DEFYING FATE - Chapter 19: Sitting posture

A story about a weak, small larva with a human soul, who travels all the way to become the ruler of the stars.

Romance Carnival 1st Prize. BEWARE THE FURY OF A PATIENT WOMAN. Rosalind Lux died after learning of her husband and sister’s betrayal. And just as she thought she finally found peace, she woke up forty years before her death. With memories from her past life intact, Rosalind vowed revenge. Her plans quickly brought her into the arms of a Duke whose enticing gaze contained mysteries that threatened not just her plans but her heart and body. …. BEWARE THE LOVE OF A CURSED MAN. Punished by the Goddess for his greed, Lucas Benjamen Rothley had been guarding the North for as long as he could remember. For hundreds of years, no woman has ever stirred his heart. That was until the fearsome Rosalind Lux stumbled into his life. Soon, he realized Rosalind wasn’t quite the damsel that she liked everyone to believe. She is hiding a secret so dark it could either end his curse or throw his life amiss.

Arriving in a new world where the steam industry was booming, he inherited a three-story apartment on the capital’s royal square, took in someone else’s cat, and listened to the whispers at his ear, ready to witness this mysterious and bizarre era. The epic of the Sixth Era was about to commence, and behind the curtain, The Chosen One was destined to step into legend. Old Gods, Relics, steam, witches, detectives, ancient secrets, the Era’s brilliance... “Would you like to play a round of Roder Cards?” Time engraved the hours, as Silvermoon illuminated the shadows. I compose your legend, you whisper your verses to me.

In the wake of the first wave of shadow creatures, the world was plunged into ruin, a desolate yet enchanted wasteland. Humanity, driven underground, clung to survival while desperately plotting to reclaim their shattered world.But from the abyss of darkness, something miraculous stirred—a mysterious tree, shimmering with ancient power, appeared overnight. It chose only the strongest of heart, those with unbreakable will, gifting them extraordinary abilities. With these powers, humanity rose from the depths, waging war against the shadows.Yet beneath the surface of their heroic deeds lay a hidden rot. Corruption seeped into their ranks, and arrogance clouded their judgment. As their powers grew, so did the whispers of betrayal. The true battle may not be against the creatures lurking in the shadows—but against the darkness festering within their own hearts.A question lingers: When heroes fall, who will rise to take their place?