Source : Webnnovel
Synopsis :
A teenage boy finds himself transmigrated into an alternate version of his favorite fictional universe, equipped with a standard system designed to make his adventure more convenient.
Chapters :
"Mr. John, I'm resigning," Maverick said firmly, handing over his resignation letter to the middle-aged man.
"Maverick Caesar, are you serious?" John ran a hand through his hair, glancing between Maverick, who looked a bit embarrassed, and the letter.
"I know this sounds odd, but… I've got some new plans for my future." Maverick shrugged, trying to keep his tone relaxed.
"But you just started this morning!" John's face showed pure disbelief, as if he couldn't tell if Maverick was joking.
"I know… I'm really sorry, but I have to make this choice." Maverick sounded hesitant, but there was a spark of excitement in his eyes.
John sighed, clearly taken aback and struggling to find the right words. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright… good luck with whatever you're up to… just, good luck!"
"Thanks!" Maverick replied, turning back to the office to gather his things—not that he had much, since it was his first day.
Now, this might seem a bit sudden, so let's rewind a little.
Maverick Caesar, to put it simply, was a lucky guy who got isekai'd. In his previous life, he was just an ordinary guy with an ordinary background, living a fairly uneventful life. He had just finished high school... well, let's skip the details.
The last thing he remembered was passing out after binge-watching the Harry Potter films. Next thing he knew, for reasons he couldn't explain, he woke up as a newborn in Manchester, England, in 1970.
In this new life, however, his background was far from average. His mother, Ariel Caesar, was the head editor at a major publishing house, and his father, Michael Caesar, was a politician in the British parliament when he was born.
In other words, he was born into a wealthy and influential family.
With such privilege, he didn't feel the need to rush into using his knowledge of the future to chase after riches. Instead, he took his time. He first tasked himself with making a name for himself, and with his mother's background, the entertainment industry was the easiest starting point.
He excelled at every level from primary school onward, graduating high school with top grades. It wasn't anything to brag about—he was simply repeating what he had already done.
Afterward, he shared his interest with his parents, hoping for their support, and they did, without much question.
He joined a London film and television company as a management intern, eager to learn the ropes. After gaining experience, he planned to eventually launch his own business.
He planned to recreate the "cinematic masterpieces" from his memories and partner with his mother's publishing company, ultimately turning both into industry leaders.
Maverick's first day at John Foster Film and Television Company started smoothly on July 4, 1988. Everything was falling into place—well, until the most unexpected event turned all his plans upside down.
Back to the Present
After gathering his few belongings, Maverick left the television company and headed to the coffee shop on the corner. He settled into a window seat with a cup of coffee, appearing calm, as if enjoying a quiet moment. But beneath that calm facade, he was fixated on a glowing blue screen that only he could see.
That's right! Maverick had just thrown all his ambitious blueprints out the window, all because of this—the legendary system granted to all transmigrators. It had appeared on his very first day of work.
Displayed on the virtual screen was his character panel:
---
[ Name: Maverick Caesar ]
[ Class: Wizard ]
[ Rank: Mage Apprentice ]
Progression: Novice → Mage Apprentice → Magus → Great Magus → Arch Magus → Warlock → Supreme Magus
[ Magical Energy: 10 + ]
[ Points: 10 ] (Increases by 10 points per day)
[ Extraordinary Characteristic Points: 1 ] (Increases by 1 point per year)
[ Extraordinary Characteristics: None ]
[ Talents: None ]
[ Spells: None ]
---
Staring at the interface, Maverick felt a mix of emotions but quickly set them aside to focus. Judging from his stats, he figured he was at a beginner level, with only 10 points of Magical Energy.
Luckily, his "system" granted him 10 points every day, though he wasn't sure what they were for just yet. Spotting a "+" sign next to Magical Energy, he decided to give it a try and tapped it.
To anyone watching, Maverick probably looked ridiculous, waving his fingers in the air. But he didn't care. The moment he tapped the "+," a surge of energy rushed through him, making him feel both powerful and refreshed, like he'd just finished a workout and followed it with an ice-cold shower.
