It has been five years since I awoke in this new world, a realm unlike any Earthly imagination. Time flows swiftly in Alkaine, a land steeped in ancient magic and boundless power. I am now five years old—or rather, I have lived five years in this new body, having reincarnated into a world where fantasy is not fiction but fact.
Alkaine is vast, filled with kingdoms, empires, and creatures of legend. The political structure of this world is divided into five tiers of empires—Level 1 being the most powerful, and Level 5 the weakest. Among all these nations, only three hold the prestigious title of Level 1 Empires. By fate or fortune, I was born into one of them—the mighty Asterin Empire.
"Harlez, my dear! Where are you hiding?"
"Yes, Mom, I'm here," I replied, pushing open the carved mahogany door leading to the garden veranda.
If you're wondering—yes, I'm Harlez, a five-year-old with the memories of an adult man from Earth. My mother, Helan, is the very embodiment of warmth and elegance. She's gentle but commands great power, a fact I learned not long after my birth when I discovered the truth: she is a dragon. A real, living, breathing dragon in human form. And my father, Yin, is no less extraordinary. A Divine Realm swordsman, his aura commands reverence even among elite warriors.
"Harlez, where have you been? It's your study hour! Come in and study now."
"But Mom, I know all this stuff already! I want to train with Dad instead. I want to be strong—just like him. Dad, say something!"
My father, standing nearby in his practice robes, gave a tired smile. "Sigh... What am I supposed to do with you, Harlez? You should know that knowledge is also a form of strength. Listen to your mother."
"Finee..." I muttered, sulking. "I'll study."
"That's our son," Mom said, pleased. "Study well."
As I plopped onto the plush study chair and cracked open a tome far too heavy for most kids my age, my thoughts wandered again. The Asterin Empire—my birthplace—was one of three titanic powers in the world. The other two Level 1 empires were the majestic La Sierra Empire and the enigmatic Lunaris Empire. And here's the kicker: the monarch of the Lunaris Empire is none other than my grandfather—Artemis, the Great Dragon King.
"Can you believe it? My grandfather is the Dragon King himself!" I often thought, eyes sparkling with childish mischief. "Truly, I must be heaven's chosen! with a grin smile"
Just then, my maid entered. "Young Master, you should not wander off in your imagination. Lady Helan will not be pleased."
"Fine, Fiona," I said with a pout. "I'll study, I promise."
Truth be told, it was hard to concentrate. My bloodline was no ordinary one. My maternal grandfather, Artemis, was a being of the Celestial Realm—one of the highest planes of power in Alkaine. He had mastered the ancient Draconic Arts and was known to command the skies themselves. My father, meanwhile, was a master of the sword, standing firmly in the Divine Realm. And Mother—ah, she was both a dragon and a sorceress, a dual cultivator whose presence alone deterred most threats.
So yes, expectations were sky-high.
Still, I had ambitions of my own. I wanted to become stronger than them all. To reach heights none had ever imagined. To forge my path, with sword in hand.
To do that, I needed to understand the Sword Realm hierarchy. Thankfully, my father explained it to me one night, his voice firm yet calm:
"The path of the sword is arduous, Harlez. Each step you take will forge your destiny. Listen well."
He had listed the ranks, one by one:
1. Sword Beginner – "The First Step"
At the Sword Beginner stage, a swordsman has just started to learn the art of the sword. Their movements are clumsy and unrefined, lacking precision. They rely on simple strikes and basic techniques, struggling to even hold the sword properly. Their skill level is rudimentary, but it marks the first step on the path to greatness.
2. Sword Intermediate – "The Novice's Growth"
At this stage, the swordsman has begun to understand the fundamentals of swordplay. Their strikes are more controlled and their stance is more stable. Though still not flawless, they start to understand the flow of combat and can defend themselves against basic opponents. The swordsman begins training in basic sword techniques and footwork.
3. Sword Expert – "The Skilled Combatant"
A Sword Expert has solid control over their blade and techniques. They have honed their basic skills and developed the ability to predict an opponent's movements. Their strikes are faster, and their technique is much more refined. They are considered seasoned warriors who are capable of holding their own in battle.
4. Swordsman – "The Master of the Blade"
At this level, the swordsman's control over their sword is near perfection. They are able to execute precise strikes and counterattacks with ease. Their techniques have evolved to be far more deadly, and they can handle multiple opponents without issue. Their speed and precision have reached a level where they can fight efficiently against even the most skilled enemies.
5. Sword Master – "The Unyielding Blade"
A Sword Master is a true expert who has fused their being with their blade. Their techniques have become far more advanced, and they have a deep understanding of swordsmanship and combat strategies. They can take on entire battalions of soldiers without breaking a sweat and can anticipate their enemies' moves before they even happen. A Sword Master is a formidable opponent on any battlefield.
6. Sword Grandmaster – "The Ultimate Swordsman"
Sword Grandmasters possess an innate connection to their sword, using it with such precision and mastery that they seem to be an extension of their own body. Their techniques go beyond human limitations, and they can execute impossible moves. They control the flow of battle and are known as legends. Only the most elite can reach this stage, and their name is enough to strike fear into the hearts of enemies.
