Escape

The cold air bit at my skin as I stared at the glowing screen before me.

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

I clenched my fists. In my past life, I had nothing. No allies. No strength. No way to stop the betrayal that led to my downfall. But now?

I had a system.

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

▶ [Skills] – Locked. Unlock through conquest.

▶ [Title] – The Forgotten Monarch.

I exhaled, steadying my breath. If this was truly ten years before my death, then that meant—

"Hey, rat," a gruff voice called. "Time to get some fresh air."

The prison guard. I knew him. In my first life, he beat me daily just for fun. Today would have been no different.

But I wasn't the same man anymore.

The moment the cell door creaked open, I moved.

Before he could react, I grabbed his wrist and twisted. His eyes widened in shock as I slammed his head against the stone wall. He collapsed with a groan, unconscious.

[DING!]

[Quest Completed: First Blood]

Reward: +1 Strength, Basic Combat Unlocked]

A surge of power coursed through me. This was real.

I grabbed his keys, stepped over his body, and walked into the dark corridor.

I had been caged once.

Never again.