Holding Onto My Man - CHAPTER 4: REBIRTH OF A CANNON FODDER

[Congratulations, Terran survivor #99598, for activating the Universe Assistance System!]Althea, along with the remaining 1% of the population of their home planet, stared at the holographic screen in front of them in confusion.Their galaxy was apparently ending, and suddenly announcements from an alien system appeared in their heads, telling them they would be permanently transferred to another world.The survivors were all very depressed. First, they were forced to survive in a zombie apocalypse, and now they had to survive a new world altogether?It just so happened that Althea was one of the few people who got the Lord Token, the ticket to controlling a territory---a supposed safe haven for her people.Althea looked at her very large stomach and sighed at an unknown future.Would she be able to build a good home for her children and fellowmen?And... would she and her husband find each other again after this disaster?#Apocalypse, #Josei, #Romance, #BeautifulFL, #HandsomeML, #PowerCouple, #Infrastructure, #MagicSpace, #KingdomBuilding, #Adventure, #Pregnancy, #Game Elements, #System #LitRPG

'A Culinary Adventure in the Game World!!'Kai never asked for this. One minute, he’s stuck in a dead-end life, barely scraping by. Next, he’s reincarnated into a game world, trapped in the body of the Darklord. But there's a twist—he doesn’t just inherit the Darklord’s power. No, Kai is cursed with something far worse: a Culinary System that can turn food into magic, potions, and weaponry.In a world where culinary prowess is power, Kai has to master his cooking skills to survive. Can he turn scraps into a full course of victories, or will he fall victim to the game's deadly rules? As he navigates treacherous quests, forms unlikely alliances, and battles powerful foes, Kai learns that his new identity as the Darklord isn't just about power—it's about survival.But he's not the only one after the game’s ultimate secrets. A mysterious Crimson Guild, bent on using Kai’s Culinary System to take control of the world, is hot on his heels. To escape this game, Kai will need to unlock the true potential of his cooking, master ancient recipes, and discover how to break free from the game... but can he do all that before the Guild catches up with him?A world of dangerous quests, supernatural enemies, and magic-infused meals await!The Culinary System. The Darklord’s power. And a feast of deadly secrets.The game has just begun.

“Look at him,” someone snickered from a few rows over. “Smells like he sleeps in a dumpster.”“Probably does,” another voice added, louder this time. Nox just stared at his textbook, the words blurring. He had heard it all before.Then, Mark, one of the main reasons his life was a living hell, swaggered past his desk. Mark always had a smirk on his face. “Oops,” he said, not even trying to sound accidental, as a full cup of bright orange juice tipped over, splashing all down the front of Nox's already ruined shirt. The cold liquid soaked through instantly. Laughter erupted around the room. It was loud, clear, and mocking. Nox slowly looked up. His eyes landed on Ms. Joy, who was watching the whole thing. She had seen Mark deliberately pour the juice on him. He raised his hand, a small, tired gesture. “Ms. Joy,” he said, his voice flat. “He just poured juice on me. Are you just going to ignore it? Again?.” Ms. Joy looked at him, then at Mark, who was now theatrically wiping his hands. A small smile played on her lips. Then she chuckled. Just a little airy laugh.“Oh, Nox, don't be so dramatic. Boys will be boys, right Mark?” Mark puffed out his chest. “Yeah, Ms. Joy. He's just sensitive.” The class laughed even harder at that. Ms. Joy joined in, her laughter ringing out with theirs. Hearing them all, hearing her laugh, something in him finally snapped. It wasn't a loud break, more like a quiet, final click. He realized it then, with a cold, hard clarity. No one was coming to save him. No teachers, no police, no parents he never had. No one cared. If he wanted this to stop, he would have to be the one to stop it. He was the only one who could.His face remained blank, but his mind was suddenly very clear. He reached down slowly, his hand going into his worn-out school bag. The laughter died down a little as a few students noticed his deliberate movement, a strange stillness about him. He pulled out a gun.The classroom went silent. Utterly, completely silent. Mark's smirk vanished, replaced by wide, terrified eyes. Even Ms. Joy stopped laughing, her face paling. “What… Nox, what are you doing?” she stammered, her voice suddenly shaky. He didn't answer. He looked around at their faces, one by one. Fear. He saw fear now. Good. He was ready. He was going to make them all pay. He was going to end it, all of it.Just as he was about to raise the gun properly, a bright blue screen appeared right in front of his face. It was translucent, and only he seemed to see it. [Congratulations! You have met the requirements!] [1st Player Chosen!] [You have won the System!]

(Father-son crematorium + strong female)After five years of secret marriage, her husband never showed affection in public, and Lu Xining thought it was just his personality.It wasn’t until he took their twin sons and his first love for a candlelight dinner and received online praise as a ‘godlike family’ did she completely lose hope.Listening to her sons call another woman Aunt Xixi, Lu Xining decided she was done with an unloving husband and estranged sons, and henceforth, she would love herself only.After divorce, she went back to a small village to pursue her old profession, growing herbs, treating ailments, and researching beauty products. Luxurious cars often visited the secluded village at night!Learning she was looking for a father for her daughter, researchers, financial magnates, top idols, and film emperors... all kinds of big shots appeared, volunteering to win her favor.Later, her ex-husband knelt on a bed of durian with regret on his face, ‘Xixi, I love you, shall we get back together?’She sneered, ‘Ji Munye, doesn’t the sneaky affair taste good anymore?’Her twin sons knelt on keyboards, ‘Mommy, we only want you!’Lu Xining waved them off, ‘No, I can’t take it.’