Cheater's Prosper 3 (Patreon)

“Fascinating,” Daniel muttered as he stood before the grand gates of Everglade Academy, the imposing iron wrought into swirling patterns of magic and ancient symbols. It was beautiful yet overwhelming.

At a glimpse, he could understand why everyone was obsessed with the place. The walls stood tall, radiating a sense of security that Daniel had never felt before — and he had the luxury of knowing that the reputation for security was a lie. The books had many breaches, some with fatal consequences. The towering spires sprawled in every direction, radiating power and majesty.

However, even as his mind acknowledged the majesty of it, his body had a different reaction. It was an instinctual one, like an abuse victim’s attitude toward the accuser. The memories he inherited had the answer.

The memories painted a picture of a place where he was never truly welcome, every corner with reminders of his failures and the countless moments where he’d been overshadowed, outsmarted, and outclassed by others. It was a place where privilege and fortune overwhelmed the gift of magic, where Gregory’s role had settled on the outskirts, looking in.

Daniel took a deep breath, doing his best to ignore those impressions. This time would be different. He wasn’t Gregory anymore, the sad, desperate minor villain chasing after Raum’s empty promises. More importantly, he didn’t intend to be the old Daniel anymore, too hesitant to make a big move, destined to mediocrity.

He had a plan, and with his knowledge of the future, he intended to turn the tables on the narrative that had kept him trapped in obscurity.

As he stepped through the gates, Daniel couldn’t help but notice the way students parted to avoid him, casting wary glances as if expecting trouble. Gregory’s reputation preceded him, and not in a good way. Even in a world of magic, muscles worked better for schoolyard bullying, and Gregory had that in excess.

As the gazes fell on him, Daniel’s first response was to slouch forward, hoping to avoid the attention. Instead, he straightened his back, letting the weight of Gregory’s imposing stature carry him forward. He wanted to change, and he would take whatever he could get. Fear might be a bad substitute for respect, but since the latter was out of his reach, he had to be satisfied with the former.

Though, he had to admit, watching people flinch as he gazed at them rather than meet his gaze with distaste was a nice change.

The path leading up to the main hall was lined with cobblestones, each one meticulously enchanted to prevent wear from the thousands of feet that had tread them over centuries, a detail that the story needed to mention multiple times. Daniel continued walking as the students bustled around, preparing for the first classes of the year.

Daniel was glad that he had arrived here with the memories, which allowed him to recognize everyone at a glance.

He wasn’t surprised to see Henry at a distance, as it seemed to be fated. Every year started similarly, where Henry had an encounter with Gregory or another lackey, triggering a fight that would end up with another victory.

Daniel had no intention of starting his new life with a dose of humiliation, especially since Henry was surrounded by his usual entourage, all bright smiles and effortless charm. Even from a distance, Henry exuded an air of ease, the kind that came naturally to someone who had never known true struggle. Daniel clenched his jaw, annoyed.

Wondering where the annoyance came from, his own perspective, or Gregory’s distaste.

Not that it mattered when there was an alignment of emotions.

Instead of continuing to walk for an encounter, he turned away, acting like he hadn’t noticed them.

The courtyard was a large, open space bordered by tall archways and lined with statues of Everglade’s founders, each one more regal and imposing than the last. At its center, a grand fountain spouted crystal-clear water that sparkled with traces of enchantment, adding a touch of magic to the air. It was here that Gregory had always felt most out of place, a lone figure amidst the hub of academic excellence and magical prowess.

However, the luck wasn’t on his side. Just as he turned his corner, he came across the familiar, slender figure of Raum; the true villain of the series. He stood by one of the statues, his expensive robes blending into the shadows, his expression stiff.

The books had described him as dark and intimidating, but Daniel currently saw nothing but an entitled frat boy, one who believed that the world had to serve him. Unfortunately, his family had both the political power and financial abundance to make that a reasonable case.

Raum’s hair gleamed in the morning sun, framing a face that was as cold yet petulant. Around him, there was a group of students, each one hanging on his every word with a mix of awe and fear. Daniel recognized a few of them through Gregory’s memories — and his own provided their fate, minor characters who would eventually meet their end through their misguided allegiance.

However, some of them, even Gregory’s memories failed to identify.

Raum’s gaze flicked up, catching sight of Daniel approaching. A slow, thin smile spread across his lips, a predatory glint flashing in his eyes. “Finally, you’re here,” Raum called.

Daniel suppressed the urge to roll his eyes at Raum’s theatrical tone. Lacking Gregory’s hopes about Raum somehow solving his problems, only annoyance remained at Raum’s attitude like they had a meeting arranged. They did not. It was just Raum, expecting him to serve.

Luckily, Gregory had a reputation for not speaking a lot. He nodded, playing into Gregory’s gruff demeanor. “Raum,” he said, keeping his voice level. “What’s the plan?”

Raum’s smile widened, and he gestured for the others to leave. Once they were alone, Raum leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing. “I have something special in mind,” Raum began, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Henry has gotten too comfortable, too complacent. It’s time we remind him that not everything here revolves around his whims.”

Daniel nodded along, but his mind was already racing as he tried to remember exactly what was about to happen. The exact details of the plot slipped out of his mind, as it was many books ago. He only remembered that it would be another elaborate setup, one designed to embarrass Henry in front of the entire school.

He remembered that the scheme was meant to ruin Henry’s reputation, but as always, it would backfire spectacularly, leaving Gregory to take the fall. Though, he also remembered it leading another character to Henry’s platonic harem, and some jealousy subplot that was solved at the end of the book.

Daniel nodded, gesturing him to continue.

Raum’s eyes sparkled with malice as he pulled a set of old, dusty tomes from his robes, their leather covers inscribed with ominous runes. “These,” Raum said, presenting the books as if they were rare treasures. “Place them where Henry will find them. The rest will take care of itself.”

Daniel took the books, feeling the dark magic thrumming within their pages. He could sense the power and danger they contained, but also the reckless futility of Raum’s plan. Once he saw the books, he remembered the details of the plot.

Including the way it would end, driven by Raum’s poor planning and narrative convenience. Daniel considered refusing, but after some thought, he decided against it. It was only the first day in his new world, and trying to shake things up seemed like a bad idea before he could get a hang of things.

Especially refusing directly would earn Raum’s enmity. His thin skin couldn’t handle being refused by anyone, but particularly by someone he saw as a servant.

Still, Daniel played along, giving Raum a curt nod. He was glad Gregory’s reputation for not speaking a lot, as he doubted he could conceal his disdain. Instead, he tucked the books under his arm.

Raum’s smile was thin and knowing. “I knew I could count on you, Gregory. You’ve always been a reliable ally,” he called from behind, thinking that the mocking edge would go unnoticed.

Daniel forced a nod before turning away.

He had no intention of playing the reliable ally forever. Gregory did, but only because he had been too shortsighted to see how he was being used. Daniel wouldn’t make the same mistake. As he walked away, he felt Raum’s eyes lingering on him, the weight of expectation pressing down on his shoulders.

His mind was already on how to break those chains.

But, first, he needed to find a way to complete the mission without it blowing on his face.