Ephtal

Ephtal is the protagonist of Rakudai Kenja no Gakuin Musou (From Overshadowed to Overpowered: Second Reincarnation of a Talentless Sage), a man once dismissed as talentless who clawed his way to becoming a Great Sage through sheer relentless effort. In his previous life he devoted himself entirely to studying spells and magical theory, yet his lack of natural aptitude meant he never reached the peak he was chasing — he died believing he had failed to achieve true mastery.

Reincarnated a second time some four centuries later, Ephtal retains every memory and technique from his past life, only to find that magic once considered basic is now regarded as extraordinary, even miraculous, in a world where magical civilization has quietly declined. He enrolls in a magic academy alongside Anastasia, whom he rescued from slavery and who now travels at his side, determined to surpass his old limits at last.

Calm, introspective and deeply disciplined, Ephtal carries the humility of a man who once struggled and rarely lets his overwhelming power show as arrogance. He values effort over raw talent, thinks several steps ahead before acting, and shows real warmth toward the people close to him — a quality Merlin, whom he raised and trained himself, still holds in the highest regard as her true master.