Episode 2: A Cursed Beginning
Legacy of the Lost Hero: Reborn to Another World
Episode 2: A Cursed Beginning
Ashikawa slowly opened his eyes. A new world, a new body, and a new life. Yet, even in this new life, there was an eerie emptiness—no emotions, no warmth.
His body was small. He couldn't speak, nor could he move. It was as if he had been reborn—a newborn infant. But within this fragile body resided an ancient soul—Ashikawa Hojo, who was now trying to understand this unfamiliar world.
"I remember… I remember everything."
His mind remained as sharp as it had always been. But there was a difference—his emotions were gone. Now, he only analyzed everything, processing it all like a machine.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind.
> [STATUS SYSTEM ACTIVATED]
A translucent screen appeared before his eyes, displaying detailed information about him.
---
[STATUS]
Name: ???
Age: 1 Month
Level: 1
EXP: 0/100
Mana: 1
Strength: 1
Ability: 1
Intelligence: 109
Skills: Appraisal Skill, Item Box, EXP Gain Multiplier (x1.5)
God's Gift: Appraisal Skill, Item Box, EXP Gain Multiplier (x1.5)
---
"So, it's true…" Ashikawa thought.
"This is an entirely different world… and this system displays my status."
He noticed that his intelligence was far beyond normal, but his strength and mana were at the level of an ordinary newborn. The system functioned similarly to an RPG status menu.
But before he could process everything, an intense battle unfolded before him.
---
Julius Alfred vs. The Demon King
A fierce battle raged in front of him. A regal-looking man, his body covered in wounds, fought a monstrous entity shrouded in black mist. Despite his injuries, his eyes burned with an unyielding spirit.
Without hesitation, Ashikawa activated his Appraisal Skill.
> [TARGET: DEMON KING]
Race: Demon Lord
Power Level: ??? (Too high to analyze)
Abilities: Curse Manipulation, Soul Transfer, Dark Magic
Threat Level: SSS
Ashikawa's eyes widened.
"The Demon King?! The one I was meant to defeat! But here… my new father is the one fighting him?!"
He turned his gaze to the warrior.
> [TARGET: JULIUS ALFRED]
Race: Human
Power Level: S-Rank
Abilities: Holy Magic, Curse Resistance, Sword Mastery
Status: Dying
"So… my new father is Julius Alfred… one of the strongest humans in this world. But… he won't survive this battle."
Beside him, a woman lay motionless. Her clothes were soaked in blood. She was likely Julius Alfred's wife—Ashikawa's new mother.
The moment he entered this world, his family was already being torn apart.
---
The Demon King's Gambit
Julius Alfred's sword glowed with a divine light, piercing through the Demon King's body.
> [Curse of Decay Activated]
The Demon King's body would turn to dust within 20 minutes.
But the Demon King laughed.
"Did you really think I would die so easily?"
He chanted a dark incantation and transferred his soul into Julius Alfred's eldest son—Leon Alfred.
Leon was just a four-year-old boy, but now, his body housed the soul of a terrifying Demon King. His small frame shimmered with dark energy, his innocent eyes turning blood-red.
"Hahaha… This is wonderful. To be reborn in a young body with new power… This will be even more entertaining!"
Julius Alfred's eyes widened in horror.
"No… Leon!!!"
But Leon was no longer there.
With a single strike, the possessed child ended Julius Alfred's life.
---
The Last Survivors
As Julius Alfred fell, a small girl rushed down the stairs—no older than three.
Alicia Alfred.
Ashikawa's new younger sister.
But before she could react, Leon (the Demon King) raised a hand, and Alicia was sealed inside a magic dimension.
Ashikawa watched in shock. Once again, just like before, he lost his mother, his father, and now his sister.
Leon—the Demon King—slowly turned toward Ashikawa.
His crimson eyes locked onto him.
"Is he going to kill me too?"
But then, Leon smiled.
"You… you're my little brother, aren't you?"
Ashikawa's thoughts came to a halt.
"What? Has the Demon King not fully taken over Leon's body? Then why is he calling me his brother?"
The Demon King activated Appraisal Skill on Ashikawa.
> [ANALYZING...]
Target Name: ???
Unique Abilities Detected
God's Gift Detected
The Demon King's grin widened.
"So… you've received something special as well."
"Look, you're just a baby. You can't kill me yet. But your unique abilities intrigue me. I'll let you live… Maybe in the future, you'll provide me with some entertainment."
And in the next moment, he vanished.
---
A Dark Fate
Ashikawa stared blankly at everything.
His new father was dead.
His new mother was dead.
His new sister had been kidnapped.
His older brother had become a monster.
And now, he was the only one left.
"So, this is how my story begins…"
A world where only power mattered.
A life given to him with only one purpose.
To kill the Demon King… To avenge his family… And to rise as the strongest force in this world.
A cold determination burned within Ashikawa's young eyes.
"I will survive… and I will change everything."