7. Sword King – "The Supreme Authority"
Sword Kings are rulers in their own right. They are beyond mere mortals, wielding their swords as if they were gods of battle. Their power is so great that they can cut down entire armies with a single slash, capable of decimating forces much larger than themselves. At this stage, they gain the ability to manipulate the battlefield with their will, controlling the environment to gain the upper hand.
8. Sword Emperor – "The Peak of Mortal Power"
Sword Emperors are absolute masters, so skilled that they are akin to monarchs of the sword realm. Their swords can cleave through mountains, and they are capable of performing feats that defy what mortals can comprehend. Their combat skills are on a level where they can defeat whole legions with relative ease. They are a force of nature in battle.
9. Sword Unrestrained – "The Rulebreaker"
Sword Unrestrained swordsmen break free from the limitations of the mortal world. At this level, they no longer follow rigid techniques or rules of engagement. They fight with wild, unpredictable strikes that defy logic and reason. These swordsmen are not bound by gravity or human limitations; they move with total freedom, their attacks flowing like water, impossible to predict or counter. Their strikes can break the laws of nature itself, leaving their opponents powerless.
10. Sword Transcendence – "The Lawbender"
Swordsmen who reach this level have transcended human limitations entirely. Their swordplay is no longer confined to the physical realm; they can manipulate the forces of nature, bending space, time, and even the elements with their strikes. Their power reaches beyond the battlefield and into the very fabric of the world. At this stage, they can alter reality with a single swing, making them a nearly unstoppable force.
11. Sword Saint – "The Immortal Blade"
Sword Saints are beings of perfection. Their swordsmanship has become so honed that they have surpassed mere mortals entirely, becoming legends in their own right. Every strike is flawless, cutting through any material or opponent with ease. They have reached a state where they are regarded as near-immortal beings, and their very presence is enough to shift the tide of battle.
12. Divine Swordsman – "The Realm of Gods"
At this level, swordsmen are no longer bound by mortal rules. They wield their swords with divine power, and their strikes can reshape worlds. The sword becomes an extension of their very soul, and they possess the power to bend the will of the universe. Their swords cut through both physical and spiritual realms, and they can combat the gods themselves. Their existence is a step beyond mortal comprehension.
13. Heavenly Swordsman – "The Celestial Wielder"
Heavenly Swordsmen are no longer confined to the mortal realm. Their swords are infused with celestial power, and they can wield the forces of the heavens themselves. They can summon divine storms, manipulate cosmic energy, and control the very fabric of reality. Their presence is awe-inspiring, and they can defeat even divine beings with their swordplay. They are regarded as demi-gods.
14. Sword God – "The Unrivaled Power"
Sword Gods are the ultimate pinnacle of swordsmanship. Their power is so great that they can cut through the very fabric of existence. Their sword strikes have the power to reshape entire realms, and they are beyond the influence of even the highest beings. They wield power over life and death, and their swordsmanship is regarded as divine. Sword Gods are feared and revered across the world, for they are a force that no being, mortal or divine, can match.
My eyes gleamed with admiration. "I'll reach the top one day, Dad. I promise."
He smiled gently, ruffling my hair. "Then walk your path with discipline. You carry more than your own dreams—you carry a legacy."
Today was a special day. Grandfather—my paternal grandfather, not the Dragon King—was visiting. A man of towering presence and sharp gaze, he was a near-legendary swordsman himself. Though he had not yet reached the Celestial Realm, he stood at the threshold—the Half-Step Celestial Realm. Rumor had it that even high-ranking elders bowed in his presence.
"Harlez," Fiona said, stepping into the study room again, "your grandfather has arrived. He wishes to meet you at the training ground."
I nearly leapt out of the chair. "Yes! Finally!"
The training ground was a sprawling courtyard paved with enchanted stones that absorbed stray mana. My grandfather stood at the center, dressed in robes of silver-gray, his sword resting against a wooden post. His arms were crossed, but a soft smile crept onto his face as he saw me approach.
"Oh, my Harlez! Long time no see. I missed my grandson so much!"
"Grandfather, we met just yesterday."
"Did we? Hahaha! Age must be catching up with me."
I laughed, running into his arms.
"So, Grandfather, what will you teach me today?"
His smile faltered for a second. "Ah, about that… I received an urgent message. There's a Divine Realm monster terrorizing the Southern Sea. I have to handle it."
My shoulders drooped, and I looked up with the biggest puppy eyes I could muster. "Can't I come with you, please? I'll be good and stay with your bodyguards. Promise!"
He hesitated, scratching his silver beard. "Hmm... You're still young... but I suppose seeing a real battle wouldn't hurt... if you stay far behind the front lines."
"Yay! Thank you, Grandfather!"
I ran off to prepare, heart pounding with excitement.
That day marked the first time I would step outside the safety of palace walls. The real world awaited, full of danger and opportunity. I didn't know then that this journey would be the first step toward a destiny far greater than I had imagined.
As I packed my wooden practice sword—insisting it be strapped to my back like a real warrior—I gazed out of the window. Dragons soared over distant cliffs, magical beasts roamed the forests, and ancient secrets slumbered in ruins lost to time.
A new chapter was beginning.
And I, Harlez of Asterin, child of dragon and sword, was ready to meet it head-on.