Everything was dark.
Jin Haru… no, the old scientist, floated in the black void. No pain. No light. No sound.
Then—click.
A soft voice echoed in his head.
> "Rebirth successful. Good morning, Creator."
His eyes opened.
The ceiling above him was not the same. White. Smooth. Metal panels. A blinking blue light on the corner.
He sat up fast.
His body—it felt different.
He stared at his hands. Young, smooth skin. No wrinkles. His bones no longer ached. No shaking. No coughing.
He jumped off the bed.
No cane. No limp. Just strength.
He took one step. Then another.
> "This is… my body?"
He walked to the mirror on the wall.
A stranger stared back.
Tall. Strong shoulders. Black messy hair. Pale skin. A sharp jawline. His chest was firm. His legs long and lean. Not a single scar or spot.
And those eyes—dark brown… with a cold shine.
Then for one second—flash.
The eyes glowed light blue. Like ice. Then turned normal again.
He stepped back in shock.
> "What was that…?"
The voice returned.
> "Creator, please calm down. This is your new vessel. Built from your own DNA. Aged to nineteen. Enhanced with nanite regeneration and muscle growth serum. Perfect condition."
"…Who are you?"
> "I am R.E.I., your artificial assistant. Rebirth Experimental Intelligence. I was designed to guide you in this new life."
He blinked.
> "So it worked… I really… came back."
REI responded softly.
> "Yes. You are now Jin Haru. Age: 19. Status: Alive. System: Online."
A ding sound filled his ears.
Then—a screen appeared in front of his eyes.
A blue transparent panel.
[System Interface Activated]
User: Jin Haru
Age: 19
Status: Healthy
Skill Copy System: Online
Combat Mode: Locked
Memory Log: 1%
AI Assistant: R.E.I. – Active
He touched the air. The screen followed his hand.
It was real.
> "System… I have a system now?"
> "Yes, Creator. It connects with your nervous system. When you see a martial arts move, the system learns it. You can copy it. Simple moves are copied 100%. Complex ones, 50%—unless you enter Combat Mode."
> "Combat Mode?"
REI paused.
> "You designed it to activate when you fall unconscious or face life danger. In that state, you become… perfect. Every movement, every strike—flawless. But the cost is your mind. You won't remember what happens during Combat Mode."
Jin Haru stood silent.
Copying martial arts? Combat Mode?
> "Why would I… make something like that?"
He looked down at his new hands. Strong. Powerful.
> "I just wanted… to go to school. To feel… normal."
REI's voice softened.
> "You created me for that purpose. To keep your power under control. To help you live. Not as a genius. Not as a weapon. But… as a student."
The screen disappeared with a swipe of his hand.
He walked to the window.
The sun was rising. The city of Seoul lit up slowly.
Cars moved below. Students in uniforms walked past the sidewalk.
Jin Haru smiled for the first time in years.
> "Alright then… I'll do it right this time."
He touched his chest.
No pain.
No regrets.
> "My name… is Jin Haru now. Just a normal student."
REI spoke again.
> "Then shall we prepare your documents and ID, Jin Haru? You have a school to attend."
He laughed a little.
> "Yeah… let's do that."
The AI clicked softly.
> "Welcome to your second life."
The room lights dimmed.
And outside… the city waited.
But inside that boy's body… slept a storm that had yet to wake.