Chapter: Choose your fate“I never really thought the boy had it in him to keep going after he lost his home,” someone observed in a calm, benevolent voice. “I must admit his resilience is quite impressive for a mortal. Were it anyone else in his shoes, the ending would have been a lot different.”“I knew there was something about him right from the day he was born. Alas, his mother never got the chance to see him grow up,” a feminine voice stated wistfully. “The question remains, what must we do with him now?” the male voice questioned.“I think it is time to leave the choice in his hands,” a second feminine voice spoke aloud. “Wake up, my dear child. Your mortal troubles cannot touch you here. Wake up and choose.”Groggy and disoriented, Ezra slowly parted his eyelids and immediately squinted as the bright white light flooding the room smarted his eyes. Still dizzy and weak, he somehow rolled over and gasped.“Where am I? What happened?” “You are safe inside the Hall of Wandering Souls,” a measured feminine
Last Updated: 2025-03-23
Chapter: Sins of Thy Father“The hour of darkness descends upon this world like a shroud, and the bleeding moon beckons the Lord of Decay to reclaim his lost domain. Come forth and ascend the throne of darkness, my Lord!”Ezra’s heart pounded inside his chest like a caged animal, and his head throbbed in pain as he heard muffled words shouted in the distance. Lying in a bloody puddle on the black marble floor, he parted his droopy eyelids and saw Lord Wilhelm standing behind the altar and Lady Lillian facing him on the other side.Though Tanya’s face was hidden from view, Ezra could see her supple white fingers tingling as her delicate arm dangled from the stone altar. She was still alive, but Lord Wilhelm was already anointing the ceremonial dagger forged from infernal obsidian and preparing to plunge it into her heart.“You…cannot do it. You need the crimson moon to…summon Zepheroth,” Ezra said, fighting the pain.“The hour of our Lord is nigh. And all celestials shall obey his will,” Lord Wilhelm continued cha
Last Updated: 2025-03-22
Chapter: Heroes never winThe enchanted nock gun vibrated with elemental energy as Jasenki loaded it with enchanted rounds. The glyphs carved into its stock shimmered and dazzled as he aimed at Ezra.“Scream for me, Ezra!” Jasenki yelled, pulling the trigger.Bang! Fwoom!A fiery barrage lit up the dark pavilion as fifteen fireballs erupted from the silver-dusted barrels. The first hit burned Ezra’s left sleeve, setting his tattered leather jacket ablaze, and the rest of the fireballs charred his white shirt, burning his skin.“This gun was forged by the best Gunsmiths in Stonewell, and enchanted with the rarest of ancient glyphs. No one can withstand its power!”Jasenki reloaded his weapon and fired again, unleashing another flaming barrage.But this time, a barrier of flames erupted around Ezra, cocooning him within an elemental shell.All fifteen fireballs exploded into sparks as they collided with the flame barrier, leaving Ezra unharmed.“Damn you, Ezra. Keep trying your tricks and see how long you can su
Last Updated: 2025-03-21
Chapter: Lovers in CrimeEzra looked at the two Spectral Companions hovering behind Jasenki and Cecilia and realized these spirits weren’t obtained from their ancestral artifacts. “I see you have abandoned your family relics,” he said, carefully analyzing the two specters with his Dragon Eye skill. “These spectral entities are gifts from the Lord of Decay,” Jasenki replied, raising his head with arrogance. “I bet you have never encountered anything so powerful before.”“Go on, Ezra. Call your little Spectral Basilisk, and let us see if it can stand up to our companions,” Cecilia mocked, casting a disdainful glance at Ezra’s tattered brown jacket and muddy black boots. “You still look as beggarly as before. I suppose some things never change. I am so glad I rejected you when I did.”Suddenly, Ezra’s eyes glinted, and his pupils brightened with a bright blue flame that blazed with magic energy. The scar on his chest glowed through his shirt, revealing his true power.Reaching inside his jacket, Ezra pulled out
Last Updated: 2025-03-21
