Ethan's eyes snapped open.
For the first time in years, he awoke without pain.
His body no longer felt like a fragile cage trapping his soul. Though still weak, there was a subtle strength stirring beneath his skin. His breath was steady, his mind was sharp, and most importantly—he felt alive.
The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting golden light across his chamber. The familiar world felt different.
[Synchronization: 50%...]
His past self—Cheonma Wang, the Heavenly Demon King—was not just a memory. That power, that knowledge, it was now part of him.
Ethan slowly sat up, flexing his fingers. The sensation of energy flowing through his veins was faint but real. The system's Basic Body Reinforcement was already at work.
Then, his eyes sharpened.
Beyond the door, footsteps approached.
A second later, a polite knock sounded.
"Third Young Master, your presence is requested in the dining hall."
It was one of the servants.
The dining hall?
His family had never invited him to breakfast before.
Ethan smirked.
Interesting.
A Seat at the Table
The dining hall was grand, its long mahogany table polished to perfection. A lavish breakfast was laid out—freshly baked bread, roasted meats, exotic fruits, and fine tea.
At the head of the table sat Duke Reinhardt Baron, Ethan's father. His presence dominated the room, his sharp features and piercing purplish-blue eyes—the same as Ethan's—giving him an air of unshakable authority.
To his right sat Alexander Baron, the eldest son, with his strong frame and golden hair that seemed to shine under the morning light. The image of a perfect knight.
Beside him sat Selene Baron, her cold, calculating gaze assessing Ethan the moment he entered. She was always the most unreadable of the three.
Ethan met their eyes calmly.
For the first time in years, he was not afraid.
"Ethan." Duke Reinhardt's deep voice broke the silence. "Sit."
Ethan took his seat at the farthest end of the table, where the least important member of the family belonged.
His father spoke without looking at him.
"Your coming-of-age ceremony is next year."
Ethan's fingers tightened around his fork.
The coming-of-age ceremony was a public event where noble children showcased their abilities. It was a way to prove one's worth and secure opportunities for the future.
For someone like Ethan, who had never shown any promise, it had always been an impending humiliation.
Duke Reinhardt continued, "You will be tested in magic and combat this week to determine if further training is worth the investment."
Alexander scoffed. "What's the point? He's barely strong enough to lift a sword."
Ethan smirked inwardly. That was true—yesterday.
Selene studied him carefully. Unlike Alexander, she did not speak rashly. She was too intelligent for that.
"I'll be ready," Ethan said simply.
The casual confidence in his tone made Alexander's expression darken.
Duke Reinhardt said nothing. Instead, he stood, signaling the end of the meal.
"Do not waste my time," he said before leaving.
Alexander shot Ethan a glare before following.
Selene, however, lingered.
"You're different today," she said quietly.
Ethan met her gaze, his Demon King's Insight subtly activating.
She was curious—not mocking, not dismissive.
Ethan smiled. "Perhaps I finally woke up."
Selene's lips curved ever so slightly. Then, without another word, she turned and left.
Ethan chuckled.
His new life had officially begun.