Cold

Cold.

That was the first thing I felt as I opened my eyes. Not the searing pain of a sword in my chest. Not the heat of my burning kingdom. Just the damp, freezing air of a dungeon.

I knew this place.

This was the royal prison. Ten years before my death.

I staggered to my feet, my body weak, but my mind sharper than ever. I remembered everything—the betrayal, the war, my execution. I clenched my fists, my hatred for Caius burning hotter than ever.

Then, suddenly—

[DING!]

A voice echoed in my head.

[The Fallen Emperor's System has been activated.]

[Welcome back, Your Majesty. Would you like to rewrite your fate?]

I froze. A system? This wasn't here in my first life.

A screen appeared before me.

▶ [Quests] – Take back the throne. Reward: Absolute Authority

▶ [Skills] – Locked. Unlock through conquest.

▶ [Title] – The Forgotten Monarch.

My lips curled into a slow grin.

They erased me from history. Stole my throne. Laughed as I died.

But this time?

I have a system. I will reclaim everything.