I didn't know what had happened; my memories were hazy.
The only thing I could do after regaining consciousness was count.
I felt like I was floating, but I had no idea where. I didn't stay conscious for long; I would fall asleep and wake up, repeating this cycle endlessly. Each time I lost count, I would start again.
A slight sensation of warmth always surrounded me, cradling me. I felt both powerful and powerless.
Was this what the immortal sage referred to when he spoke of the "Essence of Origins" technique?
Because I could feel my potential—pure and untainted.
As time passed, I sensed my consciousness growing stronger.
Occasionally, I would feel vibrations. I became extremely sensitive to them; they were capable of disturbing the flow of currents resonating in this place.
After an indeterminate amount of time, I noticed a change in my environment. It was no longer as soft and warm. I couldn't gather my memories well enough to describe what I was experiencing, but I knew I had entered a harsh and unwelcoming environment. It was the beginning of a grueling experience.
What surprised me the most at that moment was the shock between the two environments and the sound of my own voice. The ambient noise made me uncomfortable. I still couldn't see, but I could hear—hear and feel my own body.
I was alive, and I had a body.
My memories remained blurry, and I couldn't think clearly.
But I quickly understood what was happening to me.
All this time, I had been in the womb of a woman, and now I had just been born.
Even though I didn't fully comprehend the situation, I knew that my birth was a heresy—a blasphemy against the natural order of things. Without reason, I felt humiliated.
Sometimes, I was jostled; sometimes, I was handled carelessly. I felt as though my dignity couldn't endure any greater damage.
I would fall asleep quickly, as my body consumed more energy than I could store.
Over time, not only did my hearing become sharper, but I began to see faint outlines of objects and people. My vision improved. I could now see, but I still couldn't organize my memories; I would quickly forget the minor events that occurred. After all, I was just a newborn.
Eventually, I could recognize my parents, and I could hear clearly.
Seventeen years later.
I was lying on my bed.
The memories of my past life were supposed to fade over time, remaining tucked away in a corner of my mind. I should have lived without knowing who I was or how I had arrived there. But at the time of my death, I had earned the title of Player.
One of the Player's attributes was the System. Thanks to it, I had gradually retained and recovered my memories. For me, each day felt like the day before.
"I see. So it's not over yet!"
I tidied up my room. Even after seventeen years, I still couldn't get used to this life.
"Young Master Alden, are you awake? May we enter?"
In this life, my name was Alden Khan. The servants knocked at my door. After granting them permission to enter, I felt a bit troubled—I had just done their job for them. I knew what was coming next.
"Young Master, please remember your status and leave these trivial tasks to your subordinates."
"Is that so?"
"Yes!" The maid's voice was firm and assured, and those behind her displayed a similar resolve.
"Very well. I won't inconvenience you any further. You may do your work."
"Thank you, Young Master, for listening to us." The servants bowed in unison.
"I'll leave you to it, then," I said as I left my room.
"Am I destined to live like a king in this life as well?" I murmured to myself, not realizing that the servants had overheard me.
In the wrong ears, such a remark could be considered treason.
"Does the Young Master wish to become a king?" The maid who had been speaking seemed to fall briefly into contemplation. There was no fear in her eyes—only a hint of anticipation and excitement.
"If he truly desires it, then…" She snapped out of her thoughts as her gaze fell on the impeccably made bed. "Ladies, it's time to work! The Young Master has entrusted us, and we must not disappoint him." Together, they got to work on their assigned tasks.
As I walked through the corridor, I occasionally passed other servants or butlers.
"This is truly peaceful," I thought.
I found myself on the terrace, sitting on a lightly decorated chair. Before me was a table. The terrace featured a breathtaking garden, with rows of various flowers.
I thought back to my previous life.
I didn't have any particular regrets. I hadn't sought a second chance, but now that I had it, of course, I would do things differently.
System.
At that thought, information flooded my mind.
Title: King of the Harem
Former Name: ******
New Name: Alden Khan
Status: Player
Unlock the System by completing the first mission.
The System had some interesting features before my reincarnation. Now, apart from occasional assistance, it did nothing. I felt slightly cheated. Even though I had regained my memories, they weren't complete; many pieces of the puzzle were still missing.
And the only thing that could help me was the System—or the entity behind it.
But how was I supposed to unlock the System? And what was the first mission? I had no idea.
As I pondered, a man dressed as a butler approached.
He stood before me, holding a letter in his hands.
"Good morning, Young Master Alden. I have a letter and a message from your father for you!"
"I see. A letter?"
"It's an invitation to the academy."
"I see. I suppose Father is aware. What's his message?"
"'Join the academy!' That's what he said!"
I sighed. It was rare for my father to give me a direct order. I rose from my chair and took the letter from the butler's outstretched hands.
"Interesting. For Father to command me like this, despite my clear refusal to join any institution…"
"Tell my father I'll abide by his wishes."
I smiled. I had been about to decline my father's request, but I hadn't accounted for the System.
System, manipulate me as you wish for now, but it won't last long.
Mission: Join Xerx Academy.