His Magical Energy went up to 11, but he decided to save the rest of the points for later. Curious, he focused on the section labeled "Extraordinary Characteristics," but nothing else showed up, even after a few clicks and lots of concentration.
As far as he could tell, his system was pretty basic—none of the usual attributes like strength, stamina, or defense that he might've expected. For now, the only thing he could figure out was that he could raise his Magical Energy daily, though he had no clue what that would actually let him do.
After a while, Maverick's mind was buzzing with ideas. He tried focusing on skills he already knew, like driving, programming, and writing, hoping they might appear on the panel. But nothing happened.
'I'll learn more about this system when something extraordinary happens,' he thought with a sigh.
Still, Maverick couldn't help but feel hopeful. The steady gain of 10 points every day was a comforting thought.
Then, a realization struck him—this world! For 18 years, he'd lived here without questioning anything, assuming he'd simply been reborn in Britain a few decades earlier. But now, with the sudden appearance of the system, he wasn't so sure.
Was this really just a simple rebirth, or was it a parallel world with hidden powers? Without his cheat, he wouldn't have questioned it, but the presence of "Magical Energy" made him rethink everything.
He figured it would be better to stay under the radar until everything was figured out. Thinking back on his impulsive decision earlier, a twinge of regret hit him.
In his excitement over the system, he had quit on a whim. It was too late to go back and ask Mr. John for his position; that would be humiliating.
With a thought, he dismissed the character panel and started thinking over his next steps.
Lost in thought, Maverick spent hours weighing his options until noon. Still without a clear plan, he ordered a simple bowl of pasta and ate, his mind churning as he considered his next move.
After stepping out of the coffee shop, Maverick's worries faded a little. Watching cars rush by, he felt an odd sense of affection—even for the smell of smoke drifting through the air. And why not? Who wouldn't feel a mix of awe and excitement after gaining a superpower?
As he strolled down the street, his eyes drifted over the row of bookstores, one by one, until a strange-looking shop caught his attention. "Wait… what's this?" He stopped, staring at the dark, slightly run-down building in front of him. He glanced around. "Yeah, this is Charing Cross Road. Lots of bookstores on this street," he muttered, looking back at the shop.
Sure enough, tucked between a bookstore and a record store, there was a dark, shabby-looking place he'd never noticed before. Maverick felt a bit confused. He'd walked down this street countless times—including just this morning on his way to work—yet he couldn't remember ever seeing this shop. How did it suddenly appear? Did I miss it before, or…
A thought crossed his mind, but he brushed it off. Then, he noticed the sign with a few letters faded, and suddenly, the words "Leaky Cauldron" popped into his mind. And then, it hit him: Wait… this is THE Leaky Cauldron!
It was the only thing that made sense. After all, at this point in time, the "Harry Potter" series hadn't even been published yet, so there was no way anyone could've created this shop as a coincidence.
Maverick had once thought about copying the Harry Potter series, but he never imagined the magical world could actually be real. Yet here he was: a "system" had suddenly activated for him today, he'd awakened magical abilities, and now, proof of a hidden magical world was right in front of him.
After taking a closer look, Maverick was sure he wasn't imagining things. There was definitely an extra shop in a spot he'd always overlooked. He figured it might be something he could only see now that he had magic. After all, the Leaky Cauldron was supposed to be hidden by spells that kept Muggles from noticing it—and only wizards could see it.
Wanting to double-check his theory, he stepped into the bookstore next door. "Looking to buy a book, young man?" a man in a brown leather coat and jeans asked, walking over. His hair was parted down the middle, and he looked like he might be the owner. Maverick struck up a conversation, pretending to browse, and after a few minutes, he bought a copy of the Encyclopedia Britannica.
"Oh, by the way, do you know what that dark shop next door sells?" Maverick asked casually as he was about to leave.
The owner looked puzzled. "A dark shop? What shop are you talking about?"
"Oh, my mistake, sir. Sorry about that," Maverick said, quickly making his exit.
...
