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.