The Second Cataclysm opened several portals all over the Earth, bringing the Abyssal Creatures with them. They were terrifying beasts that lived on the other side of the portals.
Humanity's defense began to crumble under the combined attacks of the Abyssal Creatures and Voidborns. However, they persisted and found that they could actually travel across the portals like the Abyssal Creatures.
On the other side of the portals, they found a new world filled with many Beast races that were practically mythical to humans. After all, the Beasts were ruled by Elves, beings of myth on Earth.
Humans discovered that they could level up faster in Elferia, the world on the other side of the portals, than on Earth. To their surprise, Elferia was also plagued by Abyssal Creatures.
Unfortunately, the Beasts and Elves weren't on friendly terms with humans, which led to Earth having a new enemy to deal with. But the Elves were busy saving themselves, so the war between Earth and Elferia didn't escalate significantly.
...or at least that's what everyone thought. However, Arthur knew the truth behind the matter. The Elves were never a warmongering race, but when humans killed the Beasts under them to level up, they turned against humanity.
Since then, humans began to take control over the portals and establish strongholds in Elferia to ensure a good supply of powerful Sentinels.
It had been almost a hundred years since the First Cataclysm, and Earth had returned to a rather peaceful atmosphere.
'All of this is a facade!' Arthur thought, looking east.
The city where Zenith Academy was situated was a clean city and a paradise for humans. It was one of the biggest strongholds, after all, and everyone lived relatively peaceful lives here. However, he knew everything was just a facade.
Out there, not too far from the city, could be a terrifying Abyssal Creature or maybe even a Voidborn. The whole Earth was filled with them, and leaving the city was almost impossible for normal and weak people. Some even spent their whole lives in this city.
But even this facade would break soon when the Third Cataclysm descended and brought forth the destruction of Earth. It would not only bring the Abyssal Creatures but a whole army of Voidborns led by their Emperor, the Overlord of Voidborns.
Arthur sighed as he closed his eyes, remembering everything that happened after the Third Cataclysm. It was nothing less than pure chaos. Humans were powerless and gradually lost everything.
'I will definitely change things this time!' Arthur's eyes burned with the flames of determination as a cold look appeared on his face. His eyes held pure murder as he almost lost control over his killing intent. However, he controlled it in time and sighed.
Even though he wished to change everything and save everyone, he didn't know how. It didn't matter how much he prepared or how strong he became; he would still lose. The Overlord of Voidborns was just too strong. Even when Arthur stood at the peak of humanity, he was killed by a random strike.
He slapped himself as a grin appeared on his face. "Heh, so what if he is strong? It won't be the first time I kill someone invincible."
Arthur smiled as he reminded himself of his past. However, that also brought melancholy. It was all gone—his battles, his bonds, everything. The people didn't know who the Angel from Hell was; they only knew the Playboy Arthur of Zenith Academy.
Remembering his lovers, he suddenly thought of something, and an excited grin appeared on his face: 'That's right! There is a chance that Elara might have also come to the past. I don't know what happened, but there is a chance!'
He was getting excited, but he calmed himself down. He wasn't the previous Arthur who stood at the peak. He was now a weak human who had not even Awakened, let alone ventured into the vast lands of Elferia.
He took a deep breath and jumped from the tree. He already had some plans in mind, but he didn't plan anything major. Since he had come back in time, he was sure things would change, so there was no point in detailed planning.
All he knew was what he needed to do first: marry Elara, the princess and soon-to-be Queen of the Elf Kingdom. Due to many reasons, they had been unable to be together despite loving each other. Only death was where they could be together. It was one of his many regrets.
However, this time was different. He could change everything and marry her. He began to hum a song as he strolled in the garden.
Of course, there was more to marrying the Queen, and it was also very difficult—nigh impossible. But he was willing to do anything to marry Elara; he wouldn't let this chance go.
After fooling the guard, Arthur left Zenith Academy and went toward his home, which was in the middle section of the city. He was living in a rented apartment, and because of that, he had to save every ounce of money, which was also the reason he was walking home instead of using transport services.
After seeing the peaceful environment, he felt happy and simply enjoyed it while going home. But he needed to hurry, so he didn't slow down.
Soon, he reached the middle section of the city, which was as crowded as ever. He smiled as he greeted the vendors and street hawkers he usually bought food from. They had all died before the Third Cataclysm...
He sighed and continued walking until he was in front of a beautiful two-story bakery. The bakery was on the ground floor, and the residence was on the upper floor.
Arthur had just begun walking toward the stairs when he heard a voice calling from behind him. His body shuddered as he turned around in shock and excitement.
"Yo, bozo, you ran away again?"