Back on the street, Maverick clenched his fists in excitement, thinking, It really is the Leaky Cauldron… and if it is, then I can get into Diagon Alley. But along with the excitement, he felt a wave of disappointment. I'm 18 now… There's no way I'll get to enroll at Hogwarts and learn magic properly, he thought, frustrated.
Why couldn't my system have appeared when I was 11? he grumbled to himself. But there was no point in regrets now. His only option was to get into Diagon Alley, find a wand, and stock up on magic books. Since his magic had awakened, self-learning had become his top priority. But even though he wanted to rush in, he knew he'd need a solid plan first.
He looked at the Encyclopedia Britannica in his hand, a smile creeping onto his face. I can just say I'm a wizard studying Muggle life… And I'll need money too. Galleons, right? And some reason to get a wand and stay in Diagon Alley for a while. Feeling a bit more prepared, Maverick turned and headed home, planning to come back tomorrow.
The next morning, Maverick stood outside the familiar yet mysterious-looking pub, feeling calmer. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the wooden door of the Leaky Cauldron and stepped inside. Immediately, it felt like he'd entered a whole new world, far from the busy street outside.
The bar was dim, with a few tables scattered around, some half-hidden in shadow. Flickering candles on some tables gave just enough light to see the room's details. He noticed a few older men and women in robes—definitely wizards. This is it—the Leaky Cauldron, he thought, excitement bubbling up. Behind the bar was an old, bald man who looked a bit like a toothless walnut. That's gotta be Tom, the owner.
As Maverick walked in, most of the wizards barely glanced his way, though a few gave him curious looks. Maverick just avoided eye contact. "Hello, young man. Do you need anything?" Maverick was surprised when the old man—probably Tom—spoke first.
"Oh, yes. I was studying a spell recently, and, well, my wand got damaged," Maverick said, trying to sound calm even though he was nervous. "So I need to go to Diagon Alley to get a new one." He shrugged casually, using the excuse he'd prepared.
He did his best to look natural, not letting any hint of doubt show. "Is that so?" Tom asked, eyeing him with some suspicion, which made Maverick's heart race. But then, whether convinced by Maverick's story or just not wanting to pry, Tom gave a nod and gestured for him to follow. "Alright, come with me."
Maverick followed Tom through the bar and out into a small, walled courtyard. Aside from some weeds and a trash can in the corner, it looked pretty empty. "Count three bricks up from the top of the trash can, then two to the right, and tap three times," Tom muttered, pulling out his wand and tapping the wall. As Maverick watched, the bricks began shifting, forming a hole that quickly widened into a passageway. Diagon Alley—the heart of the wizarding world—lay open before him.
"Be careful with your magic experiments next time, young man," Tom said with a final look.
"Yes, sir, I will," Maverick replied with a smile, giving a little nod. He stepped officially into Diagon Alley. Turning back, he saw the entrance close again, replaced by a solid brick wall. Incredible, he thought, barely containing his awe.
The streets ahead were bustling with people—shopping, chatting, going about their day. With students prepping for Hogwarts, the whole alley was alive with energy. Owl shops, broom stores, and shops filled with strange silverware lined the streets. Even though he'd prepared himself for this moment, Maverick was completely captivated.
This is really the wizarding world! he thought, an exaggerated smile spreading across his face. But he quickly reined in his excitement; he'd need to exchange some money first if he wanted to buy anything. Following the crowd, he found himself outside a striking white building. This must be Gringotts—the wizarding bank.
Inside, goblins were hard at work behind tall counters, each absorbed in their tasks. Maverick approached one and said, "Hello, I'd like to exchange some pounds for Galleons," pulling out ten 100-pound notes.
The goblin gave him a skeptical look. "You're not from around here, are you?" Maverick tensed up, doing his best to stay calm.
"Uh, well, I've been living in Muggle society, doing research—" Maverick began, but the goblin cut him off.
"I don't need your life story," the goblin said with a scowl. "Muggle-borns can exchange up to 50 Galleons at a rate of five pounds per Galleon, once per month. That's basic knowledge," he sneered.