Chapter: Hour of JudgmentFollowing the glowing trail left behind by the Spectral Beholder, Ezra avoided the rot vines squirming in the mire, and the Medallion of Purity hanging over his chest shielded him from the swamp's corrupting influence.Dark geysers erupted around Ezra, spewing molten tar several feet in the air and filling the swamp with a sulfurous haze. The choking odor brought tears to his eyes, but he pushed on through the vaporous veil.The Spectral Beholder led Ezra to a small patch of dry land surrounded by rotting oak trees. As he stepped onto the elevated mound, he spotted a fiery blue orb floating in the distance.Ten more orbs appeared out of thin air, floating through the foggy darkness. At first glance, they looked like glowing power crystals, but as Ezra took a closer look, he realized these orbs weren’t floating crystals or fireflies, but Elven Wisps.The Elven Wisps were unique spectral entities only found in the Violet Everglades. Unlike Banshees and Spectral Wraiths, the Elven Wisps w
Last Updated: 2025-03-20
Chapter: Lady of the SwampA weary traveler lost inside the Violet Everglades was an easy prey for the creatures of the dark, and Ezra had just encountered one such nefarious entity. But instead of fear, his eyes lit up with a strange hopefulness.“You called out to me in Tanya’s voice, so you must have seen her passing through. Point me toward the Fountain of Chaos, and I won’t kill you,” he spoke in a cold, emotionless voice, without even turning to look at the creature creeping toward him.The creature laughed at his words and rushed through the darkness, moving like a shadow to play with his mind. Her voice echoed from different directions as she disappeared like smoke and danced around Ezra.“You are in my home, youngling. The dark ones told me you’d be coming,” she cackled. “But you won’t be walking out alive. So, forget about your friend and save yourself if you can!”As Ezra stood there motionless, a howling shadow rushed past him and gathered on a dry patch of grass overgrown with violet tulips that glo
Last Updated: 2025-03-19
Dominance of the Forgotten God of War
Alex Verlaine was a walking, talking blood-bag who only existed to donate plasma to his ailing brother-in-law. His selfless love for his wife is repaid by betrayal and his sacrifices mocked and ridiculed by his mother-in-law.
But when Alex discovers his wife never loved him and is already in the arms of another man, he casts his veil aside and reveals his true identity as the Legendary Miracle Maker.
They treated him like a servant, now he is back to make them kneel like slaves.
They called him a penniless loser, only to discover that he was the wealthiest man in Alexandria.
"Just who are you really?" Felicia asked in a trembling voice, her face rapidly losing color.
Alex looked into her hazel eyes and breathed like a man possessed, "I am the God you will kneel to from tonight, or watch your whole world burn to ash. I am Alexandria's beating heart, and the only one who can save your dying brother."
Felicia clasped her hands, falling to her knees in submission. "Please forgive me. I was wrong to insult you. My family needs you. Please give me another chance!"
Alex grabbed her face, squeezing her flushed cheeks, and whispered in a husky voice, "Then beg me like you mean it!"
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Chapter: 122. The meeting at the nightclubBenjamin Cox was an old name in the crypto business, having spent nearly two decades as a reliable broker for newcomers and veterans alike. However, his years of experience and contacts meant nothing to the crypto mafia and those with deep pockets and dark connections.Holding onto Felicia’s promise, he had taken large loans from the market and started operations for the new crypto startup. But with Felicia dead, there was no way for him to secure an angel investor, and the heavy debt hung around his neck like a noose.Benjamin wanted to avoid running into Bobby Mancuso and his thugs at any cost, but Alex’s instructions were clear.In the end, he had no option but to call up the underboss who ran the crypto mafia on the streets of Nexus City and arrange a meeting at the nightclub.Aresca was a high-end nightclub that catered only to the elites who were not only flush with cash but also had the right connections in the city.It being a Friday night, the club was hosting a special theme
Last Updated: 2025-09-16
Chapter: The Case for the DefenseThe opening statement from Enrico not only gave Alex the benefit of the doubt, presenting him in a sympathetic light, but also raised several questions about Sergeant Doherty, tarnishing his reputation in front of the public.The Chief of Police immediately stepped into action, transferring Sergeant Doherty from Nexus City with just a single call.Since the case was now already out in the public eye, and the cops were in the spotlight, Alex didn’t need to hide anymore. Instead of returning to the little roadside hotel, he booked a deluxe suite at a 7-star luxury hotel.Enrico accompanied him to his room to discuss the case, and was soon joined by Cynthia and Jakob.“That went well. You’ve got the bail, and Sergeant Doherty is gone,” Jakob began, leaning back on the couch. “I think this calls for a little celebration.”“Mr. Verlaine is just out on bail. The case hasn’t been decided yet,” Enrico Rodriguez replied.“That’s true. We still need to prove that Mr. Verlaine wasn’t involved in
