Chapter 1 Rebirth

I am Alexander Sterling, at least on the surface.

In the Sterling family's ancient manor, I was raised as an illegitimate child for twenty-two years. Meanwhile, Edmund, the sickly "true heir," enjoyed everything that should have been mine.

But I know a secret: I am the true bloodline of the Sterling family.

I only learned this secret before I died in my previous life. At that time, I was given to Nereon, the King of the Abyss, and was devoured as food in an apocalyptic world of extreme heat. Meanwhile, Edmund married Altera, the princess of the Sky Tribe, and enjoyed a life of luxury.

When Nyrion was starving, she coldly told me the truth: "You are William Sterling's biological son. Edmund is nothing but a bastard child born from Catherine's affair."

Then I died.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back twenty-two years ago, back to that pivotal moment that changed my destiny.

"Edmund, you must listen to us," Lady Catherine's voice came from the drawing room, "only by marrying the daughter of Nereon, the King of the Abyss, can you truly live a life of happiness!"

I hid in the shadows of the corridor, shocked.

In my previous life, my parents arranged for Edmund to marry Altera, the princess of the Sky Clan, and gave me to Nyrion. But now, their choices are completely reversed.

"But Mother," Edmund's voice trembled, "Nirion looks so terrible..."

"Silly child," Earl William approached, "you don't understand, the deep sea is the safest place. You'll understand when you get there."

You'll understand when you're done?

I instantly understood—my parents had also been reborn!

Knowing the advantages of the deep sea in the apocalypse, they wanted Edmund to enjoy the good life I had in my previous life. As for me, the "illegitimate child," they planned to have me marry the sky princess Altera.

My parents' favoritism remains unchanged, but this time I will not let them manipulate me again.

"Edmund, you must trust us," Lady Catherine continued to urge. "The Deep Sea Kingdom possesses boundless wealth, and in the impending catastrophe, only the deep sea is safe."

An impending disaster?

They were indeed reborn, knowing that an apocalyptic world of extreme heat was about to descend.

"What about Alexander?" Edmund asked.

"That bastard?" Earl William said dismissively. "Let him go to the Sky Tribe. The Sky Tribe is useless anyway, it suits his status perfectly."

I clenched my fist in the shadows. They thought the Sky Tribe was useless, but they didn't realize that when extreme heat struck, the geographical advantage of high altitude was their true lifeline.

"Mom and Dad are right," Edmund's voice rose with excitement, "I will marry the Siren princess and become the King of the Deep! As for that bastard, let him fend for himself!"

illegitimate child?

I scoffed. If they knew the truth, would they still say that?

Just then, the sound of a carriage came from outside.

"They're here," Earl William took a deep breath. "Edmund, remember to behave like a gentleman."

Soon, the living room door was pushed open, and two figures walked in.

Leading the way was Princess Siren, daughter of Nereon, the King of the Abyss. She possessed typical merfolk features: a slender figure, pale skin, and deep blue eyes. Her hair was silver-white, damp, and clung to her shoulders.

Following behind her was Princess Altera of the Sky Tribe. She had long golden hair, azure eyes, and a tall, elegant figure. Most striking were the pair of translucent wings on her back, which shimmered in the sunlight.

"Earl Sterling," the Siren princess began, her voice sweet yet dangerous, "I've come to fulfill our promise."

"Your Highness Siren," Earl William immediately stepped forward to greet him, "Welcome. This is my son, Edmund."

Edmund immediately stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with greed: "Your Highness, it would be my greatest honor to be your husband!"

The Siren princess gave him a cold look, a strange smile appearing on her lips.

Altera gave a graceful curtsy: "Your Excellency, Madam, it is a pleasure to meet you. May I ask where Mr. Alexander is?"

"Oh, well..." Earl William said somewhat awkwardly, "He should be upstairs."

"No need," I stepped out of the shadows, "I'm here."

Everyone turned to me. A flicker of displeasure crossed the faces of Earl William and Lady Catherine.

Edmund glared at me with a venomous look: "Oh, so the bastard knows to come out and meet guests, huh?"

The Siren princess looked me over with interest, her deep blue eyes reminding me of the pain I felt when I was torn apart in my previous life.

Altera, on the other hand, looked at me with curiosity and gentleness in her eyes.

"Edmund, watch your words." Earl William frowned, but there was little reproach in his tone.

Once everyone was seated, Edmund eagerly spoke up: "Your Highness Siren, I've heard that the Deep Sea Kingdom possesses countless treasures?"

"Of course," the Siren princess smiled sweetly, "the treasures of the deep sea are beyond your imagination. Moreover, in the face of the impending disaster, the deep sea will be the safest haven."

"Disaster?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

Earl William and Lady Catherine exchanged a glance, clearly not wanting to delve deeper into the topic.

"Nothing much," Earl William replied dismissively, "just some...predictions."

Altera frowned, clearly sensing something. She turned to me: "Mr. Alexander, how much do you know about our Sky Tribe?"

"Not many," I answered honestly, "but I know the Sky Tribe values freedom and peace."

"Ha!" Edmund scoffed. "Freedom and peace? What use are those abstract concepts? They're not as good as real wealth and power!"

Altera's expression grew even colder.

"Of course it's different," Edmund said smugly. "I want practical benefits, not those useless ideals. Your Highness, when can we hold the wedding?"

"Soon," the Siren princess's smile grew even more sinister, "I can't wait... to taste my husband."

She said the word "taste" in a strange tone, but Edmund apparently didn't notice.

"Great!" Edmund exclaimed excitedly.

Altera then said to me, "Mr. Alexander, if you're ready, we should also talk about our business."

"I'm ready." I stood up.

Edmund then approached, a malicious smile on his face: "Bastard, remember this day. From this day forward, you are a complete outsider."

He lowered his voice and said maliciously, "When I become the King of the Deep Sea, the first person I'll deal with is you!"

I looked at him and said calmly, "I'll wait."

Edmund seemed enraged by my calm: "What are you pretending for? Just you wait!"

As the two princesses prepared to leave, the Siren princess said to Edmund, "Are you ready? Let's return to the deep sea now."

"Now?" Edmund jumped up excitedly. "I've been ready for a long time!"

Altera also said to me, "Mr. Alexander, would you like to come with me to the Sky City?"

"certainly."

At the doorway, Edmund turned back and made a throat-cutting gesture at me, silently saying, "Die, you bastard."

Then, excitedly, he followed the Siren princess into the night.

Altera and I were also preparing to leave.

"Alexander," Earl William called to me, "remember to be obedient and don't cause Princess Altera any trouble."

I didn't answer, and followed Altera outside.

As Altera spread her beautiful wings, I took one last look at Sterling Manor.

This time, I am no longer that illegitimate child who can be manipulated at will.

When the extreme heat and apocalypse arrive, I will let those who have hurt me know what karma and retribution are.