Great, Maverick thought. "Right. I've been away for a while…" he started to explain, but the goblin interrupted him again.
"I don't care," the goblin replied impatiently. "That'll be 250 pounds." He took three of Maverick's 100-pound notes, handed back the remaining 700 pounds, and tossed a small pouch of 50 Galleons at him.
Maverick decided not to argue over the leftover 50 pounds. He had more than just cash to exchange. Knowing there might be restrictions, he'd also brought a solid gold piece as backup. "Anything else?" the goblin asked, eyeing him suspiciously as he stayed by the counter.
"Yes," Maverick replied, pulling a small gold trapezoid from his bag, weighing about 200 grams.
The goblin's demeanor instantly shifted, his irritation turning to a glimmer of interest. "198 grams… or seven ounces of 99% pure gold. How much for this?" Maverick asked.
The goblin snatched the gold and inspected it with a small magnifying tool. "Where did you get this?" he asked, eyeing Maverick with suspicion and greed.
"It's mine. My Muggle family is well-off," Maverick said smoothly, giving just enough detail to satisfy the goblin's curiosity.
The goblin and Maverick locked eyes for a moment, each sizing up the other. Finally, Maverick sighed, showing a hint of impatience. "Give it back. I can always sell it somewhere else if this isn't—"
"Three thousand Galleons!" the goblin interrupted, startling Maverick. Three thousand? he thought, caught off guard.
He quickly recovered, ready to push for the highest price possible. "Five thousand. Not a Galleon less," he said firmly.
"Deal!" the goblin agreed instantly, surprising Maverick again.
The goblin tossed another small, enchanted bag at Maverick, this one also filled with Galleons. Maybe my info was wrong, or these goblins are even greedier than I thought, Maverick considered, realizing he might have miscalculated. Either way, he now had 5,050 Galleons—a huge sum for a new wizard.
Without a word, Maverick turned and left Gringotts, feeling both accomplished and ready to start his journey.
...
After exchanging his money, Maverick's next stop was getting a wand. For any wizard, a wand is pretty much everything. Without it, you're almost helpless.
Sure, powerful wizards like Dumbledore and Voldemort could cast spells without a wand, but that's a whole different level of magic.
The fact that there's a specific spell just to disarm wands shows how crucial they are. So, he pushed through the crowd, knowing he'd have to get one, no matter the cost.
As he walked, Maverick passed bookstores, joke shops, owl shops, Madam Malkin's for robes, and even a Quidditch supply store. However, he remained focused, knowing exactly where he needed to go: Ollivander's Wand Shop.
He remembered this shop vividly, one of the oldest in the wizarding world, where young wizards like Harry Potter and Hermione Granger had come to get their wands.
But a sense of worry settled over him. He recalled that the shop owner, Ollivander, was known for his sharp memory—and that could pose a problem.
Maverick considered making up a story about his wand breaking while he was practicing a spell. He knew Muggle-borns like Hermione didn't have the same issue, but since he'd supposedly been living "abroad" for years, it'd make sense he didn't buy a wand locally and instead came to Ollivander, the wand master, in London.
As he thought about this, he started wondering about wands in general, especially if they had a "trace." From what he remembered, wizards under seventeen had a trace, which let the Ministry detect magic around them. But it only worked when no adults were nearby, so it was unlikely the trace was on the wand itself. Maverick guessed it was more like a range detector. Either way, he didn't care much—he was already eighteen.
Ollivander's Wand Shop was small and a little shabby. The sign on the door was peeling, but it still read, "Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC."
Maverick pushed open the door and stepped into the quiet, somewhat messy store. Boxes were stacked from floor to ceiling, each likely holding a wand.
"Good morning!" A voice snapped him out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see an elderly man with silvery eyes and gray hair. It was Ollivander himself.
"Oh, hello, Mr. Ollivander. I'd like to buy a new wand—my old one broke," Maverick said, managing a friendly smile.
Ollivander narrowed his eyes, studying him. "As far as I recall, you haven't bought a wand from me before."
