They say you don't realize the value of something until you lose it…
And they say that what comes easily, goes just as easily…
But what if the opposite were true?
***
The air turned a deep crimson, thick and suffocating, as the stench of blood, fear, and death filled the battlefield… The great hero gripped his legendary sword, its blade shimmering with divine light, while his eyes burned with hatred and rage.
Opposite him, the Demon King leaned slightly forward, his grip tightening around his spear of death. His gaze was deep—like an ancient, bottomless pool. Both warriors were gravely injured, their blood flowing freely, weaving crimson trails across the battlefield.
Then, with a burst of speed like an arrow—
To be continued in the next volume…
***
"Haah… Are you kidding me right now, you bastard, you asshole author?!"
I shouted in frustration, slamming my palm against the desk. A sharp sting spread through my arm, but I barely noticed it.
"You damn author! After all the waiting… after all your cursed promises… you end the chapter right before the fight even begins?!"
"Haah… Damn it… Just… damn it…"
I collapsed onto my desk, staring blankly into the void, utterly defeated.
"What the hell are you doing? I could hear you screaming from down the hall."
I didn't even bother looking up at the speaker.
"Man, I've been waiting forever for this chapter, and in the end, it finishes before it even starts… Damn it, I won't be able to sleep like this."
My friend chuckled under his breath as he gathered his things.
"Haha, you never change. If you hate it so much, why not write your own novel?"
I let out a dry, bitter laugh.
"I'm terrible at writing. I've tried, but failure clings to me like a shadow."
"Well, well, aren't you a grown man? The CEO of a successful company, acting like a child over a novel… Come on, let's go."
I sighed, still frustrated, and began gathering my things as well.
"See you tomorrow, boss. Oh, and be careful on the way home. They said it's going to rain heavily tonight."
"Oh, yeah. See you…"
I waved at him, watching as he slowly disappeared into the distance.
The moment I stepped outside, the sky darkened as heavy clouds gathered above. Within moments, thin, delicate raindrops began to fall, quickly turning into a downpour.
It didn't take long before the streets were soaked in water.
I never minded the rain, so I walked at a slow pace toward my car. By the time I reached it, I was already half-soaked.
Just as I got inside, my phone buzzed. I pulled it out lazily, and the moment I saw the caller ID, a small smile crept onto my lips.
"Hey, Mom."
"Hello, my dear. Aren't you late coming home today?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Sorry, Mom. I had a lot of work. I'm on my way home now."
"Please be careful, son. The rain is coming down hard."
Her voice was warm, and I couldn't help but smile as I started the engine.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll be home in about thirty minutes."
But just before I could end the call—
A blinding white light flashed in front of me, so intense that I could barely see.
And then, after that…
I remember nothing—except the faint sound of chaos echoing around me.
---
In Another Time and another Place…
"Lord…"
"Lord Ragna…"
Slowly, I opened my eyes, the first sensation hitting me being a sharp pain on my left cheek. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh earth, while the rustling of tree branches above whispered through the air.
"It seems you're finally awake. How do you feel?"
I raised my gaze sluggishly toward the voice. The sunlight struck my eyes, making them sting for a moment. I blinked rapidly until the discomfort faded, and then… I saw her.
A young woman stood before me, her long black hair cascading down her back, framing a face of striking beauty. Her sharp, amber eyes glowed like embers, her pale skin unmarred except for a small scar near her lips. She wore a maid's uniform, an elegant blend of black and white, fitting her in an almost mesmerizing way.
I froze.
How did I get here? The last thing I remembered was talking to my mother on the phone… then that blinding light…
What happened next..?
"Haaah… Who are you?"
For a fleeting moment, I thought I was dreaming. The scenery, the breeze, the entire atmosphere—it all felt like something straight out of an anime or manga. It was too surreal. So, I forced myself to stay calm.
The woman let out a small sigh, rubbing her temples as if dealing with a difficult child. Then, she muttered under her breath,
"Looks like I hit you a bit too hard…"
Then, without hesitation, she bowed slightly and spoke in a formal tone,
"You are Lord Ragna, of the esteemed Alkairos family. I am your maid, Gina. We are currently in your estate's garden."
I felt my breath hitch. My pulse pounded in my ears as I looked around, then back at her.
"You… you're joking, right?"
But her face remained serious. And when she shook her head, I felt the cold, creeping touch of reality settle in.
My throat went dry.
I slowly lifted my hand and pinched my cheek hard, praying… begging that this was just a dream.
"…Oww."
Pain shot through my face. But I didn't wake up. Nothing changed.
No… no way…
This… this isn't a dream.
My hands began to tremble. My legs felt weak, as if the strength had been drained from them. A deafening ringing filled my ears, followed by a sharp headache that forced me to my knees.
"Lord, are you feeling unwell?" Gina stepped closer, concern flickering in her gaze.
I am not okay.
I am not okay at all.
How do you expect me to be okay?
Why me?!
There were eight billion people in the world. Eight billion. And yet… somehow… I was the one who ended up here?!
A shiver ran down my spine, my body refusing to respond properly.
I had everything I wanted in my old life.
A loving family that supported me.
Friends who were like brothers to me.
A great job that I worked my ass off to get.
Who the hell decided to take that away from me?!
But worse than that… I wasn't just thrown into another world.
No… I was thrown into the body of the biggest disgrace in this entire story.
And out of all the fictional worlds I could have ended up in, it had to be this one…
Swallowing hard, I forced the words out.
"Just to confirm… we're in the Novarin Empire, right?"
"Yes."
Haaah… shit.
I collapsed onto my back against the tree trunk, my entire body trembling. My breaths were uneven, ragged. I couldn't stop shaking.
Three realizations, each worse than the last…
First: Out of eight billion people, some bastard decided to pick me to be reincarnated.
Second: Out of all the talented protagonists in this story, I was thrown into the body of the biggest failure among them.
Third: Out of all the stories I could have been trapped in… it had to be the darkest and most brutal one of them all.
"Lord, you look pale. Are you sure you're alright?"
Gina knelt beside me, gently holding my arm, studying me with worry.
Damn it… I'm in deep trouble. I'm really in big trouble...
If I don't find a way back to my world soon… my fate here will be worse than death itself.
I refuse to stay here.
I refuse to live in this doomed world.
I will go back.
No matter what it takes…
I will return To my world, to my family and friends...
You damn bastard who brought me I promise you that I will take revenge on you