Forge of Destiny - Threads 261-Yonder 2

Lin Xiao was an orphan who strived to get stronger while living with his sickly younger brother in an unnamed small village.

During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhang Anshi was ignorant, and he committed a heinous crime.

His brother-in-law is the prince? Oh, that’s all right!

- Description from novelbuddy

Elias “Grim” Kingsley, a nine-year-old orphan with a hardened heart and sharp tongue, dies alone from pneumonia in an overcrowded orphanage. Known for his perpetual scowl and biting remarks, he's labeled a “problem child” by caretakers and “damaged goods” by potential adopters. Years of rejection have built thick armor around his young heart.In death, he encounters the God of Balance who offers him a second chance at life in a different world—this time as Grim Van Ambrose, son of a noble house. Balance explains that every soul deserves to know love and connection, something Elias was cruelly denied in his first life.Promised the family and belonging he never experienced, Grim begins his new life only to suffer an immediate tragedy: his mother dies moments after his birth. This cruel twist of fate reinforces his belief that loss is inevitable, leaving him with a distant father and the mysterious voice of a “Guidance Assistant” in his head.As Grim grows into his new identity, he struggles with his dual nature—the emotional scars of his past life bleeding into his present one. His difficult personality and sharp tongue remain, now paired with noble privilege and expectations. Despite his outward brashness, he carries the deep wounds of his first life and the fresh loss that welcomed him into his second.What begins as one orphan's second chance evolves into an epic journey through a world of ancient beasts, elemental magic, and deadly political intrigue. As Grim uncovers the truth about the Ambrose Clan's fall from grace and the conspiracy that framed them for treason, he faces increasingly dangerous adversaries—both human and monstrous. His quest for revenge against those who destroyed his family's legacy will challenge him to master forbidden techniques, forge unexpected alliances, and ultimately decide whether to rebuild the Ambrose Clan as it was, or transform it into something entirely new.In a realm where power determines survival and ancient secrets lurk beneath noble facades, Grim must learn that sometimes the greatest battles aren't fought with swords, but with the choices that define who we truly are.

[Nakseong High School, the heads of 300 people exploded!] Lee Joon, an ordinary high school student.During the entrance ceremony, he was caught up in a strange phenomenon and died.[You have died.] [Restarting from checkpoint.] [Loading…] And then a message appeared before his eyes.『Welcome to Nakseong High School that is full of mysteries and secrets.Uncover the dark secrets hidden around the school, or fight against urban legends and myths to earn points and unlock special abilities.Then, gather companions and stop the resurrection of the demon king before you graduate.The world is in your hands.』