On January 1st, Year 1000, Britain sought to reshape the world under a single culture and language. Through aggressive colonization, it conquered much of Europe and attempted to expand its imperial reach into Asia.
When Britain set its sights on Japan, a powerful alliance was formed.
Japan and Russia, aided by Germany, combined military strength and advanced technology. They unleashed a weapon known as the Atomic Wave, destroying Utopia—Britain's central gateway to the outside world. With its only route severed, Britain was forced into complete isolation.
Two centuries later, the world still feared Britain's return.
Nigeria, a rising nation in Western Africa, dispatched an elite four-member unit to infiltrate the isolated land. Their mission was simple: observe Britain's military power and determine whether it still posed a threat to global stability.
During a speech in Utopia, I was assassinated.
The blade pierced my skull, striking dangerously close to my spirit core. Sensing imminent destruction, the core reacted on its own—severing my consciousness from my dying body and transformed into a sperm .
A sperm could not carry the memories of my past life and it escaped through time. As a result, I lost everything.
When I regained consciousness, I was no longer myself.
Whatever I once was—memories, identity, purpose—had been stripped away.
I was reborn into the womb of a noblewoman.
The wife of George Loid
And so, in this new life, I was given a name.
Leywin Loid
I think that's all for today.
I had just returned from training, taken a quick bath, and dressed in the traditional clothing of the Loid family—passed down through generations—a crimson suit trimmed with gold. On my wrist rested a magical watch known as the Time Teller, an artifact that automatically adjusted itself to the time of any region.
I glanced at my Time Teller.
06:30 PM.
"…I'm already 30 minutes late."
The succession ceremony starts 06:00 PM. Mother would surely be furious. Today was the day many noble families would announce their successors.
By channeling magical energy from my core, I was able to control my body using only my mind. Without moving a single muscle, I slipped into the hall an hour late, unnoticed.
Just as I entered, a familiar voice echoed across the chamber.
All eyes turned toward the center of the hall.
A woman dressed in a black suit said.
"Representative of the House of Loid, George Loid, please step forward.
"Attention, everyone," the man announced proudly. "As you all know, I am George Loid, head of the House of Loid."
The hall fell silent.
"For generations, the Loid family has produced talented knights and loyal nobles. With magical beasts attacking Britannia more frequently, our kingdom needs strong heirs who can protect, guide, and serve the kingdom."
George raised his hand.
"I, George Loid, have chosen my successor—my son, Lancelot Loid."
Murmurs erupted throughout the hall.
Lancelot stepped forward, smiling confidently.
"I am honored to serve this kingdom," he said. "I will do my utmost to surpass all expectations."
Then, to everyone's surprise, he walked straight toward me.
"Big brother," he said gently. "I'm sorry for your misfortune. Even if the heavens and the earth abandon you, I will not. I will stay by your side and protect you—because that's what brothers do."
He extended his hand.
"Join me. Work under me. Let's make this kingdom a better place."
I froze.
This time, I was completely outmatched—in intelligence, reputation, and power. In that moment, I realized that my dream… was over.
Minutes passed.
I didn't move a muscle.
Whispers filled the hall.
"What's wrong with him?"
"Why won't he accept?"
"What a pathetic noble…"
Our mother, Elizabeth Loid, stepped forward.
"Leywin," she said softly. "You know how this works. Kiss Lancelot's hand and swear your loyalty to him."
Before I could respond, Lancelot snapped impatiently.
"Mother, he's not a child. Let him decide for himself."
I clenched my fists.
"That's enough, Mother," I said firmly. "Lance is right."
I raised my head, my gaze meeting Lancelot's.
Tears streamed down Elizabeth's cheeks.
"No matter your decision," she whispered, "I will always love and support you."
The hall fell completely silent.
Hearing those words made me smile.
"I have chosen my own path. I will not live in anyone's shadow. From this moment on, everything I do will be by my own free will."
I turned away and walked slowly out of the hall.
"I was born free. And freedom is worth more than living."
As I was about to step outside—
"Arrest that ungrateful child!" George roared.
Lancelot smiled calmly.
"He's family. He'll realize his mistake eventually."
I didn't look back. My mind was filled with conflicting thoughts.
What should I do now? Can I survive on my own? Why is reality so cruel?
Later that night, far from the castle, I sat atop a three-story building. My voice trembled like that of a crying child.
"…Did I make the right decision?"
There was no turning back. It was pointless to dwell on it now. No one could return time. Words once spoken could never be taken back—such was their power.
Footsteps approached.
I turned sharply.
A young man stood there—blue eyes, dark yellow hair, wearing a blue sweater and black trousers.
"What do you want?" I demanded. "Who are you?"
The stranger smirked.
"So you're Leywin Loid—the noble whose spirit core never awakened. Rumor says your brother stole it before you were born."
I gazed at him with curiosity.
"Say whatever you want," I said, "but answer my question."
He laughed.
"My apologies. My name is Lionel Mordred. I'm a raider."
He extended his hand.
"My party is called Dragon's Breath. We're all orphans. No homes, no titles—just strength."
Lionel smiled.
"I want you to join us."
I stared at his hand. He didn't give me time to think.
"What's your decision," he asked softly,
"Mr. Free Man?"