I woke up as the Villainous Empress - Chapter 3

Cassian Ven Dyke, the bastard son of a powerful ducal family, grew up in the slums of Veldora under the care of his father figure, sword master Russel. When Russel passed away, Cassian was left with only a silver necklace as his inheritance. After putting it on, Cassian was attacked by three psychotic thugs who tortured him in an attempt to steal the necklace. Refusing to give in, Cassian was ultimately stabbed through the heart with the very same necklace. Instead of dying, he mysteriously vanished as the necklace lodged itself in his heart. Just before disappearing, he heard an eerie message echo in his mind:[True mana detected. Origin: Human...][Human detected. Compatibility with system: Confirmed.]

Lin Chen was persecuted by his childhood sweetheart and accidentally obtained an ancient legacy. From then on, he embarked on a path against the heavens!“I am a sovereign! Those who insult me will be killed, those who obstruct me will die!”

The summer of 2006 was very hot. Chen Yang, who had just graduated, decided to borrow a sum of money first to make his future different.

- Description from novelbuddy

Mason was a mercenary, until the day he died on a mission after being betrayed by his unit.