COOLING DOWN [Ice Progression - Underdog MC]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

In 2005, a huge spherical object appeared near Mount Vesuvius. In 2095, the world is not what it once was.

Brando Casadei has always known that becoming a Cold Soldier was a nearly impossible dream. Lineage means everything in a world reshaped by Cooling Down, and simply possessing Cold Veins, the rare organ that grants access to Cold Powers, marks him as a freak of nature. To the ruling elite, he is just an orphan who dares to reach for power reserved for the chosen.

Trapped in a viper's nest of hostile students and ruthless teachers, Brando must survive. But when his Predator Ice awakens, giving him the power to devour objects and gain abilities no other Bearer possesses, everything changes.

Meanwhile, a sinister red-eyed entity continues to stalk him. What is it? And what does it mean to become itsvessel?

What to expect:

❆ Underdog MC who grows through grit, not privilege

❆ Post-apocalyptic AOT-like setting in an ice age: there is an "in" and an "out".

❆ Pet Companion Monster Evolution

❆ Power progression system based on ice, colors and levels

❆Story will alternate between dramatic and enjoyable moments

❆Authentic and complex interpersonal relationships

❆Some romance

❆ Alien elements

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2025
Author: Jiodom

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.5/ 5.0
Followers: 391
Views: 64,662

What readers say about COOLING DOWN [Ice Progression - Underdog MC]

“A cold apocalypse, like a fantastical Frostpunk era, a combination of elements from Edge of Tomorrow, Oblivion, and Snowpiercer. COOLING DOWN undoubtedly presents us with a fascinating and immensely potential post-apocalyptic fantasy world, along with a pro…”
BayardADRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“It's release day, and with just the first 6 chapters up, I am already hooked! The story is about a young orphan who manifests "Cold Veins", a trait/ability that sets him apart from most people, and gets him into a school of elites with the same trait. Witho…”
ThinkzalotRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(4)

BayardADRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A cold apocalypse, like a fantastical Frostpunk era, a combination of elements from Edge of Tomorrow, Oblivion, and Snowpiercer. COOLING DOWN undoubtedly presents us with a fascinating and immensely potential post-apocalyptic fantasy world, along with a protagonist, Brando Casadei, struggling to survive in adversity. Being burdened with the "Zeta," the lowest rank, is undoubtedly to give the protagonist greater room for improvement in terms of power progression. The academy's design temporarily provides a fixed map for the novel's plot. The appearance of the companion character, Giordano Volpe, is a major surprise in this work. He is like a ray of sunshine in the cold winter, breaking through the suffocating hierarchical barriers of Vesuvius Academy with his rebellious personality and unconditional support for Brando. It gives the novel a sense of a post-apocalyptic Hogwarts.
The world-building is unique and grand. The hierarchical, prejudiced, and power-struggle-filled Vesuvius Academy becomes the first major challenge on the protagonist's path to counterattack. The author successfully creates a convincing sense of oppression through the depiction of the academy's environment, rules and regulations, and interactions between teachers and students. This content provides a solid sci-fi post-apocalyptic foundation for the story. However, there is still much room for the world-building to unfold, and I look forward to seeing the protagonist experience, uncover truths, and interact with other characters to expand this world in future plot developments.
The suspense in this work is also outstanding, such as the mysterious gaze reminiscent of the Eye of Sauron in The Lord of the Rings, the three-eyed puppy, and the existence of the alien artifact – it deepens layer by layer.
The system of "Glacials," "Cold Veins," and "Cold Powers" is very interesting. Although it might be somewhat monotonous, this greatly tests the author's imagination. At the same time, I also look forwa
ThinkzalotRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
It's release day, and with just the first 6 chapters up, I am already hooked! The story is about a young orphan who manifests "Cold Veins", a trait/ability that sets him apart from most people, and gets him into a school of elites with the same trait. Without spoiling anything, he is in for a bit of a rough start, but fortunately, makes a couple of friends early on.
I love the grit of the protaganist, and his determination not to get beaten down. He is thoroughly likeable, as is his first friend, the optimistic b*stard son of one of the elite families, who is himself a prodigy.
The writing flows naturally and beautifully, and the third person limited view of the protaganist is perfect for the story. I can't wait for the next chapter!
megalofrosyneRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Set in 2095, after a mysterious ice event called the Cooling Down changed the world, this story takes place in a post-apocalyptic society where power comes from having “Cold Veins”, special organs that give people ice powers.
The main character, Brando Casadei, is an orphan with no noble background, raised on the edges of society. Somehow, he finds out he actually has Cold Veins and joins an elite academy to become a “Cold Soldier.” He faces tons of prejudice and has to fight hard for every bit of progress, but things really start to shift when he shows a one-of-a-kind ability.
The book mixes fantasy, adventure, personal growth, and mystery in a super engaging way. The power system is creative and detailed, with cool touches like colors, levels, and evolving companions that enrich the worldbuilding.
Themes like discrimination, determination, and the struggle to prove yourself give the story real heart. The plot is gripping and the characters are well-developed and authentic.
Even though English isn’t my first language, the writing was clear and easy to follow. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a story of redemption and personal growth in a unique fantasy setting.
VoidSpecterRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
This has been a interesting read so far. It may still be early on in the story, but it has been interesting so far. The MC is not stupid and uses his brains. He isn't a pansy and fights hard and trains hard. He puts in a lot of effort in his training to get stronger and better at being able to take down the monsters he has to go up against. It has a mystery vib going on with it.