Ryo returned to his dorm after dinner, his thoughts still spiraling.
The quiet of the room felt surreal after everything that had happened—the near-death experiences, the regressions, and that girl with the crimson eyes. After changing into a simple shirt and pants, he collapsed onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling, his body still buzzing with unfamiliar energy.
His mind drifted to the dinner conversations. Though casual, they'd carried a strange weight.
Students had debated human food and customs, marveling at how humanity thrived without supernatural abilities. Some expressed curiosity, even envy, over human cuisine and holidays—alien experiences to beings who lived off mana or blood.
Then came talk of tomorrow's schedule:
Morning: Racial History and Ability Theory
Afternoon: Basic Combat Training
Evening: Free period for course preparation
Ryo sighed.
Classes?How was he supposed to sit through classes when he had died twice in a single day?
He turned on his side, his body still feeling unnaturally light. Had his biology changed? The voice in his head, the strange powers unlocking, and those regression loops—none of it made sense.
As if summoned by his thoughts, a glowing blue screen suddenly materialized before him.
Ryo flinched, jerking back.
Thud!
He tumbled off the bed, groaning as he hit the floor. But his eyes stayed fixed on the glowing interface hovering midair.
It wasn't an illusion. It was real.
[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Ryo TakashiRace: Human (???)Titles: The Accidental Supreme, The Banished One, The One Who Returned from DeathLevel: 1
Abilities:
Limitless Regression
Paradox Physique
Infinite Regeneration
Blood Rampage
Blood Weaponry
Hemokinesis
Regeneration Boost
Blood Puppetry
Ryo's breath caught.
Titles? Abilities? Levels?
What the hell was this?
He touched the screen—it rippled like water and followed his gaze. It responded to his thoughts.
Limitless Regression… That must be the ability that brought him back after death.
But the rest—Paradox Physique, Hemokinesis, Blood Puppetry—sounded unnatural, monstrous. Vampiric.
His fists clenched. What had he become?
But sleep eventually claimed him, his mind too drained to continue unraveling the mystery.
Morning light seeped through the dormitory window. Ryo blinked, then groggily sat up.
He shuffled into the bathroom, letting warm water wash away the haze. After changing into the academy's crisp white uniform—red tie, black blazer, and checked pants—he paused at the mirror.
And froze.
Red streaks ran through his hair.
His formerly jet-black hair now glinted with unnatural crimson lines. His black irises had a faint glow, as if blood shimmered beneath the surface.
When did this happen?Last night's ability unlocks flashed through his mind.
Vampiric traits.
He swallowed down his unease and rushed off to breakfast, arriving at class just before the bell rang.
The first lesson of the day was Racial Ability Theory.
The teacher, a dry-toned elf, began listing species: dragons, spirits, werebeasts, demons… and then—
"Vampires," the teacher said. "Their core abilities include Enhanced Regeneration, Blood Manipulation, and Blood Weaponry."
Ryo froze.
Those were in his Status Window.
A chill spread through him. Was he becoming a vampire? Or… was he something entirely new?
Before he could find answers, it was time for Battle Practice.
The training grounds were vast—an open field layered with mana-conducting stone, ringed by glowing sigils to suppress lethal accidents.
Ryo's gaze scanned the students sparring under instructor supervision. And there she was again—the silver-haired girl from the night before. Her crimson eyes met his for a brief second before returning to her training.
Does she know something?
He didn't get time to think further.
"Ryo Takashi," the instructor called. "Step forward."
He stiffened, drawing the attention of every student. His opponent—an older demon boy, bulky and grinning—stepped into the ring opposite him.
The instructor motioned them to the center, where a stone slab stood embedded in the ground.
"Place your hand on the slab," the instructor said. "We log every combatant's abilities for safety."
The demon went first.
[Brute Strength][Slow Regeneration][Demonic Constitution]
Simple. Raw power.
Then came Ryo's turn.
He placed his palm on the stone.
A faint hum echoed—and text flickered into view:
[Enhanced Regeneration][Blood Manipulation][Blood Weaponry]
That was it.
No titles. No system window. No regression. No Paradox Physique.
The instructor frowned. "Strange… Even for a hybrid, these abilities are… advanced."
"I… I haven't trained," Ryo replied honestly. "I didn't know I had them."
Whispers spread through the crowd. Some mocked. Others looked wary.
"Begin!" the instructor barked.
The demon charged. Ryo barely dodged, the punch cutting through air just inches from his face.
Another strike followed. This time, it hit.
Pain exploded in his side as he was sent flying across the ground.
But he stood—unharmed.
Gasps rippled through the onlookers.
His Paradox Physique had kicked in. Muscles repaired. Pain vanished. He barely flinched.
"Focus on your blood!" the instructor shouted. "Feel it. Command it!"
Ryo inhaled sharply and closed his eyes. He felt it—his blood pulsing unnaturally, flowing faster, as if begging to be unleashed.
Then it answered.
Crimson needles formed midair around him—fragile, yet sharp with intent. Blood Weaponry.
The demon lunged again, but Ryo was ready. He dodged, pivoted, and sent the blood needles flying.
They pierced shallowly—just enough to distract.
He darted in and landed a blow directly to the demon's chest. His opponent staggered, groaned… and fell.
Match over.
The crowd was stunned into silence. The instructor simply nodded.
"Well done. Report to the healers. Take the rest of the day to rest."
Ryo stumbled back to his dorm, limbs heavy, brain overloaded. He skipped dinner, his appetite dulled by confusion and dread.
He collapsed onto the bed, letting the void of sleep consume him—
But the moment he opened his eyes—
He was no longer in his bed.
The morning light was gone. So was the comfort of his sheets.
He stood once again in the training field, his palm hovering above the stone slab.
The instructor's voice called his name.
The match hadn't begun.
Time had reset again.
Hey readers! If you're enjoying this series don't forget to drop some Powerstones to show your support! Your votes, comments, and love keep this series alive and thriving
Every stone helps Ryo get one step closer to uncovering the truth behind his regression… and maybe survive another day
Thanks for reading—see you in the next chapter!
— Author