An Owl's Rise - Chapter 449 - Setting a Trap

Michael Alastair never mattered. In a world where strength was everything, he was nothing—just another powerless kid, easy to break and easier to forget. When his tormentors finally took things too far, his story should have ended in that alley, bleeding and alone.But fate had other plans.In the void between life and death, a voice spoke. Cold. Sharp. Amused. [NEW TALENT UNLOCKED: WRITER’S LEGACY]. A system unlike any other—sarcastic, relentless, and strangely invested—offered Michael a power beyond reason and a purpose he never imagined. Now, armed with an SSS-rank ability and a mission to rise, he’s back. And this time, he won’t just survive—he’ll rewrite the rules.

“The ocean took everything from him—his memories, his past, even his name. When Eddy opens his eyes, he's met with unfamiliar faces and a world that no longer feels like his own. Rescued by Mr. Dand, a kind stranger, Eddy finds refuge in his home. As he navigates this new life, he develops feelings for Artur, Mr. Dand's son. But the past never stays buried. As Eddy's memories begin to resurface, he must confront the truth about his identity and the life he left behind. Will he still want that life back, or will his heart remain with Artur?”

In a world that is aware of other worlds and systems, a reality show was created to have participants receive a system and face challenges. All for the entertainment of the world's that cam view it.All participants have no idea about other worlds actually existing, let alone something like this going on.Elmo is a young man who had been shopping when he was chosen to take part in this challenge. Part of him is intrigued by the idea of the challenges, but most of him would rather just go home. If only that was an option.The following are the main challenges in order in the story:Challenge #1: defeating the starting dungeonChallenge #2: prevent the assassination of the kingChallenge #3: defeat the fire dragonChallenge #4: locate and capture a firebirdChallenge #5:There will be no graphic descriptions of any mature content. When such material will appear, it will either be lime or just glossed over.I'm writing this as I go along. If you have any suggestions or thoughts I'd be happy to hear them.Also, starting at chapter 406, all subsequent chapters will be updated every other day, due to stresses in my life in rl. I hope at some point I'll be able to start updating every day again on this book, but right now I'm not going to be able to do so. I ? sorry for anyone who is unhappy with this.

Crimson Vale Academy—where reputation is currency, and failure is a stain you wear on your sleeve.Behind gothic walls and spotless uniforms, students aren't just educated—they're measured, ranked, and pitted against each other in a brutal meritocracy. Privileges are earned, not given. The strong rise. The weak vanish.Enter Kairon Vale, a transfer student marked Rank D—the bottom of the bottom. No badge. Just a stitched black fang, branding him as “Obsidian”—a warning to others.In a system where points dictate your value, Obsidian-ranked students claw for every opportunity to ascend into the prestigious Golden or Platinum ranks—where comfort, power, and influence await. But for most, it’s a losing battle.Yet Kairon isn’t here to fit in, impress, or play by their rules. Cold, calculating, and impossible to read, he watches the system… and waits. Because while the academy judges worth by numbers and names—he understands something deeper:Everyone wears a mask. And every mask can be cracked.Let the games begin.