2 The Monarch's Rebirth

Within the void, all Artorius could see was darkness.

"Is this the afterlife?"

The man pondered, but he did not panic. For him, the silence was peaceful.

"This isn't so bad."

As Artorius continued to dwell in its solace, he suddenly heard a voice.

[I've finally found you.]

The voice seemed distant, yet it was as if it was reverberating within Artorius' head.

"Who are you?"

[I am Noctis, the God of Night. I know you don't remember me, but I've been searching for you this entire time, Shin.]

"Shin?"

Artorius was confused as to why a Deity had shown up before him, even mistaking him for someone else.

[There's no point in explaining, your memories are still sealed. But what I can do for you old friend, is to give you another chance.]

Artorius couldn't understand what the voice, who claims to be a Deity, was talking about. 

It seemed like the Deity knew him, but Artorius couldn't recall ever being acquainted with one.

But he was curious as to what he meant by 'another chance'.

"What chance?"

[A chance for a new life.]

The man pondered for a bit, the offer sounded tempting.

Artorius did not doubt him the entire time. 

After all, what else would show up before him in the afterlife besides a deity?

He had a lot of regrets, and if he took this chance, he would not take it for granted.

"Will I restart as Artorius Castus?"

If that were the case, then he would do everything in his power to rewrite his mistakes.

To save his mother.

However, it seems like it wasn't the case.

[Apologies old friend, but it's impossible to go back, even with my power.]

"Then what can you grant me?"

[An opportunity. To live as one of your past life's descendants.]

When the Deity kept calling him 'old friend', Artorius could figure out that was the case.

If he didn't recall ever being acquainted with this Deity in this life. Then it must've been in a past life.

But the thought still left Artorius shocked, he was still in denial.

If he really were acquainted with the Deity in his past life…

Then why didn't he save him?

Why did he let his mother die?

But Artorius knew better than to question him, he could not blame anyone but himself after all.

[You will be reborn in the Nocturn Family, a clan of Swordsmen. Just sign a contract with me, and I shall grant it.]

"What's the catch?"

He had to be careful. 

If he goes through with the contract without thinking, then he might regret it.

Artorius had enough regrets.

[Haha, still as cautious as ever, old friend.]

The Deity was amused, he had known Artorius for a long time, and the man was the same as ever.

[No catch, I'm just here to help out an old friend.]

"I see."

After pondering for a while, Artorius had decided.

"I'll do it, I'll sign the contract. But… will I lose my memories?"

He had heard the Deity saying his previous memories were sealed. He was afraid that his memories of Artorius would vanish as well.

[No, they will retain. The only reason you lost the memories of your past lives was because they were sealed.]

"That's a relief."

Suddenly, the Deity materialized in front of Artorius.

A figure clad in blazing dark-blue embers, adorned with what seems to be a helmet of the same hue.

Noctis, the God of Night.

[It's good to see you again, Shin.]

Artorius still wasn't used to being referred to as Shin. 

But it seemed like that was his name when he first became acquainted with Noctis.

Noctis gestured his hand for a handshake.

"No regrets."

Artorius grabbed it.

As soon as they shook hands, a bright light suddenly emerged within the void and engulfed the entire space.

***

Waaah, uwaaah.

'I kind of expected this, but it's still embarrassing.'

Artorius thought to himself.

Waaaaaaah!

The wail was getting louder, and it seemed like Artorius had no control over it.

Today was August 29, 2148.

With raven-black hair, and azure eyes, the newest member of the clan of swordsmen, Shin Nocturn was born.

***

Three years had passed since the former king's rebirth.

He belonged to a branch family, just like in his past life.

His new family consisted of his father, Saul Nocturn, his mother, Alice Nocturn, and his little sister, Aspen Nocturn.

Apparently, the world he was reborn into was similar to his previous world, except that...

It was more technologically advanced.

Step, step.

A certain woman had entered their estate. She was the Lady of the Nocturn Main House, Vanessa Nocturn.

She had mauve colored hair and a sharp gaze on her features. Despite her allure, she was known to have a stern presence within the Nocturn family.

Vanessa was greeted by her cousin-in-law, Saul Nocturn, Shin's father.

"Is he ready?"

"Yes, my Lady. Today is the day that Shin meets the Patriarch, everything is prepared."

"Good, we shall depart right away."

From their conversation, Shin realized he was now about to meet the Patriarch of the Nocturn Family.

All children of the Nocturn Family had a ritual to meet the current Patriarch by the time they turned three.

And with Shin, being 3-years-old, today was that day.

They traveled to the main house with the family limousine.

At their arrival, Shin's family were advised to stay in the guest lobby. Leaving only Shin and Vanessa to head to the central hall.

At the hall's center stood a man with his arms crossed.

The Patriarch of the Nocturn Family, Souzen Nocturn, a Tenth Star Ascender, and the strongest swordsman in the current era.

It was Shin's first time meeting Souzen.

But according to Noctis, the entire Nocturn Family, including himself, were the descendants of his past life.

Meaning, Souzen was a descendant of his. But regardless, Shin still felt the pressure.

He had no memories of any of his past lives besides Artorius Castus.

Despite being a former king, Shin had no power in this life.

With the trauma he carried as Artorius, he felt uneasy at the presence of Souzen.

After all, the reason for his mother's death was due to the battle for succession.

With him being born in a branch family, he had heard of the same thing happening as well.

"You must be Shin."

Shin could feel the pressure that Souzen emitted. The man was just standing there, yet even a 3-year-old boy could feel his presence.

Shin took a knee.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Lord Souzen Nocturn."

"Good manners, you were taught well."

"Thank you, Lord Souzen."

As a former king, Shin knew how to greet royalty. Even without having to be taught, he knew how to carry himself in any social gatherings.

Suddenly, Souzen noticed something.

There was a faint blue aura emitting from Shin.

Souzen narrowed his eyes, carefully scanning it.

Then he realized what it was.

"It can't be… Vanessa, give me and Shin some privacy."

Vanessa was taken aback at first, but eventually nodded and left the room. She couldn't disobey a direct order from her husband.

"Lord Souzen, what's wrong?"

"Shin, how did you become a contractor?"