This novel throws you into a fascinating world where literally every conflict, from personal disputes to international wars, is settled with a card game called "Magic & Creatures." The story follows Ricardo Bardi, a man reincarnated from our war-torn Earth into the body of a young nobleman. Haunted by memories of a brutal past life, his origin cards—magical manifestations of a player's imagination—are unlike anything this peaceful world has ever seen. Instead of knights and fairies, he summons monstrous war machines and dragons born from 21st-century warfare, immediately setting him... more>> apart from his peers at the prestigious Federico Academy. The plot is a fantastic series of high-stakes duels, starting with his very first entrance exam match against a powerful prince, and escalating as he's targeted by rivals and shadowy organizations who are both terrified and intrigued by his unprecedented power.

What makes this story so compelling is the protagonist's unique perspective. Ricardo is a soldier in a world of duelists, and his tactical, often ruthless, approach to the card game is a breath of fresh air. His deck, filled with creatures like the mechanical deep-sea dragon "Nautilus" and the siege dragon "Gustav Dora, " is a direct reflection of his traumatic past, and the story does a great job of exploring the psychological toll this takes on him. The supporting cast is full of interesting characters, from his loyal maid Isabella to the proud Princess Alessia and the friendly elf Adela, all of whom are drawn to Ricardo's mysterious and overwhelming strength. The pacing is excellent, with each duel being more intense and creative than the last. The writing is clear and does a fantastic job of making the card battles feel epic and strategically deep without getting bogged down in complicated rules. It's a must-read for anyone who loves tournament arcs and a dark, intelligent protagonist. <<less