Killed in the flames of war he couldn’t stop, Mano Ardent, once a legendary commander, dies with nothing but regret in his heart. But fate isn't done with him yet.

Awakened in a new world—Aetherion—in the body of his sixteen-year-old self, Mano finds himself reborn with a mysterious game-like system, granting him the unheard-of SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent: Heavenly Blade.

In a land ruled by power, bloodlines, and ancient magic, Mano must rise again—not as a commander bound by orders, but as a free warrior determined to forge his own path. From humble beginnings in the city of Velaria, to duels with noble sons, secret missions, and building a new legacy—his blade will carve a destiny no one can ignore.

But dark forces stir beneath Aetherion’s surface. His rebirth is no coincidence. And some are watching… waiting for the Reborn Hero to take his first step.

This time, Mano won’t fight for kings or glory.
He’ll fight to change the world.

Cries of war echoed across the charred plains as fire raged around collapsed towers and broken banners. The once-mighty kingdom of Eldrath had crumbled into chaos. Amid the ruins, a lone figure staggered forward, sword dragging behind him.


Mano Ardent, Commander of the Crimson Order, had nothing left but the broken hilt of his blade—and a heart heavy with regret.


"All… for nothing," he muttered, collapsing to his knees beside the corpses of his fallen comrades. His breathing slowed, each breath more labored than the last. "If only… I had more time… If only I had been stronger…"


The enemy's final arrow pierced his chest.


As darkness wrapped around him, Mano felt no fear. Only the weight of failure.


"Let me start again. Let me save them… this time."


[Conditions met. Transferring to compatible world…]


Mano opened his eyes to find himself lying in a grassy field beneath a brilliant blue sky. Birds sang overhead. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air.


He gasped, sitting upright, hand flying to his chest—no wound. His armor was gone, replaced by simple linen clothes. He looked at his hands—young, unscarred. His reflection in the clear stream nearby revealed a teenage version of himself—barely sixteen.


Before he could comprehend what had happened, a soft chime echoed in his mind.


[You have been reincarnated in the world of Aetherion.]


[Your unique trait has been awakened: SSS-Rank—Heavenly Blade Talent.]


[Would you like to open your status panel?]


"A system…?" he whispered. "Just like the stories."


He hesitated only a second before saying aloud, "Yes."


He didn't fully understand this world yet, but instinct told him what this meant—power. A second chance.


"I failed them once. I won't fail again."


Far in the distance, beyond the fields, he saw the silhouette of a city: stone walls, watchtowers, and flags fluttering in the breeze. The beginning of a new life awaited.


But unknown to him, powerful forces were already watching. The birth of a reincarnated soul with an SSS-Rank talent had shaken the foundations of Aetherion.


Gods stirred in slumber. Monsters whispered in the dark.


And in the shadows, a mysterious figure smiled coldly.


"So, the Hero has returned… Let's see how long you last this time, Mano."


Chapter 1 - Prologue