Dawn bled crimson over Qingstone Village. The scent of rust and screams tore through the mist as black-armored cavalry swarmed like locusts. Thatched roofs blazed; villagers fell like wheat. Sixteen-year-old shepherd Leo huddled in a barn, watching through cracks as spears pierced his parents' chests. When the commander's blade swung at his neck, the clay amulet on Leo's chest seared white-hot—
Dawn bled crimson over Qingstone Village. The scent of rust and screams tore through the mist as black-armored cavalry swarmed like locusts. Thatched roofs blazed; villagers fell like wheat. Sixteen-year-old shepherd Leo huddled in a barn, watching through cracks as spears pierced his parents' chests. When the commander's blade swung at his neck, the clay amulet on Leo's chest seared white-hot—
[Warning! Life force critical. Eternal Reincarnation System activating...]
Darkness swallowed him. A mechanical voice echoed:
[Newbie Mission: Survive the Bloodmoon Raid. Reward: Rebirth to 12 hours ago]
Leo gasped awake beneath the old locust tree at the village entrance. The sun hadn't yet sunk behind the ridges. The amulet in his palm had cracked open, revealing bronze gears. A holographic screen flickered:
[Reincarnation Count: 1 (1/∞)
Current Timeline: Bloodmoon Raid -12h]
"Use memories or die repeating."
He sprinted to the village chief's house, kicking the door open. "Cavalry attack at midnight! They seek the Bronze Key—that ruler you worship in the shrine!" The room erupted in laughter, but the old chief dropped his teacup, pupils dilating in terror.