Last Updated: 2025-09-15
Chapter: 120. Lights, Camera, Justice!Hounded by reporters throughout the day and flooded with phone calls from his superiors, Sergeant Doherty barely got a chance to rest or leave the police station.The chaos and commotion kept him so occupied that he didn’t even think about bothering Alex again. He now understood, he had stepped into a murky lake without judging its depth, and if this case went south, it could spoil not just his reputation but also ruin his entire career.At the stroke of midnight, the Sergeant received a call on his personal cellphone and locked himself in the cabin to talk to the person in private.“What’s this I hear about the media trying to sympathize with Alex Verlaine? How did you let this happen?” the unknown caller asked.“It was all Jakob Rashford’s doing! I thought he would want to testify against Alex, but that bastard decided to take his side instead!”“Then do something about it. If Alex gets to walk free again, you can forget your promotion,” the man on the other end muttered bitterly. “
Last Updated: 2025-09-15
Chapter: 119. A reversed narrativeSergeant Doherty frowned at Alex and turned to his constable. “Throw him back into the damn cell. And keep the media away from the police station.”As the constable escorted Alex away, Sergeant Doherty returned to the lobby only to realize the real extent of the problem.The officers in the reception area were trying to hold back the curious crowd of journalists, but they were relentless with their questions.Standing just outside the main door, the reporters were waving microphones at the helpless officers, peppering them with accusations.“Why was Mr. Verlaine arrested from his hotel?”“Is it true that the police are trying to frame him for a crime he did not commit?”“On whose orders was he taken into custody?”“Has the Nexus City Police Department decided to harass innocent businessmen just to make a fat buck? What do you have to say about the corruption charges levied against this police station?”“Are you trying to protect the real culprit by arresting Alex Verlaine?”Seeing the
Last Updated: 2025-09-14
Chapter: 118. Unlawful InterrogationSergeant Doherty had not just taken the law into his own hands but twisted it to suit his needs and stoke his ego. He didn’t care whether Alex was the real culprit; all he wanted was to prove him guilty and close the case file.As the constables escorted Alex to the basement, Benjamin saw his only chance of survival slipping away.“You can’t do that with him. It’s a violation of his civil rights!” he protested from the lockup.But Sergeant Doherty was in no mood to humor him.“If I were you, I’d worry about myself. So, unless you want me to use my hands instead of my mouth, you need to shut the hell up!” he warned, his words containing a latent threat of violence.Benjamin didn’t have enough strength in his old bones to take a beating at his age. He quickly simmered down and backed away to a dark corner of the lockup, praying for his only friend in this mess.By the time Sergeant Doherty marched downstairs, the constables had already cuffed Alex and seated him in front of a table on a
Last Updated: 2025-09-14
Chapter: 117. The Crypto ConnectionOut of all the people Alex expected to encounter inside the lockup, Benjamin was nowhere on his list. He had been searching everywhere for this man, yet now he had appeared right in front of him without any hassle.“You called Felicia to Nexus and now she’s dead!” Alex growled, pushing Benjamin to the wall. “Why did you get her killed?”Benjamin didn’t struggle but looked calmly at Alex. “Why would I murder my own client? I needed her alive. Her death has caused more problems than it has solved!”“I don’t believe a word that you say,” Alex retorted, grabbing him by his collar.“If I had really been involved in Felicia Rashford’s tragic death, then surely I wouldn’t have divulged my identity to you,” Benjamin replied in a hushed voice. “Please listen to me. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I want to find your ex-wife’s killer as badly as you do.”“Why would you care?” Alex asked.“I care because Felicia Rashford promised to invest 100 million dollars in a new crypto startup.
