MTL - Year of Herbs - Chapter 4 Xiao Han

Lin Rui was reborn, reborn in the year 4161, two thousand years later. In this era of highly advanced technology, where the peak of human biotechnology had collided and fused with the culture of Tianji Star, a new path for human evolution was born—’Zhi Zhuang Wudao’, capable of granting eternal life and transcendence beyond the universe. The entire society esteemed the strong, and it was considered an honor to practice Zhi Zhuang Wudao. There was even a group of ’Variant Walkers’ who stood at the pinnacle of the social pyramid, looming over the world with arrogance. At first, Lin Rui couldn’t fathom the meaning of his rebirth. He merely adapted to this era out of a sense of responsibility. It wasn’t until one day that the ’Battle Spirit Ring’, which had come into existence alongside Lin Rui, captured its first Battle Spirit. Lin Rui could let the Battle Spirit possess him for combat, and could also copy all the martial skills and abilities mastered by the Battle Spirit. The Battle Spirits he captured grew increasingly powerful— Lin Rui began to realize this era was his to own. A ’Super Abyssal’, who would overshadow the future, began his rapid development journey at the Tianji Star’s ninth base.

In this world, there are those that are fortunate and those who are not.

Ethan Bellrose is neither; he is cursed. At nineteen, he has lived his entire life sheltered in his home as his fragile body blisters under sunlight, breaks under the slightest impact, and falls to any sickness.

However, the arrival of a world-changing digital service catches the hopeless young man’s eye: “Reincarnation Online”--a virtual reality experience that gives a new fantastical life to those who are unfulfilled with their current path.

For Ethan Bellrose, the choice is simple. Without hesitation, he orders the virtual reality headgear, choosing to abandon his current life and live forevermore in the world of fantasy, magic, and endless adventure–”Arcadius.”

Though what he finds is a world not full of leisure and trivial triumph, but a world just as alive and full of darkness, glory, and grandeur as Earth–if not greater.

Starting from square one as an infant, given a new name and family, this is the eventful life, full of dreadful lows and exhilarating highs, of “Emilio Dragonheart.”

[...Booting System…]

[Welcome to Reincarnation Online.]

[You will henceforth by the recipient of the Dragonheart System.]

[Please, enjoy your stay.]

“Since I was born, I’ve had the same dream every day, where the same day repeats over and over.”“What do you do in the dream?”“Rob banks, blow up buildings, flirt with girls, play Grand Theft Auto… since it’s a dream, I naturally do a lot of lawless things.”“Tell me what you did last night.”“Last night was more interesting. I’ve been dreaming for so long, but it’s the first time I’ve dreamt of someone I know in real life. She was a very beautiful girl…”“Mhm.” The police officer nodded while taking notes. “Go on, I’m listening.”

The Empire's forces retreated in desperation—trampled by faceless horrors bringing darkness and death to these once beautiful lands.Only the most courageous stood in defiance, forming a last defence to buy the people time to flee—fighting until the final embers of hope burned out.A man stands with a silver sword, like a beacon of hope to those around him. He roared with all his might drawing his blade against the overwhelming enemy!“You face Lancelot, Sword of the Empire! ”These horrors tested the Lord's grit and loyalty in the final moments.“Should my blade break, I will use my body!”The knights had fallen, broken swords for their tombstones, and lords fled, betraying the Empire to survive.“If my body breaks, I'll use my Soul!”Lancelot, the sword of the Empire, fought alone.All hope seemed lost.“And if my Soul fails...”What could a single man and his army do?He fights against the dark tide, blade in hand, heart on sleeve.“I will sell myself to the devil for revenge!”But he was too weak, too fragile.The last Lord of humanity stood against the enemy.Lancelot was a master of the sword, a mortal, neither a God nor a Saint.Miracles were beyond his reach.Now only a broken man impaled on his own destroyed throne.His blade shattered—now, like rose petals, it was scattered across the charred ground.Lancelot's soul was fated for the abyss as the light faded from his eyes.His last ounce of resistance used staring at the man who betrayed the Empire.Now with only the desire to kill, crush and seek revenge smouldering inside him.Now unwilling to die and desperate to fight once again.He desired to fight for the people who supported him.Lancelot refused to surrender, to fall like this.As quietly in the abyss, a voice whispered to him.It tried to entice the Lord, ignite his desire to win and fight again.“If given a second chance, to relive your life with a different choice... Would you Accept?”Blood gathered in his throat, forcing him to reply in his mind.A frail and broken voice'There is no reason to ask, of course!'“No matter the cost?”'Even if I were to lose everything...''If my people can live on. I would sacrifice everything I have!'“You will no longer be the same, a monster, twisted and vicious.”“Will you still accept?”The Lord's heart ached, taking great pride in his humanity.To lose that caused his mind to falter.Finally, out of power, unable to speak or reply with a trembling arm.Lancelot reached out.Towards the raspy voice.Towards the abyss.Towards a new future.[So you would accept after all...]'I must accept.''I must stand tall.''I must not break.''Because...''I am the Lord of humanity![Nay, you are the king of demons]