Andi_Syahriadin

Born as the fourth son of the Heavenly Demon Sect's supreme leader, Jin Seo-Won was shunned and humiliated simply because his mother came from the commoners, not from the prestigious Seven Clans that uphold the sect.

Betrayed by his own brothers and silently executed by the heir of the Sword Clan, Jin Seo-Won's life ended in despair.

But fate wasn't done with him.

A mysterious system gave him a chance to return to the past—before his mother's death, before his fall. Now armed with future knowledge, hidden power, and cold determination, he walks the path of revenge through blood and flame.

He will challenge the pride of the Seven Clans.
He will tear down the thrones of his brothers.
And this time... he will rise not as a discarded son, but as the true heir of the Heavenly Demon Sect.

Let the world tremble.

He has returned.

Heavenly Demon Regressor

Jin Seo-Won's footsteps echoed softly across the broken stones of the ancient altar. In his hand, a blood-red crystal pulsed with ominous light—an aura cold and resolute, blending perfectly with the overcast sky.

The message was clear, even without words:

The fourth prince has returned… and he is no longer the same.

As he emerged from the ruins, dozens of eyes turned toward him. Disciples who had exited earlier stiffened, some even stepping back unconsciously.

Wasn't he supposed to be nothing but a shadow in the academy?

Even the other princes—Jin Seo-Jin, Jin Seo-Gi, and Jin Seo-Hwan—watched him sharply. Their gazes held no words, but they carried unmistakable weight.

Moments later, the lead instructor stepped into the center of the field. His voice rang out between the cliffs and scattered stones:

> "Out of the one hundred disciples sent out… only fifty have officially passed the first trial!"

Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire. Some collapsed where they stood, devastated. Others simply bowed their heads in quiet defeat—though many couldn't help but glance at Jin Seo-Won with barely concealed resentment.

> "Team 7—composed of Jin Seo-Won, Do-Yoon, and three others—not only survived, but seized the crystal first and even defeated attackers from rival teams!"

Do-Yoon bowed low toward Jin Seo-Won with pride and gratitude. Whispers rippled through the crowd. The once-ridiculed Team 7 had not only survived—they had come out on top.

Jin Seo-Won remained silent. His eyes were calm but sharp, his presence heavier than ever. This was no longer the same boy who once cowered in shadows. Everyone felt it—something inside him had awakened.

Far across the field, Jin Seo-Jin narrowed his eyes and murmured to his aide:

> "That little ghost really clawed his way back from the grave... but this is only the first step."

"Send word to the Sword Clan. We won't let him rise unchecked."

After the announcement, the remaining disciples were ordered to return to the sect for further instructions. Though no one said it out loud, the tension between the teams—and especially among the royal heirs—was nearly tangible.

As Team 7 turned to leave, Do-Yoon leaned closer to Jin Seo-Won and whispered,

> "Prince... we really made them afraid."

Jin Seo-Won didn't answer. But his footsteps didn't falter.

In the distant shadows of the crumbled ruins, a lone figure in black robes stood silently, unseen by any.

His gaze followed Jin Seo-Won as he walked away, leading his team with unwavering steps. Behind the man's mask, his eyes glowed faintly, filled with recognition.

> "The system… has chosen once more."

He turned and vanished into the mist without a sound.

Chapter 14: Shadows of War and the First Crystal