Last Updated: 2025-09-13
Chapter: A delicate friendshipAs Zi Han and his friends left the restaurant, Feng Xiao thanked him for the treat and wished him good luck for this upcoming match. “I am confident that you can pull off another magnificent win, but you must find your edge before the match begins,” he advised, before bidding him good night.Once the boys had left, Bridgette and Daisy cosied up to Zi Han again.“It’s already too late. My house is pretty far from here,” Bridgette said, making a puppy face at him. “You wouldn’t mind if we spent the night at your place, would you?”“I…could just drop you off if you—”“I told you he doesn’t consider us as his friends,” Daisy cut in, pulling Bridgette by her arm. “Zi Han still thinks we are trying to take advantage of his kindness.”“I understand.” Bridgette looked away and turned to go. “Wait. It’s nothing like that!” Zi Han called them back. “You can stay the night. I have plenty of extra rooms at my place.”Bridgette smiled faintly, with her back still toward Zi Han. Her act had foole
Last Updated: 2025-07-09
Chapter: The Oriental ConnectionZi Han read the name again before glancing at the details scribbled under it. Ingrid wasn’t just a smart businesswoman, but a cultivator as well. And shockingly enough, her Sacred Art was also Elemental Manipulation.“Do you know why I asked Bridgette to suggest this restaurant for our celebration?” Feng Xiao asked.Zi Han’s brow furrowed, and his voice turned dead serious as he looked at Feng Xiao. “Why?”Feng Xiao leaned over the table and whispered, “Because your opponent owns Oriental Delights. She uses the restaurant to source rare ingredients required for brewing her most potent potions. It’s an easy way to keep things out of the public eye and conduct business with utmost secrecy.”Zi Han couldn’t believe that Ingrid not only owned a restaurant in Zhuxin but also carried out her secret business deals right under their noses. It was just the perfect front for smuggling rare herbs and spices without causing a stir.All this new information made Zi Han realize that even though the
Last Updated: 2025-07-09
Chapter: Flipping the scriptLisa’s wild accusation infuriated the manager. He couldn’t believe a mere waitress like her could insult such a high-profile customer.“That's enough! You’re fired! Don’t freaking show your face in this restaurant again!” he shouted, showing her the door.“But I did read them the menu!” Lisa cried out indignantly. “Just listen to her lie. She has been standing here like a mute mannequin for ten minutes now,” Bridgette joined in, taking Zi Han’s side. More than defending her friend, she enjoyed watching the lowly waitress make a fool of herself in front of the manager.Even Yutai and Lefan got in on the game without any invitation.“I don’t think a waitress has been this rude to us before,” Yutai said.“Perhaps she is too lazy to attend tables,” Lefan quipped. “I am surprised more people haven’t complained about her till now.”Seeing all her friends joining the fun, even Daisy got down and dirty.“You should teach your waitress how to behave with customers. She is the most obnoxious an
Last Updated: 2025-07-07
Chapter: What goes around, comes around“Why the hell are you staring at Han like you’ve never seen a good-looking guy in your whole life?” Daisy scoffed, giving Lisa the condescending side-eye.Bridgette noticed Lisa’s shell-shocked expression as well. But she couldn’t tell if she was genuinely astounded by Zi Han’s appearance or if it was something else.“Hello!” She snapped her fingers in front of Lisa. “Aren’t you supposed to greet the guests and guide them to their table?”“I think this one is still under training,” Yutai sneered. “We should ask for another waitress who knows basic etiquette.”Lisa quickly came back to her senses and snapped out of her stupor. “I am so sorry. I just thought your friend looked awfully familiar to someone I used to know.”“Who was this friend of yours?” Zi Han asked, stepping forward. “Tell me about this friend. Did he used to work here with you?”At first, Lisa had thought she was just thinking too much, but hearing Zi Han’s voice, she realized it wasn’t a case of mistaken identity. This
Last Updated: 2025-07-07
Chapter: A dish best served coldBefore the next lecture could start, Zi Han excused himself and walked out of the classroom. Making his way to a quiet corner overlooking the cafeteria, he dialed Chef Roland’s number.“Hello. Who is this?”Since Zi Han had switched to a private number, the chef had no idea who was calling. However, since the name was hidden, he automatically assumed it was someone important.“Hello? Can you hear me?” he repeated. “I am Chef Roland Jenkins from Oriental Delights. How may I help you today?”Zi Han waited a while longer, testing the man’s patience just for fun.“I am going to disconnect if you have nothing to say. It’s the middle of the day. We are awfully busy here, so please—”“Good afternoon, Mr. Roland,” Zi Han spoke at last. “I was hoping to make a reservation at your restaurant. I hear it’s a pretty upscale establishment.”The head chef cleared his throat and put on his best behaviour.“You have heard right, sir. Oriental Delights is among the best fine dining experiences in the ci
Last Updated: 2025-07-05
Chapter: Campus HeartthrobThe next day, as Zi Han returned to college, the whole campus greeted him with roaring cheers and a loud round of applause. By defeating the cultivator from the School of Lunging Shadows, he had brought honor to the entire college and proved his worth as a martial artist.Even the principal came out to greet him with a friendly smile. “That was some incredible performance. The best I have seen in years,” he said, shaking Zi Han’s hand. “We are honoured to have a cultivator like you study in the Argos College of Commerce. You have already made our hearts swell with pride, but I am confident you are made for even greater things.”“I just did my best,” Zi Han replied politely, showing little emotion.This gesture broadened the principal’s smile, and he patted Zi Han on his shoulder. “I like your confidence. Keep training, and the college promises to support you in every way possible. You can skip your lectures whenever you deem fit, and I will find someone to do your assignments as well.
Last Updated: 2025-07-04
