The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest

At birth, mages are randomly given one of four "crests" that determine their magical potential. Gaius, a man blessed with a crest focused on creation, rose to become the world's most powerful sage. Yet despite his unmatched strength, he remains discontent, longing instead for a crest suited for combat. Since crests cannot be changed, Gaius chooses to reincarnate far into the future, hoping for a different fate. Thousands of years later, he is reborn as Mathias Hildesheimer, finally obtaining the crest he always wanted. But to his shock, magic has severely declined in this era, and the techniques of his time are now mere legends. Worse, the crest he worked so hard to acquire is now mocked as the "Crest of Failure," believed to be the weakest of all. Still, Mathias defies expectations effortlessly. He enrolls in the Second Academy of the royal capital, surpassing every challenge thrown his way. Before long, however, he uncovers the grim truth behind humanity's magical decline-demons-and sets out to fix the consequences of his long absence once and for all.