Ryan had always been an ordinary man—teaching history at a local school, caring for stray animals in his free time, and occasionally indulging in his love for Disney movies. But that life felt like a distant memory the moment he opened his eyes to a world of splendor, grandeur, and unmistakable unease.
The first thing he noticed was the room around him—ornately decorated, with gilded mirrors and velvet drapes. The furniture was carved from dark oak, detailed with patterns that looked far too intricate for anything he'd seen in real life. He sat up in bed, and the sheets felt softer than anything he'd ever touched. He rubbed his temples, trying to make sense of it all, when his gaze landed on the mirror.
The reflection startled him. The man staring back was not the Ryan he knew—average height, messy brown hair, and glasses perpetually slipping down his nose. No, this man had sharp cheekbones, wavy auburn hair that fell perfectly into place, and eyes that glimmered with an unsettling green hue. For a moment, Ryan thought he was dreaming, but the pinch on his arm—sharp and real—quickly dismissed that theory.
"Is that… me?" he muttered, leaning closer to the mirror. His voice was unfamiliar too, carrying a smooth confidence he didn't feel. It was then that the realization struck him like a lightning bolt. The face in the mirror wasn't just any stranger's face. It belonged to Hans, the suave and deceptive prince from Frozen. The villain.
Ryan staggered back, clutching his chest as his heart pounded. "No, no, no. This can't be happening. Why Hans? Why not Kristoff? Or even Olaf? Anyone but him."
Pacing the room, Ryan tried to piece together the situation. His last memory was of driving home late at night. A flash of headlights, the screech of tires, and then… nothing. Now, he was here, trapped in the body of one of Disney's most notorious antagonists. "Okay, think, Ryan," he said to himself, taking deep breaths. "If I'm Hans, then this must be… Arendelle. The coronation. Elsa. Anna. The eternal winter."
He stopped in his tracks as a chilling thought crossed his mind. In the movie, Hans had been a cunning manipulator, charming Anna while secretly plotting to take over the kingdom. But Ryan wasn't Hans—not mentally, at least. He couldn't possibly follow through with such a plan, even if the script of this world demanded it.
A knock at the door interrupted his spiraling thoughts. "Your Highness," came a voice from the other side, polite but firm. "The ship for Arendelle is prepared. The coronation awaits."
Ryan froze. His first instinct was to ignore the voice and hide under the bed, but he knew that wouldn't solve anything. If he wanted to survive in this world—and perhaps, find a way back home—he had to play along. At least for now.
"Uh, yes, thank you," he called back, surprised at how naturally Hans's voice came to him. "I'll be out in a moment."
The footsteps retreated, leaving Ryan alone with his thoughts. He approached the wardrobe, finding it filled with elegant suits and coats, all tailored to fit Hans's princely stature. Choosing a modest but regal outfit, he dressed quickly, marveling at the unfamiliar ease with which the fabric fit. As he adjusted the cuffs, he caught his reflection once more.
"Alright, Hans," he said to himself, his voice firm. "If I'm stuck in your body, then I'm doing this my way. No lies, no betrayal. Just… survival."
With that resolve, Ryan stepped out of the room and into the corridor. The palace was breathtaking, its halls lined with tapestries depicting the royal lineage of the Southern Isles. Servants bustled about, bowing respectfully as he passed. Ryan tried to maintain a composed demeanor, though his mind was racing.
As he descended the grand staircase, he overheard snippets of conversation from the nobles gathered in the foyer. They spoke of Arendelle's wealth, Elsa's mysterious reclusive nature, and the opportunities that awaited. It was clear that Hans—his new identity—was expected to play a pivotal role in these ambitions. Ryan clenched his jaw. He wasn't about to let himself be a pawn in someone else's game.
The journey to Arendelle was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The ship was a marvel of craftsmanship, its sails billowing in the wind as it cut through the waves. Ryan spent most of the voyage observing the crew, learning as much as he could about Hans's world. He discovered that Hans was the youngest of thirteen brothers, often overlooked and underestimated. This, he realized, might explain the character's original desperation for power. But Ryan had no interest in politics or thrones. His goal was simple: to navigate this world without causing harm.
As the ship approached Arendelle, the kingdom came into view. Its towering mountains, lush forests, and sparkling fjords took Ryan's breath away. For a moment, he forgot his predicament, lost in the beauty of the scene. But the sight of the castle in the distance brought him back to reality. He was about to step into the lives of Anna and Elsa, two characters he had admired for their strength and resilience. How could he possibly face them, knowing the role he was supposed to play in their story?
Ryan squared his shoulders as the ship docked. If he had learned anything from his life as a teacher, it was that every story could be rewritten. And he was determined to rewrite Hans's—starting now.
