ShadowofUmbral

In the world of Aetherion, where magic, spirits, and powerful noble houses dictate fate, a young man from Earth finds himself reborn as Averis Ravenshade, the firstborn of the feared Duke of the North. But there’s a problem—Averis isn’t a hero. He’s a villain, a stepping stone in the tale of a regressed imperial princess destined for greatness.

In his past life, Averis was an ordinary teenager who lost all hope, only to awaken in a world of grandeur and danger. Marked by his silver-white hair and piercing red pupils, he is the heir to one of the empire’s mightiest houses. But with his tragic fate already written, he refuses to be a mere obstacle in someone else’s story.

Armed with knowledge of the future, a mysterious system.

With war looming, demons lurking in the shadows, and power-hungry nobles plotting against him, Azriel must carve his own path in a world where only the strong survive. But as he struggles between revenge and redemption, he must ask himself:

Can a villain truly live again? Or is he doomed to fall once more?

This is the tale of Averis Ravenshade, the villain who refused to die.

Requiem of the Forsaken reborn Villain

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of frost and steel. My body ached from yesterday's training, but I forced myself upright, rolling my shoulders as soreness settled deep into my muscles. Even breathing felt like a chore.

I had barely survived Father's lessons yesterday, and today would be no different.

> Frozen Raven (perched nearby, voice full of amusement): "Still alive? A miracle."

Averis (deadpan, rubbing his temples): "Unfortunately."

I sighed, dragging myself out of bed.

The Training Grounds – Aldric's Trial

The sun had barely risen when I arrived. Father was already waiting, his towering form a shadow against the snow. His black eyes, sharp as obsidian, regarded me coldly.

Averis (steady, despite exhaustion): "I'm here."

Father didn't reply, only raising his hand.

A crushing wave of mana slammed into me.

> Averis (internally, struggling to stay standing): "Ah, wonderful. We're starting with attempted murder today."

My knees buckled, my breath hitched, but I refused to fall.

> Frozen Raven (mocking): "Impressive. You lasted two seconds longer than yesterday."

Averis (gritted teeth): "Shut. Up."

The raven cackled, but its tone turned serious.

> Frozen Raven: "Redirect the pressure. Control it, don't resist blindly."

I exhaled, guiding my unstable mana to counterbalance the force pressing down on me. Slowly, the weight became bearable.

Father tilted his head slightly—a rare acknowledgment.

Then, without warning—he attacked.

I barely had time to react before his blade was already descending.

I deflected the first strike, but the sheer force sent me skidding across the frozen ground. His attacks did not slow.

> Averis (panting, internally): "Right. He's not even using aura yet."

I soared through the air like a particularly unlucky bird and landed hard on the training ground.

> Frozen Raven (watching from above): "Majestic."

Averis (groaning, face-down in the snow): "I hate you."

Father approached, looking down at me.

I forced myself to my feet, shaking off the dizziness.

After sparring, we moved on to mana refinement. I sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor, eyes shut, focusing. Forming my first complete mana circle was the next step.

> Aldric (sternly): "Yesterday, you failed. Today, you will not."

He placed a heavy hand on my shoulder, sending controlled pulses of mana into me. The process was agonizing, my unstable core resisting violently.

> Frozen Raven (serious, for once): "Breathe. Don't force it—guide it."

I exhaled slowly, visualizing the mana threads weaving into a perfect ring. It was slow, painful, but—

[Mana Circle Formation – 48% Complete]

> Averis (muttering, exhausted): "At this rate, I'll be a grand mage by the time I'm eighty."

Frozen Raven: "Optimistic. I was thinking ninety."

Noble Training – Weighted Lessons of Doom

After training with Father, my day was far from over. I had noble etiquette, history, and dance lessons—except now, I wore weighted training gear under my formal attire.

> Etiquette Instructor (sternly): "Straighten your posture, young master."

Averis (internally, legs shaking): "I'd love to, but my knees disagree."

> Dancing Instructor (smiling): "Again. Until you move as if the weights do not exist."

Averis (weakly): "They exist. They very much exist."

> Frozen Raven (mocking): "Graceful like a bird? Or a drowning fish?"

Averis (panting): "I swear, I will pluck your feathers one day."

Despite the pain, I persisted. This was my path.

The Weight of Progress