The system provided me with a list of manga that I could introduce to this world as the first step in the entertainment revolution. I raised my hand, trying to follow what felt like an instinctual action.
"Open Status," I said, dramatically swinging my arm to the side, imitating the kind of theatrical flair I used to enjoy in my previous world.
"Tch... You know, you don't have to say those words while striking a ridiculous pose. Just think it in your head, and it's done. And frankly, it doesn't suit a 40-year-old man like you," the system retorted, its tone dripping with sarcasm.
I clicked my tongue in annoyance. "Let me have my fun, will you? What's it to you, anyway? I know how it works," I shot back irritably.
"Wait... 40? Me? That old?"
I froze in disbelief, quickly rushing to the large mirror in the room.
The reflection that greeted me left me stunned—it wasn't the face of a 40-year-old man as the system claimed, but a strikingly handsome man with jet-black hair and piercing golden eyes. My body was lean but not skinny—athletic, with muscles in all the right places.
"Wow... Hey, system, you lied to me! This is clearly the body of someone in their twenties!" I protested, incredulous.
"Don't apply your modern-world logic here," the system replied flatly. "This world is governed by magic and infused with mana. Everyone in this world possesses mana in their bodies, which rejuvenates them and extends their lifespan."
I fell silent for a moment, digesting the explanation. "That does make sense," I murmured. "I haven't fully absorbed or understood all the memories swirling in my head about this world." I slumped into a chair near the window, trying to process everything that had happened.
Now, I understood that this world was vastly different from my own. Here, humans weren't the only inhabitants. Beastmen, dwarves, and even elves existed. This world was smaller than Earth, with a landmass about half its size. It was ruled by six kingdoms: three human kingdoms, one beastman kingdom, one dwarven kingdom, and one elven kingdom.
"Why do humans have three kingdoms?" I wondered aloud.
"Ah, it's because of their sheer population," I muttered to myself after some thought.
A war between races 500 years ago had changed many things, but now the world was in an era of peace. However, remnants of the past lingered, and some people still harbored racist attitudes toward other races.
I tried to recall more details about these kingdoms:
Wisegard, Valorian, Celestia, Bloodfang, Ironhold and Alveron.
"And now... I am a Duke in the kingdom of Wisegard." The reality of this struck me deeply. My family governed Carvalon, a vast and fertile territory. Besides Carvalon, two other territories were led by Duke families: Lancashire, ruled by the Lancasters, and Warwickdom, ruled by the Warwicks.
Each family had its unique traits. The Lancasters were renowned for their mastery of magic—rumor had it that their ancestors had close ties with fairies. The Warwicks, on the other hand, were physically formidable, said to descend from titans or a similar lineage. Meanwhile, the Carvalons, my family, were scholars. We were known for our intelligence and expertise in knowledge and science. We excelled in brains and talent, and little else.
I paused, overwhelmed. Even though I had been reborn into this world as a powerful Duke, the truth remained—I was a stranger here. I knew nothing about living as a noble, navigating a world brimming with magic, or managing such a vast domain.
But what puzzled me the most was the mission the system had given me. Introducing comics to this world? A world of swords and magic? What could I possibly achieve with something as simple as that?
I let out a deep sigh. This world had only begun to reveal itself to me, and my mind was reeling with this strange new reality. Yet, despite my confusion, I couldn't deny a flicker of excitement. A monumental challenge awaited me—to revolutionize entertainment in this world. And I was determined to see it through.