Under the gray sky shrouded with clouds, the sea churned with heavy waves, as if ready to swallow anything daring enough to challenge it.
In the middle of this sea, a small boat drifted slowly, rocking side to side with each swell. On the boat sat a man in his early thirties, his expression calm but with a shadow of worry in his eyes. His name was Arin Grayford—his sharp features and jet-black hair hid a life marked by hardship and poverty.
In front of him sat a young woman in her mid-twenties, dressed in an elegant gown that reflected the wealth of her family. Her long brown hair danced in the sea breeze. She was Elyara Moncrief, daughter of the founder of the prestigious Moncrief family.
Arin broke the heavy silence and asked in a quiet voice:
— "Elyara… are you sure you love me? Your family didn't force you to marry me, right?"
The girl smiled softly and replied:
— "Of course I love you, Arin."
Arin let out a sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his chest.
— "That's… reassuring."
But suddenly, Elyara's expression changed, a cold smile curling at her lips—a smile that carried venom behind its beauty.
— "Yes, I love you… but you're far too weak. You haven't even reached the beginner level."
Before Arin could respond, another boat drew close to theirs. Standing on it was a man in his thirties, his athletic build and arrogant eyes radiating confidence.
As soon as the boats were side by side, the man leapt onto Arin's boat with steady, sure steps. Elyara's smirk grew sharper as she said:
— "Darin Falcon… kill him. Throw him into the depths."
Without hesitation, Darin grabbed Arin as if he were nothing more than an empty sack and hurled him into the sea.
The icy water slammed into his body, darkness engulfing him from all sides. He could hear their mocking laughter fading as he sank deeper and deeper.
"Elyara… that damned woman. She lied to me. She never deserved to be loved by any man. Darin… I'll kill you both if I ever get the chance."
His lungs burned from the lack of air, his limbs growing heavier.
"I'll drown for sure… no strength… no level… no skills… I just… want another chance… A chance… A chance…"
Suddenly, in the midst of the darkness, a transparent blue window appeared before his eyes:
> Restrictions have been lifted.
Then it vanished, replaced by another message:
> The previous heir has died. You will be given another chance.
He didn't know how or when it happened, but in the next instant, light engulfed him…
When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in a vast courtyard inside a grand academy. Towering walls, training grounds—he tried to make sense of it all.
But a harsh voice cut through his thoughts:
— "Hahaha! You're the one who managed to get into this academy, huh, farmer?"
Arin turned and saw Darin Falcon, the very man who had thrown him into the sea—only this time, Darin wore the academy's uniform, surrounded by a group of sneering followers.
"It's him… the same man… I've returned, and this time I'll change everything."
Darin smirked:
— "How did a poor wretch like you get in here? This is a place for the elite, not village trash."
Arin clenched his fist, his voice sharp:
— "You bastard, how dare you—"
But before he could act, a red warning window appeared before him:
> Warning: Heir in danger. Opponent is stronger than you. Temporary power will be granted.
A strange energy surged through his body.
Darin stepped forward, anger flashing in his eyes:
— "Bastard? I'll show you, you filthy peasant!"
He lunged with a swift punch, but Arin narrowly dodged it, stepping back.
"He's at the Intermediate level now… and I haven't even reached Beginner. I have to be careful."
Darin frowned:
— "How did you dodge that?"
Before he could strike again, a familiar female voice rang out:
— "Stop, Darin!"
Both men turned, and Arin saw her face—Elyara Moncrief, the same woman who betrayed him.
"It's her… without a doubt… I'll punish you later."
What surprised him was her next words:
— "Please, don't bully the weak."
Arin froze for a moment.
"She's defending me?… No. Impossible. She's the same as before… playing her games."
Darin smirked:
— "For you, Miss Elyara, I'll stop."
He shot Arin a look of disgust before walking away.
Elyara stepped closer to Arin, extending her hand with a smile:
— "I'm Elyara Moncrief. Nice to meet you."
Arin let out a short laugh and replied:
— "And I'm Arin Grayford. Nice to meet you too."
But inside, he knew… the real game had just begun.
End of Chapter One.