My Dragon Devouring System

Long ago, warriors sought to master martial arts not only as a means of self-defense, but to shield themselves from the horrors of the world. Monsters, creatures born from unknown realms, roamed freely, terrorizing mankind. 

Over time, what began as a simple art of survival evolved into something far greater—an intricate system of power and dominance. Refined into deadly arts capable of turning a single fighter into an unstoppable force.

Martial arts became a deadly weapon. The simplicity of earlier movements transformed into complex sequences of techniques, synchronized with deep breathing patterns, and the flow of magical energy known as internal energy.

This internal energy was divided into two distinct forms:

- Mana energy, was wielded by those who practiced spells and magic. These individuals are known as Mages or Magicians.

- Aura Energy, belonged to those who mastered physical movements and breathing techniques. These practitioners were the Martial Artists.

As generations passed, both Mages and Martial Artists preserved their knowledge, passing down their teachings and sacred heirlooms. 

Over time, those who wielded Mana or Aura became something more than human. They were known as the 'Awakened'—individuals who possessed strength and abilities far beyond that of ordinary mortals.

In that time, warriors seeking greater mastery banded together, forming powerful clans. These clans were divided into two:

 the Mage Clans for the mana users, and

 the Martial Warrior Clans. For the aura users.

But among the Martial Warrior Clans, there was one clan that pursued an entirely different purpose, its ambition darker and more ruthless than the rest. While others sought honor, discipline, or balance, this clan pursued only strength and absolute power at any cost. They were feared by all, and their name echoed across the lands like a curse. They were known as,

 The Cullens.

---

"Young master… y-you're awake!" The young girl gasped, her voice trembling with emotion. Tears welled in her eyes as she stood frozen in place, unable to believe what she was seeing. 

Justin blinked, his mind swirling as he tried to match her face to the fragments of memories he had only just begun to piece together. 

'Gilly...' The name surfaced like a bubble rising from the depths of his mind. 'She's my personal maid.'

"It's been a long time, Gilly. Have you been well?" Justin asked, his voice calm, mimicking the exact speech pattern of the body's previous owner.

Her reaction was immediate. "Y-young master!" she sobbed, rushing toward him and wrapping her arms around him as though she hadn't seen him in years. Her embrace was warm, desperate. She clung to him as though she feared he might disappear again. 

Justin stood there, stiff and uncertain for a moment before awkwardly patting her back. 

"Gilly…" he began, but she pulled away slightly, her hands roaming over his arms and chest as if to assure herself that he was real.

"Y-young master…. H-how are you standing right now?" she stammered, her eyes wide with shock. 

"Your bones... they were shattered. Is this some sort of miracle?" She stared at him, her shaking fingers hovering near his arms and legs, searching for signs of injury. 

'Shattered bones?' Justin frowned. He hadn't felt any pain or discomfort. 'What the hell is she talking about?'

'Sage Tech… did you do something?'

{Affirmative, Master,} 

the calm voice replied. 

{Upon awakening, your body automatically activated Self-Healing Mode. The Sage Tech embedded throughout your system reconstructed your bones, muscles, blood vessels, and joints to best suit your optimal physique.}

Justin's eyes widened.

'Restructured…?' He looked down at himself again, flexing his fingers and stretching his legs. His body felt… stronger. Lighter. Almost like it had been forged anew.

'This is… some godlike shit'

He looked at Gilly and smiled reassuringly. "It's hard to explain, but I'm fine now, Gilly."

"But what exactly happened to me?" Justin asked, his brows furrowing. 

Gilly's smile faltered, and a sorrowful expression took over her face. 

"Young Master… you don't remember?" she asked hesitantly. 

Justin's mind raced. 'I haven't reached that part of the memories yet.' He shook his head slowly. 

"No, I don't."

A shadow passed over Gilly's face as she looked down at the floor, her voice growing soft and sorrowful. 

"Young Master, you…" She hesitated, her throat tightening before she forced the words out. 

"You couldn't take the abuse anymore. The other young masters… they insulted and humiliated you so much that… you climbed to the top of the castle and jumped. You... you tried to end your life." Her voice cracked as the painful memory resurfaced.

 "You've been unconscious for five long years."

'Suicide...' Justin thought,

 'So, this body belonged to someone who wanted to die, and I, who clung to life so desperately, ended up inside it'

Gilly's tearful eyes searched his face. "Young Master… are you really alright?" Gilly asked, her face filled with concern. She still couldn't comprehend how someone whose bones were shattered just a day ago could now be standing perfectly fine—stronger than ever. 

Justin took a deep breath, letting the full impact of his new reality sink in. He could still feel the echoes of the previous owner's suffering—every insult, every wound, every betrayal. It was as if the torment had been his own. His resolve hardened. 

"I'm fine, Gilly," he said firmly, but his thoughts were already elsewhere. 

As if on cue, his stomach growled loudly, breaking the tension. 

Gilly blinked before bursting into soft laughter. "Young Master, you must be starving! I'll go prepare something right away." 

Justin chuckled, rubbing his stomach. "That would be great, thanks." 

She turned to leave, but before she stepped out, he called out,

 "Gilly…"

She paused, turning back to him. "Yes, young master?"

"Don't alert to anyone that I'm awake. Not yet."

Gilly's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded. "Yes, young master," she said, before quietly slipping out of the room.

Once she was gone, Justin exhaled slowly. His hands clenched into fists as he allowed the flood of memories to wash over him fully. 

The hatred, the mockery, the cruelty that had driven this body to its breaking point—it all felt painfully familiar. The abuse and humiliation he'd suffered in his past life resonated with the agony this young master had endured. But now… now he had a second chance.

"I promise you," he whispered, his voice cold and determined. "Things will be different this time."