A study table stood in the room, books scattered across its surface. Some were open, pages marked with folds or pinned down by stones.
Across from the table sat a luxurious chair, where someone was slouched, half-asleep. Nearby, a tall mirror—about seven or eight feet in height—reflected the room.
"Books... hmm, nice bed," the man mumbled drowsily, his voice barely audible, eyes half-open as he slowly woke.
But something felt wrong. His hand—it wasn't the youthful, strong hand he remembered. It was wrinkled and old.
Startled, he jumped up from the chair. Now fully awake, he realized the room was not his. It was massive, lavish, and far grander than anything he'd ever owned. The bed alone was fit for royalty.
Then his eyes caught the mirror. Standing beside the chair, he saw himself—or rather, an old man with white hair, a short beard, and rich robes adorned with gold and jewels. The reflection stared back in disbelief.
"No way..." he muttered, horrified.
An old man...
"Me? Dying??" Kevin whispered, stunned.
He remembered reading a book at his own desk before falling asleep. But now—this?
Panicked and confused, he scanned the books on the table. There, among them, lay a handwritten note.
The note read: "I am Isshin Arima, and my life was full of betrayal."
He looked again at the titles and highlighted passages of the books. Each seemed to contain fragments of the man's thoughts—Isshin's thoughts.
Trying to calm himself, he sank back into the chair.
"Did I... transmigrate?"
No, no! This must be a dream, a terrible dream. Why would I end up in the dying body of an old man?
Desperate, he began searching the room for clues—a diary, a journal, anything. But the room was nearly empty, aside from the bed, the study table, and the chair.
He even looked under the bed. Strangely, despite the body being old, he could move with surprising ease and strength. He could crawl, bend, and lift with no issue.
Then he noticed where he was. This wasn't just a bedroom—it was a massive royal chamber, within a grand manor surrounded by a lush garden.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his head:
Ding! Welcome, Player.
[Conqueror System Activated!]
[Officially binding to the world's sole host: Isshin Arima, aka Kevin.]
[Congratulations on successful activation.]
[Reward: Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit – Bato Bato no Mi: Vampire Model]
[Reward: Frostmourne – Devil Sword]
[Initiating memory integration: Isshin Arima and original host Kevin.]
[Integration complete.]
As the voice finished, Kevin—now Isshin—felt overwhelming drowsiness and collapsed onto the bed once more.
The Next Morning
After breakfast, Isshin requested that his loyal butler Sebas stay behind to deliver the usual reports. According to the memories he had just received, this was part of his daily routine.
Sebas was a tall man with brown hair and a neatly groomed beard. Appearing in his early forties, he wore a traditional black-and-white butler uniform and carried himself with quiet dignity.
Though Isshin was nervous about pretending to be someone else, he made sure not to show it.
"After you've delivered all the reports, leave me alone. I want some peace in this room," Isshin said calmly.
Sebas bowed respectfully.
"As you wish, Isshin-sama. I will prepare all the reports you requested, including the latest status of our company... and updates regarding your family."