"Ah, yes, that's true, Mr. Ollivander. I've been studying in the Muggle world for a while, and my wand broke while I was trying to block a spell. So I thought I'd come here for a quality wand," Maverick explained, using the chance to flatter Ollivander's reputation.
Ollivander's expression softened. "Ah, I see! Well, you've come to the right place," he said with pride. Then, he walked over to a shelf, picked a box, and handed it to Maverick. "Here, try this one. Ash wood, unicorn hair, 12 inches."
Maverick was a bit thrown off. He'd expected Ollivander to measure him or ask more questions. But he shook it off, took the wand, and held it in his right hand. Suddenly, a soft breeze seemed to fill the shop, and a strange, joyful feeling washed over him.
The wand felt right, almost like it was becoming part of him. Even the tiny bit of magical energy he had seemed to react.
"Ah, yes! First try… very rare," Ollivander said, clearly pleased.
Maverick took a deep breath, realizing he'd found his match on the first try. Just then, a screen flashed in his mind, showing a prompt:
[ Item: Magic Wand ]
[ Extraordinary Characteristic: Casting ]
[ Grade: Excellent ]
[ Do you want to use one Extraordinary Characteristic Point to replicate it? ]
Two buttons labeled "Yes" and "No" appeared below this text.
But Maverick didn't have time to think it over now. He put the wand away and asked, "Mr. Ollivander, how much is it?"
"Seven Galleons," Ollivander replied, a fair price. Maverick, recalling from before, knew it was the usual cost. He paid and left Ollivander's, excited to explore this new system function but focused on getting his supplies first.
First, he went to a robe shop and got a good set of robes. Then, he visited Flourish and Blotts, where he bought every Standard Spellbook available, from beginner to advanced.
He also picked up Transfiguration guides and Magic Theory books. Thankfully, he found bags enchanted with extension charms, making it easy to carry everything.
After all that shopping, he still had over 4,500 Galleons left. Since it was his first time shopping in Diagon Alley, he didn't want to buy unnecessary items like cauldrons, scales, or random magical tools.
He went back to the Leaky Cauldron, planning to stay for a while. With all the stuff he'd bought, he couldn't risk drawing attention or using magic in the Muggle world—the consequences could be serious.
Maverick booked a tiny, 15-square-meter room at the Leaky Cauldron for a few weeks. There was a worn table by the bed, and each corner had a candle lit, giving the dim space some decent light.
Even though the room was a bit shabby, it was cleaner and more comfortable than he expected. With all the chaos in the lobby, where wizards looked a little disheveled, he didn't think the guest rooms would be this nice.
After dropping all his purchases on the table, Maverick picked up the wand again. Instantly, a transparent panel appeared in front of him, showing the same message as before:
[ Discovered an Extraordinary Characteristic: Casting ]
[ Grade: Excellent ]
[ Do you want to use one Extraordinary Characteristic Point to replicate it? ]
Maverick took a deep breath and clicked the "Yes" button with his mind. Nothing seemed to happen with the wand in his hand, but the pop-up disappeared, and the character panel changed slightly:
[ Name: Maverick Caesar ]
[ Class: Wizard ]
[ Rank: Mage Apprentice ]
[ Magical Energy: 11 + ]
[ Points: 9 ]
[ Extraordinary Characteristic Points: 0 ]
[ Extraordinary Characteristics: Excellent grade spellcasting (unfused) ]
Note: Extraordinary Characteristics Grade: Basic > Excellent > Mythical
[ Talents: None ]
[ Spells: None ]
Maverick was surprised by the changes in the panel. It was clear he had used his only Extraordinary Characteristic Point to replicate the wand's excellent spellcasting ability. The "unfused" note meant he needed to merge that ability with himself. The wand felt like an extension of his own hand, which suggested it was a perfect match, just as Ollivander said.
But what did "fusion" mean? Maverick focused on the unfused spellcasting characteristic on the panel. Suddenly, a new pop-up appeared:
[ Would you like to fuse the Extraordinary Characteristic: Excellent Grade Spellcasting? ]
[ Yes ] [ No ]
After taking another deep breath, he decided to merge.
[Yes]