Rebirth of the Exiled Gods' Pawn: An MMORPG Saga

Ethan had barely settled into his old bedroom, still adjusting to the sheer impossibility of his reincarnation, when his door suddenly swung open with a sharp creak.

He already knew who it was before even looking.

Miranda Vale.

She stood in the doorway, dressed in a sleek, designer outfit, her golden hair cascading in perfect waves. A silver bracelet jingled on her wrist as she crossed her arms, her expression filled with disdain and arrogance.

"Ethan," she said, her voice carrying that same condescending tone he had come to know all too well in his past life. "Go get me a glass of juice."

Ethan stared at her, saying nothing.

It was surreal.

Here she was—Miranda Vale, the woman who had betrayed him, the woman who had smiled as she stabbed him in the heart—acting as if nothing had changed.

Like she still held power over him.

Memories of Betrayal

The scene of his final battle played in his mind.

Thousands of players surrounded him. His guild, Nightfall Hunters, had been slaughtered. His so-called allies, the ones he had fought alongside for years, had abandoned him.

And at the center of it all—Miranda Vale.

The dagger. The smirk. The way she whispered, "Nothing personal, big bro. It's just business."

Ethan's fingers curled into a tight fist.

Not this time.

Miranda's Arrogance

Miranda clicked her tongue, annoyed by his silence.

"Are you deaf now too?" she scoffed. "Or have you always been this useless?"

She walked into his room without hesitation, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

Her gaze landed on the VSG-9X Full-Dive Equipment he was checking in online for Eldoria. A cutting-edge VR gaming setup, one of the best in the world.

She sneered.

"Seriously? You wanna waste money on this?" She let out a mocking laugh and folded her arms. "Eldoria is for people who actually matter. You? You'll just embarrass yourself."

Ethan remained silent.

He could feel the familiar anger bubbling inside him, but unlike before, it wasn't accompanied by helplessness.

In his previous life, he had never stood up to her.

He had been too trusting. Too naive.

But not this time.

A Predator's Glare

Ethan slowly lifted his gaze to Miranda.

His cold, calculating eyes locked onto hers.

It was a silent stare. Unmoving. Unshaken.

And for the first time—Miranda felt a chill run down her spine.

There was something different about him.

The submissive, obedient little brother she was used to was gone.

Instead, the person in front of her felt… dangerous.

Like a beast watching its prey.

Miranda blinked, visibly uncomfortable. But her pride wouldn't let her show weakness.

She scoffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

"Tch. Whatever." She turned toward the door, her heels clicking against the floor. "Just don't embarrass yourself, little brother."

She left without another word, but Ethan didn't miss the slight hesitation in her steps.

A New Resolve

As soon as the door shut, Ethan let out a slow breath.

He stared at the VSG-9X.

In his past life, he had played Eldoria for fun. For adventure.

This time?

It was war.

Miranda Vale had betrayed him. The so-called super guilds had erased him like he was nothing.

But fate had given him another chance.

He would rise again.

And when the time came…

He would make them all regret ever crossing him.

A Childish Threat

Just as Miranda reached the doorway, she suddenly stopped. A smirk crept onto her lips.

She turned back and said, "If you don't do what I say, I'll tell Mom."

Ethan's expression didn't change, but inside, he felt a familiar disgust.

"Mom"—right.

His stepmother, Vivian Vale.

A woman who had never seen him as family.

A Mother in Name Only

Vivian had married his father when Ethan was still young, bringing Miranda into the household.

From the very beginning, it had been clear—Ethan was an outsider.

She never mistreated him openly, but her indifference cut just as deep.

She would praise Miranda for the smallest achievements, while Ethan's successes went ignored.

Whenever Miranda caused trouble, Ethan was blamed.

Whenever Miranda cried, Ethan was the villain.

And whenever Miranda wanted something, Vivian made sure Ethan obeyed.

The Same Old Script

Miranda leaned against the doorframe, watching him expectantly.

She had done this countless times before—play the victim, twist the story, make him the bad guy.

And their mother would believe her without question.

She was waiting for him to break.

To lower his head. To apologize. To say, "I'm sorry, Miranda."

But Ethan was no longer that boy.

Ethan's Defiance

He leaned back against his chair, arms crossed, his gaze cold and unreadable.

"Go ahead."

Miranda blinked. "...What?"

Ethan's voice remained calm, emotionless. "Tell her."

For the first time, Miranda hesitated.

This wasn't how it was supposed to go. He was supposed to get scared. He was supposed to give in.

But he didn't.

He just sat there, completely unbothered.

Miranda bit her lip. "Fine!" she snapped, flipping her hair. "You'll regret this!"

She stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

A Quiet Victory

Ethan exhaled slowly.

It was a small moment, but it mattered.

In his past life, he had always obeyed.

This time?

He wouldn't bow.

This was just the beginning. Miranda, Vivian, the entire world—

Everything would be different.

Freedom in Exile

As expected, Miranda didn't waste time.

The moment she reached their mother, the complaints began.

Loud. Dramatic. Full of fake tears.

And just as Ethan predicted—Vivian didn't even question it.

Minutes later, his door burst open.

"Get out."

Vivian's voice was cold, sharp—final.

Ethan looked up, unsurprised.

His stepmother stood at the doorway, arms crossed, gaze filled with disdain.

Miranda stood behind her, smirking.

The Same Story, A Different Ethan

In his past life, Ethan had pleaded.

Begged.

He had nowhere to go. No money. No support. He had tried to reason with her.

It hadn't mattered.

Vivian had always wanted him gone. Miranda just gave her the excuse.

But now?

Now, he didn't care.

In fact—

He was happy.

Finally.

He was free.

No more false family. No more manipulation. No more forced apologies.

Just him. And the future he would carve with his own hands.

A Smirk Instead of Pleas

Ethan stood up, stretching. He didn't argue. He didn't plead.

Instead—he smirked.

Miranda's face twitched.

"What's with that look?" Vivian snapped. "You're being thrown out, and you're smiling?"

Ethan shrugged. "Nothing. Just thinking how nice it'll be… finally being on my own."

Vivian frowned. "You ungrateful brat—"

"Save it." Ethan slung his backpack over his shoulder. "You want me gone? Fine. I was planning to leave anyway."

Without another word, he walked past them.

Walking Away Without Looking Back

Miranda's smirk faltered.

Vivian was stunned.

This wasn't how it was supposed to go.

Ethan was supposed to beg.

He was supposed to be devastated.

But instead—he walked out like he had won.

A New Life Begins

As Ethan stepped outside, he felt lighter than ever.

The night air was cool, refreshing.

The streets stretched before him—empty, quiet, and full of possibilities.

Three days.

In three days, Eldoria would launch.

He had no home. No family. But none of that mattered.

Because soon—he would become unstoppable.