Building the Strongest Undead Empire from Scratch - Chapter 2: Undead Lord

Ethan Cross was just an ordinary college student in his past life—until he died trying to save a banker playing hero. Now, he finds himself reincarnated in “New World”, a realm plagued by Dread Beasts, where only those who awaken Aethermarks can become Heroes.But there’s a problem.Ethan has awakened as an E-rank Hero, the weakest tier, cursed with only one ability slot—a death sentence for any aspiring warrior. With no powerful clans willing to recruit him and the world already looking down on him, his future seems bleak.Until he discovers his Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts.This mysterious power grants him access to a personal dimension, where he can hunt endless waves of Dread Beasts. Unlike the real world, slaying them in this space drops Ability Fragments, which he can combine to gain abilities without slot restrictions. Even better? Time flows differently—he can train for days, yet only an instant passes in reality.Determined to rise from nothing, Ethan embarks on a secret journey to accumulate power. But as he completes missions and unravels the truth about the Black Pits, he realizes there’s something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface.The Hero Association hides dark secrets. Villains roam freely in the shadows. And Dread Beasts may not be the mindless creatures everyone believes them to be.With powerful enemies watching his every move, Ethan must play a dangerous game—remain unnoticed or become the hunter of both beasts and men.But one thing is certain:In this world, strength is everything. And Ethan Cross will carve his own path to the top—no matter the cost.

“I can’t believe my eyes. The ice lord actually kissed a man. God, help me!”

“I’m surprised that the son of the Bai family is actually the ugly and stupid second young miss!”

Who was it who melted the ice lord’s exterior and caused the awakening of his hidden gentle side?

She is black-bellied and crafty. She would never consider herself a good person, and would not go out of her way to provoke other people. But, once she is provoked, she will pay it back 1000-fold, showing no mercy.

He is cold and detached, elegant, magnanimous, and known as the ice lord, a heartless gentleman.

Will sparks fly when the iceberg collides with a black-belly? Is it hopeless, or will there be excitement?

- Description from Novelupdates

Her sister steal her lover

She thought it was a dream

after rolling and waking

Nightmare Reality

Her loved ones, her love, her life

They were all trapped in that big fire

burned to ashes

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A DEVIL FALLS IN LOVE?***Alice was told that she was cursed.Perhaps she didn't need to be told. It was as clear as day.The only thing she wanted was MONEY. And she would do anything to get it.Even if it meant pretending to be her twin sister to change her fate.For one year.She didn't mind being a fake and marrying the Wildfire Heir. He would barely be around, she had been told.'He doesn't seem like much trouble,' she had also been told.'The third son, on the other hand, is crazy. Stay away from him.''As for the second son... avoid him at all costs.''Do not cross his path.'But she did. She crossed his path. In fact, she went right into his path herself.And as if that wasn't bad enough, the groom was changed at the last minute.To the Second Son!He was as hot as he was cold.A terrifyingly sexy man who looked like the man she always saw in her dreams. Was this all merely a coincidence?But that wasn't all. She hadn't expected pretending to be her sister to be this tough. First of all, she missed a very important detail: her sister was a Lawyer. She, on the other hand, was only familiar with “You have the right to remain silent...”Secondly, her sister was picky. She was vegetarian. She didn't drink. And... she was bullied? And just maybe... there was more to her sudden disappearance.Her life was about to get much more complicated. Especially with those scary blue eyes watching her every move like a predator on a mission.One year.Was the benefit worth it—worth putting her life on the line to deceive the Wildfires?She might die before the year was over.****“Women like powerful men, Boss. They like to feel powerless when they are with a man.”Hades had initially scoffed, but the idea had wormed its way into his mind.So when he saw her coming from the opposite direction, he decided to test this theory on her.Women liked to feel powerless?As soon as she saw him, her gaze sharpened, wondering why that madman was looking at her with a determined glint in his eyes. Should she run away?But he was already in front of her.“What are you—”He scoops Alice off the ground in one swift motion and drapes her over his shoulder like a sack of flour.All shocked eyes turned to the scene, but no one dared say a word, as they froze mid-air.“HADES!! YOU IMBECILE! PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT!” She thrashes wildly, kicking her legs and flailing her arms.Hades, however, remains unfazed, carrying her out of the place with a triumphant smirk.He didn't believe in love theories, but he had a feeling she would be falling in love with him after this.At the other end, three of his underling watched the scene.“I think Lady Boss is enjoying it. She looks… happy.” One noted.The other underling tried to stare intently at Alice's upside-down face. “I think so... I've never seen her look so bubbly around the boss.”The third underling was watching, slack-jawed. He facepalmed dramatically. This wasn't what he meant when he told them women liked to feel powerless.Meanwhile, Alice... (Still screaming)***EXCERPT II:“She is not answering your calls and told you to STOP calling her. Boss, I think your little bride might be mad at you.”He snorted. “You are so clueless.”“What's your insight, Boss?”“If she keeps rejecting my calls, it only means one thing...”They all leaned closer to hear his powerful insight.“She wants my physical presence,” he said with a smug look.One of them wanted to say he didn't think so, but he was too scared to say anything.“Should I go. Should I not go?” He contemplated with a bored look on his face.“GRANT HER WISH, BOSS!”The other clueless henchmen echoed passionately.He smirked. “If you say so,” and then he stood up. “Get the car.”****Pleasee add to your library.A bit of dark and fluffy romance.18+Comedic.Makes you sit in the edge as Alice tries her best to never get caught (quite futile)See you in the comment section!