A New Beginning

A tide of euphoric light flooded Zeke's vision, coinciding with his heart no longer beating. Life went on as a strong breeze whistled a long tune for the barren land that used to be an abundant forest.

Following the rhythm of this night, the Blood Sanctum dispersed, revealing an extinguished flame. No longer bound to this world and the body he cultivated for over 100 years.

Eventually, a miniature black hole spawned from within, engulfing him in the blink of an eye. The concept of reality and space seemed to collapse altogether while being built anew in a never-ending cycle.

Fading in and out of consciousness, he was beginning to lose his way in the vast river of light. With his life flashing right before him, Zeke's mental state was becoming foggier the further he went down memory lane.

The mystery of how he transmigrated from modern-day Earth in his late twenties still eluded him, after suffering a coma from an overdose. Over time, his various experiences as Zeke took on a life of their own.

Reliving the intoxicating rush of cultivation, to the unsettling feelings of killing his first person. A variation of other trials and tribulations went by like a projector as Zeke's mind started to go blank, expanding into the river of time.

Entranced in the late stages of becoming one with the brightly colored river, his very existence was being erased in the volatile currents of time and space. Zeke began to feel a sense of pure relief, gradually sinking deeper into the bottomless whirlpool of no return, with nothing but acceptance.

' This doesn't feel like that bad of a change of pace, considering all I had to endure. Wait a minute... what exactly did I go through? On second thought, did I even have a past worth mentioning? Who am I? Whatever, it doesn't matter anyway, I guess it never did in the larger scope of things.'

Zeke's thoughts dwindle. Ready to give in, the third act shifted to a love that he buried deep in his heart later in his long life, not wanting to remember the haunting murder of her and their unborn child.

Succumbing to a debt of agony and regret for being rendered helpless ignited a surge of unrelenting rage that blanketed his soul. Replacing the peace and comfort he always yearned for. Soon, the face of his father, Lord Samus, appeared with a devilish grin as Zeke's hatred reached its boiling point.

' How could I forget? No, I could never forget! I can't and will not rest until all those who wronged me reap what they sowed! I will have my revenge and ascend to a stage of immortality, where nobody will ever dare take or look down upon me again!'

Rekindling his sole resolve for revenge and power. He regained his sense of self as the flashing scenes of his past life vanished. The raging waves of change became more chaotic. Inspired, Zeke gained enlightenment, unconsciously executing the last step of Self-Return. Washing ashore, he was thrown into nothing but darkness.

" ...Where am I?"

Zeke muttered, slowly adjusting to his dark surroundings. Lying flat on his back against a rocky surface, he rose to his feet with some difficulty. With his head still muddled, Zeke was unable to recall the events that had happened before awakening.

Soon enough, Zeke spotted a dim glow off in the distance. Walking towards the row of hanging torches. He stopped in place, in the cave-like environment, feeling a puddle of water underneath his bare feet.

Looking down, Zeke saw his poorly lit reflection, barely able to make out the face that stared back at him.

'What's going on here?'

Zeke reacted in disbelief, realizing that he had reverted to his adolescent years. Having short black hair, golden eyes, and bronze skin. There was no doubt about his regression. Stunned, he didn't quite know how to feel about making a miraculous return to the past.

Originally, when developing the ritualistic technique of Self-Return, he had hoped to transmigrate back to his birth world as Reid. However, the passing of time had a strange way of changing men's ambitions.

' Hmph, what am I thinking? There's no point in second-guessing when this is exactly what I hoped for. I may have wanted to return home when this unexpected journey as Zeke first began, but that was always fool's gold. It's about time I accept that Reid died the day I entered a coma. All that's left for me at this moment is to exact some unfulfilled revenge!'

Out of nowhere, a blue interface popped up in front of his face while contemplating his situation.

[Immortal System]

---- A warm welcome and congratulations are in order, being one of the few who have successfully unlocked the Immortal System----

Taken aback by this unexpected event. Zeke stayed silent, analyzing the transparent screen. Having some familiarity with this concept from his previous experience of reading various light novels that covered this particular subject, as Reid. However, Zeke never obtained a system of his while struggling to survive and strive in the martial world. 

Later down the line, he discovered that not only did different systems exist, but other transmigrators as well. Having several friendly interactions and heated confrontations with people thrown into this new world, without a say. His friend Jin-Jo from the sword sect was also a fellow transmigrator who had a functioning system that gave him certain tasks to complete for cultivation points and rewards.

Zeke never found the reason why he wasn't granted this same gift, eventually chalking it up to an unexplained error. Deep in thought, Zeke soon heard a strange noise followed by the echoes of a conversation.

" What was this poor bastard's name again?"

" Who cares? All I know is that his little head will soon be put on a pike as an example for not following orders."

" Yah, serves him right!"

Both men laughed, still out of sight as their steps grew closer. Zeke grabbed one of the hanging torches.

 'Damn, what exactly is going on here? This scenario never took place in my past life.' 

Zeke thought, finally finding it strange. He hadn't awakened on a bed inside his private quarters. At the Samus estate, like once before. With time running out. He retreated to the spot where he woke, which turned out to be a dead end. Quickly, he spotted a thin ledge. Climbing into a small dark corner, he extinguished the torch. Grabbing a rock in the other hand. Suddenly, the Immortal System reappeared, assigning a task.

[Immortal System]

---- Two men approach you with killing intent. How will you choose to handle the situation? ----

---- You will be given a Grade of S, A, B, C, D, or F depending on your performance. A difficulty level of Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze will be indicated before the task. ----

Difficulty: Silver

Reward:

S=TBD

A= Recover Memory + B

B= Full Heal

C=N/A

D=N/A

F= Death 

---- Good luck :)! ----