Killed in the flames of war he couldn’t stop, Mano Ardent, once a legendary commander, dies with nothing but regret in his heart. But fate isn't done with him yet.

Awakened in a new world—Aetherion—in the body of his sixteen-year-old self, Mano finds himself reborn with a mysterious game-like system, granting him the unheard-of SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent: Heavenly Blade.

In a land ruled by power, bloodlines, and ancient magic, Mano must rise again—not as a commander bound by orders, but as a free warrior determined to forge his own path. From humble beginnings in the city of Velaria, to duels with noble sons, secret missions, and building a new legacy—his blade will carve a destiny no one can ignore.

But dark forces stir beneath Aetherion’s surface. His rebirth is no coincidence. And some are watching… waiting for the Reborn Hero to take his first step.

This time, Mano won’t fight for kings or glory.
He’ll fight to change the world.

The morning air in Velaria was crisp and cold, the rising sun casting golden rays across stone rooftops and cobbled streets. But Mano was already awake—training.


Each swing of the wooden blade echoed through the small courtyard he'd found behind the inn. Controlled. Focused. Precise.


[Daily Mission Complete: 100 Sword Strikes]


Bonus Unlocked: Skill Selection Available


 Would you like to choose your first skill?


Mano lowered his blade, breath misting in the air. "Yes."


1. Quick Step (Uncommon): Instantly dash forward a short distance.


2. Sword Focus (Rare): Temporarily increases attack precision by 20%.


3. Blade Resonance (Epic): Your sword resonates with your intent. Next attack deals double damage and ignores basic defenses. Cooldown: 1 minute.


A warrior's intent sharpens the blade beyond steel.


Just then, a knock echoed from the back gate.


A young girl peeked in—wide-eyed, maybe fifteen—with short brown hair and a stack of papers in her arms.


"Um… are you the one who beat Garret Malden yesterday?" she asked nervously.


Mano paused, surprised. "I didn't hurt him. Just stopped a fight."


She smiled awkwardly. "That's what everyone's talking about. You're kind of… a mystery now."


She handed him a scroll. "The Guild sent this. You're invited to take the Combat Aptitude Trial. Most people take it at eighteen, but they said… your skills deserve attention."


He opened the scroll. The seal bore the mark of the Adventurers' Guild—a sword over a blazing sun.


You are hereby invited to the Velaria Combat Trial.


Location: Guild Arena, West Wing. Time: Tomorrow, 8 a.m.


Passing may grant direct entry into official Adventurer ranks.


As the girl left, a system chime echoed in his mind.


Objective: Pass the Guild Combat Trial.


Reward: Class Awakening + Bonus Attribute Points


Failure: Reputation loss + Restricted Guild access


 "So this is it," Mano thought, gripping his blade. "My first real step."


That night, he stood on a hill outside the city. The moon cast silver light over Aetherion's vast landscape—forests, mountains, rivers glowing with mana.


He could still hear the screams from his past life… see the flames… the corpses of those he couldn't save.


But this world gave him more than a second chance.


"I won't waste it. I'll climb, step by step. Sword in hand. Until I reach the top."


And somewhere, in a distant, ancient place, cloaked figures watched a glowing crystal.


Within it, Mano's figure shimmered—surrounded by glowing system panels.


Chapter 3 - Chapter 2: The Weight of Power