Ryan stood at the edge of the gangplank as the ship came to a gentle stop at the Arendelle dock. The scent of saltwater mixed with the cool mountain air, and the bustle of the town greeted him with unexpected vibrancy. Vendors lined the streets leading up to the castle gates, their stalls bursting with colorful fabrics, ripe produce, and finely crafted goods. Children darted around the market, laughter filling the air, while horses neighed softly as they pulled carriages along cobbled streets.
He drew a deep breath, feeling a strange blend of awe and apprehension. This was Arendelle—not just a name in a story, but a living, breathing kingdom. And he was stepping into its heart as Hans.
"Your Highness," a voice called, breaking his thoughts. Ryan turned to see a well-dressed attendant, bowing slightly. "The royal family has arranged an escort for you to the castle. If you'll follow me, the carriage awaits."
Ryan nodded, falling into step behind the attendant. Every movement he made felt unnatural, as though his body didn't quite belong to him. The carriage stood out among the crowd—a finely crafted vehicle with gold inlays and the Southern Isles' crest emblazoned on its doors. People paused to glance at the new arrival, their curiosity apparent. Ryan avoided their gazes, focusing instead on steadying his breathing.
As the carriage rattled through the streets, he marveled at the kingdom's charm. The homes, built with intricate wooden designs, stood against the backdrop of towering mountains capped with snow. Fjord waters sparkled under the evening sun, and the town square hummed with life. It was picturesque, almost too perfect. Ryan felt the weight of his role settling on his shoulders. He wasn't just a visitor here; he was Hans, a prince with expectations and intentions. The thought made him clench his fists. Expectations, perhaps, but intentions? Those were his to define.
The castle loomed closer as the carriage climbed the winding road leading to its gates. Guards in polished uniforms flanked the entrance, their expressions stoic. The driver pulled the reins, and the carriage came to a smooth halt. Ryan hesitated for a moment, staring at the castle's grand spires. This was it—the beginning of his role in this story. But he wasn't here to follow Hans's original path. He was here to create his own.
Stepping out of the carriage, he was greeted by a chamberlain who introduced himself as Aldric. The man spoke quickly, outlining the coronation day's schedule, the key dignitaries present, and the etiquette expected of a visiting prince. Ryan nodded along, though most of the details went over his head. His focus was on keeping his composure.
As Aldric led him through the castle's grand halls, Ryan couldn't help but admire the artistry around him. Stained glass windows cast colorful patterns on the stone floors, and tapestries depicted scenes of Arendelle's history—brave kings, wise queens, and the unity of the kingdom's people. Yet, amid the beauty, there was a sense of unease. Ryan knew that Elsa's powers, hidden from the world, would soon change everything.
At last, they arrived at the reception hall. The massive doors were opened, revealing a room filled with dignitaries, nobility, and high-ranking officials from neighboring kingdoms. The air buzzed with polite conversation and the clinking of glasses. Ryan's stomach tightened. He had never been one for formal events, and now he was at the center of one.
Aldric announced his arrival, and heads turned. "Introducing His Royal Highness, Prince Hans of the Southern Isles."
Ryan straightened his posture, forcing a confident smile as he stepped into the room. The murmurs grew louder, and a few curious glances lingered on him. He scanned the crowd, his eyes landing on the unmistakable figures of Anna and Elsa standing near the throne. Anna's vibrant auburn hair and warm smile stood in stark contrast to Elsa's composed demeanor and icy beauty. They were even more striking in person—or rather, in reality.
Ryan's heart raced. These were the people whose lives he had watched unfold on screen. But now, he was a part of their story. And he couldn't help but wonder: Would they see him as an ally or a threat?
Anna was the first to approach, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Prince Hans, it's an honor to have you here," she said, extending her hand. Her voice was warm and genuine, and Ryan felt a pang of guilt, knowing what Hans's original intentions had been.
He took her hand gently, bowing slightly. "The honor is mine, Princess Anna," he replied, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him. "Arendelle's beauty is only rivaled by the kindness of its people."
Anna beamed at the compliment, while Elsa watched silently from a distance. Her gaze was cool and measured, as though she were assessing him. Ryan met her eyes briefly, offering a polite nod. He knew he would have to tread carefully with Elsa. Trust was not something she gave freely.
As the evening unfolded, Ryan found himself navigating conversations with a finesse he didn't know he possessed. Perhaps it was Hans's natural charisma, or perhaps it was his own determination to make a difference. Either way, he managed to avoid suspicion while leaving a positive impression on most of the guests.
But as the reception wound down and the hall emptied, Ryan couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The coronation was just hours away, and with it would come the revelation of Elsa's powers and the eternal winter. Ryan knew he had a role to play, but it wouldn't be the one history—or the movie—had written for Hans. He was here to protect, not to harm. To rewrite the story, not repeat it.
As he retired to his quarters for the night, Ryan stood by the window, gazing at the kingdom bathed in moonlight. "This is my second chance," he whispered to himself. "I won't waste it."
