The Architect of Lies

I woke up inside the novel I used to criticize. Yesterday, I was a university student reading Dawn of Aether. Today, I am Aren. I am not the Hero destined to save the world. I am not the Villain born to destroy it. I am a "named extra." A background character with a pathetic C-Rank ability called [Mirage], whose original fate was to die in Chapter 5 just to show how brutal the war is. I am trapped in the Babel Academy, the last bastion of humanity against the Demon Lords. To the world, this place is a beacon of hope. But I know the truth. I know the "Golden Age" is a lie. I know the Holy Barrier is failing. And I know that traitors have already infiltrated the highest ranks of the Alliance. The "Chosen Hero" is naive. The Professors are arrogant. If the story follows the original script, everyone I see will be slaughtered before the first semester ends. I have no cheat system. No overpowered holy sword. But I have The Script. I know where the enemies are hiding. I know which artifacts are buried in the dark. I will gather the outcasts, deceive the nobles, and manipulate the war from the shadows. "Let the Hero play at being a savior. I’m just here to survive the slaughter."