The broken hero

I found myself engulfed in darkness, unsure of what had transpired.

Upon opening my eyes, I was stunned to realize that I had been reincarnated into a novel I had once read.

However, my shock soon turned to terror as I discovered I had become Daniel, a seemingly insignificant character who meets an early demise in the story.

Daniel, a ne'er-do-well plagued by familial disdain, had only his sister Rebecca's support.

My previous life was marked by regret and missed opportunities, especially my failed attempt at joining the Air Force due to my lack of diligence.

Now, inhabiting Daniel's persona, I am determined to break free from the shackles of my past and carve out a new path for myself, regardless of the challenges ahead.

Being reincarnated into a low-class character on the brink of death infuriated me, and I felt an urge to lash out at this worthless playboy.

As I pondered my next move, Rebecca, the novel's female protagonist, approached me with concern evident in her voice.

Rebecca: "Daniel, what's wrong? You seem troubled."

Daniel: "Just contemplating the future, sister."

Rebecca: "That's unusual for you. You never seem to stress about anything." *She chuckles lightly*

Daniel: "As if you'd understand. Anyway, what's today's date?"

Rebecca: "It's late October."

Daniel: "I see... Thanks, Miss Rebecca. I appreciate it."

Daniel then left the room, leaving Rebecca to ponder what had changed in him and if their family had played a role in his demeanor.

As Daniel walked, he contemplated the limited time he had before the main storyline unfolded. He realized the urgency of planning ahead to avoid his impending death in this new life.

Except for the female lead, no one in the novel cared for him, but he couldn't bear to lose his life again.

Resolving to improve his combat skills, Daniel decided to visit the swordsmith area to train, drawing on his high school days when fighting was his forte.

Knowing that Andere and Rebecca would soon grow closer, he acknowledged the need to strengthen himself, as Andere was unrivaled in combat and fighting magic within the narrative.

Daniel's POV: Upon arriving at the Battle playground, I was met with mocking laughter from the crowd.

Undeterred, I challenged them, inviting anyone to face me.

A random guy, sneering at me as a loser prince, charged at me with his sword. Swiftly, I utilized my knowledge of Aikido to disarm and throw him, stunning the onlookers.

With determination, I asked if anyone would teach me sword arts, explaining my urgent need for training.

Bowing my head, I pleaded with them, igniting shock and respect among the spectators. Eventually, the playground's master approached me, questioning my motive. With resolve, I expressed my desire to protect those dear to me,

earning his decision to instruct me. Enduring grueling training sessions that pushed me to my limits, I persevered fueled by the fear of experiencing death once more. Day by day, I absorbed sword techniques and combat styles, knowing that time was running out before the main storyline began.

Master: "Daniel, I've imparted all my knowledge to you. It's impressive how quickly you've absorbed everything. I trust you'll succeed in your mission."

Daniel: "Thank you, Master. I'm grateful for all you've taught me. However, I still struggle with mastering the Supreme Hakai technique at an advanced level."

Master (chuckling): "You'll grasp it with time. For now, go attend your family function. I heard your sister is marrying the Crown Prince of Edinburgh, Andere."

Daniel: "Yes, I'll make my way there now."

As I entered the banquet, Rebecca immediately approached me with concern, questioning my whereabouts and expressing worry over my tendency for recklessness.

Without a word, I excused myself and drifted away, leaving her visibly anxious. Shortly after, Andere joined the gathering.

Andere: "So, this is your brother. You mentioned he was a playboy, but he seems different from what I expected."

Rebecca: "He has changed. I'm not sure if it's due to our family or something else, but his behavior worries me."

Andere: "Don't worry, my dear. He'll be alright. Let's focus on the banquet for now. By the way, can I steal a kiss from you?"

Rebecca blushed and jokingly scolded him, then wandered off to mingle with other guests.

Andere: *Thoughts* "He's no ordinary guy. There's strength in him, hidden beneath the surface. He's a mystery. What are you, Daniel?"

As I walked, I caught sight of Helen, the sister of the male lead, Andere.

Despite her beauty, she harbored disdain for me due to my past attempts at flirting, a factor that contributed to Andere's dislike for me. It was best to steer clear of her and wait for the main event to unfold; I had no intention of causing any disturbances. However, my path crossed with Brian, my power-hungry cousin and the main antagonist of the novel.

With Rebecca soon to marry Andere, Brian's hunger for power grew, prompting our father to announce Andere as the next heir to the empire, relegating me, the sole blood-related son, to insignificance.

This announcement, to be made at the gathering, signified the severance of my ties to the royal family, stripping me of my status and surname. Tonight marked the ambush described in the novel, orchestrated by Brian, leading to my demise. But this time, things would be different. Regardless, my sole focus was on survival.

