Mike lay in a hospital bed listening to the monitor beside him. The sound repeated endlessly and he hated it because it reminded him that he was still alive, though only barely. His mother sat beside him holding his hand while trying not to cry, his father stood nearby pretending to stay strong, and his younger sister sat quietly in the corner. Mike already knew the truth. His illness was rare, untreatable, and there was nothing anyone could do anymore.
He had spent months researching treatments, reading medical papers, and looking for any possible solution. He had always been considered a genius, praised by professors and expected to accomplish great things in the future. None of that mattered now. Talent meant nothing if you didn't have enough time to use it. He looked at his family and forced a small smile.
His mother squeezed his hand. "Mike, we're here."
He wanted to tell them not to worry, but only one word came out.
"Sorry."
His father frowned. "For what?"
"For not doing more."
His mother immediately shook her head. "Don't say that. You've already done more than enough."
Mike remained silent because he didn't agree. Suddenly his sister rushed over and hugged him tightly.
"Please don't go."
He gently placed a hand on her head. "I'm not scared."
It was a lie. He wasn't afraid of death itself. He was afraid of what came after it, or whether there was anything after it at all. The monitor's rhythm gradually slowed, his vision blurred, and the room slowly faded away. His final thought was simple. If he ever got another chance, he would not waste it.
When Mike opened his eyes again, everything felt different. His body no longer hurt. The weakness was gone and his breathing felt completely normal. He sat up and looked around, immediately realizing he was no longer in a hospital. The room was enormous and far more luxurious than anything he had ever seen before.
He quickly stood up and looked into a nearby mirror. Staring back at him was a handsome young man with golden hair and a completely unfamiliar face.
"What the hell?"
Before he could process the situation, several maids rushed into the room and bowed deeply.
"Your Highness."
Mike froze.
One of the maids lowered her head. "Did you require anything, Crown Prince?"
Crown Prince?
Mike stared at them for a moment before speaking.
"Stand up."
Even his voice sounded different. It was deeper and carried a natural authority. The maids obeyed immediately.
One of them glanced up briefly. "Your Highness, you seem different today."
Before Mike could ask anything, the door opened again and several young men and women entered. They all bowed respectfully before speaking.
"Brother, we heard you were awake."
As soon as he heard those words, fragments of memory flashed through his mind. He saw a battlefield, a dragon, mana, a throne room, and finally a name.
Kylrus Van Veloras.
Crown Prince of the Veloras Empire, the strongest person in the empire and God's chosen vessel.
Mike stood there silently as the memories settled inside his head. The people in front of him clearly feared him. Some avoided eye contact while others looked nervous just standing in the same room.
One of the younger girls hesitated before speaking.
"Brother, are you feeling alright?"
Mike looked at her and she immediately fell silent. He still didn't understand what was happening, but one thing was obvious. This was not a dream. Somehow, he had become Kylrus Van Veloras.
Before anyone could continue, the door opened once more and an auburn-haired woman entered.
"Kylrus! I came as soon as I heard you woke up."
She stopped after noticing the way he was looking at her.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
The room instantly became quiet. Mike had no idea who she was, but everyone's reaction told him she was important.
"...Remind me."
Several people gasped.
The woman blinked. "Remind you? It's me. Emily."
The memories quickly supplied the answer.
Emily.
The daughter of a Grand Duke.
Kylrus's lover.
Mike immediately understood how dangerous this situation was. He couldn't let anyone realize he wasn't the original owner of this body.
"There was a brief moment after I woke up when my mind felt disoriented," he said calmly. "I simply wanted to confirm a few things."
Emily stared at him for several seconds before hitting his arm.
"You're unbelievable. Don't scare me like that."
Everyone else looked shocked. Apparently nobody else would dare do something like that. For the first time since waking up, Mike laughed.
He was no longer lying in a hospital bed waiting to die. He was healthy, powerful, and standing at the top of an empire. Mana flowed naturally through his body and every instinct told him that this new life possessed unimaginable opportunities.
He walked toward the window and looked out at the city beyond the palace. Countless buildings stretched across the horizon beneath the banner of the Veloras Empire. It was an empire that feared him, respected him, and followed his commands without question.
"If this is truly a second life," he said quietly, "then I won't waste it."
Deep within his new soul, however, something felt strange. It was difficult to explain, but it felt as if something that once belonged there had disappeared.