As Levy lay unconscious on the ground, the memories of his past life began to flood his mind, taking him back to a time when he was still an ordinary young man, full of dreams and aspirations. The world around him faded, and he found himself reliving the moments that led to his untimely death—a betrayal that had shattered his trust and altered the course of his destiny.
The sun was setting on a typical summer evening, casting long shadows over the bustling streets of the city. Levy, in his previous life, was an avid gamer, known among his friends as a skilled player in a popular online game. He had a close-knit group of friends who shared his passion, and together, they were preparing for an upcoming gaming competition that promised both prestige and a substantial cash prize.
Among his friends was a young man named Brandon. Tall, athletic, and charming, Brandon had always been admired for his looks and confidence. But behind his friendly exterior, he harbored a dark secret—an intense jealousy towards Levy, whose gaming skills often outshined his own.
Levy had never noticed the growing resentment in Brandon's heart. To him, their friendship was genuine, built on trust and mutual respect. They had spent countless hours gaming together, strategizing for the competition, and sharing their hopes and dreams for the future.
One evening, as they were wrapping up another intense gaming session at an internet café, Brandon's jealousy reached a boiling point. The more he watched Levy's effortless skill and natural leadership, the more he felt overshadowed and inferior. The upcoming competition was Brandon's chance to prove himself, but with Levy in the spotlight, he feared he would always be second best.
Brandon's frustration simmered beneath the surface, and as they left the café, he made a decision that would change everything. He needed to find a way to take Levy out of the competition—permanently.
A few days later, Brandon found himself in a dimly lit alleyway, far from the familiar streets he usually frequented. He was meeting someone—someone who could help him execute his plan. The leader of a notorious motorcycle gang, known as Raze, had a reputation for taking on dirty jobs, and Brandon was desperate enough to seek his help.
Raze was a tall, muscular man with a cold, calculating gaze. He had been in the business of intimidation and violence for years, and nothing fazed him. As Brandon approached, Raze lit a cigarette, the orange glow briefly illuminating his scarred face.
"So, you're the kid who wants someone taken care of, huh?" Raze's voice was gruff, with a hint of amusement.
Brandon hesitated, his nerves getting the better of him. "I... I don't want him dead. Just... injured enough to miss the competition."
Raze raised an eyebrow, taking a drag from his cigarette. "You know, accidents can be unpredictable. You sure you don't want this problem dealt with for good?"
Brandon shook his head, panic creeping into his voice. "No! I just want him out of the way for a while. A broken leg or something. He doesn't deserve to die."
Raze exhaled a cloud of smoke, his expression unreadable. "Alright, kid. For a price, I'll make sure your friend can't play in that little competition of yours. But remember, you came to me. If things go south, it's on you."
Brandon nodded, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. "I understand."
They discussed the details of the plan, with Brandon handing over a wad of cash to seal the deal. Raze assured him that everything would be taken care of, and all Brandon had to do was wait for the right moment.
A few days later, Levy was on his way home after another evening of practice. The competition was just around the corner, and he felt confident that his team was ready. As he walked down a quiet street, lost in thought, the sound of a revving motorcycle engine echoed through the night.
Before he could react, a black motorcycle sped towards him, the rider's face hidden beneath a helmet. The bike swerved at the last moment, striking Levy with brutal force. He was thrown to the ground, pain exploding through his body as he struggled to comprehend what had just happened.
Raze dismounted the bike, standing over Levy with a smirk. "Nothing personal, kid. Just business."
Levy tried to speak, to ask why, but the pain was too overwhelming. He could barely move, his vision blurring as he fought to stay conscious. In that moment, he realized the truth—someone had set him up. Someone he trusted.
As the life drained out of him, Raze crouched down, looking Levy in the eyes. "Your friend didn't want you dead, but I don't leave jobs half-done. Better this way, don't you think? No loose ends."
With a final, brutal kick to Levy's ribs, Raze left him to die on the cold pavement. The sound of the motorcycle engine roared to life again, fading into the distance as Raze disappeared into the night.
Levy's last thoughts were of betrayal and pain. The world around him grew darker, and he felt himself slipping away. The vibrant life he had known, the dreams he had chased, all of it was fading into nothingness.
But as the darkness closed in, a strange sense of peace washed over him. He had been wronged, betrayed by someone he had considered a friend. But deep down, he knew that this wasn't the end. He had been given a second chance—a new life in a different world. And in this new life, he would not be so easily defeated.
The memories of his past life began to fade, replaced by the present reality of his situation. He was Levy, a powerful swordsman in a world of magic and danger. And though he had fallen in battle, he would rise again. Stronger. Wiser. Ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The pain of betrayal still lingered in his heart, but it also fueled his determination. He would not allow history to repeat itself. This time, he would be the one to stand victorious.
Levy's eyes slowly opened, the flashback fading as he returned to the present. He was still lying on the cold ground, his body battered and broken. But as he gazed up at the sky, a new resolve burned within him. He had faced death once before, and he had been given a second chance. He would not waste it.
With a groan, Levy forced himself to sit up, his hand reaching for the broken pieces of his wooden sword. The weapon that had once been a source of great power was now shattered, but Levy knew that his true strength came from within.
As he struggled to his feet, he could hear the distant sound of marching—Yuan and his army, advancing towards the human country. Levy knew he had to stop them, no matter the cost.
But first, he needed to recover. He needed to find a way to regain his strength and repair his sword. And most importantly, he needed to confront the shadows of his past, to fully embrace the warrior he had become.