King: "Today brings me great joy as my beloved daughter is to wed the strongest individual of our time. However, I have two announcements to make. Firstly, my son, deemed good for nothing, is hereby disowned and stripped of his royal status. He is no longer part of this family and shall depart from this kingdom."

As laughter filled the room at my expense, I remained indifferent, knowing their mockery wasn't my concern. Rebecca, visibly angered, was about to interject, but I halted her.

Daniel: "Miss Rebecca, there's no need to speak up. It's not worth the effort, and I've long prepared for this day. You should focus on yourself; you have a bright future ahead. As for me, I'll find my own path."

Rebecca was taken aback by my response, tears welling in her eyes. Andere, seizing my collar, demanded an explanation.

Andere: "What's gotten into you? She's worried about you, wanting to see you happy. Why can't you understand that?"

Meeting his gaze, I spoke firmly.

Daniel: "Sir. Andere, I have nothing of value to my name. I'm as worthless as they come. Don't concern yourself with what others say. I'll be leaving after this banquet to live as an ordinary person. You should focus on your family and your wife."

Andere's thoughts echoed a somber realization as he observed me, contemplating the uncertain future that lay ahead.

Brian: "Finally, if he's out of the picture, I can claim the throne of this empire."

King: "Furthermore, I have another announcement. After me, Andere, my future son-in-law, will ascend to the throne as the next king of this empire."

Brian's shock and anger were palpable as our father made the proclamation. Seizing the opportunity, he signaled the assassins to strike in a fit of rage.

This was the moment I had been waiting for. The assassins stormed the banquet, but due to Andere's quick thinking, no lives were lost except for one: mine.

However, this time, I would defy fate and survive. As chaos erupted, everyone was gripped with worry.

Andere: "Rebecca, stand behind me. Don't worry, and Daniel, watch your back."

Daniel: "You focus on safeguarding your future wife, and I'll take care of myself."

Drawing two blades, I swiftly engaged the assailants, dispatching four of them in a blink of an eye. The shock was evident on everyone's faces, including the king and Brian, but I paid it no mind.

Alongside Andere, we took down more assailants than we could count, showcasing our prowess in combat. Amidst the chaos, I spotted a man targeting Rebecca, swiftly dispatching him with a thrown kunai to the head.

Suddenly, the leader of the assassins summoned two demons, a scenario straight from the original novel. While Andere effortlessly handled one demon, I found myself locked in a fierce battle with the other.

Despite struggling initially, I recalled my master's advice and unleashed the Heaven's Art of Destruction, the Judgment Cut.

Daniel: "Heaven's Art of Destruction, Judgment Cut."

Rushing towards the demon, I cleaved it into a million pieces, leaving the onlookers, especially the king, in stunned silence.

Andere: "Thank you, Daniel. Your swift action saved everyone in this banquet."

Daniel: "No, Andere. I acted out of concern for myself. My ties to the royal family are severed."

Rebecca: "Brother, I was worried. Why didn't you mention anything about fighting?"

Daniel: "Miss Rebecca, your kindness is remarkable. Despite my failures, you still see me as your little brother. I'm honored, but I can no longer bear that title. The king has declared I'm no longer part of the royal bloodline."

King: "Son...?"

Daniel: "Calling me 'son' now, after all this time? You never treated me as such before. Regardless, I'm glad to leave this place behind."

Someone questioned my authority. Helen, revered for her nobility and esteemed for her political acumen and genius intellect in the novel, possessed the ability to overturn empires with her intelligence alone. Her striking beauty left me momentarily captivated.

Helen: "Mocking the king, are we? Your lack of manners is appalling."

Daniel: "My apologies, but I spoke the truth. The king's proclamation cannot be retracted; it's my fate. Excuse me, Your Highness, I shall take my leave."

As I moved to depart, Rebecca's silent tears caught my attention. Andere intervened, commanding my attention as the crown prince.

Andere: "Daniel, stop. As the future king, I order you to halt."

Andere: "You shall serve as my sister's bodyguard in my empire."

Helen: "Brother, this uncouth individual as my bodyguard?"

Andere: "It's final, sister. Daniel, if you wish to leave, you must defeat me in combat first."

Daniel's mind: "I have no choice but to accept."

Daniel: "I accept, but on the condition that I live in the military quarters, not the royal palace."

Andere: "Agreed. You'll meet Rebecca weekly."

Daniel: "As you command, Your Majesty."

Rebecca wept as I exited, while Andere comforted her. The king regretted his decisions, Brian was astonished by my skills, and Helen contemplated the challenge I presented.

Helen: (Daniel, you'd better be prepared. Serving as my bodyguard won't be easy.)

Daniel, while leaving: "That male lead has tied me to the main story. If anything happens to Helen, Andere will hold me responsible."