Martial King's Retired Life - Book 12: Chapter 59

“Players are welcome to board the special train for the Dimension Crack game. This train will go from the E-level departure station to the D-level station. Please ensure that your life is safe and orderly get on the train and abide by the rules of the ride.”

“Ride rules are as follows:”

“1. Please do not bring non-game items on the train. (Except underwear)”

“2. Must consume. (The train staff are all working without pay)”

“3. Do not turn on the lights after turning off the lights. (Except for those who are daring and talented)”

“In addition, the train encourages a variety of leisure methods such as sneak attacks, fights, and hunting. Players are invited to choose at will.”

“I wish you a pleasant journey.”

- Description from novelbuddy

Set in the Shadow Slave world...a time before Sunny was born...this story follows a simple soldier who must survive in a dystopian, apocalyptic landscape where magic and gun warfare collide.In a far-off Quadrant known as North America, a young soldier named Hope is 16 years old when he gets infected by the Nightmare Spell. He passed! But...he feels a bit scammed...?A flaw that makes him fade from people's memories...A cursed attribute that makes him remember everything endlessly in eternal wakefulness...It's as if the Spell is twisting his future and existence into an almost improbable one.All he has ever known his purpose to be was to serve as a simple soldier. Not too powerful. But not so weak either. And maybe, just maybe like some others, become an Awakened. Although he never dreamt of being one.Now that his whole life is compromised after his First Nightmare, his first objective is to survive on his own. But as he tries to escape his fate, his actions seem to lead him further from his goal.He struggles against obstacles that slowly grow bigger and out of proportion.Maybe the Dream Realm and the Real World aren't so different than one may think.Hope's journey involves uncovering secrets and gaining knowledge about his true nature and his new role in the world.Is he fit to be a hero?Could he redefine it?***Please read the READER DISCLAIMER in Volume 0.This is my spin-off novel of “Shadow Slave” by Guiltythree.But please don't expect the same writing style, setting, and characters, especially the main character.This story reveals more about how people/cities/governments operate after the Spell’s arrival. I always find it interesting how maybe one country handles it fairly, but how others handle it with desperation to the point that you question humanity.There will be easter eggs pointing to the original novel either intentional for the plot or unrelated to it, but all for fun.I am a new author so props to all who bear with me and helps me improve my writing. If it is not for you, please don't leave outright hate comments. Eat wassabi instead if you want pain. Critique and advice would be great too.

After years of intense development and a thrilling beta phase, Ashen World Online has finally opened its doors to the public—instantly capturing global attention.At the center of the excitement is Blake, once the proud and formidable leader of the Cerberus guild—until his relentless ambition led to a crushing defeat in the beta’s grand finale. Now, as the official release dawns, he returns with two legendary powers: Spiritual Blacksmith and Limitless Enchanter. Bestowed with the power to forge entire armies, fortresses, and legendary gear, Blake can forge far more than just his own fate.But the question remains: has he truly changed, or will the lure of ultimate creation pull him back into the same ruthless path?

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