The mindset of a person always plays in their favor. Human beings are capable of anything to achieve their goals… In some cases, even the most atrocious acts come to be seen as justifiable.
Sometimes, we don't even understand our own limits—and we end up dragging others down with us.
POV: Kael Lanpar
It had been a long time since my birth. Life was... interesting. Even though I was trapped in the body of a baby, I had found ways to keep myself entertained.
I tried to push away the memories of my past, just to focus on this new opportunity— Even if deep down, I knew I didn't deserve it.
At that moment, I was crawling through the palace hallways, moving as fast as my tiny limbs allowed, while a maid ran after me, desperately trying to catch up.
"Prince Kael, please slow down. You might hurt yourself," pleaded Lilia, her face full of concern.
Seeing that worried expression only made me crawl faster. Yes, being a baby was annoying… But some things had their charm.
The palace corridors were massive, with tall white marble columns that reflected the golden morning light.
I hadn't truly appreciated how beautiful this place was before. But now, taking in every detail… I sighed, quietly admiring it all.
For a brief moment, somewhere between the vast corridors of the kingdom, it felt as if I were walking again. A landscape of fire and blood formed before my eyes—caused by my own hand.
These memories always find their way back to me…..And they only give me more reasons to keep asking:
Why did I have to be reborn?
(Memory)
"You're a worthless piece of shit. You and your entire family are slaves. People like you don't deserve freedom, you son of a bit—"
Before he could finish, I slammed my foot into his gut. He collapsed to the ground, coughing up blood.
I knew this was just a memory. One of those that kept replaying over and over in my mind—
A moment where I had to do what I hated most: take someone's life to save others.
But this time, I couldn't act. I could only watch my own mistakes.
"Look around you, tyrant. Do you think any of the corpses lying here give a damn about what you have to say?" I shouted, feeling my nails dig into my palms.
The truth is, back then, I didn't care what he said. All these people deserved it— Cruel monsters who used their power to crush those who had nothing.
I shook my head in disgust.
Why is it that when people gain power, they suddenly change so completely?
It's like their inner beast finally breaks free.
I knelt down and picked up the sword he had dropped— The blade stained with the suffering of many.
"This is the weapon you used to torture your slaves, isn't it?" I asked, stepping closer.
I grabbed what little hair he had left and lifted his head to face mine. I looked into his eyes—full of terror... and a mercy he didn't deserve.
"Are you going to beg? Or would you prefer this to end quickly?"
My words were clear. There would be no second chances. He had never given anyone one.
Before he could speak, I brought the blade down and severed his head. I felt the blood splatter across my face.
Guilt… yes. But also clarity.
There was no other option.
(End of Memory)
That day, I killed many people. They were corrupt, loyal to the Prophet and his ideology of power.
But still… Taking a life— No one should ever have the right to decide who lives and who dies, no matter how justifiable it seems.
I shook my head, trying to shake off the memory of that massacre.
I turned my attention back to the little chase. I had already managed to get ahead, thanks to the curves in the hallway and the many rooms I could use as cover.
Now that I was calmer, I paused again— And took another moment to admire the view.
"Hehe… I think this might be my second favorite thing in this world so far. Not seeing blood everywhere… it's comforting."
There they were—the grand windows letting in the morning breeze, and across the hall, the statues of ancient kings standing tall at every corner, watching me with cold, stone-carved eyes.
They were probably the ancestors of the Lanpar family….I had discovered that the throne was passed down by blood—something familiar from my past life. But even then… I'd never really understood how it worked.
Maybe one day, my own statue would stand here… Though I'd rather skip the stiff, threatening pose.
To be honest, I'd prefer a quiet life," I whispered mentally. "Maybe out in the countryside."
While still distracted, I turned down a different hallway without realizing it. After bumping gently into a door, I noticed I had wandered into a room unlike the others.
It took me a moment to recognize it— I was in my father's study. The door had been left slightly open, so I figured this was the perfect chance to learn more about this world.
A slow smile spread across my face.
The only time I'd been here before was when my father was looking for some documents. That day, my mother wasn't around, so I had spent the entire day with him.
The room was full of variety: documents, contracts with other kingdoms, financial reports… A bunch of things that, honestly, hadn't caught my interest at all.
Wait... what's that? I muttered, half-babbling. Squinting my eyes and focusing on a shelf, I spotted something with my name on it:
"To my son, Kael Lanpar. My pride."
It was a letter. I was about to head straight for it—maybe even try to climb up the chair to reach it— But something else caught my eye.
I'd bumped into a book on the floor. It had been lying there, within my reach.
It says: Ranks.
Without wasting time, I dragged it toward me with what little strength I had in this tiny body— And began to read.
Excerpt from the book:
"For a long time, after countless battles and wars fought by powerful men and women, a system of ranks was established to classify warriors, whether they be mages or swordsmen."
My heart stopped for a moment.
Mages...? Magic?
I blinked several times, trying to process what I had just read.
