Somewhere far away…
The Forest of Death, a vast wilderness nestled in the heart of the Divine Star Continent, was a place of danger and opportunity. Adventurers flooded its tamer edges, seeking fortune or rare beasts. But even they feared its depths.
Deep in a sun-dappled Everglade within that forest, a boy no older than twelve lay unconscious. He was dressed in luxurious, noble robes, skin deeply tanned, his features carved like stone. Sunlight kissed his brow like the world hadn't given up on him.
Then, his fingers twitched.
His eyes fluttered open.
Confusion clouded his gaze.
"Where… where am I?"
He sat up groggily, memories flooding back—the gunshots, the fire, the mother, the child. He patted his chest, expecting pain.
But none came.
"Didn't I die? How is this even possible…?"
He stood slowly, surveying the alien forest around him—colossal trees, vibrant mushrooms, strange birdsong in the distance. Then came the pain.
A mental surge. Memories not his own flashed through his mind. Emotions. Lives. Betrayal.
He screamed, dropping to the ground in agony.
After what felt like hours, the screaming stopped. He sat there, breathing heavily, tears rolling down his cheeks.
"Divine Star Continent… My name is Aido Hwedo… I was the scion of the Hwedo household," he whispered, lips trembling. "So… I transmigrated."
He laughed bitterly through the tears.
"Aido… Ryu… we're the same now. Your pain, your betrayal—I remember it all. And since I'm in the driver's seat now… We'll fix it. Together."
He rose to his feet, swaying.
"Left for dead by your men. Robbed and betrayed and abandoned to die out here in the wilderness like trash. Don't worry, Aido. I'll make them pay."
He roared into the forest, fury surging through his small frame.
"DIVINE STAR CONTINENT, GET READY!"