Astral Pet Store (WN) - Chapter 1045: Duel Deal

Lucas Carter, a stressed-out office worker, never expected to die, let alone be reincarnated into a brutal world where beasts are the key to power. Born as the heir to a lowly barony, surrounded by elves, beastkin, dragons, and demonic clans, he was supposed to be a mere pawn, nothing more than a stepping stone for the true power players.But fate had other plans. Armed with a modern strategist’s mind and a mysterious system that grants him the ability to tame legendary beasts, Lucas quickly rises above the limitations of his birth. With the power to summon beasts, fuse them into deadly weapons, and unlock hidden skills, Lucas is no longer just surviving—he’s thriving.By his side are his loyal companions:Umbra, a Black Nemean Lion with indestructible fur and devastating roars that disrupt magic.Zephyra, a playful yet fierce Baby Wind Dragon who wields the power of wind itself.With his growing army of legendary beasts and his tactical genius, Lucas begins to build an empire. Along the way, he forms bonds with powerful women from every race, all while navigating the dangers of political intrigue, betrayal, and the constant threat of rivals who want to take everything he’s earned.One beast at a time, Lucas will carve his name into history. But in a world where strength is everything, can his cunning and loyalty to his beasts truly make him the ultimate ruler?

“I really feel like having one of those special macarons from the cafeteria today. You think you could get me one?”I sit diagonally behind the heroine in class. I’m basically her errand girl.“We are [friends] , after all.”…And I’m happy to do it.

Notice: This story contains R18+ themes, including violence, sensual and sexual content, blood-related addiction, and dark psychological elements. Reader discretion advised.I died in a library, crushed under centuries of forgotten knowledge. Fitting.Now I’ve woken up in a coffin, starving, undead, and very much not human.They call me a Fledgling—a bottom-feeder vampire barely above a ghoul. I’m weak, hunted, and tethered to a world straight out of a cursed tabletop campaign. It’s a classic fantasy realm—elves, knights, guilds, and dungeons—but twisted by a dark, rotting magic. The moon shines red, the gods are silent, and every town smells like fear.To make matters worse, I’ve been bound to a LitRPG system called the Blood Codex.Level up by draining blood.Unlock skills by embracing your monstrous nature.Resist Corruption... or don’t.There's no prophecy. No chosen one nonsense. No noble title. Just fangs, rot, and whatever I can steal, trick, or kill to survive.But the deeper I sink into this world’s underbelly, the more I realize something is watching me through the system. The rules are breaking. Dungeon bosses are going mad. Entire towns are disappearing.And I think I’m supposed to fix it… or maybe finish the job.

This is the love story of the 2nd brother of the Dragon Family. He is one of the most successful businessman in the capital and one of the Emperor’s favourites – he is the most eligible bachelor in the capital and every lady in town wants to marry him.

The story starts with the female lead, Ju Mu Er, a blind teacher of guzheng, who goes to pay a visit to Long Yue to ask him to build an awning on his popular business street so her friend, a flower seller, will not get wet and fall sick. Long Yue laughs at her (because he loves money and is calculative) and she makes a bet with him that she can allow him to escape from a pesky female suitor without making it obvious.

She successfully wins the bet and from then on, Long Yue constantly makes her life a trouble (since she costs him so much money)…. not realizing he is slowly falling for her.

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