In a world of magic where the strongest survive, and the weak perish, you can only survive by climbing higher plains and getting stronger. Aetheria is a world filled with mana, aura, and various supernatural powers, and Earth is where it all begins. The landscape stretches to the sky, where hundreds of different and dangerous islands float. One can increase their strength by climbing the islands and going higher and higher, surviving the hardships that come their way. The higher the island, the higher the risk. The islands depict the concept of a tower where players challenge their potential.

Aetheria is ruled by the 10 Emperors who dominate the ranking system of the skies. Serene, also known as the Soul Queen, who leads the 10 Emperors, keeps the world balance in check. Everything was going as it should be under her leadership, but it all changed when she suddenly disappeared.

09/127 AE, in the Aetherian calendar, one month after Serene disappeared….

Somewhere on Earth in a distinct location.

“What’s happening to me? Why am I feeling so weak? Why do I seem to be in pain?”

Various questions arrived in my mind, and multiple memories rushed to my brain. These were my memories of when I was leading the 10 Emperors, but there are some faded memories.

“It seems I reincarnated in the body of an Earthling. How is this possible?”.

As I was getting myself together, I saw a bunch of hooligans walking down the street from my window, laughing and giggling.

“Aaagh…. My mind is overflowing with new sets of memories…..It seems to be the memories of the original owner of this body. It looks like she was bullied by those hooligans before. I should repay the original owner of this body by teaching the hooligans a lesson.”

I started dashing towards the hooligans when someone suddenly grabbed my shoulder. Even though I was in this weak body, I still couldn’t sense his presence.

The man said gently, “Hello there, you seem in a hurry.”

At that moment, I could feel fear running through the bones of this body. I slowly turned to see the person who had inflicted this fear on me. As I turned around, I saw a young man with long black hair and shining golden pupils dressed in expensive clothes. Looking at him from head to toe, he looked like he was from a noble background.

I asked him, “What do you think you are doing, Mister!”.

He smiled and answered, “Well, I should be asking that question. Where were you dashing to?”

I said, “Well, it should not concern you.”

Again, with a smile, he said, “Do you think you can fight them with the weak body you have?”

At that moment, all the remaining memories of the original body came to my mind; the name of this Earthling is Ember; she is 17 years old and an orphan. The handsome young man standing before me is Ember’s neighbor, whose name is Ryu.

Ryu is a merchant who spends most of his time relaxing in his armchair. What an aloof person.

As I was lost in my thoughts, I heard Ryu ask, “You seem lost in thought, Miss Ember. Is everything okay?”

“No, it’s nothing; I was thinking about what I should do for Lunch,” I said.

“Well, I have some extra food, so you can join me if you like,” he said gently.

Hearing my stomach growl…I said, “I guess I’ll take up on your offer.”

“Great! Then let’s not waste any time,” he said as he began to walk towards his house.

Observing him again…. “Why is it that I can’t see through this mysterious person? I can’t fathom his true strength even though I used to be the Soul Queen.”

“Are you coming, Miss Ember? The Food is ready.”

While Eating….“You seem wealthy, so why are you staying out here in this isolated place and not in the capital,” I questioned.

He laughed, “Well, it’s more peaceful here. Works great on my nap.”

It looked like Ryu was some prodigal of a noble family, but I still couldn’t get over him. He had more than just that.

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“Miss Ember, if you don’t mind,” he said politely.

“Yes,” I replied.

“You seem to have changed from your usual behavior,” he said.

“Well, I believe it’s time to change how I live,” I said.

“What do you mean by that, Miss Ember?” he asked.

“I don’t want to be oppressed by those with power, and I want to live the way I want,” I said.

“Bravo! Such great words, Miss Ember, but what do you plan to change?” he asked curiously.

“I plan to challenge the skies and become a High Ranker,” I exclaimed.

“But the journey won’t be that easy,” I added.

“No need to worry; I am here for you. I will give you my full support so you can ask me for anything you want,” he said joyfully.

“You seem to be in high spirits, Mister Ryu, for someone as lowly as me,” I remarked.

“It’s one of my perks of being an excellent merchant,” he said.

“Excellent in the field of being lazy,” I said.

We both laughed and talked as we finished our meal. After getting fresh, we sat together for a cup of tea.

“Miss Ember, as you said, the journey will not be easy, so how are you going to address your weak body,” he questioned.

While deep thinking, I started searching for ways to cure this broken body from my memories as the Soul Queen.

“Miss Ember, if it’s okay with you, I have a set of medicinal herbs that can help cure your body to a certain degree, but after that, it all depends on your soul,” he suggested.

Listening to his idea, I thought…..wait…wait, how does he know about ‘Soul’?

“Wait.. did you just say ‘Soul’? How do you know about ‘Soul’? ”I questioned.

“Well, it would be weird if I didn’t know about it, but how do you know?”

After pausing, I said, “I have heard about it from the elder of our village who once attempted to climb the sky.”

“Well, let’s get back to the point. Can you help me get those medicinal herbs,” I avoided his confrontation.

“It seems lady luck is in your favor; I received a package full of medical herbs this morning,” he said excitedly.

“Then let’s get to it already,” I said hurriedly.

Mister Ryu entered his chambers, fetched the parcel, and got a medical bath ready. Still, the same question arose again: "How does he know about ‘Soul’?” only those who achieved the ranker or above know about it; looking at him, he doesn’t seem to have the aura required to be a ranker. Is it wise to trust this mysterious young man on his every step? But it doesn’t seem like he is hostile towards me. Let’s wait and watch.

After waiting a while, Mister Ryu came out with a bucket of jade-colored medical liquid.

“Miss Ember, would you like a hot or cold bath?” he asked.

I replied, “A hot one seems suitable for my weak body.”

Again and again, the actions of Mister Ryu lead to different conclusions where sometimes he seems to be a prodigal, whereas sometimes a person with unfathomable strength. The medicinal liquid he brought out looked quite rare for an Earthling.

“Miss Ember, your bath is ready, and I have kept some extra clothes near the bathtub for you to change,” he said.

“Thank You, Mister Ryu, then I’ll excuse myself,” I said.

I entered the bathing chamber, undressed, and looked in the mirror. The weak body was tortured to the brink of death. Looking at the bruises, it makes sense how Ember died in pain. “I assure you that I will take your revenge, Ember.”

“Revenge?”

“Why does this word pain my heart?”

Entering the bathtub and soaking the whole body in the medical bath that Mister Ryu prepared, it looked like it was very effective. My entire body felt relaxed, and the bruises started to fade away.

Just like I thought, this medical solution was something other than what should be present on Earth. From my experience, I can smell some herbs only found on higher islands.

At the same time, my mind kept having the same question about Revenge and why I had reincarnated. Just then, my mind……..

…… To be continued