As Ryan stepped back into the ornate room that had become his quarters in the castle, he let out a long, shuddering sigh. The events of the day—the endless introductions, the scrutinizing gazes of the nobility, and, most of all, the encounter with Anna and Elsa—had left him mentally exhausted. Yet, despite the whirlwind of emotions, there was a strange sense of purpose simmering within him. For the first time since waking in this foreign world, he felt… grounded.
But just as he began to relax, a faint chime echoed in his mind, sharp and crystalline like the ring of a distant bell. Ryan jolted upright, scanning the room for the source of the sound. "What was that?" he muttered, half-expecting someone to barge in. But the room remained still, the only movement being the flickering candlelight casting shadows on the walls.
Then, it happened again. This time, the sound was accompanied by a glowing blue panel that materialized before his eyes. Transparent and ethereal, it hovered in midair, displaying lines of text in elegant script. Ryan froze, his breath caught in his throat.
[SYSTEM ACTIVATED]
Welcome, User. You have been granted access to the Regal Ascension System.
Objectives: Rewrite the legacy of Prince Hans. Protect Arendelle and its people. Earn trust. Unlock new abilities.
Initial skills unlocked based on the user's personality and past life:
Silver Tongue (Level 1): Charm and eloquence increase the chance of success in diplomatic conversations.Insight (Level 1): Detect subtle emotions and motivations in others.Adaptability (Level 1): Quickly learn and apply new skills or knowledge.
Additional skills and abilities can be unlocked through achievements and choices.
Primary Quest:Survive the Coronation and Build Allies.
Secondary Quest:Prevent harm to the Royal Family.
Reward for Completion:+1 System Upgrade, Increased Reputation.
Ryan blinked. "What… the… heck?" he whispered, his voice barely audible. He waved his hand through the glowing panel, but it remained stubbornly fixed in place. "Is this some kind of joke? Did I hit my head or something?"
The panel didn't respond to his questions, but as Ryan read over the words again, a strange mixture of disbelief and excitement washed over him. A "system"? Objectives? Skills? It felt like something out of a video game or one of those fantasy novels he'd read in his downtime. And yet, here it was, undeniably real—or as real as anything in this bizarre new world.
"Regal Ascension System," he murmured, the words feeling foreign yet oddly fitting. "Okay, so I've been… assigned a guide, apparently. And it wants me to rewrite Hans's legacy?" He snorted at the irony. "Well, at least we're on the same page."
Curiosity overtook caution, and Ryan tentatively poked at the glowing text. To his surprise, the panel shifted, revealing a new screen that displayed what appeared to be his "stats":
[USER PROFILE: PRINCE HANS]
Name: Ryan / Hans (Merged Consciousness)Title: Prince of the Southern IslesLevel: 1Attributes:Charisma: 15 (Above Average)Intelligence: 12 (Average)Strength: 8 (Below Average)Wisdom: 10 (Average)Luck: 18 (Unusually High)
Skill Tree Progress: 5% Unlocked
"Lucky, huh?" Ryan muttered, a small smirk tugging at his lips despite himself. The system seemed to be tailored to his strengths—or at least, what it thought were his strengths. Charisma and luck? He could work with that. Strength being below average wasn't surprising; he'd never been one for physical exertion. But the numbers were secondary to the implications. This wasn't just a guide—it was a lifeline. A chance to navigate this unfamiliar world with a semblance of control.
As Ryan continued to explore the system, new prompts began to appear:
[QUEST UPDATE]
Attend the Coronation and Observe Key Figures.
Optional Objective: Gain Favor with Princess Anna (+15 Reputation).
Optional Objective: Build Rapport with Queen Elsa (+20 Reputation).
Ryan groaned. "You could've just said, 'Don't mess up.'"
Despite his sarcastic remark, the system provided a strange sense of comfort. He wasn't alone in this—at least, not entirely. Whatever this "Regal Ascension System" was, it seemed to recognize his intentions and goals. And for that, he was grateful.
The faint knock on his door startled him out of his thoughts. "Your Highness," a servant called, "the castle staff has prepared refreshments for you in the study, should you wish to join the other guests."
Ryan hesitated, glancing between the glowing panel and the door. The system faded automatically, as if sensing his decision. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his jacket and opened the door. "Lead the way."
As he followed the servant through the labyrinthine corridors, Ryan couldn't help but wonder: Was the system a blessing or a curse? It offered guidance, yes, but with it came the weight of responsibility. The fate of Arendelle—and perhaps even the world he had once called fiction—was now tied to his choices. But one thing was certain: Hans's story would not end in betrayal. Not this time.
This expansion introduces the system as a guiding force in Ryan's journey, setting the stage for how it will influence his decisions, skills, and interactions with the world. The quests and abilities add a dynamic element to the narrative, offering plenty of opportunities for Ryan to grow and face challenges.