The battlefield was soaked in blood, a crimson river that flowed endlessly under the pale moonlight. Ryu stood amidst the chaos, his silver armor tarnished, his sword heavy with the weight of countless lives. The once-proud banner of his kingdom lay trampled beneath his feet, a cruel reminder of the betrayal that had led him to this moment.
Around him, the shattered remains of his allies screamed in agony or lay motionless, their lifeless eyes reflecting the horrors of the battle. Yet it was not the enemies that had done this—it was his own people.
"Why…?" Ryu whispered, his voice trembling as he turned to face the group of figures emerging from the shadows.
At their forefront stood Alden, his most trusted friend, his brother-in-arms. The man who had sworn loyalty until death now held a bloodstained dagger, his face a mask of regret and resolve.
"For the greater good," Alden said, his voice hollow. "You've become too powerful, Ryu. Too dangerous. The council decided… we decided that this was necessary."
Ryu's vision blurred, but it wasn't from pain. His heart, a fortress that had withstood countless battles, crumbled under the weight of betrayal. He staggered forward, his sword falling from his grasp, its metallic clang echoing like a funeral bell.
"You were my brother," Ryu choked, tears mingling with the blood on his face. "I would have given my life for you… for all of you."
Behind Alden, the others—the men and women Ryu had fought beside for years—averted their gazes. Not one could meet his eyes.
It was then that he felt it—the cold steel piercing his chest. Ryu gasped, his hands instinctively reaching for the blade now buried in his heart. He turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of the one who had delivered the final blow.
Aria.
Her emerald eyes, once filled with warmth, now glistened with unshed tears. Her trembling hand gripped the hilt of the dagger she had plunged into him.
"Aria…" His voice was barely a whisper. "Why?"
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice cracking. "This… this was the only way."
As the light faded from Ryu's eyes, a strange warmth enveloped him. His body, heavy and broken, began to dissolve into golden light. He felt no pain, only a deep, aching sorrow.
Then, he heard it—a voice, ancient and melodic, resonating in his mind.
"Do you wish for another chance, Ryu? To undo the past? To uncover the truth?"
"Yes," he whispered into the void. "Give me another chance. I'll make them pay. I'll save those worth saving… and destroy those who betrayed me."
"Very well," the voice replied. "But beware—time is a cruel master, and the path you seek will not be easy. Rise, Ryu. Rewrite your fate."
Ryu awoke with a gasp, his body drenched in sweat. The first thing he noticed was the smell—not of blood and fire, but of fresh grass and morning dew. He sat up, his hands trembling as he touched his chest.
No wound. No scar.
He looked around, recognizing the place instantly. It was his childhood home, the small village where he had grown up. A place he hadn't seen in over fifteen years.
As realization dawned, a slow, determined smile spread across his face.
"I'm back," he murmured, his voice filled with equal parts resolve and rage. "This time… I'll change everything."