Desolate Era - Book 44, Chapter 23 - Trap

“Listen up, my obedient disciple, it's time for you to descend from this mountain. Your master has arranged a marriage for you with a stunning beauty, and it's quite a steal!”With those words, the master absconded with the dowry, leaving Lin Chen feeling both aggrieved and furious. Determined, he descended the mountain to find his betrothed.However, fate had other plans, as he was waylaid on the road by a captivating woman who insisted he play the role of her fake boyfriend. To make matters even more bewildering, this woman bore an uncanny resemblance to his intended bride!

Billions have perished, leaving only a few million survivors.After his death, Eric is summoned to another world that has been nearly destroyed by corruption.The gods’ influence has all but vanished, and it is up to him to rally the remaining survivors, reclaim the land they lost, and restore the gods’ cathedrals.In doing so, he grows stronger, inching closer to awakening the gods from their eternal slumber.Time is running out.Not only are unimaginable abominations preparing to strike, but Eric faces a deadly challenge from within.His system, a mysterious force aiding him, comes with a dire warning:[WARNING][Each time the system responds, it consumes host essence. When essence runs out, the host’s soul will perish along with the system.][Recommendation: Communicate only when absolutely necessary.][Current essence: 940][1 essence = 1 word generated by the system.][Choose your next words wisely.]

In 2173, the world’s first Full-World Virtual MMORPG game ‘Astral Online’ went on sale globally, forever changing the blue planet Asteria!

With its revolutionary Digital Capture System, astonishing graphics and ability to scan yourself into the game with up to 20% beautification, countless defenders rallied to play the game.

Fifty million players logged in on launch. There were no queues or lag on launch, leaving countless critics impressed and willing to try the game. Because the game used a 6-hour play limit a day, it allowed even working adults to keep up with young students and the unemployed.

A resounding success, as more people poured onto the game servers, families and friends alike. Astra Online became a household name overnight.

One month later, the game opened its first RMT system, which made earning a living from the game easier... Thus began the Astral rush!

Professional players formed guilds and factions to increase their profits, but nobody could know this prosperity was a mere joke.

One year later, players fused with their avatars, gaining powerful abilities in the real world, which tipped the power and caused chaos.

Two years later, demons and monsters from inside the game invaded the real world.

Three years later, over 90% of humanity perished, leaving the rest to hide like rats, unable to fight back in fear.

Four years later, this world is no longer ours. The demons march on our last bastions, one by one. They exterminated us.

Zell was an average player who liked to collect beasts in the game and evolve them into humanoids, as they were primarily females.

He spent most of his life working two jobs to make ends meet.

Thanks to the excellent healthcare of his country, there were no crippling debts. There was only emptiness.

When the end came, he was powerless and alone. His only companions were his cute pets and Rika, his cherished Flame Rabbit.

She was the only beast he evolved to a humanoid form after his late start to the game.

He died saving the life of a strange girl with white wings and his pet Rika, the sad eyes of Rika and the girl’s sorrow floating through the air as he slowly passed away.

However, instead of dying, he awoke inside an empty white room with a single computer and a strange, game-like screen that allowed him to edit his IRL avatar and persona.

Who offered him this second chance?

For what reason did they help him?

Can he meet Rika again?

Zell could never know; he only knew his second life’s goal.

Survive!

【Rebirth + Pseudo Taboo + Age Gap + Chasing Wife Crematorium】After a wild night with her nominal uncle, Gong Chen, Lin Zhiyi endured eight years of torment.When she committed suicide holding her daughter's ashes, Gong Chen was throwing a grand birthday party for his white moonlight's son.Upon opening her eyes again in a new life, she is determined to make Gong Chen pay the price!In the previous life, she solemnly explained, but Gong Chen accused her of drugging him with ulterior motives. In this life, she publicly distances herself from him!In the previous life, her creation was plagiarized by the white moonlight, and Gong Chen said she was consumed with jealousy. In this life, she steps on the white moonlight to stand on the award podium!In the previous life, she was falsely accused of targeting, and Gong Chen shielded the white moonlight. In this life, she fiercely slaps the white moonlight's face!Gong Chen always thought Lin Zhiyi would continue to love him deeply as before.But when Lin Zhiyi left without looking back, he was completely panicked.The high-and-mighty Gong Chen grabbed her with reddened eyes: “Zhiyi, don't abandon me, can you take me with you?”