issue to worry about. Just great going Kalkin, you and your plans, now I have another thing to figure out and find a way to protect myself.

Maintaining my facial expression, I could only think of one thing, ya, and this way, I'll attract even more attention and become enemy no. 1 of the entire Academy. Keeping myself calm, I said, "Thank you for those kind words, Senior Jim, your words, speak more to me than anything, and I am delighted to hear them from you, however, I don't want to be a burden on you so I'll politely decline." I finished speaking.

"I get it, you are afraid I am not strong enough, don't worry, when I say I am pretty strong, I am pretty strong, so you don't have to worry, now come on, there is no point in waiting here, I'll drop you off in my carriage, to your Mansion, starting tomorrow, Senior Jim Berns will be at your service, Master Railan Braveheart," he said while laughing out loud.

Is this guy, for real, I specifically told him, and a proper no, yet he doesn't understand, "Senior Jim Berns, I think I wasn't able to properly express myself, I don't want you to be protecting me in the Academy."

"I know, I know, you are now a student council trainee, so you think you can manage things now, but junior, that is no easy task and you will need help and I want to help you, why are you rejecting my offer?" he asked a little annoyed now, as we both sat in his carriage and it started moving.

It's because you are suspended, you idiot, you cannot protect me when you are not there yourself, and Miss President who is keeping an eye on me, will definitely kill me if she saw me keeping a "bodyguard" with me in the Academy premises and that too, someone who is a constant reminder to her of that day. I can clearly hear her evil laugh, wait no, that's her father, no that's her only. StarBornes are very particular in exacting revenge, I have read about it. A shiver ran down my spine as I thought about it.

One more thing, "Senior Jim, how do you know about my Trainee situation, you are currently on suspension?" I was suddenly curious.

"Oh, first of all, you don't need to call me Senior, just Jim is fine, my mother Margaret Berns, is actually a staff member, that works for the Department of Student Activities, and as such she keeps track of any and all student-related announcements, their record and achievements, etc. Just between you and me, she was mad, as she was the one who processed my suspension and was furious with me for my behavior, that's when I came to know how much Sir Simon supported our family, Sir Simon was a classmate and a friend who helped my father many times, so she was furious when she learned about all this." he finished speaking.

Oh, I didn't know anything like that, it was never mentioned, neither in the web novel nor shown in anime. Sir Simon was truly a great man. I felt calm as I said this, even happy to be honest.

Still, this cannot happen, I can't allow Jim to be my bodyguard!

Now, let's see, there is only one way to go about it, "Senior Jim, I deeply appreciate your kind gesture, I completely understand your point of view, if I was in your place, I would have also done the same thing, but as you are aware, as the son of the great adventure, Sir Simon Braveheart, I cannot allow myself, to receive any special privileges and that too, from someone who looks up to my father, someday, I hope to stand on an equal footing as my father and maybe surpass him, so I cannot allow you to do that, I took a vow when I entered the academy that I will no longer remain my old-self but become worthy of the Braveheart name, so with deep regret, I cannot allow you to do that! However, as I understand your view, I am open to making a contract that you will help me if and only when I need it without any questioning and I shall do the same for you!"

I said that to him and stared into his eyes.

He thought about it for some time and then said, "I understand your concerns but I have a condition," he paused,

"say, it's Senior Jim", I told him, a little concerned as to what he will ask!

"You will from now on, refer to me as Jim and not Senior Jim," and he finished speaking and let out a laugh.

I just smiled and said, "As you say, Jim," he smiled at me back, "Let's form a contract now"

He then stretched out his hand and I did the same as we formed the pact and said, "I, Jim Berns, will form a contract with Master Railan, wherein, I'll help him wholeheartedly, if and when he needs it without questioning, "

"I, Railan Braveheart, shall also do the same, and assist Jim, wholeheartedly, if and when he needs it without questioning,"

As we did this a golden light emanated from our hands, and slowly died down signifying that the contract is now completed.

Now, Railan, now that we have formed the contract, mind telling me, what were you doing walking so deep in thought without knowing your surroundings?

