The world was aflame.
Flames consumed the imperial palace and the cries of the dying filled the air. Kouji was amidst the mayhem, his crimson imperial attire in tatters, his spotless golden armor dented and stained with blood. His enemies had come for his throne, for his kingdom, for his legacy. But even as his body weakened, his spirit did not waver.
"So this is how it ends." he snarled, his fist clenched around the hilt of his sword. The legendary sword that once conquered nations now rested in his grip, a weighty responsibility.
A thousand men ringed him about, swords ready, face filled with terror in spite of the better odds. They knew who they faced. Kouji, the greatest of emperors to ever walk this earth. A man whose presence was enough to break the will of men. Yet, treachery had brought even him to his knees.
The general of the rebellion stepped forward, his sword gleaming in the light of the flames above. "Your reign ends, Emperor Kouji. No man can rule forever."
Kouji laughed. "Fools. you still fear me even when I'm dead. That in itself justifies me being a ruler."
The general scowled and raised his sword. "Die proud, then."
Metal glinted. Kouji's eyes shut as the sword descended.
And then nothing.
Darkness. An empty void.
Kouji opened his eyes—or tried to. He had no body. No pain. No weight. Only his mind lingered, floating in the void.
"So, this is death. disappointing."
A voice echoed through the emptiness. Cold, unemotional. "No. This is rebirth."
A presence emerged. Something ancient. Something beyond human comprehension. Kouji could not see it, but he could feel its overwhelming power.
"You are not intended to fade," the voice went on. "Your will too great. Your ambition too strong. A soul like yours cannot just disappear."
Kouji sneered, faceless. "Is that so? So what is it that awaits me?"
"A new world. A new body. A new power."
A force pulled him down before he could utter a word. Light blinded his eyes. A wave of feelings, emotions, and memories engulfed his mind.
Next, he heard a voice—warm, gentle, and unfamiliar.
"Congratulations, madam. It's a boy."
Kouji's life as a new person had begun.