The one thing faster than time is death; it comes quickly and takes its victim unannounced. Even the greatest of all rulers have faced their demise.
I never imagined that I, the apex of all empires and heir to the Bloodshed throne, could be killed unaware by this foe.
Mothers, children, and empires have screamed my name, begging for mercy as I watched their homes burn to ash. I am Prince Bruce Bloodshed.
Every empire feared my father's kingdom and our noble bloodline because of me. I commanded fleets of armada airships and foot soldiers.
But I wasn't keeping track of how close he was coming—death.
My vision was blurry that day, but I could see everything: my father's head sitting on the throne, my mother torn apart with her blood staining the throne room.
I was left crawling, tears mixed with blood streaming down my face. What was happening? Death and fear had held me, with a blade stabbed through my back aimed for my heart.
And he was there—the figure in a black cloak. He was squatting in front of me, smiling devilishly as if his grin could reach behind his ears.
"Who—who are you? Why me?" I muffled, trying not to succumb to my fading eyes.
"Death God."
That was the final word I heard before my throat was ruthlessly slit from my body. When death comes, he takes. But next time, I'll have my revenge on death.
———————
Inside an enormous room resembling that of a royal family, a baby's cry could be heard, alarming the maidens outside, who burst the door open—along with a white-haired woman dressed in royalty.
She carried the baby in her arms and brought out her breast to feed him, but the baby rejected it.
"It's the nightmares again, Lady Juliet," said a maid beside her.
"I know. For how long? I'm beginning to feel worried. Tomorrow, please call the mage healer."
"Yes, my lady."
Lady Sylvia took Neo towards the rectangular, transparent mirror. Outside, the boy opened his eyes to see airships floating above their house.
Foot soldiers with mana guns were also marching around the house. Technology and magic were Bloodshed Empire's most powerful assets.
"Don't worry, Neo, you're safe here. Every armada ship, foot soldier, and war mage is at your service. Nothing can harm you, okay? You're safe."
Of course, I was reborn—as royalty again—but my past life of blood and war, the scene of my death, brought unimagined pain.
For them, it's a nightmare. I wouldn't blame my new mother, but I know that my body is begging me to kill death.
In this life, I am Neo Grave, a royalty under the Bloodshed Empire. So if you're reading this, know that I'll use any means necessary to hunt down death and reclaim my position.
Death! I'm coming for you!
Mark my words!