The Successor System

In a magical world

He clearly remembered the words written on the screen back then:

[Searching for suitable host]

By no means was this body suitable; no, it was more like suicide.

“System! What is the meaning of this? Why didn’t you tell me this is a magical world?” All his plans had just been blown away. There was no way that money was the most important thing here.

‘You were the one who assumed that, silly.’

He heard a voice, causing him to look around the room, alarmed. He recognized the voice—it was the same soothing voice that had spoken to him when the system first appeared, undoubtedly belonging to a female.

“Who’s there? Who are you?” He couldn’t see anyone. If he told anyone about this in his former world, they’d just shake their heads and direct him to a psychiatric hospital.

‘Unfortunately for you, you can’t see me because I’m speaking directly into your mind. In a way, I’m within it.’

“Huh? Within my mind? How?” He wasn’t comfortable with this, and it would be worse if she could read what he was thinking.

‘Don’t worry, I can’t.’

“H…How did you know?”

‘……………’

“This little……….”

‘Well, that’s not important. You really need to know the basics of this world. Hence………’

[Does host choose to learn about himself using system info along with the memories of this body?]

[Yes] [No]

“Hey, AI, it’d be better if I do it, right?” he said with a raised eyebrow, staring at the words displayed on the screen.

‘What did you just call me?’

Art felt a chill run down his spine as cold sweat formed on his face, sensing the killing intent in her calm voice.

In his previous life, he almost died many times—and even died—but he had never experienced anything like this.

“I…I’m sorry. I’m new, so please go easy on me,” he stammered nervously, wondering if he was going to die again.

‘Fine,’ her voice returned to normal, somewhat lazy and bored.

“So, may I know your name?” he asked but got a heartbreaking response.

‘You haven’t earned the right to.’

“Then I’ll just call you my guide.” He shrugged, and since she didn’t seem to oppose it, he focused back on the thing in front of him.

He chose "Yes."

[WARNING: All information will be downloaded directly into the host’s mind. Do you choose to proceed?]

[Yes] [No]

He selected "Yes," wondering why the system warned him—and soon found out.

“Arghhhhhhhh!!!” he screamed in pain, grabbing his head and falling to the ground.

This was the greatest pain he had ever felt. It was as though his brain was being stabbed by a hundred needles as new memories and information flooded in. This went on for a full minute before stopping.

He still felt a lingering headache, but now he was much more enlightened.

Just as he suspected, this world was truly one of magic, mystical creatures, and paranormal phenomena.

This world was called Ghia, and he was in the kingdom of Hurin, one of the four kingdoms that made up the continent Silah.

Hurin was the kingdom of humans and had two powerhouses, both politically and magically: the Royal Family and the Ten Great Families.

The term "family" referred to those with abilities unique to their bloodline, though there were other families besides the Great Ten.

It turned out he belonged to one of these families, the Silvers—one of the Great Ten—making his name Art Silver.

The Silvers excelled by a large margin in physical capabilities and weapon handling.

They didn’t need to be taught how to use weapons; it was already ingrained in their nature.

The moment they came in contact with a weapon suitable for their body, they could wield it at a professional level without training. Their physical performance—speed, strength, endurance, and durability—was several times higher than others.

But with this great gift came significant downsides.

The magic capabilities of the Silvers were low, with some members below the average mage. They couldn’t use magic attributes like fire, wind, or others.

So, magic-wise, they were undoubtedly the weakest among the Ten Great Families. Even so, no one dared to underestimate them.

This wasn’t just because of their excellent weapon handling but also due to their innovative ways of using mana, which often shocked everyone.

One of these innovations was the blue light covering the body, called "Mana Skin," first created by the Silvers. Although others had begun mastering this art, it remained a Silver hallmark.

The former owner of this body was born with magical capabilities surpassing any Silver ever recorded, rivaling those of other families.

His parents kept this a secret, informing only a few people for his safety, and had high expectations for him.

But, as with most Silvers, a big disappointment followed.

His body wasn’t strong enough to contain such immense magic.

Various methods were used to boost his vitality, but they only prolonged his life as his overwhelming mana began eating away at his body.

The former owner of this body knew all this and fell into solitude, completely depressed, while watching others train. His condition seemed to worsen.

Whenever he tried to train, he fainted or sustained severe injuries.

Once, he even dislocated his elbow just by swinging a sword.

His father eventually banned him from training altogether.

It was so pathetic—a Silver who couldn’t wield a weapon. The scorn he received was relentless.

Just yesterday, he left the mansion without anyone’s knowledge and confronted three beasts to save a girl he had just met. He had no choice but to use magic, leaving a giant crater in the ground.

A team was sent to retrieve him after he fell unconscious, and that was where his memories ended.

He guessed he had died from exhaustion after using such a powerful spell.

“This is so sad,” Art said emotionally, moved by the memories.

‘I agree with you on this one. Well, you’re him now, so you’d better work hard if you don’t want to end up like him. By the way, your death was just as pathetic.’

“Hahaha! You even started making wedding cards!”

Art’s eyebrow twitched as he gritted his teeth in annoyance, wondering how much of him she really knew. Even his ex-fiancé didn’t know about the wedding cards.

He felt it was unfair for her to use this against him, but it didn’t change the fact that she was right.

He wanted to vent his anger on someone, but for that, he’d need a good body first.

“But won’t this sickness also affect me?” he frowned.

‘Yes, but the system can easily stop this.’

“Really?” he said, his eyes lighting up.

‘You haven’t checked your status?’

“Oh!” he exclaimed, realizing this. He was about to open his status when her voice interrupted.

‘Looks like we have company.’

“Huh?”

The door to his room suddenly flung open.