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Inside an ancient manor, a young and striking man sat in an armchair by the fireplace, quietly reading a book. He looked to be around twenty years old, his posture elegant and naturally refined.
He stood at one meter and eighty-five centimeters tall, with slightly wavy chestnut hair and blue eyes that were as calm as they were unsettling. His face, sharp yet harmonious, inspired trust at first glance… but his gaze, deep and unmoving, carried a stillness so absolute it bordered on indifference — even toward human life.
As he turned a page, Augustus slowly lifted his head and glanced toward the window. A dark-feathered raven was flying toward him, a letter clamped tightly in its beak.
A simple motion of his hand made the window swing open. The raven flew inside, landed on the table, and began pecking at the food that had appeared just moments earlier. Augustus took the letter and unfolded it.
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**Dear Mr. Augustus Breakspeare,**
*We are pleased to inform you that you have passed the first selection phase for the position of professor at the Eldoria Academy of Magic. Before final confirmation, a concluding interview with Headmaster Alastair Cavendish will be required. The meeting is scheduled for July 17th, 1975. Please reply to confirm your attendance.
**Kind regards,
Professor Aurora Wynthorne
Vice Headmistress**
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Augustus let out a quiet sigh as he closed the letter. Many years had passed since he had found himself in this world — a land similar to his past life yet shaped by ancient magical families. The Breakspeares, the lineage into which he had been reborn, were renowned for their military history and unmatched magical discipline. Now, only he and his aunt remained to carry the family's legacy.
He wrote his reply quickly and handed it to the raven, which flew off into the twilight sky.
Three days later, Augustus dressed in an elegant outfit of his own design, complete with a mantle adorned with the Breakspeare crest on the shoulder. Then he materialized instantly in Merchant's Way, the bustling heart of the magical city.
The street was alive: craftsmen, enchanters, students, merchants. Two children ahead of him caught his attention. They wore small devices on their wrists into which they slid illustrated cards. With each card played, a Summoned Entity appeared in the air, battling the opponent's creature.
Augustus smiled. They were playing **Nexus Duels**, the game he had created based on memories of two card games from his previous life.
A unique fusion of energy management and collectible-style summoning:
**Nexus Duels** was a strategic game for two players, where the goal was to reduce the opponent's **Life Points** — always **8000** — to zero.
Strategy revolved around balancing **Summoned Entities**, which attacked or defended, and **Arcane Arts**, powerful abilities used for support, disruption, or enhancement. The resource system resembled energy allocation, allowing complex combos and varied tactics.
It had become extremely popular: children, adults, scholars, and even noble families collected and played it passionately. Official tournaments had long since become a major phenomenon.
After watching the children for a moment, Augustus walked toward one of his shops. But before he could place a hand on the door handle, a woman stared at him and shouted:
— *"You… you're Augustus Breakspeare, aren't you?!"*
The crowd turned at once.
— *"I can't believe it! The Breakspeare heir! Recipient of the Medal of Magical Valor, the Arcanum Prize, the Golden Seal of Practical Alchemy… and the inventor of Nexus Duels! My children adore your game! My husband collects the rare cards— oh, could we take a picture together?"*
Augustus stifled a discreet sigh. Before he could reply, the woman had already run off to fetch her husband and a camera.
He spent several minutes signing books, game cards, and posing for photos. Only by claiming he had an urgent appointment did he finally manage to slip away from the growing crowd and head toward his meeting.
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