The Second Stranger (Book 1 STUBBING APRIL 10th!)

Erik gave up everything for his brother—his dreams, his sleep, his future. All so Noah could have the life Erik never would. Then a portal tears through their living room, and Noah vanishes into it. Erik, of course, doesn't hesitate. He follows. He wakes up in the body of a teenage boy named Fern. But Fern never left—he's still there, a voice in Erik's head that won't shut up. They're stuck together, and if Erik wants to find Noah, they'll have to figure out how to survive in a world where Fern is worthless. Because Fern is a Voidblood. He has no magic at all. In a world built on power, people like him are bought, sold, and thrown away when they break. Their only way out is the Academy of Ash, a brutal school that turns Voidbloods into weapons. Pass the Trials, earn a place among the elite Cinders. Fail, and die forgotten. Erik came here to find and save his brother. But every alliance he makes, every fight he wins with borrowed hands, the line between Fern and himself blurs a little more. He needs to find Noah before there's nothing left of either of them. Magic dictates destiny. Erik intends to rewrite his. What to expect: + An epic progression trilogy. + A slight slow burn in terms of progression. The MC does not become OP or Godlike instantly. + Mythical Monster Evolution + Cultivation-like elements + Two souls one body + Academy training + Lethal tower floors + A large cast that grows into a tight core crew. + Mystery, ancient lore, and a slow reveal of what the Pillars really are. This story is only posted on Royal Road and my Patreon. If you see it anywhere else, it has been stolen. This is the non-finalized version that will be published under Podium Entertainment and will be stubbed upon official release.