Living Ice

So you died a horrific death in your own world? No problem! Maybe you are exactly what an old, dying mage needs to resurrect the princely line of the Morozov family. An old maniac sliced a couple of people to bits right before your eyes? Relax! Now he's your teacher, and he's going to guide you along through life. What? You've actually seen real demons? Huge, ten-foot-tall monsters wielding axes? Take a chill pill! They appear pretty frequently in unexpected places all over the world and wreak destruction. You want to go back? But don't you want to hear about the Wastelands? They're well-protected lands of magic inhabited by demons who pillage and plunder borderland cities . . . You're going to stay away from them? Good luck. Just to let you know, your teacher is planning to go and live right next to one of them. For some reason he thinks that if you just learn to kill demons and undergo a series of dangerous tests, you can become a true master of your bloodline . . .

In this world, I'm the heir to the princely Morozov line, but I don't have any talent for the magical arts. When my enemies find out I'm alive, they'll definitely come looking for me. I think someday I'll have a warm welcome prepared for them, but in the meantime I have to continue my training, kill demons, and juggle my schoolwork on top of that. Wait up, Imperial Academy! Here I come!

Another chapter in the story of the heir to the Morozov mages. It takes place in a cruel world where ancient bloodlines with magical abilities enjoy power and influence, while Normals devoid of magical gifts are of no use to anyone. This depressing fate was in store for our hero, Ivan, too-he was condemned to death by his father, who was sure that he was as magic-less as a puppet. But Ivan was rescued and brought up by an old warrior, and the head of the Morozov bloodline was able to transfer his gifts to Ivan just before his death-leaving an impostor soul from another world in his body. After coming back from the dead, our hero wasn't quite the same, and he underwent severe trials and learned how to fight bloodthirsty demons. As a student at a branch of the Imperial Academy, Ivan couldn't hide his affiliation with his princely bloodline for long-a rare magical talent, fostered in him by his teacher, gave him away. Despite this advantageous discovery, it won't be easy for our hero to find himself in imperial high society, and fate only has more trials in store for him.

So your projects are finally coming to fruition and beginning to yield an income worthy of your noble lineage? You've had a chance to grow your business while enjoying all the perks of a young lord's life? Don't get too comfortable. This world has a new trial in store for you-the academy awaits, and you're about to become a cadet! "Alert! Formation in the first-floor hall! Uniform number four! Move it, gentlemen! This isn't your family estate!"

Battles with demons, intrigue, duels, honey traps, and no shortage of adventure in general . . . the heir of a noble lineage certainly leads an eventful life. We wonder what will change once he becomes a prince? Will his troubles multiply exponentially? Will enemies try to smear the good name of the Morozovs? Or will circumstances inexorably make Ivan march off to war?

This world resembles our own, the difference being that aristocratic clans with magical abilities hold all power here. Those without magic are called "nulls" and seen as nothing more than failures. Ivan, our hero, had been marked for death-until an old warrior saved him, and the spirit of his mighty ancestor gave him magical talents. And now Ivan has inherited a princely title. However, being a young head of a noble house, he is a prime target for the empire's ambitious aristocrats. One wrong step could lead to conflict. Yet Ivan is far from weak, and he'll yet prove to his enemies that he is a true prince.

Ten years have passed since the story began. Ivan Morozov is no longer the prey-he has become the hunter. He's done adapting to circumstances-his goal now is to rise above them and shape the world to his will. But will his newfound power test the limits of his humanity? Can he resist the allure of absolute authority?

Ivan Morozov has clawed his way to the heights of power and influence where few dare to tread, contending with the Empire's real movers and shakers. And in their world, power needs to be proven daily. Will Ivan once again rise to the occasion-when his enemies are about to launch an underhanded and unexpected attack at things he holds dearest?

Prince Ivan Morozov joins the security forces' hunt for demon-worshippers-driven not just by duty, but by a deeply personal motive: vengeance for his mentor's death. Meanwhile, the Emperor and the head of the local faith are playing a dangerous and puzzling game of their own. The endgame draws near. Very soon, we'll all know how this story ends.