I had assumed this was a medieval world, with swords, bows, and spears… Something like the age of kings and castles from my old home.
But this… This was something completely different.
No, no, no…
It must be talking about those types of "magic" like shamans or herbal healers.
I must be imagining things. Magic isn't real.
A strange feeling settled in my chest. Until now, I had held onto the hope—however absurd—that I had simply been reborn in another era of my own world.
But if this was real…This changed everything.
Even the most drastic changes I could make would have no impact on the future of my original world. I would only be altering a completely different timeline that wasn't even mine.
I'd even entertained the ridiculous idea of becoming king and uniting the world.
I shook my head, pushing those thoughts away. There was no point trying to figure it all out now.
The only thing I could do was observe, learn, and understand this world as best I could…To find out where the hell I had ended up being reborn.
I turned my attention back to the book, now devouring every word with renewed curiosity.
"On the vast continent of Mayora, there are three main ranks that define the level of a warrior.
First, there are the Rankeds—fighters in training who are still learning to master their abilities."
"Next come the Roamers—warriors with basic abilities who take on minor missions.
And finally, the Destroyas—highly trained fighters capable of facing serious threats."
Each rank had a detailed description, but what truly caught my attention were the following chapters.
Interesting…
If I remember correctly, none of this was ever mentioned in the history of my previous life.
Piece by piece, I'm putting the puzzle together, I thought, scratching my head.
"Beyond these, there are three other organizations that far surpass the conventional ranks—grants of title given only to the most powerful and dangerous individuals on the continent."
Just as I was about to turn the page, I heard footsteps.
My ears perked up instantly: they were light… But what struck me as odd was the metallic clinking that accompanied them, like iron pieces knocking together with each step.
My senses went on high alert.
I had no idea who it was… and to make things worse, guards didn't usually patrol this part of the palace. I grabbed one of the quills lying on the floor, ready to use it as a makeshift weapon.
This is bad. Really bad.
What am I supposed to do if this is an actual threat?
It's not like I can suddenly recover my original body and fight back— I can't even walk yet.
When I looked up, I met the amused eyes of my mother. The relief hit me so hard I let out a massive mental sigh. I swear I nearly shit myself… literally.
"Kal, what are you doing hiding in here?" she asked with a smile, glancing around the room. "You're supposed to be with Lilia."
She paused and raised an eyebrow.
"Speaking of which… where is she?" she continued.
As if summoned by her words, Lilia appeared in the doorway, panting, her hair completely disheveled.
"Your Majesty, I'm so sorry! The young prince slipped away from me. He's too fast when he crawls."
My mother chuckled softly and scooped me into her arms with affection.
"Are you really that fast, Kal? Such a mischievous little thing, aren't you?"
Of course, I couldn't answer her. But I couldn't help feeling a bit frustrated— They had interrupted me at the most interesting part.
My mother handed me back to Lilia, who took me gently into her arms.
"Take him to his room and lay him in the crib so he can rest," she ordered playfully. "And next time, don't lose sight of him. I don't want anything to happen to my little one."
Lilia nodded, clearly embarrassed, and began walking me back to my room. As she laid me gently in the crib, she looked at me with kindness and ran her hand through my hair.
"Please, young prince, don't run off like that again. You scared me… and probably scared your mother, too."
Hahahaha.
Worried that something would happen to me… in a place this safe? That's a bit ridiculous. This is a castle guarded by hundreds of soldiers. Honestly, I was already starting to feel sleepy just thinking about it…
I was about to close my eyes— When a sudden image flashed through my mind. Wait a minute… now that I think about it— My mother was injured.
She had cuts on her arms, and her dress was torn. That wasn't normal. What happened…?
The answer came quickly.
Suddenly, as I lay in the crib, the ground began to shake. A second later, the sounds came—explosions… screams of panic… chaos.
My eyes flew open wide.
From where I lay, I could see through the window— The glass was beginning to crack— And there, rising over the city, was a massive figure. It was nearly the size of the castle.
I didn't know what was happening, but when I saw my mother running toward us, her face twisted in horror… everything shifted into slow motion.
The windows shattered—glass bursting inwards, falling across the floor like rain.
It took me back to the moment I died. That same helplessness. That same inability to stop it. All I could do back then was accept my death.
My mind froze— and a single realization struck me. It devastated me… and yet, for some strange reason, it thrilled me too.
This really was another world.
When I looked up, I saw a massive chunk of the ceiling collapsing above me. Once again…
I was going to die.
I shut my eyes tightly. The last thing I saw was my mother's face— charging toward us with all her strength, terror carved into every line of her expression.
At the very least… I got to enjoy a moment of peace. It felt like a short vacation, far from my torment… far from my sins.
I won't complain.
Tears began to slip from my eyes. More than anything, I didn't want this to be the end. And if the gods had ever known love… Then maybe—just maybe— they'd forgive me this once, and let me live one more day.
"And if that day came… I wouldn't waste it ever again."