Kael opened his eyes.
His body felt light—too light. His armor was gone, replaced by simple training clothes. The air smelled different, cleaner. His surroundings were familiar yet distant.
He sat up slowly. The rough bed, the wooden walls, the small candle on the table—this was his old room.
His breathing quickened. How? Just moments ago, he was dying. The pain, the betrayal—it had all been real. But now, he was here.
Kael stood and walked to the mirror. A young face stared back at him. No scars. No signs of the battles he had fought. He touched his skin. Seventeen years old.
Then, a voice echoed in his mind.
[Abyss System activated.]
A black screen appeared before his eyes.
[Status: Locked]
[Activation Condition: Near-Death Experience]
Kael frowned. No skills. No guidance. Nothing.
He clenched his fists. He wasn't strong anymore. His body had lost everything he once had. The years of training, the power he built—gone.
But something was different.
This time, he knew the truth.
The Divine Order—they weren't saviors. They controlled everything from the shadows, using people like him as tools. When he learned their secret, they killed him.
Now, he was back.
He didn't know how. He didn't know why. But one thing was clear—this was his second chance.
For now, he had to stay quiet. No one knew who he really was. No one even suspected anything had changed.
Kael took a deep breath. He had time. He would get stronger.
And when the time came—he would never be their pawn again.