the reluctant prince of rebirth

The soft rays of dawn filtered through the silk curtains of Rein's chamber, bathing the room in golden light. Rein stirred awake, the weight of his new reality settling in as the events of the previous night replayed in his mind. He sat up, running a hand through his disheveled hair, and let out a long breath.

"This world is dangerous," he muttered to himself. "If I don't get ahead, I'll be crushed by them."

Rein swung his legs off the bed, his sharp mind already at work. He needed information—about the kingdom, the people, and the power system. Knowledge was power, and Rein intended to wield it like a sword.

Dressed in a simple tunic and trousers, Rein decided to familiarize himself with the palace. The grandeur of his surroundings still amazed him. Marble floors, towering columns, and walls adorned with paintings of past kings and queens spoke of a glorious history that was now in shambles.

As he wandered, Rein's sharp ears caught snippets of conversations from the maids and butlers who bustled about their tasks. He slowed his pace, feigning disinterest as he carefully listened.

"...the first prince, His Highness Marcus, is truly a reflection of Queen Anastasia. Such ambition... I wonder if he'll claim the throne soon," whispered one maid to another.

Rein filed the name away. Queen Anastasia, the king's first wife, must have been a force to be reckoned with. Her children—Marcus, Seraphina, and Isolde—had clearly inherited her drive.

Another pair of servants walked by, their voices low but distinct.

"The second prince, His Highness Darius, has been sparring since dawn again. Just like his mother, Queen Eleonora. Such fiery tempers, those two," one said, shaking her head.

"And Princess Amara too. Quiet as she seems, she's got her mother's cunning," added the other.

Rein smirked. It seemed the second wife, Queen Eleonora, had passed her warrior's spirit and strategic mind to her children.

Later, he overheard a butler discussing the third wife, Queen Isabella, with a colleague.

"Her sons, Prince Leopold and Prince Victor, take after her. Always keeping to themselves, always thinking. I wonder why they weren't at dinner last night."

"Perhaps the queen prefers to keep them isolated. She's never been one for palace politics," the other replied.

Rein absorbed the information like a sponge. Queen Isabella sounded like a reserved woman, and her sons likely shared her aloof nature.

"Interesting," Rein murmured under his breath as he continued his stroll. "Three wives, three factions. That's useful to know."

After hours of wandering and eavesdropping, Rein finally arrived at his destination: the royal library. The sheer size of the room left him momentarily speechless. Shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, filled with countless volumes on history, magic, warfare, and more. Golden chandeliers illuminated the space, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden tables and cushioned chairs.

"This is perfect," Rein said, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

He walked through the aisles, his fingers brushing against the spines of ancient tomes. Each book was a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be unlocked. Rein pulled out a thick volume titled The Principles of Crest and Resonance and settled into a chair to read.

The book laid out the intricate mechanics of the kingdom's power system, confirming much of what Rein already knew but adding greater detail.

Every individual possessed a Crest, a unique magical signature tied to their soul. These crests determined the type of magic or abilities they could wield.

Most people followed one of two paths:

Swordmasters: Warriors who honed their physical abilities through resonance with their crests. They could enhance their strength, speed, and durability, becoming living weapons. However, they were unable to use magic, as their crests resonated purely with physical attributes.Archmages: Those who focused on manipulating magical energy through their crests. They wielded elemental spells and specialized in devastating ranged attacks. Archmages lacked physical enhancements, relying entirely on their magical prowess.Rein's eyes lit up as he read about an ancient practice called Dual Resonance. It was a forgotten art, deemed impossible for most. Dual Resonance allowed a person to harmonize both physical enhancement and magic, effectively becoming a Magic Swordsman. The process was thought to be too demanding for the human body and mind, leading most to dismiss it as a myth.

"Interesting," Rein muttered. "They've given up on the idea, but that doesn't mean it's impossible."

The text also explained the process of obtaining a Crest. Every child would undergo a Crest Awakening Ceremony at a church upon reaching the age of seven. It was during this sacred ritual that their Crest would manifest, revealing their potential paths.

Rein's excitement tempered slightly. He had to wait another year before he could awaken his Crest, but the delay didn't deter him.

"If this world runs on crests, then I'll make sure mine is the strongest," he thought.

Rein spent the rest of the day buried in books, memorizing key details about the kingdom and its history. He discovered that the once-great Alarion Kingdom had begun its decline due to King Alaric's mismanagement and political infighting among the royal factions. The looming threat of the Demon King only added to the kingdom's precarious position.

Rein's sharp mind began forming a plan.

"Step one: master this world's power system. Step two: gain influence and allies. Step three: protect myself and my mother from the chaos to come. Step four…"

He paused, glancing out a nearby window. The setting sun painted the horizon in hues of orange and red, a stark contrast to the uncertain future that lay ahead.

"…reshape this kingdom into something worth ruling."

With newfound resolve, Rein stood and returned the books to their shelves. His Crest Awakening might be a year away, but he wasn't going to waste a single day.