"Ahh, " I let out a little laugh out of nervousness. " nothing Jim, I was a little overwhelmed by everything happening so suddenly",

"Ahh, I get it, I get it, you are feeling that you are not good enough, that you will never be able to fill up the shoes of your father, feel as if you are unworthy right?"

I could not believe it, I didn't know Jim had such an observant personality, My respect for him, suddenly went on not just one but many levels up!

"how, how did you know?"

"Ahh, we all are aware of your past, Railan, it's still the talk of the whole world, I don't know why I didn't remember it during our first encounter, but I know, my mother could sympathize with your situation and so did my father, when he first learned of the news about the death of Sir Simon, my father just couldn't believe it, he owed so much to Sir Simon, and yet he couldn't repay him back. Two years, back when he died of that grief of not being to repay his debt to him, he made me promise that I would do that in his stead. My father was one of the few people, who never viewed you as a cursed existence, " he then continued, "My father was in no way near to Sir Simon's greatness, but I know, the moment he passed away, as the elder child, I had to step up, but it was just so overwhelming for me too, I was a first-year student, clueless, and I just couldn't understand, how to manage all that, I had people around me, who helped me, no doubt, but I could see the gap between my father and myself, so I can understand, how you feel Railan, you have a far bigger gap to fill, than me, but hey, don't worry, you have someone you can always count on! definitely apart from your people in your mansion."

I didn't know what to say, I had no idea, that this was actually the Jim Berns, that died in the original storyline. Ya, I knew about his backstory, but in the novel, it was just told that his father was one of the clergymen of the Avaloria, working directly under the king of Avaloria and that he died one day due to a heart attack, I never thought there could also be such a meaning behind this. I was just speechless.

"Hey, don't be so silent, I'll tell you something that your father, Sir Simon, once told my father, James Berns, that totally inspired my father, "Why should the specter of the unknown future stir fear within my heart, when I, in this very moment, forge a weapon of unparalleled might? I am the blacksmith of my own destiny, tirelessly hammering and honing the sharpest blade imaginable: myself!"

As he said those words, I could feel Railan within me, getting motivated, even, I was inspired by those words.

"Someone, like Sir Simon, can only say those words and stir people's hearts, but the very first thought that came to mind was I can never be that guy?" said Jim, as if he read my mind.

He continued, "And then I asked my father: but Dad can I ever become like Sir Simon, he is so great. I can never do that"

This was my father's reply: "Child, every day when I wake up, I say this line, not because, I want to become like Sir Simon, there can never be one, but we are the blacksmiths forging and sharpening our own swords, to face the specter of our own future, each day, little by little we improve it, we may break it, but we start again, again and again, until we can feel ourselves in that sword. See, what Sir Simon, meant was, no one is great the moment they are born, great talent is wasted if you don't practice, what's important is to keep on practicing and believing in the present you, then someday, you will become the best version of you and will stand proudly facing your fears with the utmost confidence in yourself." He then looked at me, as if he knew that this was the very answer I was looking for!

I would have never expected an 18-year-old to help me out in such a situation. I mean I should thank Jim's father, James, for actually bringing me out of my hubris, suddenly Jim became a lot cooler in my eyes. And his father Mr. James, my father may have inspired him, but this person was also not an ordinary man, he imparted great wisdom to his child. I always had the answer within me, but I just wasn't able to articulate it to myself as Mr. James did to his son.

It is thanks to him, that I had a profound realization. It no longer matters who I was in the past or if I felt like an imposter. I am both Kalkin and Railan, and I embrace that truth wholeheartedly. The insecurities that plagued me were remnants of my former self, and from this moment onward, I pledge to leave them behind.

I proudly proclaim my identity as Railan Braveheart, the son of Sir Simon and Madam Amelia Braveheart. This declaration signifies the beginning of my own story, one where I actively work in the present to improve myself. It's not about grand achievements; it's about becoming the best version of who I am.

I carry the knowledge and experiences of my time as Kalkin, and they will guide me as Railan to reach my full potential. I don't need to strive for greatness; I simply need to strive to be the best that I can be.

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To be continued