Chapter 1: Death and Rebirth
The pain came first.
A sharp, burning pain tore through Ethan's chest as he fell to the cold ground. Rain mixed with blood beneath him. The city lights above blurred as his vision faded.
"So this is how it ends…" he whispered.
Betrayed by the people he trusted most, Ethan died with anger and regret filling his heart.
Then—darkness.
Ethan opened his eyes.
Warm sunlight touched his face. The smell of grass and earth filled his nose. He sat up quickly, breathing hard.
"This… isn't the hospital."
He looked around. Tall trees surrounded him, and a stone road stretched ahead. His clothes were strange—leather boots, a rough tunic, and a short sword resting at his side.
A sword?
His heart pounded.
Suddenly, memories rushed into his mind like a flood.
This body belonged to Aren Valen, a weak noble's son from the Kingdom of Lothar. Mocked for his lack of magic. Beaten by knights. Betrayed by his own family and left to die in the forest.
Ethan clenched his fists.
"So… I transmigrated."
Two lives. Two deaths. One fate.
Aren's last memory burned in his head—his half-brother smiling coldly as soldiers turned their backs on him.
Revenge.
The word echoed in his soul.
"I won't die again," Ethan said quietly. "And I won't forgive."
A strange warmth spread through his chest.
A blue light appeared before his eyes.
[System Awakening…]
[Sword & Magic System Activated]
[Host: Ethan / Aren Valen]
[Skill Acquired: Basic Sword Mastery]
[Skill Acquired: Mana Sense]
Ethan's eyes widened.
"I can feel it…"
Energy flowed around him—thin threads of light moving through the air. This was magic.
He picked up the sword. His grip felt natural, as if he had trained for years. He swung once.
Whoosh.
The blade cut cleanly through the air.
A slow smile formed on his face.
"In my old world, I was powerless," he said. "In this world…"
He looked toward the distant castle visible beyond the trees.
"I will become strong enough to crush everyone who betrayed me."
The wind howled, as if answering his vow.
Ethan stepped forward, sword in hand.
His revenge had begun.