Zephyrion sat under the oak tree for a long time, letting the wind brush against his face. He clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to calm the storm in his chest. The laughter of Kaelen Duskbane, the burning halls of his family's estate, the blade piercing his chest, those memories were still sharp.
But when he touched his chest now, there was no wound. No pain. Only the steady beat of a heart that had been given a second chance.
"I really am back," he muttered, staring at his hands. They were slimmer, less scarred than the hands he had died with. He was sixteen again, his younger self.
The voice returned, calm and mechanical.
[Eternal System – Quest active.]
[Objective: Defeat Kaelen Duskbane in public combat within three days.]
[Reward: +10 Authority Points, 1 Fragment of Eternity.]
Zephyr exhaled slowly. In his first life, he remembered this duel. Kaelen had humiliated him in front of the academy, using the fight to build his own reputation. That loss had branded Zephyr as weak and had started the slow decline of the Vale family's standing.
But this time… he smiled faintly. This time, it would be different.
"System," he whispered, testing the word, "show me what I can do."
Light flickered before his eyes, forming neat lines of text.
[Eternal System Status]
Name: Zephyrion Vale
Age: 16
Realm: Mortal (Stage 1 – Beginner)
Eternal Authority: 1%
Skills: None unlocked
Fragments of Eternity: 0
It wasn't much. At least, not yet. He was at the lowest stage of cultivation, weaker than most of his peers. But the line that stood out was the one others would never see:
Eternal Authority: 1%
Even if it was only one percent, the system itself was proof that he had been chosen for something greater.
"System," he said, "explain Eternal Authority."
The voice echoed again:
[Eternal Authority measures your control over eternity fragments. Increasing authority unlocks skills, upgrades, and hidden system functions. Currently at 1%.]
Zephyr leaned back, letting the explanation sink in. The others around him, the arrogant heirs, the proud young masters, they had talent and resources, but none of them had this. None of them had a system that promised eternity.
A group of students passed by the courtyard, laughing and talking. Some glanced at him but didn't bother to greet him. In this life, just as before, most saw him as nothing more than the polite but unremarkable Vale heir.
That was fine. Better to let them think he was weak for now.
The academy bell rang, its deep tone calling students to the training grounds. Zephyr stood, dusted off his robes, and walked with steady steps.
The training grounds were just as he remembered, wide stone floors, rows of practice dummies, and the scent of sweat and dust in the air. Students gathered in groups, talking excitedly about the upcoming martial duels.
And there he was, Kaelen Duskbane, standing tall with golden hair catching the sunlight, surrounded by sycophants who laughed at his every word. He looked just as he had years ago, smug, confident, and already planning his climb to power.
Zephyr's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to stay calm. He could not rush.
"Vale," one of Kaelen's lackeys called out, smirking. "Still breathing? Don't embarrass yourself this year. You'll only waste everyone's time."
Laughter followed, sharp and mocking.
Zephyr's lips curved into a faint smile. In his past life, he would have lowered his head and walked away, too proud to argue but too weak to fight back. But now? Now he had the system. Now he had knowledge of the future.
He met the boy's gaze, eyes cold. "We'll see who embarrasses who."
The laughter faltered for a moment. Even Kaelen turned, his smile freezing briefly before returning.
"Well, well. The Vale pup has teeth now?" Kaelen chuckled. "Don't worry, Zephyr. I'll make sure to crush you gently in front of everyone. Wouldn't want you to break too quickly."
Zephyr didn't answer. He didn't need to. His silence, his steady gaze, it was enough to plant the first seed of unease.
Later that evening, back in his quarters, Zephyr sat cross-legged on the floor. The Eternal System's glow hovered before him.
"System, I need strength," he whispered. "How do I grow quickly?"
[Recommended Quest available.]
[Quest: Break Your Limits.]
[Condition: Train continuously for six hours without stopping.]
[Reward: +1 Strength, +1 Endurance.]
Zephyr smiled. "So it begins."
He closed his eyes and began his training. Push-ups, strikes, meditative breathing, movements that once took him days to master now came with ease. Sweat dripped down his brow, his muscles burned, but he did not stop. Hours passed, the moon rising high in the night sky.
When his body finally collapsed, the system chimed:
[Quest complete.]
[Strength +1. Endurance +1.]
[Bonus reward unlocked: Skill – Basic Combat Instinct.]
Power surged through his limbs. His muscles tightened, his reflexes sharpened. He clenched his fist, marveling at the difference.
"In my first life, it took me months to gain this edge," he whispered, his eyes gleaming. "But now, with the system, I'll soar past them all."
Morning came. The academy buzzed with excitement, the duels would begin soon.
Zephyr rose, his body no longer that of a fragile beginner. His heart pounded, but not with fear, with anticipation.
He stepped into the dueling arena, where students crowded the stands, cheering and mocking, eager to watch the fights. The announcer called the first names.
"Zephyrion Vale versus… Kaelen Duskbane."
Gasps, laughter, and murmurs spread instantly.
"This again? Poor Vale. He'll be crushed in a single move."
"Doesn't he know Kaelen is untouchable?"
"This will be over before it begins."
Kaelen stepped into the arena with a lazy smile, twirling his blade. His eyes shone with amusement, already savoring the humiliation he would deliver.
Zephyr walked forward calmly, his gaze fixed on his betrayer.
For the first time, the arena fell silent. There was no trace of fear in Zephyr's eyes, only cold determination.
Kaelen smirked. "Ready to kneel, Vale?"
Zephyr's lips curved slightly, and his voice was quiet but sharp enough to cut through the air.
"No. This time, you will."
The announcer raised his hand. "Begin!"