The night was heavy, with stars swallowed by dark clouds, casting a deep and silent veil over the Vicente Manor, as if it lay in a slumber awaiting the dawn. Yet, in one long-abandoned room, a pair of eyes suddenly opened, reflecting a glint as sharp as cold starlight.
Aaron Vicente slowly sat up, pressing his hands against the wooden bed, feeling the smooth sheets and the familiar atmosphere around him. He held his breath, his eyes flickering with confusion and shock.
"This is… my home?" Aaron's gaze swept over the old bookshelf, the partially open window, and the family crest on the faded flag hanging on the wall. Memories surged through his mind like a tide as he touched his face, feeling the youthful, smooth skin under his fingers, and his heartbeat quickened.
"I… was reborn?" he murmured, feeling a wave of excitement he had never experienced before.
His mind flashed with memories of his final moments in his previous life—a desperate battle. Surrounded by high-ranking priests and knights of the Holy Church, the golden radiance illuminating the sky, and the incarnation of the Lord of Light emerging from the void, sealing his fate. Aaron had once been a master of forbidden arts, standing at the peak of the legendary rank, but that final battle had destroyed everything he had.
"No regrets in this life! If there is a next, I'll embrace the path of darkness again!" That unyielding shout echoed in his ears. Aaron's gaze grew cold and steely; this time, he would not repeat the same mistakes. His mind quickly calmed, for as someone who had weathered countless trials, he knew well how to hide his ambitions and plan carefully.
Outside, the distant mountains and forests lay shrouded in mist, with dawn yet to break. Aaron rose quietly and walked to the window, savoring the morning breeze carrying the scents of earth and grass. It was a tranquility he had dreamed of many times but never thought he would truly experience again.
"This time, I will seize control of my destiny completely," he murmured, his eyes flashing with determination.
A soft knock sounded at the door. Aaron quickly composed himself, his face returning to its calm and impassive expression. "Come in."
The door opened, revealing a familiar face—Leon, Aaron's older brother. Leon was tall and strong, his golden-brown hair gleaming in the early light, his expression as confident and gentle as ever.
"Aaron, Father wants to see you. There's something important to discuss." Leon's voice was lively, with the warmth of an older brother. "Don't tell me you're hiding here with those old scrolls again."
Aaron gazed at Leon, a complex emotion flitting through him. In his previous life, Leon had died in an ambush by rebel forces while protecting the family. At that time, Aaron had been engrossed in the pursuit of ultimate power, neglecting the importance of family, a mistake that led to an irreversible tragedy.
"I'll be right there," Aaron replied calmly, though his heart stirred with an unspoken emotion.
Leon gave a fond smile, patting Aaron's shoulder before leaving. As the door closed, silence reclaimed the room. Aaron shut his eyes, his mind racing as he assessed the current situation. In this life, he was only at the bronze rank, the initial stage of magical awakening. Without the strength of a legendary peak, he would have to start over, relying on time and careful planning.
"Bronze rank may be insignificant to me now, but it's the perfect opportunity to hide my true identity and gather power," Aaron muttered, his fist clenching slightly.
He opened the door and walked down the manor's corridors, where the walls were adorned with the family crest—a twin-winged serpent coiled around a scepter, symbolizing the Vicente family's resilience and wisdom. Each step stirred memories of the past and reinforced his determination to succeed this time.
In the main hall, his father, Count Vicente, sat on a grand chair, his face stern. Leon stood beside him, and Aaron's other siblings were seated around, each wearing a different expression.
"Aaron, you're here," the Count's voice was deep, his gaze scrutinizing. "I've called you all here to discuss some unusual activity near the border. It seems a new black market organization has been operating there, and I want each of you to contribute your thoughts."
Aaron's gaze swept across the room, already recognizing that this black market organization was the Shadow Alliance, destined to rise over the coming years and gain control over vast forbidden arts and resources. His mind had already begun to formulate a plan. He had to secure his place within this wave of change, even to the point of using it to his advantage.
"Father, I think we should first investigate their background and motives to avoid unnecessary conflicts with potential enemies," Aaron spoke, his voice calm yet laced with a subtle undertone of intrigue.
The Count raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by this unexpected remark from his usually reserved second son.
"Oh? Aaron, do you have a specific idea in mind?" the Count asked, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Yes. I'm willing to look into this and see if I can find any clues," Aaron replied smoothly, a cold glint in his eyes. Only by intervening personally could he ensure that he could exploit the Shadow Alliance's resources before it reached its peak.